Leader | april 18| 2007

INTER-COUNTY

‘Follow the Leader’

April 18, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No 34 8,000 copies

the-leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Since 1933

BMC breaks ground on new addition

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SECTION A

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Playing the Kingdom

New clinic, expanded hospital to serve community Page 2

DA requests inquests Juries will rule on apparent murder and suicide Page 3

Stan Marczak, Grantsburg’s choice Morrin and Amundson will share dean of students role at Grantsburg Schools Page 5

Speaking out on suicide Teen battles problem with prevention walk

Tanya Pardun doesn't want other depressed people to “give up.” She's organized a Suicide Prevention Walk. - Photo by Julie Holmquist

by Julie Holmquist LUCK - Tanya Pardun is only 18, but she already knows the devastation of suicide: she tried to kill herself, but family pulled her through.

Then her father ended his life. Two months after that, a best friend committed suicide. And this last winter, another friend committed suicide.

Now the Luck High School senior is fighting back, speaking out and trying to help others in need.

Pardun has organized a Suicide Prevention Walk that will take place Saturday, April 21, starting at 9 a.m. at Luck School. The walk will raise funds for the Yellow Ribbon Project, a nonprofit organization that educates people about suicide prevention and helps suicide survivors cope with their loss.

Local businesses are donating refreshments for the two-mile walk.

The suggested donation is $5. T-shirts will be on sale for $15.

“Suicide is a leading cause of death for people of all ages,” Pardun said.

“During the past year and a half I have lost a few dear people in my life to suicide. I want to help people

S E R V I N G

Webster High School's band performed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida earlier this month, along with the school’s choir. More photos and story in Currents section. - Special photo

Sun day every day at Cafe Wren Currents feature

Grantsburg grad’s duty is to explain “Why we serve” Currents, page 15

Weather is on track SPORTS in this section

See Speaking out, page 26

B U R N E T T

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P O L K

C O U N T I E S

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

The Burnett Medical Center Board and guests gathered Tuesday to break ground for the $17 million expansion of the hospital and clinic in Grantsburg. Pictured (L to R) are Ken Kutz, president of BMC board; board members Mike Alderman, Craig Selander and Jim Richison; CEO Tim Wick, Gary Nelson, president of the Grantsburg Industrial Development Association; village president Mark Dahlberg, project manager Jerry Shea, Bob Verstraete, Glenn Meier of Bremer Bank; BMC board member Adam Benson, and Dr. Tim Novick, chief of the medical staff.

- Photo by Gregg Westigard

BMC breaks ground on new addition New clinic, expanded hospital to serve community

by Gregg Westigard GRANTSBURG - “With this expansion, we will be able to serve the people in our community even better,” Ken Kutz told a large group of community residents who gathered Tuesday for the groundbreaking of the Burnett Medical Center expansion. Kutz, the Burnett County District Attorney, is president of the BMC board.

Construction will now start on the $17 million project which will include an entirely new clinic and a greatly enlarged hospital facility. Public access will be made easier with a new entry road from Hwy. 70 and expanded parking near the new main entry. The new construction will extend south from the existing building on BMC owned property.

A blueprint of the Burnett Medical Center project.

INTER-COUNTY

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

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Manager Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net Editor Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net Staff writers/contributors Matt Blumkin mblumkin@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Sherill Summer the-leader@centurytel.net Mary Stirrat mstirrat@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Julie Holmquist the-leader@centurytel.net Editorial assistant Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net Composition Raelynn Hunter Jackie Thorwick

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Tim Wick, BMC chief executive officer, said that the building project will allow BMC to be more successful in recruiting the providers needed to improve the delivery of health care services. The hospital, the only one in Burnett County, wants to continue its 75 years of service to the area in a customer-focused fashion. Wick said the new facility, which will provide all services under one roof, enhances the BMC image as a progressive health care provider.

Grantsburg Village President Mark Dahlberg told the guests that the most important element of BMC is the people who work there. He noted that BMC provides the equivalent of 220 full-time jobs. Dahlberg went on to say that the Burnett Medical Center is a welcome part of the Grantsburg community and a good neighbor. He concluded “get the job done.”

Phase one of the project, the new addition to the building, will be completed next summer, and the public will be invited to a dedication complete with a drawing to win a hot air balloon ride.

Phases two and three, which involves changes in the existing building, will be completed later.

The entire project, planning for which started in spring 2004, will be completed by fall 2008.

HOW TO REACH US: Web page: www.the–leader.net E-mail: the-leader@centurytel.net (send all news releases here)

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The ninth hole of the Grantsburg Golf Course has a new hazard. The BMC expansion will be built on medical center land that has been leased to the course. Holes three and nine will need to be shortened since the new BMC entry road crosses them.

- Photo by Gregg Westigard

Briefly...

Temperatures finally made it up into the 60s this past week, bringing smiles to many local residents who have endured what felt to many like a long winter. It's not always “April showers” that land on us here in northern Wisconsin, but April ice and snow…and some older residents will tell you it's no surprise when winter hangs on this long, global warming or not.

••• FREDERIC - DNR Secretary Scott Hassett is in Frederic this afternoon (April 18) to present a check to the village for the development of a walkway along the south edge of Coon Lake, to safely connect the two ends of Coon Lake Park.

A story with photos is planned for next week's edition of the Leader.

Frederic-born chief justice dies at 86 MADISON - A longtime Wisconsin State Supreme Court justice and chief justice who died this past week never forgot where he began his journey.

Nathan Heffernan, who died Friday at a Madison hospital at the age of 86, was born Aug. 6, 1920 in Frederic. Polk County Circuit Court Judge Bob Rasmussen said this week it was a point of trivia that Heffernan never forgot.

"He knew I was from Polk County and Heffernan when we'd see each other he'd remind me he was born in Frederic," Rasmussen said, adding he thought the Heffernan family actually lived in the Grantsburg area but that Frederic may have had the closest hospital at that time.

Heffernen, who was eulogized in editorials this week as a consensus maker whose congeniality shaped the court and Wisconsin law almost as much as his "fine legal mind," didn't live in this area for long. By the time he was 3 years old, his family was moving to Sheboygan where grew up.

Heffernan graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1942 and its law school in 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business. He worked as a private practice attorney in Sheboygan from 1948 to 1959, as assistant district attorney in Sheboygan County from 1951 to 1953 and city attorney of Sheboygan from 1953 to 1959.

Heffernan served as deputy state attorney general from 1959 until 1962, when he was named U.S. attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin by President John F. Kennedy.

He was appointed to the state Supreme Court two years later, at the age of 43, by Democratic Gov. John Reynolds.

Heffernan served 31 years on the state's highest court, the last 12 years as chief justice. He was the third-longest serving judge in Wisconsin history.

"Justice Heffernan was a mentor to me, as he was to so many other lawyers," said Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, a lawyer and former three-term state attorney general.

"Thoughtful, respectful, fair - he was the quintessential judge."

When Heffernan announced his plans to retire in 1994, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he would leave the court as he joined it three decades prior - an unbowed political liberal.

“I'm not ashamed of being a liberal, though I don't know what the word means,” Heffernan told the newspaper. “I do feel the only excuse for government is to improve the lot of citizens. If that's liberalism, I'm for it.”

After his retirement in the late 1990s, Heffernan co-chaired a commission with now Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton that studied campaign finance reform. - Gary King with information from www.wicourts.gov and Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Bond increased for suspects

POLK COUNTY - The men accused of holding a runaway girl prisoner and raping her in a sex for meth deal are being held in Polk County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond.

Bond for Daniel Owens, 36, Osceola, and for Kevin Madsen, 46, Amery, was increased at last week's preliminary hearing in Polk County Circuit Court.

The 15-year-old Polk County girl told authorities on April 4 that she had been held against her will for about three weeks (March 7 to March 28) in Nye, not far from Osceola. She was allegedly raped, trapped in a bathtub for 16 hours under weighted plywood, and burned with a torch and meth pipe.

Owens faces five felony charges: child enticement, soliciting a child for prostitution, false imprisonment, physical abuse of a child and distribution of methamphetamine.

A charge of manufacturing and delivering marijuana to minors was dismissed at the preliminary hearing.

Kevin Madsen, left, and Daniel Owens, right. The Leader inadvertently misidentified Madsen as Owens in last week’s paper. Photos from Polk Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

Madsen, who faces two counts of sexual assault of a child and child enticement, requested a bond reduction at the preliminary hearing. He wants to be with his wife who has cancer and will be having chemotherapy.

Judge Robert Rasmussen agreed to release Madsen for medical appointments if he posts $2,500 in cash and presents a letter from a doctor stating

that it would be beneficial to his wife for him to be there. The letter would have to list dates and times, and Madsen would also need to travel in a car with a GPS tracking device.

At press time, Madsen had not posted bond and was still being held in Polk County Jail.

The child enticement and prostitution charges each carry a maximum penalty of $100,000 fine and 25 years in prison. The false imprisonment and physical abuse of a child charges each carry a maximum penalty of $10,000 and six years in prison. The distribution of meth to minors charge carries a maximum penalty of $25,000 and 12 years and six months in prison.

The sexual assault of a child charges each carry a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and 40 years in prison.

Arraignment for both Owens and Madsen has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, at 11 a.m. - Julie Holmquist

Inquests called for Madsen and Lehman deaths Juries to rule on apparent murder and suicide

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE - The details of the apparent murder of Jason Madsen and apparent suicide of Timothy Lehman may soon be known. Motions were filed last Friday, April 13 and Monday, April 16, to convene coroner's inquest juries to hear evidence in the two deaths. Court dates for the two

inquests have not been set.

District Attorney Dan Steffen requested the convening of the sixmember inquest juries which will consider whether each death was a criminal action committed by another person, or a suicide or an accident. Each jury is expected to hear the results of autopsies and information gathered by law enforcement relating to each death.

Each jury will deliver a verdict based on a finding of probable cause.

Madsen was the victim of an apparent homicide on or about Feb. 16. He died from blows to his head. The attack

Election violation complaint forwarded to sheriff BURNETT COUNTY - An investigation into a possible election law violation occurring in the days preceding the recent spring election, has been forwarded by the district attorney to the sheriff for investigation.

Photocopies of two letters to the editor which appeared in the InterCounty Leader regarding the town of Daniels election were allegedly mailed anonymously to many, if not most, boxholders in the town.

One sample of the mailing, brought to the Leader office last week, had no disclaimer on it, such as “authorized

and paid for by…” and therefore is in violation of state election law, according to the legal firm for the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

District Attorney Ken Kutz verified for the Leader that the complaint had been filed with his assistant by one of the town's disposed board members and then forwarded to the sheriff's department.

“On the face of things, it would appear to violate the election laws,” Kutz noted, adding that the real question is: “Who did it?” - Gary King

apparently occurred at his home in Luck. His body was found in a wooded area near Bone Lake.

Lehman, Madsen's neighbor and friend, was arrested on Feb. 17 and charged with homicide in the death.

Lehman was released from jail on March 13 after posting a $100,000 cash bond. A week later, on March 20, Lehman died from an apparent gunshot wound.

Inquest jury trials, which are open to the public, are called when the party in an apparent crime is no longer living.

Follow the Leader

Obey rep coming BALSAM LAKE - A representative for Congressman Dave Obey will be holding office hours at the Polk County Justice Center in Balsam Lake on Tuesday, April 24, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Anyone who has a problem with a federal agency, or wishes to share their concerns or views on federal issues, is invited to stop in.

Congressman Obey's Northern Office in Superior can be reached at 715-398-4426. -submitted

Cyms puts write-in defeat behind him But would bring legal action against letter author if he finds out who it is WEBSTER - Paul Cyms lost his seat as village president in the April 3 election when a behind-the-scenes writein campaign put fellow board member Jeff Roberts in Cyms' chair.

Cyms, village trustee for five years, has no hard feelings toward Roberts who expressed surprise at the unusual twist of events - but is disappointed with the person or persons behind a last-minute letter sent out to voters that smeared his name.

“If I find out who wrote the letter, I will sue them,” Cyms told the Leader this week. He said he feels that even-

tually the source of the letter will come out into the open.

The letter, with no valid return address, blamed Cyms for rising property taxes in the village “with no relief in site” and potentially libelous accusations about his personal finances and style of running village business.

“What else is Cyms going to spend the village money on? More fireworks! How much more can we live with? Do we want two more years of this? I for one don't want any more of this,” the letter stated in part.

Although it's written in singular form, it's signed “Conerned Citizens of Webster.”

Cyms is no stranger to election controversy. In 2002, he narrowly won a seat on the board in a recount which confirmed he had defeated incumbent Joan Berg by one vote, 57 to 56.

In this spring's election he was unopposed but the write-in total saw him lose to Roberts by a 101- to 69vote margin. Roberts was not up for re-election and now the vacancy left when he accepted Cyms' spot will need to be filled by a board appointment.

Cyms explained that he knew the letter had been sent out but it was just too late for him to respond prior to the April 3 election. He said he's proud of what he accomplished for the village, renovating Main Street - “We can't just let it rot,” and pointed to all the young people using the new skate park.

“Taxes did go up but it wasn't anything I did myself,” he said. “I always acted with the board. There is a cap on the village budget. It's the assessor raising property values that raised taxes.” - Gary King and Sherill Summer

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

New county building project?

Committee formed to study campus for highway, recycling, fairgrounds

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — A five-member committee established by the Polk County Board of Supervisors Tuesday evening will be exploring the possibility of creating a public works campus for the highway department, the recycling center, and possibly the county fairgrounds.

Although specific appointments were not made, the committee will consist of the county board chair, the county supervisor of the fair board, and the chairs of the finance, highway, and property committees or their designees.

The group must report its findings back to the full board in August.

According to the resolution forming the committee, environmental concerns and lack of efficiencies at the current highway buildings prompted the three committees to get together for discussion. They met April 3 and voted to recommend development of a steering committee to look at options.

Among the environmental concerns noted at the meeting were floor drains that possibly empty into the mill pond at Balsam Lake and salt residue in the water from when the county’s salt/sand was stored at the highway building.

Also at issue is the lack of handicap accessibility, said Supervisor Robert Blake.

Supervisor Rodney Littlefield called the idea “absurd” and “premature.”

Most of the current supervisors are on the board because taxpayers are unhappy about the “albatross” located across the street from the government center, he said, referring to the justice center.

“We’re talking too much expenditure,” said Littlefield, adding that the debt incurred by previous boards must be paid down before a new bonding issue can be considered.

Other supervisors argued that the

board should be proactive in the matter, exploring the options and determining the best course.

“This is to look into replacing buildings that are getting beyond repair,” said Art Gamache. “Then our maintenance costs are going to more than it would be advantageous for the county to take care of.”

Gamache added that the jail is generating revenue by renting space to other counties, and said that he would not call the facility an “albatross.”

Supervisor Gary Bergstrom argued that the county currently has inadequate roads, yet no steering committee is being formed to address that problem.

“We’re going to focus on taking care of some buildings,” he said. “Our focus should be taking care of our highways.

That should be our first priority.”

According to Supervisor Marv Caspersen, chairman of the highway committee, the needs of the highway department are two-fold. First, he said, is maintenance of the equipment.

Second is maintenance of the roads.

“We do have a five-year plan for the roads in our county,” added Gamache, noting that equipment is outside rusting because there isn’t adequate space in the highway building.

Later in the meeting, Supervisor Pat Schmidt addressed Littlefield’s comments regarding the justice center. At this time, she said, there are 120 inmates in the jail, 40 of which are from out of the county and are generating revenue.

The old jail, she said, held 29 inmates.

In addition, Schmidt said, inmates in the old jail had to travel through public areas, including a public elevator, to get to the courtroom, creating safety hazards.

“It kind of bothers me when you call it “the albatross across the road,” she said to Littlefield. “We needed that building.”

With Supervisor Russell Arcand absent and Littlefield voting against, the board voted to establish the committee

$380,000 grant for Polk County

and directed it to report its findings in August.

Budget carryovers and timeline Issues relating to both the 2006 budget and the 2008 budget created discussion among the board members.

A resolution asking that portions of 2006 budget monies not spent by seven departments be carried over for expenditure in 2007 was defeated, after several attempts to amend it and to return it to various committees.

The request for the carryovers came from the finance committee. Although the carryovers are a generally acceptable accounting procedure, according to finance director Tonya Weinert, several board members argued that the governing committees did not have enough say in the process.

In particular was the request that $242,000 of $468,124 left unspent by the department of human services in 2006 be carried over to fund a risk reserve for youth aides. Supervisors Keith Rediske, Robert Blake, and Bryan Beseler, who all serve on the human services committee, noted that the committee had not requested carryover for that particular purpose.

It was also noted that the option to carry over unexpended funds was not presented to all departments.

On the other hand, some supervisors felt that allowing carryover in some cases would prevent an end-of-the-year spending spree to use all budget funds.

“We’ve got to avoid forcing people to spend every last dollar,” said Supervisor Rodney Littlefield.

As with the department of human services, the requested carryover amounts were only a portion of the unspent 2006 monies for that department.

Among other carryovers requested were $7,500 of $12,223 unspent in the forestry department, to be used for reforestation; $78,000 of $175,000 in the sheriff’s department to replace squads, boats, and an ATV; and $32,500 of $62,999 in the department of administration for furniture.

Also requested for carryover was the entire $6,803 unspent in the UWExtension department, $34,495 in the information technology department for another other IT specialist, and $36,850 at the museum to replace the roof, a cost which was approved in the 2006 budget.

The carryover adjustments need to be

made in the 2006 budget before the audit can be completed, said Weinert, which will hopefully be sometime in May. The board later approved hiring of an additional information technology specialist, at $34,495, to be paid from the contingency fund.

A resolution that would allow the 2008 budget process to begin later than the date set by board policy was approved, after much discussion, by a vote of 16 to 7.

Board policy states that the executive committee must begin the process no later than April 20, but the finance committee submitted the resolution to suspend that rule in order to make changes to the policy.

The budget will still be presented to the board in October, said Weinert, so that a final 2008 budget can be approved in November as required.

Other business • The board voted to transfer five parcels of land in St. Croix Falls and one parcel in Milltown to the respective municipalities. Taxes on the properties range from $20 to $73 per year, said treasurer Amanda Nissen, and the county has already acquired them each twice because of unpaid taxes.

• The board approved purchase of a $150,000 tandem drive grader for the highway department. The funds are included in the 2007 budget.

• The board approved changing the name of the methanol renewable energy committee to the renewable energy committee to better reflect the scope of the committee’s investigations. The committee will be exploring all sources of renewable energy rather than just methanol, said committee chair Jeff Peterson. “Our future is really going to be determined in large part by how quickly we are able to grasp the new technology coming along,” he said. “If we pretend to be ostriches we won’t be looking toward the future,” added Art Gamache. The committee will meet May 21 at 3 p.m. at the government center.

• Supervisor Marv Caspersen, reporting for the property committee, said that the special education school adjacent to the county library will be closing. He also said that the Salvation Army is proceeding with plans for Serenity House, a halfway house that will be located in the former jail.

County denies wrongful death claim Larry Jepsen, chairman of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, at left, presented a mock check for $380,000 to land information director Sara McCurdy and Bob Kazmierski, community development agent with UWExtension. — Photo by Mary Stirrat

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — Polk County has been awarded a $380,000 grant from the state of Wisconsin to work with the towns, villages and cities in developing a comprehensive plan. A limited-term, grant-funded planner will be hired to carry out the project.

Larry Jepsen, chairman of the Polk of Supervisors, County Board announced the award at the April 17 meeting of the board, commending land information director Sara McCurdy and UW-Extension community development agent Bob Kazmierski for their efforts in procuring the grant.

McCurdy told the board that the grant was a joint effort that included several county supervisors, particularly Jeff Peterson, who wrote much of the application.

According to Kazmierski, the process began three years ago. More than half

of the municipalities in the county eventually voted to become part of the project.

Joining Polk County in the comprehensive planning project are the cities of Amery and St. Croix Falls, all villages in Polk County except Frederic and Turtle Lake, plus 16 townships.

The board later in the meeting voted to establish a one-year county planner position for the project. The grants and other nontax sources will cover the $18,000 per year position, which is expected to be renewed in 2008 and 2009.

Other northern communities to receive comprehensive planning grants are Douglas County ($290,000), the city of Hurley ($24,000), and Sawyer County ($120,000). With Polk County, these grants represent more than 40 percent of the $2 million allocated by the state in 2007 for comprehensive planning.

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — A claim filed against Polk County alleging that Polk County and Golden Age Manor caused the wrongful death of a GAM resident last year was denied by the county board Tuesday night.

The claim stems from the April 2006 death at GAM of Dorothy G. Johnson.

Claimants are the deceased and her survivors, Maria Hudson, Kathy Hudson, Bonnie Smith and Dwaine Johnson.

“They are claiming negligence, resulting in the death of Ms. Johnson,” Polk County corporation counsel Jeff Fuge told the board. “They are claiming damages as the heirs of Ms. Johnson.”

In response to a question from one of the supervisors, Fuge indicated that he was not at liberty to provide any additional information.

The claim was filed against Polk County and GAM in November. It alleges that Johnson “sustained the damages of pain and suffering and damages for funeral medical expenses and alleges that said damages were caused by Polk County and the Golden

Age Manor Nursing Home, by and through its employees.”

The survivors, continues the claim, sustained damages and loss of society and companionship, and allege “that said damages and the wrongful death of Dorothy G. Johnson” were caused by the county and GAM, by and through its employees.

Both the GAM governing board and the county’s insurance company recommended that the claim be denied.

By passing the resolution to deny the claim, the county board followed state statutes requiring any court action against the county or GAM be filed within six months. If the claim wasn’t denied, said Fuge, the claimant has three years to bring a lawsuit against the county.

Potential damage stemming from the claim, according to Fuge, is $400,000, which would be covered under the county’s $1 million insurance policy.

However, he said, if the claim should exceed $1 million, the county would be responsible for any additional amount.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

B U R N E T T

Marczak named new high school principal Morrin and Amundson will share dean of students role

by Carl Heidel GRANTSBURG - In executive session Monday evening, the Grantsburg Schools Board of Education named Stan Marczak the new high school principal.

Marczak will fill the spot left open when current Principal Jeff Bush resigned to head Insight School of Wisconsin.

The board also changed Marczak’s present position, high school dean of students, from one full-time to two parttime positions. Those positions will be filled by Bill Morrin, currently a Grantsburg high school physical education teacher, and Mike Amundson, who is now dean of students and sixth-grade teacher at the Grantsburg Middle School.

Amundson will continue as dean of students in the Middle School but will discontinue his teaching.

Responses from current administrators to the board’s decisions were very positive. Superintendent Joni Burgin stated that Marczak will “lead the high school to new heights.”

Marczak was pleased with Morrin’s selection to the part-time dean’s position. Middle School Principal Brad Jones said that Amundson will do a good job of working with the children in both the middle and high schools and will help to link the teaching efforts of both schools.

In its regular meeting, the board approved plans for summer school developed by Mary Whitrock, elementary school principal. Summer school will run from June 12 to July 10, and will offer a broad variety of learning experiences.

Gypsy moths discovered in Burnett County WEBSTER – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has discovered gypsy moths near Bass Lake in Union Township, the first time they have been found in Burnett County.

Although the gypsy moth does not necessary kill trees they infest, the moth can strip trees seemingly overnight during an outbreak, stressing the tree.

The gypsy moth has long been a problem in the New England area since it was first brought into this country in an attempt to breed a hardy silkworm in 1869. It has slowly spread westward, reaching Wisconsin in the late 1980s and is now common in much of the eastern half of Wisconsin. Eventually the moth is expected to be common in the western half as well, but attempts are being made to slow the spread.

An aerial treatment of Btk is planned for the infected area in Burnett County.

Btk is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soil that is harmless to people, animals and other insects, but is effective in controlling gypsy moths. All property owners near the infected area will be contacted before the treatment takes place. – Sherill Summer

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Stan Marczak, Grantsburg’s choice

by Carl Heidel GRANTSBURG - If you need a bit of a pick-me-up, go see Stan Marczak, the Grantsburg High School’s present dean of students, and now the school board’s choice to be the new high school principal.

He starts an interview by commenting that he’s been around teaching long enough that he could retire, and then with a grin he says, “But I’m having too much fun.” Then he quips, “Someday I’m gonna graduate from high school.”

But what you will notice most about Marczak is not just his sense of humor and the one-liners that sparkle through his conversation. What stands out most is that he genuinely loves people, and he wants every child in the school to do well.

It’s that attitude of his that has helped to fashion the climate visitors sense when they step into the high school. It’s a climate that proclaims, “There are no problems here, only opportunities.”

Marczak and his wife Darlene, second-grade teacher in Grantsburg’s Elementary School, moved to Grantsburg from Ashland in 1976.

Both taught there in a private school.

“This is a phenomenal place,” he says about Grantsburg. “It’s a great place to raise a family, a great community, and the school has been very supportive.”

In the 31 years that Marczak has been part of the Grantsburg school system he’s had a full schedule. First it was teaching music, music with the band, a great marching band, choir, school musicals, all of it.

That marching band was something else. Marczak built it into a prestigious team and then took it all over the country. In his office hangs a photo of the band when it went to Washington, D.C., a photo he likes to show to visitors.

Not content with building an excellent music program, he taught math, then began to move into technology fields in the 1980s. Then from the ‘80s on he expanded his work with computers and computer instruction.

It was that involvement with computer instruction that led Marczak to develop Grantsburg’s virtual school, with the help of teacher Josh Watt. An online computer learning system, the virtual school laid the foundations for further development of the use of technology in teaching Grantsburg’s students.

He says that every student who graduates from Grantsburg High School will hear that message from him time after time.

From that positive message Marczak helps students, in particular, to build on their strengths. Using the Gallup Personal Strength Analysis and Development materials, he helps all of the students to find their five primary strengths, to discover what they are good at, and then learn how to use those strengths to do well.

“People will tell you you have to work hard to improve on your weaknesses,” he says. “But what you really need to do is learn to use your strengths to go through life.”

“Life is an attitude,” says Marczak.

