Leader 12 19

Salvation Army short of goal

Recreating Bethlehem Currents, page 11

See page 2

Leader

Last-minute visits with Santa Currents

INTER-COUNTY

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WED., DECEMBER 19, 2012 VOL. 80 • NO. 18 • 2 SECTIONS • $1

A weekly newspaper serving Northwest Wisconsin since 1933

Canadian flight

Songs for the season

Man accused of trying to run over deputy returned from Canada PAGE 6

More options for BC dispatch Major concerns over proposal to contract with Polk for 911 services Stories PAGE 4

Cleared driver seeks damages

Wrongly accused, Paul Burritt files federal lawsuit from child’s false claims PAGE 4

Threats taken seriously Troy Thiele reportedly threatened police, prosecutor, judges PAGE 5

Blizzard boys unable to break tie with Legacy

SPORTS

INSIDE THIS SECTION

Frederic High School students sang songs of the season, under the direction of Greg Heine, during the annual holiday concert held Sunday, Dec. 16. More photos of the concert, and other area school holiday concerts, in this issue. - Photo by Becky Amundson

“Always a possibility”

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Local sheriffs react to Newtown tragedy; confirm that “active shooter” plans are in place at all local schools

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Your opinion

by Gary King Leader editor BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - Local law enforcement and schools have plans in place to respond to situation like the one in Connecticut on Friday that has taken the nation down a path of sadness, disbelief and concern for safety at all public schools.

“The likelihood of this type of an event even occurring in one of our schools is remote,” noted Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson. “But as with anything, it is always a possibility - one that we pray never happens.”

Johnson, along with Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland, offered comments to the Leader this week about their thoughts in the wake of the mass shooting that claimed 26 lives - 20 of them first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Both sheriffs acknowledged that their departments have worked - and continue to work - with area schools on plans for “active shooter” scenarios. Those plans are practiced and updated on a regular basis.

The flag at Nelson Elementary School in Some of the details of those plans are Falun flies at half-staff in honor of the lives privy to law enforcement but suffice it to lost at the Newton, Conn., school shooting. -

See Sheriffs, page 3

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Deaths

Jill Eileen (Babcock) Ryback Beatrice Jane Olson Harvey V. Nelson Clarice A. Carlson Duane Edwin Strom Winnie L. Johnson Calvin L. Nelson Elsie V. Erickson Richard “Dick” Amick Obituaries 14-15B Copyright © 2012

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Born on 12-12-12

Salvation Army falling short of goal BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - With less than one week to go until Christmas, the Salvation Army of Burnett and Polk counties needs help.

The Red Kettle Campaign has raised a total of $50,000 in the two counties, $60,000 short of its $110,000 goal. The Salvation Army provides various kinds of assistance to local residents in need, and that 89 percent of the dollars donated during the Red Kettle Campaign stay in the two counties. During the Christseason mas many will look for ways to give. The Salvation Army is a perfect opportunity to give to those in need, while being assured that dollars will stay in the community. If the Salvation Army is unable to raise the funds needed, there will not be enough funds to help those who are in the most need throughout the year. In addition to giving at the Red Kettle locations, tax-deductible donations may be sent to The Salvation Army, PO Box 67, Siren, WI, 54001 or to The Salvation Army, 200 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. Or go to the on line red kettle, click on find a kettle, type in Burnett or Polk. The Army is also seeking volunteers for a couple of hours during the next few weeks. People interested in helping in this way may call 715-485-1221 to set up a time to ring, or sign up online by going to ringbells.org. - submitted

Kari and Tim Burrows of Osceola were thrilled to welcome a new daughter, Olivia Kay, born at 8:30 a.m. on 12-12-12. Delivered by Dr. Alison Karun, Ob/Gyn, and certified nurse midwife Rebecca Gray, FNP, Olivia weighed 7 lbs., 11 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Olivia is the Burrows’ fourth child, joining sister Cloey, 9, and brothers Carter, 6 and Wyatt, 4. SCRMC is proud to have a new birth to celebrate this unique date. - Photo submitted

Park of lights

Rescue your stuff, help build homes

Every Christmas season, members of the Siren Lions Club turn Crooked Lake Park, equivalent in size to a city block, into a giant display of holiday lights. The park fronts Hwy. 35, allowing thousands of passing motorists to enjoy the sight. - Photos by Mackenzie Erickson

POLK COUNTY - If you are ready to get rid of that old tangle of Christmas lights, don’t forget to recycle them at the ReStore. The ReStore takes donations of decorations for every season, as well as gently used furniture, household items, TVs, appliances, and more.

The ReStore, run by Habitat for Humanity, has recycled well over 50,000 pounds of electronics to date, and, due to volunteer labor, is making a profit on it.

Your donations help build homes for families in need in our area.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Stop in this week and shop – there’s a progressive sale all week, 30, 40 and 50 percent off by this Friday and Saturday. The ReStore is at 2201 Hwy. 8 in St. Croix Falls. Call 715-483-2700 for more information. - Photo by Jackie Thorwick

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Northwest Wisconsin not immune from multiple killings Sawyer, Polk counties have seen senseless mass killings; none school-related NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - The tragedy in Connecticut - the senseless taking of 26 lives, 20 of them young children has forced a nationwide discussion on not only the security provided to children attending public schools, but on how to address issues of gun control and mental-health issues.

Wisconsin has experienced 105 deaths in multiple killing incidents (3 victims or more) since 1985. None of them involved schools. Some of them involved church services and some involved domestic situations. Guns were used in 24 of the 29 incidents.

Only two of the 29 events occurred in

Briefly NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN - “The West Side” will take a look back at the top news stories of 2012 on Thursday, Dec 20, at 5 p.m. on 88.3 WHWC/ Menomonie-Eau Claire. Host Rich Kremer will be joined by Don Huebscher, editor of the LeaderTelegram, and Jerry Gallagher, co-anchor and assistant news director for WQOW. Topics of discussion will include the 2012 state legislative elections, the Wisconsin recall election, the recent hunting regulations and other controversial projects in western Wisconsin. “The West Side” is a call-in program focused on issues specific to western Wisconsin. It airs on Thursdays at 5 p.m. on 88.3 WHWC/ Menomonie-Eau Claire. Listeners may call in with questions and comments during the program at 800228-5615. - from WPR

Sheriffs/from page 1 say most aspects of the planning involve school administrators and staff. And any school officials seeking help with training or planning are always welcome to contact their sheriff’s department, noted Johnson.

Roland said law enforcement agencies from throughout Burnett County have held “active shooter” training sessions within the past three years at all of the schools. They include mass evacuation, medical response and notification of parents. The county dispatch system is capable of bringing up a complete floor plan of each school within seconds should the need arise.

“We are ready for the worst and hope it does not occur,” Roland said.

As to the national discussion on what causes - or could prevent - situations like these in the future, Roland said he doesn’t have any answers.

“I do know that we as a society must learn to be more vigilant - learn the signs and report what we believe is about to occur,” he said. “We as a society must get involved - we are our brother’s keeper.”

Roland also weighed in on the issue of gun control, saying “Guns do kill people but if guns did not exist, a killer who wanted to kill would find other means.”

He also said there’s merit to the theory that many mass killers know they will be immortalized or glamorized by media coverage. “The media does not report suicides as this has been shown to produce more suicides,” he said. “Does all of this media attention cause more shooters and mass killings? I am not sure, but I believe this topic needs much more study.”

Johnson echoed the sentiments being spoken throughout the country since the mass shooting.

“Obviously our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, the survivors and their families and also to the police officers, EMTs and anyone else that responded to the Sandy Hook Elementary School. This is a tragic event and few people can even imagine the devastation that the community is going through.”

t h e - l e a d e r. n e t Connect to your community.

Northwest Wisconsin, but both of those events are among the six most costly in terms of lives lost.

In Sawyer County in 2004, six deer hunters were fatally shot and two others seriously wounded by another deer hunter after he was told to leave a deer stand on private property. Authorities arrested the suspect, Chai Vang, the same day.

In Polk County in 1991, a couple and their three children, ages 10, 7 and 5, were shot with a deer rifle, the husband’s 15year-old son charged with the crime. The young man was charged as an adult and sentenced to life in prison for the five deaths.

Wisconsin has experienced 105 deaths in 29 multiple killing incidents since 1985, including two in northwestern Wisconsin. None involved schools. - from Wisconsin InfoLink

Deadliest

Seven people lost their lives in Wisconsin’s most deadly mass murder in the past 27 years in March of 2005 when a gunman opened fire during a church service being

held at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield.

The gunman also seriously wounded four others before taking his own life.

Three of the 29 incidents since 1983 occurred this past year, 2012, including the shooting of six worshippers in a suburban Milwaukee Sikh temple by a 40-year-old Army veteran. The most recent incident was Oct. 21 of this year when a man shot six women, killing his wife and two others, at the Azana Salon and Spa in Brookfield before taking his own life.

Also, in western Wisconsin’s St. Croix County, a father was charged in the killing of his three daughters, ages 11, 8 and 5. Gary King with information from Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Wisconsin InfoLink (Ron Larson)

School safety takes on heightened awareness Local school officials review school security; weigh in on Connecticut tragedy

by Gary King Leader editor BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - Local school officials will be reviewing school security procedures with local law enforcement - something being done in schools across the nation in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., where 26 people died, 20 of them first-graders, in a mass shooting in an elementary school.

While all schools have emergency plans in place, officials are revisiting them with a heightened awareness.

“Our schools are safe places,” Grantsburg Superintendent Joni Burgin wrote in a letter to parents composed within hours of the Connecticut tragedy. “Our school staff work together with the Grantsburg Village Police, Burnett County Sheriff’s Office, local fire department and the Burnett County Medical Center to keep students and staff safe. These organizations have had input into our crisis response plans and participate in safety drills with school staff.”

Burgin said the Connecticut shooting means those plans will be reviewed and ongoing relationships with law enforcement officials will be strengthened.

Local school officials responding to questions posed by the Leader this week presented responses that paralleled Burgin’s statement and included condolences to the families affected by the Newtown tragedy.

Some responded specifically to the nationwide focus over security of school buildings.

“Unity School District has a visitor policy that requires each visitor to check in at the front office,” noted Unity Administrator Brandon Robinson. “They must do so at the elementary, high school or district office entrances as these are the only entrances allowed to be open during the school day.”

Robinson said a visitor may receive a badge to wear if they are allowed to go into the school area. On days when there is an event, such as a concert, during the school day, it is more difficult to have people check in to the office, Robinson noted, so additional supervision is provided in that entrance area prior to and during the event.

Most local schools have similar guidelines for entering their buildings.

Every school district in Wisconsin is required to update and review their school safety plan during the 2012-13 school year, under guidelines set down in legislation passed just last spring. Additionally, schools will be required to conduct lockdown safety drills in addition to fire and tornado drills.

All school employees and volunteers undergo a background check prior to being allowed to work with students.

Video monitoring

St. Croix Falls is one of several local school districts utilizing video cameras to monitor entrances and areas throughout the school building. The school also uses color-coded quick reference guides detailing the procedures for teachers to follow in cases of emergency.

“Schools are one of the safest places for students to be,” said superintendent Glenn Martin. “Yet when something like this happens, even a thousand miles away, we are all deeply affected by it.”

Community support

Webster Schools Superintendent Jim Erickson said that when he began to receive the news of the shooting in Newtown, his first thoughts were of the support that comes from a community at a time such as this.

“I thought of how dependent we are on each other, how much we lean on one another,” he said. He commended the emergency responders, but he said the most important thing was the way parents, families and neighbors came together in support of one another. He went on to note that the Newtown school system “did everything right,” following their emer-

gency plan to the letter.

Webster, like other schools, made contact with parents after the news of the shooting, using the school’s phone message system.

Included in that message was a recommendation that parents limit the amount of time their children would spend watching television news.

“Children see repeated news stories, and especially the younger ones can’t tell it’s the same story retold. They think each story is a new event,” Erickson said.

Burgin also emphasized the importance of community cooperation and support.

“We take our responsibility to educate our children in a safe environment very seriously,” Burgin wrote in her message to parents. “We also need your help to play a role in school safety. Schools are extensions of the family and community. Please be observant and let school staff know if you see or hear something that can assist us in our safety efforts. Open communication between home and school is critical to the well-being of our students. Know if your child’s friends have access to guns. Keep any guns in your house locked up and away from children of all ages.”

Burgin also encouraged parents to talk with their children about school safety, the danger of weapons in school, and the importance of sharing any information they may have with adults.

Deeper look

Wisconsin legislators are calling for a deeper look into what has caused a spate of mass shootings around the country, including two in the last five months in Wisconsin. Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, a Kenosha Democrat, says he plans to talk this week to Republican Gov. Scott Walker about setting up a bipartisan commission to examine mass shootings. Such shootings took place at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek in August and a Brookfield spa in October.

Meanwhile, Rep. Fred Kessler, a Milwaukee Democrat, says he’s working on several bills to address mental health, ammunition and assault weapons.

Panek, Josephson leaving Grantsburg council Two open spots at Jan. 14 caucus

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – There will be at least two new faces on the Grantsburg Village Council after the April 2013 election. Village President Roger Panek and Trustee Dean Josephson said they will not be running for re-election next spring. And Trustee Glenn Rolloff said he will be running for the open village president position. The Panek/Rolloff transition has been mentioned before, but the two made it of-

ficial during discussions at the end of the council meeting Monday, Dec. 10.

Nominations for the April village board ballot will be made at the caucus Monday, Jan. 14. The terms of president and three of the six trustee positions are up next April.

Incumbent Tasha Burlini-Olson said she will be seeking another term. Panek says he is retiring completely from the board and is not interested in a trustee seat. With Rolloff running for president and Josephson leaving, two of the three trustee seats will be open.

Josephson said he is retiring because he is moving from the village. He has served on the council since 2009. Panek was elected president in 2009 after serving as a

trustee for many years. Rolloff was first elected to the council in 2007. Burlini-Olson was appointed to the council last April, replacing Mark Dahlberg who retired from the board after the April election.

The caucus can nominate up to two people for each open position. That means that on Jan. 14, up to two people can be nominated for village president and up to six people for the three trustee seats. All village residents of voting age can take part in the caucus. People nominated at the caucus do not need to be present, and all nominees have a week to decide if they wish to be on the ballot. The caucus is the only way to get on the April village election ballot.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

More options for BC dispatch

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer SIREN – With the pressure for a quick decision lifted, Burnett County supervisors, at the Monday, Dec. 17, administration Committee meeting, began to discuss additional options for a solution to the county’s emergency dispatch concerns.

The state of Wisconsin had mandated that the county dispatch center meet certain standards for equipment and operation by Jan. 1, 2013, but Candace Fitzgerald, county administrator, told the supervisors that the state has waived those requirements for Burnett.

But she did strongly recommend that a decision on how to handle dispatch should be in place by the end of the first quarter of 2013.

County supervisors have been faced with a series of concerns about the dispatch services for some time. Dispatch equipment is outdated and needs to be replaced; there are staffing issues due to the fact that dispatchers double as jailers; and work environment issues include the adequacy of the work space and the security of the dispatch center since it is located in the county jail.

As a result, the supervisors are faced with questions about the best way to handle the dispatch services. But bound into that question is the question of how to pay for whatever system is chosen.

The consulting firm of Kent Therkelsen

& Associates had been hired to study the feasibility of combining the Burnett dispatch services with those of Polk County.

Polk has facility, staff and equipment which meets state requirements, and Therkelsen was hired to determine whether it would be possible to combine the operations of the two counties into a joint operation, and whether it would be economically advisable.

Therkelsen’s assessment indicated that relocating the Burnett dispatch operation to Polk County could be done and that it would meet the Burnett service needs and could offer both counties some cost savings. But it did not address the question of whether this joint operation was the best option of possible solutions to Burnett’s woes. Supervisors at the Dec. 17 administration meeting asked for consideration of those other options.

Supervisor Maury Miller listed two other options for consideration. The one is to create a stand-alone operation. This option would move the dispatch center out of the jail area, perhaps relocating it within the county government center, and would staff it with personnel that are only dispatchers and not both dispatchers and jailers.

The second option Miller listed would be to leave the dispatch center where it is, staffed as it presently is, and upgrade the equipment which the county already has.

A study conducted informally by Super-

visor Gene McLain has considered this option, and suggests that it is not only feasible from equipment and operational perspectives, but also likely to be less costly than other options and save the county money in the long run.

A meeting of the fire chiefs of the various fire departments in the county on Wednesday, Dec. 12, gave impetus to the consideration of additional options. According to Rhonda Reynolds, Burnett County Emergency Management director, discussion at that meeting was “healthy” and gave the matter very careful consideration.

When Reynolds presented the content of that meeting to the supervisors Dec. 17, Miller indicated that questions from the fire chiefs centered on costs, control issues and matters of contract arrangements. He indicated the chiefs were especially concerned about what might happen if Polk underwent a change in administration in the sheriff’s department. Would a new administration honor a contract from the previous one?

Discussion among the supervisors at the Dec. 17 meeting ranged through all of the various concerns that have been raised over several months. That discussion centered on costs, including possible savings or added expenses, the feasibility of upgrading present equipment to meet state requirements, personnel issues of staff serving both as jailers and dispatchers and

the possibility of unforeseen costs arising in the future.

Near the end of the discussion, Supervisor Gary Lundberg summed up the discussion and the issues by noting, “It’s all very complex with lots of issues.” Consensus among the supervisors was that they wanted additional studies and the gathering of facts so that all solution options could receive careful consideration.

The matter will come up for further discussion by the board of supervisors as a whole at the Thursday, Dec. 20, board meeting.

In other business, committee members received a report and recommendation for changes in the operations and equipment in the district attorney’s office. Mary Larson, from the administration/ human resources department, presented a detailed study she had made of the systems operations of the district attorney’s office to evaluate staffing, procedural and equipment issues in that office.

Larson’s study indicated the need to change one staff position from half time to full time, hire an additional part-time person, change the physical configurations of office space, create new forms for recording and tracking process actions and buy mobile file units. The supervisors gave full support to her recommendations and will move this to the full board for final approval.

Major concerns over proposal to contract with Polk for 911 services

by Jean Koelz Leader staff writer TOWN OF JACKSON—On Wednesday, Dec. 12, firefighters, police officers and other emergency service providers crowded into the Jackson Town Hall/Fire Department for the fire association’s quarterly meeting. First and foremost on the agenda was a presentation by communications consultants Therkelsen & Associates, which was hired by Burnett County to study the feasibility of contracting with Polk County to combine dispatch services within the emergency call center in Balsam Lake.

There is universal agreement on at least two points: significant technological upgrades are needed; and the priority for any plan moving forward is public safety and improved service. Regarding the first point, federal mandates issued back in 2004 have made most radio systems obsolete by forcing those that operate at 25 kHz to switch to 12.5 kHz channels by Jan. 1, 2013, referred to as narrowbanding.

The result for Burnett County is that something needs to be done and, whatever it is, it will be costly.

Although the communications issue is separate from the dispatch issue, timing links them together. However, since the meeting, the FCC has granted Burnett

County a waiver, giving the county another full year to comply with the narrowbandwidth requirements, according to Rhonda Reynolds, Burnett County Emergency Management director. This extension should take some of the pressure off, giving county administrators time to consider more options and get a more detailed cost analysis of each.

That’s good, because the county will need the extra time to get emergency service personnel on board with a plan. Most of the resistance expressed at the meeting had to do with disagreement over what was in the public’s best interest. A general theme that emerged was that when it comes to taking calls and dispatching services, local is better. For example, in cities, roads are laid out in a grid system, often in alphabetical or numerical order.

In rural areas, roads aren’t so orderly – especially when the landscape is so full of lakes. A dispatcher who knows the area can significantly reduce response time.

Part of the presentation addressed this issue with an overview of one of the new technology’s features: Automatic Vehicle Location and Next Generation 9-1-1. Increasingly, emergency calls are made from cell phones. AVL technology provides GPS locations and directions to responders, which will cut travel time to the

scene and potentially eliminate human error. In addition, cell phone providers recently committed to be 911 text-ready by 2014, which will enable Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to feed responders texting, videos and pictures from the scene.

A related point about the locality of the dispatch center had to do with prioritization of calls. When a smaller area/small population partners with a bigger area with four times the population, it stands to reason that there might be a fairness issue regarding allocation of resources and having an equal voice concerning policies and procedures. Many questions centered on governance issues. If Burnett partners with Polk, who owns the capital that Burnett would be investing in? Who governs the system? Who guarantees that Burnett gets proper priority? And what happens if the relationship breaks down?

These questions led naturally into financial concerns. There is a general feeling of resentment regarding the fact that many of the departments already invested in new technology and are already in compliance with the federal communications mandates, but the perception is that Burnett County has been “dragging its feet.”

As one attendee put it, “There’s a perception that county supervisors have historically just done the minimum required.”

And Supervisor Gene McClain added, “I think we need to look at multiple options here, not just one.”

Police Officer Bridget Getts drew nods from everyone as she strongly urged the county supervisors to consider the trickledown effects of their decisions. “Small departments like mine can’t even afford to buy a computer for a squad car [that was standard issue at her job in the Twin Cities 20 years ago] because our budgets are so tight,” Getts illustrated. “We’ll be forced to make upgrades we can’t afford. Who pays for that?”

Therkelsen & Associates wrapped up the presentation by acknowledging the validity of the questions, but reassured the audience that they were all concerns that have been raised before in similar situations. Cost implications, governance issues and procedures get hammered out during the contract negotiation phase, which comes only after the county supervisors choose to proceed. In a follow-up phone call, emergency management director Reynolds called the meeting a “good start to continuing the dialog and discussing all the issues.” The Burnett County Board of Supervisors meets Thursday, Dec. 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the government center.

Cleared driver seeks damages for false charges

The Leader – Connect to your community

any wrongdoing, Burritt was reportedly suicidal from the false allegations and is

seeking compensatory damages through a federal case.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the holiday there are early

deadlines for the

For the paper published on Wednesday, Dec. 26

News Releases - Thursday, Dec. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Advertising - Friday, Dec. 21 at noon.

526920 16-17L

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer TURTLE LAKE – A man who was falsely accused of assaulting a handicapped young girl while driving her to her home in Birchwood on a bus route has now filed a federal lawsuit against the department and investigator that charged him initially a year ago.

Paul Burritt, 51, Turtle Lake, was a driver for the regional Handi-Lift bus service, responsible for transporting handicapped children. It was in late November 2011 that an 11-year-old girl later accused Burritt of sexually assaulting her after he drove her home to Birchwood from a counseling service in Hayward. The child went into explicit detail of a story that proved to be totally false, claiming Burritt took a detour to his rural Turtle Lake home to supposedly let his dogs out. The child’s allegations claimed that Burritt had attempted to assault her, but that she was

able to fight him off.

The girl’s tale led to Burritt’s arrest and a felony charge of sexual assault of a child a short time later.

However, the Polk County District Attorney Office dropped the charges against Paul Burritt in early January, as details of the girl’s story started to fall apart.

“During the investigation, subsequent to Burritt’s arrest, our investigator was able to verify through GPS data and other information that the reporting child was not telling the truth about what happened,” Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson stated last January, shortly after the charges against Burritt were dropped.

“The child did admit to making the false allegation upon being confronted with the facts.”

The girl was reportedly referred to juvenile authorities for making the false allegations, Johnson said.

At the time, Polk County prosecutor Dan Steffen called the entire incident “a prosecutor’s worst nightmare,” and assisted in having the charges cleared from online court records, which they have done.

In spite of the GPS data clearing him of

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Wrongly accused, Paul Burritt files federal lawsuit from child’s false claims

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

TF emergency team assists with missing-person search CERT group certified just two days prior to first assistance call

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The recently certified Taylors Falls Community Emergency Response Team was called into action to assist in a missing-person search, just a few hours after being certified.

In early 2010, Taylors Falls Mayor Mike Buchite was approached by several residents to request that the city consider implementing a CERT program, similar to a concept developed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985.

CERT is a program that trains citizens and volunteers to respond during an emergency situation if requested. These groups could provide immediate assistance therefore relieving essential personnel to do other tasks.

The Taylors Falls City Council appointed a task force to determine number of volunteers in April 2010, with training, meetings, plans and more. By last October, the task force’s job was nearly complete, with 11 participants ready to start training. Training concluded with a mock disaster scenario on Nov. 17 featuring many potential situations.

All 11 participants completed required training sessions. Members include: Gene Andersen, Leo Nelson, Pat Linehan, Barbara Nelson, Sarah MacDougall, Deb Stein, Sheryl Grote, Jana Schumann, Kevin

Danielle Jelinek is a Chisago Lakes Township woman whom family members reported missing last week, after not being heard from since Sunday, Dec. 9. – Photo submitted Schumann, Cassie Vogt and Juli Hobson.

The CERT task force held their final meeting Nov. 28, where they also appointed team managers, established a team communication methods and were officially registered as the Taylors Falls CERT Program with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Taylors Falls City Council officially dissolved the CERT task force, which consisted of Juli Hobson, Kevin Schumann, Jim Stein, Tana Havumaki and Leo Nelson.

However, the team had little time to cel-

www.the-leader.net Men arrested after shots fired in Webster Officers responded to shots fired from this residence at 7361 E. Cedar St. in the village of Webster on Saturday, Dec. 15. Photo by Sherill Summer

Village police chief thinks the night could have been tragic

by Sherill Summer Leader staff reporter WEBSTER - Cowan Bruss, 23, Webster, was arrested and charged with reckless use of a firearm while intoxicated, possession of methamphetamines, obstruction and disorderly conduct after allegedly shooting two rounds into the floor of his home at 7361 E. Cedar St. in Webster on Saturday night, Dec. 15.

Two other men were also taken to the Burnett County Jail. Tomas J. Polski, 20, Danbury, was arrested for obstruction, and James Kroplin, 23, Webster, was arrested for resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.

Webster Police Chief Michael Spafford said that the night could have been more tragic than three men going to jail.

At 7:22 p.m., authorities received reports of shots being fired, but the reports were conflicting. Some said the shots came from downtown. Others said the shots came from Cowan Bruss’ home on Cedar Street. Responding officers focused of both areas, and an ambulance was put on standby.

Polski walked up to an ambulance and told the EMT that he was shot by Bruss.

Polski was both intoxicated and uninjured. He also became uncooperative when questioned by officers, leading to his arrest.

Officers then attempted to clear the

Bruss home. There was no response from a loudspeaker to clear the home, so six canisters of teargas and a flashbang were deployed before officers went into the home at about 9 p.m. An intoxicated Kroplin was discovered in the home barricaded with cushions from a couch. A 40-caliber, semiautomatic pistol was next to him. Fortunately, he did not attempt to grab the pistol when officers entered the building, and he was arrested without incident. He was sent to Grantsburg hospital for observation by Grantsburg officers because he was in the building where teargas and a flashbang was used. He later became disruptive and was taken to the Burnett County Jail by Grantsburg officers. A disorderly conduct charge was added to his resisting an officer.

Soon after, an intoxicated Bruss was found walking in an alley downtown. He denied shooting anything that night, but did say he was with Polski, Kroplin and a girl who has not been identified by the police department.

A search warrant was secured at about 2 a.m. to search the Bruss home.

The girl was located the following day.

She reported being at the Bruss residence when he shot two rounds into the floor.

She and Kroplin were two to three feet away. Polski was sleeping at the time in a bedroom. She decided to leave for another residence after the shots were fired.

The first report of the incident mentioned multiple shots fired, upward of 50 rounds. That was not the case, according to Spafford. There were reports of multiple shots fired, but there was no mention of 50 rounds fired.

ebrate their establishment. Two days later, the Taylors Falls CERT was activated and asked to assist Chisago County Emergency Management director Scott Sellman in the search for Danielle Jelinek.

Within an hour of activation, the team had four volunteers, Andersen, Stein, Schumann and Nelson, on their way to help.

“Our task was to provide support to the Chisago County sheriff’s office as they coordinated a search for this young woman,” Anderson said, noting that the team also assisted on Friday, as well.

“Friday has been a busy day for our CERT members ... as we spent about nine hours registering volunteers in and out, helping in the control of parking, directing volunteers to and from buses, cleaning the place, keeping the toilets supplied, emptying trash, and most importantly, making the coffee, etc.,” Anderson said.

He said the team “covered a lot of bases,” which allowed the professionals adequate time to plan for their activities and not have to focus so much on the mundane tasks in an operation of the search and investigation.

“Team members all benefited from this experience as each day, new problems were encountered, and we were able to react in ways to determine new solutions,” he said. “All disasters deal with grief in some way, however, this situation was painful as we all observed the anguish that the family of this young woman has had to endure.”

Anderson said the scope of the search is changing and noted that the team has new

tasks now.

News continues to trickle out about Jelinik’s disappearance, and reports of evidence have also affected the search focus for authorities, and hence, the CERT group’s tasks.

“Our response to this activity ended at noon on Saturday. Unfortunately, there is nothing to report in regard to a successful search. While the search may continue in areas of interest by professional people, the need for volunteers ended today,” he said.

By participating in this event, Anderson said they learned lots about their need, tasks, focus and how they can best assist in the future.

“First, these situations are very fluid and can change instantaneously. We must be adaptable and be able to change just as quick,” Anderson said. “Second, the people who conduct this type of response are dedicated people who know their jobs quite well. Our task is to make their job easier and to pick up those loose ends so things don’t fall through the cracks. Third, if we respond in a consistent and timely manner, professionals will respect our desire to help and respond in like manner.

Overall, this was a very good experience for each of us.”

The Taylors Falls CERT program is currently the only such team in Chisago County. Anderson and other advocates urge other cities to gauge interest in their community to see if a CERT program is a possibility. – With information from the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department and Taylors Falls CERT management.

SCF man’s threats taken seriously Troy Thiele reportedly threatened police, prosecutor, judges

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – A 47-year-old local man with a history of run-ins with police is facing multiple felony charges after he is alleged to have made violent death threats and violated previous conditions on drinking, the day of his final divorce hearing.

Troy Thiele, 47, St. Croix Falls, has a long history of run-ins with local law enforcement. Previous threats to law enforcement and other officials, combined with recent shooting tragedies across the nation, have given police even more reason to consider the behavior of Thiele, who was taken into custody on Friday, Dec. 14, in St. Croix Falls after causing a disturbance while intoxicated, and reportedly making threats against police, judges and prosecutors once again.

“He made lots of threats: judges, the DA, cops, you name it,” Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson said. “The type of comments he makes require security at all hearings.”

According to the probable cause report filed by the PCSD, Thiele was reportedly very intoxicated and visited several homes on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 13, causing a disturbance and making threats to law officials after his hearing earlier that day, where his divorce was finalized.

St. Croix Falls Police officers tracked

him down to a residence within the city early Friday morning. Thiele had reportedly threatened a female at that residence, as well, chiding her for calling police on him.

He reportedly grabbed the woman by the arm and threatened her after drinking an entire bottle of vodka, which is a violation of numerous bond conditions from multiple open court cases Thiele has pending.

Thiele was taken into custody early on Dec. 14 and now faces a total of three felony bail jumping, on top of five other misdemeanor counts of various violations, as well.

He has at least eight active court cases as of press time, many of them relating to blatant bond violations, stalking or threats. He appeared on the latest battery of charges on Dec. 14 before Judge Jeffery Anderson, where he set a $10,000 cash bond on his freedom.

That $10,000 cash bond was upheld three days later at another hearing, and a preliminary hearing on the latest charges was set for this coming Friday, Dec. 21, where the evidence against Thiele will be presented for consideration by the judge, who will then determine if enough evidence exists to move ahead to trial.

Johnson noted that because of his past behavior, Thiele has extra security whenever he has business with legal officials or makes a court appearance.

“In light of his history, we can’t take his comments lightly,” he said.

Night deer hunt ruling could come next week

by Gilman Halsted Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - There’s no final decision yet in the legal dispute over whether Chippewa tribal members can legally hunt deer at night in the ceded territory.

Federal Judge Barbara Crabb could issue a ruling sometime this week.

Testimony in the federal court hearing in Madison last Thursday, Dec. 13, focused on the state’s allegation that a new tribal order allowing night hunting doesn’t include enough safety precautions. A retired Department of Natural Resources warden told the court the tribe’s new rules for night hunting aren’t as safe as the rules the DNR used for sharpshooters who hunted at night during the state’s

special hunts to kill deer in areas where chronic wasting disease was discovered in southern Wisconsin. But the lead attorney for the tribes says she’s confident the court will grant tribes the right to hunt at night between now and Jan. 6. Collette Routel says she’s confident the tribes have shown their plan includes intensive training for night hunters and is safe enough to allow a hunt that she believes will take place in the near future.

The state and the tribes have until Monday afternoon to submit briefs on whether the new tribal night hunt should be allowed under treaties that granted tribal hunting rights on public land in a seven-county area in northern Wisconsin known as the ceded territories.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Man accused of trying to run over deputy returned from Canada

Two years later, Michael Chamandy is back in Polk County to face felony charges

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – An extensive extradition process from Quebec proved fruitful for local prosecutors, as a man wanted for multiple felony charges stemming from a 2010 standoff with police, where he is accused of trying to run over a sheriff’s deputy, is back in Polk County’s jail, awaiting penalty.

According to public court records, Michael Chamandy, 51, Luck, Chamandy was about to be sentenced after a plea agreement in 2010 when he fled to his original home country of Canada, apparently living in Quebec since he left two weeks prior to his completion of an alcohol treatment program and subsequent sentencing for the numerous crimes.

“He ran over a squad car with a deputy in it,” stated Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson. “Then he was released to go into treatment ... which is when he fled to Canada.”

Johnson briefly outlined the extensive process authorities had to go through to bring Chamandy back, a task that involved filing extradition papers detailing Chamandy’s actions, alleged crimes and the need to have him back, which led to extensive review by Quebec provincial authorities.

“They (Quebec officials) want to be absolutely sure one of their (citizens) is not being wrongly accused,” Johnson said.

“But actually, the Canadian (authorities) were very helpful.”

The U.S. Marshall Service took possession of Chamandy at the U.S.-Canadian border, and then brought him to Madison, where Polk County picked him up to return to Balsam Lake on Thursday, Dec. 13,

for prosecution and eventual incarceration.

Chamandy appeared before Judge Jeffery Anderson on Friday, Dec. 14, where he set a $10,000 cash bond on his freedom, during which Polk County District Attorney Dan Steffen noted him as an “obvious flight risk.” Chamandy is set to have a further bond review on Friday, Dec. 21.

Background The case against Chamandy is unique and goes back to a crime that he was later cleared of any involvement, but his behavior during the investigation led to eight felony charges, including attempted homicide of a police officer.

According to a case file that includes courtroom proceedings, Chamandy’s charges and subsequent flight go back to an incident that occurred on Feb. 10, 2010, during a report of an armed robbery at Jonzy’s Market, northeast of Balsam Lake.

During the immediate investigation, a Polk County investigator, working on a tip from a witness, followed up a possible link to a large, older model truck, reportedly similar to one owned by Chamandy.

When the investigator went to the home where Chamandy was living on Blake Lake, he saw a truck meeting that description idling with its lights on a nearby dead-end road. The deputy was driving an unmarked Chevrolet SUV and attempted to turn around by reversing down the road, but the truck followed closely, in a bizarre sort of nose-to-nose vehicle “standoff.”

The standoff The investigator was unsure who was behind the wheel of the suspected truck, as the truck’s lights were facing him. He called for backup, turned around and went toward the Eagle Lounge, in the Town of Apple River, where another deputy was staged and waiting in a marked, Dodge police cruiser.

The case file states that Chamandy followed, even “pursued” the unmarked squad closely, “aggressively” the deputy noted in a later hearing, following “within

After impact with the squad car, the suspect’s truck went out of control into the ditch, where Michael Chamandy, 51, was taken into custody after a struggle with police.

The collision with the Chamandy truck in February, 2010 nearly ripped off the entire front quarter of sheriff’s squad car, injuring the deputy behind the wheel. Photos courtesy the Polk County Sheriff’s Department one-car length at times,” he added.

When they reached the Eagle Lounge, on CTH G and 93rd Street, the investigator slowed and stopped the unmarked squad, and turned on his police lights, while the deputy in the marked cruiser blocked his lane in the other direction. The investigator then produced his badge and ordered him to stop the truck.

Instead of stopping, Chamandy sped around the SUV, through the Eagle Lounge parking lot, fishtailing and heading to the west - directly into the path of the parked Polk County Sheriff’s squad car, with its lights blazing.

Chamandy allegedly drove at a high rate of speed nearly head-on, over and through the front end of the Dodge Charger squad, square at the sheriff’s deputy driving the squad, who amazingly suffered only minor injuries.

“That was really lucky. He (the deputy) was only shaken up,” Johnson said with a nod, noting the brand-new car was totaled but “really did its job (of protecting the officer),” and helped solidify their future use.

While Chamandy tried to flee the scene, the impact had also crippled his 3/4-ton F-250 truck, which tumbled out of control into a nearby snowy ditch. Deputies wrestled Chamandy from the truck and took him into custody, noting he was “clearly intoxicated.”

His record Chamandy had a revoked driver’s license at the time, with five convictions for driving while intoxicated on top of being a convicted for felony armed robbery in New York State in 1988, according to court records.

A subsequent search of Chamandy’s residence found a loaded, sawed-off shotgun beside his bed, which he could not legally own.

The Polk County district attorney, Steffen, charged Chamandy with a total of eight felonies: attempted first-degree intentional homicide; first-degree reckless endangerment; attempting to flee police; felony criminal damage to property; felony DUI (fifth or sixth); possessing a

firearm by a felon; and felony possession of a short-barreled shotgun.

All told, he faced over 100 possible years in prison, combined with well over $80,000 in fines. He reached a plea agreement with the prosecutor’s office several months later, and at an April 22, 2010, hearing, he pleaded guilty to three counts, DUI; owning a firearm and reckless endangerment, with a pending determination on the first count of attempted homicide.

He faced a maximum of 26 years in prison and was being held the whole time on a $10,000 cash bond.

The flight Chamandy was scheduled to have his sentence set after the plea agreement, but was released on a signature bond to allow his entry into chemical dependency treatment in the Twin Cities. While the bulk of his bad behavior had been attributed to alcohol, he was released into a Salvation Army in-patient treatment program in Minneapolis, with completion scheduled for just before his Nov. 30 sentencing hearing.

With his $10,000 bond altered to just a signature bond, Chamandy fled to Canada, two weeks prior to his final hearing. That was November 2010.

It is unclear what his activities and specific whereabouts were or how police tracked him down, but it took until earlier this month for Chamandy to finally be extradited back to Wisconsin from Quebec, using a complicated procedural process involving several agencies.

Now back in custody, Chamandy faces additional felony charges on top of previous charges, which will be reinforced by his international flight. His next court hearing is set for Dec. 21.

Ultimately, the case against Chamandy all stemmed from his behavior after police tried to question him - on a crime for which he ultimately had no involvement.

Not long after his arrest for attempted homicide, he was cleared of any implications on the Jonzy’s Market robbery, which was later solved and ran its own course of conviction.

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by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — Improvements to the water system in Luck that would also include street upgrades are being scaled back to avoid a nearly two-thirds increase in water rates.

The original project consisted of five parts, had a price tag of $1,185,500, with Safe Drinking Water Funding covering $500,000 of it. It included looping of water mains as well as replacement of water lines to get better water pressure and better water quality.

Had all five segments of the project been done, according to discussion at the Wednesday, Dec. 12, meeting of the Luck Village Board, property owners in the village would have seen a 61 percent increase in their water bills.

As it is, with three of the five segments dropped from the project, rates will still increase about 20 percent. However, most of this increase - 16 percent - would have occurred even if the entire project had been abandoned, said public works director Seth Petersen. The Public Service Commission, he said, regularly reviews the expenditures and revenues of the water utility, and said a 16percent increase is needed to keep the utility in the black.

Dave Rasmussen, senior planner with MSA Professional Services, noted that the water utility has lost money for the past two years. The PSC requires that municipalities are able to invest back into the utility, which has not been possible at Luck.

The two areas of the project that will still be done are on 2nd Street between 3rd Avenue and Park Avenue, and at Butternut Avenue by Main, 1st, and 4th Street. Areas cut are along the north property line of North Main Park, by the bus garage on South 7th Street, and at West Street between Hwy. 48 and 3rd Avenue.

According to Rasmussen, the looping project by the school and the area of the project along 2nd Street are the two that allowed the village to score so well for the Safe Drinking Water funds. He asked how the South 7th Street looping project might be addressed later, noting that there is poor water pressure at United Pioneer Home and by the bus garage.

Trustee Bob Determan asked whether the low pressure issues could later come back to “nip” the village, since the Department of Natural Resources asks that a certain amount of pressure be maintained. Every year, Petersen told the board, the village gets a letter from the DNR requesting an upgrade in that area of low pressure.

“You don’t have the fire protection then,” Determan said.

When Trustee Kristine King asked why the board would do the project only “half-way” by eliminating three of the areas, Trustee Phil Warhol responded by saying that a 50- to 60percent rate increase is a lot to handle all at one time.

With all members present, the board voted unanimously to limit the project to the two areas that would create a 20-percent increase in the water bill. This means the village will receive $417,000 rather than $500,000 from

the Clean Drinking Water Fund.

The 20-percent increase, noted Trustee Craig Lundeen, will be seen only in the water portion of the water and sewer bill, not the entire utility bill.

Land donations Two very different pieces of property have been offered to the village, and the board has agreed to research the viability of accepting either or both of them.

One is a 100- by 8-foot parcel along Butternut Lake at the intersection of Lake Street/North Shore Drive, 3rd Avenue, and North Lake Street. It is joint access for seven property owners on Hwy. 48 and North Lake Street, offering 100 feet of lake frontage.

According to discussion at the meeting, the parcel is assessed at $140,000, and each owner is paying one-seventh of the property taxes. If it is donated to the village it will be taken off the tax rolls.

The second parcel is located south of Butternut Avenue at the end of Main Street. It consists of 16 acres, about four of which could be developed. The areas that could be built on are scattered around the 16 acres, said Petersen, with one acre along Butternut Avenue and the other three near United Pioneer Home.

The board discussed whether either property could be useful to the village, and if a precedent would be set by accepting them.

No action was taken on either, with the idea that more research would be done and it would be further discussed at a future meeting of the board.

Village caucus The date for the village caucus was set for Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 7:15 p.m. just prior to the regular monthly board meeting. Up for election are the position of village president, currently held by Peter Demydowich, and three trustee seats, currently held by Determan, King and Lundeen.

Lundeen has already filed papers stating he will not seek re-election, said village clerk Kevin Kress.

Individuals interested in running for a position on the board can file papers with the village clerk or can be nominated at the village caucus. Write-in candidates are also encouraged to file papers.

Clerical position At the recommendation of the personnel and finance committee, the board will be considering the establishment of a new fulltime clerical position at the village office.

In a closed session at the Dec. 12 meeting, the board authorized the committee to develop a job description for the position.

There is currently no discussion on the hiring of a full- or part-time village administrator, said Kress and Demydowich.

Other business • At the recommendation of the finance and personnel committee, the board approved a 2-percent pay increase for the two union employees in the public works department.

• Hiring of seasonal snow removal employees Jerry Anderson, Gregory McGee and Gregory Batisti was approved.

Federal funds awarded food shelter BURNETT COUNTY - The Burnett County Emergency Food and Shelter board (Jurisdiction #917600) has been awarded federal funds under the 2012 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

Burnett County has been chosen to receive funding to supplement food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities—USA, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and the United Way of America. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in the high-need areas around the county.

A local board made up of local churches, United Way, the Salvation Army, will determine how the funds awarded to Burnett County—Jurisdiction #911000 are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is re-

sponsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Burnett County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter totaling $7077 during the 2011 calendar year. These funds were used for emergency food, and mass sheltering. Individuals or agencies may request a breakdown of the expenditures by calling the local contact at the end of this public notification.

Public or Private voluntary agencies interested in applying for the 2012 Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact, Crystal Meier, 715-866-8151 for an application. - submitted

C & J MINI STORAGE Milltown, WI

25.00 35.00 $ 10x16.............. 40.00 $ 10x20.............. 45.00 $ 10x24.............. 50.00 $ 10x40.............. 90.00 $

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Call 1-800-919-1195 or 715-825-2335 We accept used oil

T THANK HANK YOU

Thanks to the Cushing first responders, fire dept. and ambulance crew for help during my recent illness.

Thanks to all who offered prayers, sent cards and called or visited.

Faye Syrjala

575240 18L

Land donations to the village considered at Luck

Subscribe to the Leader online @ the!leader.net

564725 36a,dtfc 47Ltfc

Water project scaled back

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

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In Observance Of The Holidays, Our Offices Will Be Closed Monday, Dec. 24, at Noon & All Day Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012.

We Will Reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 26, For Our Normal Business Hours.

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Citizens of Newtown

ental health. Gun control. Safer schools. Glamourizing mass murderers. Arming schoolteachers. Our violence-ridden culture.

These are not topics of the typical holiday family gathering, but there’s a good chance they will surface in many homes this season amidst - hopefully - tidings of comfort and joy.

Such discussion shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a bad thing.

To keep an open mind and learn from differing points of view in a civil and intelligent conversation is a trait that makes us better as an individual, and certainly as a society.

Gun control is not the sole answer but all related topics should be on the table in light of what happened and what can potentially happen now in the quest for

public safety - at schools, day cares, football stadiums and churches.

Consider the conversation as a cathartic and educational process. One that, if nothing else, honors the memory of the children and others who lost their lives.

Local school and law enforcement officials were eager this week to weigh in on this tragedy and related issues. Their professionalism, caring and preparedness is both impressive and comforting.

As a newspaper serving smaller communities well over a thousand miles from Connecticut, we aren’t expected to even mention this event or reflect what the big media has already covered in-depth.

But as one gentleman aptly put it this week, “We are now all citizens of Newtown.” - Gary King

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

• Joe Heller •

• Where to write • President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Gov. Scott Walker Wisconsin State Capitol Madison, WI 53707 transition@wisconsin.gov Congressman Sean Duffy (7th District) 1208 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-225-3365 U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

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

Rep. Erik Severson (28th District) Room 312 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

• Web poll results•

• Joe Heller •

Farewell remarks Today I delivered my farewell remarks to the United States Senate, and I want to share them with you too. Thank you.

Mr. President, I rise today for one final time to address the Senate. My remarks will be brief. Actually, I just want to say one thing – thank you.

I wish I could say it with the eloquence of one of my first friends in the Senate, Sen. Dale Bumpers, who told his stories and always made his case pacing these aisles like a lion, tethered to his specially made, extralong microphone cord – or with the breadth of vision of the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd, who sprinkled his classic Mother’s Day or Fourth of July speeches with memorized poetry and his vast command of history – or with the fire of my dear friend, the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, who would bellow to the rafters his passion for the America that could be and call on the Senate to make it so.

What a privilege to serve with such men – and so many other men and women who have made up this body over the last 24 years. You have been friends, advisors, sometimes adversaries – always worthy – and inspirations. Thank you.

My colleagues in this body are, to a man or woman, thoughtful, hardworking patriots. We don’t always agree – understandably. But every senator I have met is pursuing a course that he or she believes is best for the nation and advocating policies that he or she believes are best for their state. And when I have come to any of you with my ideas about what’s best for the nation or for my state, you have listened respectfully, counseled wisely, and helped when you could. Thank you.

The Senate is often referred to as a family, and that is certainly how I feel about my staff, many of whom are gathering today to say our goodbyes. Perhaps what I will miss most on leaving the Senate is coming to work every day in Washington and in Wisconsin with such a bright, creative and dedicated group of people – constantly focused on what’s best for our nation and Wisconsin, challenging and pushing me to be the best senator I could be. You cannot be a cynic about the future of this country when you work in an office like mine and have the privilege to interact with generations of intelligent, civicminded and loyal staffers. So I thank them all – for making a hard job not just easy, but enjoyable and for serving the people of Wisconsin tirelessly and exceedingly well.

My final thanks go to the extraordinary people of Wisconsin. Thank you for letting me pay back in part the great debt my family owes to the state that took in my immigrant mother and father and allowed our family – including my brothers Sidney and Allen and our sister Dolores – to grow and thrive. Thank you for taking a chance on me in that first election 24 years ago and renewing my contract three more times.

Thank you for trusting me with your problems and concerns, your hopes and dreams.

Please know that we have listened to you carefully and fought for you always. Every

Wisconsinite who wanted it – Democrat or Republican, rich or poor, farmer or city dweller – got full consideration in my office. And whether it was arranging a Capitol tour, finding a lost Social Security check, pushing for legislation to reform the federal dairy program, or reviving the shipbuilding industry in Marinette, every Wisconsinite had an ally and an advocate in us.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve these 24 years in this hallowed institution, alongside my fellow senators and my staff, and as the voice of the people of Wisconsin. For that, I thank you all one last time, and I yield the floor.

Herb Kohl U.S. senator Wisconsin Note: To see a summary of Sen. Kohl’s Senate record, please visit his official Web site, kohl.senate.gov/record-of-service.cfm

Please, no rhetoric I don’t know if children and teachers in Connecticut would have been killed if the ban on assault weapons would not have been lifted. But I do know it was the NRA that got the ban lifted. So it is time for the leadership of the NRA to stand up and show some courage and say, “We have a problem and we will help fix it.”

The standard cop-out slogans do nothing to address the problem. We have all heard them: guns don’t kill people, people kill people; all teachers should be armed, it’s a constitutional right, anyone who’s for gun control wants to eliminate hunting, our Founding Fathers wanted everybody to have a gun, it’s in the Constitution.

Sixty years ago there was a law requiring a plug in shotguns for duck hunting so you could have no more than three shells in your gun at a time. That law did not eliminate duck hunting. Why can’t we do this for all hunting rifles? I don’t know of a mass shooting where a three-shell shotgun was used.

Autos kill as many people very year, so we have laws regulating their usage. We drive on the right side, we have speed limits, we have airbags, we have registered automobiles and licensed drivers, you are tested to receive your license, you do not have the right to run kids down in a school crossing.

It is time for a similar, sensible effort to be made to control the violence of guns.

I have been a hunter all my life. I do not propose eliminating hunting.

I also have a daughter, who is a teacher in Connecticut (and a 15-year-old granddaughter) and they live only a few miles from the school that was attacked.

It is time to can the inflammatory rhetoric and have grown-ups make an effort to solve the problem of assault weapons.

Francis Peterson Rural Spooner

t h e - l e a d e r. n e t Yo u r c o m m u n i t y c o n n e c t i o n Letters policy: The Leader welcomes letters to the editor but reserves the right to edit or to reject letters for any reason. Letters should be no longer than 400 words in length and contain the signature, address and telephone number of the author. All letter writers will be limited to one published letter per 30 days, with the exception of rebuttals. The number of exchanges between letter writers will be decided by the editor. Thank-you letters are most appropriately published in specially designed box ads. Vulgarity, racial slurs and other mean-spirited, insulting terms are not allowed. Complaints about businesses and individuals involving private matters will not be published. Opinions expressed in letters are not those of the newspaper but rather those of the individual, who is solely responsible for the letter’s content. E-mailed letters are preferred. Letters may be sent to leadernewsroom@gmail.com or mailed to Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837.

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

COMMUNITY In praise of 3M volunteers The Ice Age Trail Indianhead Chapter wants to thank two special and generous guys.

There is Gordy Anderson, who drove many miles to put up signs at places where the Ice Age Trail intersects roads, making it possible for users to find the trail.

Then there is Herb Lundberg, always mowing-maintaining- planning- promoting the Ice Age Trail which goes right through the Lundberg property south of Frederic.

Anderson and Lundberg are two of many dedicated volunteers. What makes them extra special is the 3M Company they worked for until retirement. 3M Community Giving awards cash grants to education and charitable organizations, adding value to the real work hours volunteered by their employees and retired employees.

This year the IATA Indianhead Chapter received a $500 check from 3M, a dedicated match for Gordy and Herb’s hours of voluntary labor.

Marie-Anne Westigard Ice Age Trail – Indianhead Chapter Frederic

Not time to disarm everyone It’s time to arm several people in schools and other building where potential shooters tend to target, so when someone gets thoughts about shooting up a place, they would know they may encounter someone or several people in that place that may be armed as well, so they know they can’t just go in and shoot innocent people without possibly getting shot at.

First off, we would need to install a simple alarm system like the ones banks or fire departments use that several people inside these buildings could set off when a possible shooter or other potential problems occur, a system using cell phones to vibrate so only the people wearing these alarms would know of potential problems, and not young students for instance.

Systems should be set up by local or state levels and not the federal government that would find a way to make it too costly and a one size fits all with federal mandates and more government. Once an alert was sounded, teachers could lock doors and direct students on what to do without alarming them too much.

Someone at Sandy Hook turned on the PA system or things could have been even worse. At time, if someone there would have been able to shoot at the shooter maybe they could have saved a lot of lives. Possible gun carriers could be trained by police and conceal and carry trainers, coaches and or custodians may be the best suited for carrying guns in schools. For many years now, parents or teachers and bus drivers have not been allowed to discipline their kids, so in my

Victims of violence With all these tragic events happening in the world lately, it’s easy to lay the blame on someone or something.

Recently, I have been losing hope in humanity. Friday there was a man who stabbed 22 or 28 elementary age schoolchildren, depending on which sources you turn to, in China. The number doesn’t matter – it is still a tragedy. On that same day, there was the school shooting in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut where around 20 young children’s lives and futures were stolen from them. Both stories have grieved the world.

So who or what do we blame then?

The knife that killed the 22 children in China? The guns that killed 20 students and six adults? Or the people behind the weapons? Or maybe it’s a little of both.

We don’t blame the cars of the drunk drivers that kill on average, according to MADD statistics, 27 people every single day on the road, so why blame the knives or the guns? But on the other hand, should guns be so easily and readily available to put in the hands of a

opinion kids have lost respect and are not held responsible for their actions. It’s always someone else’s fault when they do some wrong.

Sad to say, but when someone is sentenced to life in prison, it isn’t just that person paying the price, it’s the taxpayers paying for it. Then so many of them are repeat offenders even after all the rehab we give them.

It’s sad that we have to wait until so many children and adults are killed before we think about doing something. Right away they always blame the guns and urges taking them away. Well, that’s why so many get killed in schools, etc. because are no guns in those places to defend or protect the children. And that is probably why they choose places like that. Because they can kill so many and it gets them more national attention, which is, what most of them are looking for?

Bill Kurtz St. Croix Falls

Freedom to Work Last week, the cradle of the union movement, Michigan, became the 24th right to work state. Michigan lawmakers called it Freedom to Work. This is an incredibly important development. Michigan and other right to work states have passed simple, but important laws. These laws provide that as a condition to employment, no worker will ever have to join a union or pay union dues. This is a fundamental freedom because having a job should never be contingent on joining a group or paying money to a group with which the worker disagrees. Over the years, this individual liberty has become particularly true with forced union dues because they amount to coerced contributions to the Democratic Party.

In response to Michigan granting this simple freedom, we again watched thuggish union members threaten the public, and politicians, destroy property and launch profanity-laced tirades at anyone within earshot.

For two reasons, Wisconsin must follow suit. First, Wisconsin workers seeking the simple dignity of a job should not be forced to choose between a job and paying money to an organization with which they disagree. Second, Wisconsin and its businesses are now at a competitive disadvantage to Michigan, Indiana and other right to work states.

Although they claim to be pro-choice, I would expect Democrats to violently oppose right to work legislation, since coerced union dues are the lifeblood of the Democrat Party. I guess Democrats are only pro-choice when it comes to killing unborn babies.

Call your representative and ask them to introduce and support a right to work law.

Glen Clausen Town of Black Brook

Assorted

chocolates Abby Ingalls killer? Does something, once and for all, need to be done about gun control?

It is questions like these that our nation is dealing with. In one group you have the staunch gun lovers and hunters who have every right to own a gun, and in the other you have the millions of families across the nation who have lost someone to some sort of gunrelated violence, whether it was accidental or intentional. So how do you win this argument? How many people need to die and how many mass shootings do we need to go through to figure something out?

And worse, how long will time pass until the names of these children and adults just become a fact, a statistic. We rarely bring up Columbine, Virginia Tech, or the Aurora movie shooting anymore unless another shooting happens

VIEWPOINTS Women of Frederic There are a number of women in the village of Frederic who go about making other people’s lives more pleasant on a daily basis. Many people are unaware of their presence. I am sure that I am missing some of the behind-the-scenes women myself.

The first thing that comes to mind is the wonderful re-enactment of the Christmas story. Anita Baker, for a number of years has organized the live nativity held in Frederic. The live nativity is complete with real animals. If you did not have a chance to see it this year, be sure to enjoy it next year. This reminds us of the “reason for the season.”

Another lady who is behind the scenes of many of Frederic’s events is Rae Lynn Neumann-Johnson. Rae Lynn makes many of the signs and decorations for almost all the events held in Frederic, from church and school, to community-related.

She is a tireless woman who does not look for credit, nor do any of these wonderful women that I would like to recognize.

Ginny Clausen can be seen making Frederic a pretty place to live and to visit.

Ginny puts in lots of time with all the flower plantings throughout the village.

She is often on her knees tending to the seasonal arrangements that grace the streets and walks.

Rebecca Harlander is behind the scenes of many of Frederic’s activities, from Family Days to winter events. Rebecca keeps the activities organized and the community informed. Frederic is a better community because of the unselfish nature of these women who give generously of themselves.

Thank you Anita, Rae Lynn, Ginny and Becky. Your talents are appreciated by many whether you realize it or not!

Blessings to you, Liz Petersen Rural Frederic

Government is the problem There is a reason that gun enthusiasts do not want gun control of any sort. The major reason is that neither the U.S. government nor the Supreme Court nor any politician can be trusted.

If you believe gun control works, look at Mexico: No guns except the military.

What about drug lords? 60,000 dead people just last year alone. Look at England: No guns yet they have SWAT teams across their country. Look at Spain: No guns yet they have murders daily. Look at Australia: The had to turn in their pistols.

Their violent crimes went up 12 percent.

As for trusting our government, politicians, Supreme Court, or legal system, read on.

Look at Social Security. Those funds initially were to be set aside and not part of the federal general fund. Lyndon Johnson like the one on Friday. The mass media swooped in like vultures honing in on prey and nearly stripped the dignity of these children and their families, doing anything to get some facts and answers.

Pictures and stories of victims, both children and adults, are being shared and passed along, going viral across Facebook and Twitter – some true, some not.

Fake quotes and statements, like the made-up statement supposedly by Morgan Freeman are also going viral, some agreeing with it, and some not. While it is good to remember the victims, there is a difference between remembering and showing respect.

I do believe, out of all of the chaos and hungry media and viral pictures across the Internet, we as Americans are desperate for answers. We are desperate for positive change. We are desperate for safety. It is so easy to ask the question, why? Why do things like this happen? It is also easy to hate those that did these heinous crimes. But what if we were asked to do the most difficult thing of all – to pray and care for not just the victims, but the perpetrator’s family as well, because they too lost someone? Re-

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

changed that by making it unrestricted funding to be spent in any way the politicians choose. It was to be paid to citizens that had been gainfully employed and placed money into that fund; they were to be guaranteed income after retirement.

The Supreme Court ruled that it must be available to everyone at age 62 or older with full benefits available if you waited until you were 65. Now, the money has been spent by our illustrious politicians and they are looking at all avenues of managing the meager amount that is available. They are even looking at capping it at what it is currently at if you also put money into a 401(k) or private investment.

Look at Medicare. Those funds were to be a total of 13 percent of your annual earnings during the entire time you worked to provide you with an “ongoing insurance” policy that would provide you with medical care. Those funds have again been squandered by our politicians and Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that whether you put money into it or not, you are entitled to those benefits.

The money is gone, rates went up approximately 8.7 percent last year, and now the news media announced that the federal government is now going to ask for an additional $63/per person per year on top of that to pay for ever-decreasing benefits.

The Bush-era tax cuts also include underfunding a defunct system by an additional 2 percent per year.

Look at the lottery money. Originally, the amount earned by the state was to go into only education and natural resources.

It is now part of the general fund that is funneled into entitlement programs, some education, some natural resources and wherever our politicians deem necessary to spend the money.

Look at DUI legislation. Originally it was to keep drunk/drugged drivers off the road. Just recently either Minnesota or Wisconsin announced they had jailed a person for their 27th DUI. Once the politicians and attorneys get to play with any law, the original intent is ignored entirely.

Please don’t ask for any legislation of any sort. Once the politicians, government, Supreme Court and attorneys get done with it the original intent is gone.

Our politicians and government have proven time and time again that they are the problem, not the citizens.

Dave Wilhelmy Siren

The Leader

Connect to your community member what starts most evil doings is hate – we are not called to hate, but to love, even if choosing love is the most difficult task of all.

There is a man from my graduating class who is wasting away in jail, because of some stupid and hateful decisions. But I remember when that same man was a 6-year-old boy and he invited me to his birthday party and all either of us had to worry about was how many slices of cake we would get to eat that afternoon. Evil comes in all different races, genders, shapes and sizes.

Evil isn’t born into someone’s heart, it is taught and made and molded by the people that hurt them, betrayed them, bullied them, hated them. And that, above all, is the reason why we must choose love even in times like these – because we never know who we are affecting or what future killers or drug addicts our children will invite to their next birthday party. Remember the next generation is being molded and taught by this generation, here and now, and every life matters.

N E W S P A P E R

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

COMMUNITY Congressional failure I know we are all horrified with the killing of those 20 innocent children in Connecticut.

Each time one of these mass killings take place, I find myself getting more angry at the politicians who do not have the courage to stand up to NRA and pass some meaningful gun control legislation.

For this reason, I propose that we stop providing funding for the metal detectors and other security that we now provide for our Congressional offices and Capitol building.

If Congress does not have the courage to pass legislation to protect my 4-year-old grandson I do not want my tax dollars to go toward security to protect them.

Dave Dueholm Madison

Wisconsin needs employement On Jan. 25, 2012, I wrote the following to Sens. Kohl and Johnson, Rep. Duffy, Gov. Walker, Sen. Harsdorf and Rep. Severson.

“With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down, we need to bring back all our weapons and equipment, not only to protect our own national security, but with the intent of refurbishing this equipment in the state of Wisconsin, equipped to do such work. Refurbishing equipment

would result in much-needed jobs as well as providing restored equipment to redeploy to U.S. Reserves and National Guard Units.

“Our state has very few military contracts and we need the work. Remember Burnett County is one of the poorest counties in the state, and Polk County has the most people taking their lives. More work is a very good partial solution for both of these problems.

“Our area is rich in human and natural resources. We have a skilled workforce in the Grantsburg and Osceola areas that can do this type of work. Grantsburg reversed engineered helicopter parts to extend the life of this aircraft. We have a lot of highly skilled craftsmen and farmers who can fix anything and are waiting for the opportunity to help our counties and our country out.

“I expect all our public servants to contact our federal team and sell Paul Ryan and others on this plan for Wisconsin.

“The driving force behind this request is that both Burnett and Polk counties have high unemployment, and Burnett has an 18-percent poverty rate, almost double that of Polk County.”

After many months, I received one reply from Kohl sharing how to go after DOD contracts.

To say that I am disappointed in the lack of interest is an understatement. Does anything productive get done in D.C.?

Rich Hess Trade Lake

VIEWPOINTS Election fraud As each state reports their final election details, the evidence of voter fraud is astounding. Massive voter fraud is being reported in areas of Ohio and Florida, with Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Virginia, all deploying personnel to investigate election results.

For starters, here are just a few examples of what has surfaced with much more to come. · In 59 voting districts in the Philadelphia region, Obama received 100 percent of the votes with not even a single vote recorded for Romney. (a mathematical and statistical impossibility, see below. · In 21 districts in Wood County, Ohio, Obama received 100 percent of the votes where GOP inspectors were illegally removed from their polling locations, and not one single vote was recorded for Romney. A statistical impossibility, see below. · In Wood County, Ohio, 106,258 voters were registered to vote in a county with only 98,213 eligible voters. · In St. Lucie County, Fla., there were 175,574 registered eligible voters but 247,713 votes cast. · The National SEAL Museum, a polling location in St. Lucie County, Fla., had a 158-percent voter turnout, the highest voter overage in entire the country. Second was Palm Beach County, Fla., with a 141-percent voter turnout overage. · In Ohio County, Obama won by 108 percent of the total number of eligible voters.

Note: Obama won in every state that did not require a photo ID and lost in every state that did require a photo ID in order to vote. Facts from your computer: american3rdposition.com/?p=8416 The University of Colorado Department of Political Science Electoral Vote projection is the most accurate presidential election model in our history. They were the only source that correctly called the 1980 Reagan/Carter results. They have correctly modeled every presidential election since with their projected electoral totals never off by more than one percent..

Their method is not a standard political poll process. They include complex algorithms that includes key economic, employment and social measures. They build their models state by state to assure sufficient granularity for top accuracy. It is mathematically possible that statistical error could cause them to incorrectly project one state. But it is mathematically impossible for them to incorrectly project more than one. Their 2012 model projected Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia for the Romney/Ryan ticket. The results reported by those secretaries of state were different.

Add to this the survey data showing the Democrat ticket losing support from 2008 among blacks, Jews, Catholics and Independents, and the results reported for the above-named states are mathematically impossible.

Sam Jones Siren

Christmas bird count Meeting the winter neighbors in Luck and Grantsburg

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer LUCK/GRANTSBURG – From chickadees to eagles, many birds, big and small, stay in our area all winter. Last weekend, volunteers in Luck and Grantsburg identified at least 42 species of birds as they joined folks around the nation who went out to meet their winter neighbors. The annual Christmas bird count, coordinated by the National Audubon Society, is an organized attempt to measure the winter bird population.

Early last Sunday morning, before sunrise, 15 people gathered for breakfast at the home of Robin Maercklein and Irene Bugge in rural Balsam Lake. Even at 6:30 in the morning, three counters had already been out to find owls and had been successful in locating three great horned owls and a barred owl. After a briefing, the teams went out for a day of bird spotting.

The Luck teams found 42 species, besting the previous record of 36 set in 1997 and 1999. The Grantsburg count had not been compiled at press time but Dennis Allaman said at least 28 species were counted there. There were some rare findings including two-tufted titmice, previously found only in 1982 and 1957, and two red crossbills, a first in 28 years. There were some record numbers found including 44 ring-necked pheasants, 52 mourning doves, 99 American tree sparrows, and 168 snow buntings.

The counts were done by teams covering assigned areas by car. The Luck count area

was a 15-mile diameter circle centered at 180th Avenue and 180th Street. The area was divided into five sections with a team of three in each, a driver who had to watch the snow-covered roads and look for birds, and two spotters. Homes with bird feeders were a good destination and many home owners probably wondered why a car was parked in front of their house with people viewing their home with binoculars.

Feeders provided a great concentration of birds but the spottings were everywhere.

A road-killed deer hosted two eagles hassled by a posse of crows. A flock of turkeys stood out in a distant field. And there was a swirl of birds, looking like a swarm of gnats, above the treetops. At many spots, the teams parked cars and viewed the birds with powerful scopes.

The winter bird count is a long tradition in our area. The Grantsburg count has been going on for over 40 years. The first Luck count was in 1952 and 28 counts have been held off and on since then. The count last Saturday, Dec. 15, in Grantsburg involved 13 people split into seven teams. The Luck count the following Sunday included 15 counters in five teams. The complete counts for the two areas will be in the paper next week.

While two species, the tufted titmouse and red crossbill, made new appearances, two species seem to be in significant decline, Maercklein said. Red-headed woodpeckers were commonly found each year through the early 1980s but have only been seen in four winter counts since 1984 and not at all since 1998. And the evening grosbeak was seen yearly through 1990 but has not been seen on the winter count since 1998.

Luck bird count volunteers being briefed by Robin Maercklein (left, facing camera)at the start of the Christmas bird count. - Photos by Gregg Westigard

The Luck count area was a 15-mile diameter circle centered at 180th Avenue and 180th Street.

The area was divided into five sections with a team of three in each, a driver who had to watch the snow-covered roads and look for birds, and two spotters.

Marie-Anne Westigard and Chet Anderson counting the winter birds.

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Siren school officials respond to Newtown, Conn., tragedy

by Jean Koelz Leader staff writer SIREN—After news broke on Friday, Dec. 14, about the devastating school shooting in Connecticut, Siren School Superintendent Scott Johnson met with high school Principal Peggy Ryan and K-6 Principal Sarah Johnson to discuss a plan of action. In a memo sent out on Sunday, Johnson invited staff members to Monday morning meetings with each principal to discuss how the subject should be handled with students. “I want to emphasize to each and every one of you how important

your position will be tomorrow in helping to instill a sense of calmness and confidence in our students,” Johnson wrote, as he went on to detail the district’s efforts to thoroughly review all safety plans and procedures. Johnson invited all questions and concerns to be discussed first at a Monday morning administrative meeting, then later at a district safety committee meeting.

“My purpose will be to inform our parents and community that our staff is very well-informed and trained how to deal with an unforeseen crisis,” Johnson said.

He also went on to thank all staff members

for their work and encouraged them to stay focused on education. “Our philosophy this week will be on maintaining a very safe school, a sound education and business as usual. We must not allow these awful events to force us to live in fear.”

Johnson closed the memo by encouraging staff members to “be sure to let every student know how important they are to us.”

Other Siren school business was conducted at the regular board meeting on Monday, Dec. 17. Board members ratified a wage negotiation settlement with support staff, discussed a resolution to join the

Lakeland insurance cooperative, and reviewed bids for property insurance. In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of part-time kitchen helper Joe Switajewski and hired Rhonda Demars as his replacement. The board also hired Christine Brown as the new head cook, Jensen Anderson as the new part-time special education paraprofessional and Christine Sundberg as the new forensics advisor. The board also authorized the administration to post a vacancy for a new bus monitor.