“When you get up in the morning and Stan Marczak, Grantsburg High look in the mirror, you can either say, School’s new principal, a man with a ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the passion for building successful peo- best one of all...it’s me!’ or you can say, ‘Who’s that old so and so...?’” ple. - Photo by Carl Heidel He continues, “It’s a mind-set. The students have to come to school. How Somewhere in those years, Marczak they come is a choice they have to and Darlene took EMT training and make.” served as EMTs for seven years. “It No surprise, then, that Marczak will was good training,” he said. “That make his primary goal as principal to way if someone in the marching band increase student success, student satisfainted...no problem! We can take care faction. He wants to help them with of that!” their attitudes and help them to love But six years ago, Marczak went being part of the school. Tests scores through a major change. His years of are important, too, he notes, but he listening to the booming of the drums wants to set the students up for success and the blaring of the horns had taken by helping them with that all-imporits toll.

He developed tinnitus, tant mind-set. destruction of the fine hairs lining the Other goals that Marczak mentions ear canals, and the loud sounds have to do with creating “synergy” by became painful, unbearably so. Even connecting people so that they can now, he says, he has to wear ear plugs pool their resources to deal with to protect himself from the pain if he issues. The faculty senate, for examgoes to the movies. ple, will lead to more decision-making So the shift occurred, and Marczak power being given to teachers with left the band and music and became site-based management. Link groups dean of students. That’s where he that exist now will be expanded to expanded his philosophy of schools bring even more people together. and education, and that’s where he As Marczak envisions the future of made his own positive perspective the high school, he sees the school most influential. closely tied to families and community Marczak admits that much of that institutions and agencies. It will take positive outlook comes from his own all of these, he notes, to develop what faith traditions. A Roman Catholic is best for the students, the teachers, Christian, he is an ordained deacon the staff. who teaches religion in his parish, And now as he prepares to make preaches on Sundays, baptizes and another important life shift and move even performs marriages. He and into the principal’s chair, Marczak is Darlene are both active in the joint excited. To him life is an adventure, parish of Immaculate Conception chaotic at times, but always open to (Grantsburg) and St. Dominic’s wonderful possibilities.

(Frederic) churches.

“We’re going to continue the advenIt’s that faith tradition that leads ture,” he says. “And we’re going to Marczak to tell students, teachers, staff have fun doing it.” and administrators, “You are loved.”

Hraychuck hosts listening session Monday Will be joined by Secretary Rod Nilsestuen who will explain Gov. Doyle’s 98 Percent Plan BALSAM LAKE – Rep. Ann Hraychuck will host a listening session in Balsam Lake, April 23, to discuss proposed solutions to the rising health care costs in Wisconsin. This forum coincides with the unveiling of Gov. Doyle’s 98 Percent Plan—a major initiative included in the 2007-09 budget that would guarantee health care coverage to at least 98 percent of Wisconsin residents.

Hraychuck will be joined by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen, who will

present details about how the goals of the governor’s health care initiative are accomplished within his state budget proposal.

“The rising cost of health care was the No. 1 concern I heard from the people in the 28th Assembly District during the election. I believe it is important that the people from Northwest Wisconsin have a chance to have their voices heard on this critical issue.

Healthcare solutions must be discussed throughout the state, not just in Madison, which is why I decided to coordinate this listening session and

bring government up north,” said Rep. Hraychuck.

Area residents and business owners that are experiencing the burdens of increased medical costs and have concerns with unavailable affordable health care options are encouraged to attend and share their experiences and participate in the discussion.

The listening session will be held at the Polk County Justice Center Monday, April 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public and media. from the office of Rep. Hraychuck

Banquet date set FREDERIC - The Frederic Area Community Association has announced that its annual Citizen of the Year banquet will be held Friday, May 18, at Hacker’s Lanes Phil and Marilyn Knuf have been

chosen Citizens of the Year; Kevin Weinzierl has been named Volunteer of the Year and Mary Ellen’s Beauty Shop has been named Business of the Year. Gary King

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Tischer again full-time superintendent

Split job officially ends

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – The Frederic School Board has officially made Gerald Tischer the full-time superintendent.

He had spent half time as the district administrator and half time as elementary principal. The closed-session action at the end of the monthly board meeting Monday night also named Kelly Steen elementary principal. She had been the assistant principal.

The change acknowledged the situation that has been evolving over the past year as Tischer has been spending more of his time at the district office, and Steen has been handling day-to-day elementary business. The combined superintendent/elementary principal job was initiated several years ago in an attempt to save money by eliminating one of the three district administrative positions.

The Monday night meeting was the last for board members Terry Taylor and Lee Jensen, both of whom were replaced in the April 3 election. Newly elected school board members Shari Matz and Becky Amundson will take their seats next Monday, April 23, at a special board meeting that will also elect board officers.

In other business, Tischer told the board that the district is on track in its spending for the school year.

Thru March, the district has spent 58 percent of its budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 and has spent $19,268 less than budgeted.

While some expenses are higher than last year, especially some special education costs, there has been a reduction of almost $35,000 in energy and fuel costs.

Tischer said that the mild winter and energy conservation programs have lowered heat and electric expenses. In addition, new and efficient busses, plus one less bus route, have lowered transportation spending by

$24,000.

Tischer said another large cost reduction is in the exploratory stage. The district is looking at an alternative health insurance program as an option for the associate staff.

Other business Warren Peterson, buildings and grounds director, reported that he is still experimenting with paint options for the pool. Last year an apparent chemical reaction caused the bottom of the pool to change color and forced an early end to the swim season. The pool paint the district once used has been removed from the market, and the major paint companies have no new product that will not react with the chlorine in the water. He is testing epoxy paints he thinks might work. The district hopes to have the pool in operation in June.

Peterson also reported that it would cost $1,800 to spray the school grounds for dandelion control. The spraying would need to be done soon to stop this year’s crop from seeding out. It would cost an additional $4,000 to fertilize the school grounds. The board discussed changing school policy in order to use school forest money, earned from controlled logging of the properties, to pay for the grounds expenses. School forest money is now dedicated to improving the forest on CTH W for use as a forest class area.

Work will start soon on replacing the elementary school roof, a $28,000 project.

Athletic director Jeff Carley advised that summer baseball may soon be gone. He said that Siren and Webster are combining their teams and moving to a spring schedule. That leaves Frederic with only four local teams competing in summer baseball. He suggests moving to a spring baseball season in 2009.

Carley said that could affect the golf and track pro-

National figure to highlight Amery’s Earth Day AMERY – Karen Hollingsworth, nationally respected wildlife photographer, will be the featured speaker for Earth Day 2007 in Amery.

Hollingsworth will present “Let’s Go Wild,” a visual odyssey set to music celebrating a new century of conservation on National Wildlife Refuges in America.

The program explores the amazing diversity of habitats and species found on national wildlife refuges through images from more than 70 refuges throughout America. Also portrayed are service and public activities, from environmental education and wildlife management, to fishing and prescribed burns. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session, beverages and snacks.

The Earth Day Celebration is sponsored by the city of Amery and the Committee for a Green Amery, and will be held at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, 113 Elm Street, at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 22. It is free and open to the public.

Hollingsworth, a freelance wildlife photographer, can most often be found behind a camera on a national wildlife refuge or giving presentations nationwide

on her stunning visual journeys through the national wildlife refuge system. For 10 years, Hollingsworth and her late husband John, explored the beauty and diversity of habitats and species on refuges throughout the country. For the past 10 years Hollingsworth has continued the photography on her own, and all told, has been to more than 400 refuges. Hollingsworth is nationally known for her unique contribution to public education and increasing awareness for the refuge system. Honors include receiving the conservation Service Award from the Department of Interior, the highest award given to a private citizen.

Her wide-ranging images appear regularly in national magazines, books, interpretive displays, brochures and numerous other publications. Recent projects include the photography for two books, “The Smithsonian Book of National Wildlife Refuges” and “American’s National Wildlife Refuges: a Complete Guide.”

For information or questions call Amery City Hall, 715-268-7486. – submitted

grams, as students would need to choose which spring sport to play.

High school principal Ray Draxler said that conversations are proceeding on building a new press box for the football field. The project could cost $20,000. He said that community groups are hoping to raise all the money for the project, with no district funding. Carley added that this is one of a long list of needed athletic improvements which also includes replacing the track and adding more football bleachers so the district could host regional playoff games.

Tischer reported that the district is having a security audit done. The study will look at the school grounds, buildings, and policies and recommend ways to make the schools more secure. The district is also looking at a new communications system, First Alert, which could immediately communicate to staff and families via land lines, cell phones and e-mail.

Kelly Steen reported that enrollment is starting for summer school. There will be a variety of classes offered, and many regular Frederic teachers are taking part in the program. Steen also reported that 24 have already enrolled in the 4-year-old kindergarten program. The program, entering its third year, is growing.

New HR director in Polk County POLK COUNTY – Andrea Jerrick, Centuria, was appointed as the human resources director for Polk County by unanimous action of the Polk County personnel committee during its April 12 regular committee meeting.

A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Jerrick started with Polk County in May 2004, as administrative assistant in human resources. In May 2005, she was promoted to the position of human resources manager. Since December 2005, she has been performing the duties of human resources director when that position became vacant. At that time, the human resources director position had been supervised by the finance director in the department of administration.

By resolution adopted on March 20, the Polk County Board of Supervisors established the standalone human resources department and authorized the department head position of human resources director. The Polk County Human Resources Department is responsible for managing the county’s workforce, administering the county’s personnel ordinances, employment and labor contracts, personnel policies and procedures related to personnel management and ensuring their compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. As human resources director, Jerrick will head that department and report to the personnel committee. The personnel committee oversees and governs the services provided by the human resources department. – from Polk County office of corporation counsel

Adopt-A-Highway workers; give’em a break/brake POLK COUNTY – Ok, they’re at it again. Polk County HCE club, Hearthcrafters, is again honoring their Polk County Highway Permit to beautify – aka pick up the litter – on almost three miles of CTH E from Hwy. 48 to Largon Lake Road. A bright red HCE Adopt-A-Highway road sign near the Hwy. 48 intersection attests to this endeavor. Polk County Joel HCE Club, Amery, along with Joel Snowmobiliers, do a similar stint on Hwy. 63 from 105th Avenue almost to Hwy. 8, also certified by a road sign.

Twice a year in the spring and the fall, these ladies take on the hazardous task. Hazardous you say? Yes! The stringent stipulations advised by the highway department include warnings to never touch gas cans, broken automobile batteries, chemicals, leaking containers of unknown substance, anything that could indicate meth lab waste, such as stoneware containers with rubber tubing, abandoned barrels or propane cylinders.

They are given orange safety vests and men-at-work signs. They separate garbage from recyclables, and remove pull tabs for the Shrine Hospital Auxiliary, who receive funds for them. At the end of the sevenhour (that’s almost six miles roundtrip) nonstop day, both clubs usually have eight garbage bags to turn in.

But one hazard continues to endanger this environmentally, aesthetically necessary work. Automobile drivers! Yes, drivers who do not slow down when they see these workers on the road or in the ditch. It would mean a lot if only they gave these folks a brake/break.

The many walkers who enjoy these peaceful routes would also appreciate a break/brake as cars pass them…just an easing away, a light touch to the pedal makes an enormous difference. It takes less than a minute, but means much to take the pedal off the metal.

Additionally, family groups sometimes take on litter pickup in their home vicinity. Among these is Joel Club member Carol Van Heuklom, secretary for Polk County HCE Clubs. They call themselves The Flying Dutchmen – what else with an unmistakably Dutch name and when the boys have been in Naval Air? Who benefits from all this work? Everyone who drives these scenic routes monthly, weekly, yearly, daily sees a clean road, evidence of the importance of no littering. Every walker, whether summer visitor or permanent resident, enjoys the pristine natural beauty intended by the designers. And the number of walkers has increased dramatically the past few years.

Wisconsin HCE sponsors a Walk About Wisconsin challenge to all club members statewide to keep strong and fit by walking, with recognition to the most milers.

So give ‘em a break/brake! – Submitted by Mary Heaney and Betty Zager, Adopt-A-Highway group leader, Hearthcrafters LEFT: HCE members Shirley Hase, Jean Nystrom, Gail Anderson, leader Betty Zager and Cecelia Renstrom. – Photo submitted

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

Trail use denied WEBSTER – The forestry committee considered a request from a property owner in Webb Lake Township to use a half-mile stretch of trail through Burnett County forestland so that he can move a house off of his property.

Since there are no plans to improve the trail for logging purposes in the future and there is second growth along the trail that would be cleared if the trail was used to remove the house, the request was denied. It was noted that there is already a driveway connected to

town roads, albeit twisty and narrow roads nearby.

Other actions A memorial flagpole for the public landing on Little McGraw Lake in Blaine Township was approved as long as the forestry department did not have to maintain the flagpole.

Stumpage payments were up last month although the market conditions remain poor. – Sherill Summer

Webster Village votes to raise rates on community center

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER – The Webster Village Board voted to raise the rental rates for the community center from $250 to $400 a night beginning July 1 in an attempt to recoup more of the money the village spends operating the building. Renters can still reserve the building the night before an event to decorate for half price, or $200. All reservations booked at the old price, even if the event is after July 1, will be honored at the old price.

Other business The board approved the hiring of Justin Hawkenson for the limited-time position. Four candidates were interviewed for the position, and all were reported to be well-qualified. The village now needs help with two other areas. The board approved ads to be placed in at least one local paper for the

position of village assessor and requests for mowing bids.

Doug Plath, from the Central Burnett Fair Board, filled in the village board on the upcoming fair.

Jeanne Taylor, from ERA Parkside Realty, gave a presentation of her market analysis for the Smith Pines lots.

Erick Garvey was given permission to hold a Motrcycle Freestyle Exhibition at the Webster fairgrounds, tentatively to be held on Saturday, April 28. This Motrcycle Freestyle Exhibition is to be a benefit for Shirley Holmes of Danbury.

Before adjourning for the night, members of the village board thanked outgoing village president Paul Cyms for all the time and effort spent on the village of Webster.

Also saying farewell to the board was outgoing Melanie Bump.

Forts receives permission to build blacksmith shop

by Sherill Summer SIREN – At the April meeting of the department of tourism and information last Wednesday, April 11, board members found out that The Forts Folle Avione Historical Park has permission from state historical society and the DNR to go ahead with plans to build a blacksmith shop and new storage buildings this year. Once completed, the 12by-16-foot working blacksmith shop will be used to demonstrate the craft. At the time of the tourism and information meeting, the exact size of the storage building had not been determined, but the committee went ahead and gave their two-cents-worth by suggesting the larger of the two sizes being considered by the fort.

Other actions The VFW Post in Siren was given permission to place retro military equipment on county property next to the Gandy Dancer Trail in Siren. It is unknown at this time what retro military equipment will be installed at the site.

The Devils Lake Association received permission to place a camera system on the boat landing to focus on weeds as a part of their clean boats, clean water campaign. The boat ramp is in the budget to be replaced in 2008, but the ice pushed up the boat landing this year, and the parks department is looking for grant money to repair or replace it this year. Otherwise the park service will do their best to make it useable this year.

Moose help at pancake breafkast The Siren Lodge of the Loyal Order of the Moose gave the Webster Community Library a hand Sunday.

They hosted a pancake and sausage breakfast fundraiser for the Friends of the Library to help raise funds for the library’s rennovation project. Hard at work in the kitchen with the food preparation are lodge members Jerry Vogel (L) and Bob Gideo (R). - Photo by Carl Heidel

H E A D L I N E S

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s question: Do you believe in global warming?

1. Yes 53 votes (55 percent) 2. No 43 votes (45 percent) Total votes: 96 This week’s question: Do you think the shooting deaths at Virginia Tech will result in more strict gun control measures?

1. Yes 2. No You can participate in our Web poll by logging on to www.the-leader.net and scrolling down to the lower left hand corner of the main page

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Editor’s NOTEBOOK

A

Here’s the sunny side

gain, Earth Day allows us in Wisconsin, and particularly Polk County, to brag a bit - about being the home of Earth Day Founder, Gaylord Nelson.

Nelson’s message remains more alive today, perhaps, then when he was waging a battle to make government agencies and bureaucrats sit up and take notice of the need for environmental thinking in the early ‘60s. In his book he outlined how he fought to get then President John Kennedy to outline environmental issues during a re-election campaign journey that included a brief jaunt over the Apostle Islands in a helicopter.

While environmental issues have remained strong, they’ve become somewhat shadowed by the urgent message of global warming. At least, that’s the perception. And, of course, we must respect the power of perception in today’s world.

But according to a report by the Pacific Research Institute and the American Enterprise Institute there is reason to be optimistic on Earth Day 2007.

“A number of significant developments and milestones in environmental progress took place in 2006 but were largely drowned out by the media attention devoted to climate change,” states a news release from PRI and AEI. Some of the positive trends they note - and let’s begin in Wisconsin: - The number of bald-eagle nests in Wisconsin has grown from 108 in 1973 to 1,020 in 2005.

- The 2005 Global Forests Resources Assessment found that the annual net loss of forests has fallen from about 8.9 million hectares per year over the period 1990-2000 to 7.3 million hectares per year over the last five years.

- Between 1982 and 2003, estimated soil-erosion rates decreased by 43 percent.

- The U.S. has enjoyed substantial success in lowering methane emissions by 12.8 percent - from the 1990 baseline year used in the Kyoto Protocol. This is significant because methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 — 23 times more potent, according to most estimates.

- The U.S. continues to make progress on reducing ozone levels. In the greater Los Angeles basin, the worst location recorded 69 exceedences of the eight-hour ozone standard of .085 parts per million (ppm) in 2005 (with an average July temperature of 68.6 degrees F), but only 59 in 2006 (with an average July temperature of 74.3 degrees F). To put this in perspective, in 1988 Los Angeles recorded nearly 175 exceedences.

- The EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory shows a 45-percent decline in the last seven years. The latest TRI reveals a decline in toxic releases in 2004 of 180 million tons, or about 4 percent.

- In the early 1970s, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports there were as few as 2,654 red salmon counted running up the Russian River in Kenai Peninsula to spawn. In recent years the count has exceeded 60,000 surpassing the number biologists thought was possible in the best of conditions.

Some good news on this Earth Day - despite the issue which has dominated the environmental news.

T

W h e re t o Wr i t e

President George Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863 Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey 7th Congressional District 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515 or Wisconsin office: Federal Building Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Ann Hraychuck 28th Assembly District State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-District 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Frank Boyle 73rd Assembly District Room 221 North State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison 53708 E-mail: Rep.Boyle@legis.state.wi.us

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 232-1390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 8383 Greenway Blvd.

Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov

Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us

he Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s legal firm rendered an opinion for us last week noting that a local town election - in which a few letters published here in the Leader were photocopied and mass mailed was a violation of state election laws.

Not because it circulated material without the author’s permission - but because it didn’t contain a political disclaimer.

The law states that “brochures, leaflets, circulars, letterheads and direct mail pieces sent to more than 100 persons” which do not contain a political disclaimer - stating the material was “authorized and paid for by...” - is a violation of state election law. Those found guilty can pay up to a $5,000 fine and/or a year in jail.

It’s obviously not common knowledge as it occurs more than is reported.

Two such cases occurred in the recent April 3 election - the one mentioned above in the town of Daniels - and possibly one in the village of Webster, where a last-minute “smear” letter against the incumbent village president resulted in his ouster - via write-in vote, no less.

While America certainly has a history of gritty political races, it’s obvious that most people just don’t realize that 11-hour, anonymous political letters aimed at swaying the vote is any more serious than passing secret notes in the back of the classroom.

It’s time to revive the showdowns - the town square debates where good, old-fashioned name calling can be rebutted on the spot and out in the open.

There’s been a decline in debates in recent grassroots-level elections - whether due to public or candidate disinterest. And that’s a shame as it’s the best format for airing political differences and answering concerns.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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

Washington, D.C. 20510 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Congressman Ron Kind 3rd Congressional District 1713 Longwirth Office Bdg. Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-5506 888-442-8040 (toll-free) ron.kind@mail.house.gov

Election laws and debates

Cooperative:

an enterprise or organization owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services

The views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent the views of ICPPA board members or employees

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APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r F O R U M C o m m u n i t y Joseph Weizenbaum.

Weizenbaum said he programmed ELIZA to “parody the responses of a nondirectional psychotherapist in an initial psychiatric interview.”

Me: Hello?

For example, ELIZA’s God: Hello my child. What response to a statement like, is your name?

“My dad is a jerk” might be, Me: Chris Wondra.

“Who else in your family isn’t God: OK, I will call you Chris very nice?” ELIZA might reply Chris Wondra. to “Who is your favorite baseWondra Me: Don’t you know me? ball player?” with, “What God: What’s my reason to about your own favorite baseknow you? ball player?”

Me: You’re God. Since her creation, however, ELIZA God: Yup. That’s me all right. has left a legacy: breaking ground for a Me: Well, I thought you knew me.

God: Well that’s OK. You are Chris number of early role-playing computer games and interactive fiction.

Wondra, seeker.

Still, these early versions are simple Me: What am I seeking? in that they don’t use a database, which God: Online chat with me!!

Me: I guess you got me there. Do you means they have no “knowledge” of their own. They simply take informachat online often?

God: No I don’t think I have any you tion from the user and spit it back out there. But I do have a lot of friends on again. Of course this doesn’t stop them the Web. I am a talking robot, after all, from being entertaining enough to so of course I could talk online often, if chew up hours of time, leaving you scratching your head at 2 a.m., wonderI needed to. ing how you missed dinner.

Me: You’re kind of funny.

As databases matured, so did chatGod: Thanks, you make me laugh bots.

Programs emerged that acted as too. computer support, technical trouNow, as a language arts teacher, I thought this was wicked cool. But I bleshooters, or even company reprebegan to wonder if this was the only AI sentatives.

Today, however, programs like chat program out there. I mean, what created by British proJabberwacky, were the chances that my students, while obviously brilliant in their own grammer, Rollo Carpenter, actually right, had stumbled upon the only arti- learn by collecting and adding to huge databases of contextually appropriate ficial intelligence on the Web? So I did a little hunting around. Turns responses. Chatting with Jabberwacky out there are all kinds. They’re called is unique because you not only type in chatbots or chatterbots and they have a your text, but you also choose from a long history dating back to 1966 when list of 72 possible emotions ranging the first chatbot, ELIZA, was created by from happy to argumentative to wor-

Chatbots: Our link to God (and other interesting personalities)

I

‘m all for 21st-century skills, shrinking the world with electronic dialog, better opportunities for learning and all that—but this is getting ridiculous.

I was in the computer lab with my students the other day when I noticed that a couple of them were a little offtask. So I did what any teacher worth his salt does in these situations. I snuck up behind them. You’d be surprised how quickly a kid can quit a Web site and erase the history these days.

What I saw fascinated me.

At first glance, it appeared that these students were having a real, live chat with somebody (or something) online.

They would type something and the “somebody” on the other end would reply.

And who did this other person say that he was?

God. My first reaction was surprise. Most of these sites (chat sites) are blocked at school. But then this wasn’t your typical chat room. At the top a header read: “igod . . .repenting made easy” Beneath that: “You are now chatting with God” As I watched, I soon realized these kids weren’t chatting with a real person. While clever, many of igod’s responses were a little off. This was obviously a computer program—a type of online artificial intelligence.

But, like I said, it was very clever.

Here is an example of a chat I had with igod recently:

Letters to the editor The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less. Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number.

Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments regarding a group’s or individual’s ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race; other incendiary language, poetry or personal attacks.

No attachments, please

When e-mailing the Leader, please do not attach word documents.

Include them in the body of the e-mail.

Photos should be in jpg. format. Thank you.

ried. Jabberwacky, an animated, balding, middle aged man, will then respond appropriately.

Yes, you read that right. Computer programs are now learning.

Other programs, like Chompsky, draw from a database of information at Wikipedia, the largest multilingual free content encyclopedia on the Internet.

You can even teach Chompsky to remember things by giving him answers to questions like, “Do you know Chris Wondra?” He’ll put your answer into his “short term” memory so you can amaze your friends, but he won’t remember it forever.

It truly is fascinating stuff. And it doesn’t stop there. Similar to the idea behind igod, chatbots are now emerging that simulate various personalities.

Now you can chat up Einstein with your take on the theory of relativity, discuss poetry with Shakespeare, or even get John Lennon’s thoughts on the breakup of the Beatles.

Fittingly, every year there’s even a high-stakes contest for the best chatbot in the world. It’s called the Chatterbox Challenge, and the unique thing about it is you get a say. Public voting for most popular bot is going on right now through the end of April.

So where does all this leave a simple eighth-grade language arts teacher like me? Quite frankly, I’m not sure.

Eventually, maybe out of a job.

You can learn more about chatbots, as well as find links to the chatbot challenge, and all the bots mentioned above at www.chriswondra.com

The Leader is a cooperativeowned newspaper

Fo l l o w t h e L e a d e r.

S t a f f

C

Dying brain cells need a break

olleges want my 17-year-old daughter. They write her love letters. Yesterday I pulled five of them from the mailbox.

“Anna, I’m very in interested in you,” they say.

“Anna, I think you share in our vision.”

“Anna, we’re impressed with your test scores.”

Sure, now they want her. Where were these people when I was creating Egyptian costumes from sheets and safety pins for school and hauling her to endless piano lessons?

Every time I open the mailbox, it feels like election campaign season. At least these college administrators aren’t accusing each other of being evil incarnate. They just want my daughter’s

C O R N E R

vote (Anna, we have 20 coffeehouses) and my money (That’ll be $100,000 please).

I can’t take credit for my daughter’s brains. While she is calculating calculus and writing the Great American Novel, I’m trying to remember why I walked into the kitchen.

The fact that I have a degree in German, a language I have completely forgotten, except when someone sneezes, doesn’t help matters.

There’s nothing like watching your own brain capacity being slowing sucked into the quicksand of life, while your beautiful, young offspring remembers every fact she’s come across in 17 years.

Yet, even with the handicap of my ever-dying brain cells, I began

the researching College Choice, which is Guaranteed to Make or Break Your Life!