Village to use CDBG for water meters and related work

by Sherill Summer Leader staff writer WEBSTER – A contract to administer the estimated $419,000 Community Development Block Grant was approved at the Webster Village Board meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 12. This money will pay for new water meters among other things.

There are approximately 440 residential and business meters in the village. The village board is deciding if all or most of the meters will be replaced. This will depend, in part, on cost. Three companies have been contacted to start the process of sorting through choices of meter styles and costs.

Another decision yet to be made is if the work of changing out the meters will be contracted out or if the public works department will install the meters.

If the job is contracted out, the federal wage rate would be used, and the job would be bid out. On the other hand, if the public works department installed the me-

ters, installation would be a lengthy process.

The village is still waiting for the approximately $970,000 DNR Safe Drinking Water funding that will fund much of the waterutility improvements planned for next year. Webster was already awarded the money, but Wisconsin lawmakers did not get around to formally accepting the program’s federal dollars in 2012. They are expected to do so in the January session.

The first step last year to receive funding from the DNR was filing an intent to apply. The village’s engineering firm MSA filed another such form this year on behalf of the village even through they were already awarded money. Dave Rasmussen of MSA said this is standard procedure, and it keeps Webster on the funding list.

Pawn shop and maybe Cameras on Main Street

Sara and Dennis Stadler are in the process of purchasing a building on Main

Street where they would like to start up a pawn shop. The village does have ordinances for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers. The Stadlers are complying with the ordinances, and the ordinances appear to be adequate for this type of business.

There has been a rash of burglaries in the village lately. Police Chief Michael Spafford wants the village to consider putting cameras on Main Street, pointing out that many cities have had them for years.

Chair of the village’s judiciary committee, Charlie Weis, asked Spafford for prices and examples of where cameras have solved problems they were intended to solve.

Caucus set

Terms for village President Jeff Roberts and Trustees Kelly Gunderson, Tim Maloney and Charlie Weis are ending this cycle. Candidates for these seats will be selected during the caucus prior to the January board meeting, scheduled for

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013. The caucus will begin at 5:45 p.m.

Other business

Webster Village will again give holiday bonuses to village employees. The bonus amount will be the same as last year: $100 for full-time employees and $50 for parttime employees.

Bruce Gibbs, of Bruce’s Auto, will again remove snow from Webster Village streets.

The $70 cost per hour is the same price as last year.

Webster was not awarded a DOT Safe Routes to School grant. The grant would have paid for sidewalk along Fairgrounds Road for students to use when walking to town. Webster was among 74 other applicants seeking $16.5 million in project funding. The DOT had $3.6 million available for projects. Seventeen projects were funded.

Blaze claims Laketown building

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer TOWN OF LAKETOWN – A two-alarm fire claimed a large storage building in rural Laketown on Thursday evening, Dec. 13.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, dispatch received a 911 call of the blaze at 2782 200th St. at 4:39 p.m. The Cushing Fire Department was first called to the scene, with the Luck Fire Department dispatched for mutual aid just a few minutes later, at 4:53 p.m.

Firefighters from Luck said the blaze could be seen from over a mile away to the east, yet the firefighters were able to keep the inferno from spreading to the neighboring home, just a few dozen yards away.

The blaze kept firefighters on the scene until after 7:30 p.m.

The building was reportedly filled with numerous stored items belonging to Leroy Gutzmer, owner of the property. There were no injuries in the blaze and no cause has been officially determined. The structure was deemed a total loss and reportedly very little could be saved.

This is the scene at 2782 200th St. in rural Laketown, shortly after a storage building blaze had been extinguished by the Cushing and Luck fire departments on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 13. - Photo by Greg Marsten

State superintendent issues statement on school shooting

WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Picture Wisconsin’s past

MADISON — Wisconsin State Superintendent Tony Evers issued a statement of condolence and support to the community of Newtown, Conn., as it deals with the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 14.

“My heart and prayers go out to victims of this tragic shooting and their families. Also in my heart and prayers are all the students, parents and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. For them and for the whole community of Newtown, I offer our support as they cope with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Their lives Evers and their community have been changed forever.

“These will be difficult times for parents and schoolchildren everywhere, including in Wisconsin. We must support and care for our children as they hear about this tragedy and try to understand that which is incomprehensible and senseless.” - from DPI

the-leader.net Connect to your community

Robert M. La Follette Sr. is shown campaigning in Cumberland in 1900. La Follette led the reform faction in Wisconsin’s Republican Party, and in 1900 he was elected governor. Under his leadership, Wisconsin became an example of progressive government. La Follette was also a U.S. senator from Wisconsin (1906-1925) and ran for president of the United States as the nominee of his own Progressive Party in 1924, carrying Wisconsin and 17 percent of the national popular vote. A Senate committee selected La Follette as one of the five greatest U.S. senators, along with Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun and Robert Taft. - from the collection of Albert O. Barton

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

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• Myrna Bistram • Cindy Carlson • Judy Ann Dittrich • Marlys Elrod • Anne Lindquist • Judy Minke • Jeanine Moody • Kari Steffen • Laurie Stevens

G Gayle ayle O Olson, lson, G GRAPHICS RAPHICS P PRODUCTION RODUCTION

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• Sue Buck • Shirley Christianson • Cindy Denn • Katie Grey • Mary Hedlund • Linda Hoefs • Kari Java • Connie Magnuson • Pam Nerby • Karen Niles • Sue Renno • Laurie Schmidt • Becky Strabel

Bill Moran, MGR. B ill M oran, PPRODUCTION RODUCTION M GR.

• Pat Bates • Robert Beyer • Michelle Flaherty • Carolyn Foltz • Kevin Hacker • Robert Harrison • Lettie McDonough • Shawn Peterson • Eddie Reh • Linda Sandmann • Dave VanderHeyden • Peggy Dueholm • Jake Matz • Matthew Elrod • Barb Hoag • Tonie Horky • Kaj Juergensen • Wendy Larson • Devin Moats • Sue Pribula • Linda Raschick • Patty Roettger • Eugene Ruhn • Gary Schommer

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

Operation Help

Frederic

Photos submitted

Santa’s workshop

Frederic School District has started a 6-12 schoolwide, weeklong fundraiser with various contests and activities to generate money for local families who are hurting this holiday season. Last year in one week the 612 school, staff and community raised over $3,000 to help local families and they are hoping to do even more this year. The staff and students wish to extend gratitude to the entire community for all their efforts.

Indian Creek

INDIAN CREEK – The third-annual Santa’s Workshop at the American Legion hall in Indian Creek was held on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 13. This was a free event for all children sponsored by the Indian Creek American Legion Auxiliary. They also collected nonperishable food items, which were donated to the local food shelf.

LEFT: Ian Stoeklen sharing his Christmas list with Santa. – Photo by Jeanine Moody ABOVE: Although his face might not show it in this photo, Leelan Moody sure had fun decorating cookies. – Photo by Jeanine Moody ABOVE RIGHT: Maci Werner felt a little better about sitting on Santa’s lap when she got to hold his jingle bells. – Photo by Jessica Owens

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Polar Express

Siren

The students posing in front of the ticket booth are: Back row (L to R): Josie Hagert, Gage Hall, Angela McCollough, Dillon Buskirk, Isaiah Lindquist and Elaina Tijerina. Front row: Chase Anderson.

Justus Christianson was a reader. The story was broken into parts and he read his part of the story.

Rylee Nelson welcomed everyone to the performance.

Ethan Eideh served the hot cocoa and treats.

Photos by MacKenzie Erickson

High school Christmas program

ABOVE: Soloist Jacob Tomczak performs at the Siren High School Christmas program on Monday, Dec. 17.

RIGHT: Choir members Asa Hunter, Lizzie Stanford and Amber Hanson.

Siren

The Siren swing choir. is back row (L to R): Jade Taylor, Jacob Tomczak, Lucas Stiemann, Will Barr and Lizzie Stanford. Front row: Jessica Strabel , Laurel Kannenberg, Toni Petersen, Allie Webster, Emily Stiemann and Aubri Larson.

BELOW: The Siren High School band provided some joyous holiday music during the concert. – Photos by MacKenzie Erickson

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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

Blizzard boys unable to break tie with Legacy

Win big over Moose Lake earlier in the week

Extra Points

Blizzard 4, Legacy 4

by Scott Hoffman Leader staff writer SIREN – Blizzard defenseman Matt Larson scored a go-ahead goal in the third period assisted by Brandon Ryan, breaking a three-goal tie with northern Twin City area Legacy Christian Academy on Tuesday, Dec. 18, but was they could not hold on to that lead, giving up a goal with only 53 seconds left in regulation. The Blizz eventually finished in a deadlock with L.C.A. 4-4.

Blizzard Coach Grant Nicolls felt maybe they let this game slip out of their grasp.

Burnett Blizzard co-op peppered their opponents by nearly double-outshooting them, 43–22, in regulation. They had plenty of good chances to put this game away but sloppy play around the goal early in the game kept Legacy in it. Each time the Blizzard would pull ahead by a goal they would give it up on sloppy defensive play.

Teams exchanged penalties throughout the game and almost all goals were scored on power plays. The third-period Larson goal to temporarily put the Blizz ahead came on a five-to-three power play. Alex Hopkins had a big night around the net, scoring twice and assisting on another.

Jake Swenson was also on target with a goal and many big hustle plays.

Blizzard player Alex Hopkins scores a goal against Legacy Christian Academy in Siren on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Hopkins had two goals and an assist in a game that ended in a 4-4 tie. – Photos by Scott Hoffman

Blizzard 12, Moose Lake 0 MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Blizzard boys hockey team blanked Moose Lake at the Riverside Arena in Moose Lake, Minn., on Friday, Dec. 14. It was the team’s second conference win of the season and a big night for Jake Swenson, who had four goals on the night, and Dakota

Bryce Ryan deflects a shot on goal against Legacy Christian Academy.

Blizzard’s Vinny Larson eyes a shot that went wide of the net.

Linke, who had two assists.

The Blizzard scored five goals in the first period with the first coming on a goal from Brandon Ryan on assist from Alex Hopkins. Swenson scored the second goal on assist by Linke. Max Norman scored the third goal unassisted. Shay Johnson put the Blizzard up 4-0 with a goal on assist from Bryce Ryan and Drew Alderman, and Bryce Ryan scored the final goal of the period unassisted with 15 minutes, 39 seconds in the first.

Swenson would score the first two goals

of the second period on assists from Andrew Coy and Vinny Larson, and Alderman put the Blizzard up 8-0 with a goal and assists from Max Norman and Johnson. The final goal of the second period came with 16:18 on the clock on a Matt Larson goal on assist from Swenson, who scored his fourth goal of the game unassisted in the third period. Alex Hopkins scored the 11th goal, and Brett Richison scored the final goal of the game on assist from Linke. Brandon Roufs was credited for six saves in the Blizzard victory.

••• DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team ended a two-game losing streak on Saturday, Dec. 15, with a 79-68 win over Finlandia University. Identical twin brothers and former Luck basketball standouts Cole and Alec Mortel each logged playing time in the win with Cole shooting 3 of 8 from the floor for 10 points and Alec four points on the night. Cole also had four assists and Cole Mortel a steal in the win.

The Division 3 Saints are off to a 2-7 start so far this season and have two games left before they begin Upper Midwest Athletic Conference action.

Cole and Alec are Alec Mortel sophomores this season and the sons of Jessica and Gary Mortel. Cole is majoring in elementary education while Alec is studying marketing and management.

– Marty Seeger with information from csssaints.com ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of St. Thomas women’s basketball team powered their way to their seventh straight victory over St. Olaf College on Tuesday, Dec. 11. The Tommies are currently 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the Division 3 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Sophomore starter Carley Emery, who was a well-known scoring threat for the Siren Dragons, went 1 for 3 from 3-point range Carley Emery against St. Olaf for three points, with one assist. Emery has been a mainstay on a successful Tommies team this season, which included a big win over No. 1 ranked UW-Stevens Point back in November, where Emery also had a pair of threes.

She had a season-high 14 points in a 59-41 win over Hamline University in early December.

– Marty Seeger with information from tommiesports.com ••• LEADER LAND – The Frederic at Luck boys and girls basketball games are being broadcast on 104.9 FM on Thursday, Dec. 20, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

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 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Shorthanded Vikings fall at St. Croix

had two and Jake Sargent had one.

Saints offense explodes in second half

Grantsburg 52, Turtle Lake 41 GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Pirates boys basketball team was able to hand the Turtle Lake Lakers their first loss of the season on Friday, Dec. 14. It was a win full of positives for the Pirates against a Lakers team that will be tough to beat this year.

“What a great defensive effort against a tough, balanced team. They’re not going to lose a lot of games this year,” said Pirates coach Nick Hallberg.

Grantsburg trailed 9-4 after the first quarter but regained the lead 18-16 at halftime. The game remained close throughout the third quarter but the Pirates clung to a 34-33 lead heading into the fourth quarter, where they buckled down and outscored the Lakers 18-8 for the win.

Brady Thompson led the offensive efforts with 22 points, followed by Jacob Ohnstad, 15, Connor Myers, 13, and Joe Gaffney and Jaeger Staeven each had one.

The Pirates shot well from the free-throw line going 13 of 18.

“We just kept battling and basically outlasted them in the fourth quarter. Total team effort defensively and guys like Brady, Ohnstad and Connor picked us up on the other end. I couldn’t be happier about what happened out there tonight,” Hallberg said.

St. Croix Falls 70, Frederic 44

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The Viking boys basketball team had a rough week leading up to their game against the Saints Friday, Dec. 14. Some came down with illness earlier in the week and had missed practice, and starting senior Adam Chenal was still recuperating and watched the game from the bench. Frederic still gutted it out in a close game throughout the first half, trailing by one point after the first quarter and 28-21 at halftime. The Saints, however, wore the Vikings down in the second half.

Just over a minute into the third quarter, St. Croix Falls extended their lead to 12 points with a Nick Lunde bucket and 3-pointer from Niko Neuman. Lunde had a solid game throughout for the Saints, leading with 18 points and nine assists in a well-balanced Saints scoring attack. St.

Saints junior Nick Lunde had a big night against Frederic Friday, Dec. 14, leading St. Croix Falls with 18 points and nine assists. – Photo by Marty Seeger Croix Falls had a solid fourth quarter, Unity 55, Webster 17 pulling away from Frederic with 28 points WEBSTER – Unity didn’t have much and holding the Vikings to 10 points. trouble taming the Tigers boys on Friday, Andrew Erickson finished with his sec- Dec. 14, holding them to just five points in ond double-double of the season with 16 the first half and putting up 37 points of points, 11 boards, and Neuman had 13 their own. points. Junior Zarek Kubesh finished with Jacob Ruck had 11 points for the Eagles 10 points, followed by Noah Casterton, followed by Dakota Ward and Brandon six, Mark Wampfler, five, and Trevor McKenzie each with eight, Jordan Lowe, Cross, two. seven, Oliver Raboin, seven, Dylan Ruck, For Frederic, Jack Neumann finished four, Justin Mooney and Aaron Koshatka with 11 points, three steals and a block, each had three apiece and Nolan Merrill while Austin Kurkowski had 10 points, and Cash Hickethier each had two.

Chris Schorn, Jaryd Braden and Ian Lexen Webster’s Oudy Weber had six, Shawn had seven and Dan Larson added two.

Stevens and Dade McCarthy each had three, Sean Martinez and Mike Johnson St. Croix Falls junior Trevor Cross gets fouled on his way to a layup by Zachary Schmidt of Frederic. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Sophomore Mark Wampfler shoots the ball beyond the arc against the Vikings. – Photo

by Marty Seeger

Dylan Ruck lays it in for an easy bucket. – Photo by Josh Johnson, MaxPreps

Webster’s Dade McCarthy goes up for the layup against the Eagles on Friday, Dec. 14. – Photo by Josh Johnson, MaxPreps

Oliver Raboin goes up strong to the hoop while Mike Johnson, left, and Shawn Stevens, right, look on. – Photo by Josh Johnson, MaxPreps

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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Lady Saints too much for the Vikings

Fast start for Frederic shut down quickly St. Croix Falls 58, Frederic 32

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – Backed by 21 points and five rebounds from Jessica Rademacher, as well as playing a stingy defense, the St. Croix Falls girls basketball team cruised to their fourth straight win of the season in a win over Frederic Friday, Dec. 14. The Saints remain unbeaten with the win while the Vikings are still looking for their first conference win after losing the past three. Despite the loss, it was a positive start for Frederic as they trailed 17-13 at the end of the first quarter.

“I felt we had a strong offensive start to the game in the first quarter, only trailing by four. Lara Harlander did a nice job creating shots for herself and others, getting to the free-throw line as well,” said Vikings coach Troy Wink.

Harlander was 4 for 5 from the line at the end of the first quarter and had 11 points total, including a 3-pointer just before the buzzer, but the good start was short-lived as the Saints started taking over.

Saints senior Natalie Sempf had seven steals, one block, five rebounds and six assists in the game and the team totaled 15 steals on the night. They kept the Vikings scoreless in the second quarter and took a 33-13 lead at halftime. The Saints never looked back after that.

“I felt we played OK on the defensive end, but ultimately they were too strong of a team. They are extremely skilled inside and made it tough for us to get timely rebounds or take away all of their options,” Wink said.

Along with Rademacher’s 21 points, St. Croix Falls displayed a well-balanced scoring attack with Sydney Geisness putting up nine points with six rebounds and six assists. Jordie Johnson, Sempf and Mariah Rohm each had six points, followed by Erica Bergmann and Bailey Hansen each with four and Jerrica Jones with two points.

The Vikings were led by Harlander with 15 points, followed by Carly Gustafson, five, Lexi Domagala, four, Kendra Mossey, three, Makayla Arthurs and Rachel Thomas each had two and Katie Simpson,

Natalie Sempf saves a ball from going out of bounds against the Vikings. Sempf had seven steals for the Saints. – Photo by Marty Seeger and led 15-13 at halftime. The Eagles conone. tinued to keep a slight two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but were Unity 55, Webster 23 WEBSTER – Unity’s Shauna Jorgenson outscored 8-4 in the overtime period.

Sarah Bader and Shauna Jorgenson each continued her scoring spree against Webster on Friday, Dec. 14, putting up 32 had 14 points and Maddie Ramich added eight, followed by Emily Gross, four, and points as the Eagles won handily 55-23.

Unity held the Tigers to three points in Anna Ebensperger, two.

The Bears got 18 points from Abbey the first quarter and Jorgenson had 17 points in the first half to help give the Ea- Ketz and 12 from McKenzie Kanipes, and remained undefeated on the season at 5gles a comfortable 31-11 lead at the half.

Other Eagle scorers included Maddie 0.

Ramich with 14 points, Sarah Bader, four, Grantsburg 58, Turtle Lake 39 Markell Ramich and Anna Ebensperger TURTLE LAKE – After a bit of a slow each had two and Gabrielle Foeller had start, the Pirate girls basketball team powone.

The Tigers were led by Raelyn Tretsven ered their way to a big win over Turtle with seven points, Angel Christianson Lake on Thursday, Dec. 13. The Lakers and Stefani Wambolt each had five, had an 8-5 lead after the first quarter but Christina Weis, four and Lexi Piepho two. Grantsburg’s Sam Schwieger’s four 3pointers in the first half, including three in the second quarter, helped the Pirates take Clayton 46, Unity 42 CLAYTON – The Unity girls basketball a 24-16 halftime lead.

“We started out slow on the offensive team kept pace with the Clayton Bears last Thursday, Dec. 13, only to fall in overtime. end. We got the looks and shots we Unity had a 7-4 lead in the first quarter wanted but they weren't falling,” said

Sarah Bader goes in for a layup past Webster’s Stefani Wambolt. – Photo by Josh Johnson, MaxPreps coach Kelly Hallberg. “We stayed the course and were patient. As a result, the ball started to drop!”

The Pirates had a commanding 43-26 lead heading into the fourth quarter and never looked back, while Schwieger continued to put up big numbers and finished with 29. Kylie Pewe had 13 points for the Pirates, followed by Stacy McKenzie, six, Macy Hanson, five, Olivia Tucker, four, and Jen Schwieger, one.

Hallberg that the game was a critical and timely win, and commended Schwieger for her shooting and defense, as well as McKenzie for her 10 rebounds, six of which, came on offense. Pewe, Hallberg added, had critical and temposetting shots, and Macy Hanson was a fierce defender throughout the night. She also said Jen Schwieger fought hard and was intense on defense.

“I was very impressed with our team’s chemistry tonight. We played excellent defense! We executed both offensively and defensively,” Hallberg said. “Everyone was involved. The starters, the bench, and water girls are to be acknowledged for this team win!”

Luck girls upend Dragons Luck 54, Siren 49

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Luck Cardinal girls basketball squad stayed in the upper end of the West Lakeland Conference with a conference victory over perennial leader Siren on Friday, Dec. 14, on the Dragons home court.

The Dragons jumped to an early lead, relinquished that lead at times, but still led the Cardinals at the half by a point, 22-21.

The contest was closely matched all the way, and even when the Cards pulled away toward the end, the Dragons stayed in the hunt, courtesy several long, downtown bombs by Siren junior Mackenzie Smith, who also earned high scorer honors for her squad with 14 points. Junior Carly Good added 10 points to the Dragon total.

Luck senior Avery Steen matched Smith’s point total of 14 points, in part due to 6-of-7 free-throw success. Junior Camille Marsten was right behind her with an even dozen points, with no other players in double figures.

“A victory over the Siren Dragons on their home floor is always a big win for the Cardinals,” Luck head coach Marty Messar said. “We have developed a very competitive rivalry with Siren that goes back many years.”

The victory was not pretty for either squad, and while fouls played a large part

Siren freshman Caitlynn Daniels drives the ball upcourt against the Cardinals on Friday. – Photo by Greg Marsten of the outcome, neither team had stellar ter shooting percentage.

“But we got timely points and got success on their shooting.

“We didn’t win because we shot well,” enough stops on defense to secure a win,” Messar confirmed, noting his team had Messar said. “Our rebounding was good just 30-percent success. “And again we as Camille Marsten had 18 boards, Angela Gore had eight rebounds, Darian (Ogilvie) struggled at the foul line.”

While Luck completed just 11 of 19 free- had seven.”

Messar also mentioned several clutch 3bies, Siren converted 9 of 14 attempts, which kept them in the contest at times. point shots at the end of each half by senBut Siren’s foul count led to more free ior Jaimee Buck, and how they helped throw attempts for Luck, which made a keep the Cards on top down the stretch. difference in the end, despite their lacklus- Buck finished with six points.

Luck junior Jillian Klatt goes up against Siren junior Hope Peterson for a shot.

Siren’s strong perimeter shooting kept them in the contest all night, and 18 of their final points came from 3-point shots.

Luck was able to hold on in the final minutes, and kept the Dragons at bay as the clock expired, staying ahead and holding on for the win, 54-49.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Blizzard girls cruise over Tomahawk

Third-period flurry of goals helps seal win Blizzard 12, Tomahawk 4

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer TOMAHAWK – The Blizzard girls hockey team allowed the Hatchets to hang around a bit during a game at Tomahawk Saturday, Dec. 15, leading 6-4 early in the third period, but from that point on it was a flurry of six goals by the Blizzard that ultimately ended the game with a win.

Despite an early penalty for roughing, it didn’t seem to slow the Blizzard as Kassie Lien took the puck and passed to Wendy Roberts who scored the first goal of the game. A short time later, Sam O’Brien scored a goal on an assist from Sophie Klein and gave the Blizzard a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period.

Tomahawk did manage to put their first goal in the net early in the second period, but the Blizzard answered with a Paige Johnson goal on an assist from Lien. The Hatchets answered again, however, but not before Ashley Dietmeier found the net on assist from Roberts and Lien. Tomahawk managed to score the next goal to make it a 4-3 game, but the Blizzard

pulled ahead 6-3 before the buzzer signaled the end of the second period, when Roberts scored on an assist from O’Brien, and Lien scored on an assist from Roberts and O’Brien.

Although the Blizzard allowed one goal at the start of the third period to Tomahawk, that was all they would allow from that point on, scoring six more times in the third period for the big win.

Mackenzie Omer went in on a breakaway to score, assisted by Johanna Lauer, Sam O’Brien put in three goals and Wendy Roberts put in two more with assists going to Taylor Heathman, Abby Stevens, Lien and Tianna Stewart to end the game. Net minder Hope Tucker had 21 saves on the day. – with submitted information

WSFLG Blizzard Sam O’Brien takes an opening faceoff during an earlier game this season. The Blizzard girls won big at Tomahawk last Saturday, Dec. 15, to even their season record at 4-4. – File Photo by Scott Hoffman

Viking girls fall at home against Rush City haeuser to just six points.

Jessica Rademacher continues to put up impressive numbers leading the Saints with a double-double 21 points and 12 rebounds. Teammate Sydney Geisness also had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Other scorers for the Saints included Matti Gerlach with five, and Natalie Sempf and Taylor Orton each with four, Bailey Hansen, two, and Erica Bergmann, one.

Webster girls get a win over Birchwood Rush City 60, Frederic 54

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The Viking girls basketball team let a 17-11 first quarter lead slip by at home on Tuesday, Dec. 18, as the Rush City, Minn., Tigers pulled through with a nonconference win in Frederic.

“I felt we played a strong game, worked hard, but had one poor quarter, the second, that hurt us,” said Vikings coach Troy Wink.

The Vikings scored just five points in the second quarter and allowed the Tigers to take a 28-22 lead at the half.

“We outplayed them three of four quarters but all it took was that one bad quarter,” Wink said. “To our girls credit, we responded at halftime and came out with some better execution, cut (the) lead with 1:34 left (and) gave ourselves a chance to win.”

Frederic had a well-balanced attack offensively with Carly Gustafson leading with 12 points, followed by Natalie Phernetton and Lexi Domagala each with eight, Kendra Mossey and Lara Harlander had seven points, Abby Brightbill, six, Kendra Mosay-Buck, three, MaKayla Arthurs, two, and Katie Simpson, one.

Braham 89, Grantsburg 47 BRAHAM, Minn. – The Lady Pirates lost Tuesday, Dec. 18, to a very tough Braham, Minn., team. The Bombers led 56-21 at the half and were led by Becca Dahlamn with 47 points.

“Nothing to get discouraged about,” said coach Kelly Hallberg. “We played a very good basketball team. We gave them everything we had defensively. We kept our heads up and gave a lot of effort.”

The Pirates got 15 points from Kylie Pewe and 14 from Sam Schwieger, while Macy Hanson added 13 points. Other scorers included Violet Ohnstad with three and Stacy McKenzie with two.

Clayton 40, Luck 34 CLAYTON – The Luck Cardinals girls lost a tough game on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Clayton in a key nonconference test.

“Clayton, a team that never beats itself ... started last night’s game with an 18point first quarter and never looked back as they beat us 40-34,” said Luck coach Marty Messar.

Abigail Brightbill drives the lane during a Vikings loss against Rush City, Minn.

Peterson and Gore each had two.

Lara Harlander goes up for a layup against Rush City, Minn., on Tuesday, Dec. 18. – Photos by Becky Amundson unless otherwise noted While the Cards were able to get back into the game they were unable to catch a solid Bears squad.

Avery Steen finished with 17 points and three assists, while Darian Ogilvie led the team in rebounds with six. Angela Gore also had four rebounds, as the team shot 36-percent from the floor, shooting 15 of 42.

Other scorers for the Cardinals included Ogilvie with five, Camille Marsten, four, and Jillian Klatt, Jaimee Buck, Whitney

Webster 38, Birchwood 19 BIRCHWOOD – The Webster girls basketball team came out Tuesday, Dec. 18, with a victory over Birchwood, in a wellplayed game defensively according to coach Jeff Roberts.

“We played great defense tonight. Shot ball better … seem to be improving,” he said.

The Tigers held the Bobcats to four points in the first quarter and again in the second quarter while leading 27-8 at halftime.

Stefani Wamboldt led with 11 points followed by Angel Christianson, 10, Raelyn Tretsven, seven, Christina Weis, five, Catelyn Moser and Lexi Piepho each had two and Kenna Gall had one.

St. Croix Falls 54, Chetek 34 ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints girls basketball team kept their perfect record in tact as they defeated Chetek-Weyerhaeuser by 20 points Tuesday, Dec. 18.

St. Croix Falls had the game all but locked up after the first half, leading 34-15 and continuing their defensive pressure in the third quarter, holding Chetek-Weyer-

Saints Jessica Rademacher had a big night against Chetek-Weyerhaeuser with 21 points and 12 rebounds. – Photo by Marty Seeger

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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Luck loss highlights Tuesday boys games Dragons battle Drummond through injury Clayton 41, Luck 31

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer CLAYTON – The Luck Cardinal boys lost their first game of the season as the Clayton Bears prevailed in a nonconference test between two unbeaten teams. It was a close game all night long as many predicted it to be, but in the end, it came down to Clayton free throws and missed opportunities on the Cardinals down the stretch. Despite the loss, coach Rick Giller was pleased with his team’s effort.

“Our players stepped up and played an outstanding game. With John (Denny) on the bench in foul trouble, Brodie (Kunze) and Dylan (Lynch) put in some valuable minutes for us. Everyone played great defense, though, we had a few too many turnovers trying to make things happen offensively, we executed our offense well and were very patient,” said Giller.

Luck was down by six points at the half and was able to hold Clayton to two points in the third quarter, and had a 28-26 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The game was within three points with four minutes to play according to Giller, but the Bears hung on in the win.

Zach Schradle led Clayton with 19 points and the Cardinals were led by Evan Armour with 12, followed by Dylan LeMay with seven, Kunze and Kyle Hunter with four apiece, and Karsten Petersen and Denny with two points apiece.

Drummond 52, Siren 32 SIREN – The Siren Dragons faced returning state qualifying Drummond on Tuesday, Dec. 18, and lost despite the Dragons ability to keep the game within reach for much of the way. An impressive feat for a Siren team that has been battling several injuries lately.

“We played Drummond on Tuesday night and entered the game without one starter from an earlier game against Grantsburg. Drummond came into the game undefeated and had been up by 20 points in the first quarter of every game that they had played so far. We played the best eight minutes of the year, in the first quarter,” said coach Jon Ruud.

Siren had a 16-6 lead with under two minutes to play in the first quarter, but lost another player, Will Barr to an ankle injury.

“We did not score for the rest of the quarter, and Will Barr did not return for the rest of the half. Our team battled the

Saints player Zarek Kubesh pulls down a rebound against the Chieftains on Tuesday, Dec. 18, in Osceola. The Saints lost the game 59-48. – Photo by Garth Olson

After a 7-0 start to the season, the Luck Cardinals took a loss at Clayton Tuesday, Dec. 18. It was a good test for Luck, as both teams came into the game undefeated. – File photo by Greg Marsten rest of the night, but by halftime, the score was 22 to 20 Drummond. The game was still 10 points with five minutes to go, but Drummond then went on another run to win by a score of 52 to 32,” Ruud said.

It’s been a tough road for the Dragons so far this season as they’re still looking for their first win of the season at 0-6, but Ruud is seeing improvements along the way.

“We are 0-6 right now, and realize that we have to be more consistent. We are showing improvement, but need to play complete games against good teams. The six teams that we have played so far, have a combined winning percentage of .794.

We will get there, but need to get healthy and a few more games under our belt,” Ruud said.

Osceola 59, St. Croix Falls 48 OSCEOLA – The Saints boys went looking for their fourth-straight win at Osceola on Tuesday, Dec. 18, but came up short against the rival Chieftains. The Saints led 28-26 at the half but couldn’t hang on in the end. No game stats were available at press time.

St. Croix Falls head coach Chad Hall tries to fire up his group before heading back onto the court against Osceola. – Photo by Garth Olson Braham 81, Grantsburg 60 BRAHAM, Minn. – The Pirate boys lost to a tough Braham, Minn., team on Tuesday, Dec. 18, suffering just their second loss of the season. No game stats were available at press time.

Amery 35, Unity 27 BALSAM LAKE – Unity boys basketball hosted Amery on Tuesday, Dec. 18, but lost a close one. The Eagles snapped a two-game winning streak in the loss. No game stats were available at press time.

Birchwood 50, Webster 42 BIRCHWOOD – The Tiger boys came close to finishing with their first win of the season at Birchwood on Tuesday, Dec. 18, but fell short. No game stats were available at press time.

Cardinal boys collar the Dragons Luck 53, Siren 30

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Luck Cardinals stayed solidly atop the West Lakeland Conference with a drubbing of the hosting Siren Dragons on Friday, Dec. 14, with Luck winning 53-30.

Siren struggled offensively for the whole game, and had a hard time containing the high-flying scoring corps for Luck, with the Cardinals’ senior John Denny racking up 18 points, with junior Karsten Petersen adding 11 points to the total.

“Karsten has stepped up offensively in recent weeks,” Luck head coach Rick Giller said. “But we still need to execute better.”

Siren junior Davey St. John the Dragon scoring with 10 points, but no other Siren player reached double digits. Nate Martin came on strong from the bench and added eight points to the cause.

Luck’s defense was quite effective, and limited the Dragons to just eight points in the first half.

“We are starting to play the defense I ex-

Dragon Nate Martin goes baseline for two of his eight points against the visiting Cardinals Friday, Dec. 14.

Siren junior Jared Emery shoots past Luck senior Kyle Hunter in the West Lakeland Conference contest last week. – Photos by Greg Marsten pect,” Giller said, noting the Dragon scor- to struggle for a win this season after ing drought in that first half as evidence graduating nearly their entire starting to the work his team accomplished. squad last spring.

“Everyone contributed.”

Luck remains undefeated and high atop the West Lakeland, while Siren continues

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LFG wrestles well at Osceola dual tournament

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer OSCEOLA – The LFG wrestling team competed at a dual tournament in Osceola on Saturday, Dec. 15, and wrestled strong individually despite losing two duals because they had to forfeit several weight classes.

“Teamwise, with so many forfeits that we gave up, it makes it hard to compete,” said coach Chris Bartlett. But individually, there were several athletes who ended the day with a winning record, including three who went undefeated.

The first to go undefeated was Tristan Brewer, who wrestled at 138-145 pounds, pinning all five of his opponents Saturday.

Tony Britton also went 5-0 in matches at

152-160.

“He worked hard for the team against Barron. He needed a pin to get us the win.

He almost got it against a tough kid,” Bartlett said. Evan Ryan is the other LFG wrestler to go 5-0, at 132.

Jared Lund had a great day of wrestling at 120, and Bartlett added that it was his best performance of the year after he went 4-1 in matches.

“The team was excited how well Jared wrestled. He works hard and it is starting to show,” Bartlett said.

Other team members Tony Britton

with winning records in Osceola included Hunter Dodds, who wasn’t able to make weight but wrestled at 132-138 and went 2-1. Tim Lund went 4-1 after losing a close match in the end at 145-152. Alex Richey went 3-2 at 170, and Sam Pewaush was 32 at 182. Ryan Strenke finished the day at

Jared Lund

1-4, but is making strides to improve.

“He doesn’t realize how close he is to being tough to beat,” Bartlett said.

LFG wrestlers will be traveling south to Balsam Lake for their next dual set for Thursday, Dec. 20, at Unity High School beginning at 7 p.m.

Tristan Brewer

AREA BOWLING RESULTS Hacker’s Lanes Sunday Afternoon Youth Standings: Back 2 The North 28.5, We Bowl 24, Team 21, A.J.R. 21, DCF 20.5, The Bowlers 17.

Boys games: Kyle Hunter (TB) 210, Parker Steen (B2TN) 207, Jordan Bazey (TB) 206.

Boys series: Kyle Hunter (TB) 584, Jordan Bazey (TB) 537, Parker Steen (B2TN) 531.

Girls games: Avery Steen (AJR) 201, Kerrigan Ekholm (T) 143, Julia Owens (DCF) 123.

Girls series: Avery Steen (AJR) 553, Kerrigan Ekholm (T) 385, Julia Owens (DCF) 320.

Team games: The Bowlers 546, A.J.R. 484, Back 2 The North 470.

Team series: The Bowlers 1596, A.J.R. 1343, Back 2 The North 1340.

Sunday Night No Tap Mixed Standings: Wynners 26, Team McKinley 22, Knaubers 19, Chuck’s Team 14, Packer Backers 13, Long Shots 13, Happy Campers 12, Jeff’s Team 9.

Men’s games: Gene Wynn Jr. (W) & Len Knauber (K) 278, Gene Wynn Sr. (W) 264, Merle Larson (HC) 262.

Men’s series: Len Knauber (K) 713, Tom Bainbridge (CT) 707, Chuck Kruse (CT) 694.

Women’s games: Lois Murphy (LS) 222, Staci Lundmark (TM) 202 & 197.

Women’s series: Staci Lundmark (TM) 581, Linda Wynn (W) 531, Sheila Hansen (JT) 525.

Team games: Wynners 857, Chuck’s Team 832 & 831.

Team series: Chuck’s Team 2407, Wynners 2406, Long Shots 2246.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 112.5, Bottle Shop 110.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 103, Pioneer Bar 78, House of Wood 72.5, Northern Home & Improvement 69.3.

Individual games: Gene Ackland 241, Brett Daeffler & Curtis Renfroe 225.

Individual series: Curtis Renfroe 656, Gene Ackland 637, Ed Bitler 628.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 658, Bottle Shop 603, Northern Home & Improvement 578.

Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1831, Yellow Lake Lodge 1690, Bottle Shop 1680.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Larry Stotz 5x = 199.

Splits converted: 2-4-10: Ed Bitler.

Wednesday Night Early Standings: Daeffler’s Quality Meats 36.5, Lake Services Unlimited 34, Skol Bar 33, S&S Tree Bird Shoppe 29.5, Pioneer Bar 28, Cummings Lumber 27, Stotz & Co. 21, Larsen Auto Center 15.

Individual games: Jeremy Anderson (SB) 277, Craig Swanson (SB) & Oliver Baillargeon (DQM) 245.

Individual series: Jeremy Anderson (SB) 659, Chris Rowell (PB) 649, Dale Frandsen (SC) 637.

Team games: Skol Bar 1055 & 1040, Pioneer Bar 938.

Team series: Skol Bar 3010, Pioneer Bar 2720, S&S Tree Bird Shoppe 2659.

Thursday Early Standings: American Family Siren 50, Daeffler’s Quality Meats 42, Red Iron Studios 41, Wikstrom Construction 40.5, Hell Raisers 38.5, Grindell Law Offices 38, Kinetico 31.5, Fab Four 30.5.

Individual games: Don McKinney (FF) 257, Derek Ayd (K) 233, Bryce Daeffler (DQM) 231.

Individual series: Joshua Henry (AFS) 636, Bryce Daeffler (DQM) 626, Don McKinney (FF) 600.

Team games: Fab Four 608, Hell Rais-

ers & American Family Siren 580.

Team series: Fab Four 1714, American Family Siren 1686, Daeffler’s Quality Meats 1619.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Don McKinney 5x = 257.

Games 50 pins or more above average: Derek Ayd 233 (+82); Bryce Daeffler 231 (+53); Blake Hall 204 (+60); Don McKinney 257 (+71); Bruce Wikstrom 215 (+54).

Splits converted: 2-10: Joshua Henry.

2-4-10: Bruce Wikstrom. 3-6-7-10: Dennis Lieder. 3-10: Dennis Lieder. 6-7-10: Christian Hall. 7-8: Austin Otis.

Friday Night Ladies Standing: Pin Heads 73.5, Junque Art 68, Frederic Design 59, SKM 58.5, The Leader 56.

Individual games: Gail Linke 204, Margie Traun 201, Cindy Denn 191.

Individual series: Gail Linke 566, Cindy Denn 556, Sandy Bannie 497.

Team games: Pin Heads 641, The Leader 606, Junque Art 605.

Team series: Pin Heads 1803, Junque Art 1758, The Leader 1756.

Games 50 or more above average: Margie Traun.

Splits converted: 5-10: Sandy King.

Saturday Night Mixed League Standings: Rebel Alliance, Handicaps, Skowl, New Team, Pin Choppers, Lakers, Luck-E. Men’s games: Bruce Gravelle 268, Ron Skow 255, Jeremy Anderson 244.

Men’s series: Jeremy Anderson 679, Mark Bohn 654, Bruce Gravelle 638.

Women’s games: Rita Bohn 234 & 211, Debbie Ingram 202.

Women’s series: Rita Bohn 614, Deb Ingram 570, Ramona Renfroe 514.

Team games: Pin Choppers 946, New Team 926, Lakers 913.

Team series: Pin Choppers 2685, New Team 2654, Lakers 2606.

McKenzie Lanes Monday Night Madness Standings: Eagle Lounge 14, Alleycats 10, Bon Ton 8, Mishaps 0.

Individual game: Debbie Swanson 178, Judy Maier 167, Cathy Albrecht 140.

Individual series: Debbie Swanson 473, Judy Maier 397, Cathy Albrecht 387.

Team games (Handicap): Eagle Lounge 624, Alleycats 574.

Team series (Handicap): Eagle Lounge 1745, Bon Ton 1672.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Wolf Creek Log Furniture 54, Metal Products 42, Frederic Truck & Trailer 37, McKenzie Lanes 32, Alyeska Contracting 31.5, Milltown Appliance 30.5, Edina Divas 28, Bye 11.

Individual games: Cindy Castellano 202, Kelley Hill 199, Helen Leggitt 190.

Individual series: Kelley Hill 546, Cindy Castellano 540, Jane Smith 497.

Team games (Handicap): Alyeska Contracting 826.

Team series (Handicap): Metal Products 2360.

Tuesday Women’s Standings: Gutter Dusters 12.5, Hauge Dental 11.5, Custom Outfitter 11, Kindred Spirits 11, Country Gals 6, Kassel Tap 6, Tomlinson Insurance 5.5, LC’s Gals 4.5.

Individual games: Toni Sloper 233, Denise Donaghue 224, Shirley Wiswell 202.

Individual series: Toni Sloper 571, Denise Donaghue 558, Shirley Wiswell 520.

Team games: Custom Outfitter 901, Hauge Dental 854, Country Gals 830.

Team series: Custom Outfitter 2461,

Flom 261, Paulina Peterson 206.

Black & Orange

Hauge Dental 2438, Gutter Dusters 2376.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Centurview Park 80.5, Dream Lawn 77.5, Steve’s Appliance 76, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 72.5, McKenzie Lanes 67, The Dugout 65, The Cobbler Shop 61, Hack’s Pub 60.5.

Individual games: Darren McKenzie 280, Doug Oryan 279, Jesse Schultz 267.

Individual series: Rick Fox 705, Doug Oryan 702, Donny Potting Jr. 684.

Team games (Handicap): Nel-Lo-Hill 1230.

Team series (Handicap): Centurview Park 3533.

Wednesday Early League Standings: Dalles House 76, Cutting Edge 56, Adamark Repair 55, Balsam Branch Transport 50, Greatland Transportation 50, Gehrman Auto Body 47, Suzie Q’s 34, Bye 16.

Men’s games: Merlin Fox 276, Jeff Lehmann 258, Mike Welling 246.

Men’s series: Mike Welling 721, Merlin Fox 703, Jeff Lehmann 695.

Women’s games: Jeanne Kizer 147.

Women’s series: Jeanne Kizer 402.

Team games (Handicap): Cutting Edge 739.

Team series (Handicap): Cutting Edge 2006.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Tiger Express 34, Edina Realty 30, Dalles Electrician 28, Davy’s Construction 26, Reed’s Marina 21, Harvest Moon 20, Hanjo Farms 18, McKenzie Lanes 15.

Individual games: Bob Swanson & Carl Hetfeld 245, Sam Leggitt & Tim Katzmark 236.

Individual series: Carl Hetfeld 680, Tim Katzmark 639, Dan Flaherty 628.

Team games (Handicap): McKenzie Lanes 1048, Davy’s Construction 1015.

Team series (Handicap): McKenzie Lanes 2955, Harvest Moon 2826.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Central Bank 50.5, KJ’s 46, Hauge Dental 45, Cutting Edge Pro 40, Hack’s Pub 39, Truhlsen Chiropractic 36.5, Bont Chiropractic 34, Eagle Valley Bank 29.

Individual games: Kathy McKenzie 212, Jackie Patterson 203, Lana McKenzie 199.

Individual series: Lana McKenzie 542, Kathy McKenzie 537, Annette Norlander 533.

Team games: Cutting Edge Pro 855, Hauge Dental 816, Truhlsen Chiropractic 801.

Team series: Cutting Edge Pro 2371, Hauge Dental 2309, Truhlsen Chiropractic 2223.

Junior League Boys games: Roen Aronson 139, Adam Raddatz & Matthew Peterson 124.

Boys series: Ayden McKenzie 330, Roen Aronson 324, Matthew Peterson 322.

Girls games: Danielle Ahlm 159, Elsie Flom 110, Taylor Lehner 79.

Girls series: Danielle Ahlm 406, Elsie

Early Birds (End of 1st half) Standings: Yellow River Saloon 4-0, Gandy Dancer Saloon 4-0, The Tap 0-4, Black & Orange 0-4.

Individual games: Joanie Java-Hahr (GDS) 171, Kay Casey (YRS) 169, Linda Strong (YRS) 165.

Individual series: Linda Strong (YRS) 462, Claudia Peterson (B&O) and Rita Tesch (YRS) 422, Kay Casey (YRS) 418.

Team games: Gandy Dancer Saloon 956, Yellow River Saloon 942, Black & Orange 872.

Team series: Yellow River Saloon 2750, Gandy Dancer Saloon 2635, Black & Orange 2510.

Monday Night Standings: Larry’s LP 4-0, Player Motorsports 2.5-1.5, Black & Orange 1.52.5, Ed’s Logging 0.

Individual games: Jack Witzany (L) 224, Josh Johnson (L) 223, Art Bliven (L) 198.

Individual series: Josh Johnson (L) 571, Jack Witzany (L) 559, Art Bliven (L) & Mark Holmstrom (B&O) 514.

Team games: Black & Orange 965, Larry’s LP 964, Player Motorsports 884.

Team series: Larry’s LP 2805, Player Motorsports & Black & Orange 2620, Ed’s Logging 2576.

Games 50 or more above average: Jack Witzany 224 (+65); Josh Johnson 223 (+60).

Tuesday Tippers Standings: Main Home Services, A&H Country Market, Gob’s Gals, West Point Lodge.

Individual games: Jane Gosselin (A&HCM) 199, Dawn Petersen (WPL) 196, Mary Scalzo (WPL) 194.

Individual series: Vivian Marx (GG) 570, Dawn Petersen (WPL) 567, Jane Gosselin (A&HCM) 555.

Team games: Gob’s Gals 721, A&H Country Market 714, Main Home Services 711.

Team series: West Point Lodge 2123, Main Home Services 2102, A&G Country Market 2089.

Splits converted: 7-9: Sally Kabus (MHS).

TNT Standings: Cashco 33-23, Flower Power 30-26, Larry’s LP 26-30, Homestead Cafe 23-33.

Individual games: Mary Ellen Smith (C) 198, Jennifer Kern (L) 166, Cheryl Scallon (C) 161.

Individual series: Mary Ellen Smith (C) 511, Mary Reese (FP) 459, Jennifer Kern (L) 451.

Team games: Cashco 857, Larry’s LP 826, Flower Power 808.

Team series: Cashco 2475, Homestead Café 2359, Flower Power 2350.

Games 50 or more above average: Mary Ellen Smith 198 (+56).

Wednesday Night Standings: Cashco 4-0, Lions 3-1, Black & Orange 2-2, Pheasant Inn 2-2, Zia Louisa’s 1-3, Vacant 0-4.

Individual games: Larry Johnson (L) 220, Chris Johnson (PI) 211, Art Bliven (L) 209.

Individual series: Monte Rinnman (C) 581, Chris Johnson (PI) 579, Larry Johnson (L) 572.

Team games: Black & Orange 970, Lions 941, Pheasant Inn 936.

Team series: Black & Orange 2741, Lions 2734, Pheasant Inn 2713.

Games 50 or more above average: Larry Johnson 220 (+63); Chris Johnson 211 (+54).

Series 100 or more above average:

Larry Johnson 572 (+101); Chris Johnson 579 (+108).

Early Risers Standings: Black & Orange 5-3, Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 5-3, Gandy Dancer 3-5, 10th Hole 3-5.

Individual games: Delores Lien (B&O) 180, Phyllis Myers (B&O) 170, Carol Phelps (B&O) 169.

Individual series: Delores Lien (B&O) 471, Donna Crain (GD) 453, Phyllis Myers (B&O) 437.

Team games: Black & Orange 776, Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 702, 10th Hole 698.

Team series: Black & Orange 2160, 10th Hole 2016, Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 2006.

Splits converted: 4-10: Delores Lien.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Dolls w/Balls 32.5-11.5, Yellow River Saloon 22.5-21.5, Pour House 19-25, Rollettes 14-30.

Individual games: Kim Benjamn-Rivers (R) 173, Audrey Pardun (YRS) 157, Marisa Churchill (Dw/B) 153.

Individual series: Kim Benjamin-Rivers (R) 459, Audrey Pardun (YRS) 430, Daphne Churchill (Dw/B) 415.

Team games: Rollettes 724, Dolls w/Balls 698, Yellow River Saloon 678.

Team series: Rollettes 2042, Dolls w/Balls 2011, Pour House 1954.

Friday Afternoon Mix Standings: Tasmanian Devils 30-14, Fantastic Four 25-19, Mis•Splits 19-25, Bowling Buds 14-30.

Men’s games: John Vanous (TD) 205, Jerry Burnham (BB) 199, Wayne Lundeen (FF) 189.

Men’s series: John Vanous (TD) 549, Jerry Burnham (BB) 543, Wayne Lundeen (FF) 506.

Women’s games: Laurie Lundeen (FF) 173, Jean Thompson (M•S) 163, Char Vanous (TD) 154.

Women’s series: Laurie Lundeen (FF) 481, Char Vanous (TD) 450, Vicki Wier (TD) 410.

Team games: Tasmanian Devils 848, Fantastic Four 831, Mis•Splits 795.

Team series: Tasmanian Devils 2411, Fantastic Four 2377, Bowling Buds 2290.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Spare Us 9, Hi-Low Rollers 9, Sisters D 6, Wild Ones 4.

Individual games: Jamie Mier 196 & 178, Jim Loomis 165.

Individual series: Jamie Mier 497, Jim Loomis 443, Lori Dake 361.

Team games: Hi-Low Rollers 288, Sisters D 278, Hi-Low Rollers 258.

Team series: Hi-Low Rollers 745, Sisters D 699, Wild Ones 693.

Games 50 or more above average: Jamie Mier (+51).

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Radio Shack 55.5, Wood River Pharmacy 46, Boyd’s Outdoor Power 42, Grantsburg Sanitary 41, Fiedler Ford 33.5, Dummy Team 13.

Individual games (Handicap): Jack Sando 247,Bruce Teigen 234, Jon Addison 232.

Individual series (Handicap): Jon Addison 663, Greg Gamache 637, Bruce Teigen 631.

Team games (Handicap): Wood River Pharmacy 1055, Radio Shack 989, Boyd’s Outdoor Power 976.

Team series (Handicap): Wood River Pharmacy 3039, Fiedler Ford 2813, Boyd’s Outdoor Power 2787.

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Prodger power Old-timers who remember the halcyon days of the Frederic Rec (now known as Hacker’s Lanes) were not a bit surprised when they opened their InterCounty Leaders last week and saw that 1971 Frederic grad and multisport athlete Jim Prodger THE SPORTS had notched the fourth perfect game of his long bowling career.

During his high school days, Prodger was the team captain for the Kingpin Keglers, which – back then – many considered to be the region’s top local youth bowling team. Meanwhile, Prodger was widely known for his work with the popular local rock group The Overshadows. There aren’t many people on God’s green earth who could truthfully include “sure-handed wide receiver, sharp-shooting forward, 300

John Ryan

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bowler and front man for a local garage rock band” on their resume’.

Add it all together and its clear that Prodger was – and is – a true Renaissance man.

How about that Peterson?

Remember when legendary Green Bay Packers (and Minnesota Vikings) quarterback and three-time MVP Brett Favre established the all-time record for touchdown passes when he connected with Greg Jennings at the Metrodome back in 2007? Will lightning strike again in a week and a half if the great Adrian Peterson breaks the all-time single-season rushing record versus the Packers at the Metrodome? Stay tuned.

Wrestling memories, light the corners of my mind Since this columnist has been (falsely) accused on occasion of neglecting the sport of wrestling, he’ll make amends this week by providing the first in a series of vignettes focused on the ancient sport of grappling. This week’s offering focuses on two popular maneuvers.

The camel stretch The grappler sits on the back of his

S

facedown opponent, then reaches around his opponent’s head to apply a chin lock while tilting the head backward. With his other hand, he grabs the off-side leg of his opponent and pulls upward.

This move was made popular by wrestlers of Middle-Eastern descent during the Iran hostage crisis (1979-80) and later revived during Operation Desert Storm a dozen or so later. In the early 1980s, popular former Frederic athlete Douglas Clausen organized a charter bus trip to the St. Paul Civic Center where he, several former FHS athletes, and 16,000 screaming fans saw Sheik Adnan Al Kaissey win his match while using the camel stretch as a submission hold. Those who were on the scene that night claim it as one of the most exciting sporting events they have ever attended.

The heart punch Back in the 1980s, the heart punch was a controversial move which Stanley Blackburn, the reclusive American Wrestling Association president, sought to ban. The chief practitioner of the move at the time was 6’9, 380-pound behemoth Big John Studd. The controversial punch

P O R T S was essentially a short “rabbit punch” delivered directly to an unwitting opponent’s sternum but utilizing the heel of the hand, rather than the traditional fist. Physicians tell us that such a blow to that vital area could potentially cause trauma to the heart, bronchus and pulmonary artery, hence Blackburn and company’s efforts to ban the move.

In 1984, I was privileged to be part of a Leader Land area entourage (including several members of the 1983 champion Frederic boys basketball team) who saw Studd wrestle at a fundraising card at the parochial school in Rice Lake. That night, one of our entourage toted a sign which read “Ban the Heart Punch.”

Studd, whose real name was John Minton, passed away in 1995 at the age of 47.

John Ryan may jmr202@yahoo.com

be

reached

at

Former Saint leading strong cross-country teams

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Bryan Brown, 1991 St. Croix Falls graduate, was a proud coach as Hardin Valley Academy junior Aaron Templeton blazed his way to Foot Locker All-American status Saturday morning, Dec. 8. Templeton finished sev-

enth in the Foot Locker National High School Cross Country Championships at Balboa Park in San Diego. The top 15 finishers earned All-American honors. There were 40 runners in Saturday’s national finals.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Brown said. “Every kid here is all-state or state champion. This is the best of the best in the nation.”

Templeton posted a time of 15 minutes, 29 seconds on the 5,000-meter course. The six finishers ahead of Templeton are seniors.

“He’s the No. 1 underclassman,” Brown said. “I’m really excited for him … I was really confident (about Templeton’s chances), but with the caliber of kids here, the top 40 in the whole nation, you want to be optimistic, but you don’t want to put things out there that are out of reach.”

Templeton won the Class AAA Tennessee state cross-country meet last month.

Brown has been very successful as the running /track head coach of Hardin Valley Academy in Knoxville, Tenn. Among many individual greats, both boys and girls teams made it to the state CC meet this fall. His girls team won the state track championship last spring and his boys CC team won the state meet in 2010.

Bryan is married to Amy and has three daughters Alli, Heather and Tinsley. He is the son of Wanda and Dave Brown of St. Croix Falls. – submitted

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL

Bryan Brown, 1991 St. Croix Falls graduate, with Aaron Templeton after Templeton placed seventh in the Foot Locker National High School Championship. – Photo submitted A substandard 6-3 record dropped the Prediction King’s basketball season mark to 31-13, which is a 70-percent success rate. “Had I not blown the LuckSiren girls game I would’ve actually raised my percentage,” he said early Wednesday morning while readying THE SWAMI himself for an icefishing outing.

This week, his prediction poetry will carry a Christmas-season theme. “If you can guess the song for each prediction, please sing along,” urges the Swami.

The Swami

PREDICTS

Boys games Grantsburg 58, St. Croix Falls 40 – Saints better watch out, they better not cry. Grantsburg will win, I’m (not) telling you why.

Unity 53, Cornell 34 – Have a holly, jolly Christmas. It’s the best time of the year.

Eagles will be 8 and 1, so have a cup of cheer.

Luck 52, Frederic 40 – Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your hearts be light. The Cards will win but Frederic will put up a fight.

Siren 49, Webster 31 – It came upon a Thursday night, the Dragons first win of the year.

Girls games Unity 55, Cornell 31 – Jolly old St. Nicholas, turn your ear this way. “Eagles will win easily.” That’s all I have to say.

Siren 60, Webster 39 – (Leroy Anderson’s original instrumental version of “Sleigh Ride”) Luck 49, Frederic 39 – God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.

Good coach Marty Messar’s team will win again this day.

St. Croix Falls 50, Grantsburg 43 – Saints control the conference race, they might run the table. Though the Pirates are quite good, they will not be able.

Though he is giddy with the Christmas spirit, the Swami still answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com

Standings Conf.

Overall Team Luck Cardinals 3-0 7-1 St. Croix Falls Saints 3-0 4-3 Unity Eagles 3-1 6-1 Grantsburg Pirates 2-1 4-2 Frederic Vikings 1-3 2-5 Siren Dragons 0-4 0-6 Webster Tigers 0-3 0-8 Scores Friday, December 14 Luck 53, Siren 30 St. Croix Falls 70, Frederic 44 Unity 52, Webster 17 Grantsburg 53, Turtle Lake 40 Tuesday, December 18 Clayton 41, Luck 31 Braham 81, Grantsburg 60 Drummond 52, Siren 32 Osceola 59, St. Croix Falls 48 Amery 35, Unity 27 Birchwood 50, Webster 42 Upcoming Thursday, December 20 5:45 p.m. Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls (DH) 7:30 p.m. Unity at Cornell (DH) Frederic at Luck (DH) Siren at Webster (DH) Friday, December 21 7:30 p.m. Webster at Northwood Thursday, December 23 1 p.m.

Siren at Clayton Tournament 2 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Glenwood City Tournament 5 p.m.

Grantsburg at Webster Tournament 7 p.m.

Frederic at Clayton Tournament

BOYS HOCKEY Team Blizzard

Standings

Scores Friday, December 14 Blizzard 12, Moose Lake 0 Tuesday, December 18 Blizzard 4, Legacy Christian Academy 4 Upcoming Thursday, December 26 TBD Blizzard at Rochester Tournament

WRESTLING

Upcoming Thursday, December 20 7 p.m.

LFG at Unity

Overall 3-4-1

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Standings Conf.

Overall 3-0 5-0 3-0 4-3 2-1 4-2 2-1 4-3 0-2 2-3 0-3 2-7 0-3 2-6 Scores Thursday, December 13 Grantsburg 58, Turtle Lake 39 Clayton 46, Unity 42 Friday, December 14 Luck 54, Siren 49 St. Croix Falls 58, Frederic 32 Unity 55, Webster 23 Tuesday, December 18 Clayton 40, Luck 34 Webster 38, Birchwood 19 Rush City 60, Frederic 54 Braham 89, Grantsburg 47 St. Croix Falls 54, Chetek-Weyerhaeuser 34 Upcoming Thursday, December 20 5:45 p.m. Unity at Cornell (DH) Frederic at Luck (DH) Siren at Webster (DH) 7:30 p.m. Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls (DH) Friday, December 21 7:30 p.m. Shell Lake at Siren Thursday, December 26 2 p.m.

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

GIRLS HOCKEY Team Blizzard

Standings

Scores Saturday, December 15 Blizzard 12, Tomahawk 4 Tuesday, December 18 Eau Claire-Altoona 4, Blizzard 3 Upcoming Saturday, December 22 7 p.m.

Chippewa Falls at Grantsburg Thursday, December 26 TBD Tournament at Siren

GYMNASTICS

Overall 4-5

Upcoming Friday, January 4 6:30 p.m. Rush City at Grantsburg Community Center

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

O UTDOOR S 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

So many tags, so little time

It shouldn’t feel like spring in the middle of December, nor should there be 3 inches of ice (or less) on many of our area lakes, but that’s exactly what Mother Nature has given us this month …

Marty a whirlwind of winter Seeger weather that included up to 12 inches of snow, but is now The nearly gone with the more recent rainfall.

Bottom Last Sunday morning had an air of spring Line once again, and while thoughts of big bluegills flopping around on the ice floated through my mind I couldn’t help but giggle like a little kid as my truck broke through soggy remnants of snow banked up by snowplows, and my tires began to grip the muddy pools of ice, water and gravel. I was on a mission Sunday and, for the first time of my life in mid-December, it didn’t involve grouse hunting, lateseason bow hunting or ice fishing.

For the past three years now I’ve been applying for an otter tag through a preference point process similar to that of waiting for a bear tag, and was successful in getting one this season. I also drew a permit for a fisher as well, which I was successful in trapping back in November.

For the otter, I was told by a friend to wait until mid-to-late December to ensure the pelt was prime if I caught one, and so I’ve waited rather impatiently to get out and do so. Or at least try to do so.

Trapping is still rather new to me even after taking the trapper education course almost three years ago, yet for some rea-

son or another this fall, trapping has become somewhat of an addiction, and as my friend recently told me, “there are worse addictions!”

So it looks as though I’ve embraced trapping as I have with some of my other favorite outdoor activities.

Given more time, it’s possible that I’d turn it into a passion similar to what I have for bow hunting, but for now, I’m taking it one step at a time, and have been borrowing a few traps and as much advice as I can from far more experienced trappers. This has given me a chance to learn the very basics of trapping, which include a bit of work, time, and most of all, a knowledge of the species I’m trying to trap. It also involves time in learning the seemingly endless regulations that come along with it. Baby steps are key.

I’m slowly learning, too, that the raccoon and fisher are probably going to be a lot easier to trap than the otter, yet I couldn’t help but to feel elated Sunday upon coming across a huge set of otter tracks along an uncle’s pond, as well as a trail and otter slide leading into the river nearby. It was a personal victory knowing that some of the research I’d done on the otter had paid off. Reading articles, watching videos and studying tracks online just isn’t the same as seeing it all for yourself on a firsthand basis, and here I was, halfway through the battle of trying to successfully trap an otter. Whether or not that otter would be there the following day, or the day after that, would be anyone’s guess, but I’m determined now more than ever to figure it out.

Although the tracks and sign were fresh and I managed to get a trap in place, the following morning proved to be a different scenario. Spring temperatures from the day before turned well-below the freezing mark and the otter’s entryway into the pond had frozen over solid. The mush of snow surrounding it, and the trail, had turned to a concrete crust, and otter sign seemed petrified in the snow.

A tom turkey teases the author a mere 25 yards from his home recently. A fall turkey tag is just one of several left to fill before winter weather settles in for the long haul, and seasons begin to close. – Photo by Marty Seeger As with hunting, fishing and trapping, patience is key, and it appears that I’ll be spending many more hours along the banks of the Hay River in search of more signs from what appears to be a nomadic and elusive otter. I’ve learned they do have quite a home range, so there’s a good chance he’ll be back again. The big question is when. But for now, I’m enamored with the process of learning, setting new kinds of traps and spending time outside.

Meanwhile, I’ve still got a bow hunting tag that went unfilled this year, and more meat to grind from a couple of does taken during the rifle and muzzleloader seasons. I have yet to go on my annual December grouse excursion and there’s still a fall turkey tag to fill with plenty of turkeys to go around this season, includ-

ing a flock of 54 birds that have visited my backyard twice since the snowstorm on Dec. 9. They are frequent visitors of the field behind my house, and driveway and lawn. With an unfilled turkey tag in the billfold, it was hard not to imagine the time and gas money I could save by merely plinking a big tom with an arrow or dropping one with the shotgun closer to home, but what fun would that be?

Perhaps while I’m strolling along the Hay River looking for otter sign, I’ll tote the shotgun along just in case, and find my turkey the hard way. Besides, December through February is a perfect time to revisit the serenity of a wilderness that is typically void of human interruption.

Many anglers still waiting for safer ice Weekend expected to get a little busier with colder temps

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer LEADER LAND – For weeks now, area anglers have been stepping lightly onto area lakes in hopes of getting a start on the ice-fishing season, but it’s been a long wait for anyone waiting for more than just ice you can walk on, especially for those itching to get on some of the more popular and larger area lakes.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 18, Big Sand Lake, near Hertel, still had open water according to Big Mike’s Outdoors Sports Shop, and they say parts of Viola Lake may still be opened as well, but anglers had been out there fishing the shallower bays.

Big Mike’s says many anglers have been fishing the smaller lakes and shallower bay areas most of the early season, and some have up to 5 inches of ice. Other lakes anglers have been going to in the Siren area include Butternut, Dunham, Doctor, Crooked, Clam, Rice, Benoit and Bashaw Lake farther north. Yet many anglers have had to take it slowly due to inclement weather conditions, such as the large amount of snowfall received on Sunday, Dec. 9, and then the steady rains that followed only a week later.

“The past couple of days have been in earnest. Before that it was really touch and go,” reported an employee at Big Mike’s.

But many are expecting things to pick up this weekend, so long as the predicted snowfall stays south and the overnight

Bird-watching bonanza

Sights like these should become more frequent as ice gets stronger after a bit of a rocky start. – File photo by Marty Seeger temperatures stay in the teens, or better yet, single digits.

That might be wishful thinking, given the past few weeks of roller-coaster weather, but the rain actually appeared to help ice conditions somewhat. It melted most of the insulating snow from the lakes, and has allowed some to get a fresh start. Larger portions of Balsam Lake in Polk County remained open after the rains, but have begun to freeze up once again.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, an employee at

Monty’s Sportsman’s Haven in Milltown said more people had been coming in earlier in the day to pick up minnows and other bait, and expected the weekend and following week to pick up a lot more with anglers heading out. Still, he said that most of the lakes near Milltown and south were seeing only about 3 inches of ice, and the bite has been a little slow.

“This next week a lot of guys will be starting to get out more now. I think this weekend will be real good,” he said.

The DNR is reporting that this season has been very good for bird-watchers, especially for irruptive species such as boreal finches, pine siskins, redpolls and pine grosbeaks, such as the one pictured above. Snowy owls have also been reported near Great Lakes harbors and open agriculture or grassland areas this season. – Photos by Marty Seeger

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

Credit union addresses Centuria branch closure RCU building is also site of U.S. Post Office

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer CENTURIA - The announcement recently by Royal Credit Union that they would be closing their Centuria branch at the end of December prompted concerns by village officials and several residents at a recent village board meeting.

In response to the closing, the Leader contacted RCU for details on the closure. Responding was RCU Executive Vice President of Member Experience Rachel Risberg who spoke on behalf of the credit union as to the reasons for closing the branch, which RCU had only owned for 21/2 years. It was included in the RCU purchase of 11 former AnchorBank branches from around the region in June 2010.

“This is not a decision we made lightly,” Risberg said of the closure. “We have been carefully evaluating when and how often our members visit the Centuria (RCU) office and find they also use nearby offices, call our member service center ... or choose online or mobile technology.”

The RCU branch in Centuria is currently only open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon, both the lobby and drive-through. Risberg mentioned that was originally a way to try and avoid the closure. “We initially adjusted office hours, but now have made the decision to close,” she said.

According to Risberg, the limited existing hours means little or no employee impact from the branch closure. “(RCU) team members who currently serve members at

the Centuria office will serve them at a nearby office instead,” she assured.

“No jobs were lost as a result of this decision.”

As for the future of the RCU structure at 316 Fourth St., which also houses the Centuria U.S. Post Office, Risberg said they will continue to lease and operate from the same space. “The building is considered for sale,” she added.

RCU admits the Centuria branch closure means there will be an impact on existing credit union members, but she noted their other branches are not that far away. “Our Balsam Lake, Milltown and St. Croix Falls offices are just a few miles away,” Risberg said. “Members are invited to complete in-person transactions at any of those offices.”

She also said that safe deposit boxes have already been moved to nearby offices.

While the impact is a hard one for Centuria residents to bear, after past The Centuria branch of the Royal Credit Union will close permanently at the end of downtown business closures, Risberg the month. A credit union official addressed concerns and reasons behind the cloassured that RCU has not lost sight of sure in an interview with the Leader. - Photo by Greg Marsten the community or its causes.

“It is also important for us to point out that although on drawing a bank in as a replacement, as Centuria now our Centuria office will be closing, our commitment to has no financial institution branches. local organizations, events, school programs and the community will not change,” she said.

Several elected officials are reportedly seeking interest

Property tax statements have arrived, Who gets the money?

Schools get half the taxes, towns cost less than villages and cities

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Polk County property owners are receiving their property tax statements this week. The bills show that the taxes are divided among five jurisdictions and show the percent of change in the tax for each line.

The bills do not show the percentage of the property tax for each jurisdiction. This story looks at how the property taxes are divided among the different government units in Polk County.

The main conclusion from our study is that for most residents, about half of their taxes go to school districts and about 30 percent goes to the county. However, for the third of the county residents who live in villages and cities there is a different story. Villages and cities in the county take a third or more of the taxes, while town residents send 15 percent or less of their taxes to their local government.

There is no typical property or average property in the county. But we have gathered a broad sampling of property tax information across the county by looking at the tax statements of the 23 county board members. This

The cost of policing and property taxes

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The story on the distribution of property taxes in Polk County shows that residents in villages and cities pay a higher percentage of their taxes to their municipal governments, usually about 30 percent of the total taxes while town governments collect less than 15 percent of the tax levy.

An expense for villages and cities that town governments do not have is operating a police force. To get a feeling for the cost of a police department, we looked at the 2013 budgets for the villages of Frederic and Luck.