It started simply by reading the public relation blitz coming from the mailbox.

Julie Holmquist From there, I found myself needing a collegeranking guide just to make it through the day. I craved percentages of students admitted, male to female ratios, average GPAs. Soon even the guidebooks couldn’t satisfy me. Now I need regular hits on university Web sites, where I spend hours pouring over courses, faculty listings, and virtual tours of libraries

c o o p e r a t i v e - o w n e d

and dorms.

Here’s what I’ve discovered: I’m terrified to write a check. There are colleges that “blend Eastern and Western educational traditions” sending my daughter photos of students doing yoga in class.

And then there’s the college “nominating” my daughter as an “eco-visionary” who “shares their focus on the natural world.”

Maybe they can make her go outside.

We live on a Wisconsin lake, but she usually spends summer locked in her room with a book.

I’ve decided to take a rest from college research. I’ll let my girl with the brains take over. There has to be some advantage to dying brain cells.

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - ARPIL 18, 2007

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Stupid questions

Recently Chicago Cubs manager Lou Pinella accused a reporter of asking a stupid question. This brought back memories of the years I lived in Indiana where Bobby Knight did this on a daily basis. It poses a question: Is there such a thing as a stupid question? Certainly in the classroom, where it is desired that students acquire knowledge, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Certainly, my wife, a bank teller, would say that any question by a customer trying to understand their account is not a stupid question. But yes, in other settings, there are stupid questions.

So what is the definition of a stupid question? A stupid question is one where the person asking the question reflects that they are not grounded in the real world, lacking basic common sense, or that they simply haven’t properly prepared themselves. One group of people that are often guilty of asking stupid questions are reporters. First, it should be assumed that a reporter has a basic understanding of the world. One would expect that they should be able to formulate better questions than I could. Furthermore, if they are working on their regular beat, they should be knowledgeable about their special field. Normally, a baseball-beat writer should not be asking what part of the game broke down when the pitchers just walked home the deciding run. A reporter that covers a local courthouse should have a working knowledge of the law, and should know what questions an official can and cannot answer. To ask a question an official cannot, or normally should not, answer is a waste of both the reporter’s and the official’s time.

Furthermore, if a reporter got an answer to such a question, publishing the answer might well be a violation of the public trust. It could destroy the prosecution of a criminal, compromise an investigation and the like. A reporter that covers the White House should have a good working knowledge of the Constitution and the executive branch of government. If he or she doesn’t, they need to go do their homework before they start asking questions. Then we wonder why people get angry with reporters!

So what is a person, reporters included, supposed to do when they find that they don’t know something that they should and have to ask about it? Ask politely and apologize right up front in the body of the question. Admit that you haven’t prepared yourself as you should have. It is amazing how many people, when asked in this manner, will provide all the information you are seeking.

So are there stupid questions? Certainly.

Stupid questions are questions that demonstrate that we don’t know what we should already know or that we don’t have the capacity to think. Many times stupid questions are a result of laziness.

Good questions usually result from hard work. The problem is that we have in our country a class of professional question askers who haven’t always done their homework and prepared themselves to ask good questions. This sad reality is a loss to all of us.

Rev. (Mr.) Jody R. Walter Frederic

Ploy

I was just going to let the issue slide, but now feel I cannot leave it alone. As a citizen living in the village of Webster, I received in my mail a couple of weeks ago, a very poorly written letter regarding former village President Paul Cyms. The letter was a campaign ploy to push for a write-in vote for Jeff Roberts.

There were a couple of things that turned me off immediately to this ploy.

First of all, the letter was simply signed “Concern Citizens of Webster” … that’s right … not “Concerned Citizens of Webster.” I thought this was very coward-

ly. To state such things as were written in this letter (much of which I believe to be untrue), and not sign a name or names to it was just sad. Mr. Cyms didn’t even know who to respond to with the issues apparently concerning this citizen.

The second thing I noticed about the letter was the poor use of grammatical language. Because of this, and the fact that this person must not have gotten all of his facts straight before sending out such a letter, mine went straight into the trash.

My letter is not intended to bash Jeff Roberts, because I had him as a teacher in high school, and I know and respect him very highly. I believe he will do a fine job as village president. I would simply like to make a few of my own points known.

First, change is inevitable. And someone has to ultimately pay for change. I am attending school to better myself, and I must pay my tuition. The same goes for updates to our beautiful town … someone has to pay for these updates. Mr. Cyms did not approve those changes singlehandedly. The whole village board had to approve this before it even started. If the village board does not fix what is wrong with our town, it will become rundown, and our summer tourists will not come here anymore. Webster will fade off the map.

My taxes went up too, but I do not blame this on one person. In fact, I don’t blame anyone at all. My car insurance also went up, but I don’t blame the girls at Fishbowl and send out letters pleading for their replacement. This is life. Like it or not.

As far as some of the content in the letter, I want to get one thing straightened out. It indicated that Mr. Cyms was using our tax dollars to purchase fireworks. This is false. The event these fireworks were set off during was the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is a Webster Chamber sponsored event, not a village of Webster event. The monies used for the fireworks were donations from local businesses. And, I might add, had the person or people who wrote that letter attended the ceremony in December in the bitter cold, as my daughter and I did, he/they might have appreciated this addition. It was beautiful!

Finally, let us not forget the good things Mr. Cyms has done for this town. He was a big part of a lot of fundraising activities, and was an integral part of erecting the Matt Erickson Memorial Skate Park, which I see many kids using on a daily basis in the summer. He has also been a strong voice on the Webster Chamber for a few years now, which to me, really says something about his character.

I think Mr. Cyms did a nice job, as I would see him out and about at many of the businesses within the village, discussing with his constituents the issues facing the village board. I believe this was the best way he knew how to represent us, and to get a general consensus as to how the taxpayers felt. He is a very active community member, and I respect that.

If the person or people who wrote this letter were truly concerned, and really wanted to make changes, maybe he/they should consider running for village board the next time around.

Amanda Lokker Webster

Both ways

The Amery to Dresser trail is in the news again. Where is Ann Hraychuck?

Mark Pettis saw that the trail was purchased when asked to help in that regard.

During a radio debate with Pettis, Hraychuck stated that she supported ATV use on the trail. Fact is, it was the antimotor group that helped her get elected.

It is time for Hraychuck to show her colors and make a stand and assist in opening the Amery to Dresser trail. It is easy for a candidate to promise everything to everybody during the campaign. The problem comes when you have to beak one of those promises because the promis-

es are opposite to each other. Stand up Hraychuck and tell the anti-motorized group you support them or help the multiuse people. Now that you are in office you can’t have it both ways.

Richard J. Hartung Dresser

Absolute lies

In response to the article in the Leader, April 11, 2007, Amateur Psychologist Convention Request Tabled by Tammi Milberg.

I am writing on behalf of The Amateur Psychologist Convention and Mr. Woody McBride. I was head of production at both the 2005 and the 2006 festivals. I was there from beginning to end both years and accusations that council member Darrel Anderson made against Woody McBride are absolute lies.

The Amateur Psychologist Convention is a free public event that promotes a drug and alcohol free, family environment.

There is no profit made from this event and many, many people have volunteered their time to make this community event possible, including Mr. McBride. The comments made by Mr. Anderson hurt not only Mr. McBride but all the people involved who worked for three months to make this unique festival a possibility.

(Can you think of any other festival that is drug and alcohol free and free to the public? Made possible only by a labor of love of its volunteers?)

I am disappointed that a council member would slander a citizen with hearsay and lies, especially in such a small community where doing so can permanently damage a persons reputation. I am also disappointed in the irresponsible journalism of your paper. Tammi Milberg only showed one side of this issue, perpetuating sensationalist reporting without seeking out the facts from the people who were actually at the event.

I hope the Leader attempts to correct this error in journalism in the future and the citizens of St. Croix Falls hold their council members accountable for their actions.

Casey Borchert Luck

Revitalize The time has come to revitalize the Burnett County Tobacco-Free Coalition.

As a community working together, we can have a positive impact on tobacco issues in our county.

We would like to invite you to attend the Burnett County Tobacco-Free Coalition meeting Tuesday, April 24, at 3:45 p.m., in the library of the Siren High School. Come prepared to share input and ideas. Bring a friend!

Please feel free to call me with any questions at 349-7600, ext. 1227. I am looking forward to meeting with you on April 24.

Sincerely, Julia A. Steiner, R.N. Public health educator Burnett County Health and Human Services Department Siren

Huh? I read Andrew Jensen’s article. He is either as numerically challenged as Steve Pearson and Sean Penn or he thinks his readers are illiterate. He states “According to the best estimates available, which is based on random and representative samples of over 1,800 Iraqi households, since the invasion about 650,000 more Iraqis have died than would have been the case in the absence of war.” Boy, I have heard of extended families but this would mean each one of the 1,800 families know of 361 different deaths (650,000/1,800=361).

Additionally, you are adding all Iraqi mortality during this time span to collateral deaths due to war (67,364). This is a

tough number to discern, because the insurgents don’t wear uniforms.

The population of Iraq is variously 27 million. The historical mortality rate is 5.7 deaths per 1,000 or 153,900 per year. So, there would have been 615,600 deaths in the last four years under any circumstances.

We’re not spending millions per shot with “smart bombs” to create civilian casualties.

I did not serve in the armed forces, but I am grateful for the sacrifices they have and still make for me.

It’s fine that you do not agree with the war, but don’t try to be cute with the statistics.

If Andrew ever gets beyond “pre-med” I hope he realizes that Conservatives don’t have two hearts and four lungs.

Brooke Biedinger Frederic

Editor’s note: In his column Andrew Jensen made the mistake of assuming familiarity with statistical sampling, which should be avoided when writing for a general audience. The study that estimated additional Iraqi mortality due to the invasion at 650,000 deaths was based on a random sample. The researchers interviewed members of more than 1,800 households about the number of people in that household who had died since the invasion. Then they extrapolated from those statistics to estimate the total number of deaths in all Iraqi households.

Finally, they subtracted the number of deaths that could have been expected without the invasion based on prewar death rates.

Defends Obey I read Andrew Jensen’s article in the Leader Forum Of Obey and Obedience with considerable outrage. Why would he engage in such a diatribe against a friend who is seeking to apply maximum pressure to get the U. S. out of Iraq as soon as possible? One can only surmise that he doesn’t understand the process but instead demands that our congressman pursue a process which would make him irrelevant and bring the end of our disastrous involvement in Iraq no nearer.

Dave Obey is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful members of the House.

That does not empower him to exert his will over the members of that committee, nor the Congress nor the president, even with the able help of Congressman John Murtha who is chairman of the Defense Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee and who has long championed getting our troops out of Iraq.

Congressman Murtha is going to be the speaker at Dave Obey’s dinner in Wausau later this month and they work closely and harmoniously in their effort to achieve that result.

While I can appreciate Andrew Jensen’s frustration, that frustration does not excuse his intemperate distortion of the truth with statements such as “unlike Dave Obey, 78 percent of Iraqis oppose the presence of coalition forces in their country,” nor the statement that in “in writing and voting for this bill, in obeying the president’s demand for more money for war, Dave Obey has insisted that more Iraqis and Americans should die for that mistake.”

I can tell you that from the vantage point of my 16 years as a staff man in the U. S. Senate and the office of the vice president it ill serves his interest nor his cause to so intemperately attack those who share his objective of an early end to the worst foreign policy blunder since the War of 1812.

Eiler Ravnholt Luck

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Setting the record straight My name is Woody McBride - an honest and hardworking community leader, volunteer, artist, peace worker, environmentalist, wellness trainer, organic food proponent, sobriety advocate, husband, parent and business owner in St. Croix Falls.

This letter was written to set the record straight.

Last week, a city council member said untrue and slanderous things about me and our award-winning St. Croix Falls art, music, poetry and wellness festival known as The Amateur Psychologist Convention - a free-to-the public event organized by dozens of area volunteers and friends.

The SCF Chamber of Commerce named the APC best new promotion in 2006, and I have been told the event is a refreshing addition to the community event calendar.

Despite comments from two council members present at the April 9 city council meeting who defended me and the APC, your newspaper headlined the opposing council member’s comments as if they were fact. Your paper also presented these comments, which were in the minority opinion, as the dominant opinion and gave me no opportunity to defend myself from these very serious accusations.

I ask that your news team please work harder to be complete and balanced when dealing with such delicate matters such as a person’s reputation.

“Last year it had rained and it ended up being Woody (McBride) being anti-Christ - giving a big lecture for a long time and so, two years, and there have been problems both years.” said council member Darrel Anderson. “I, myself, am not for another one of these Amateur Psychologist Conventions.”

Anti-Christ?

I did not say anything anti-Christ at the event. I gave no lecture on anything. I introduced the bands and poets saying only positive things about the them and our community.

It was also not mentioned in your article that I was not at the city council meeting to defend myself.

As well, last year’s event had no problems. 2005’s festival was also smooth sailing aside from a few seconds of profanity by a young woman performer who was genuinely angry about some serious things she had experienced and the fact that the night-duty police officer who visited the event was not briefed that the event was scheduled. We apologized about the profanity, and last year agreed to not allow profanity by the performers.

No problem.

No fights, no drunken people, no drunken people driving home, no underage reckless abandon - just good times, interesting music, poetry, and activities for kids and adults - not to mention good for local businesses as our events have brought many, many new faces to the city.

There was a noise complaint in 2005 but so there is for every event in every town in every country in the world... That is why you go to the city council, like we did, to get approval and a special event and noise permit, so our police can say to whomever - “Oh, sorry ma’am or sir for the noise, but there is a festival downtown that lots of people and talented artists from all over come to. They spend money at our local businesses and have a little fun. It just happens a few times a year so we please ask you to understand...”

So, you ask yourself, as we have, where did this all come from if I didn’t say these things and no one who was at the event heard me or anyone else there say anything like this?

Well, like I would have liked to have the same courtesy given to me, so I called Mr. Anderson to ask him about the situation.

He took my call and we peaceably talked about the pain of this situation for me and my family. He told me that he

heard it from someone but could not remember who. He said that he would do some research and if he owes us an apology he would make it publicly. I pointed out to him that this could have been avoided if he would have thought about the implications of stating on public record such serious rumors as fact. No reply.

He did not seem to understand that what he said is one of a just a handful of things that if said, even if completely untrue, spreads like wildfire and can seriously injure someone’s life.

I believe that St. Croix Falls can be a peaceful place full of encouragement, life, art, charm, positive energy and prosperity - not a medieval village where rumors run wild and lies are law.

I ask that our local politicians, who hold an incredible amount of power over the rest of us, be very serious and take great care with their words which get published in the newspaper upon speaking them. I ask that they take even greater care when dealing with sensitive matters that affect a citizen’s life and reputation.

You would hope a council member would know more about what is going on in his community before making such serious allegations - like he might start by asking pretty much anyone in town if they knew anything about me or this rumor.

Thank goodness the mayor and city administrator who attended the events defended me last week - thanks guys.

Lastly, a lot of people have asked “What is an amateur psychologist”? There seems to be some confusion caused by the notso-obvious name of the event. So, what is one? Well, the inspiration for the name comes from an observation I made years ago that in essence means this – “we are all psychologists, just amateurs - because we all spend most of our lives thinking about and wondering about and studying the human experience. This practice is what professional psychologists do - only they get paid for it...” I wanted to flatter the audience and the artists with a smart concept for the event and I thought we all deserved some credit for our hard work trying to answer life’s big questions.

Thank you and best wishes to everyone!

Amateur Psychologist Convention Woody McBride woodymcbride.com St. Croix Falls Note: The APC is a sponsor of four local events this year: 1. St. Croix Falls Earth Day City cleanup at noon on Sunday, April 2. Meet at Gaylord Nelson Park in SCF. There will be eco-vendors, yoga from women’s environmental institute, a living foods potluck social at Windsong Retreat in SCF at 3 p.m. There will be an Earthdance party at Café Wren in Luck on Earth Day’s Eve Friday, April 21, at 9 p.m.

2. The first-annual Croix Valley Woolly Mountain bike race and family bike ride Saturday, June 2 - National Trails Day. This is after the city’s 5k run/walk and kids events.

The Croix Valley Woolly Mountian Bike Race + Family Bike Ride 3. Amateur Psychologist Convention - tentatively Saturday, June 30, at the SCF Overlook Amphitheater.

4. The big weekend in the St. Croix River Valley Sept. 15 - 17.

Community giving My husband and have I the privilege of serving in Emergency Medical Service for North Land Municipal Ambulance (Luck and Frederic). I’m an EMT and he is a driver/first responder. I say it’s a privilege for many reasons. We love being part of the team that is willing and trained to help when others in the community need us. We have the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with firefighters, law officers, rescue workers, first responders, and our fellow ambulance workers, all community members who have the satisfaction of using our training and compassion to be there when someone needs us.

On Saturday, April 14, we came togeth-

er to work on our annual fundraiser, the ambulance smelt fry. And again, we worked shoulder to shoulder with firefighters, law officers, rescue workers, and many volunteers, teens and adults, from the community, as well, who all turned out to help!

And the communities came out to show support for us! You came by the hundreds to support our efforts.

You patiently waited in line, some for over 45 minutes, for the piles of crispy smelt, coleslaw, rolls, and LeAnn’s famous beans and cookies. (Some even waited longer when our deep fryers gave the guys problems and we got behind a bit.)

And, as always, you were generous in your support. Not only did you come for the smelt, you purchased lottery tickets, and even donated auction items. We are all so thankful! The money from this event will purchase new equipment for our ambulances, that in turn, will help us to do a better job for you.

But, the success to us is measured by more than numbers and dollars. It’s measured in community spirit and in your recognition for what we do. It is more than gratifying to see all of you coming through the doors, and spending time together with us for the common cause.

It’s Small Town USA. (By the way, did you see the plaque dedicated to Bob Schilling?) He helped out at every fundraiser we had for many years, and his presence was missed this year.)

You’ll hear it from others, but we wanted to personally thank you, too.

Sue Ames-Lillie and Sherman Lillie Luck

Cheese conspiracy It started years ago; one brick of California cheese at a time infiltrated my St. Croix Falls Wisconsin grocery store.

I ignored it at first, having confidence in the Wisconsin public’s highly sophisticated cheese standards to discern between authentic Wisconsin mozzarella and a California imitation.

I underestimated the power of the machine: California propaganda California’s chamber of commerce, their dairy associations, trucking companies and disgruntled ex-Wisconsinites who failed the Wisconsin standardized cheese test bundled capital together to indoctrinate the Wisconsin public into ignoring their superior taste buds and fine-tuned olfactory detection abilities.

Rumor in Wisconsin is they hired think tanks like The American Enterprise Institute, The Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation to develop a plan to brainwash the Wisconsin public into a state of California Cheese Compliance. I saw what they were doing. Yes I did. They slowly put pictures of happy, healthy, socalled California cows, grazing in pretty green meadows in our Wisconsin smalltown newspapers; under the picture they wrote a cute little heading: “Moo-ve Over Wisconsin. California Cheese is Coming.”

I looked at these pictures closely. Where were the mountains, deserts and oceans in the photos? None. Green pastures? Who were they trying to fool? There are no green pastures in California, just hills of rusty colored sedge grasses lacking in nutritional value only a rodent could live off of. These pictures are forgeries no doubt produced by some tech head in Silicon Valley who lacks a cow conscience and is lactose intolerant. Next came TV commercials flooding our Wisconsin stations, glorifying California cheese with images of pretty little cows groomed like poodles in a pet show.

I had enough. These think tanks fooled the Wisconsin public about the Iraqi war and global warming, but no more.

Wisconsin cows produce the best cheese in the world. They are direct descendants of the Minotaur which Theseus with the help of Ariadne, no doubt reincarnated Californians slaughtered over sex; an uncivilized act to a Wisconsinite but an

accepted, everyday occurrence in a cowignorant culture void of moral scruples and blinded by oversized human appendages.

I and others have taken to the streets of St. Croix Falls Wisconsin and we will spread our message of truth and cow virtue throughout Wisconsin. We have formed Cheeseland security to protect the Dairyland, keeping it pure and wholesome as generations before us have. We are stopping all trucks with California license plates crossing our borders. We are interrogating the drivers about their California cheese connections by dunking them in vats of manure and locking them in our blue cheese storage sheds; unlike water boarding, our torture is certified by the Geneva Convention. We have banned Beach Boy music due to subliminal messages a farmer in Belplaine discovered: If you listen closely to “California Girls” you can hear the word cow after girls. You deny it California? A few days in our blue cheese storage shed will convince you.

The St. Croix Falls Wisconsin newspapers can only show pictures of certified Wisconsin cows in their paper from this day forward. Any deviation from this proclamation and the paper will be shut down, taken over by Cheeseland security, and reopened under the guidance of a retired reporter from the Weekly Standard who’s loyalty to the Wisconsin Cheese industry is above reproach. The children of St. Croix Falls Wisconsin have saved their elementary school milk money and are donating it to Cheeseland Security to finance a TV commercial depicting the truth about California Cheese.

Fox News Network has agreed to produce and guarantee a fair and balanced depiction of Wisconsin and California cheese.

I have heard one of their reporters has found a plastics factory in Oakland where California cheese is really produced. Bill O’Reilly compares the find to the Iraqi drones of mass destruction found in Saddam Hussein’s cousin’s gardener’s tool shed in Hilad. California beware.

Wisconsin is mobilizing its people to protect it from the procrustean, tanned, Schwazzeneggerian body-building executives and their lackeys.

They are polluting healthy, plump Wisconsin bodies with their foul product of discarded silicon chips, moldy orange peels and suntanning products they call cheese.

Wisconsin cheese will persevere.

Paul Kuhlmann St. Croix Falls

Keep Burnett beautiful Although I was not able to observe whomever went to work and picked up the trash along Hwy. 70 going west from Grantsburg on Tuesday, April 17, I wish to convey to them the utmost gratitude to help beautify Burnett County.

It is people like these that deserve recognition as what they do benefits all who travel this road.

Let this serve notice to those who wish to litter that there is a better class of people out there who put them to shame.

John Walkosz Grantsburg

F o l l o w t h e L e a d e r.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r

Pesticides

I recently researched housing for my parents, both 88 years old, and discovered pesticides are used inside apartment buildings. They spray the halls with pesticides! I know they are used inside nursing homes, and other senior citizen facilities, which is why I am trying very hard to avoid my parents living in these types of places. I am aghast that these poisons are used around anyone, especially the elderly.

Our family discovered the hard way that pesticides are poisonous to people — we used them, and were poisoned by them. We then discovered, after this poisoning, that we became sensitive or allergic to cleaning compounds, disinfectants, and other everyday products; disinfectants are classified as a pesticide so disinfectants are especially toxic!

Using these poisons around the elderly is a total travesty! The elderly need extra care, and exposing them to poisons is unconscionable. Pesticides hurt

people, and they should absolutely not be allowed around our most vulnerable—the elderly, children, and people with health problems.

Actually, healthy people should not be exposed to them either. I was healthy once until we used pesticides.

Please, I pray you will understand, and take action in whatever way you can to stop this practice! Thank you so much!

Mary Anderson St. Paul, Minn.

I was there Last week, your newspaper ran a rather uninformed and inaccurate article on St. Croix Falls’ Amateur Psychologists Convention, and its chief organizer, Woody McBride. This namely concerns statements made by SCF councilman Darrel Anderson, quoted in your paper without justification.

As stated by Anderson in your article, “Last year it had rained and it ended up

being Woody (McBride) being antiChrist, giving a big lecture for a long time and so, two years and there’s been problems both years.” Firstly, these allegations are completely untrue. I was personally in attendance of the entirety of last year’s Amateur Psychologists Convention, in addition to performing on stage. Mr. McBride gave no such lectures at any time, only stepping up to the microphone to introduce performers and give general information on the event. If McBride would give a lengthy speech, anyone familiar with his character would know that “anti-Christ” would never describe any of his philosophies. Secondly, though there was a noise complaint during the first year of the event, that is hardly uncommon with such events, not to mention that the second year went off very smoothly with no such complaints.

Thus, there were not “...problems both years.”

Woody is a valuable community member, organizer, musician and businessman. He is extremely kind, helpful,

peaceful, knowledgeable and energetic.

Woody’s presence in St. Croix Falls has been nothing but beneficial. As a local musician, I have been extremely grateful for the energy he has brought to our humble town, and his dedication to the arts.

The Amateur Psychologists Convention, to anyone who has attended, is a very well-organized, peaceful, enjoyable event that our community is fortunate to host. If any of your readers or staff have been given a contrary perspective, I welcome them to attend future events and judge for themselves.

I would like to request that your paper publish a statement or an editor’s note correcting your April 11 article. It would be definite loss to the community if any misguided opinions were to needlessly tarnish public opinion of this otherwise excellent event and its primary organizer.

Evan T. Snyder St. Croix Falls

10th Senate District Prescriptions for health care reform?

The state budget as proposed by the governor contains a strong dose of new state government programs to expand health care coverage. Today, Wisconsin has one of the highest insurance rates in the nation, with over 90 percent of the population covered. However, citizens and businesses are struggling with escalating costs, and families are feeling the crunch.

In response to these concerns, state lawmakers are not only proposing comprehensive changes to the way health care services would be delivered in Wisconsin, but also debating the governor’s proposals in the state budget. These include:

• A new 1 percent tax on hospitals’ gross revenue. By collecting $418 million in this tax, Wisconsin could have the ability to leverage another $600 million in federal aid.

• A transfer of Sheila $175 million out of Harsdorf Injured Patients and F a m i l i e s Compensation Fund. This is a fund that doctors contribute to which ensures a stable medical malpractice environment.

Wisconsin is regarded as a good state for doctors to practice, ensuring high levels of access for patients, in part due to the maintenance of this fund. A

recent audit of the fund showed that this raid could leave the fund at peril to cover lawsuits, and drive up the costs for consumers.

The governor proposes to use these new revenues to fund an expansion of Medicaid which is projected to increase health care coverage to 98 percent of the state’s population.