Frederic is budgeting $105,202 for its police department or 19.4 percent of the total budgeted expense of $542,141. That expense is for employee expenses and operations, with nothing allocated for vehicle purchases. Frederic has a population of 1,137, so the cost of the police force is $92.52 per resident per year.

Luck has budgeted $183,732 for the police department in 2013. That is 27.6 percent of the $665,458 total budget, again just for personnel and operating expenses. With a population of 1110 residents, their police department costs each resident $165.52 per year.

But village and city residents also pay county taxes that include the cost of the sheriff’s department. The Polk County law enforcement budget for 2013, including the jail and emergency dispatch as well as the field officers, is $6,834,596. That is almost entirely paid by property taxes and is 32.6 percent of the levy, the largest single levy category. The Polk County Sheriff’s Department is on duty 24/7 and provides coverage to the villages and cities as well as the towns.

group is spread out proportionally by population, and the supervisors live in every corner of the county. As a result, we have gathered a group of tax statements that include all eight school districts based in the county and include municipalities ranging in size from 350 residents to 2,931.

Some conclusions Most of Polk County residents, 65 percent of them, live in the 24 rural towns, from Farmington in the southwest to Lorain in the northeast. Town governments provide limited services, mainly the maintenance of roads, have few employees and have lower budgets. The percentage of taxes to town governments in this survey range from six percent for the Town of Balsam Lake to 25 percent for the Town of Clear Lake. Most of the towns take 11 or 12 percent of the taxes.

A third of the county residents live in the 11 villages and cities, where more municipal services are provided.

Municipal utilities are paid by utility fees and are off the levy, but there are other costs for the taxpayers that town residents do not have, including police forces. As a result, the five villages and cities in this survey collect from 26 percent of the property taxes (city of St. Croix Falls) to 38 percent (Amery). In Amery, more taxes go to the city than to the school.

The school districts take about half of the property taxes. School finances are a complex mix of state aid with many formulas for distributing that aid and changing, often declining enrollment.

County government takes about 30 percent of the property taxes from town residents and about 20 percent from those in villages and cities. Since the county tax rate (mill rate) is the same across the county, the difference in percentages reflects the increased expense of operating villages and cities.

WITC, the area vocational school system, takes about 7 percent of the property taxes, and there is a small tax of about 1 percent (not shown in the survey) to the state for forestry expenses.

For this survey, we looked at the 2011 property tax statements of the 23 Polk County supervisors (or of sim-

ilar statements in two cases) since the new 2012 statements are not yet posted on the county Web site. We used the tax statement for the property that includes the supervisor’s residence in the cases where the supervisor owns more than one parcel of land. The acreage and value of the properties vary widely but that does not affect the proportional distribution of the taxes.

An example of how the taxes vary can be seen by looking at Districts 13, 14, and 15. The residents in the Towns of Garfield and Lincoln pay 11 or 12 percent of their taxes to the town government, 29 percent to the county and 52 percent to the Amery School District. The residents in the city of Amery pay 38 percent of their taxes to the city, 37 percent to the school, and 20 percent to the county.

Numbers are percent of property tax for each division CB = County board district Municipality T=town V=village C=city CB Polk

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

31 23 33 33 34 30 28 23 23 32 32 28 29 20 29 29 29 31 23 30 30 30 26

Municipality

T McKinley 17 V Frederic 32 T Luck 12 T Luck 12 T Bone Lake 9 T Milltown 12 T Eureka 15 C SCF 26 V Centuria 30 T Balsam Lake 6 T Apple R 9 T Clayton 20 T Lincoln 11 C Amery 38 T Garfield 12 T Garfield 12 T Osceola 11 T Osceola 11 V Osceola 30 T Farming 15 T Alden 15 T Black Brook 17 T Clear Lake 25

Pennies for pets

The kindergarten classes at Webster Elementary School held their second-annual penny drive for the Humane Society of Burnett County.

The classes set last year’s amount of $60 as this year’s goal. The total amount saved this year was $150.

Students presented the check to Lucas Avery who was very grateful for this donation as the humane society is a nonprofit organization that relies solely on donations, membership and fundraising to keep their shelter up and running. The students were very excited to learn more about the humane society and to meet Aubrey, one of the dogs they helped. A student representative from each class presented the check to Avery. Shown (L to R) are: Lucas Gomulak, Brooklynn Janssen, Eric Ford and Jackson Davis. - Photo submitted

School

Luck Frederic Luck Luck Luck Unity SCF SCF Unity Unity Unity Clayton Amery Amery Amery SCF SCF Osceola Osceola Osceola Osceola Clear Lake Clear Lake

District 44 40 47 47 49 50 49 50 41 54 52 44 5 37 52 51 53 50 41 48 48 46 42

WITC 7 5 7 7 8 7 6 5 5 7 7 6 7 5 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 6

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Royal Credit Union, a federal credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs.

Samantha J. Messer 130 West Deytona Street Sequim, Washington 98382,

Central Bank, a Minnesota banking corporation, 304 Cascade Street P.O. Box 188 Osceola, Wisconsin 54020,

John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants.

Case Type: 30404 Case No.: 12CV461 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of that certain Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment, and Judgment entered and filed in the above-entitled action on November 9, 2012, the Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 3, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in certified funds, with the balance due and owing on the date of confirmation of the sale by the Court.

PLACE: Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot Three (3), Block Two (2) Original Plat of the Village of Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin.

(FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: Plaintiff believes that the property address is 211 Polk Avenue North, Frederic, Wisconsin).

Dated: December 3, 2012.

Peter Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2951 Garth G. Gavenda/#16313 575003 WNAXLP

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

Royal Credit Union, a federal credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs.

Matthew W. Anderson 2548 250th Avenue Cushing, Wisconsin 54006, Janel J. Anderson a/k/a Janel J. Swisher 2548 250th Avenue Cushing, Wisconsin 54006,

John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants.

Case Type: 30404

Case No.: 12CV520

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of that certain Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment, and Judgment entered and filed in the above-entitled action on November 9, 2012, the Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 3, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in certified funds, with the balance due and owing on the date of confirmation of the sale by the Court.

PLACE: Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot Ten (10), Block Twentythree (23), Original Plat of the City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

(FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: Plaintiff believes that the property address is 337 South Adams Street, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin).

Dated: December 3, 2012.

Peter Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin

THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2951 Garth G. Gavenda/#16334 575002 WNAXLP

POSITION OPENINGS

Part-Time Caregiver At Assisted Living Lawson Manor 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. EOW Plus 2 Days 4 to 8 p.m. EOW Plus 3 Days A Week

Household Dietary Aide At United Pioneer Home 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. EOW Plus 3 Days

Apply Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m - 4 p.m. Or Request Application

United Pioneer Home 623 S. 2nd Street., Luck, WI 54853

715-472-2164 EOE

575219 18L 8a,c,d

TOWN OF MEENON CAUCUS NOTICE January 7, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a town caucus will be held Monday, January 7, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meenon Town Hall for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot, Tuesday, April 2, 2013. The following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. All terms are for two (2) years beginning on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.

OFFICE INCUMBENT Town Board Chairperson Chris Sybers Town Board Supervisor Randy Strese Town Board Supervisor Shawn Rachner Town Clerk Suzanna M. Eytcheson Town Treasurer Brenda Mulroy The regular monthly meeting will follow the caucus.

Suzanna M. Eytcheson Town Clerk 575271 18L 8a WNAXLP

Notices/Employment opportunities (Dec. 5, 12, 19) In the Matter of the Joyce E. Stewart 1990 Living Trust Agreement Notice to Creditors Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 701.065 The undersigned is the successor trustee of the Joyce E. Stewart 1990 Living Trust Agreement dated April 30, 1990, as amended (the “Trust”). Joyce E. Stewart’s date of birth was February 20, 1924, and her date of death was October 26, 2012.

Joyce E. Stewart died domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a post office address of 107 Oak Street East, #5, Frederic, Wisconsin 54837.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Section 701.065(1) all creditor’s claims must be filed with the trustee, at the address listed below, on or before April 13, 2013.

If you do not file your claim with the trustee by the date set forth above your right to be paid by the trustee or from the trust assets will be barred.

Alexander G. Stewart, Trustee 107 Oak Street East, #5 Frederic, WI 54837 574497 Date: Nov. 13, 2012 WNAXLP

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Royal Credit Union, a Wisconsin state chartered credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs.

Susan C. Catlin, through her heirs 41 145th Avenue Turtle Lake, WI 54889, Central Bank, a Minnesota banking corporation, 2104 Hastings Avenue Newport, Minnesota 55055, John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants.

Case Type: 30404 Case No. 12CV666 PUBLICATION SUMMONS THE STATE OF WISCONSIN TO SUSAN C. CATLIN, THROUGH HER HEIRS: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Plaintiff, Royal Credit Union, a Wisconsin state chartered credit union, has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

WITHIN forty (40) days after December 12, 2012, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the Complaint.

The demand must be sent or delivered to the Polk County Clerk of Court, Polk County Justice Center, whose address is 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin 54810, and to Plaintiff’s attorneys, Anastasi & Associates, P.A., whose address is 14985 60th Street North, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082.

You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the Complaint within forty (40) days, the Court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or may in the future, and may also be enforced or garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated: November 28, 2012.

ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. Garth G. Gavenda, #1079588 Joshua D. Christensen, #1089857 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 Telephone: 651-439-2951 Attorneys for Plaintiff #16518 574873 WNAXLP

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Royal Credit Union, a federal credit union, 200 Riverfront Terrace Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, Plaintiff, vs.

Robin J. Schul f/k/a Robin J. Carlson 226 Meadow Lark Lane Osceola, Wisconsin 54020, Leanne M. Berglund f/k/a LeAnne M. Bruggeman P.O. Box 597 Osceola, Wisconsin 54020,

John Doe, Mary Roe, and XYZ corporation, Defendants.

Case Type: 30404

Case No.: 12CV397

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of that certain Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment, and Judgment entered and filed in the above-entitled action on November 9, 2012, the Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 3, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in certified funds, with the balance due and owing on the date of confirmation of the sale by the Court.

PLACE: Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 110 of Sunset Meadows Planned Unit Development North Addition, Village of Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin, previously described as follows: A part of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter in Section 26, Township 33 North, Range 19 West, Village of Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin, also being a part of Outlot 168 of the Outlot Plat of said Village, also being part of Lot 7, Block 1 of the Plat of Sunset Meadows Planned Unit Development, as recorded in and for said County, described as follows: Commencing at the South Quarter Corner of said Section 26; thence, on an assumed bearing along the North/South Quarter line of said Section 26, North 00˚55’12” East a distance of 1,811.46 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel to be described; thence, in part along the center of a common wall of a Twin Home, North 89˚04’47” West a distance of 134.00 feet to the West line of said Lot 7; thence, along last said west line, this also being the easterly line of Meadow Lark Lane, a Village Street, North 00˚55’12” East a distance of 45.00 feet to the northwest corner of said Lot 7; thence along the north line of said Lot 7, South 89˚04’47” East a distance of 134.00 feet to the northeast corner of last said Lot 7; thence, along the east line of said Lot 7, South 00˚55’12” West a distance of 45.00 feet to the point of beginning.

(FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: Plaintiff believes that the property address is 226 Meadow Lark Lane, Osceola, Wisconsin).

Dated: December 3, 2012.

Peter Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin

THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY: ANASTASI & ASSOCIATES, P.A. 14985 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2951 Garth G. Gavenda/#16267 575004 WNAXLP

(Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff vs.

REBECCA A. OLSON, et al.

Defendant(s) Case No: 12 CV 287 AMENDED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on July 20, 2012, in the amount of $146,406.38, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 15, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following 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.

3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff’s department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 11, Plat of Cherrywood on White Ash Lake, Town of Apple River, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1792 West White Ash Drive, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

TAX KEY NO.: 004-01048-0000.

Dated this 10th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Dustin A. McMahon Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1086857 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2362927 575066 WNAXLP

(Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY First Bank of Baldwin, Plaintiff v.

Barton E. Strehlo and Ford Motor Credit Company LLC, Defendants Case No.: 12-CV-518 Code No: 30404 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of of a judgment of foreclosure entered on November 1, 2012, in flavor of Plaintiff, First Bank of Baldwin, in the amount of $85,928.65, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: Pursuant to said judgment, 10% of the successful bid must be paid to the sheriff at the sale in cash, cashier’s check or certified funds, payable to the clerk of courts (personal checks cannot and will not be accepted). The balance of the successful bid must be paid to the clerk of court in cash, cashier’s check or certified funds no later than ten days after the court’s confirmation of the sale or else the 10% down payment is forfeited to the plaintiff. The property is sold “as is” and subject to all real estate taxes, special assessments, liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: At the front entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

DESCRIPTION: Lot Six (6) of Certified Survey Map No. 1132, recorded in Volume 5, Page 122, as Document No. 439241, located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW 1/4 NW 1/4) of Section 16, Township 34 North, Range 17 West, Town of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, including but not limited to a 1979 Rollohome, Serial No. 34276.

TAX KEY NO.: 006-00469-0000.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1572 157th Street, Centuria, Wis. Dated this 8th day of November, 2012. /s/ Peter Johnson Polk County Sheriff Benson Law Office LLC Attorneys for First Bank of Baldwin P.O. Box 370 Siren, WI 54872 715-349-5215 573773 WNAXLP

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Shear Spa and Tanning

2 2 01 G l a c i e r D r i ve , S u i te 4 , S t . C r o i x Fa l l s

715-483-0066

575197 7dp 18Lp 8ap

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SIREN VACANCY NOTICE

Position: Educational Interpreter - K - 12, as needed.

Qualifications: Proper certification and skill level is required as an educational interpreter in Wisconsin.

Duties: The Siren School District is in search of qualified applicants interested in providing interpreting services for the deaf and hard of hearing outside of the regular school day. These duties would involve being available for extracurricular activities and events on an as-needed basis on weeknights and possibly some weekends.

Requirements: Flexible hours. Rate of pay is approximately $20/hour in accordance with the district wage schedule. These duties will begin as soon as necessary.

Application: Candidates are asked to apply immediately by sending a letter and a resume stating qualifications, experience and references to: Scott Johnson, District Administrator, School District of Siren, 24022 4th Avenue, Siren, WI 54872.

574773 17-18L Deadline: 01-02-2013

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

Notices/Employment opportunities Burnett County circuit court

Downtown Centuria

325

$

per mo.

AVAILABLE NOW

575001 7-8a,d, 18-19L

Apartments

Water, sewer & garbage included.

Background check. First month’s rent and damage deposit.

612-280-7581

FOR RENT 2-BR Apartment

Downtown St. Croix Falls

450

$

per mo.

AVAILABLE NOW! Water, sewer & garbage included.

Background check. First month’s rent and damage deposit.

612-280-7581 575327 18-19L 8-9a,d

Raven R. Hagert, 17, Shafer, Minn., underage drinking, $263.50.

Curtis D. Hansen, 34, Chaska, Minn., operate jet ski without flotation device, $175.30.

Aaron M. Hart, 18, Cumberland, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50.

Sharon A. Heckman, 66, Danbury, speeding, $175.30.

Tracy J. Hilke, 45, St. Paul, Minn., operate without insurance, $200.50; speeding, $175.30.

Hopkins Sand and Gravel, Webster, weight limits violation, $964.50.

Don M. Jacobs, 78, Palatine, Ill., speeding, $175.30.

Troy L. Jeske, 38, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Rashaud D. Kelash, 19, Taylors Falls, Minn., underage drinking, $263.50.

Linda L. Knutson, 51, Danbury, operate without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Robert A. Kron, 76, La Pointe, speeding, $200.50; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00.

FOR RENT 2-BR Apartment Downtown St. Croix Falls

$450/mo.

Available now. Waster, sewer and garbage included. On-site laundry, background check.

First month’s rent and damage deposit.

612-280-7581

Jennifer R. Walker, Town of Bone Lake, and Leon A. Hutton, Town of Bone Lake, issued Dec. 9, 2012.

Nicole R. Willett, Village of Clear Lake, and Ronald J. Leslie, Village of Clear Lake, issued Dec. 9, 2012.

Deborah L. Breckley, Town of Laketown, and Jeffrey A. Blanski, Town of Laketown, issued Dec. 10, 2012.

Denise A. Watson, Edina, Minn., and Edward P. Hagen, Town of Garfield, issued Dec. 13, 2012.

Herbert J. Lundborg, 101, Luck, Nov. 23, 2012.

Elizabeth H. Hall, 89, Town of Bone Lake, Nov, 28, 2012.

Marion L. Etchells, 83, Town of Georgetown, Dec. 2, 2012.

Denver S. Petersen, 79, Webster, Dec. 2, 2012.

Gordon M. Hoisington, 68, Town of Lincoln, Dec. 3, 2012.

Kathleen G. Swanson, 71, Town of Lincoln, Dec. 4, 2012.

Polk County deaths

(Dec. 12, 19, 26) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY In the matter of the name change of: Joshua Martin Swerkstrom Notice and Order for Name Change Hearing Case No. 12 CV 719 NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Joshua Martin Swerkstrom To: Joshua Martin Heidel Birth Certificate: Joshua Martin Swerkstrom IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Molly E. GaleWyrick, 1005, West Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810, January 8, 2013, 1:15 p.m.

BY THE COURT: Molly E. GaleWyrick Circuit Court Judge 574990 December 7, 2012 WNAXLP

Bella Salon and Day Spa is seeking a Cosmetologist to join our staff.

Positions available at both our Grantsburg and Luck locations.

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

PARKSIDE REALTY

575237 18-19L 8-9a

FOR RENT Two One-BR

Carlson Timber Products, Sandstone, Minn., timber theft, $389.50.

Darla D. Degidio, 38, Minneapolis, Minn., failure to notify police of accident, $263.50.

Troy P. Dere, 49, Orlando, Fla., speeding, $200.50.

Joseph J. Divis, 59, Trego, unauthorized disabled parking, $164.50.

Alan D. Doriott, 29, Webster, disorderly conduct, $505.00.

Jacqueline D. Duncan, 21, Webster, operate while suspended, $200.50.

Bryce W. Duncan, 18, Webster, operate without valid license, $200.50; underage drinking, license suspended one year, alcohol assessment, $515.50.

Todd C. Ek, 45, Elk River, Minn., speeding, $175.30; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Russell G. Fjorden, 22, Frederic, operate while suspended, $200.50.

Austin J. Foeller, 18, Osceola, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $263.50.

Frederic Fuel Co., Frederic, weight limits violation, $226.14.

Douglas R. Fritze, 56, St. Anthony, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Steven J. Geertsen, 46, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Jeffrey D. Gilbertson, 46, Elk River, Minn., operate ATV without trail pass, $154.50.

Gerald E. Gould, 76, Danbury, speeding, $225.70.

574607 6-7a,d 17-18L

Harley G. Anderson, 20, Minneapolis, Minn., safety violation for riding on decks or gunwales, $175.30.

Lucas D. Anderson, 20, Amery, speeding, $250.90.

Myron F. Baker, 40, Cloquet, Minn., operate without proof of insurance, $10.00; fail to stop at stop sign, $175.30.

Brian P. Bania, 28, Maple Grove, Minn., safety violation for towing skier without observer, $175.30.

Cody S. Barnes, 18, Taylors Falls, Minn., underage drinking, $263.50.

Melissa A. Bearhart, 33, Danbury, nonregistration, $175.30; operate without insurance, $200.50.

Joseph C. Beckers, 34, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Delbert G. Benjamin, 66, Danbury, inattentive driving, $641.60.

Steven A. Berganini, 51, St. Croix Falls, imprudent speed, $213.10.

Shawna L. Blanski, 18, Frederic, nonregistration, $263.50.

Clint G. Bonniwell, 43,Siren, speeding, $175.30.

William F. Borst, 57, Danbury, inattentive driving, $641.50.

Cathy L. Bowlin, 50, Temelec, Calf., speeding, $200.50.

Windy T. Bowlsby, 42, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Cheryl M. Bruce, 56, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Bradley A. Burkhardt, 38, Siren, seat belt violatin, $10.00; operate without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Trenton J. CairnsMagnuson, 19, Webster, operate while suspended, $200.50; operate without insurance, $200.50.

Polk County marriage licenses

Please send or stop in with your resume:

Bella Salon and Day Spa Attn.: Jenna, P.O. Box 317, Luck, WI 54853 715-472-4222

NOTICE OF CAUCUS - TOWN OF LUCK January 10, 2013

STATE OF WISCONSIN ) POLK COUNTY ) TOWN OF LUCK ) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, which a town caucus for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot, Tuesday, April 2, 2013, for the following offices to succeed the present incumbents. The term for town offices is for two years beginning on Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

OFFICE INCUMBENT Town Board Chairperson............................Dean Johansen Town Board Supervisor.................................Greg Marsten Town Board Supervisor....................................Larry Wright Constable.....................................................Curtis Schmidt NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a town caucus will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 8 p.m. in the Luck Town Hall.

Lloyd Nelson, Clerk 575312 18L WNAXLP

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE

Selling your home can be a stressful experience. Especially in today’s market. If you would like to work with an agent dedicated to customer service, give us a call today! Whether Buying or Selling, you’ve come to the right place! Arrange for a Free Market Evaluation of your property as our current inventory is low or review our listings with one of our professional, knowledgeable, friendly agents. Open 7 days a week and always online!

No Pressure - No Hidden Fees - Locally Owned and Operated Check all NW WI listings on our Web site at: www.eraparkside.com

715-349-2899 Siren

575239 18L

The Frederic School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

574871 17-18L

From Our Family To Yours – We Wish You A Very Happy Holiday Season!

The Frederic School District seeks a strong candidate for a Middle School Math long-term substitute. Starting approximately February 9, 2013, for 12 weeks. The position includes teaching all levels of Middle School Math (grades 6-8) in a classroom setting. Additionally, academic support during intervention time is required. Working collaboratively with the Middle School Team and High School Team is necessary.

Requirements: Possess a current Wisconsin Math teaching license.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will value student learning, parent communication and staff collaboration.

How to Apply: Send letter of application, resume, transcripts, reference letters, downloadable application form from our Web site, (www.frederic.k12.wi.us/pages/jobs.html), and a copy of your license to: Mr. Josh Robinson, District Administrator Frederic School District 1437 Clam Falls Drive Frederic, WI 54837-4547

(Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Nationstar Mortgage LLC Plaintiff vs.

AMI R. RAU, et al.

Defendant(s) Case No: 10 CV 711 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on September 8, 2011, in the amount of $170,625.55, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 15, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: By bidding at the sheriff sale, prospective buyer is consenting to be bound by the following 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.

3.) Plaintiff opens bidding on the property, either in person or via fax and as recited by the sheriff department in the event that no opening bid is offered, plaintiff retains the right to request the sale be declared as invalid as the sale is fatally defective.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis DESCRIPTION: Lots 6, 7 and 8, Block 6, First Addition to the Village of Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 413 Oak Street West, Frederic, WI 54837.

TAX KEY NO.: 126-00159-0000.

Dated this 6th day of December, 2012. /s/Sheriff Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Scott D. Nabke Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1037979 165 Bishops Way, Suite 100 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. 2356434 575060 WNAXLP

Sabrina Verby, Town of Beaver, and Chad E. Evenson, Town of Beaver, issued Dec. 13, 2012.

(Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. 3476 STATEVIEW BLVD. FORT MILL, SC 29715 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES MAHONEY A/K/A JAMES L. MAHONEY 1288 60TH STREET AMERY, WI 54001 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JAMES MAHONEY A/K/A JAMES L. MAHONEY 1288 60TH STREET AMERY, WI 54001 Defendants PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 12 CV 650 Judge Molly E. GaleWyrick Case Code No. 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as Defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

Within 40 days after December 19, 2012, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Lois Hoff, Clerk of Courts, Polk County Courthouse, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, P.O. Box 549, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Adam C. Lueck, Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 230 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606. You may have an attorney help represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint 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: December 5, 2012.

Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Adam C. Lueck State Bar No. 1081386 Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street Suite 1125 Chicago, Illinois 60606 Ph. 312-541-9710 Fax 312-541-9711 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.

575310 WNAXLP

POLK COUNTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS Activity Assistant $11.50/hr.

Part time 50-55 hrs./pay period Hours may vary Deadline To Apply: Dec. 28, 2012 C.N.A. - Golden Age Manor $13.12/hr. + shift differential Part-time positions available .40 for pms & .50 for nocs for PM shift (2:30 - 9 p.m.) & Night shift (10:30 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.)

Deadline To Apply: Open until filled YOU MUST COMPLETE A POLK CO. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For application, complete position requirements and details, please visit our Web site at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities, or in person at 100 Polk Co. Plaza, #229, Balsam Lake, or Golden Age Manor, 220 Scholl Ct., Amery, or by calling 715-485-9176. Please, no faxed applications. AA/EEOC 575332 18L

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Taylor Dahlstrom has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Chris and Dawn Dahlstrom. Her favorite activities in school are reading, math and science. She demonstrates exceptional classroom behavior and has a positive attitude.

She is kind to her friends and always willing to help. When Taylor grows up she would like to be a dentist. She enjoys playing board games and playing in the snow.

Shelbi Root has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Terry Root. She is involved in basketball, softball, FFA and helping on her uncle’s farm. She enjoys playing with her nieces and nephews. Her future plans are to go to college and become a doctor. Her greatest influence in her life is her brother Brandon. Shelbi earns excellent grades and works very hard. She is willing to help others.

Lindsey Moylan has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Mark Moylan and Jessica Allen.

She is involved in FFA and choir.

She enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends. Her future plans are to attend college and study to be a chef. Her greatest influence in her life is her mom. Lindsey is an active learner and participates in class discussions.

Vanessa Wickstrom has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in second grade and the daughter of Doug and Stephanie Wickstrom. Vanessa is always doing what she should be doing and is polite, very dependable and courteous to everyone. She enjoys math and reading. She enjoys basketball and T-ball. She would like to be a doctor when she grows up and drive a brightred car.

LUCK

Emma Jensen has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and is the daughter of Jeremy Jensen and Toni Jensen.

Emma comes to school every day with a positive attitude and is ready to learn. She is happy and well-liked by her classmates. Her favorite subjects are spelling and reading. She enjoys playing with her dog, Lucy, and playing in the snow.

Daniel Yourchuck has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Vern and Barb Yourchuck. Daniel is a very conscientious student. He is always willing and eager to participate in discussions. He is involved in soccer. He enjoys playing guitar and is interested in computer graphics and animation. His greatest influences in his life are his parents. Daniel is respectful, honest, trustworthy and thankful.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Cashton Ellefson has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Holly and Devlyn Ellefson. Cashton puts a lot of effort into doing his very best even when the work is difficult. He always has a smile and participates freely in class discussions. He is involved in basketball. He enjoys hunting, fishing, dirt biking and going hunting in Colorado with his dad. His greatest influence in his life is his dad.

Caleb Dyer has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Aaron and Dawn Dyer. Caleb is an excellent writer, whose poems have been published, and artist. He is always willing to help out with projects and willing to put in hours of time after school. He is a good leader who communicates with all types of people. He is involved in Kinship and helps with After-school All Stars. He enjoys writing, weight lifting and martial arts.

Eli Bevens has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Jake and Cammie Bevens. He has one sister. At school, Eli likes to play on the sleds at recess. His favorite thing to do with his family is to go camping. He would like to grow up to be a football player. Eli is a friendly and happy student.

Jessica Peterson has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week.

She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Lynelle Mellum and Mark Peterson. She has two sisters, Dani and Casi. Her pets include five horses, 12 cats, three dogs, 13 birds, 12 chickens and two fish. She enjoys horseback riding, reading and writing. Her favorite subject is social studies.

Jessica is a fantastic student who works hard and is a pleasure to have in class.

Logan Wallace has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of James and April Wallace. He has a younger brother, Grant, and a younger sister, Claire. Logan likes camping, backpacking, hunting, snowboarding, gunsmithing and shooting trap.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Madalyn Hall has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Kreg and Julie Hall. She has a sister, Olivia, and a brother, Gage. Madalyn works hard and is successful academically. She is able to lead by example and help others. Her dream is to work with animals when she grows up. She enjoys reading and playing on the water and ice.

Olivia Brock has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Roxane and Van Brock. Olivia is a kind and caring person. She is always willing to help others, including teachers. She is also polite and respectful. She works hard in her classes and always turns her work in on time. Her favorite class is math. She is involved in basketball, youth group and volleyball.

Sampson Richter has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. He is the son of Dawn and Jeff Richter. Sampson is a positive person that is fun to be around.

He is a good student who is thoughtful and considerate. He is involved in baseball, track and band. He enjoys snowmobiling, snowboarding and anything outside. The person he admires most in his life is his father.

Angela Honeysett has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Wade and Tonja Honeysett. Angie has a polite yet purposeful personality and knows how to have fun while getting things done. She is involved in basketball, softball , SHE club and the IMC club. She spends her free time working or participating in traditional Ojibwe dancing. Angela’s postgraduation plans include joining the Air Force as a nursing trainee.

Caleb Hakenson has been chosen Webster Elementary School's student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Nichole Jones and Justin Hakenson. Caleb is an excellent reader and always does his best work.

He is always kind toward others.

He enjoys country music and loves Johnny Cash. When he gets older he wants to be a fireman.

Joseph Formanek has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of David and Robyn Formanek. Joseph is a natural leader, good student, hard worker, has a lively imagination, friendly, respectful and a positive role model. He is involved in basketball, track, cross country, baseball, band, choir and church group. He enjoys fishing and hunting.

Elizabeth Freymiller has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of David Glienke and Susan Freymiller. She works hard, is very mature and willing to work with any student in class. She always has a friendly hello and has a great sense of humor. She is involved in cross country and track.

She enjoys running, reading and listening to music.

UNITY

Proudly Supporting Our Students Electricity • Propane 1-800-421-0283 www.polkburnett.com

Supporting our area students and their accomplishments.

Stop In or Call Us Today

2547 State Road 35, Luck, Wis. (in the Evergreen Plaza)

715-472-4088 www.sterlingbank.ws

Helping young people reach their goals and promote kindness in a world that sometimes doesn't remember the significance of it.

Helping people find their way back in life.

715-554-1835

wingsontheweb.org

Bekah Robinson has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in fourth grade and the daughter of Brandon and Lisa Robinson. Bekah is a very bright, kind and caring individual. She is always willing to help out her classmates and is a friend to all. She is an active member in the elementary student council where she is helping to improve the elementary school for all her fellow students.

Carter Hanson has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Kelley Mitchell and Matthew Hanson. Carter is an excellent student and has a great attitude. He is conscientious and participates well in class. He treats others with kindness and is always willing to help.

Carly Ince has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week.

She is a junior and the daughter of Tammy and Marty Ince. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, National Honor Society, student council, Kinship and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After high school she plans to go to school to become a physical therapist. She resides in Luck.

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Holiday Indulgence concert

Grantsburg

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG - Holiday Indulgence concert guests were treated to dinner and delightful musical selections at the seventh-annual Grantsburg music department fundraiser presented on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16, in the festively decorated high school gymnasium.

Grantsburg High School bands and choirs performed Christmas and holiday favorites ending with an audience sing-along of Christmas carols.

Ellie Corbin and partner Brandon Ryan, and Lora Glover with her guy, Nathan Swenson, looked adoringly into each other’s eyes while performing the seasonal song, The Travelers group started their set of music with traditional Christmas carols and ended with an upbeat tune “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” with other Holiday Indulgence audiences have come to expect and look forward to hearing, the funny favorite, “You’re a vocal jazz choir Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” members.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer Santa made a guest appearance at the Dec. 16 Holiday Indulgence Concert, much to the delight of students RuthAnn Pedersen and Melissa Dahl who were excited to have a photo taken with Jolly Old Saint Nick.

Ellie Corbin performed a solo during the Grantsburg High School vocal jazz choir number “Winter Song.”

Donning cowboy hats, Laura Drohman and Paige Johnson performed the lighthearted “Caroler’s Hoedown” with other handbell choir members at Sunday’s Holiday Indulgence concert presented in the Grantsburg High School gymnasium.

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PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Nelson Christmas program

Falun

Little Pirates Ethan Gorkiewicz and Teddy Zaborowski were having fun shaking jingle bells all the way through the song “Ring Those Bells.”

Nelson School kindergartener Andrew Roberts showed of his decorated gingerbread guy as he and his class sang the song “Gingerbread Cookies.”

Little Pirate Gilma Jean Wylie gave her best impression of reindeer ears during her class’s performance of the “Reindeer H o k e y Pokey.”

Nelson early childhood student Levi Scheider looked festive in his Santa hat as he and his classmates sang “Old St. Nicholas” during their performance at the Nelson Christmas At Our School program on Friday, Dec. 14.

Nelson kindergarteners Brady Gross and Abigail Kammeyer showed just how much they really, really wanted a kitten for Christmas as they sang the song “A Kitty for A Present” at the school’s Christmas program on Friday, Dec. 14.

Josie Richards pretended to be fast asleep just like she’ll be on Christmas Eve when Santa comes down the chimney during her class performance of the song “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” at the Nelson Christmas At Our School program.

575118 18L

Ivy Zaborowski was wide-eyed as she rang her bells and sang out with her kindergarten class “Christmas Day,” at the Nelson Christmas program presented to parents, family and friends on Dec. 14.

WED., DEC. 19, 2012 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

Follow the Leader

THE-LEADER.NET

St. Croix Chippewa Youth on the Red Road

An award-winning newspaper serving NW Wisconsin

Honoring the elders

said.

Loew talked about seven Anishinaabe values, the heritage of the youth: Humility (Dabasendizowin). Learn from the elders.

They have the traditional wisdom, the values we need for life.

Truth (Debwewin). Talk the truth, share your thoughts.

Sometimes humor can be used to bring out deep truths.

Courage (Zoongide’iwin). She told of a young musician who uses hip-hop and rap to get the stories of the community out to the public, using a new medium to relate his message.

Honesty (Gwayakwaadiziwin). Fess up and take responsibility for what happens. You get the benefit of the doubt if you are honest.

Respect (Manaaji’idiwin). Loew told of 14-year-olds from Bad River who respect their land and are telling of the effect of mining and invasive species on wild rice.

Their message is “Come to the place where food grows on the water.”

Love (Zaagi’idiwin). She said "The Mishomis Book," by Edward Benton-Banai, tells who the Ojibwe really are.

Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin). “Learn our language,” Loew said. “Everything you need to know is in our language. Language is life. It captures the way Ojibwe see the world.”

“We need to know our Anishinaabe values,” Loew said in the very personal talk. “Know who you are. Be proud of the success of your friend. Do your best to the best of your ability. Make your community proud.”

The 80 youth at the 29th TRAILS conference came from Siren, Webster, Cumberland, Unity, Red Cliff and LCO. Loew’s question to them was, “What will you be?”

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer HERTEL – Five remarkable area sisters have been honored and remembered in a new film, “Naanan Nimiseyug” (My Five Sisters). The film was made by five young area Chippewa youth. The film had its first showing Friday, Dec. 7, in Turtle Lake as part of a gathering of Ojibwe youth at Hertel. The St. Croix Traditions Respecting American Indian Life Styles 29th-annual Youth on the Red Road Conference and Pow-Wow brought over 80 young people together.

The film Five sisters, Harriet LaSarge, Ann Oiyotte, Doris Emery, Beverly Oustigoff and Frances Decorah, were born some 80 years ago in the Sand Lake community near Hertel, the children of Joseph and Mary Oiyotte. The story of their lifetimes reflects the many changes in the Chippewa community over the past century. In interviews, the five tell of life in the 1930s, of being sent away to Indian boarding schools for much of the year, of early jobs, of the coming together of the community with the restoration of treaty rights, down to the resurgence of Ojibwe as the elders and the youth work to retain their language and culture.

It was a group of those youth who spent their summer interviewing the five sisters and editing the film in Madison. Five high school students, William Barr, Vincent Barr, Shawnee Merrill, Neil Oustigoff Jr. and Desiree Tucker, conducted the interviews and worked on the editing.

Tucker is now a student at Spooner. The other four now go to Siren High School. They worked throughout the project with Rebecca Countryman, a student at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College, and Sierra Merrill, a teacher at the Unity School District. Mitchell LaSarge and Jeromy Lambert, LCO graduates, did the music for the 30-minute film.

The film premièred at the monthly elder luncheon at the St. Croix Casino. Oiyotte passed on last June but the other four sisters were present, joined by several of the young producers of “Naanan Nimiseyug.” After the showing, each sister was honored with the gift of a quilt.

The quilts were made and presented by six members of the Trinity Lutheran Quilters, Sandy Anderson, Maxine Long, Carol Leischer, Lilly Stensvold, Betty Fick and Joyce Rebesch. They remarked that they took the best of the quilts they have made this year to honor the sisters.

The quilters are a part of Trinity Lutheran ELCA Church in Spooner.

While the new film is the work of nine young Ojibwe, the project was directed and brought together by Patty

Vincent Barr, Shawnee Merrill and Neil Oustigoff Jr. were three of the students who made the new movie about the five sisters.

Patty Loew told the youth about the seven Anishinaabe values.

Loew, a professor at UW– Madison. And the entire idea was the long-term dream of Kate Lechnir, LCO outreach director at Hertel. Public presentations of the film are being planned for the coming year.

The youth event “Be the best you can be with the skills you have,” Loew told the 80 students from seven schools gathered on Friday, Dec. 7, for the Youth on the Red Road Conference.

“Feel and sense your history. Get an education. We need native scientists to tell people of the threats to our lands.

We need native people influencing the world.”

Loew is a professor in the department of life science at UW – Madison and the author of several books on the native peoples of Wisconsin. She came to the St. Croix Tribal Center on Dec. 7, to speak to the young students at the conference. “She devotes her life to these kids,” Lechnir

The Anishinaabe values in Ojibwe and English.

A new film honors five sisters, St. Croix elders from the Sand Lake community. Pictured (L to R) are Keith Oiyotte (accepting a quilt for his mother Ann Oiyotte), Frances Decorah, Beverly Oustigoff, quilters Sandy Anderson and Maxine Long, Harriet LaSarge with granddaughter, and Doris Emery. - Photos by Gregg Westigard

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 12, 2012

Elementary Christmas program

Webster

Mrs. Hedrick’s kindergarten students performed during the Webster Elementary Christmas program held Friday.

Webster Elementary held their annual Christmas program on Friday, Dec. 14. Shown are thirdgrade students, back row (L to R): Elizebeth Rust, Josie Johnson and Arwen Gustafson. Front row: Clara Benson, Mia Madsen and Sean Nimmo. – Photos submitted unless otherwise noted

First-grade students Jaxson Blake and Ashley Wolf sing at the Webster Christmas program.

This is the part where Webster kindergartners raise their hands and sing out as loud as they can. – Photo by Sherill Summer

The fourth-graders in the Webster Elementary Christmas program held Friday, Dec. 14. – Photo by Sherill Summer

The room was encircled with the students singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" to end their performances.

The traditional ending to all Webster Elementary Christmas programs brings grades K through four together for the final song - “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Then, of course, there is the final bow. These boys are reaching way up to start that final bow. – Photo by Sherill Summer

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Laketown HCE celebrates its 50th year LAKETOWN – The Laketown Homemakers Club was organized in 1962 and this year is celebrating its 50th year.

The Sterling Homemakers Club had become oversized so four of their members decided to start a new club. They called it Laketown after its township. Marjorie Mattson, Vivian Byl, Betty Johnson and Helen Cambronne were the organizers with the help of the Polk County Extension office.

They reached out, contacting friends and neighbors, catering to young homemakers and mothers with a need to learn and be involved with outside events.

In October 1962, the first meeting was held with four additional charter members present. The plans were laid out and the rulers discussed to become a successful club. With energy and enthusiasm, the new club proceeded.

Besides offering project lessons, they have been of service to their country, county and community. They have made many quilts that are sent to people in the service that are in hospitals in the USA and shipped out boxes of many items to those that are stationed in war zones. Each year they give presents for Operation Christmas at Balsam Lake and pack many bags of goodies for people in the area.

These are just a few of the services they do.

The club has 20 members with a variety of talents. Together they have taught, learned, shared, cared and given support to each other, and lasting friendships have been made. The club continues to be very active and they hope to continue to grow strong in wisdom, hope and spirit, and they strive for better living and improvement of home and community. - submitted

the-leader.net

Stay connected to your community.

I hadn’t actually planned to do it, but it was in the back of my mind as a possibility.

I was eager to get back to the Midwest. There was snow! I got a good night’s sleep the night Carrie Classon before, posted my students’ grades — and hit the road. It was possible, I thought, to drive the 1,200 miles straight through and spend an extra night with my family.

Two hours into the drive, I was revising the plan.

There had been a lot of snow in the mountains and sheets of ice remained on the road. I passed semitrailers posed in ungraceful positions along the side of the highway. I passed tracks that suddenly veered off into ditches. I drove slowly and calculated the time required to get home at the current speed. I’d definitely make it by New Year’s Eve, I figured.

But as I came out of the mountains the snow disappeared, the road cleared, and the sun came out, melting off the last of the residue.

On dry roads, the miles flipped by. I took a smaller road across the country. It had recently been resurfaced and the driving was easy. I had packed a lot of food, but I found I wasn’t hungry. I was prepared to stop if I got tired, but I found I wasn’t sleepy. I tried the radio for a while, but grew bored with the noise.

Eventually, I just drove, a sort of meditation across the country. Lucy and Milo took turns snoring in the pickup cab beside me.

Everything was fine until I got to Wichita.

Wichita was confusing and I needed to get onto a different highway. I was peering at the overhead signs littering the freeway, trying to figure out where I should exit. I was elated when I found the exit until I saw red and blue lights flashing behind me.

“Did I take the exit too fast?” I asked the officer, genuinely puzzled.

No, the speed had decreased to 40 miles an hour just before my exit. I never saw the sign and was going 52 miles an hour in what I thought was a 60-mile-an-

Letters from

home

hour zone.

Any thoughts I had entertained of stopping now vanished. There was nothing I could do about the ticket, but I could see to it that Kansas did not get another dime. Now I was (quite literally) driving with a vengeance across the frozen wheat fields, trying not to be angry at a hardworking police officer just doing his job on a cold winter night. Instead, I tried to figure out what lesson there was to be learned. I came up with nothing. I kept driving.

It wasn’t until almost dawn that I started to feel the weight of the hours. But stopping so far north seemed foolish so I kept driving, opening the windows to let cold air slap me awake, playing Christmas music on the radio until Milo stretched out his paw and shut the radio off.

I re-entered the snow just as the sun was rising.

The evergreens were flocked against the pink sky, the landscape white. Fuzzy-headed but cheerful, I drove the final miles as the sun grew brighter.

I was coming home for Christmas. And, while I don’t think I will drive straight through again, the experience somehow prepared me for the season. I was ready for sunshine and snow after the long journey and the long dark night. I would be with family tonight. We would all be together, three candles would be burning, Christmas on its way.

Till next time, —Carrie

Final weekend for "It's a Wonderful Life" at Festival Theatre

ST. CROIX FALLS – Festival Theatre’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” closes during the upcoming weekend in downtown St. Croix Falls. This stage adaptation was written by James W. Rodgers. Based in part on the classic film, the expectations from people familiar with the famous Frank Capra movie are quite high. People who know and love the movie with Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore will come expecting to see the same story—which is both a blessing and a challenge, according to director Ed Moersfelder.

The first and most obvious challenge is the physical setting. The movie is rich with extensive set pieces and a huge cast. Festival Theatre is an intimate venue that works best with a small cast. The challenge is to move seamlessly from scene to scene and place to place in the small space available to create Bedford Falls. There is not enough wing space in the theater to roll different back-

grounds onto and off the stage. The set, consequently, is suggestive rather than descriptive and it is the actors who create for the audience the color and warmth, or oppression, of the space in which they move. Moersfelder said, “The beauty, however, of the Festival environment and the amazing acting team that has been assembled, is that the story can be told with humor, nuance and intimacy which, I believe, goes far beyond that possible when watching a film.”

The second difference and challenge in presenting this story on a stage is showing the progression of time through the play as it relates to the people. “It’s a Wonderful Life” covers almost the entire life of George Bailey, bringing with it a multitude of characters, and also these same characters at different stages of life. In a movie, these roles are played by different people, and the casts are large. At Festival, most actors are playing at least

Stephen Pearce as Clarence, Jaclyn Johnson as Mary and Frank Huber as George. two roles in this production, requiring more costume changes and changes in voicing. Furthermore, the script is written as a flashback, with Clarence the guardian angel as narrator of the story, though he is speaking to George the entire time. This technique guides the audience through the progression of the story to the culmination of George’s awareness and the happy conclusion.

Attending this play is a perfect way to celebrate with family and friends this holiday season. Just three performances remain for “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which is sponsored by Amery Regional Medical Center. Says one patron, “I had no idea how one of my favorite films would translate to the stage, but this show is phenomenal!”

Patrons can see this heartwarming story Thursday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m., and also Sunday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. Call the box office for reservations at 715-483-3387, e-mail at boxoffice@festivaltheatre.org, or reserve online at festivaltheatre.org. Festival Theatre is located at 210 North Washington St. in downtown St. Croix Falls.

The cast of "It's a Wonderful Life."

Communications 101

Cold turkey

and observations in the healthcare field. One continually outperforms me in the writing arena There is a rhetorical question and our youngest seeks to unthat bears repeating. “If a man says derstand how we communicate something and his wife doesn’t effectively, not only on a social John W. Ingalls, MD hear him, is he still wrong?” I level but on the personal level. don’t know the origin of this and I One of her college projects obcan’t take the credit but the answer is obvious. It beviously had to do with communication in marriage. Sicame all the more apparent when faced with a recent multaneously, she sent us a question that has college survey.

I learn things from my children all of the time. When consequences no matter how you answer. “How they were small they would repeat in public what was happy are you with your marriage?” The answer had to be quantified as a percentage. said in private and I learned valuable lessons. ChilYou can see the obvious conundrum I was facing. If dren tell the truth. I also learned not to fight the little I answered 100 percent, my wife would know that I battles and everything would naturally work out. If a was lying.

No one is happy 100 percent of the time. child hates peas, there isn’t anything you can do to However if I answered somewhat less than 100 peralter their taste buds. They may relish the dog food and eat dirt but you won’t get them to eat real food no cent, I would have to face the equally delicate question about the areas of which I wasn’t happy. Fifty percent matter how hard you try. seemed much too low. I did consider about 80 percent As they get older, you quickly learn that you don’t being a reasonable answer but this still left me defendhave all of the answers even if you pretend that you ing my position, a situation I would rather avoid. do. Each of our four daughters is learning to function Ninety percent seemed a better choice but that still left and adapt on a professional level in different areas of me 10 percent unhappy. expertise. Two of them challenge me with questions

I was cognizant of the fact that my wife was also answering the very same question at the same time. No matter what I answered, I knew it had to nearly match her answer as well. Not only did I have to try and quantify my level of happiness but I also had to figure out how happy she might feel, and not just this moment in time but also over the past 35 years. I knew that an inappropriate answer would likely impact her short-term happiness quotient and, in turn, mine as well.

The timing of the question was fortunate as we were experiencing a lazy, relaxing sort of day. I am certain that a bad day would have influenced our decisions. I pondered a bit more and punched in the answer on my phone, irretrievably sending my quantified level of marital happiness. My answer complete, I looked over at my wife to try and determine her level of happiness. She wouldn’t tell me.

My phone soon buzzed with a return message. “Haha Dad! Mom is happier than you are! What’s wrong with you?” I was stunned. I figured that I had the perfect answer. The only logical answer that wouldn’t result in trying to defend my position was 99 percent.

She had answered 99.99 percent. I think she was lying.

We teach, we learn

What scientists know (and capitalists ignore) about motivation will surprise you

in the following items: a candle, a box full of thumbtacks and a book of matches. The Chris Wondra problem you are assigned is to attach the candle to the wall in a way that prevents the wax from dripping on the table.

Before reading on, think for a moment how you might accomplish this. Many people start by trying to tack the candle to the wall, or lighting a match and melting some wax before attempting to stick it to the wall.

Neither works. Eventually, most people stumble upon the solution, which is to empty the box of tacks, tack the box to the wall, and then set the candle in it.

The key is in being able to creatively break free from the idea that the box only has one function: to hold the tacks.

This block in imagination is called

Let’s talk about incentives. We hear about incentives all the time—especially lately as we try to get the economy going again. We worry about tax incentives. We wonder about the best way to incentivize people to work, or spend money, or save money, or do more work, or better work, or homework.

Being good capitalists, we all know that incentives are great for stimulating all kinds of behavior in the direction that we desire. But are carrots and sticks really effective? And if so, how many carrots are required? Actually, scientists figured this out a long time ago. And I think the answer might surprise you. It surprised me.

But before we get to that, as is my custom, I’d like to share with you a puzzle.

Consider the following problem devised by psychologist Karl Dunker in the 1930s. It’s called the “candle problem,” and is used for a wide variety of psychological experiments. Imagine sitting at a table when a researcher brings

“functional fixedness.”

You’re wondering what this has to do with incentives. So riddle me this: What happens when you give people this sort of problem with incentives for solving it quickly? That’s exactly what Sam Glucksberg, a Princeton University psychologist, wanted to find out. So he timed two groups of people and asked them to solve the candle problem. He told the first group (we’ll call them group A) that he was just timing them to get an idea of how long it normally took people to solve this kind of puzzle.

We’re just establishing a benchmark, he told them. No pressure. The second group (group B), he offered incentives.

Glucksberg told each participant that if his or her time was among the fastest 25 percent of everyone tested, he or she would receive $5. If the participant was the fastest, he or she would receive $20.

I should also mention that Glucksberg did this experiment in 1962. Five and 20 dollars is a nice incentive for many today. Adjusted for inflation, it was an even greater incentive back then. Not bad for a few minutes’ work.

So you want to know, with all that money on the line, how much faster

group B performed? They didn’t. The incentivized group actually took an average of 3-1/2 minutes longer to solve the problem. Three and a half minutes!

The monetary reward actually slowed them down. And not by a little!

Experiments of this sort have been performed time and time again. And the results are clear. Traditional incentives don’t always work. And the fact is, they never work when the task requires any amount of creative problem solving. Why? Rewards narrow our focus—which, when a creative solution is wanted, is exactly the wrong thing to do.

I know what you’re thinking: Is it even possible to encourage people to work more creatively to solve the complex problems of today’s workplace? It is. But you’ll have to read next week to learn how. I’ve yet to discover a way to fit more words in the tight space of this column. Nor, apparently, am I motivated to do so.

Founder of WeTeachWeLearn.org, Chris Wondra is just another Wisconsin public schoolteacher. Find We Teach We Learn on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips on getting the most out of your brain.

Holidays, fur trade style

Folle Avoine Chronicles Woodswhimsy the gnome

dour opinions of Christmas frivolity.

Daniel Harmon, from New England and trading on the Saskatchewan River in the early 1800s, reflected this outlook when he recorded in his journal that, “This being Christmas Day our people pay no further attention to worldly affairs than to drink all day … ” Well, boo on him, poor chap.

Both Christmas and New Year’s followed a pattern - much of it centered on goodly amounts of liquor - then again, there weren’t football or video games or the other modern distractions either.

The religious side was quite private many of the French Canadians having grown up Catholic, the English/Scots/Yankees Protestant, and of course they were residing in a majority population of natives who did not observe any of the Christian trappings, but still observed the seasonal celebrations.

Over the years many of the traders and voyageurs adopted this outlook as well.

Regardless, what we can garner from traders journals of the time indicates that on both Christmas and New Year’s, early in the morning voyageurs called on their bosses to formally salute them.

This was often done via a volley of musket fire, and in return the bourgeois or clerk in charge of the post would offer a ration of spirits. Often a party would

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the trading posts of fur trade times were places filled with joie de vivre during the holiday period. One might even have heard a round of “J’ai trop grand peur des loups,” or “I’m Too Afraid of Wolves,” a round of “Ah, Si mon moine voulait danser,” or “If only my monk would dance,” or the legend of the flying canoe - “La Chasse Galerie” - which I described last time around.

Meanwhile, Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park’s crew is putting together its programs and offerings for the soon-tobe turning of the calendar to 2013 (must be an odd feeling - seeing as they’re always in the year 1802-05).

My trusty source of info, the old recluse, has stumbled across some plans for next year’s Forts programs which I’ll lay out for you in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, the historic site museum and visitors center is open Tuesdays-Fridays during the winter, with the historical library open each Wednesday as well.

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ensue, featuring the music of fiddle and Indian drum, and a dance would wind up the evening’s observances. One visitor to one of these frontier balls says that the cabin was “filled by the gaily dressed guests - Indians, whose chief ornament consisted in the paint on their faces, voyageurs with bright sashes and neatly ornamented moccasins, halfbreeds glittering in every ornament they could lay their hands on, all were laughing, and jabbering in as many different languages as there were styles of dress.”

Ross Cox recalled a similar dance at Rainy Lake in 1817: “We had two excellent fiddlers, and our ball, in which the exhilarating amusement of the ‘light fantastic toe’ was kept up to a late hour in the morning. We walked through no lazy minuets; we had no simpering quadrilles; no languishing half-dying waltzes; no - ours was the exercise of health, the light, liverly reel, or the rattling good old-fasioned country dance, in which the graceful though untutored movements of the Northwest females would have put to blush many of the the more refined votaries of ‘civilization.’”

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The unique culture of the fur trade was apparent in the way traders, voyageurs, Indians, and metis (mixed white/Indians) blended disparate cultural traditions into a mix celebrating each group’s unique heritage. And it wasn’t necessarily a rosy image of peace on earth, at least according to many fur trade accounts: Alexander Henry, 1803 (New Year’s Day), Red River: “… plagued with ceremonies and men and women drinking and fighting pellmell.”

John Sayer, 1804, Snake River/Folle Avoine: … “this being Christmas, gave my men a dram extra of rum which occasioned several battles amongst them.”

Michel Curot’s entry for the three days preceding Christmas at the Yellow River/Forts Folle Avoine post in 1804 is quite tranquil by comparison: ... “only four fish taken in two nets. The cold has entirely diminished. Christmas Eve was lovely, as pleasant as spring. I gave David (a voyageur working for the XY trader Curot) some flour to make pancakes. I gave him also a taste of rum as a treat, or Christmas feast, as he would not be here on that day.” Then on Christmas Day he tells us that “Smith (a clerk-voyageur) came back this morning (from the Indian camps), he brought two sides of venison, that Le Grand Fou (probably a metis/mixed blood trapper) gave him, a beaver from Le Petit Loup and a fisher from La Pierre a Affiler.”

Interestingly, Curot records that the business of garnering food and furs from the Indians continued as usual, though undoubtedly the holiday was observed in fur trade fashion later.

The French Canadians in the trade especially wouldn’t let the holiday period pass by without celebration. Not so with some of their Scots/Yankee bosses, who came from cultures with rather

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Siren students named to honors choir

Do you remember?

Compiled by Sue Renno

50 Years ago

The Upper St. Croix Valley Music Association District Honors Choir event was held at Siren High School Monday, Dec. 3.

There was an all-day rehearsal conducted by clinician Dr. Bret Amundson which culminated in an evening concert featuring high school choirs from Webster, Grantsburg, Frederic and Siren. Amundson is the director of choral activities at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. He conducted a variety of pieces including the African “Noel,” and the traditional Trinidadian carol “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.” Pictured (in no particular order) are 2012 District Honors Choir members from Siren, Hannah Skold, Lizzie Stanford, Aubri Larson, Emily Stiemann, Maddy Doty and Jacob Tomczak. – Photo submitted

Siren Elementary food drive

The Siren Elementary School held a food drive for the women’s shelter that serves Polk and Burnett counties. They had a contest to see which class could bring in the most food items.

Mrs. Karsten’s third- and fourth-grade classes won by bringing in 134 items of food.

All together the elementary brought in a total of around 800 food items. Gratitude is extended to the families of Siren School who donated the food for this drive. Photo submitted

40 years ago

Siren retailer makes the most of 12-12-12

by Jean Koelz Leader staff writer SIREN – Jan. 1, 2101, over 100 years from now, is the next time the numbers representing the date, month and year will align as perfectly as they did this month. Numerologists, astrologists and superstitious folks all over the world have had a heyday for 12 years in a row now speculating over the symbolism of such digital coincidence, culminating in our ability this month to date our checks “12-12-12.”

As the last in the series, Dec. 12 was supposedly even more loaded with hidden meaning. Some saw an opportunity to do something memorable, like get married.

Others saw it as an opportunity to do something really big, like join forces with other big-name celebrities and raise millions of dollars for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

But for the rest of us, 12-12-12 was just an excuse to have some fun.

Wisconsites used the day to pay homage to their beloved Packers team, especially No. 12 himself, Aaron Rodgers. But it was local businesswoman Peggy Strabel, owner of Peggy’s Fashion Rack in Siren, who took the ball and ran with it. Strabel created a 12-hour marathon event at her store that combined all things Packers with all things Christmas, then she put them all on sale. What could be more fun than that?

How about getting your picture taken with Aaron Rodgers – or at least a life-size cardboard cutout that you have the chance to win at the end of the day? Over 300 people visited the store to do just that, in addition to taking advantage of all the bargains and participating in a 12-themed red kettle campaign to raise money for the Salvation Army. Peggy’s entire staff (and it was all

Louis Marek, from the Wood Lake area, drowned when his pickup broke through the ice of Spirit Lake.

His son, Dennis, 15, was with him, and the two exited the vehicle through a window but became separated under the water and only Dennis surfaced. Divers recovered the body on their second day of searching the muddy bottom of the lake.–A car broke through the ice on Devils Lake, but 74-year-old Olaf Johnson was able to escape before the car sank.–The contest at Milltown Cooperative Services to guess the weight of a frozen pig named Caprina, after the Capri freezer in which it was placed, resulted in a three-way tie, with the winners splitting the meat equally. Winners were Mrs. Earl McLean, St. Croix Falls; Henry Thaemert, Centuria; and Loyal Lunde, Centuria.–The Frederic and Unity basketball teams were both undefeated, each having won their first three games, and would play each other in the “game of the week” on Dec. 21.

Joe McAbee and Gary Gjonnes were two of the leading scorers for the Vikes, and Olin, Dube and Wilson for the Eagles, no first names mentioned.–Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fjorden, Luck, didn’t make it all the way to the St. Croix Falls hospital before their son was born, at the junction of Hwys. 8 and 35.

The Frederic School Board gave its tentative approval for a planned program to host ninth-grade exchange students from Flintshire, North Wales, in April, and then send some of its students to Flintshire in June, when school would still be in session there.

Unity had also indicated willingness to participate in the program.–Hospital Administrator Frank Snapp resigned from his position on the Grantsburg School Board.–Marine Pvt. Steven G. Hartwig, from Siren, graduated from basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif.–The wedding of Betty Lou Gustafson and Loren Richard Soderberg took place Nov. 11 at Trade Lake Baptist Church.–Luella Fagerberg Jero and Keith Mortenson were married on Dec. 16 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Luck.–Milltown Cooperative Services had their annual super sale and had moved up from a frozen pig prize drawing to a drawing for a Scorpion Stinger snowmobile, which was won by Emil Gehrke, of Milltown.–The Lucky Polk VFW Post, No. 10195, organized in 1970, purchased the former Kingdom Hall on Hwy. 35 between Luck and Frederic.–UW-Eau Claire reported record enrollment, with 8,701 students, including hundreds from Burnett and Polk counties.–The Dec. 20 issue of the Leader featured many pages of attractive Christmas ads placed by local businesses to send readers and patrons season’s greetings.

20 years ago

Peggy Strabel (right) presents winner Lois Skow (left) with her prize: a life-size cutout of Aaron Rodgers. hands on deck for the busy day) was clad in Packers gear, and most of the customers were as well.

Strabel commented that it really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It was a fun day!” she exclaimed.

“And it’s nice to see so many local people coming out to shop local.” Fortunately, all those who missed the event can still take advantage of the “12 Days of Christmas” deals at the store and participate in the red kettle fundraiser through Christmas Eve.

The Frederic Elementary students presented a tongue-twisting song and dance when Santa, played

by Tadd Ryan, booked a vacation with travel agent Amanda Chell to spend “Christmas on the Isthmus of Panama.” Laurel Buley and Danielle Root sang “O Christmas Tree.”–The Frederic Area Community Association presented Penny Bistram, branch officer of the new Firstar Bank in Frederic, and Helen Gallup and Nancy Chenal, of the Consignment Depot, north of Frederic on Hwy. 35, with welcome plaques.–St. Croix Falls had two new businesses, the Before and After Hair Studio, owners James and Lynette Svoboda; and the Balanced Body, offering massage therapy and operated by LaRae Lundeen.–At the Burnett Dairy annual meeting, the co-op celebrated their 25th year in business and a 15.6-percent rise in sales over the previous year.–The Raphael Kosloski home in Siren won the fifth-annual Christmas decorating contest. Second and third places went to Gene Olson and William Hayes, respectively.–Frederic High School students Robert Lee, Joy Carley and Keri Rommel attended a student-athlete workshop at Stevens Point.–Polk County Board Chairman Stanley Anderson reported that people were doing a sloppy job of recycling, and Supervisor Carl McCurdy said people were dropping off “everything under the sun” at the Eureka site.

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Serving the community since 1882

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

Just a few of the hundreds of customers who donned their Packer gear and visited Peggy’s Fashion Rack on 12-12-12.

This life-size cutout of Aaron Rodgers was available for photos and drew attention to the myriad of Packers paraphernalia at Peggy’s Fashion Rack in Siren. – Photos submitted by Peggy Strabel

Tom Moore, Owner Brian Johnson - RPh

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hey folks, all’s well in our household and we’re all cozy and warm, enjoying the fire like I’m sure so many of you are. Mom broke down and bought a snowblower just like the one they have at the shelter so guess what, maybe it won’t snow for the rest of winter now! I think that’s what she calls Murphy’s Law. I can just see her wheeling that thing around and pointing the spout at us as the snow shoots out, kind of like a game of tag.

We heard from Sawyer’s adopters again this week and he is doing fabulous.

We couldn’t be happier for the big guy, to have such a wonderful new family to call Emerald his own. Best news of

Shelter

YAPpenings Sadie all is that our longest-term resident, Aubrey, has finally been adopted and I have to say it was worth the wait. Aubrey has been at the shelter since July 26 and we were at a loss as to why she was passed over so many times. She truly is an amazing gal with a gentle and loving spirit! We can’t wait to get updates on her and all our adoptees.

One of our newer pups looking for a home is the very cute Tyko, a 4-month old Lab cross. Tyko is a fun-loving and fairly laid-back pup that enjoys play-

ing with Smokey in the play yard. At first he wasn’t too sure how to play but he’s learning quickly and his cuteness makes your heart melt.

Judging by the size of his paws, he’s going Tyko to grow into a large, handsome boy. Why don’t you stop by and visit with him and see if he doesn’t tug at your heartstrings.

Just a reminder that we’re doing an “adoption by donation” this month in hopes of finding our adult cats a home to call their own. All are young adults ranging from 1 to 3 years old. The very handsome Emerald has been at the shelter since Aug. 18 and when you see his beautiful eyes you’ll understand

Siren news

715-349-2964 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around the area, maybe not with a good layer of the white stuff to let the jolly old elf drive his sleigh so far this year. However, just take a ride around the area and look at all the decorated homes all lit up at night.

Last, but not least, take a drive past the Crooked Lake Park after dark. The Siren Lions did a marvelous job of turning the park into a veritable winter wonderland of lights.

How many of you woke up to a surprise of rain last Saturday morning? Not just a few sprinkles either but a good rain leaving puddles on the ground here in bear country. This is the first December I can remember that I could look out the window and watch a deer at the end of our driveway take a drink out of a puddle. I’m sure the snowmobilers and ice

fishermen are getting a little impatient with Mother Nature this year.

We have a new bird here in bear country, not one or two, but flocks of them. Little redpoles, a small, finchlike bird. We have had them on the farm by the bunches but this is the first year we had them in bear country. They nest up in the tundra and often winter this far down.

Sympathy to the family of Elizabeth J. Coleman who passed away Dec. 2.

There’s a certain Siren gal who is getting old, 60 in fact. On Thursday, Dec. 13, she turned the big 60. Her family and friends gathered to help her celebrate this milestone in her life last Saturday at the Pheasant Inn. Happy birthday again, Willa, and many more happy birthdays.

Bev Beckmark Sunday, after the Sunday school’s Christmas service at the Siren Methodist Church, the parishioners enjoyed a great Christmas dinner.

Monday, hubby took off to the Cities airport to pick up our son, Arthur “Punk” Beckmark Jr., for an 11day holiday visit in bear country.

Congratulations to elementary student Emma Peterson, middle schooler Brady Mangen and high schooler Liz Brown for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week. Great job.

My wish for you all is that you have a great Christmas, but let’s remember those not so fortunate. But most importantly, let’s remember the real reason for the season – that special birth so long ago, so far away.

Wisconsin Interstate Park State park admission stickers available Do you know someone who enjoys camping, hiking, biking, swimming, skiing or wildlife watching?

Some of the best recreational opportunities and most scenic areas in Wisconsin can be found in state parks, forests and trails.

The 2013 admission stickers to Wisconsin state parks and forests are now available. In St. Croix Falls, the 2013 admission stickers can be purchased at the Ice Age Center at Interstate Park located onehalf mile south of Hwy. 8 on Hwy. 35. The vehicle admission sticker provides access to more than 60

state park, forest and recreation area properties across Wisconsin. They make excellent yearlong gifts for the outdoors lovers on holiday gift lists.

Admission stickers are valid from the date of sale through Dec. 31, 2013. There is no increase in sticker fees for 2013. The cost is $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. A family with more than one vehicle registered to the same household may purchase additional state park stickers at half price. A senior citizen annual sticker for $10 is available for Wisconsin residents 65 years of age and older.

In addition to the 2013 admission sticker to Wisconsin state parks and forests, there are also natureoriented holiday gifts and stocking stuffers available at Glacier’s Gifts shop in the Ice Age Center at Inter-

state Park. Nature books and field guides, wildlife posters and puzzles, and a new selection of sweatshirts are offered for sale by the Friends of Interstate Park. Children’s items including nature activity books, a wide variety of stuffed animals and wildlife finger puppets make ideal stocking stuffers. A paid annual or lifetime membership to the Friends of Interstate Park is also an excellent gift idea. Proceeds from all sales and membership dues benefit the Friends group, a nonprofit organization that helps support the education programs at the park.

For more information call Interstate Park at 715483-3747, like us on Facebook or visit our Web site at friendsofinterstatepark.org. - submitted

Grantsburg Public Library Free resume help

Borrow DVDs at the Library

The library has a collection of more than 1,000 DVDs on the shelf and thousands more available through the Merlin online catalog. Movies can be checked out for seven days.

Technology

The library can help you meet your technology needs. There are seven Internet-ready computer stations, and the library offers a free Wi-Fi signal.

Perpetual book sale

Dates to know

• Christmas at the library, Thursday, Dec. 20, noon - 5 p.m.

• The library will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24-25, and Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Preschoolers enjoyed cookies, milk, a snowman craft and listening to Christmas stories at the Wednesday, Dec. 12, story hour at the Grantsburg library. – Photo submitted • Resume review workshop, Wednesday, Jan. 16, appointments required.

Library hours and information

Monday noon – 6 p.m.; Tuesday noon – 6 p.m.;

Borderline news Last week, the Seven-County Seniors group held a Christmas party in Mora for their volunteers. Fran Levings-Baker attended, and thought it was lovely.

Also, she and her husband, Dave, are busily practic-

Dewey LaFollette

Karen Mangelsen

Marlene Swearingen, Lorri McQuade, Sharon Syverson, Lida Nordquist, Nina Hines and Karen and Diana Mangelsen were guests of Mary Dunn Tuesday. They enjoyed an afternoon of visiting and playing cards.

Weekend guests of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen were Jeff and Jackie Peterson and granddaughter Maddie, Allan Hanna and his girlfriend, Katelyn Moore. Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited there Friday evening.

Jan and Hannah Schott were Saturday visitors of Lida Nordquist.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen called on Lawrence and Nina Hines Saturday morning.

The Lakeview UM Sunday school presented their Christmas program during the worship service Sunday morning. The play was titled “The Footprints to the Manger.”

Hank and Karen Mangelsen went to Siren Sunday morning to see the Siren UM Sunday school Christmas program. Granddaughters Patty and Mandy Close were among the children presenting the message. A Christmas dinner was served after the service.

Brenda Sweet and daughters Kristie Holman, Nicole Gruber and Jessica Sweet visited Donna and Gerry Hines Sunday. They enjoyed a time of visiting and baking cookies.

Clam River Tuesday Club will meet Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., at the home of Lida Nordquist.

St. Croix Senior Center Marian Edler Merry Christmas and happy New Year. The holiday season is here and we have some snow left after the rain.

Tuesday started with our exercise session. In the afternoon games were played. Mary Hennessey and Dottie Adams were the winners in Hand and Foot.

Doug Ohotto, Don Anderson and George Meixner were the winners in Dominos. Winners in 500 were Bren Nel Ward, Roger Greenly and Marlys Borchert.

Wednesday afternoon we celebrated December birthdays with cake and ice cream.

We had our exercises in the morning on Thursday.

In the afternoon, Cribbage was played. In the evening 500 cards were played with the winners being Joan Arnold, Don Anderson and Izzy Magnison.

We will be closed on Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas.

We will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a potluck at 5 p.m. with cards to follow. Come join us.

I hope Santa will remember you.

Free resume help will be available Wednesday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. - 3 pm. by appointment. Get oneon-one help polishing your resume. Meet with a working professional with resume review experience. Availability is limited. Call the library to schedule an appointment.