While I commend the governor for his efforts to increase the coverage of Wisconsin residents, it seems counterproductive to increase health care costs in order to expand benefits. I support state efforts to innovate, but prefer that we utilize the private sector and reject new taxes on health care. For example, health care cooperatives, wherein individuals can band together through a cooperative to access better health care benefits, are a private sector alternative.

Instead of hiding the costs of health

care in our tax burden, health care cooperatives stimulate preventative medicine and competitive markets. In fact, I am heartened by a recent headline in the Monroe Times that stated: “With no federal solution in sight to providing greater access to health care, states are taking the lead. Wisconsin appears to be becoming one of the leaders.” This was in reference to legislation I authored in 2003 which fostered the ability of groups to form health care cooperatives.

There is no question that access and affordability of health care continues to be a top issue. I welcome your feedback on these issues. Call me at 800862-1092 or send me an e-mail at Sen.Harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us.

A r e a N e w s Whooping cough cases LADYSMITH - Rusk County Health Services Director Kayo Nash recently reported there have been 16 confirmed cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. “We are stressing making sure that people’s children need to be up-to-date on immunizations, and emphasizing good hand washing and cough hygiene - covering your cough,” said Nash.She said the 16 cases are primarily in the Ladysmith Middle School but said there were also a few cases reported at Ladysmith Elementary School. The first case was reported on March 29. As of Tuesday, she said, no babies had been reported with the illness. Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory tract, and it is treated with antibiotics. No shot is 100percent effective, and over time the immunity can wear off. The last times it was reported in Rusk County were in the fall of 2005 and in the summer of 2004. – Ladysmith News Teacher resigns after charges PRAIRIE FARM - A former village of Prairie Farm middle school teacher and coach has resigned following a charge that he sexually assaulted a juvenile girl.

Nathan E. Cox, 38, of the town of Maple Grove, submitted his resignation to the school board on April 2, said district administrator Don Hauck. Cox was initially placed on unpaid administrative leave after he was accused of having sex-

ual contact with the girl in his vehicle near her house last summer. Cox acknowledged that he did sexually touch her to a Barron County Sheriff’s Department detective, the criminal complaint stated.

The defendant waived a preliminary hearing in Barron County Circuit Court last Wednesday on a felony charge of sexual assault of a child under age 16. Judge Edward Brunner found probable cause that a crime had been committed. Cox was then arraigned and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. A posted $5,000 signature bond was continued. A pretrial conference is set for Wednesday, May 23, with a jury trial set for Thursday, June 28.

If convicted of the crime, Cox faces up to 40 years imprisonment and/or up to a $100,000 fine. Cox was a fifth- and ninthgrade math teacher for the Prairie Farm School District. He also served as a boys and girls middle school track coach and an elementary and middle school wrestling coach. – Rice Lake Chronotype State asked to investigate election WASHBURN COUNTY - At its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 10, the Town of Stinnett Board voted to accept the submitted resignations of three election board members. At the request of the election board, town supervisors also voted to forward materials to the State Elections Board for investigation of what the election board termed “irregularities” in the conduct of the April 3 election. The election board said the alleged irregularities

did not affect the outcome of the election.

The Stinnett Town Board consists of chairman William Cochran, supervisor Linda Asp and supervisor Russell Grubbs. The election board members who resigned were Ann DeCicco, Jean Comeau and Ginger Wilcox. Another election board member, Victoria Zopp, withdrew her resignation letter. At the annual town meeting preceding the town board meeting, the attendance of approximately 40 electors authorized the board to spend money to hire a certified public accounting firm to conduct a full audit of the town’s financial records and to make recommendations for proper accounting practices by town officials. The electors authorized the board to solicit bids from accounting firms for the audit. Details of the town of Stinnett meeting and actions will be published in the April 18 issue of the Sawyer County Record. – Sawyer County Record Referendum costliest NEW RICHMOND - With the recent passage of a $92.85 million school referendum, New Richmond takes the lead as having approved the costliest school referendum in Wisconsin history. There were three record-setting referendum proposals on ballots across Wisconsin last week New Richmond’s for $92,850,000, Brookfield for $99.3 million and Franklin for $76.99 million. Of the three, New Richmond’s request was the only successful bid. The $92.85 million referendum exceeds the previous title-holder,

Janesville School District, by $22.050 million. Last November, voters in Janesville approved a $70.8 million referendum to upgrade their two high schools. Prior to that, the record had been held by the Wausau School District when they approved a $65.4 million plan in 1999 to build a new high school. In fact, New Richmond plans to pattern their new high school after the one built in Wausau. The Wausau building plans ended up being delayed due to 9/11. This unanticipated delay caused the price of building the high school to be less than originally planned due to the effect 9/11 had on the economy. For $22.050 million more than Janesville allocated to upgrade two buildings just last year, New Richmond plans to purchase land, build an elementary school, a high school, renovate an existing high school to accommodate the overcrowded middle school and update an existing elementary school for safety and space concerns. Taking into account inflation and the additional work New Richmond plans to have done, the $92.85 million is not excessive, according to district officials. The bottom line, according to New Richmond District Administrator Morrie Veilleux, is that delays raise costs and the need doesn’t go away. “Inflation is a big factor,” Veilleux said. “The longer you wait, the higher the cost is going to be.” – New Richmond News

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Improvements to intersection

by Sherill Summer SIREN – After the weather warms up this spring, the Burnett County Highway Department will be making some changes to the Hwy. 35/ 70 intersection north of Siren in an effort to make it safer for motorists.

Northbound drivers on Hwy. 35 will see 3-foot-high poles or candlesticks installed between the turning lane to east Hwy. 70 and Hwy. 35 lanes continuing north. Additional poles will also be installed in the area between the northbound and southbound lanes of Hwy. 35 where traffic stops before crossing or turning onto Hwy. 35. It is hoped that the poles will prevent sudden lane changes that have caused problems at the intersection.

Another change at the intersection will be a stop line for traffic waiting to cross the Hwy. 35’s northbound lane.

Currently the line is at a right angle to

Hwy. 70, but this line will be changed so that it angles slightly towards the northbound traffic. Stopped drivers will be able to see northbound traffic better.

The southeastern grass island near where traffic lanes turn east onto Hwy. 70 will also be paved over so that drivers will have more room to turn east onto Hwy. 70.

This intersection has long been a dangerous one for motorists. A highway safety committee was created to study the intersection after a fatal crash at the intersection in 2005. There is a roundabout plan for the intersection in the earliest stages of development.

A vehicle count at the intersection is tentatively planned for the busy Memorial Day weekend. After the count is in, the project will be reviewed to determine if the roundabout is needed at the intersection.

Burnett’s visitors center might change locations <None>by Sherill Summer SIREN – The Burnett County Visitors Center, currently located in the Best Western, may be moved to the Lodge at Crooked Lake on the north end of town.

Although there have been no complaints with the current visitors center, the Siren Tourism Commission has decided to review the center’s contract since the existing contract has been renewed year to year since the center’s conception in 1998, without seeking competitive bids. It was determined that other locations in Siren could work as well as the Best Western.

Proposals outlining all of the requirements for the visitors center were sent to 21 businesses in Siren, inviting them to submit a bid for the contract. Two bids were submitted to the Siren Tourism Commission by March 23, and the opening of the bids was on March 29.

The Lodge at Crooked Lake bid $13,800 per year, and the Eagle

Management, operator of Best Western, bid $22,000 per year. Other than the price, there were no other substantial differences between the bids.

The Siren Tourism Commission and the Burnett County Tourism and Information Department, which funds roughly half of the contract, are now attempting to determine if the services would be the same at either location.

There are some temporary problems anticipated with changing the location as well, and these problems are being weighed against potential cost savings represented by the differnce in bids.

At this time, it is unknown when a decision will be made, but the Siren Tourism Commission will meet again on Thursday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m., and the pros and cons of moving the center will be discussed at this meeting. The anticipated start date of the new twoyear contract is July 1.

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Annual meeting of council held

License for Red Brick Grill approved

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The city of St. Croix Falls council held its annual meeting to swear in new officers and revise committee appointments following the April election. The annual meeting was April 17 and began with the swearing in of council members recently elected.

Sworn in first was Brian Blesi. Blesi ran unopposed for the seat vacated by Jon Cermin on the council. He was elected to a two-year term in District 1. Two council members were elected and sworn in as well, Lori Erickson and Arne Carlson were sworn in for terms on the council. Carlson ran unopposed as an incumbent for a two-year term on the council. Erickson was elected to serve a one-year term after she was appointed to the council for one year last April, and also ran unopposed for the seat.

Following the swearing in for the

Brian Blesi takes his oath of office as councilman, taking the seat vacated by Jon Cermin, on the St. Croix Falls City Council. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

council, the council elected a council president. Cermin was the previous president of the council. Erickson was named council president after a vote and Darrell Anderson, absent, was reappointed as vice president of the council.

Several appointments to the city committees were made and reinstated but some persons were being excluded from committees due to a concern expressed by the mayor and agreed upon by the council: residency. Mayor Brad Foss stated he was having a problem with committees having fiscal involvement with the city’s dollars but not being residents who pay into the city tax base. He included the library board as an example in which two of the six voting members on the committee were not residents of the city. Foss said he was going to be a stickler on the issue, assuming the council would embrace the notion that if a person serves on a city committee involving fiscal decisions of city dollars, they must also be city residents.

The council agreed and added that motion to the respective committees to

include language about being residents for board members of all committees.

The council also decided to add that caveat to the business improvement district in which if a business owner in the BID does not have residence in the city, they are excluded from being on the BID board. If a resident lives in the city but their business is not in the BID, they are also excluded due to the new modifications adopted.

The council also appointed Carlson to fill the vacancy by Cermin on the city’s planning commission and reinstated Donald Puffer and John Gyllen to the commission for new terms to expire in 2008.

In other business, the council approved a Class B beer and Class C wine license to J&L Tavern Co., LLC, with Laurie Abrams as agent for the Red Brick Grill. Red Brick Grill is the wine bar/restaurant grill that will be opening in mid-May in the former Chach’ka building on Main Street.

City tax rate too low for state expenditure restraint program ST. CROIX FALLS–The city of St. Croix Falls was informed recently that it will not qualify for the State Expenditure Restraint Program, because its mill rate is too low. The State Expenditure Restraint program provides a financial incentive to communities who lower their tax rate. Each year the state provides a small cash grant to communities who reduce the previous year taxes. However, the program is made available to communities whose tax rate is above $5 per thousand.

According to the State Department of Revenue, the city’s tax rate, when using the state equalized value formula and taking out the Tax Incremental District, is $4.94 per thousand.

“We have been able to consistently and significantly lower our tax rate.

What the state is saying is that we have done too good of a job and no longer qualify for any incentives,” stated Ed Emerson, city administrator. “We are very fortunate to have such a low tax rate as well as a healthy reserve. It is a

real testament to the city leaders, both past and present, who have valued sound fiscal management.”

According to city audited reports, the city mill rate per $1,000 assessed valuation was $8.19 in 2003. The city recently conducted a study that indicated rising land values set by the state are the main reason for increased property taxes. In addition, the city is working with state Rep. Ann Hraychuck and state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf to allow for a referendum to impose a one-half-cent sales tax

as a means to further reduce the tax rate.

“It is quite possible, if we are successful at securing the sales tax, that we could further reduce our tax rate to one of the lowest such rates in the state.

Doing so would have a dynamic impact.

It will keep dollars in people’s pockets to invest locally, to shop locally,” Emerson said. The city should receive a draft of the proposed sales tax legislation soon. –submitted

National Medical Laboratory Week 2007 Quality care from quality professionals ST. CROIX FALLS – Clinical laboratory professionals are key members of today’s health care team. These men and women have the skills to unlock important medical information that is pivotal to the diagnosis, treatment and “St. Croix prevention of disease.

Regional Medical Center is celebrating its 24th Laboratory Week with an open house on Wednesday, April 25, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.,” says Mary Smith, Laboratory Services Director. “Please join us for fascinating displays, tasty refreshments and a tour of the lab.”

Learn valuable information about B12 folate deficiency, HPV and Gardasil (the new cervical cancer vaccine), critical value reporting and pandemic readiness. They will also feature cardiac holter monitors, and their current medical lab technician intern will have information on state MLT programs.

Every day nurses, physicians, and other medical workers depend on labo-

St. Croix Regional Medical Center laboratory staff. –Photo submitted ratory professionals to perform tests, interpret results, and help provide a complete picture of a patient’s health.

“Using the latest biomedical equipment and complicated analyses, laboratory staff can detect the presence of cancer,

identify infectious viruses and bacteria, and measure glucose, cholesterol, drug levels in blood and much more,” says Smith. Without this precise and valuable information, medical diagnoses would become little more than guess-

work.

Laboratory professionals often work in hospitals, physician offices, and private clinical laboratories, performing laboratory tests and monitoring the quality of their results. Others are employed by university or industrial research laboratories to seek solutions for medicine’s many unanswered questions. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, efficient and well-educated staff with many years of experience,” Smith boasts. “In addition, we stress the importance of continuing education to keep up with the latest technology and to maintain JCAHO accreditation. Of course, our ultimate goal is to provide the best patient care possible.”

Lab facts: SCRMC’s lab has a staff of 26 people, 18 of whom work full time.

In the past nine months, they have carried out 606,732 procedures—22,314 procedures a day! Join them on April 25, play their annual fun Lab Game as well as “How well do you know your lab tech and enjoy refreshments.”

Thanks, lab staff for a job well done! – from SCRMC

St. Croix River Association spring meeting set STILLWATER, Minn. – The St. Croix River Association will have its annual Spring Membership Dinner and Meeting on Wednesday, May 16, at the Lowell Inn, 102 North 2nd St. in downtown Stillwater, with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The after-dinner program will feature three presentations of importance to people interested in the St. Croix River Valley: • The awarding of the 2007 Bob Burns

Memorial St. Croix Stewardship Award to a person or group having made an outstanding contribution to stewardship of the St. Croix River and its watershed.

• “The State of the River” – an address

by Tom Bradley, superintendent of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway for the National Park Service.

• “Preserving Community Character – Part II” – a new video portrayal of the unique and valued characteristics worth

preserving in St. Croix River Region communities presented by Bill Neuman, president of the St. Croix Scenic Coalition.

The meeting is open to the public.

Anyone supportive of the mission of the St. Croix River Association and intending to join the organization may attend the May 16 dinner meeting with an advance reservation by May 7 and payment of $22 per person. Membership in the SCRA is open to anyone interested

in the protection and enjoyment of the St. Croix River. The mission statement reads, “All united to save for our children the uses and beauties of our river and valley.”

For information on membership or the Association’s meetings, contact Judy Olson, secretary at 715-386-9264. - submitted

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Mondale to receive Honorary Park Ranger award ST. CROIX FALLS - St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Superintendent Tom Bradley announced that former Vice President Walter Mondale will receive the Honorary Park Ranger Award Thursday evening, April 19, at the George Wright Society biennial conference banquet held at the Minnesota Science Museum in St. Paul. The National Park Service grants this prestigious award to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of conservation, recreation and national parks.

Along with his close friend, Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, then Sen. Mondale co-sponsored the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, creating a

crucial mechanism for protecting America’s rivers. The Upper St. Croix River and a major tributary, the Namekagon, were designated as one of the original eight rivers to be protected, becoming a unit of the National Park System as St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Later, through diligent negotiation and artful compromise, the Lower St. Croix River was included in the Riverway. The senators relied on extensive cooperation between Minnesota and Wisconsin in the use of zoning, regulation and community support rather than federal fee ownership – creating a template for many new parks.

Today the Wild and Scenic River System encompasses over 150 rivers.

During Mondale’s term as vice president, serving in President Jimmy Carter’s administration, he played a key role in the sweeping application of the Antiquities Act, designating 17 national monuments in Alaska thus preserving some 56 million acres of magnificent land. Vice President Mondale also provided much needed support for the newly created Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the Superfund Act as well as strengthening the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Mondale continues to be a good friend to St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. He and wife Joan maintain a summer home overlooking the St. Croix

and participate in park functions such as the recent dedication of a new visitor center and headquarters building in St. Croix Falls. His continued commitment to protecting the riches of American rivers prompted the Riverway staff to nominate Mondale for the award.

The George Wright Society is a nonprofit association of researchers, managers, administrators, educators and other professionals who work on behalf of the scientific and heritage values of protected areas. The conference expects 800 attendees, many of whom will join in the celebration Thursday evening of Mondale’s enormous contributions to rivers, national parks and the environment. – from NPS

Annual GOP Lincoln Day Dinner held

by Wayne M. Anderson DRESSER – Polk County Republicans raised their voices and glasses in a pledge to clean up government and reduce the size of big government at the Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday, April 13.

The annual event was once again held at the Trollhaugen Ski Resort. Two of the guest speakers were Scott Walker, Milwaukee County Executive and Dan Conry, talk-show host on 100.3 FM. Walker chastised Republicans for allowing government to grow and feed on pork spending. He contrasted an example from a past Republican administration to the present Republic administration.

He said one year during the Reagan Administration, Congress sent the president a budget with “200 earmarks.”

Recently, Congress sent President Bush a budget with “5,000 earmarks.”

Earmarks are appropriations tagged on to spending bills by representatives, usually to promote pet projects in their districts. Walker also said the main reasons Republicans lost control of the Congress in the last election were: the

Annual GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. Special guests (L to R): Sen. Sheila Harsdorf; Dan Conry, radio host; and Scott Walker, Milwaukee County executive. - Photo by Wayne M. Anderson

war in Iraq and the nonconservative spending policy that fed big government. He said Republicans need to “get back to our roots.”

Conry, a conservative talk-show host, warned audience members of the curtailing of free speech in America. He cited the recent controversy with radio personality Don Imus. While Imus’ format was rude and crude, there is a chilling effect on free speech when people are fired for saying things some consider offensive. Conry also pointed out that other celebrities who have used offensive racial epithets are not protested against and were not fired. He called this situation a double standard and a “shut-down language by the Left.”

Republicans also honored former Rep. Mark Pettis by giving him a plaque. It reads: “In recognition of your commitment and service to the citizens of Polk County.” Pettis was first elected in 1998 in Assembly District 28. He was defeated last year by Ann Hraychuck.

The annual event is held in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president.

Pettis receives honor from Polk Republican Party

Dan Conry, Conservative Talk Show Host from KTLK 100.3 radio, was also Mark Pettis receives his plaque from Polk County Republican Party a keynote speaker at the Republican Chairman Kent Muschinske. The Polk County Republican Party adopted a Party gathering. resolution honoring Mark Pettis for his service to our county, state and nation. The resolution read: “Now therefore it be resolved, that the Polk County Republican Party, duly assembled on this 13th day of April, 2007, acknowledge, congratulate, and thank Mark Pettis for his commitment and continued service, above and beyond the call of duty, to the Citizens of Polk ST. CROIX FALLS - Russ Hanson, hisCounty, Wisconsin. Mark’s exemplary citizenship is a credit to his communitorian of the Sterling-Eureka-Laketown ty, the great State of Wisconsin, and the United States of America.” –Photos area, will address the story of the legby Arvin Larson endary Dr. Squirt at the meeting of the St. Croix Falls Historical Society on Thursday, April 26. The quartery meeting of the SCFHS will be held at the St. ST. CROIX FALLS– Join the fire Cleanup will take place along the Croix Falls City Hall starting at 7 p.m. department for a cleanup along the St. river’s edge, heading to the area north of Dr. Squirt was a philosopherCroix River, Saturday, April 21. Meet at the dam. Bring gloves, work boots and a the Overlook Deck at 10 a.m. smile! –submitted

Scott Walker, Milwaukee County Executive, speaks at the Republican Party gathering at Trollhaugen April 13 to honor Mark Pettis.

Dr. Squirt topic at SCFHS, April 25

Earth Day cleanup along St. Croix River

prankster, born in Cushing, but who traveled throughout the United States, sprinkling his wit and wisdom. Hanson will also talk on the history of the community of Cushing, and will illustrate his talk with slides. Refreshments will be served following the meeting. - submitted

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New items come up at county board meeting

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Several items that were new to some of the board members popped up during the Tuesday, April 17, Burnett County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The one that involved money was the state Legislature’s statute providing for counties to be charged when their residents use libraries in other counties.

This includes the use of interlibrary loan.

According to Larry Main, this will amount to around $50,000 in next year’s county budget. “We have no control on that,” Emmet “Buzz” Byrne added.

Main told the board that a protest of this had been made two years ago to the state Legislature, to no avail.

For example, Burnett County will be charged 70 percent of the cost when anyone with a Burnett County address takes out books or uses services at nearby Frederic or Spooner libraries.

Bob Morehouse, Burnett County highway commissioner, was at the county board meeting Tuesday, April 17, for discussion of removal of an unused roadway and raising of a bridge between Big and Little Yellow lakes in the town of Oakland. decided to go with the cost of development.”

Previous discussion had been held on the Trade Lake property, with its 1,400 feet of lakeshore, which the township wants to buy from the county.

Main also told the board that the county has received a grant for site assessment on the Bashaw Store property in the town of Dewey, which the county is looking to take over.

Burnett County Board Vice Chairman Phil Lindeman filled in for Chair Larry Main until Main could get to the county board meeting Tuesday, April 17. Lindeman was commended for his effort.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard of this,” Gene Olson said.

When Phil Lindeman started talking about a piece of property the county has acquired in the town of Oakland, Gerry Pardun asked about and was told this was its first introduction to the full county board.

Two parcels of land have been acquired by the county’s land committee, a 46-acre piece in the town of Trade Lake and somewhere between 12 and 15 acres in the town of Oakland. “These are windfall properties that we will never see again,” Lindeman commented. “We need to do something with the 2-percent (county expense) cap to generate revenue, and make a model for other developers.”

Main’s comment was: “Even if the government goes to 4 percent, that doesn’t even come close to the costs we have.

Four percent or 2 percent, we have to find money somewhere.”

The property in Oakland was taken a year ago and put aside until now. The land committee plans to wipe out an unused road, along with 25 50-foot lots, to create seven or eight bigger lots on the property. Cluster development is planned at a maximum development cost of $5,000.

To a board question of “Should the county be in the development business?” Lindeman answered: “The land committee has determined ‘yes,’ and

Zoning resolutions Two zoning resolutions were amended and discussed during this meeting.

One that relates to County Zoning Ordinance Section 6.6 Camping and Camping Grounds. An addition to the section states that: Camping units on private parcels cannot be permitted on parcels that have an existing dwelling or other structures for human habitation.

The county board passed an amendment to remove the word “permitted” and add that a land-use permit cannot be issued on parcels with existing dwellings or other structures.

According to zoning administrator Jim Flanigan, this addition will avoid a lot of phone calls that his office has been getting, and applies to the new parkmodel campers that he said were designed to circumvent camper codes.

Burnett County does allow camping units to be placed on private property for not more than 30 days in any calendar year without a land-use or conditional-use permit. Flanigan clarified that his office does not issue such permits until after 30 days use.

The issue of whether this section on camping units should apply to shoreland areas only was not acted on. “We would be opening a big area of concern,” Gerry Pardun commented. “I think that this part of the ordinance should be reacted to and come back (to the board) at a later date, after the committee has looked at. To have it here today, and make a decision today, is not prudent.” “It did come before the committee,” Mary Falk said.

“All we were asked to consider (at this meeting) was the wording changes.

If we go back, we are dealing with an ordinance already on the books. We were not asked to change that,” Gene Olson said, adding that the matter should be turned over to committee.

The second part of the ordinance reso-

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lution was the creation of a new airport district. The new district would provide service for passengers and/or cargo by authorizing: 1) commercial and light industrial uses that are compatible with the airport facility plan and permitted uses and 2) government facilities, structures or building. Both uses are subject to county ordinance and any/all federal and state regulations.

The second resolution dealt with ownership, in 10 years or less, of a private roadway between Big and Little Yellow lakes in the town of Union.

There is a bridge on this roadway, commonly known as the Ulrich Bridge, which needs to be rebuilt to a height where pontoons can pass under it.

County Highway Burnett Commissioner Bob Morehouse said that his department will put a wedge in, add a gravel overlay to the driving surface and maintain the road for 10 years, until the time that the town of Union is able to take over.

The resolution, in effect a memorandum of understanding between county and township, was approved by the county board.

Two zoning changes were given final board approval: Property owned by Dean Selander and Bruce Berglund in the town of Trade Lake was approved to go from A to A-4, and property owned

by Terry and Cindy Wilson in the town of Oakland from A-2 to RR-3.

County board restructuring Gerry Pardun told the board that the personnel committee will meet Thursday, April 19, to look at county board restructuring models and bring their findings back to the board. Pardun spoke to the concern faced by some of the board members that the county needs to move along with this. He pointed out that unanimous approval was the most important factor in the success of a project like this. “We want to move along slowly,” he said, “to make clear any questions or suggestions and to keep (this) open to the board.

Our aim is to possibly have this in place before the 2008 budget.”

Other items The Burnett County Board was not successful in getting a comprehensiveplanning grant for this year.

“Comprehensive planning will go into effect by 2010. We have got to get this started as bare bones,” Larry Main said.

He is to appoint a committee to get the planning underway, and feels that if the county gets the grant another year, it will be a bonus.

Ed Peterson urged all townships to get on board, pointing out that it won’t cost them any money unless they sign on with the county program.

Maintenance Supervisor Gary Faught was commended for adding surge protection to the government center. Mary Poretti and Mary Klar were appointed to three-year terms on the Burnett County Aging Unit Advisory Board, terms to end in May 2010.

The county’s register in probate/juve-

Board Chair Larry Main held up a sheet of paper showing the description of property between Big and Little Yellow lakes for other board members to see. The county has acquired the property, and its land committee plans to do a cluster development on it. – Photos by Nancy Jappe nile clerk, Dorothy Richard, announced her intention to retire sometime at the end of the year or by Jan. 1, 2008.

Richard started working with Wood County in 1966, then moved to Burnett County, for a total of 41-plus years of service.

In his 2006 annual report, District Attorney Ken Kutz pointed out that the overage in his budget had gone down, from $18,797.50 in 2004 to $5,243.56 two years later. “We were over (budget) for the third year in a row, but we’re getting better,” Kutz said.

Felony cases prosecuted were down from a high of 217 in 2002 to 150 in 2006.

Misdemeanors were down from a high of 364 in 2004 to 311 in 2006. Prosecuted traffic cases were up significantly over previous years, coming in at 469 for 2006. Kutz attributes this to there being two state troopers covering the county, writing more than a substantial number of traffic tickets.

One change mentioned by Kutz was the provision by Judge Mike Gableman that traffic trials will be cancelled and settled on the spot if the offender doesn’t show up for the pretrial conference.

Kutz gave the example of an agenda of 12 traffic cases for one day. Two offenders showed up for the pretrial conference, along with 10 arresting officers who were being paid overtime for showing up and having no offenders to face.

The really bright spot in the district attorney’s office was the collection of worthless-check repayments. In 2006, $79,329.64 was returned to businesses, $2,669.06 went for service-fee recouping and $2,651.88 to the clerk of courts for forfeitures, for a total of $84,650.58 coming in.

“This was a massive effort,” Kutz commented, crediting help from a parttime student and an employee who fills in on various jobs around the government center. “This was 2-1/2 times more than (we have collected) in previous years. We are now current, and have no three-to-four-year backlog.”

New carnival at fair this year WEBSTER – The Central Burnett County Fair in Webster will be July 5-7 this year. The fair will feature a new carnival this year. Stipes Shows, out of White Bear Lake, Minn., will bring 12 to 15 rides, four to six food vendors and several game concessions to Webster.

Stipes Shows has some long-standing engagements with fairs in the area, including Turtle Lake for the last 30 years and the Musky Festival in Hayward.

On Thursday night, the Indianhead Horse Pulling Association will have an event. A truck and tractor pull will be

on Friday, and, naturally, the demo derby will be on Saturday. There will also be Lions bingo, a horse showdeo, the beer and brat garden and the 4-H food stand.

By fair time, there should be some improvements to the fairgrounds completed. There will be a new entrance for the grandstand on the northeast side, and several new lights will be installed around the grandstand as well. And for an Eagle Scouts project, Kevin Ingalls is working on a new sign for the fairground. – Sherill Summer

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Tigers, Eagles making tracks outdoors for everyone to run,” said Eagles coach Mike Bielmeier. “You can’t complain, we got our nice weather in. It’s cool, but what the heck.”

The Eagles will be gearing up for Frederic next on April 19 and Chetek on April 24.

Area track teams hit the outdoor tracks

by Matt Blumkin BALSAM LAKE – Webster 4x400meter relay anchor Brian Thill burst to the finish line with a comfortable lead.

The Tigers’ 4x4 team won the event beginning their mission to get to state.

Their 4x4 team missed state by two seconds last season.

Of course, they and area track athletes accomplished another mission at the Unity Invitational on April 17 – get outdoors.

“I just wanted to see where they’re at,” said Tigers coach Roy Ward about the boys and girls teams overall. “We had a week off during Easter; the weather has been just terrible.”

The report card came in with the Tigers boys taking second behind Unity and the girls taking third behind Shell Lake. The boys had won six events and tallied up 113 points, and the girls posted a couple of event wins.

“We’ve got what I call a baseline, and now we can adjust from there,” said Ward.

Distance runners helped the Tigers get points. Aimee Rinman won the 3200-meter run and teammate Kathryn Krause came in second for the event. On the boys’ side Nick Krinkie won both the 3200 and the 1600 in the absence of teammate Peter Walsh since Walsh had been ill. Ward mentioned Krinkie has put forth the work for his wins.

“He is a machine when it comes to workouts, pushes himself beyond the expectations of the coach and the limits of the body,” said Ward. “You wonder if he feels pain.”

Unity’s Mike Carlson took the pains to keep up with Krinkie taking second in the 1600 with a time of 5:18.14.

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Unity Invitational (Boys) Points Team Unity 237 Webster 113 Grantsburg 80 Shell Lake 78 Siren 68 Cameron 57 Luck 27 Unity Invitational (Girls) Team Points Unity 174 Shell Lake 152 Siren 106 74 Webster Cameron 47 Luck 39.5 36 Grantsburg

Speechless in Spooner SPOONER – With athletes gone for state forensics, the Frederic Vikings got their season under way at the Spooner Relays on April 13.

Alex Puetz won the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles for the girls, and Ben Nelson won the 1600 for the boys. Cody Gruel took second in the discus at the meet.

Extra Points

Webster’s Brian Thill finishing out the boys 4x400-meter relay, which the Tigers won at the Unity Invitational on April 17. The Tigers won two relays and took second overall at the meet. – Photos by Matt Blumkin Krinkie had 5:02.52. Carlson didn’t normally run the 1600 though.

“I wasn’t expecting to run it today, wasn’t training for it,” said Carlson. “I told him (Unity coach Mike Morris) I’d run it if he wanted me to.”

With athletes competing events they normally don’t, he got the nod.

“We’re trying to figure out where to get people set up for the bigger, more important meets,” said Carlson.

The Eagles took second in eight

events and won four. Chad Strilzuk won three of those with his performances in the 100, 200 and long jump. He also anchored the 4x4 team, which finished five seconds behind Webster.

On the girls’ side, a couple of Eagles won events individually; they won the 4x4 relay. They did so with Charity Moore out due to a pulled hamstring.

Overall, the Eagles took first among girls teams with 174 points.

“This was a good practice meet, good

After weeks of unseasonably cold weather, area track athletes ran one of their first outdoor meets of the season at the Unity Invitational on April 17.

••• MENOMONIE – Luck senior and football standout Nick Elert will play football at UW-Stout in the fall. Elert, a fullback and lineman for the Cards, will be coming to Stout as a linebacker. Elert helped the Cards to the Large Lakeland Conference title in the fall of 2006. He will be playing under new coach Duey Naatz. – Matt Blumkin ••• NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Former Grantsburg softball player Elise Johnson hit 1-3 and scored Carleton College’s lone run in their 8-1 loss to Gustavus Adolphus on April 14.

Carleton has struggled this season with a 5-17 overall record and a 1-5 start in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. – Matt Blumkin ••• RIVER FALLS – One-time St. Croix Falls student Jessica Lundgren has been getting the job done on the base paths this season for UW-River Falls.

As a pinch runner, she scored runs in three Falcons softball wins during the last week. She had one of the Falcons’ two runs in a 4-2 win over St. Scholastica on April 11. She also scored a run in their 2-0 win over UWPlatteville on April 14 and against UW-La Crosse on April 15 for a 7-5 win. The Falcons are 21-5 overall this season with a 4-0 start to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference season. – Matt Blumkin ••• LEADER LAND – Coaches, fax or e-mail your Wednesday through Monday results by 1 p.m. the following business day. Tuesday results must be received by 7 a.m. to go in the paper.

Stats must be filled out.

Missed deadlines means no coverage that week! Thank you. – Matt Blumkin and Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – The snow made one last appearance on April 12 and washed out some area games.

Consequently Unity and St. Croix Falls will play a softball doubleheader on Tuesday, May 15. Webster at Luck softball has been rescheduled for April 30. Frederic at St. Croix Falls softball has also been rescheduled for April 30, and the Voyager Village Invitational had been moved from Monday, April 16, to Thursday, April 19. – Matt Blumkin

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 b l u m k i n @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t o r m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

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Frederic crushed by Pirates in five their level of play.”

After winning over Clear Lake, Frederic falls hard to Pirates

Frederic 17, Clear Lake 8 CLEAR LAKE — Frederic took an early 1-0 lead in nonconference action against Clear Lake Monday night. It was Frederic’s first game of the season after a long spell of cancellations. The Vikes fell behind in the second inning but pulled to within one in the third.

Melanie Chenal was the heavy hitter in the game going three for three with three RBIs and also pitched in the later innings, allowing no hits. Erin Schmidt allowed only one hit in five innings.

Grantsburg 30, Frederic 0

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — The Pirates didn’t let the Vikings gain an inch in Tuesday night’s game. After batting through the order in the first inning and scoring six runs, Grantsburg continued to rally into the second inning scoring 14 runs.

The game comes only one day after the Vikings first game of the season against Clear Lake on Monday evening.

“We got a lot of downfalls because we didn’t have practices outside, didn’t get a chance to work on outfield and didn’t have a chance to have a game-like situation,” said Vikings coach Erin Jensen.

The Vikings had trouble connecting with the ball in the early half of the game, but managed to get a piece of it in the later innings, but it wasn’t enough to sneak through the Pirates tough defense.

“Today we kind of fell apart mentally, but I really still think we’re going to pull it together this season and be a tough team,” Jensen said.

Grantsburg’s Lindsey Hedlund had the bat going Tuesday night with two hits and a total of seven RBIs. As a team, the Pirates racked up 17 hits, with Jamie Lund leading with three. A handful of other Pirates two-hitters on the night including Mollie Bjelland, Miranda Kammeyer, Hedlund, Alyssa Ryan and Michelle Lund.

“I wish we could have scored a run,” said Jensen. “But it doesn’t bother me, because I just know that the girls are going to come right back and pick up

Grantsburgs Alyssa Ryan catches the corner of home plate in Tuesday night’s game against Frederic. - Photos by Marty Seeger Team Frederic Clear Lake Frederic Julia Haas Alex Lonetti Erin Schmidt Lisa Chelmo Rachel O’Brien Melanie Chenal Lynnea Chelmo Haley Kurkowski Michelle Owens Chrissy Chenal Totals Clear Lake Kelly Brooke Suzy Denise Kendra Hillary Katie Kelia Tiffany Totals

Chrissy Chenal makes a stop at third to end a long inning in Tuesday night’s game against Grantsburg.

Frederic Erin Schmidt Melanie Chenal Clear Lake Kendra

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 17 1 2 1 1 3 6 3 8 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 Individual Statistics AB H R BB RBI 1 1 0 1 5 3 0 2 2 0 4 2 4 1 0 1 2 1 0 4 2 0 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 4 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 2 1 1 29 8 17 12 8 AB H R BB RBI 1 0 3 3 0 3 0 0 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 19 1 8 12 1 Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K BB H R W 5 13 6 7 1 2 x 2 6 1 5 1 6 W/L INN AB x x x

K x

BB H x x

R x

Team Grantsburg Frederic

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 6 14 6 3 1 0 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Individual Statistics Grantsburg AB H R BB RBI Mollie Bjelland 6 2 2 0 6 Jamie Lund 5 3 3 1 1 Miranda Kammeyer 4 2 3 2 1 Lindsey Hedlund 4 2 4 2 7 Alyssa Ryan 1 0 3 2 0 Emily Prazak 3 1 1 0 3 Lauren Amundson 2 1 1 0 1 Holly Knoepke 1 0 0 1 1 Michelle Lund 2 2 2 1 2 Sasha Chell 1 0 1 0 1 Sarah Wald 2 0 1 0 0 Michelle Davidsavor 2 1 3 1 0 Amanda Durand 2 1 2 1 0 Jade Johnson 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 Ashley Larson 3 Totals 41 17 28 12 25 Frederic AB H R BB RBI Julia Haas 2 0 0 0 0 Alex Lonetti 2 0 0 0 0 Erin Schmidt 2 0 0 0 0 Lisa Chelmo 2 0 0 0 0 Rachel O’Brien 2 0 0 0 0 Melanie Chenal 2 0 0 0 0 Lynnea Chelmo 2 0 0 0 0 Michelle Owens 2 0 0 0 0 Chrissy Chenal 2 1 0 0 0 Totals 18 1 0 0 0 Pitching Statistics Grantsburg W/L INN AB K BB H R Mollie Bjelland x x x x x x x Jamie Lund x x x x x x x Grantsburg W/L INN AB K BB H R Erin Schmidt L 5 42 1 12 17 28

Pirates run-rule Tigers in six giving her a chance to do something like that is pretty special,” said coach Bjelland on Johnson’s homer. “She’s just a great kid too.”

The Pirates ended the game with a hit

by Michelle Davidsavor that scored the final two runs of the game.

For the Tigers first game of the season, coach Hoefs was happy with how the team played defensively, as well as offensively against a tough Grantsburg team.

“For our first game of the year, and then to play against Grantsburg who’s probably going to be one of the better teams in the area, I thought we gave them a pretty good run for six innings,” said Hoefs.

Tigers hang tight in first few innings, but Pirate bats explode late Grantsburg 13, Webster 3

by Marty Seeger GRANTSBURG — After a long wait, the Tigers were able to get their first game in against the Pirates Thursday, April 12. It was the first time the teams were able to get a game in over the past couple of weeks due to the cold weather.

“It’s nice to finally get outside,” said Pirates coach Don Bjelland after the game. The Pirates managed to log two games earlier in the season, but the games were played indoors at the Stillwater dome.

As for the Tigers, their opening debut started off by capitalizing on early errors by the Pirates. Mandie Ramstrom drew a walk in the first inning and later scored on an error, giving the Tigers the early 1-0 lead. Pirate ace Molly Bjelland was able to get two strikeouts to end the inning.

“We’re trying all kinds of different things, players in different spots, and we had some defensive lapses,” said coach Bjelland.

It didn’t take long for the Pirates to get on the board next after Bjelland led the inning on a home run, and Jamie Lund got on base on a hit over first.

Lund would later score on a hit to center by Lindsey Hedlund.

Grantsburg held the 2-1 lead until the fourth when Melissa Burton smashed a

Team Webster Grantsburg

Webster second baseman Samantha Hogle lobs the ball to first base in another solid defensive inning for the Tigers. - Photo by Marty Seeger triple to left field. Sasha Chell was hit and held Webster to a 1,2,3 inning in the by a wild pitch thrown by Webster’s top of the sixth. The Pirates bats explodAmy French, and after stealing second, ed in the bottom of the sixth after Burton was able to score from third to Michelle Lund led off with a single.

Bjelland and Jamie give the Pirates a 3-1 lead.

Webster played well defensively for Lund notched douthe next few innings, but Grantsburg bles and Miranda was slowly starting to gain momentum. Kammeyer landed on “I thought we made some really nice base by an error on defensive plays that, you know, a year the Tiger third baseago, might have been an error,” said man.

With two on and Tigers coach Scott Hoefs.

Lund relieved Bjelland in the fifth only one out, Jade inning for the Pirates, but Webster fired Johnson stepped up Jade Johnson back and capitalized with a hit to center to the plate and

by Tiffani Quigley. The Tigers ended the knocked out a three-run homer to put inning with a 3-3 tie after getting two the Pirates up by eight.

“Two years ago she was my manager, runs on two hits and two errors.

The tie didn’t last long, however, after and she’s finally a senior, and she the Pirates scored three runs in the fifth knows she’s not going to play a lot, but

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 3 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 13 2 0 0 1 3 7 0 Individual Statistics R BB RBI AB H Webster Mandie Ramstrom 2 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 Shannon Steiner Katie Thill 3 1 0 0 0 Amy French 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Jamie Kopecky 3 1 0 1 0 Jesse Petrangelo 3 Nikki Roedl 3 0 0 0 0 Tiffani Quiqley 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 Samantha Hogle Totals 23 4 3 9 0 Grantsburg AB H R BB RBI Mollie Bjelland 4 3 3 0 2 Jamie Lund 4 2 3 0 2 Miranda Kammeyer 4 1 2 0 0 Lindsey Hedlund 4 1 0 0 1 Alyssa Ryan 3 1 0 0 0 Emily Prazak 1 1 1 0 0 Lauren Amundson 1 0 0 1 0 Holly Knoepke 2 0 0 0 0 Michelle Lund 2 1 1 0 0 Michelle Davidsavor 2 1 0 0 2 Sasha Chell 1 1 1 0 0 Amanda Durand 2 1 1 0 0 Jade Johnson 1 1 1 0 3 Ashley Larson 3 0 0 0 0 Totals 34 14 13 1 10 Pitching Statistics Webster W/L INN AB K BB H R Amy French x x x x x x x Grantsburg W/L INN AB K BB H R Mollie Bjelland x x x x x x x Jamie Lund x x x x x x x

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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St. Croix Falls falls into the win column!

Melissa Jenssen put the Cards on the board for the first time after stealing one base and coming home on a walk. The Cards trailed 4-1 in the fourth inning at that point.

Then, the Evergreens torched the Cards with seven runs in the fifth inning to win 11-1.

“We discovered some mental mistakes and issues we need to work on,” said Jorgenson. “We have plenty of room for improvement, and that is fine.”

Saints have too much offense for Luck St. Croix Falls 11, Luck 3

by Matt Blumkin LUCK – St. Croix Falls (1-3, 1-1) picked up a much-needed win on Tuesday, April 17.

They had started the season 0-3 with losses to Osceola, Grantsburg and Duluth, Minn. Their bats ensured that record not dipping to 0-4.

The Saints scattered 11 runs with eight hits over the seven innings. Abby Swenson and Jackie Jerrick each had reached base on walks and scored at different times in the game. Swenson scored three runs, and Meghan Johnson, Emily Thayer and Jerrick all crossed the plate twice.

SCF took a 2-0 first-inning lead, but the Cards tied it in the bottom of the second. Yet, the Cards couldn’t hold back the Saints in the fourth as they loaded the bases and scored three runs.

Then they piled on another five in the fifth.

All the base running left Cards catcher Britta Giller busy watching for potential base stealers.

Cards coach Aime Jorgenson said she, “… made some great throws to keep the runners honest.”

Luck’s Krystal Stage returned the favor to SCF with three stolen bases and scoring their third run in the fifth. She hit 2-4 in the game.

Amery 8, Unity 5 New Richmond 10, Unity 0 NEW RICHMOND – The Eagles found Saturday’s weather kind, but not the competition in dropping a pair of games on April 14.

Playing their first outdoor games of the year, the Eagles rallied from a 5-1 hole against Amery in the six inning to tie 5-5. Becca Milligan got the four-run inning going with the first running after being walked. Jordyn Christenson drove in a pair of runs on a double.

Yet, the tides turned with a two-run triple by the Warriors in the top of the seventh. They scored three and won 8-5.

The Eagles fortunes went down when they took on host New Richmond. The Tigers pounded the Eagles 10-0, and Megan Johnson had the only hit in the game.

Luck’s Krystal Stage attempts a throw against the Saints. - Photos by Matt Blumkin

Northwood 11, Luck 1 MINONG – The log of revenge fell on Luck on Monday, April 16.

Northwood avenged their regional final loss last season by routing the Cardinals 11-1 in the Cards’ season opener. The Cards had hardly been on a

Saints runner Kelsey Douglass-White tries to avoid the tag fom Luck’s Ali Lehmann. softball diamond before the Northwood Cards coach Aime Jorgenson. “I was game. proud of my girls for trying hard, and I “Prior to this game, we had only thought the first few innings went pretplayed a scrimmage, and our practices ty well over all.” outdoors have been very limited,” said They kept up with the Evergreens allowing only two runs over the first Team 1 2 3 4 5 Total pair of innings. They also played withUnity 0 0 0 0 0 0 out their first starting pitcher, Brooke N. Richmond 4 2 3 0 x 10 Individual Statistics Olson, due to tendonitis.

Saints batter Megan Yunker eyes up a pitch in their battle against Luck.

Team Unity Amery

1 2 3 4 5 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 Individual Statistics Unity AB H Becca Milligan 4 0 Megan Johnson 4 2 Lindsay Turner 4 1 Cola Hickethier 3 1 Cailin Turner 3 0 Brittney Peters 3 0 Jordyn Christenson 2 0 Amy Vandebreke 3 0 Ashley Hutton 1 0 Kendra Nelson 1 0 Totals 24 3 Pitching Statistics Unity W/L INN AB Cailin Turner L 7 35

6 4 1

7 0 3 R 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 2

K 9

Total 5 8 BB 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 3

BB H 5 4

RBI 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 R 8

Unity AB H R BB RBI Becca Milligan 2 0 0 0 0 Kendra Nelson 2 0 0 0 0 Lindsay Turner 2 0 0 0 0 Cola Hickethier 1 0 0 1 0 Megan Johnson 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 Cailin Turner Brittney Peters 1 0 0 1 0 Amy Vandebreke 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Jordyn Christenson Ashley Hutton 1 0 0 0 0 Totals 16 1 0 1 0 Pitching Statistics Unity W/L INN AB K BB H R Cailin Turner L 7 35 9 5 4 8 Team Luck Northwood

1 2 3 4 5 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 7 Individual Statistics Luck AB H 0 3 Krystal Stage Jessica Antonson 3 0 0 2 Britta Giller 0 1 Sam Wilkinson Taryn Pilz 3 1 1 3 Ali Lehmann 1 3 Melissa Jenssen Aalyssa Holdt 2 0 0 2 Bailee Swenson 0 1 Brittney Danielson Alecia Ovellette 1 0 3 23 Totals

Total 1 11 R 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

BB 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 7

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Team Unity Webster

1 2 3 4 5 0 0 3 0 0 2 6 6 0 0 Individual Statistics Unity AB H Jordyn Christenson 2 0 Megan Johnson 1 0 2 0 Lindsay Turner Becca Milligan 2 1 Cola Hickethier 1 0 2 0 Cailin Turner Brittney Peters 2 1 Kendra Nelson 1 0 2 13 Totals AB H Webster Mandie Ramstrom 3 1 0 3 Samantha Hogle Katie Thill 3 1 Amy French 1 0 2 3 Jesse Petrangelo Jamie Kopecky 3 0 Nikki Roedl 1 1 0 0 Ellie Isaacson Tiffani Quiqley 2 1 Chelsey Bereiter 1 0 6 20 Totals Pitching Statistics Unity W/L INN AB 4 16 L Cailin Turner Kendra Nelson x 1 4 Webster W/L INN AB 15 W 5 Katie Thill

6 0 0

7 0 0 R 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 R 1 2 3 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 13

K 2 2 K 6

Total 3 14 BB 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 BB 1 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 7

BB 9 0 BB 3

H 4 1 H 2

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 RBI 0 0 2 0 5 0 1 0 3 0 11 R 14 0 R 3

Grantsburg 19, St. Croix Falls 0 GRANTSBURG — The Pirates handled the Saints easily in their second shutout win of the year on Monday, April 16.

Mollie Bjelland homered once and logged five RBIs for a team high. Alyssa Ryan had four RBIs and Jamie Lund had three.

The team tallied a total of 17 hits, with most of them coming in the first two innings. The team scored 16 of their 19 runs in the first two innings. - Marty Seeger Webster 14, Unity 3 WEBSTER — The Tigers took their first win of the season in their second game of the season against Unity on Tuesday night.

Webster got things started in the first inning with two runs, and rallied in the second inning with six runs. Tiger pitcher Katie Thill picked up her first win of the season by only allowing two hits and getting six strikeouts in five innings.

Unity’s two hits came off the bats of Becca Milligan and Brittney Peters. Marty Seeger

Team St. Croix Falls Grantsburg

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 5 2 1 0 0 0 19 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls AB H R BB RBI Jackie Jerrick 2 0 0 0 0 Emily Thayer 2 0 0 0 0 Kelsey Douglass-White 2 0 0 0 0 Laurana Sveback 2 1 0 0 0 Abby Swenson 2 0 0 0 0 Nichole 2 1 0 0 0 Rachel 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Sara Palmer KatieJacobson 1 0 0 0 0 Meghan Johnson 1 0 0 0 0 17 2 0 0 0 Totals Grantsburg AB H R BB RBI Mollie Bjelland 4 3 4 1 5 Jamie Lund 4 3 3 0 3 Miranda Kammeyer 3 2 3 1 2 Lindsey Hedlund 4 3 2 0 1 Alyssa Ryan 4 1 1 0 4 Emily Prazak 2 0 0 0 0 Lauren Amundson 2 1 1 0 0 Holly Knoepke 2 0 0 0 0 Michelle Lund 1 1 2 1 0 Michelle Davidsavor 1 1 2 1 2 Sasha Chell 1 1 1 0 1 Amanda Durand 2 1 1 0 1 Jade Johnson 1 1 1 1 1 Ashley Larson 3 0 0 0 0 Totals 34 18 21 5 20 Pitching Statistics St. Croix Fallsr W/L INN AB K BB H R Sarah Palmer x x x x x x x Grantsburg W/L INN AB K BB H R Jamie Lund x x x x x x x Mollie Bjelland x x x x x x x

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Saints stop Lakers in conference opener! inning with four runs off of Saints freshman pitcher Cory Gebhard. He had three strikeouts, no runs and no hits prior to that inning.

“We played a lot of young people,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph.

Steve Gebhard came in to finish the game and allowed one run on seven hits. Yet, the Saints only produced one more run coming from Gus Koecher in the sixth. Randolph did see several positives though with 11 hits as a team and seven stolen bases.

“We stood true to our game plan,” said Randolph.

Larcom makes pair of stops at the plate in aiding Saints win before slide at Osceola tournament St. Croix Falls 3, TL-Clayton 2

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints and Lakers had the classic battle of the unstoppable force and the immovable object.

The immovable object, the Saints, held on 3-2 against Turtle LakeClayton’s potent offense on Friday, April 13.

“They have some good hitters on that team,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph.

“The next time we face them it could be a little different.”

Like those who are called saints, SCF remained unmoved when the pressure was on.

“I think we kept it pretty well,” Saints catcher Jake Larcom said of his team’s

St. Croix Falls’ Jake Larcom looking down upon Turtle Lake-Clayton’s Jordan Anderson. Larcom had just tagged out Anderson at home plate, preventing the tying run in the seventh inning of SCF’s 3-2 win. He made another stop at home plate earlier in the game too. The Saints improved to 1-0 in the West Lakeland Conference with the win. – Photos by Matt Blumkin

Saints shortstop Matt Vold batting against Turtle Lake. Vold had 2-3 batting against Spring Valley along with a run and two RBIs. Vold also had a stolen base against Turtle LakeClayton on April 13.

composure. “We weren’t panicking; we made the plays we had to make to come up with a win.”

Larcom came up with two key stops at home plate to help preserve a 3-2 win.

He stopped one Lakers runner cold at home as the runner charged into him. The second occasion came when the potential tying runner dove for home during the top of the seventh.