Next time you step into the library, check out the shelves, near the front door, stuffed with wonderful gently read books: fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, children’s books and young adult books. The selection changes, so check often.

why we named him Emerald. He loves attention, enjoys being a lap warmer and will purr with utter contentment. I mean what’s not to love and a lap warmer this time of year is a bonus! Normal adoption fee is $75 which includes the kitties’ being spayed or neutered, shots up to date and microchipped.

This week I’m kind of at a loss for words not knowing what to write as I grieve with everyone else at the senseless act of violence that took place Friday morning at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. So many questions, too few answers; so many lives taken way before their time. We may never know the reasons but we can open our hearts to the victims that have left us, the survivors and their families. Remember and give those that have suffered a voice, not the perpetrator.

ing the poetry they plan to read at the poetry reading event at the Old School Arts Center in Sandstone, Minn., on Jan. 6. Dave will read from Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales," while Fran has some Emily Dick-

Frederic Senior Center

Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday noon – 6 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – Dave Peterson noon. The contact information for the library is 715463-2244; Web site is grantsburg.wislib.org, and Our weather can’t decide if it’s fall or winter. First now you can follow the library on Facebook. we get rain, then snow, but at least the roads remain good.

Due to the snow, there was no Spades on Monday.

The winners for 500 were Del Hansen, Phyllis PeBob terson, Marilyn Niles and Nona Severson.

Brewster Remember that we play Spades at 1 p.m. Monday, 500 at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Pokeno at 1 p.m. on inson favorites she will read. The event begins at 4 Friday, and Dime Bingo at 1 p.m. on Thursday. Our p.m., and is free and open to the public. new players seem to enjoying our activities.

Stay warm and hope to see you at the center.

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Academic news MILWAUKEE – The following individuals are among the more than 2,000 prospective candidates for degree attending University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee commencement exercises Sunday, Dec. 16, in Milwaukee.

UWM is the second largest university in the state of Wisconsin, with more than 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Amery

Marlene Richter, Bachelor of Science, College of Health Sciences;

Osceola

Jacob J. Elmquist, Bachelor of Science in engineering, engineering and applied science;

St. Croix Falls

Sarah N. Adams, Master of Library and Information Science, School of Information studies. - submitted

News from the Service FORT MEADE, Md. – Air Force Airman Alyssa L. Tebben graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Tebben is the daughter of Jenice McKenzie of Balsam Lake and Kurt Tebben of Croix Falls.

She is a 2010 graduate of Unity High School, Balsam Lake.

Orange

Fran Krause

LaVonne O'Brien

The Orange 4-H club had their December get-together at Cedarwood Manor on Saturday morning.

The residents were given homemade ornaments and were caroled to. The 4-H members had a potluck breakfast and exchanged gifts.

On Friday Jack and LaVonne O'Brien attended the open house at the St. Croix hospital for present and past chemotherapy patients.

On Sunday afternoon Mike and LaVonne enjoyed the Christmas concert at the Frederic High School.

Tylyn was a participant in it.

The Webster Christmas dinner and concert was very good and well attended Monday evening.

Mark and Deanna Krause attended Kathryn's graduation at UW-River Falls on Saturday.

Happy Tails Await Arnell Humane Society of Polk County Felix is a cat who enjoys the finer things in life.

He likes to walk into a room and find himself in the spotlight, all eyes on his majesty. He doesn’t disappoint his fans. Felix is an extra-large boy wearing a black-tailed tuxedo and short white gloves. He saunters across a room. He casually poses near the easy chair he has chosen as his throne before claiming it for his afternoon nap. Felix loves any and all adoring affection he can receive from his human subjects. He will offer a lean-in to assist an ear rubbing and caress your leg gently with his cheek, all to elicit the attention he deserves. He does not however, feel that he should have to share your devotion with another cat. Felix would love to add some style to your holiday celebration. He is available to meet visitors and potential adopters at

morning.

Our black Lab Luigi remains at the shelter, looking for his special someone. Springer mix Hobbs, Australian shepherd mix Cookie, dachshund-basset mix Allie, small black Lab mix Hunter, cocker spaniel mix Finnigan and golden retriever mix Chauncey are all waiting too. New to the adoption kennel are Midge and Pip, Heinz 57 mixed pups approximately 8 months old. They were abandoned on the side of the road with their older brother.

Midge has a red medium-length coat, foldover ears and a short tail, weighing in at 40 pounds. Pip is her nearly identical sister with a glossy black coat.

They are shy and gentle.

All of our pets deserve a home for the holidays.

Until that happens we will provide them with a cozy place to rest, two full meals a day and an extra-special nighttime treat; and catnip and rawhides on Christmas Day. Have a merry Christmas from the animals and staff at Arnell Memorial Humane Society. We’re at 185 Griffin St. East in Amery, phone 715-268-7387, or online at arnellhumane.org.

Siren Senior Center We had our monthly potluck with the usual good food. We did not have a large crowd, but we had a big assortment of food. Our next potluck will be on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. We had to switch the date due to a conflict with the evening meal.

Lori Gray has volunteered to do the evening meal.

The meal will be on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Please call 715-349-2845 to make reservations.

Our 500 winners on Dec. 12, were Inez Pearson, Bea Gorin, Nona Severson, Arvid Pearson and Darleen Groves. Spade winners for Dec. 14 were Gerry Vogel, Darleen Groves, Virginia Martin and Rich

Nona Severson

Hustad. Congratulations to all winners.

Holiday blessings to everyone, we wish you the best of everything in the coming new year. See you at the center.

Larsen Family Public Library New Friday craft group

First meeting of the Friday craft group was held Friday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. The group will be meeting weekly to enjoy crafting and socializing. Bring your own project.

Burnett County Literacy Group

We are in the process of forming a new literacy group which involves literacy for reading, mathematics, basic computer skills and financial literacy. We will serve all ages - elementary schoolchildren through adults. Whether you are interested in learning to be a volunteer tutor with this new group or interested in being tutored, please contact Patti at the library, 715-866-7697, for more information.

Logo postcards

We now have logo postcards for sale in the library as a fundraiser for our building fund. They are 50 cents each and depict the logo contest winning entry.

Preschool story time

Preschool story time meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for several good stories, treats and lots of fun.

Overdue books and/or fines

money the last week of each month to cover your overdue fines.

Book club

The book club will not hold its regular book discussion in December. The selection to be discussed in January is “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson

Tax forms

I have ordered tax forms for the 2012 tax season.

I believe they will begin to arrive sometime next week. Please call for more information.

AARP tax help

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, in our meeting room.

Adult fiction books

• “Notorious Nineteen” by Janet Evanovich • “Experiments in Murder” by Margaret Truman • “The Black Box” by John Connelly • “Lonewalker” by Gary J. Cook • “The Perfect Hope” by Nora Roberts • “Book, Line & Sinker” by Jenn McKinlay • “Two Graves” by Preston Child • “Threat Vector” by Tom Clancy • “ Private London” by James Patterson

Children’s books

This year our library will be hosting an AARP tax preparation program which will help residents who are over 60 years of age or are low income with preparing their income taxes.

This will be on Thursdays during the first two weeks of February through April from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

• “The 39 Clues: Trust No One” by Linda Sue Park

The library will be closed

Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.

– 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information contact the library at 715-866-7697, Web site: webster.wislib.org. Online catalog: merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us/search.

The library will be closed in observance of the Christmas holidays on Monday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 25.

We will take nonperishable food in place of

Audio book CD

• “The Forgotten” by David Baldacci

Hours and information

St. Croix Falls Public Library Adult computer and hobby winter course menu All courses are free. Please register by call 715-483-1777 or sign up online at stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Make a wish come true for the library The Friends of the Library invite you to add to the library collection by purchasing book(s) on their Amazon wish list. The book you purchase for the library is a tax-deductible gift from you and it will ship directly to the library. Check it out on the library Web site, or visit the library. Together, we can fulfill every wish on the list.

Siren Distribution 24534 State Hwy. 70

4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

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Registration is at 1:30 p.m.

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the Arnell Humane Society, Monday through Friday, noon – 5 p.m. and Saturday, noon – 4 p.m.

Home for the holidays is the dream for all of our animals.

The cats available for adoption are on their best behavior, hoping to be picked. Tinker the tabby and Little Felix Miss, a torti-point Persian, are both declawed and spayed. They have their sights set on an apartment all their own. Mitch, Tab, Twyla, Lilly and Axel are adult cats looking to make the yuletide gay. Their adoption donation fee is a mere $40, spayed or neutered. Kittens Carmel, Candi, Oatmeal, Chip and Callie are anxious to play amongst the ribbons and wrapping paper on Christmas

Do your holiday shopping on Amazon and contribute to the library Access Amazon via the library Web site’s link and a percentage of your purchase is donated right to the library. Thanks. And happy holidays. This is not just during the holidays, but anytime. Anytime you shop at Amazon, go through our link.

Comic and graphic arts cookbook Artists and foodies of all ages and artistic abilities are invited to create a collaborative cookbook using visual media and text. All made possible through the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Contact Cole at the library for more info.

Free tutoring for all levels, now available Free tutoring for all levels, K-12, now available on After School Wednesdays.

Stop in and meet Brittany, our volunteer tutor, on Wednesdays beginning in November. Brittany is a licensed teacher with a strong background in upper-level science, biology and chemistry. She loves a wide range of subjects and is enthusiastic to work with all ages in many topics from math to language to the sciences. Preregistration for tutoring required. Call 715483-1777 or e-mail czrostlik@stcroixfallslibrary.org.

After School Wednesdays School’s Out is SCFPL's after-school program for kids 8-plus. Meet friends, get homework help and hang out at the library every Wednesday, Sept.-June. Take bus No. 9 down to the library on Wednesday afternoons with a note from your parent or guardian.

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

Individual help for basic computer questions Mondays from 1-3 p.m., bring your own laptop, check out a library laptop or workstation. Call ahead to ensure availability.

Check out the 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, stcroixfallslibrary.org. Look for us on Facebook.

Hours The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and new extended Saturday hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The library will be closed on the following days: Dec. 22, 24, 25, 29 and 31 and Jan. 1. Happy holidays. 715-483-1777. Email: scflibrary@stcroixfallslibrary.org Online: stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Birth announcements Born at Osceola Medical Center:

A girl, Olivia Rose Peterson, born Dec. 8, 2012, to Anna Peterson, Lindstrom, Minn. Olivia weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Festival’s featured artists - Eight youth of the St. Croix Valley ST. CROIX FALLS – Festival Theatre’s featured artists this week make up the two youth casts in the current production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The eight youth come from all over the surrounding area and have taken on this show like professionals. Since the commitment of performing in the holiday show is so huge for young people, the youth roles are double cast, so they switch off performances. Youth are placed into two groups, the green cast, and the red cast.

The green cast is made up of two young men and two young women. The oldest in this group is Christopher Lewis, who plays George Bailey as a young boy in Mr. Gower’s pharmacy and Pete Bailey.

Christopher was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but currently resides with his family in Grantsburg. Christopher has been in a number of productions all over the nation, and appeared in the Festival Theatre 2012 Youth and Family production of “Alice in Wonderland.” He enjoys acting, in general, but has also enjoyed the opportunity to perform alongside his father, Gordy Lewis. His favorite moment of the play is when George comes home and yells at all the children.

Christopher is a multitalented artist, as he loves drawing as well as playing the piano. When he grows up he would like to become a graphic novelist. Christopher most admires Jesus, and offers the advice to other young people, “Don’t go bullying kids, dawg!”

Josh Stirrat plays Tommy Bailey and the newsboy in the green cast. Hailing from Luck, this is Josh’s first production, at Festival Theatre, but he has a lot of natural talent. When asked what he most enjoyed about this production he said the cast. “You meet so many people,” said Josh. He most enjoys the newspaper scene, which he executes with comic timing and grace. Josh is an active member of his Christian community and also says he admires Jesus. An outgoing young man, he loves making new friends.

When he grows up he would like to become a Lego designer as he “loooooooooooooooove(s) Legos.” He also likes playing soccer. If he had some advice for young people, he offered this simple phrase, “Be free with your actions.”

The third member of the green cast is Sophia Whitley who also plays two roles, one of the Martini sisters and Janie Bailey.

Sophia lives in Amery. Her favorite thing about acting is, “You get to be someone else and know what they feel like,” said Sophia. She went on to explain, “I get to express another person’s feelings and just be me, in a way.” When she grows up she would like to become a professional actress. Her favorite part of the play is when Mr. Potter sings “Joy to the World,” after stealing the money from Uncle Billy, but she really likes the whole play from beginning to end. Sophia is a creative young person, and most enjoys art in school, “because I get to put all my feelings on a piece of paper,” said Sophia.

She most admires her best friend. Sophia enjoys acting, writing stories, drawing, skiing, playing soccer and singing. If she could offer some advice to young people, Sophia said, “Always keep your eyes and ears open because you may find something.”

The final member of the green cast team is St. Croix Falls native Sienna Shoop. Sienna has been in a few plays at Festival Theatre, including the 2012 Youth and Family Production of “Alice in Wonderland,” where she first met Christopher. She most enjoys meeting people

The green cast includes Christopher Lewis, Josh Stirrat, Sophia Whitley and Sienna Shoop.

– Photos submitted and the friends she makes while rehearsing and performing theater productions.

In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Sienna plays two characters, one of the Martini sisters and Zuzu Bailey. Her favorite part of the show is when she is held by George Bailey, performing the iconic role of Zuzu.

Sienna admires both Franklin Huber, who plays George Bailey, and Stephen Pearce, who plays Mr. Potter and Clarence. Her favorite subject in school is art. When asked about her favorite things and hobbies, Sienna remarked, “I love epicness, and llamas, and rainbows, and mustaches and sparkles.” When she grows up she wants to become a famous horse rider. She has some very simple advice for young people, “Be yourself.”

The red cast is made up of another crack team of young actors. The first is Sam Hoefler, also a St. Croix Falls native.

Sam has been in a number of productions over the years since Festival Theatre introduced the arts education initiative of the Youth and Family series in 2008. In this production, Sam plays young George and Pete Bailey. The best thing about acting, to Sam, is that you get to become a different person. His favorite moment in this production is when George Bailey gets punched by Mr. Welch. In school, Sam enjoys gym class where he gets to be active and play fun games. When he grows up, Sam would like to become an architect, “because you get to design

The red cast consists of Sam Hoefler, Olivia Peer, Addie Koenig and Leila Campeau.

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buildings and be as creative as you can,” he said. He admires his father, “because he is the math man and has accomplished many things,” added Sam. Sam says he is very sensitive to people’s moods, remarking that he can tell their mood just by looking at them. When not busy with school and theater, Sam likes to write, draw, act, film, take pictures and edit movies. He is also on the track team. As for advice he would offer young people today, Sam said, “Do what you want, and don’t let any bullies get in your way.”

Olivia Peer is the next member of the red cast. Olivia takes on the newsboy and plays Tilda Bailey in the red cast. No stranger to Festival’s stage, Olivia also began in 2008 when the Youth and Family Series was developed. From Dresser, Olivia enjoys acting and theater very much. “I like getting to play make-believe, it’s kind of nice to take a break from real life and play pretend,” said Olivia.

When she grows up, Olivia would like to become an obstetric nurse or a teacher.

“I’d like to be an OB nurse because the joy of bringing a new life into the world is so amazing. I’d like to be a teacher because I love being with children. Either way, I’d also like to do some acting in my community,” explained Olivia. Her favorite part of the play is the happy and joyful ending for the family. Her favorite subjects in school are geography and world studies because she enjoys learning about

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other cultures. Family is very important to Olivia, as she comes from a close family. She has a twin brother, Jeremiah, and she most admires her mother. If she is not busy with schoolwork or helping at home, Olivia enjoys dance, volleyball, soccer, piano, flute, drums and acting.

Olivia’s words of advice to young people are, “Follow your dreams and do what you love!”

The next member of the red cast is Addie Koenig, from Luck. Addie plays one of the Martini sisters and Janie Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This is Addie’s second production at Festival Theatre, having appeared in the early 2012 Youth and Family production of “The Beatrix Potter Tales.” When asked about why she enjoys acting, Addie said, “I get to express myself onstage, and it helps me to get braver.” When she grows up, Addie hopes to become a professional singer and dancer. In school Addie enjoys math class. “I like math because I do a lot of math at home and that encourages me to do it at school, so I love it.” When not thinking about school, Addie loves to dance, sing, act, play with her brother, Aydin, and spend time with her family.

She also added that she likes fashion and making new friends.

Addie most admires actors Franklin Huber, Seth Kaltwasser and Jaclyn Johnson. Her advice to other youth is, “Be confident and believe in yourself.”

Leila Campeau is the final of the eight youth cast members on the two teams.

Leila plays the second Martini sister and Zuzu Bailey in the red cast’s performances. Leila is from Osceola, and is the youngest cast member of both teams, being only 7 years old. This production is her first play. Her favorite part of acting is saying her lines onstage. She, like her green cast counterpart, Sienna, likes being held by stage father George Bailey.

Leila said she most admires actors Franklin Huber and Stephen Pearce, who are just as amusing offstage as they are onstage. When she grows up, Leila would like to become a dentist. In school, she enjoys gym and art. When she is not in school or onstage, Leila loves dance and reading. She says she is very funny, and most of her cast mates would agree.

Her advice for peers is, “to be yourself.”

These wonderfully talented and hardworking actors make up the eight area youth who perform in the Festival Theatre production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Jaclyn Johnson, associate artistic director at Festival Theatre, remarked upon these young people’s dedication and commitment. “Without youth and families that are willing to embrace the process, give their all, and work for the team, this show would not be possible. All of the youth and the families that support us are true gifts to Festival Theatre. They work so hard, and it shows. We are proud of the work we do with area youth, and glad that they are up for the challenge! We hope to see each and every one of these kids at auditions again in the future.”

Danette Olsen, executive director at Festival Theatre, echoed Johnson’s words, “They are a great group of young people.

Watching them perform with this ensemble is a joy and we couldn’t be more proud of and thankful for their work and dedication.”

Readers can see these kids onstage for just one more weekend as the show closes on Sunday, Dec. 23. Reservations are strongly encouraged, seating is limited and tickets are going fast for these final shows. Call the Festival Theatre box office at 715-483-3387 or visit online at festivaltheatre.org for show times and more information.

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Fourth- and fifth-grade holiday concert

Frederic

The fifth-grade band students had their first public performance during the holiday conThe fourth-grade bell choir performed at the holiday concert on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Shown (L to R): cert held at Frederic Elementary School. Students shown (L to R): are Cade Engen, Erik are Nolan Johnson, Karter Richison, Hunter Carlstrom, Karigan Root, Grace Otto, Tessa Domagala, Eklof, Andrew Tinman and Brenden Holmstrom.

Brett Erickson and Kennady Alseth. – Photos by Becky Amundson

Middle school concert

Frederic

Fifth-grade students presented the “Frosty Hand Jive” during the holiday concert at Frederic.

Frederic middle school students, grades six through eight , presented their annual holiday concert on Monday, Dec. 17 at the performance center. Groups performing included the sixth-grade bell choir, sixth-grade band, middle school bell choir, concert choir and band. Songs includes “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Let it Snow!” and “Stompin’ On the Housetop.” Patti Burns, Greg Heine and Pat Anderson directed the performances.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students presented “My Marvelous Magical Sleigh. Shown (L to R): are ”Lazy Speakers” Matt Drummer, Mirlande Brande, Katie Peterson, Richard Bugella and Logan Lillehaug.

Landyn Johnson, Cade Engen and Brenden Holmstrom had speaking parts in “My Marvelous Magical Sleigh,” set in Frederic, at the holiday concert.

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was one of the songs performed at the Frederic Middle School Holiday Concert, Monday, Dec. 17. - Photos by Becky Amundson

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

High school holiday concert

Frederic

The Frederic Show Choir sang and danced through four musical selections, The Frederic High School Choir sang six songs for the holiday concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 16, includincluding, “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” from the Broadway show “Elf.” ing “Light a Candle” and “Et in Terra Pax,” wich means “and on Earth, peace.”

Two bell choirs, directed by Pat Anderson, performed several pieces at the high school holiday concert.

Photos by Becky Amundson

Lara Harlander (foreground) played her flute during the performance Sunday afternoon, Dec. 16.

Thor Lundeen played tuba for the Frederic High School concert band.

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Members of the audience were invited to join the high school choir to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.”

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

Live nativity

Frederic

The Community Pride Park next to the depot in Frederic was turned into the Town of Bethlehem on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16.

The event, organized by Anita Baker with cooperation from Crosswalk Community Church in Frederic, continues to grow in size and offers a unique experience for local residents and families to travel back in time, complete with a warm fire and refreshments. - Photos by Becky Amundson

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Santa and friends

Frederic

Nels Sederlund, 5, tells Santa what he would like for Christmas at the Frederic Senior Center.

Nels would like a stuffed Rudolph toy.

Breakfast with Santa was held at the Senior Citizen Center Saturday, Dec. 15, as a fundraiser for the Frederic band and show choir trip to Florida. Taylor Peterson enjoyed her pancakes and fruit while chatting with Santa.

The Frederic Royalty take an opportunity to pose with Santa. Shown, back row (L to R): Christa White, Kendra Mossey and Larissa Houtari. Front: Little Miss Laura Hill.

Photos by Becky Amdunson

Stella Hobbie, 1 year, and Mitchell, 3-1/2, tell Santa their wishes.

The Slather family won the most-popular vote on the gingerTodd and Charlie Jensen admired horses during the Christ- bread house at the Frederic library, Santa’s summer place, mas in Frederic events Saturday, Dec. 15, while Kris Hackett complete with a pool. offered them a treat.

Ayla Peterson, 17 months, shown with mom, Jackie Peterson, doesn't know quite what to think of the jolly man in the red suit.

Santa’s breakfast helpers are shown (L to R): Elizabeth Aleshire, Sarah Wells, Kinzie Matz, Carly Gustafson, Lexi Domagala, Thor Lundeen, Zach Williamson and Jack Tricker-King.

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

United Methodists are more united then ever

Siren, Lewis, Danbury and Webster churches share pastors

by Sherill Summer Leader staff writer WEBSTER - Part of what makes the Christmas season special is doing things outside the norm.

Maybe a trip home for the holidays for some includes a visit to the church of their youth. For others, attending a church service is in itself out of the ordinary.

Those who have not visited a United Methodist Church in Lewis, Siren or Danbury or the Grace United Methodist Church in Webster might not notice a change if they have not visited in a while since much has stayed the same. All four church buildings are still in use with their distinct congregations. And, Pastor Tom Cook has served the four churches in different capacities for over a decade.

But there have been changes in the four churches. Today, one full-time pastor, Gil White, and quarter-time pastor, Cook, serve all four congregations.

The cross and the flame grace all United Methodist Churches. The cross represents the presence of Christ and the flame represent the power of the Holy Spirit. That all United Methodist Churches have the same cross and flame is another example of the unitedness of the United Methodist Church.

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Pastor Gil White in the Grace United Methodist Church’s office in Webster. He is the full-time pastor of Lewis, Danbury and Siren United Methodist churches and Grace United Methodist Church in Webster. - Photos

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native who spent 20 years serving in the Navy. He understands those who do not go to church regularly because he, himself, did not go to church when he was in the Navy, either. Interestingly, it was in those years of infrequent church attendance when he first felt God was calling him to be a pastor. He explains that he was far too stubborn to listen to God then.

Once out of the Navy, White followed through on a promise to his wife, a Wisconsin native, to move to wherever she wanted to move. This brought the Whites to Birchwood.

In Birchwood, Pastor White made up for infrequent church attendance by being very active in the church. But his job, second career really, was in forestry, not ministry. Still, God had his hooks in him, and it was in Birchwood where he started to wonder what it would be like to be up front - behind the pulpit. This led to the more specific question of what would happen if he would say “yes” instead of “no” to God. This in turn has led him to Lewis, Siren, Webster and Danbury.

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Pastor Tom Cook in the Siren United Methodist Church’s office. Cook has served all four churches at different times over the last decade. He retired to the area from Ohio and has been working here ever since.

Sharing pastors is not new to any of the congregations - until this past summer Siren and Lewis shared one pastor, and Grace in Webster and Danbury shared another pastor. But now each congregation has three sister churches. They all share pastors, have a single newsletter and regularly pool resources and talent toward combined ministries.

The idea is being considered for the Central United Methodist Church in Grantsburg, and the United Methodist Churches in Wolf Creek, St. Croix Falls and Atlas. Currently Atlas and Grantsburg are sister churches as are St. Croix Falls and Wolf Creek.

While it is generally acknowledged that

numbers are down in many churches, Pastor White says the move to combine the four congregations is not so the churches can simply survive the downswing in church attendance. It is a continuation of the connectional nature of Methodist churches. Essentially it is Methodists being Methodists.

The connectional nature of the United Methodist Church, or connectionalism, can be traced all the way back to the founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, according to the United Methodist Web site umc.org. Then it was called “connexion,” and it came to mean that no local congregation is the total body of Christ. Therefore all of the United Methodist churches are bound together by common mission and common governance that help accomplish the task of reaching out into the world.

Church history aside, White thinks the different congregations are adjusting well to the change. As mentioned before, all four churches share a newsletter, and White has receive positive feedback with this as the different congregations like knowing what the other congregations are doing.

Pooling resources also frees up money for each congregation which then can be used for ministries at the individual church level or for joint ministries with sister churches. In the same way the four congregations can pool talent. An example of how it all is coming together is the planning for vacation Bible school 2013.

The churches received a $2,500 grant which will stretch local dollars needed for the program. The details have not been worked out yet, but it will probably be a joint team drawing from all four congregations to serve all four congregations by going to each of the four communities.

Cook, who also believes the new arrangement is working out, sums it up nicely. He says, “We are doing things together that none of us could do by ourselves.

Cook has served in the area for over a decade. He retired here from Ohio and has been working ever since, although with the new arrangement he is now a quarter-time pastor.

White is new to the area and an introduction is in order. He is an Oklahoma

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PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

CHURCH NEWS/OBITUARIES Christmas/Advent church services

BALSAM LAKE – A East Balsam Baptist Church Christmas services. Christmas Eve service, Monday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.

CENTURIA – Fristad Lutheran Christmas services.

Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 4 and 9 p.m., traditional candlelight service. Sunday, Dec. 30, Christmas carol sing worship service 9:30 a.m.

DANBURY – Danbury, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 8 a.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 8 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

DRESSER – Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1947 110th Ave., Christmas services. Sunday, Dec. 23, 8:30 a.m. contemporary worship, 9:40 a.m. birthday party for Jesus, 10:45 a.m. traditional worship. Monday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. family Christmas worship, 9 p.m. candlelight Christmas worship.

Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA church services. Sunday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m. Christmas Eve candlelight services Monday, Dec. 24, at 2, 4 and 10 p.m. Service of lessons and carols Sunday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.

EAST FARMINGTON – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christmas and New Year holy days schedule. Monday, Dec. 24, 11:30 p.m. carols followed by traditional Latin Mass at midnight; Tuesday, Dec. 25, 8:30 a.m.; and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. traditional Latin Mass.

FALUN – First Baptist Church Christmas services.

Christmas Eve service, Monday, Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m.

FREDERIC – Trade Lake Baptist Church Christmas services. Sunday, Dec. 23, 9:15 a.m. Christmas continental breakfast with Sunday school program and worship to

Reason for the season

follow at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, traditional Swedish Julotta service at 6 a.m. with fellowship to follow.

Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden, Christmas Eve service Monday, Dec. 24, 3:30 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church, Trade Lake, Christmas Eve service 10 p.m.

Pilgrim Lutheran, Frederic, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve service at 4:30 p.m.

GRANTSBURG – Faith Lutheran Church’s Christmas Eve services. Monday, Dec. 24, candlelight services 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

LUCK – Bone Lake Lutheran church Christmas service. Christmas Eve candlelight service with Holy Communion at 4 and 10 p.m.

OSCEOLA – St. Joseph, Christmas and New Year holy days schedule. Monday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 25, 10:30 a.m.; Monday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.

SHAFER, MINN. – St. Francis Xavier Advent and Christmas schedule. Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass 5 p.m.; Christmas Day Mass 9 a.m.

ST. CROIX FALLS –Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Christmas services. Christmas Eve candlelight service, Monday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m. Christmas Day worship service, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 9 a.m. New Year’s Eve worship service, Monday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

TAYLORS FALLS, MINN. – St. Joseph Advent and Christmas services. Sunday Masses, Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Sunday 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. Daily Masses Tuesday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. Reconciliation daily, Tuesday-Friday 7-7:20 a.m., Saturday, 4:30-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Mass 10 p.m. and Christmas Day Masses 7:30 and 10:30 a.m.

WEBSTER –Mass at Sacred Hearts, A&H, Monday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. Vigil Mass, Monday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.

Lakeside Community Lutheran Church A&H, Monday, Dec. 24, hymnal service at 3:30 p.m., candlelight service at 4 p.m.

Mass at St. John’s, Webster, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.

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Sunday, December 30

The live nativity at the Milltown Lutheran Church has demonstrated the reason for the season in the community for 10 years now. Confirmation youth had a live goat as a part of their display Sunday evening, Dec. 16. - Photo by Jeanne Alling

Jill Eileen (Babcock) Ryback Jill Eileen (Babcock) Rybak passed away peacefully in the presence of her daughters on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012.

Jill was born April 8, 1941, daughter of Richard and Eileen Babcock, in Frederic. She is survived by her daughters, Christine Rybak Buchanan and Katherine Rybak (Carol Mitchell Rybak); granddaughters, Alexandra Mitchell, Danielle Mitchell, McKenzie Rybak and Nina Buchanan, and her sister, Susan Adair. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jill graduated from Frederic High School in 1959 and from Stout University in 1966. She was a home economics teacher at Augusta High School from 1966 to 1981 when a brain aneurysm and stroke forced her retirement.

She was a kind, gentle, loving and gracious mother and grandmother. Her resiliency inspired us, and her sense of humor and quirky phrases brought smiles to those surrounding her. The family would like to extend gratitude to the caring staff at Skaalen Nursing Home in Stoughton.

A memorial service will be held in Frederic in May 2013.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jill Rybak Memorial Fund at the Bank of Sun Prairie, 228 East Main St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590. All gifts received to this fund will be used to cover funeral expenses, with the remainder to be donated to a local charity in memory of Jill.

Lois Agatha Wills Lois Agatha Wills, 57, Grantsburg, passed away Dec. 9, 2012.

Lois was born May 31, 1955, in New Ulm, Minn., to parents Jerome Stueve and Adeline (Douvier) Stueve. She attended and graduated from New Ulm High School. On March 21, 1994, she married David Wills at the Stearns County Courthouse. Lois loved to bake, spend time with her grandchildren and help people out in any way she could. What made her happiest is when everyone in her life was happy. She was a member of the Legion in Grantsburg.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Jerome Stueve; and stepfather, Roger Cox. She is survived by her husband, David Wills; mother, Adeline Cox; daughters, Jenaya (Jesse) Nieman and Amalie (Jason) Bowling; son, Bryan Roiger; stepdaughters, Mindy Wills and Megan (Jason) Schmitz; stepsons, Derek (Danielle) Wills, Dana (Brittney) Wills and Daniel Wills; brothers, Larry (Yoko) Stueve and Leon (Diane) Stueve; sisters, LuAnn (Jack) Reding, Linda (Jan) Helling, Lora (Mike) Mattson, Lisa Haskamp and stepsister, Traci (Darrell) Abrahamson.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at the American Legion, 13 S. Minnesota St. in New Ulm, Minn., from 1 to 3 p.m. Memorials are preferred to the family. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home in Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.

Calvin L. Nelson Calvin L. Nelson, 79, Barrett, Minn., formerly of Siren, died Dec. 9, 2012. Calvin was born on April 1, 1933, in Helena, Mont., to Nels and Hanna Nelson.

Calvin married Lois on March 22, 1958. He operated the Ben Franklin warehouse in Crystal, Minn., for a number of years. In 1959, they had their first son, Larry; in 1960, their second son, Keith; and then they had their daughter, Anita in 1962. In 1973, Lois and Calvin moved their family to the Burnett County area. Calvin was a member of the Teamsters Union No. 270 out of Minneapolis for 45 years. He was also an avid fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; and brother, Roger Arnie. He is survived by his children, Larry (Elizabeth) Nelson, Keith (Jamie) Nelson and Anita Bungart; brother, Nels Wayne Nelson; grandchildren, Mandy, Denise, Joshua, Jeremiah, Justin, Jacob, Nathaniel, Kristina, Jalynn and Rylee; stepgrandchildren, Patrick and Jamie; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held for Calvin Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren. Interment took place at Mudhen Lake Cemetery in the Town of Daniels. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.

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THANK YOU

We would like to express our greatest thanks to the following people: To Sheriff Peter Johnson, Captain Steve Smith, Dep. Dale Hall and other members of Polk County Sheriff’s Department for your aide and search efforts.

To Michael Maloney, Dep. Julie Mead, Dep. Ron Wilhelm and other members of Burnett County Sheriff’s Department for your assistance and support.

To Tamara Larson, the Frederic Fire Department and all others who came to assist with the search.

To members of the area churches for joining together to set up for and serve lunch and all your other acts of kindness during this time.

To the entire community of wonderful people for your outpouring of support with prayers, hugs, visits, food, flowers and helping in so many other ways. We are honored to live among such amazing people.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness and love will never be forgotten.

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Steve, Janine, Alyssa and all the members of Bradley Taylor’s Family

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Beatrice Jane Olson, 94, passed away Dec. 11, 2012, at the Benedictine Living Center in Spooner.

She was born Aug. 13, 1918, to Jess and Lucy (Dean) Gatten in Danbury.

Beatrice was a graduate of Webster High School and Superior Teachers College. She taught for several years in one-room schoolhouses in the Danbury area. In April 1942, she married Donald Olson. For more than 35 years, Beatrice was a farmwife and active in many community activities, such as Homemakers Club, Ladies Aid at the Markville Presbyterian Church, and the League of Women Voters. She helped found the Webster Library and, in her 80s, led a current events club at school. She was a member of the Danbury United Methodist Church.

Beatrice is survived by daughters, Kathy Swingle, Patty (Tom) Frandy, Merry (Jim) Krautkramer, Donna (Paul) Armstrong and Ruth (Mark Wagler) Olson; and by sons, Larry (Crystal Phillips) and David (Susan) Olson; by sister, Ardath Gatten; and brothers, Ted (Mary Lee) Gatten and Neil (Anna Faye) Gatten; and sister-in-law, Myra Gatten. She is further survived by grandchildren, Keith (Mary) Swingle, Christine (Jay) Novak, John (Jennifer) Frandy, Tim (Liz Reuter) Frandy, Jesse (Kristin Snell) Krautkramer, Matt (Sarah) Olson, Dan (Heidi) Olson, Wes (Marjie Hickman) Olson, Jack (Kitty) Wagler, Cassie Wagler, E.B. Olson and Asa Olson; 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband, Donald Olson; her parents, Jess and Lucy Gatten; brothers, Dennis Gatten, Preston Gatten and Bob Gatten; sisters, Edrie Phernetton and Blythe Bejlovec; and son-in-law, David Swingle.