“That was probably one of my favorite parts of the game because you actually get some contact in,” said Larcom.

He had learned to do that from his coaches over the years and watching Major League Baseball.

“Those are definitely big stops,” said Saints senior Dustin Lumsden. “If it wasn’t for that, we’d be in the hole.”

The Lakers closed the deficit to 3-2 when Jim Klingelhoefs scored a run as the first batter in the inning. The Saints

obtained their 3-1 edge before with a two-run third inning. Lumsden and Larcom each scored runs in that inning.

Lumsden had made it home on an error, and Larcom came home on a RBI single by Gus Koecher. Michael Lamirande scored the first run of the game for the Saints in the second inning.

Jack Werner and Matt Vold each struck out four batters for the Saints, and they allowed and combined to allow one hit through six innings.

Werner allowed the only early run by the Lakers after walking a batter.

The Saints improved to 2-0 on the season before their weekend tournament at Osceola. They beat Plum City several weeks earlier 6-3 on March 29 to open the season.

Spring Valley 6, St. Croix Falls 5 OSCEOLA – The Saints lost a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning and never recovered against Spring Valley.

The Cardinals rallied in the fourth Team TL-Clayton St. Croix Falls

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 x 3 Individual Statistics AB H R BB RBI Turtle Lake-Clayton Nick Kingelhoefs 2 0 0 1 0 Derek Effertz 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chaz Dayton 3 Dan Gross 2 1 0 1 0 Jim Klingelhoefs 2 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 Jordan Anderson Trent Nyhns 3 0 0 0 0 Mike Wanner 3 1 0 0 0 Nathan Roenhold 3 0 0 0 0 Totals 24 3 2 3 1 St. Croix Falls Dustin Lumsden Cory Gebhard Matt Vold Jake Larcom Gus Koecher Michael Lamriande Taylor Wilson Jack Werner Steve Gebhard Totals

Wild slide. Saints pitcher Jack Werner darted for second base and took a tumble on the way. Werner had one of the Saints’ six stolen bases in the game against Turtle Lake. Werner also got the job done on the mound with four strikeouts in three innings of pitching.

AB 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 25

H 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 7

Pitching Statistics St. Croix Falls W/L INN AB Jack Werner W 3 12 Matt Vold x 3 10 Dustin Lumsden x 1 4 Turtle Lake-Clayton W/L INN AB Chaz Dayton L 6 26

R 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 K 4 4 0 K 5

BB 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 BB 3 0 0 BB 1

H 0 1 2 H 7

RBI 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 R 1 0 1 R 3

Elmwood 11, St. Croix Falls 8 OSCEOLA – Walks cost the Saints early, and they dropped to 2-2.

Elmwood capitalized with four runs in the first inning with two walks and three hits. They pushed the lead to 7-1 through the top of the second, but the Saints did respond with runs by Ben Anderson and Jack Werner.

Walks had come the Saints way as well helping Jake Larcom, Gus Koecher and Michael Lamirande all score runs in the third. That put the Saints within two runs, 8-6.

“We had opportunities to cash in on some mistakes they made and took advantage of the 11 walks we got from them,” said Randolph.

Yet, the Raiders sealed the win with a three-run sixth, and the Saints could only add a run in the seventh.

“We might stub our toe a few times, maybe get our nose bloody a few times, but we’re going to learn from it and get much better,” said Randolph.

The Saints will look to better their Team St. Croix Falls Spring Valley

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 5 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 6 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls AB H R BB RBI 4 3 2 0 0 Dustin Lumsden 4 0 0 0 0 Cory Gebhard Matt Vold 3 2 1 1 2\ 4 2 1 0 0 Michael Lamriande 3 1 1 0 1 Gus Koecher Taylor Wilson 3 1 0 0 0 Jack Werner 2 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 Josh Larcom Steve Gebhard 3 0 0 0 0 Totals 30 11 5 1 5 Spring Valley Tyler Basshart Chris FInke Aric Gregg Tyler Blaedorn Greg Rudesill Corey Blaedorn Mike Johnson Russell Hoyue Jimmy Ehne Totals St. Croix Falls Cory Gebhard Steve Gebhard Spring Valley Greg Rudesill

AB H 4 0 4 1 3 2 4 1 3 2 4 3 3 1 4 0 2 0 36 10 Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB x 4 19 L 3 17 W/L INN AB W 7 31

R 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 6 K 4 4 K 2

BB 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 BB 1 4 BB 1

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H 3 7 H 11

R 5 1 R 5

Team St. Croix Falls Elmwood

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 8 1 2 3 0 1 0 1 4 3 1 0 0 3 0 11 Individual Statistics AB H R BB RBI St. Croix Falls Dustin Lumsden 4 1 1 1 0 Cory Gebhard 5 1 0 0 1 Matt Vold 4 0 0 1 0 Jake Larcom 3 1 1 1 0 Gus Koecher 1 1 2 3 0 Michael Lamriande 3 1 2 1 0 Jack Werner 2 1 1 2 1 Ben Anderson 4 2 1 0 0 Josh Larcom 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 Matt Jacobs Taylor Wilson 0 0 0 1 0 Totals 28 8 8 11 5 Elmwood Lucas Wolf Ryan Mountin Kolt Wolske Michael Brummer Steve Pax Corey Bechel Alex Sehrag Ben Bechel Karl Orwath Totals

AB H 4 1 5 1 2 1 4 3 2 2 3 0 2 2 4 0 3 1 29 10 Pitching Statistics St. Croix Falls W/L INN AB Cory Gebhard x 2 14 Jake Larcom x 2 10 Dustin Lumsden L 2 11 Ben Anderson x 1 3 Elmwood W/L INN AB Karl Horwath W 4 22 Lucas Wolf x 1 6 Ryan Mountin x 2 10

R 0 1 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 11 K 1 2 3 0 K 1 0 0

BB 0 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 1 8 BB 3 3 2 0 BB 7 1 3

H 6 0 4 0 H 4 2 2

RBI 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 1 7 R 7 1 3 0 R 6 1 1

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Area teams break out of gyms with spring Teams changed plans and used gym space to prepare for competition outdoors

by Matt Blumkin FREDERIC – A week-and-a-half of freezing temperatures and occasional snow and rain put the freeze on spring sports in the area.

“It has been challenging, but the athletes have had a pretty positive attitude the whole way through the preseason,” said Grantsburg Pirates coach Shaun Fisher.

Before April 12, only St. Croix Falls and Unity track teams had hit the track for indoor meets. Siren and Webster saw their home meets whitewashed away by snow or impending snow.

In addition, teams have had to head indoors for practice with snowfalls on April 3 and April 11.

Temperatures hovered in the 30s from April 3 to 11, and it even hit single digits on April 4.

“As far as practicing indoors so much, it is harder, but you just going through things, mixing up the workouts, so they are not pounding their legs inside too much,” said Frederic Vikings track coach Troy Wink. “We are able to work on most field events, except pole vault, so it has been a lot of technique and breaking down what they are doing.”

Working on fundamentals has been one way track teams have beaten the cold.

“To combat the weather, we have focused a lot on cross training and plyometrics,” said Fisher. “We have really tried to build a strong base for when we can really get outside and compete on some specific events.”

The Vikings finally hit the track outside on Friday, April 13, at the Spooner Relays. It had been rescheduled from April 12. Shuffling schedules has been commonplace for all area sports, and schools are determined to get their full seasons in.

“We’ll do the best we can to reschedule most of the events,” said Frederic athletic director Jeff Carley. “Some nonconference softball games and some track meets might not be able to be rescheduled.

Conference games will have to be made up somehowmaybe some doubleheaders or Saturday games. To date, we haven’t lost any games or meets permanently, but have just rescheduled them.”

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Storm Chasers 60, Flame Throwers 57, Sandbaggers 54, Hot Shots 52, Spare-Us 47, Underdogs 43, Gems 42, Misfits 37.

Men’s games: Mac McCann (Underdogs) 197, Bert Meyer (Flame Throwers) 196, Brandon Barfknecht (Hot Shots) & George Nutt (Hot Shots) 194.

Men’s series: Bert Meyer (Flame Throwers) 520, Shane Nyland (Hot Shots) 519, Jim Loomis (Spare-Us) 518.

Women’s games: Edla Meyer (Sandbaggers) 191, Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 186, LuAnn White (Spare-Us) 164.

Women’s series: Edla Meyer (Sandbaggers) 490, Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 488, LuAnn White (Spare-Us) 407.

Team games: Hot Shots 863, Storm Chasers 817, Misfits 812.

Team series: Hot Shots 2377, Storm Chasers 2355, Misfits 2322.

Games 50 or more above average: George Nutt (+60), Tanya Harter (+58).

Splits converted: 5-7: Edla Meyer.

Monday Afternoon Retired Standings: Eagles 40, Nite Hawks 26, Badgers 19, Swans 19.

Men’s games: Buster Hinrichs (Swans) 178, Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 173, Tony Diess (Swans) 169.

Men’s series: Roger Messer (Eagles) 473, Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 471, Buster Hinrichs (Swans) 461.

Women’s games: Lucy Hansen (Eagles) & Lila Larson (Badgers) 169, Carol Messer (Eagles) 153, Thelma Hendricks (Nite Hawks) 147.

Women’s series: Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 493, Lila Larson (Badgers) 421, Carol Messer (Eagles) 407.

Team games: Eagles 606, Swans 585, Nite Hawks 569.

Team series: Eagles 1747, Nite Hawks

This Pirate fan braved the weather with a handful of other fans for the Pirates and Tigers first outdoor game of the year. – Photo by Marty Seeger With temperatures forecasted to be in the 60s for high in the coming week, the sun may be shining again on the young spring season.

B O W L I N G

1641, Swans 1606.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 137.5, Hacker’s Lanes 135.5, Bottle Shop 120, Hog Wild 101.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 91.5, Oddballs 77, Pioneer Bar 60, Ward Lake Services 57.

Men’s games: Reed Stevens 267, Maynard Stevens 234, Ron Skow 231.

Men’s series: Dale Frandsen 633, Ron Skow 629, Reed Stevens 601.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 629, Bottle Shop 625, Hacker’s Lanes 606.

Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1750, Hog Wild 1738, Bottle Shop 1714.

Tuesday Late Mixed Standings: Rat Pack 67-38, McCurdy Farms 65-40, Pumpkin Heads 53-52, RT’s 46-59, Packer Backers 44-61, Rock and Bowl 40-65.

Men’s games: Randy McCurdy 221, Chad Brugman 214, Ron Pitts 189.

Men’s series: Randy McCurdy 587, Chad Brugman 580, Ron Pitts 535.

Women’s games: Audrey Hermensen 173, Cyndie Omer 168, Debra Tretsven 162.

Women’s series: Cyndie Omer 434, Rose Burnham 421, Audrey Hermensen 406.

Team games: McCurdy Farms 686, Rock and Bowl 651, Packer Backers 632.

Team series: McCurdy Farms 1974, Rock and Bowl 1878, Pumpkin Heads 1844.

Wednesday Night Early Men Standings: Skol Bar 42, Parker 40, Lewis Silo 36, Cummings Lumber 35, Pioneer Bar 30, Jack Pine Trading 27, A1 Machine 22, Bye 8.

Individual games: Don Swanson (CL) 258, Jon Doolittle (LS) 257, Duane Doolittle (LS) 235.

Individual series: Jon Doolittle 658, Don Swanson 631, Duane Doolittle 611.

Team games: Lewis Silo 986, Cummings Lumber 971, A-1 Machine

944.

Team series: Lewis Silo 2824, Cummings Lumber 2750, A-1 Machine 2612.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: Grindell Law Offices (8) 47.5, K-Wood (5) 46, CenturyTel (4.5) 44, Full Timers (6) 43.5, Wikstrom Construction (7) 41, Frontier Trails (8.5) 37.5, Fab Four (6) 28.5, Hell Raisers (7) 24.

Individual games: Ed Bitler (KW) 248, Mark Bohn (GLO) 237, Mike Sullivan (WC) 232.

Individual series: Ed Bitler (KW) 661, Mark Bohn (GLO) 657, Mike Sullivan (WC) 619.

Team games: Grindell Law Offices 621, Wikstrom Construction 605, K-Wood 585.

Team series: Grindell Law Offices 1735, K-Wood 1640, Wikstrom Construction 1617.

Consecitive strikes (5 or more): Ed Bitler (KW) 7x – 248; Mark Bohn (GLO) 5x – 237.

Splits converted: 2-4-10: Bruce Wikstrom. 3-10: Curt LaPre. 5-7: John Kickey (x2). 6-8-10: Brad Schmidt.

Thursday Late Standings: Stotz & Company 35, Wardlake Services 30, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 30, Johnson Upholstery 26, Hansen Farms Inc. 24, Fisk Trucking 23.

R E S U L T S Individual games: Steve Baillargeon 248, Gene Wynn Jr. 236, Lee Mangelsen 225.

Individual series: Norm Hansen 617, Dale Frandsen 616, Steve Baillargeon 597.

Team games: Stotz & Company 997, Wardlake Services 989, Hansen Farms Inc. 916.

Team series: Wardlake Services 2776, Hansen Farms Inc. 2667, Stotz & Company 2651.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: The Leader 73, 4-Season Travel 65, Skol Bar 62, Tin Cup Promotions 62, Brad’s Ringneck 62, Meyer’s Plus 60, Hole in the Wall 58, Bye 6.

Individual games: Gail Linke 202, Jen Funk 187, Ruth Taylor 179.

Individual series: Gail Linke 522, Linda Richter 476, Cindy Denn 469.

Team games: 4-Season Travel 652, Meyer’s Plus 630, The Leader 627.

Team series: 4-Season Travel 1789, The Leader 1786, Meyer’s Plus 1772.

Splits converted: 5-7: Sheila Hansen.

McKenzie Lanes Monday Night Ladies Standings: Milltown Appl. 116.5, Metal Products 116, Sam’s Carpentry 114, McKenzie Lanes 105.5, Bont Chiropractor 96, Edina Divas 93, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 88.5, Jericho Trucking 70.5.

Individual games: Jane Smith 227, Linda McCurdy 199, Toni Sloper & Kathy McKenzie 195.

Individual series: Jane Smith 562, Toni Sloper 537, LuAnn White 513.

Team games: Milltown Appl. 1054, Metal Products 1029.

Team series: Milltown Appl. 3035, Metal Products 2857.

Tuesday Night Men Standings: Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 44, Glass Bar 40, Dream Lawn 38, McKenzie

Lanes 34, Steve’s Appliance 34, Greatland Transportation 28, Hack’s Pub 24, The Dugout 12.

Individual games: Darren McKenzie 299, Steve Bailargeon 280, Dennis Hansen 279.

Individual series: Norm Hansen 719, Steve Bailargeon 717, Donny Potting Jr. 716.

Team games: Glass Bar 1101, Nel-LoHill Farm 1052.

Team series: Glass Bar 3131, Nel-LoHill Farm 3062.

Wednesday Night Men Standings: Tiger Express 40, McKenzie Lanes 36, Harvest Moon 36, Davy’s Construction 34, Embroidery Plus 34, Dalles Electric 30, Reed’s Marina 26, Hanjo Farms 20.

Individual games: Darren McKenzie 268, Scott Anderson 267, Sam Leggitt 265.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 762, Gordy Johnson 672, Jason Loney 645.

Team games: Tiger Express 1192.

Team series: Tiger Express 3275.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: K.C. Electrical 126.5, Hauge Dental 122.5, Century 21 104, Balsam Lake Hardware 94, Eagle Valley Bank 93.5, Deer Lake Block 92, RiverBank 91.5, Hack’s Pub 75.

Individual games: Norma Hauge 244, Denise Donaghue 206, Dawn Larson 200.

Individual series: Norma Hauge 554, Denise Donaghue 529, Brenda Lehmann 508.

Team games: Hauge Dental 1036.

Team series: Hauge Dental 2975.

Saturday Mixed Doubles Standings: Fisk Trucking 88.5, Happy Campers 76.5, Tiger Express 73, The Whippersnappers 68, Eureka Bombers 64, The Eagles 63, Roller Coasters 62.5, The In-Laws 48.5.

Men’s games: Rick Katzmark 243, Roger Fisk 237, Gary Warner 235.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

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Not much Luck

Team Cameron Northwood Prairie Farm Turtle Lake-Clayton St. Croix Falls Luck Shell Lake

Conf.

1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-2 0-1

Overall 2-0 1-0 2-1 1-1 2-3 1-4 0-1

with 14 runs in the inning after trailing 5-1 through three.

Cody Richert had started the scoring for the Cards in the bottom of the first with a run, and he and Travis Pilz each scored two runs during the first pair of innings. Harlan Opitz had a couple of runs in the fifth and sixth to help the Cards back into striking distance.

Yet, the Warriors squeaked out the victory 15-11.

Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 6 0 1 1 0 1 10 4 4 0 0 0 0 7 15 Individual Statistics Luck AB H R BB RBI Cody Richert 5 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 Mitchell Klatt 5 Travis Pilz 3 3 2 0 4 Jordan Gross 4 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 Harlan Opitz 4 Harry Severson 1 0 0 3 0 Casey Hatten 4 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 Jamison Gross 3 0 2 1 0 Kyle Melin 3 Brett Holdt 0 0 1 1 0 32 10 13 8 10 Totals Pitching Statistics Luck W/L INN AB K BB H R x 0.6 7 0 2 4 4 Travis Pilz 8 5 8 4.3 23 4 L Casey Hatten Harry Severson x 1 7 2 1 3 3 Team Luck Cameron

by Marty Seeger DALLAS – The conditions were just about right last Friday, April 13, for a round of golf at the Pine Crest Golf Course in Dallas.

Siren and Webster competed against Cameron in their first invite of the sea-

PREPS

son, and Webster was able to pull ahead of Siren by one stroke with a score of 204 to 205.

Adam Daniels finished the strongest for the Dragons, shooting a 45 and Ryan Clemmons finished close by with a 46.

Webster’s Paul Olesen finished with a 47, and Mike Curtis shot a 48.

On Thursday, April 19, the Tigers will host the Webster Invitational at 4 p.m.

Teams competing in the event include Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls and Siren.

OF THE

NAME: Jade Johnson SCHOOL: Grantsburg YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Two years ago, Jade Johnson was a team manager for the Pirates softball team.

Last Thursday evening, she contributed to the team in a different way by socking a three-run homer to help the Pirates Jade Johnson gain an eight-point lead, which eventually led to a run-rule win for the Pirates in six innings against the Tigers. Coach Don Bjelland says that although Johnson doesn’t get the a lot of playing time, she is a major contributor to the team and “a great kid too,” Bjelland said. – Marty Seeger

WEEK

NAME: Jake Larcom SCHOOL: St. Croix Falls YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Turtle Lake-Clayton baserunners might as well have been running at a stop sign instead of home plate with Saints catcher Jake Larcom making two big stops against them on Friday, April 13.

Jake Larcom Larcom stopped one of two potential runs in the top of the seventh inning, which helped seal the Saints’ 3-2 win.

Larcom draws some of his inspiration for stopping runners at the plate from watching the pros in the major leagues do it. – Matt Blumkin

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West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Grantsburg Webster St. Croix Falls Frederic Luck Unity

Conf.

4-0 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-1 0-1

Overall 6-0 1-1 1-3 1-1 0-2 0-3

Scores

Thursday, April 12 Grantsburg 13, Webster 3, (6 innings) St. Croix Falls at Unity, postponed (May 15) Friday, April 13 Frederic at St. Croix Falls, rescheduled (April 30) Webster at Luck, rescheduled (April 30) Saturday, April 14 New Richmond 10, Unity 0 Amery 8, Unity 5 Monday, April 16 Frederic 17, Clear Lake 8 Northwood 11, Luck 1 Grantsburg 19, St. Croix Falls 0 Tuesday, April 17 St. Croix Falls 11, Luck 3 Webster 14, Unity 3 Grantsburg 30, Frederic 0

Scores

Luck’s Harlan Opitz taking off for home plate against Prairie Farm on April 10. The Cards have continued to have success scoring runs, but they have dropped their last three games. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

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Thursday, April 12 Cameron 5, Chetek 4 Friday, April 13 St. Croix Falls 3, Turtle Lake-Clayton 2 Amery 15, Luck 11 Saturday, April 14 Spring Valley 6, St. Croix Falls 5 Elmwood 11, St. Croix Falls 8 Monday, April 16 Cameron 15, Luck 10 Prairie Farm 7, St. Croix Falls 0 Turtle Lake-Clayton 9, Shell Lake 2 Tuesday, April 17 Northwood 9, Luck 7

Coming Up

Thursday, April 19 St. Croix Falls at Shell Lake, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 20 St. Croix Falls at Luck, 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 21 St. Croix Falls at Amery, noon, 2:30 p.m.

Monday, April 23 Shell Lake at Luck, 5 p.m.

Northwood at St. Croix Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Coming Up

Thursday, April 19 Turtle Lake at Unity, 5 p.m.

Luck at Grantsburg, 5 p.m.

Webster at Frederic, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 20 Luck at Frederic, 4:30 p.m.

Grantsburg at Rush City, Minn., 5 p.m.

Monday, April 23 Shell Lake at Luck, 4:30 p.m.

Unity at Cumberland, 5 p.m.

Northwood at Webster, 5 p.m.

Chetek at St. Croix Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 24 Frederic at Unity, 5 p.m.

Luck at Webster, 4:30 p.m.

Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls, 4:30 p.m.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Thursday, April 19 Frederic Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster) Monday, April 23 Grantsburg Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Frederic, Luck, Webster) Tuesday, April 24 Chetek Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Unity) Clear Lake Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Luck)

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Thursday, April 19 Frederic Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster) Monday, April 23 Grantsburg Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Frederic, Luck, Webster) Tuesday, April 24 Chetek Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Unity) Clear Lake Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Luck)

BOYS GOLF Coming Up

Thursday, April 19 Voyager Village Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster) Friday, April 20 Frederic Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster) Tuesday, April 24 St. Croix Falls Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster)

www.the-leader.net

Lisa Muller of Unity took second in the 800-meter run at the Eagles’ home invite on April 17.

The Eagles finished first overall. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Golfers get green time Siren and Webster head to Dallas for their first meet

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West Lakeland Conference Standings

Cameron 15, Luck 10 Northwood 9, Luck 7

Amery 15, Luck 11 LUCK – Amery only needed one inning to beat the Cards on Saturday, April 14.

If they only played the fourth inning that is. The Warriors blasted the Cards

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Cards in midst of three-game skid

by Matt Blumkin CAMERON/MINONG – Luck continues to pile on the runs at a torrid pace, but fielding errors and walks also continue to plague the Cards.

“Offensively, we’re scoring a lot of runs,” said Cards coach Jay Clark. “It’s an error here and an error there and walk here and a walk there, and we’re in trouble.”

Such troubles dropped the Cards to 11 in the West Lakeland Conference with a 15-10 loss to Cameron, one of the contenders in the conference. The Cards did see some improvement in their pitching situation with Casey Hatten pitching six innings, however. They have been thin on the mound with Travis Pilz and Harry Severson doing most of the slinging.

The Cards had recovered from a 4-1 first-inning hole to pull within a run after two, 8-7. They took lead in the fifth on a run by Harlan Opitz when Hatten drove him in with a single.

Yet, the Comets crashed on the Cards’ rally in the sixth with a seven-run onslaught. That gave the Cards their second consecutive loss.

They dropped their third despite a seven-run effort at Northwood on April 17. Cody Richert and Mitchell Klatt each scored runs early for a 2-0 Cards lead. Yet, the Evergreens came up with six runs in the third and fourth to ink out a conference win.

That put the Cards at 1-2 in conference play. They have St. Croix Falls (2-2, 1-0) next at home on Friday, April 20.

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Deja vu for Washburn

by Matt Blumkin SEATTLE – Webster native Jarrod Washburn revisited shades of 2006 in his 2007 home debut.

He had little offensive support against the Texas Rangers on April 13, a problem that also plagued him often in an 8-14 2006 campaign. Only Raul Ibanez and Jose Lopez put runs on the board for the Mariners in their 5-2 loss to their division rivals.

DATE

TEAM

April 13 Rangers 2006 Mariners 2007 Mariners CAREER TOTALS

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0 8 0 83

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Washburn also had a 10-day layover before returning to the mound after snow and rain washed away his scheduled starts against Cleveland Jarrod Washburn and Boston. While he showed some signs of rust with three earned runs in six innings, he did fan four batters and walked only one. – with information from MLB.com

JARROD WASHBURN STATS: L ERA IP H 1 14 1 72

3.75 4.67 3.75 4.03

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6.0 187.0 12.0 1352.1

7 198 10 1330

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4 103 6 640

3 97 5 606

1 25 2 177

1 55 4 407

4 103 6 808

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APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

INTER- COUNTY LEADER

ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

A tribute to 33 years of service Polk County Conservation Congress chair, Bill Lind, ends 33-year run

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE — After serving 33 years with the Polk County Conservation Congress, county chair Bill Lind is stepping down. Lind announced the end of his long membership with conservation congress at the spring fish and wildlife rules hearing Monday, April 16.

There are currently three members of the Polk County Conservation Congress, not including the vice county chair and county chair.

Lind started out as a member of the congress in the early ‘70s, and landed the position of county chair, where he’s sat for roughly 25 years.

“I have not lost my interest, but I’m starting to lose the enthusiasm that I had,” said Lind on one of the many reasons he’s retiring from the congress.

“I’ve been representing the hunters and fishermen for many years now, and it’s time to spend as much time as I can hunting and fishing.”

Lind’s involvement with the congress first started in the early ‘70s, when he heard of a possible threat to Wisconsin’s

Bill Lind received a round of applause from the audience after the spring fish and wildlife hearings for his services with the Polk County Conservation Congress. - Photo by Marty Seeger bear hunting season. When the delegates of the congress told his hunting partners that there was nothing they could do, they formed a hunting association. At the spring hearing Lind was elected to the congress. But he soon learned that being a member of the congress involved more than just bear hunting issues.

“I realized early that you can’t go down there and represent one faction of hunters, because you’re representing all

of the sportsmen in your county,” Lind said.

Before retiring, Lind also served on the big game and bear committee, which he considered his two main loves and interests. But Lind is an all-around sportsman who grew up enjoying all aspects of the outdoors.

Lind was born in northern Minnesota and learned to hunt at an early age with his father. He carried a gun and hunted partridge at about the age of 9. He is hopeful that someday kids will be able to hunt at an earlier age, as he had done growing up. He says that getting youth involved with hunting at an earlier age will give them a more lasting involvement with the outdoors.

“Anytime you can get the youth involved in hunting, it’s extremely important. That’s the future in hunting.”

Since moving to Wisconsin more than 50 years ago, Lind and his wife of 48 years, Jan, have instilled a lasting tradition of hunting and fishing in their four children and their grandchildren. He says that Jan has been very supportive over the years, and shares similar interests. Since Jan’s father was a conservation warden, her love for the outdoors was equally as important at an early age.

In 33 years, Lind has only missed one state meeting and has seen his share of incidents. From hearings that lasted until midnight, to fielding questions from a crowd of 250 people about

mourning doves, Lind has heard it all.

“There have been some extremely contentious issues about the silliest stuff,” said Lind. But he also said that important issues have been resolved as well.

He recalled one moment when he spoke in front of a full congress to press the issue of having mandatory huntereducation courses.

“I thought it was important that everybody that enter the woods have some sort of hunter education training,” said Lind.

In front of a full conservation congress he presented his case and hoped that volunteers would support his thoughts on the issue. In the following year it was made mandatory for hunters to receive hunter education.

Lind says that that was one of his more memorable moments.

Lind still plans on attending many of the meetings in the area, especially the ones that he feels the most passionate about, but he understands the commitment it takes to stick with it.

“You’ve got to be extremely involved,” he said.

No matter what those time commitments are, however, every little bit helps. Lind encourages others to get involved and is confident that the congress is in good hands. The new Polk County congress includes new county chairman Wally Trudeau, vice county chairman Raymond Smith and members Marc Ince, Dave Hraychuck and

Bison to benefit Cystic Fibrosis

Jerod Buck of Luck shot his first Bison on Monday, April 9, with his Mathews Switchback XT on the Roger Thompson farm west of Frederic. The Kevin Ernst of Webster bagged animal weighed an estimated 1,300 pounds and was aged at about 3-1/2 21-pound gobbler on years old. Buck gets to keep the skull and hide. The purchase of the hunt this will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which is hosted annually by Ben, Wednesday, April 11. The turkey sported an 11-inch beard. - Photo Julie, Tanner and Kylie Buck. - Photo submitted

Paul “Turkey” Simonsen shot a huge gobbler on the morning of Friday, April 13. The bird weighed 24 pounds, 14 ounces and had an 11-1/4-inch beard and 1-1/4-inch spurs. This is Simonsen’s largest turkey to date. Photo submitted

Hunter education offered at Webster WEBSTER - There will be a hunter education class at the Fishbowl United Sportsman’s Club in Webster starting Thursday, May 3. The class dates are May 3-4, May 7-8 and May 10-11. Class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. each night.

Students must attend all six classes. Class size is limited. To register for the class call the Webster Ranger Station at 715-866-8201. - Submitted

The fishing opener is set to open on Saturday, May 5. Are you ready? Photo by Marty Seeger

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

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Adventures in food plots Last Friday evening was a perfect night to go out for a drive. The day had finally given way to some great weather, and there was no reason to be inside. After Marty stuck weighing my options, Seeger I decided to make the drive north to the wildlife food plot The seminar located at the Bottom Line new agronomy building at the Burnett Dairy Co-op.

After asking my wife a bit sarcastically if she wanted to join me, she surprisingly said yes. I wasn’t sure if she’d ever want to go, but since we’re relatively new to the area, there is always something to see along the many back roads on the way there.

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surprised at the number of people that decided to show up. I’m not good at guessing numbers, but there had to be at least 150 in attendance. It was clear to me then that there are a growing number of people in the area that are seriously considering a food plot on their property.

Since I wasn’t able to stay for the entire presentation, I made use of my time by listening closely to the information presented by Rod Elwanger on maintaining a food plot. Elwanger is a contributing writer to the Badger Sportsman, as well as the vice president of sales for the Deer Creek Seed Company. He had some good ideas about starting a plot of your own, and mentioned various ways it can be done, while keeping a budget in mind.

After the first session it was clear that putting in a food plot could be relatively simple, or highly complex. I was hoping to hear him say that planting a food plot in the spring was the best way to go, but it soon became obvious that I was better off planting in the fall.

Since the property I hunt was recent-

track...

Turkey hunters who wish to buy an extra tag or tags for turkey huntng this year still have time. According to the DNR, there are approximately 6,000 harvest permits still available. Tags may be purchased online or over the counter.

The DNR Web site states that turkey tags for zone 37 have already been sold as well as zones 38 and 34. The closest areas that have permits available are zones 39 and 42, located in north-central Wisconsin.

For those of you still waiting for your turkey season to arrive, you might want to bring your video camera along to film all of the action. Last Saturday was a memorable moment for me and my two friends as we completed our first filmed hunt. Last year we tried the same thing, and although it didn’t turn out as we had hoped, we still managed to get a lot of laughs out of it.

In last week’s Leader an error was printed in the Outdoors section. Kyle Simonsen is the son of Paul and Kim Simonsen, not Kathy. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. -– Marty Seeger

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ly logged off, it made sense to hold off until the rejuvenation of the new forest could take hold. Once the new growth shows up late in the summer, it was suggested that I spray it with a form of Roundup before going through with the process of planting.

Once this was finished. it was time to get some soil tests, pick the seed, find the equipment to plant, decide where to plant, spread lime if needed, till the ground, plant the seed, watch it grow (if it grows) and mow it every couple of weeks. Of course, before all of this I’ll need to remove the clutter leftover from the logging process.

I leaned over to my wife and whispered that it was going to be a lot tougher than I thought, while she implied that the whole process was really quite simple. As the sweat beads started to form at the thought of all the work that goes on in creating a food plot, it suddenly felt as if this wasn’t such a good idea. But then I started to think about all the excuses I could have for going out into the woods. Sure, mid-to-late summer is not always the most pleasant time to be out in the

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woods, but it would be worth the trouble.

Once the first half of the seminar was over, I talked to one of the representatives from the Whitetail Institute. In late summer, he plants food plots for people who request his services, and loves doing it. This is not his full-time job, but he said that it was one of the most rewarding things he does.

After asking him where to start, what to plant and when; the whole process was a little more simplified.

And since much of the equipment can be rented on a day-to-day basis, I could suddenly picture myself planting fields of green as far as the eye could see, even though you can generally see the end of the property from any vantage point.

With a stack of free literature in hand, my wife and I left the seminar, with me feeling confident that a food plot is feasible and her feeling a little bored, but glad to have made the trip.

Come late summer, she might not feel the same way.

The gobbler on the right was taken last weekend, on Saturday morning, by Josh Miller of Prairie Farm with assistance from friends Marty Seeger and Neil Bygd. The bird weighed 20 pounds and had a 10-inch beard. Last weekend birds seemed to be henned-up early in the morning, but after moving to a different location, it was clear that toms could be found in bachelor groups. This one happended to come in with five other birds including one jake. In the next week or so, birds will most likely be separated in search of lone hens. Photo by Marty Seeger

Wolf attack sparks safety concerns LINCOLN COUNTY - A wolf attack in Lincoln County has reignited the debate over the growing number of the animals in the northwoods.

Scott Daniecke was walking his dogs in the Lincoln County forest near Otter Lake, when two wolves attacked one of the dogs, killing it.The dog may have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Adrien Wydeven is in charge of the Department of Natural Resources’ wolf management program.

He suspects that Daniecke walked his

dogs too close to a wolf den, and it probably would have been at a time the pups would have just been born. He suspects that pair of wolves is going to be very protective of their pups.

The attack is generating local concern because it occurred near a swimming lake and campground that are popular summer destinations.

However, Wydeven notes that the area is surrounded by undeveloped woodlands.

He says it’s fairly wild country, the sort of place wolves would inhabit. He

says he doesn’t think wolves are coming into the campground on any regular basis, and if there were any evidence of that, the DNR would control the local wolves.

For Daenicke, controlling local wolves isn’t enough. He wants to see the total wolf population reduced. He says on any public land in the northern third of the state, one cannot take a walk with their animals without a chance of it happening.

The DNR has been given more con-

trol over problem wolves now that the animals have been delisted by the federal government, and the agency will post a notification warning visitors to Lincoln County about this attack near Otter Lake. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Glen Moberg)

Lake, stream construction permits protect water quality, wildlife PARK FALLS – Anyone thinking of starting construction projects in or near Wisconsin lakes, streams or wetlands can find out if a project or activity requires a permit to protect water, wildlife and scenery by calling the local Department of Natural Resources water management specialist or by visiting the agency’s Web site.

“We are ready to assist any contractor or landowner with ensuring that their construction project meets all the necessary legal requirements and safeguards the natural features that brought them to the lake, river or wetland in the first place,” says Dan Houston, DNR’s Northern Region water program expert.

In addition to protecting Wisconsin’s waters, the permit review process can make projects easier and less expensive and in some cases, result in a project

design and location that doesn’t require a permit.

Placing culverts, shoreline grading, filling in wetlands, pond construction and road (trail) maintenance or construction through wetlands or across waterways are small projects done by hundreds of people each year. The cumulative impact of each lake, stream and wetland project can hurt fish reproduction, eliminate native bird, turtle, frog and plant species, harm water quality and diminish the environment’s natural beauty, Houston says.

To avoid such impacts, permits are required for most construction projects in or near a waterway or wetland from DNR and the local zoning office. A permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may also be required.

Few people intend to harm lakes and

streams with their activities, but inadvertent damage can be very costly to fix after the fact, Houston says. Failure to get the proper permit incurs fines that vary according to the activity, and may require the property owner to remove the project, or restore the damaged area.

The best way to ensure that the home or landscape of your dreams can be achieved is to purchase the right piece of land. “Because water is a powerful force on the landscape, fundamentally changing its behavior is expensive, often unsuccessful and frequently has harmful side effects on water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and other natural features,” Houston says.

When looking at a piece of property, use the DNR Web site at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/wate r/fhp/waterway/index.htm to locate

lakes, streams and wetlands on the parcel and learn whether you are likely to be able to develop a property as you initially envision.

Wisconsin law protects water quality, fish and aquatic life habitat, natural scenic beauty and the public’s ability to use waterways for fishing, swimming and recreation. The law recognizes that lakeshore owners have reasonable use of their shorelines, however, private rights must be balanced with and are subordinate to the public rights. The latter rights ensure the waterway’s resources will be protected and maintained for generations to come. – from the DNR

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Commission recommends rezoning lands

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The plan commission for St. Croix Falls held a public hearing regarding consideration of rezoning city owned and other lands as recreational use.

Mayor Brad Foss stated that the city survey showed 82 percent of the residents approved more green space development.

The lands include Simonwoods, outlots of Chinander Rock, Ice Age Trail, Hwy. 87 (lands from tax forfeiture), city property west of Day Road, retention pond of Fox Hills Estates, Tower Road Park, Maple Drive bluff land, Skateboard Park, White Pine Park, Croixwood outlots, city property on Roosevelt and Vincent street addition, wastewater treatment plant, outlot of Male Drive and Lincoln Street (city owned property).

The city has been notified that a change in state statutes no longer allow a municipality to collect park and recreation fees in lieu of green space or parkland dedication.

The city will still capture a certain percentage of dollars for park and recreation that will be collected through impact fees. The city will collect impact fees from future developers to offset the cost of new development and the additional services it will be required to provide to additional development without putting the impact of providing those services on existing residents.

Commissioner Donald Puffer questioned the recreation zoning as far as the city’s liability when it comes to someone walking a trail in one of the properties and getting injured. City clerk Bonita Leggitt said that she checked it out, and as long as the property is recreational, the city is immune from liability so long as the use of the property is recreational.

The public hearing had several discussions about which properties specifically were included and one land owner, Bruce Jensen, requested one city lot be exempt from the zoning consideration because their property is several lots along Hwy. 87, and that city lot goes in between two of their lots at the end of

The Pledge of Allegiance

by Senator John McCain As you may know, I spent 5-1/2 years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971, the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.

This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home.

One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian. Mike came from a small town near Selma, Ala. He didn’t wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old and at 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He later earned a commission by going to officer training school, where he became a naval flight officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provided for people who want to work and want to succeed.

As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.

Mike got himself a bamboo needle and over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt. Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike’s shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.

I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our

day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.

One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike’s shirt with the flag sewn inside and removed it.

That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours, and then they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could. The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.

As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.

So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor and our country. – submitted

their continuous properties. The land owners requested to swap the city lot in for theirs to continue their property in one full section and not have the city lot in the middle. The property the city owns is lock-on property and therefore the city would have to request the DNR to consider allowing the exchange because it is deed restricted. It was noted that would be a difficult request to get approved. The plan commission exempted the lot from the consideration of rezoning the properties, will work on the land swap request and forwarded

the recommendation to rezone for council consideration.

Update City administrator Ed Emerson noted that he met with Jensen following the plan commission meeting and the city will grant Jensen a land access easement so that he is permitted to access his property by going through the city property. This eliminates the need to pursue a land swap.

Rocky Mountain Choir and Orchestra to perform OSCEOLA – The 65-member Rocky Mountain College Choir and Orchestra, from Calgary AB, under the direction of Henric Ideström, will minister in concert at the new Hope Evangelical Free Church in Osceola, 933 248th Street, one mile north of Osceola, on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Their inspirational music incorporates a variety of musical

styles, ranging from classical and sacred to spirituals and contemporary Christian works. Admission to the concert is free, but an offering will be received to help support the Rocky Mountain College Choir and Orchestra ministry. Everyone is invited! – submitted

Flagpole donation

Lindus Construction recently donated a flagpole to the Georgetown Town Hall. Kevin Lindus, owner of Lindus Construction, of Baldwin, is shown above with Jeff Traynor, owner of Lake Services Unlimited of Balsam Lake, which donated all the landscaping materials and Ron Ogren, town chairman, along with members of the American Legion. Landscaping labor was donated

by Jeff Trayor and his family. - submitted

Ecumenical choir to present Easter cantata BALSAM LAKE - “Who Is This King?

Royal Servant, Rejected Friend, Risen Christ!” a cantata for Easter, by Lloyd Larson and Joseph M. Martin, will be presented by the Ecumenical choir Sunday, April 22, at 7 p.m., at East Balsam Baptist Church, three miles east of Balsam Lake on CTH I. The cantata consists of well-known and readily recognized Lenten and Easter hymns together with new pieces

by Larson and Martin. The choral music

with organ and piano accompaniment is interspersed with scriptural dialogue.

The hymn selections included John Stainer’s “God So Loved the World,” “The King of Glory” and “All Creatures of Our God and King,” along with title hymn “Who Is This King?”

The choir is composed of over 50 voices representing 12 area churches.

Brenda Mayer is choir director.

A social will follow in the church narthex. – submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

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Fire fighting S.E.A.T. in Burnett County throughout fire season

At the airport are these big tubs of water called pumpkins. The water is pumped into the mixing tanks on the trailer and a Thermo-Gel mix and blue dye is added to the water. This a the newest hightech way to fight fires. – Photo by Sherill Summer

This is an 802 Air Tracker S.E.A.T., single-engine air tanker, that will be at the Burnett County airport in Siren throughout the fire season. The plane comes to Burnett County all the way from Cooperstown, N.D., and can hold 800 gallons of fire retardant that can be used to fight fires from the air. – Photo by Sherill Summer

Driver survives wild ride

Shannon M. Dugger, 27, Siren, was the driver of this vehicle in the ditch along Hwy. 70 between Falun and Alpha Friday, April 13. The van was found with a broken windshield, and the passenger side, front end and undercarriage were all damaged as well. The van had temporary plates. Before driving into the ditch, Dugger had hit three mailboxes along Hwy. 70 near the village of Siren. One witness estimated Dugger was going 70 mph when she hit at least one of the mailboxes, and there were other calls to the sheriff’s department describing Dugger’s dangerous lane deviations. Earlier in the day, an ambulance was sent to check on her. – Photo from Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

DNR creates dossier of Wisconsin bats MADISON - Researchers from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are beginning to develop a library of ultrasonic bat calls.

David Redell is a bat ecologist with the DNR. He says that the library will eventually make it possible to identify and monitor different bat species across the state. He says it’s not necessarily as easy as separating a chickadee from a cardinal just by its sound. In general, different species have different frequencies and shapes to their call when one looks at the sonogram.

Redell says hundreds of thousands of bats will leave their hibernation sites by the end of this month, and researchers know very little about where the bats go from there. The DNR hopes to address this lack of knowledge by inviting bat enthusiasts to assist them in tracking the movement of the elusive creatures.

DNR researchers are also developing plans to observe bats at hibernation sites and install rice-sized tracking devices under their skin. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Mike Ewing)

Follow the Leader

Speaking out/from page 1 become more aware of this problem as well as learn ways that they can help prevent suicide."

Pardun, who takes part in a work study program and has three jobs, found the Yellow Ribbon Project based in Colorado as she surfed the Internet.

“A lot of my family members can't talk about it (suicide),” she said. “There are no resources or support groups here.

I'd like to see support groups for suicide survivors.”

When people tell friends about suicidal feelings it is not a ploy for attention, she noted, and any mention of suicide should be taken seriously.

“It's not that people are crazy and it's not that people are selfish,” Pardun said about why people are driven to kill themselves. “They just hit rock bottom.”

School issues drove Pardun to depression. “I just felt alone, like I didn't have friends and no one cared about me and that no one would miss me if I was gone,” she said.

Other students become depressed because they are teased by peers, or for some, a death in a family triggers depression.

Pardun herself experienced judgement and teasing following her suicide attempt. She attended night school for the following year to avoid facing that kind of reaction.

“My mom and grandma were there for me, and I had friends that stuck by me and didn't judge me,” she said.

Adults don't realize the extent of depression among teenagers, Pardun said.

“A lot of kids are depressed and don't want to tell people. They don't want to be judged. A lot of people judged me.”

Pardun urges parents to talk with their kids more often, “just in general.”

“A lot of parents say 'our teenager doesn't like us,' but they should talk to them anyway,” she said.

“A lot of kids stay home and play video games,” said the former Miss Luck princess. “They need to get out and get into social activities.”

Pardun also advises teenagers that running away from home is not the answer.

“I was stuck on the idea that if I left home I'd be better, but it would have been worse,” she said.

Pardun said she sees many teenagers with family problems, and she doesn't want them to give up.

She'd love to speak at schools in the county, to prompt adults and teenagers in school to talk about the often taboo subject.

“We need to urge kids to talk to someone,” she said.

Pardun gained confidence to speak publicly about suicide after she became a Miss Luck princess.

“I met people from other towns, and it gave me courage and a lot more confidence to do stuff in my life.”

Once she graduates in May, Pardun plans to attend cosmetology school in the Twin Cities. She also plans to study criminal justice, following in the footsteps of her father, who was a policeman.

Anyone wishing to take part in the walk needs only to be at the Luck School at 9 a.m. For more information, call Pardun at 715-554-2241.

For more information about suicide prevention, go to www.thegiftof keith.org or www.yellowribbon.org.

Coping skills for teenagers • Spend time with family and friends.

• Get involved with after-school activities.

• Volunteer - you have a lot to offer.

• Think and plan your future.

• Try to be open with your feelings.

• Read books and subjects that uplift you.

• Laugh. Keep your sense of humor!

• Consider the importance of spirituality in your life.

• Eat right! Chocolate is good!

Exercise regularly.

• Do not tolerate physical, emotional or sexual abuse from anyone.

• Seek help if you feel overwhelmed or troubled.

- From Yellow Ribbon Project

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

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Two lease prospects on the table

Citizens vow to raise money, want golf in 2007

by Gregg Westigard GRANTSBURG – A special meeting of the Grantsburg Village Board last Friday morning, April 13, drew one of the largest crowds yet as the village continued to look at options for the Grantsburg golf course. The session was called to meet with Clarence Allen and discuss his interest in leasing the golf course. The meeting ended with a backup offer to lease the course and a pledge by some of those present to start raising money for golf course improvements.

The council will meet again this Friday morning, April 20, to continue the discussion.

The backup offer to lease the course came from council member Dean Tyberg. He put a dollar on the table and said he would keep the course running if Allen’s offer was withdrawn. The money-raising interest came from people at the meeting who responded to a grant offer for golf course improvements made in January.

Village President Mark Dahlberg asked those present to set up two committees to see that the discussions move forward. The first would help Allen with his offer to lease the course. The second would start raising money for long-term improvements for the course, including a new irrigation system. The meeting this coming Friday would include a response to the calls.

The nine-hole Grantsburg golf course is at a critical point. The village council has said that it will no longer use tax dollars to cover operating losses for the course and will only continue to keep the course open under a lease agreement. The village has also reassigned or laid off the employees who operated the course. In addition, the Burnett Medical Center is starting a construction project this week that will divide the course in half.

Two pots of money are available for the course. First, the medical center is providing $50,000 for rebuilding the holes disrupted by the construction project and other improvements.

Second, the Farmers Independent Telephone Company has offered a grant of $25,000 for course renovations. That

There was a standing-room-only crowd at the special village board meeting Friday as the council discussed lease options for the Grantsburg golf course.

With the future of the course at stake, many residents expressed an interest in keeping it open. – Photo by Gregg Westigard

Clarence Allen is interested in leasing the nine-hole course. He came to the council meeting to discuss details about the operation.

A last look at the golf course before construction starts on the Burnett Medical Center expansion. Most of the land in the photo, past the two pine trees, will be the site of the enlarged clinic and parking space. The property is owned by BMC, which allowed the golf course to use the land. There will be a passage near the highway to connect the two parts of the course.

money must be matched by $50,000 in public funds, which would not include the BMC money, and can not be used to cover operating losses.

The village is offering to lease the course for a dollar a year for three years with the lessee paying the village 1.5 percent of the gross profits. The person leasing the course would do marketing and hire the staff to run the course.

Besides the potential for more income with promotion, the operating costs could be less if employees were not paid village wages and benefits.

The discussion “The board has not been with the golf course for the last five years,” Jeanne Juleen, a former seasonal employee at the course, said at the start of the comment period. “The board has done most of the damage to the golf course. You people are businessmen. You have done nothing to market the course. None of you show your faces at the course.”

“I live outside the village,” Dave Huff said. “I don’t want the residents to subsidize my golf. But people spend money in Grantsburg when they come to play the course. A loss will be felt if the course closes. The impact will be great.

I suggest we start a committee to raise the money for the matching grant.

People expected that something would be done. We are down to the last hour and people are nervous. This is a special course. It will make money someday if we support it now.”

Stan Peer noted that the lessee would have the membership revenue to work with as up-front money. Dean Tyberg said that there is growth in the community and the future prospects are good but the village should not run the course. Pat Kutz said the village should do everything possible to help the person leasing the course.

“The village has spent $50,000 to cover golf course losses out of a total of $350,000 in total tax dollars,” Mark Dahlberg said. “We can’t do that anymore. Leasing can work. It has in other places. Come up with the committees and we can move forward.”

www.the-leader.net

Luck grad helps out in Louisiana Erik Hall of Luck (shown standing second from left, back row) took part in Ole Spring Relief in New Orleans over spring break. Some 150 student volunteers from St. Olaf College, including Hall, spent spring break in New Orleans and nearby Slidell, La., working to help local residents and businessowners restore their properties. Over the course of a week, volunteers mucked out and gutted homes that were largely untouched since the 2005 hurricane (including one with dishes still on the dinner table), cleared rubble and damaged office equipment from an office building, and distributed free groceries.

“Last year’s Ole Spring Relief and this year’s Ole Spring Relief II have been the most fulfilling activities I’ve participated in at St. Olaf,” said Tony Olson, one of the student organizers.

“We returned with our hearts touched and a greater understanding of just how good we have it.” – with photo/information from St. Olaf

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Routine but busy

Webster school board deals with full agenda

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - It was a “nuts and bolts” kind of meeting for the Webster Board of Education Monday evening. There was no one special item in the long agenda, just the routine that all boards must address.

Parent Lore Quinn began the evening by connecting Monday’s meeting with the board meeting in March. At that meeting parents and community members had gathered to share some of their concerns with board members and administrators.

Quinn began with compliments for the board for the good job it was doing.

She then indicated that persons who attended the March meeting wished sincerely to work with the board and its committees to address the matters raised at the previous meeting.

Board President Keith Roberts said the board would seriously consider the offer for cooperative endeavors. He indicated that several processes were already under way, but that no definite timeline for action had evolved yet.

Student activities formed another focal point in the meeting. The eighthgrade science class and the business club both made presentations relating to

H E A D L I N E S

Posters depicting famous scientists formed part of a presentation by members of Greg Norman’s eighthgrade science class at Monday’s meeting of the Webster Board of Education. Norman explained that the posters were part of an assignment in which the students had to identify a famous scientist, do research about the scientist and her or his accomplishments, and then create a poster depicting what they had learned. In the picture Kayla Duclon talks about her poster on Maria Mitchell, the first woman to discover a comet. Other students with Kayla are Mason Kriegel (mostly hidden behind Kayla), Croix Swanson and Bret Sjoholm to Kayla’s right. - Photo by Carl Heidel their recent activities. The science class displayed the posters they had made depicting famous scientists, and the business club reported on their trip to Minneapolis.

Another student trip came to the board’s attention. The softball team presented a request for board approval for the girls high school softball team to attend the State Softball Tournament in Madison June 7-9. The board granted the approval whether the girls go as

contenders or as observers.

Keith Elliott and Kitty Holmquist took the oath of office as newly elected board members. Elliott was re-elected to the board, and Holmquist is new to the board.

Student Avery Rae Pierce had submitted a request for Youth Options so that she could continue her studies at UW River Falls. She plans to be a veterinarian. High school Principal Tim Widiker told the board he was impressed with

the request materials Pierce had gathered, and the board granted the request.