Memorials may be given to the Danbury United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Clarice A. Carlson Clarice A. Carlson, 86, passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at the Christian Community Home in Osceola.

A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date in Iron River.

Online condolences may be left at rowefh.com or wicremationcenter.com. Please return to these Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-4722444. A full obituary will be published at a later date.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Winnie L. Johnson Winnie L. Johnson, Amery, 99, passed away on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Golden Age Manor.

She was born on Sept. 17, 1913, in Richland County, the daughter of William Eugene and Ida Annetta (Morgan) Fry. She grew up in Richland County and attended school there. She was united in marriage to Donald N. Blaisdell on Oct. 24, 1929, in Lake City, Minn.

Because of employment for Donald, they moved many times over the years, but ended up in the St. Croix Falls area in Wisconsin.

He passed away just six days before their 40th anniversary in 1969. She later met and then married Richard Johnson on Aug. 16, 1975. They continued living in the St. Croix Falls area, and he preceded her in death in 1994.

Winnie was a member of Homemakers and enjoyed sewing and gardening, especially flowers. As an animal lover, dogs and cats were always a part of her life. She was able to remain at home with the help of her daughter, but this past May she moved to Golden Age Manor in Amery.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert, Ernest and Howard; sisters, Zetta and Josie; sons, Dougal (Duke) and Duane; daughter, Sharon; grandson, Todd; and granddaughter, Laurie. Left to mourn are her sons, Alvin (Connie) and Ronald; daughters, Joyce (George) Thompson, Vivian Braby and Linda (Donald) Sagerer; brother, Joseph Fry; daughters-in-law, Mary Blaisdell and Arlene Blaisdell; 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Eureka Baptist Church in rural St. Croix Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Burial was at the Balsam Lake Cemetery.

Harvey V. Nelson

Bradley Michael Taylor

Harvey V. Nelson, 70, Luck, passed away on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Harvey was born on March 5, 1942, at Rush City Hospital to Verner Carl Nelson and Rose Hazel Marie (Anderson) Nelson. He was baptized at Rush City Lutheran Church and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Blaine, Minn. He grew up on the family farm outside of Rush City, Minn., and graduated from Rush City High School in 1960. After graduation, Harvey was in the National Guard Reserves and worked in the Twin Cities area.

He married his wife, Marilyn Louise (Berg) Nelson of Luck, on Oct. 2, 1965, and they were happily married for 47 years. Harvey and Marilyn resided in Blaine, Minn., prior to moving to Luck, where Harvey worked at the Luck School District for many years. He opened up his shop, which was his home away from home, on Main Street in Luck. Harvey and Marilyn operated Harvey’s Woodworking and Refinishing for 25 years; his love for woodworking and refinishing antique furniture was known by his many customers far and near. He loved having conversations with customers both at the shop and at many antique shows he would haul his furniture to.

His hobbies included bowling, woodworking, mowing his yard, camping, vacations to Florida, Hawaii, Branson and many other places with family and friends, playing cards, listening to music at Skonewood, Luck Music in the Park, Lewis Music Jams and attending many grandchildren’s events. He and Marilyn lived in Luck from 1971 to 1996, and they built their dream log home on the hill of Marilyn’s family farmland, which he loved so much. He was a member of the Luck Lions Club, Luck Lutheran Church, planning committee of the Luck Museum and Library, Luck Community Club and Luck Winter Carnival Committee.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Denny; his father, Vern; and mother, Rose.

Survivors are his wife, Marilyn Nelson; daughters, Juanita (Pat) Dietmeier of Luck and Michelle (Brian) Doolittle of Cushing; five grandchildren, Nick, Brianna and Mireya Dietmeier and Marley and Madelyn Doolittle; sisters, Arlene (Bud) Ringer of Cambridge, Minn., and Loie (Dave) Denker of Isanti, Minn; many nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services were held at Luck Lutheran Church on Monday, Dec. 17, with the Rev. Ralph Thompson officiating. Music was provided by organist Margie Nelson and vocalists JoAnne Christiansen and Sheila Brom. Following the service, Harvey was laid to rest at Laketown Cemetery. Pallbearers assisting were Brian Paulsen, Mike Broten, Brian Denker, Mike Scherff, Dale Ringer, Bob Dueholm and Butch Sahr. Honorary pallbearers were Harvey’s grandchildren.

Online condolences may be left at rowefh.com. Please return to this Web site for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Bradley Michael Taylor, 17, of Frederic, departed this life on Dec. 5, 2012.

Bradley was born April 26, 1995, in Grantsburg. He was a senior at Grantsburg Senior High and was involved in choir, drama, soccer, crosscountry and golf. He enjoyed a part-time position at Timbers Theaters in Siren.

Bradley was an outstanding student with exceptional grades and was crowned prom king in April 2012. He had a great time hanging out with all of his friends, playing video games, cribbage and rooting for the Packers.

He loved spending time with his family, and his radiant smile, quirky sense of humor and great hugs will be greatly missed by all.

Bradley is survived by his parents, Steve and Janine Meyer; sister, Alyssa Taylor; grandparents, Chuck and Dolores Swenson, Pat and Linda Taylor and Mike and Kathy Meyer; great-grandmother, MaryJane Meyer; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grantsburg, with interment at Anacarius Cemetery in Wood River Township. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Elsie V. Erickson Elsie V. Erickson, 88, Grantsburg, died Dec. 10, 2012, in Forest Lake, Minn.

Elsie was born Aug. 8, 1924, to Jennie and Arthur Skog.

She attended Branstad Grade School and Grantsburg High School.

She married Herbert Erickson in 1942 and started a family soon after.

They moved to St. Paul, Minn., in 1952.

They were married for 52 years. Elsie is survived by sons, David of Grantsburg, and Vincent (Lori) of Lindstrom, Minn.; daughter, Vicki (Dave) O’Connor of Stillwater, Minn.; grandchildren, Anne and Erin O’Connor, Jennifer (Jeff) Drohman, Stacy Evenson, Mary (Adam) Christian, Kevin and Brian Erickson; and great-grandchild, Nathan Drohman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert; daughter, Dorothy; and son, Kent.

Elsie enjoyed returning to Grantsburg in her retirement years. In retirement, she was an active member of Central United Methodist Church and UMW organization.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Central United Methodist Church with interment at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

389 State Road 70 Grantsburg, WI

715-463-2994

575062 18L

Beatrice Jane Olson

OBITUARIES

Duane Edwin Strom Duane Edwin Strom, 68, passed away on Oct. 6, 2012, at the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., after a short and courageous struggle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 7, 1944, in Hartington, Neb., the fourth of four children born to Andrew and Agneta Strom. In 1945, the family moved to Baltic, S.D. Duane’s father Andrew passed away in June 1950. Duane’s mother, Agneta, married Philip Wickstrom in June of 1951. To this union two children were born. The family moved to Grantsburg in December of 1953.

Duane graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1962. From there he went to Minneapolis, where he worked until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1967. He was wounded while serving in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals.

On July 4, 1969, he married Geraldine Lou Stoffel. To this union three sons were born, Michael, Daniel and Allen.

The family lived in Coon Rapids, Minn. In 1976, Duane and Gerry purchased the Harold Segelstrom farm near Grantsburg. He continued working in the Twin Cities and farmed raising cash crops until his death.

Duane loved farming, collecting and restoring Farmall tractors, and was a member of the Tractor Pulling Club for 40 years. He dearly loved his family and his numerous friends. He was a happy-go-lucky person and was always willing to help people out. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry; sons, Michael, Daniel and Allen (Tina); two grandchildren, Tyler and Olivia; sisters and brothers, Rita Glenna (Bob), Richard Strom (Dianne), Dianne Hoffman (Dick), Patty Brower and Gary Wickstrom (Norma); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Strom; mother, Agneta Wickstrom; stepfather, Philip Wickstrom; and brother-in-law, Michael Brower.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 13, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church with interment next to his parents, Philip and Agneta Wickstrom, at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg.

Pallbearers were nephews Randy Glenna, Ricky Glenna, Mark Hoffman, Greg Pietrus, Paul Pietrus, Kevin Strom, Doug Wickstrom, grandson Tyler Strom, and honorary pallbearers were Mike Chell and Dennis Segelstrom.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with the arrangements.

Richard “Dick” Amick Richard “Dick” Amick, 79, a resident of Webster, died Dec. 10, 2012. Dick was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Howard and Blanche Amick. Dick served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He and his wife, Jackie, lived in Mason City, Iowa, for 25 years. Dick worked for Curries Manufacturing for 20 years doing sales and marketing. After Curries was purchased by Essex, he continued on as vice president of sales for three years before retiring in 1993. Dick loved spending time and working on their cabins on Yellow Lake. In 1996 they made their permanent home in Webster. In his free time, Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; children Mark (Pam) Amick, Kurt Amick and Karla Amick; grandchildren, Travis, Jason and Sarah; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Marjorie Jerome and Martha (Bob) Lindsey; along with other relatives and friends.

A private family service will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster. Online condolences can be made at swedberg-taylor.com

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

CHURCH NEWS

Eternal

perspectives Sally Bair

A place of refreshment While boating in the British Columbia inland ocean, my husband and I motored right up to a beautiful waterfall to fill our water containers. The water spilled down, splashing over us with a fine mist. The icy-cold water felt refreshing on such a hot, sunny day. We stayed there for some time, allowing it to cool

our bodies and freshen our dry throats.

Bethlehem was known as a place of refreshment at the time Jesus was born.

The word Bethlehem means “house of bread.” Back then, people leading camels and donkeys and other beasts of burden stopped in that bustling town for provisions. They also watered and fed their animals and themselves at one of numerous inns before heading south to Jerusalem or north to Hebron. The town’s businessmen and women made sure they were ready for those who would be passing through.

But was Bethlehem ready for Jesus when he arrived? Was everyone except a few shepherds too busy, too blinded by worry and fear to care? Even the innkeeper shuttled Jesus’ parents off be-

Woman must work with husband to build Christmas traditions Q: I want to build Christmas traditions with our kids, but my husband doesn’t think it’s a big deal. He finds it all too sentimental. What are your thoughts?

Jim: Take it from someone who didn’t have many happy memories growing up due to the general instability of my family: Traditions are important!

Maybe it’s picking out a Christmas tree, arranging a nativity scene, decorating the house or baking gingerbread cookies. When family members engage in these activities, it’s a time of connection with one another that marks the moment. Collectively, these moments become memories we carry into our future. Years from now, the smell of certain foods or the sound of a favorite song will bring to mind special memories from our past and the important people who filled them.

Traditions connect us with our heritage as well. When young kids spend time with their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, it’s an opportunity for them to feel a part of something bigger than

Jim Daly

Focus on the Family

Juli Slattery

themselves. It links them with their family history. Traditions also have the ability to bring a sweetness to the memory of loved ones we’ve lost over the years.

Their presence lives on in the traditions we enjoyed with them.

I hope your husband will reconsider his position – for your kids sake, especially. The blessings that Christmas traditions create will bring joy to your family for generations to come.

••• Q: My strong-willed child is always a handful, but especially at bedtime. The excitement of the Christmas season has only amplified this problem. He refuses to stay in bed! What can we do?

Leon Wirth, executive director of Parenting and Youth: Bedtime battles are not unusual when there’s a strong-willed child in the house. The remedy is the same as that for any conflict with a strong-willed child: firm, loving and persevering discipline.

hind the inn to a smelly, dark stable. Unaware that their guest was the Bread of Life himself, they didn’t recognize the one who eventually would offer a refreshing cup of water, living water, to anyone who thirsted after him.

Christians are encouraged to offer a cup of water in his name to those who are thirsty in both body and soul. Are we saying a kind word to the grumpy store clerk whose feet are tired, whose mind is fed up with impatient Christmas shoppers? Are we blessing—in the name of the one who can refresh —and praying for the stressed mom who is trying to finish baking, shopping and serving others, all before the big day?

“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25) Are we

putting the needs of others before our own during this holy time of year, a time that has become harried or hopeless for many people? And if you don’t personally know the one who offers living water, what are you waiting for?

The time to be spiritually refreshed as well as to be a spiritual refreshment can be right now.

Lord, we thank you for offering us refreshment of our body, soul, and spirit with the living water of your word and your Spirit.

As we travel on our own journey in life, may our hearts turn to you, the Bread of Life. And once having partaken of that wonderful gift, give us the willingness to share it with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com.

Success depends on establishing clear expectations and meaningful consequences and applying them consistently.

Be sure to discuss these consequences ahead of time. Your son should understand clearly what is and isn’t acceptable before he’s held accountable.

Begin by saying something like, “We all have things we must do in our home to live well together. My job tonight is to see you get the rest you need. Your job tonight is to stay in bed and go to sleep.”

Let him know that if he doesn’t obey, he’ll have unpleasant consequences. This could involve the removal of a privilege in his bedtime routine. If his door is usually open or a nightlight is left on, perhaps the door will be closed and the light extinguished if he gets up.

After putting him to bed, be prepared to intercept him immediately. If he gets up, take him back to bed and sit quietly with him. Talk calmly and firmly about the importance of staying put. Say, “What we need right now is for you to stay in bed. What do you think we can do to make that happen?” If he gets up again, repeat the process. Be firm, but not angry or exasperated. Stay within the boundaries you established.

Your goal, and the key to success, is to outlast your child, no matter how long it takes. It’s a matter of simple endurance.

Once the battle has been won, the child will usually live within the parameters established. If it is lost, the next conflict will be even harder to resolve.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the positive side of the ledger, too. It’s important to “catch” your son being good. When he has a good night, encourage him and praise him for his accomplishment.

••• Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the “Focus on the Family” radio program, and a husband and father of two.

Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psychologist, cohost of “Focus on the Family,” author of several books, and a wife and mother of three.

Submit your questions to: FocusOnTheFamily.com. Copyright 2012 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:

First Baptist Church Webster

Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BREMER BANK, N.A. Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren

DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456

INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Printers & Publishers Office Supplies

Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4236 Shell Lake, Wis. - 715-468-2314 Siren, Wis. - 715-349-2560 St. Croix Falls, Wis. - 715-483-9008

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES

Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076

BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE

Hwys. 35 & 48, Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO.

“Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”

CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME

Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4475

ALPHA BASS LAKE LUMBER • 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

WEBSTER

LUCK

CASHCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

VAN METER’S MEATS

Complete Lumber & Building Supplies

Phone 715-866-4238 Hwy. 35 N. Webster, Wis. Tom & Becky O’Brien, Owners

HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC.

Sand, Gravel, Ready-Mix, Concrete, Black Dirt, Dozer Work, Landscaping & Septic Tanks Installed Hwy. 35 North Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-4157 M.P.R.S. #03059

SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME

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

SIREN OLSEN & SON

Your Full-Service Drugstore Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2221

D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES 10022 Elbow Lake Road Siren, Wis. 54872 715-689-2539

CUSHING CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY Feed Mill - Grain Dept.

Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215

Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131

Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.

Churches 10/12

FREDERIC

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

CHURCH Church DIRECTORY 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 Senior Pastor Gary Russell Sunday Worship: 9 & 11 a.m.

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Meeting in homes.

Elder: Cliff Bjork, 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.

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. Pastor Paul Peterson, Cell # 715-566-3758 Pastoral Serv. 715-349-5280 Sun. Worship - 8:30 a.m,; Sun. School 9:45 a.m.

BETHESDA LUTHERAN - DRESSER (LCMC) www.bethesdalutheran.ws Pastor Peter Rimmereid, 715-755-2562 1947 110th Ave., Dresser Sun. Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m.; Education Hr. 9:40 a.m.; 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, 9 a.m. 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. christlutheranpipelake.com

CLAM FALLS LUTHERAN (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt 715-327-4461 Worship 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

Communion 1st Sun.

FAITH LUTHERAN - BALSAM LAKE faithlutheran@lakeland.ws Pastor Diane Norstad 715-485-3800; CTH I & Mill Street Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:40 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st & last Sundays

FAITH LUTHERAN - GRANTSBURG Mark Hendrickson, Interim Pastor, 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.

MILLTOWN LUTHERAN 113 W. Main St.. W., Phone 715-825-2453 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship (begins May 27)

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Emory Johnson, 715-463-5700 newhopelutheranchurch.org 685 W. State Road 70, Grantsburg Sun. Wor. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

NORTH VALLEY LUTHERAN Pastor Maggie Isaacson, 715-825-3559 3 mi. W. of Milltown on “G” Sunday Worship - 9:15 a.m.; Wednesday Worship 6:30 p.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

PILGRIM LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (ELCA) Pastor Paul Peterson 507 Wisconsin Ave. N., 715-327-8012 Sun. Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sundays pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org

REDEEMER EV. LUTHERAN (Wisconsin Synod) Pastor Gene DeVries 200 N. Adams St., St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship - 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School - 8:30 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN (Wis. Synod) 350 Michigan Ave., Centuria Sun. Worship - 10:45 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN - LCMC 1614 CTH B, North Luck, Pastor Rob Lubben Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Contact Leslie Valentine, 715-646-2390; E-mail: leslie56@centurytel.net

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN (Missouri Synod) 140 Madison St. South, St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark K. Schoen Sun. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun.School - 10:30 a.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN - ELCA 10 mi. W. of Cumberland on Hwy. 48 (McKinley) Pastor Neal Weltzin GT Office 715-857-5580, Parsonage 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wor. Serv. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:15 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st Sunday

TRINITY LUTHERAN - 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 Sun. Wor. 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

YELLOW LAKE LUTHERAN 1/2 mi. W. of Hwy. 35 on U, 715-866-8281, Pastors Douglas Olson, Roger Kampstra, Myron Carlson and Danny Wheeler Services begin at 9:30 a.m.; Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - BONE LAKE (LCMC)

877 190th Ave., CTH G, Balsam Lake, WI (Fox Creek) Pastor Neal Weltzen; GT Office - 715-857-5580, Parsonage - 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wor. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sun. of each month

5 miles E. of Frederic on W, 2 miles south on I; Church: 715-472-8660 Pastor Mike Fisk, 715-417-0692 Sunday Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Wor. 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

GRACE LUTHERAN - WEST SWEDEN

ZION LUTHERAN - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS )

(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. Worship 10 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

LAKETOWN LUTHERAN - CUSHING Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, cushingparish.org Sun. Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:30 a.m.

LUCK LUTHERAN Pastor Ralph Thompson - 715-472-8424; 510 Foster Ave. E.; Office 715-472-2605; www.lucklutheran.org (Sept.-May) Sun. Wor. 8 & 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 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 Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Worship - 9 a.m.; Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa, 715-866-7321 Cedar & Muskey Ave. - Webster Mass Sun 10 a.m., Wed. 5:30 p.m. (Sept-May), Fri. 9 a.m. (Summer)

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.

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST

ATLAS UNITED METHODIST Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Sunday School - 11 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor; 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

GRACE UNITED - WEBSTER Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor, Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor; 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST

Pastor Jack Starr Wor. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - during worship hour

2355 Clark Road, Dresser, WI, 715-755-2515 plcdresser.org Pastor Wayne Deloach, Intern Andrea Fluegel Sun. Wor. 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.

ELCA - 501 Hwy. 35, 715-646-2357, Mel Rau, Pastor Sun. Wor. & Holy Communion - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:40 a.m.

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - FREDERIC

GRACE BAPTIST - GRANTSBURG

Pastor Father Frank Wampach, 651-465-7345 25293 Redwing Ave., Shafer, MN Sunday 9 a.m.

PEACE LUTHERAN - DRESSER (ELCA)

FRISTAD LUTHERAN - CENTURIA

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

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

htslumc@gmail.com 1606 165th Ave., CTH I, Centuria Pastor Freddie Kirk, 715-485-3363 Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, cushingparish.org 715-648-5323 or 715-648-5324 Sun. Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN - ELCA

METHODIST

Pastor Gerald Heinecke Church Phone 715-866-7191 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10:30 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays facebook/OurRedeemerWebster

Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sept. 16, 2012 - June 2, 2013 Sun. Wor. 8 & 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m.; Communion first & third Sunday of the month

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

METHODIST

Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sunday Wor. 8 & 10 a.m.; Thursday Wor. 7 p.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

LAKEVIEW UNITED - HERTEL LEWIS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. 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 www.osceolawiumc.org; oumc@centurytel.net 306 River Street, Osceola, 715-755-2275 Pastor Mark Gilbert Sunday Early Risers Class - 8:30 a.m.; Sunday Worship - 10 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st Sunday

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Nursery available

ST. LUKE UNITED - FREDERIC 100 Linden Street, Frederic Pastor “Freddie” Kirk, 715-327-4436 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

SIREN UNITED METHODIST Rev. Gil White, Sr. Pastor Rev. Thomas Cook, Assoc. Pastor Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Wor. - 10:15 a.m.

(Nursery available)

TAYLORS FALLS UNITED METHODIST 290 W. Government Street, 715-294-4436 Reverend Dr. Rolland Robinson Sunday Service - 10 a.m. with nursery Sunday School - Sept. - May at 10 a.m.

WOLF CREEK UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship - 8:15 a.m.

COVENANT

COVENANT

CALVARY COVENANT - ALPHA Pastor Scott Sagle, 715-689-2541 Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Worship 10:30 p.m.; Elevator provided, welcome

SIREN COVENANT 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. William Brenna, 715-247-3310 255 St. Hwy. 35, East Farmington Mass Sunday 8:30 a.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 Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-327-8119 Mass: Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Call the office for daily & holy day Mass times

PRESBYTERIAN

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-327-8119 Mass: Sun. 8:30 a.m.

Rev. Bruce Brooks - 715-483-3550 719 Nevada St. , (between Simonson & Tower Roads) , St. Croix Falls Worship - 10 a.m. (Nursery provided) Sunday School - Child.- 9 a.m.; Sunday School - Adults - 8:45 a.m.; Communion 1st Sunday

ST. ANNE PARISH Rev. Andy Anderson, 715-247-3310 139 Church Hill Rd., Somerset Mass Sat. 5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.; Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 9 a.m.

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.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC Rev. William Brenna 255 E. 10th Ave., Osceola, 715-294-2243 Masses: Sat. 4 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Merrill Olson, Interim Pastor 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; tradelakebaptistchurch.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

CENTURIA ASSEMBLY OF GOD

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.

Pastor Don Wiltshire, 715-640-6400 Centuria - Phone 715-646-2172 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

WESLEYAN

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

WESLEYAN

Pastor Larry Mederich, 715-294-4332 occconnect.org Mtg. @ St. Croix Art Barn; Sun. Serv. - 9 a.m.

Nursery and children church

Dairyland - Rev. Andrea Wittwer 715-244-3649 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

FULL GOSPEL

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.

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

EVANGELICAL

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor Dan Slaikeu 4 mi. SE of Grantsburg on Williams Rd. Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

EVANGELICAL

HOPE FELLOWSHIP OF SOMERSET

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY (EFCA)

231 Bluff Drive, 715-247-2435 Services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Bruce Tanner, 942 U.S. Hwy. 8, Amery, 715-268-2176 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 Sunday School - 9 a.m.; Morning Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services

HOPE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Pastor Dave Williams 933 248th St., Osceola Morn. Wor. 10 a.m.; Sun. School Sept.-May 8:45 a.m.

Children’s Church & Nursery provided

TRADE RIVER EVANGELICAL 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. 1816 108th St., CTH I Pastor Gabe Brennan, 715-857-5411 eastbalsam.org Wor. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun. School-10:30 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

CHRISTIAN CENTER

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER 1751 100th Ave., Dresser Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Morning Wor. 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 Sat. Vespers - 5 p.m.; Sun. Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago City, MN; 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 Serv. 9 a.m.; Services: Sun. 10 a.m.; Sunday School during church service.

Hwy. 35 and CTH N., Luck Bill McEachern Pastor, 715-485-3973 Sun. Bible study - 9 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10 a.m.

NONDENOMINATIONAL

FIRST BAPTIST - AMERY

CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

NONDENOMINATIONAL

131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; 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 Sun. Serv.: 9 a.m.; All ages Sun. Schl. 10:30 11:30 a.m.; Nursery available

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.

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

715-689-2125 or 715-689-2156 Brian Krause, Lead Pastor Steve Ward, Assoc. Pastor of Visitation Tim Lindau, Youth Director Sun. School (all ages) 9:30 a.m.; Church Serv. 10:45 a.m.; Nursery provided

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.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY - AMERY Interim Pastor Craig Jorgenson Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Children’s Church: K to 6th Grade 201 Hwy. 35, Dresser (formerly The Boulevard) Pastor Tony Minell, 715-417-1982; Office 715-417-0945 Sunday Wor. 9:30 a.m.; Nursery available.

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 QUAKER MEETING 715-866-5016 or 715-733-0480 for time of meeting.

ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday, 10 a.m. in the St. Croix Falls Library community room.

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 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

WANT ADS consin for $300. Call 800227-7636 or this newspaper.

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Blessings at Christmas From

Bethesda Lutheran Church 1947 110th Ave. • Dresser, WI

715-755-2562

Come Worship With Us Worship Schedule: Sun., Dec. 16 • 9 a.m. - “Jesus Is Born” Christmas Pageant (Children & Choir) • 10 a.m. - Christmas Brunch For All (Youth Fundraiser) 574522 6-7d 17-18L Sun., Dec. 23 • 8:30 a.m. - Contemporary Worship • 9:40 a.m. - Birthday Party For Jesus • 10:45 a.m. - Traditional Worship Mon., Dec. 24 • 5 p.m. - Family Christmas Worship • 9 p.m. - Candlelight Christmas Worship

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News Releases and Advertising Friday, Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m.

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Rated PG-13, 160 Minutes Fri.-Sun.: 1:00, 4:30 & 8:00 p.m.

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Mon., Dec. 24.: 1:00 p.m.

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Wed.-Thurs.: 1:00, 3:45, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m.

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107 N. Washington St. St. Croix Falls, Wis.

715-483-9008

715-349-5880

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715-349-2560

7711 Park Street West • Siren, WI 54872

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24226 1st Ave. No. Siren, WI Local Movie Line 715-349-8888 timberstheatres.com

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

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Mon., Dec. 24.: 1:00 p.m.

Tues., Dec. 25: 5:15 & 8:00 p.m.

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PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Family Eye Clinic

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Hours: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone (715) 472-2121

Christopherson Eye Clinic 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”

Box 313 Luck, Wis. 54853 Phone

715-472-2502

NEW YORK LIFE

Rated PG-13, 92 Minutes Fri.-Sun.: 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.

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INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

• Frederic, 715-327-4236 • Shell Lake, 715-468-2314 • Siren, 715-349-2560 • St. Croix Falls 715-483-9008

Visit The Leader’s Web Site: www.the-leader.net

7/12

THANK YOU

RIVERTOWN HOLIDAY WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY:

Abrahamson Nurseries Bank Mutual BID Committee Central Bank RiverBucks Program City of St. Croix Falls Staff, Crew & Council Coffee Time Dalles Bakery & Coffee House Falls Chamber of Commerce Festival Theatre Friends of the St. Croix Falls Library Luhrs/Bjornson Artworks Northern Lights 4-H Jim Morten & Danette Olsen Bill Perron & Cindy Stimmler Mark & Debbie Petzel SCF High School Concert Choir/ Shawn Gudmunsen

St. Croix Falls Lions Club St. Croix Falls Public Library St. Croix Falls Royalty St. Croix Regional Medical Center St. Croix Valley Brass SCV Senior Center Members The Rivertown Holiday Planning Committee With August Our wonderful volunteers

AND SANTA!

575343 18Lp

DECEMBER 19, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Christmas concert

Grantsburg

X

X

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PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - DECEMBER 19, 2012

Coming events

DECEMBER

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

TUESDAY/15 Dairyland

THURSDAY/20 Balsam Lake

• Outdoor veterans retreat, check dairylandvets.org for location.

Danbury

• Ruby’s Pantry at Home & Away Ministries. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. $15 cash donation appreciated. Distribution noon-1 p.m., 715-472-2535.

Luck

• Autism support group at the government center, 7 p.m.

• Polk-Burnett Bee Association meeting at the justice center, 8 p.m., 715-327-5525.

Milltown

• Second Harvest Food Distribution at Yellow Lake Lutheran Church, 4-6 p.m.

• The Compassionate Friends Chapter of the Northwoods meets at Milltown Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715553-1152, compassionatefriends.org.

Grantsburg

• Elementary Christmas concert, 2 p.m.

• Second Harvest Food Distribution at Faith Lutheran Church, 4-6 p.m.

Webster

• Burnett County Democrats meeting at Whitetail Wilderness Resort. Dinner 6 p.m., meeting 7-9 p.m.

Luck

• American Legion and Auxiliary Christmas party at Oakwood Inn, 6:30 p.m. Call 715-472-2850 by Dec. 17 for reservations.

THURSDAY/17

Siren

• Autism support group at the government center, 7 p.m.

• Polk-Burnett Bee Association meeting at the justice center, 8 p.m., 715-327-5525.

St. Croix Falls

MONDAY/21

Webster

• Polk County free legal clinic at the justice center, 715684-4545.

Balsam Lake

• Second Harvest Food Distribution at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4-6 p.m.

• “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Festival Theatre. Thurs.

7:30 p.m. 715-483-3387, festivaltheatre.org.

Balsam Lake

• BAAG meeting at the library, 5-7 p.m., 715-866-7697.

TUESDAY/22

FRIDAY/21

St. Croix Falls

St. Croix Falls

• Open Arms hosted by Alliance Church of the Valley.

Meal and fellowship, 5-6:30 p.m., 715-483-1100.

• Violinist Randy Sabien at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3387, festivaltheatre.org.

THURSDAY/24

SAT. & SUN./22 & 23

Centuria

St. Croix Falls

• Adult grief support group meeting at Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-483-3363.

• “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Festival Theatre. Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. 715-483-3387, festivaltheatre.org.

TUESDAY/25 Amery

• Christmas dinner at Centennial Hall, 12:30 p.m. RSVP to 715-268-6605.

Siren

Jeff and Roxi Roberts’ outdoor display in Webster had that extra shimmer in the frost Friday morning, Dec. 14. - Photo by Sherill Summer

Frederic

THURSDAY/27

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Adult grief support group meeting at Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-483-3363.

• Burnett County Poverty Task Force meeting at government center, Room 165, 1 p.m.

Centuria Siren

• Ruby’s Pantry at 24534 Hwy. 35/70. Sign-up 1:30 p.m., distribution 2 p.m., $15 donation.

SATURDAY/29 Amery

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Doors open 8:30 a.m. Dist. 9 a.m., $15 donation, 715-268-7390.

JANUARY

WEDNESDAY/2 Amery

• Early-stage Alzheimer’s support group at the senior center, 10 a.m., 715-268-6605.

Siren

MONDAY/7 Clear Lake

• Compassionate Friends, Tri-County Chapter, grief support in death of a child, at First Lutheran, 7 p.m., 715263-2739.

THURSDAY/3

TUESDAY/8

• Northwoods Flyers Experimental Aircraft Association Club meets at the government center, Rm. 165, 7 p.m.

• Cancer support group at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715-268-6722 or 715-268-7290.

Siren

SATURDAY/5 Danbury

• Ruby’s Pantry at the town maintenance shop, $15 donation. Open 9:30 a.m., distribution 10-11:30 a.m.

Grantsburg

• Feed My Sheep at Grace Church. Doors open 8 a.m., 715-463-5699.

Lewis

• Lewis jam, bluegrass, gospel and country music at the Methodist church, 6-9 p.m.

Visit with Santa

Amery Luck

SATURDAY/26 Frederic

• Coon Lake Classic fishing contest, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Register 9 a.m.

Grantsburg

• Candlelight Night at Crex, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 715-4632739, crexmeadows.org.

MONDAY/28 Balsam Lake

• Adoption support group, Unity High School band room, 7:15 p.m.

• Open house T.O.P.S. at senior citizen’s center, 5:45 p.m., 715-472-2341.

TUESDAY/29

THURSDAY/10

• Polk County Alzheimer’s support group at social services building, 715-483-3133.

Centuria

• Adult grief support group meeting at Holy Trinity Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-483-3363.

Milltown

Balsam Lake

St. Croix Falls

• Alzheimer’s support group at the medical center, 1-3 p.m., 715-483-0431.

• Friends of Victims of Violence support group at North Valley Lutheran, 6 p.m., 800-261-7233.

THURSDAY/31

FRIDAY/11

• Parkinson’s Support Group meeting at Burnett Medical Center, 2 p.m., 715-689-2350.

Balsam Lake

• Poco Penners meeting at the library building, 2 p.m., 715-483-9738.

SATURDAY/12 Amery

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Doors open 8:30 a.m. Dist. 9 a.m., $15 donation, 715-268-7390.

Grantsburg

• Carnivore tracking & wolf ecology workshop at Crex, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-463-2739, crexmeadows.org.

• Crex Meadows Nature Photography Club meets at Crex, 10 a.m.-noon, 715-463-2739.

St. Croix Falls

• Hingepoint meeting for men battling sexual addictions, at River Valley Christian Church, 9 a.m.-noon, 715483-5378.

Webster

• Used book sale at the library, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-8667697.

Grantsburg

ONGOING Every Day

AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties, 715-931-8262 for time/location. Amery, 715-268-8431.

Every Monday

Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the Balsam Lake old courthouse, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-9202.

Baby and Me class - Amery Medical Center, 1-2 p.m.

Moms In Prayer, First Baptist, Amery, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., 715-268-5408, Play group for children and caretakers at the Burnett County Family Resource Center, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Open Topic support group, 6:30 p.m. Call for location, 800261-7233, Polk County.

Christian 12-Step Recovery group at Faith Lutheran Church, Balsam Lake, 7-8 p.m., 715-566-4215.

Every Tuesday

SUNDAY/13

Bingo at the Burnett County Moose Lodge, Siren, 6 p.m.

Sexual assault support group, Polk County, 800-261-7233 for location, 6:30-7:30 p.m Domestic violence and sexual assault support group, 5:15 p.m. Call for location, 800-261-7233, Burnett County.

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

Free playtime with your toddler at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church,10-11:30 a.m., 715-557-0630.

Siren

MONDAY/14 Amery

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

In last week’s Leader a photo was misidentified. It should have read Zack Lundquist, 4month-old son of Tim and Anita Lundquist, had a chance to visit with Santa during the Cushing American Legion Post No. 209 Santa Day held at the Cushing Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 8. – Photo by Greg Marsten

• Ruby’s Pantry at 24534 Hwy. 35/70. Sign-up 1:30 p.m., distribution 2 p.m., $15 donation.

Every Wednesday Every Thursday

The Latch breastfeeding support group at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center, 10:30 a.m. - noon. 715-483-0431.

Play group for children and caretakers at the Burnett County Family Resource Center, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Every Friday

Domestic violence support group, 10-11 a.m. Call for location, 800-261-7233, Polk County.

Every Saturday

AA meets at the West Denmark Lutheran Church, rural Luck, 9 - 10 a.m.