In a structural matter, the board voted to reduce teaching staff at the fourthgrade level from three to two teachers since the incoming class will only have about 45 students. Superintendent Jim Erickson said that no layoffs would be associated with this reduction since one of the fourth-grade teachers could be shifted into other teacher openings in the district.

Personnel items rounded out the agenda. The board: • accepted Greg Norman’s resignation as girls high school hockey head coach; • approved Greg Sears as high school varsity baseball coach and Rita Bishop as junior high track coach; • approved volunteer coaches Deanna Krause and Douglas Quenzer (track), Harm Weber (golf), and David Hatch (football); • appointed Tim Widiker as new athletic director to replace Jeff Roberts; • and accepted Jeff Roberts’ bid for lawn mowing.

Vigils to shine light on child abuse crisis in Polk County

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - Children are suffering. That’s the message Polk County’s CARING. Committee is trying to communicate to area residents.

To bring more awareness to the number of child abuse cases in the county, the committee has organized candlelight vigils on Wednesday, April 25, for each of the county’s school districts.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., vigils will be held in Amery, Clayton, Clear Lake, Frederic, Luck, Osceola, St. Croix Falls and Balsam Lake. All vigils will end at 7:30 p.m.

Statistics show that abused and neglected children are more likely to suffer from depression, self-injury, alcoholism, drug abuse and severe obesity.

In Polk County, there were 1,198 reported cases of abuse and neglect in 2005, or one report every 96 minutes.

In 2006, there were 953 reported cases of child abuse and neglect in the county.

Polk County’s Child Protection Services responded to those calls with 262 investigations and 142 offers of services with 2.5 service investigators.

Fifty percent of those cases were substantiated abuse or neglect, and about 60 percent of the substantiated cases

were sexual abuse of a child.

The CARING Committee (Child Referral Interagency Advocacy Networking Group) aims to raise awareness of the problem countywide.

Gail Peavey of Polk County Extension, said the committee wants to encouarge parents to seek help with the difficult job of parenting. It also strives to build awareness and community support, and to strengthen families.

In St. Croix Falls, the vigil begins at the St. Croix Falls Middle School parking lot, where name tags and candles will be distributed. A walk to the school track and ringing of bells will follow. At 7 to 7:15 p.m., Kay Confer, Polk County Child Protection Supervisor, will speak.

For more information, call SCF schools at 483-9823 or Roberta Carlson at 4858400.

In Balsam Lake, walkers will meet at the Polk County Government Center and will walk to Pine Park for a presentation and ringing of bells. For more information, call Gail Peavey at 4858600.

In Osceola, walkers will meet at the Osceola Elementary School and carry candles to Mill Pond Park. For more information, call Betsy Byker at 684-

4440.

Amery vigil walkers will meet at Soo Line Park and walk to Michael Park and the Fishman Pavilion, where Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore will speak.

For more information, call Lisa Bensen at 268-9771 ext. 264.

Frederic vigil walkers are asked to meet at Coon Lake Park. For more information, call Sue Sopiwnik at 485-9512 ext. 108.

For information on Clayton and Clear Lake vigils, call Kim Henningsgard at 485-9512 ext. 112.

Ways to Prevent Child Abuse • Help a friend, neighbor or relative Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand. Take care of children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

• Help yourself When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

• If your baby cries….

It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby. Shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.

• Get involved Ask your community leaders, clergy,

library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

• Help develop parenting resources at your local library • Promote programs in school Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help keep children safe.

• Report suspected abuse or neglect If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department.

(Information courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse America, www.preventchildabuse.org.)

Intervention, education keys to fighting child abuse says expert

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - If you see a parent screaming and manhandling a child in public, what should you do?

A workshop on how to “intervene with grace” helped professionals discuss that issue last week in Polk County.

Joan Sprain, the former director of Family Support Services, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, suggested ways to offer positive support to stressed parents.

“There’s a feeling out there that people are waiting to try to take kids from their parents,” she noted. That perception has to be changed, she said.

Child protection workers, police, a psychologist, school counselors, a physician, staff from human services, Kinship and other participants discussed how to intervene successfully.

They also discussed ways that that our culture works against intervention and works against asking for help.

“People need to say it’s alright to intervene,” Sprain said. “We have to say it’s OK to get stressed out. There is the mindset that parents have to have it all together all the time.”

Workshop participants agreed, noting that our culture has to make it more acceptable to ask for help.

Parent education resources would also help, Sprain said. “That’s where Minnesota is ahead of us, with state funding for Early Childhood and Family Education.”

Sprain suggested ways to intervene with grace in public places.

“First you have to prepare yourself.

You have to be in the right frame of mind. And you have to be nonjudgmen-

tal.”

Participants suggested several ways to intervene if you witness a stressedout parent.

• Smile, normalize it, saying something like, “Gee, I remember those days.”

• Get closer to the parent. Offer help, saying, “looks like you’re stressed out.

Can I help?”

• Offer an objective, distracting comment. For example, in the grocery store: “Oh gosh, you have that? Is it on sale?”

An objective comment would be less intrusive and may de-escalate the situation.

• Smile and say something positive • Assure parents When an adult becomes physical, let the adult vent, talk to the child, and call security if needed.

“It doesn’t sound like rocket science,” Sprain said. “We just need the courage to intervene.”

“We need to map a strategy of education or the community and the general public for the support of families,” Sprain said. “It’s not an easy task, especially if people are living in poverty and have other issues.”

There are simple ways for businesses and organizations to help: making the place child-friendly, providing things for children to do, keeping Cheerios® on hand, and developing a plan for “out of control” parents, for instance.

Sprain stressed having empathy for families and parents.

“Parenting is a tough job,” she said.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Population and economic trends in Burnett County

County has more people moving into the county than births

SIREN – The Burnett County Development Association held its April meeting at the Pour House in Siren, April 4.

Jerry Hembd from the Northern Center for Community and Economic Development gave a presentation on economic development trends in Burnett County. Many of the statistics are not surprising to those who know the county. Some of the statistics presented are as follows.

• Burnett County has 868 more residents than it did in 2000. This increase was from people moving into the county, since the number of deaths since 2000 outnumber births by 200. Even with all of the new residents in the county, the population density of 20 residents per square mile is less than 52 or the state’s 72 counties.

• Because the county is growing from people moving into the county rather than from births, the county is getting older. The median age in 2005 was 44.5 years old, up from 39.2 years old in 1990, seventhhighest median age among Wisconsin’s counties. In fact, one-fifth of the population is 65 years or more, the third-highest concentration among the state’s 72 counties.

• The portion population in Burnett County 16 years and older, and either working or looking for work is 63 percent, among the lowest rates in Wisconsin. One reason for this low rate is that only 35 percent of the population aged 60-64 years is currently in the labor force compared to 51 percent of that age group statewide.

• There are more jobs in Burnett County than before, 285 more jobs in 2005 than 2001, to be exact. St Croix Tribal Council is the county’s largest employer.

The 285 more jobs take into account seasonal work.

Typically employers in Burnett County hire 500 work-

ers from March through June.

• The 2005 annual average wage in Burnett County of $25,750 is only 72.5 percent of the annual average state wage of $35,503. It is not all bad news for Burnett County workers, however. The annual average wage of the leisure and hospitality industry is higher than the state average by $3,447. Workers in manufacturing earn the highest annual average wage in the county at $34,701. Manufacturing, however, did loose 10 jobs from 2004 to 2005.

• Wages are only a portion of total personal income in Burnett County. In fact, wages comprise of only 60 percent of it, well below the state and national average of 70 percent. Although the total personal income is increasing faster in Burnett County than the state or nation, Burnett County’s per capita personal income still ranks 59th among Wisconsin’s 72 counties. – by Sherill Summer with statistics gathered by Beverly Gehrke and presented by Jerry Hembd

Wayne’s Wonders brings home community wellness trophy WEBSTER – Wayne’s Wonders brought home the trophy and a cash prize for losing the most pounds and inches after working out for eight weeks in this year’s community wellness team competition. Sylvia Paulus, who took the trophy from Janet Swanson, of Curves, had the best overall individual results.

Also placing in the competition were the team from Earth Energy in second place, and the team from Great Lakes Cheese in third.

The four best individual results were from Sylvia Paulus, Carol Doriott, Linda Pavelka and Yvonne Harrington. - Sherill Summer

Mark Swanson (husband of Janet), Janet Swanson, Rita Gerlach, Sylvia Paulus, Connie Peoples, Amanda Lokker, Brenda Bentley and Chanda Elliott. Elliott is representing Wayne’s Foods Plus, and was not on the team.- photo submitted

Nuto Dixieland Band to perform at Big Band Night fund-raiser To benefit Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County

SIREN – Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County will hold a fundraising event on Friday, May 11, at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren.

A social hour, with cash bar, will start the evening off at 5:30. Then from 6:00 to 7:00 a buffet diner will be served. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. the Nuto Dixieland Band will play music from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s for listening and dancing. The six men in the band have been together for many years, some as far back as the ‘50s. They play Tommy Dorsey type Big Band music.

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $25 per person, and must be ordered by May 3. If you want to come just for the music and dancing, the cost is $10 per person. You can get tickets for the music portion of the evening at the door, but advanced orders would be appreciated. To order tickets call 715-8664970, 715-349-5168, 715-866-4878 or 715-259-7876.

Interfaith Caregivers is a nonprofit community service organization. – submitted

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Cover the Uninsured Week is April 23-29 BURNETT COUNTY – Health insurance is one of the most important and most misunderstood subjects any of us faces in everyday life. In its simplest form, the concept of health insurance is based on mutual need: the need of individuals to pay for their medical services, and the need of health care providers to have a secure source of income.

The uninsured don’t fit any stereotype. They come from every community, every walk of life, every race and eth-

nic group and every income level.

People who have coverage can’t necessarily count on keeping it.

Not having coverage can be dangerous to your health, according to the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. People without health insurance often go without care or delay care. An estimated 18,000 adults die each year because they are uninsured and can’t get appropriate health care.

In Wisconsin, 9.8 percent of the popu-

Grantsburg Forensics compete at state

lation does not have health insurance, and 6.4 percent of Wisconsin’s children are uninsured. The growth in health insurance costs and the rise in out-ofpocket medical expenses continue to have a tremendous impact on individual coverage decisions. Over half of the uninsured adults report that the cost of insurance is the principle reason they are uninsured.

If you would like to find out if you are eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid or the

All businesses are open during reconstruction SIREN – All of the businesses on Siren’s Main Street are open and easy to get to now that the Main Street reconstruction project has started. Red and white signs are set out to indicate temporary parking locations. Those signs will be used during construction to show how to get to businesses once curb and gutter and sidewalk construction starts.

The old asphalt street surface has been pulverized into gravel. Most sections will be open for traffic and parking for

Twelve students participated in the state forensics meet in Madison on Saturday, April 14. Results are as follows: Gold medals winners: Play ActingTracey Nordrum, Lenora Benge-Briggs, David Faulhaber, Josh Meyer and Mitchell Evenson. Demonstration Speech-Kari Christianson. Four-Minute Speech-Rebecca Olson.

Silver medal winners: Group Interp-Justine Diffee, Jennifer Lisiecki Lauren Stavne. Storytelling - Charlie Falk. Solo Acting - Lydia Benge-Briggs. – Photo submitted

other programs that are offered, please call the Burnett County Department of Health and Human Services at 715-3497600 or 1-877-KIDS-NOW. If you would like additional information on Cover the Uninsured Week, you can go to www.covertheuninsured.org. – from Burnett County Dept. of Health and Social Services

the next two weeks. The exception is where hydrant, water service and storm-sewer construction is taking place. Sidewalks and curb and gutter work will start after that.

At some point in time, the intersection of Main Street and Hwy. 35/70 will be closed. The other street intersections will be open, depending on where the crew is working.

For more information, call the Siren Village Hall at 715-349-2273. – Information submitted

Kerry Lafabor (L), foreman on Siren’s Main Street project, came up the street Monday, April 16, to talk a bit with village administrator/engineer Randy Surbaugh who was out about noon watching the work progress. The equipment in the background was spreading dirt on the roadway which will then be covered with gravel. The project, which is to be substantially completed by the end of June, includes replacement of several fire hydrants and work on the water service along the street. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Library recognizes volunteers

Friends of the Library, Webster Community Library’s volunteer group, honored all of the library’s volunteers with a brunch Tuesday, April 17. Two of the volunteers received special recognition. Library Director Maxine Peterson (R) presented Mary Huot (C) and Mary Poretti (L) with certificates of appreciation and flowers for their service to the library. Peterson commented that both women had been instrumental in the creation and development of the library, and that both had given years of faithful service to the library. - Photo

by Carl Heidel

Subscribe online @www.the-leader.net

Main Street, Siren, will be under construction for the rest of April, May and June. The work started Monday, April 16. Signs will be put out to indicate where driving and walking are allowed. Temporary parking has been provided next to the post office and at the corner of First Avenue. Businesses along Main Street are prepared for backdoor entrance to their buildings.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Amery man charged with sexual assault of two girls

POLK COUNTY - A 44-year-old Amery man has been charged in Polk County with two counts of first-degree sexual assault of two girls, ages 12 and 6.

Steven George Hart is accused of sexually assaulting the girls on several occasions over a period of one year.

The felony charges filed last week against Hart carry a maximum penalty of up to 60 years in prison.

In an interview of the children, conducted by the Polk County Child Protection Agency, and observed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, the two girls said that the first alleged inci-

DE FOREST - The biggest biodiesel production plant in Wisconsin began production last week. The Sanimax plant in De Forest is Wisconsin’s first large-scale biodiesel plant.

The factory is making biodiesel out of

used restaurant cooking oil, but the growth of biodiesel and ethanol are creating opportunities for corn and soybean growers in the Midwest. Bob Olson is director of the Wisconsin Corn Growers’ Association. He says his mem-

dent took place one year ago, and the last incident occurred last month.

They told authorities that Hart instructed them to undress in the basement of his Amery home and then told them to do sexual acts.

At press time, Hart was being held on a $25,000 signature bond that required

Biodiesel big business in Wisconsin

bers keep producing more corn and need to find new markets. He says they think ethanol and biodiesel are excellent for that.

Construction is under way in Evansville on a plant that will overtake

$2,500 in cash for jail release.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 30, at 9:30 a.m. in Branch 2 of Polk County Circuit Court.

Bond conditions do not allow Hart to have contact with the victims or any male or female children under the age of 18. – Julie Holmquist

the De Forest facility as Wisconsin’s biggest. Olson says several other smaller biodiesel plants are springing up around Wisconsin. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Terry Bell)

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents April 6, 4:32 p.m., Alden Twp., Hwy. 65, .25 mi. N. of 28th Avenue; BRITTANY A LUND, 16, New Richmond, was southbound on Hwy. 65. The driver stated she was traveling at approximately 70 mph through a series of small hills. The vehicle crested a hill and the rear tires left the roadway. The front end of the vehicle dug into gravel on the right shoulder, rolled two to three times and came to rest on its roof approximately 120 meters from the crest of the hill.

Driver cited for unauthorized passengers with probationary license.

A passenger, CRISTOPHER PETERSON, 18, Somerset, received a minor injury (wearing seat belt)/no medical transport. Two other passengers—STEVEN E. SCHULZ, 20, Balsam Lake, and ALICIA A.N. NASER, 16, New Richmond–were uninjured. All parties in the vehicle were wearing safety equipment.

April 9, 1:56 a.m., Laketown Township, 300th Avenue, .3 mile E. of CTH Z, DOUGLAS M. STRENKE, 22, Luck, was driving westbound on 300th Avenue. The vehicle entered the north ditch, struck several trees and branches and came to final rest against a large tree.

Driver sustained injuries (no safety equipment worn) and was transported by ambulance to the St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Driver cited for OMVWI. April 9, 12:58 a.m., Apple River Twp., CTH E, 1/4 mi. S. of

180th Avenue, BRUCE C. DAHLBERG, 48, Balsam Lake, was intoxicated and drove off the roadway, at which time the vehicle flipped over, coming to rest on its roof. Driver received a minor injury (no seat belt worn/no EMS). Driver cited for OMVWI. April 10, 6:22 a.m., Clayton Twp., CTH D, .1 mi. S. of 100th Avenue, JON A. BARKER, 58, deputy sheriff, on duty for Polk County Sheriff’s Department, was traveling south on CTH D, responding to a bank burglary alarm. As the vehicle came out of a right curve, there was a deer in the road. Driver pulled to the right but was unable to avoid the deer. The deer came out of the east ditch, was struck and the driver continued to the burglary alarm.

April 11, 8:25 a.m., Clear Lake Twp., CTH P at CTH A; #1—HAROLD J. GREEN, 81, Clear Lake; #2—LEO S. MARTELL, 20, Glenwood City.

Unit 1 stopped at the stop sign.

Unit 2 was also southbound on CTH P. Unit 2 could not stop on the snow/ice and crashed into unit 1. Operator of unit 2 said he knew the brake system was not working correctly. Also, the left front wheel and tire were undersized/emergency spare on unit 2. Driver of unit 2 was cited for driving too fast for conditions.

April 11, 10:22 a.m., Lincoln Twp., 60th Avenue, .5 mi. N. of 85th St., JOSHUA R. TREPANIER, 21, Clear Lake, was westbound on 60th Avenue

and hit the shoulder and lost control and went into the swamp on the north side of the road.

April 11, 11 p.m., Lincoln Twp., 110th Street at 80th Avenue, RYAN M. MOORE, 32, Amery, went off the roadway, striking a large tree. Suspect found a ride home from the scene.

Subject sustained injuries (restraint use unknown) (no EMS). Moore was cited for failure to report an accident to police and for operating after suspension.

April 12, 7:54 a.m., St. Croix Falls, Sunshine Street, .3 mile south of 160th Avenue; #1— GERALD R. MINDER, 56, St. Croix Falls; #2—RILEY A. HAWKINS, 17, St. Croix Falls; #3—KATHLEEN M. NELSON, 17, Centuria. Unit 1 (Waste Management truck) was stopping to pick up garbage at 1571 Sunshine Street. Unit 2 came over the hill, lost control on ice and hit the garbage truck. Unit 3 also was southbound and came over the hill, lost control on ice and hit unit 2, which then hit unit 1 again. Driver of unit 1 was cited for nonregistration.

April 12, 10:30 a.m., village of Centuria, Centuria Stop gas station, Hwy. 35 at 4th Street; #1— DANIEL R. JOHNSON, 41, Centuria; #2—SHARON L JENSEN, 52, Frederic. Unit 2 was entering a parking space after exiting Hwy. 35. Unit 1 was backing out of a parking space and did not see unit 2 behind him. Unit 1 struck unit 2, causing minor damage to the pas-

senger side of unit 2. There was no damage to unit 1.

April 14, 12:44 a.m., Clam Falls Township, Clam Falls Drive, 100’ E. of 65th Street, AMANDA K. WARWAS, 22, Luck, was eastbound on Clam Falls Drive at a high rate of speed through Clam Falls. The vehicle failed to negotiate several curves. The vehicle went into a slide and struck the tavern.

Driver received a minor injury (not wearing seat belt) and was medically transported. Driver cited for OMVWI. April 14, 12:06 p.m., Laketown Twp., 300th Avenue, .25 mile east of CTH Z, SHARON L. CHRISTENSEN, 49, Luck, was westbound on 300th Avenue. The left wheels of the vehicle went off the roadway onto a narrow shoulder.

Vehicle was pulled down a steep embankment, where it rolled over onto its top and came to rest in a swamp.

Other incidents March 12, FREDERICK PFANNES, RR St. Croix Falls, reported the theft of four truck tires from his property in St. Croix Falls Township.

March 13, JOHN GRABER, RR Turtle Lake, reported mailbox vandalism.

March 22, DANIEL T COTTER, Farmington Twp., reported theft of 60’ copper electrical wiring.

March 21, JAMES A. LORGE, North Branch, Minn., reported his vehicle was entered while it

Polk County civil court Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Orange, Calif., plaintiff. Dale and Laura Rowell, Frederic, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $199,346.04.

Everhome Mortgage Co., Jacksonville, Fla., plaintiff.

Robert and Jennifer Grill, Plymouth, Minn., defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for property located in Balsam Lake for balance of $225,468.14.

Bayfield Financial LLC, Minneapolis, Minn., plaintiff.

Debbra Rohrer a/k/a Debra Greiner, Cumberland, defendant. Plaintiff seeks payment of $3,954.47 for alleged default of consumer credit agreement.

Grindell Law Offices, Frederic, plaintiff. Matthew Blackwood, Balsam Lake, defendant. Plaintiff alleges nonpayment of legal services and seeks $12,212.91.

Henry and Marcia Frokjer, St. Croix Falls, plaintiff. Charles Strantz, Osceola, defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $22,919.83

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Richard D. Morse, Siren and Sonya J. Keim, Siren, April 13.

Mackizie L. Perry, Stanchfield, Minn., and Diona J. Faber, Stanchfield, Minn., April 13.

Burnett County deaths Katherine C. Peterson, 63, Shell Lake, March 31.

James A. Highland, 46, Dewey, March 28.

Florence L. Pardun, 96, Swiss, March 30.

in land contract and seeks payment of real estate taxes for four years for a total of $3,313.17.

Deutsche Bank, Santa Ana, Calif., plaintiff. Julie Kruger and Marlin Bakken, Amery, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $91,789.29.

CitiMortgage, Inc., Coppell, Texas, plaintiff. Kathryn and Larry Pederson, Clear Lake, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $129,900.

CitiMortgage, Inc., O’Fallon,

Mo., plaintiff. Cheryl Stratton, Clear Lake, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $111,398.63.

Chase Home, Columbus, Ohio, plaintiff. Cassidy M. Conner, Clear Lake, defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $132,549.19.

Citifinancial, Inc., Coppell, Texas, plaintiff. Bobby and Tracy Anderson, Clear Lake, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for balance of $97,901.13 plus interest.

Polk County divorces Divorces Granted Patrick and LeeAnn Lundgren. Married in 1997.

Steven and Terri Page. Married in 2003. No children.

Kevin and Karna Lund. Married in 2002. No children.

Michael and Patricia Marten. Married in 2003. No children.

Divorces filed Michelle Ward, Dresser, and Shawn Ward, Osceola. Married 2005. No children.

Deborah and Aric Nilson, Osceola. Married 1999. Two children.

Darrell and Christi Hendricks, Milltown. Married in 1987. Three children.

was parked at DEER LAKE SPORTS, St. Croix Falls Twp. Taken from the vehicle: amplifier kicker, Eclipse brand amplifier, capacitor for a car stereo, Alpine speakers, computer games and music CDs, Cobra brand radar detector and a Sony home stereo receiver.

March 22, FREDERICK PFANNES, RR St. Croix Falls, reported someone had entered a storage building on his property without permission, unknown what was taken at this time.

March 23, copper wiring was stolen from the HENRY L. STESNIAK residence, rural Clayton .

March 23, COOPER LANGE, RR Clayton, reported his Motorola cell phone was stolen from his vehicle while it was parked in the city of Amery.

March 25, FREDERICK PFANNES, RR St. Croix Falls, reported another burglary to his property (unknown what was taken at this time).

March 26, two residences on Pipe Lake Road in Johnstown Township were burglarized.

The clasp had been pried off of a storage shed owned by LOUIS FORNETTI (unknown if anything missing at this time). A residence, described as the “PETERSON” residence (unknown if anything missing) was entered.

March 27, a burglary occurred to the Lake Magnor Store in Clayton Township.

Liquor was taken.

April 2, ALAN P. HINES, Ellsworth, reported the forks were stolen from his Bobcat while it was parked at Deer Lake Circle in Balsam Lake Township.

March 30, approximately 26 radiators were stolen from

KINGS AUTO SALVAGE, Hwy. 35, Frederic.

April 2, THOMAS NILSSEN, RR Clear Lake, reported his cabin on Horseshoe Lake had been entered (unknown if anything missing at this time).

March 31, CATHERINE HALVERSON, Centuria, had put her car in the ditch in St. Croix Falls Twp. Someone had entered her vehicle and had taken cash and five DVD rental movies.

April 8, DANIEL HORBUL, St. Croix Falls, reported the theft of his 2006 Chev pickup, white in color, from the Kassel Tap Bar parking lot, St. Croix Falls Township.

April 8, KARSTEN RIMESTAD, RR Amery, reported his vehicle was vandalized while parked at his residence, Garfield Township.

April 9, RONALD SEMPF, Clear Lake, reported a burglary to the R&D MACHINE business in the village of Clear Lake. A 1985 Dodge 3/4-ton plow truck, a large amount of copper wire and aluminum stock are missing.

April 9, EDWARD O. GAETKE, JR., reported the theft of a Daisy brand .22 long rifle, 300’ heavy welding cable, 30 pairs of aluminum running boards, four to five old chain saws, large hydraulic jack, four cast-iron Chevrolet intake manifolds, four large Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac radiators, gasoline, two small car batteries, four large semi-truck batteries, miscellaneous copper wire, aluminum and copper Aframe air conditioner coils and a large hydraulic floor jack (yellow/green in color) from his property in Milltown Township.

Burnett County warrants John D. Bailey, 43, arrest warrant – complaint, April 11.

Nakota J. Benjamin, 32, Sandstone, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, April 11.

Jamie L. Berg, 23, Solon Springs, warrant – failure to appear, April 11.

Laura M. Coulter, 46, Siren, commitment, April 11.

Paul A. Darrah, 48, Siren, arrest warrant – complaint, April 10.

Jesse J. Darrow, 29, Plymouth, Minn., commitment, April 10.

Richard J. Dodge, 39, Green Bay, commitment, April 11.

Bradley D. Glienke, 25, Webster, commitment, April 11.

Mia Graves, Siren, warrant – failure to appear, April 11.

George J. Holmes, 26, Superior, arrest warrant – complaint, April 11.

Carrie A. Jonas, Maplewood, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, April 11.

Michael J. Kegel, 35, Siren, commitment, April 10.

Gretta M. Maxwell, 36, Minneapolis, Minn., warrant – failure to appear.

Robert J. Meyers, 26, Kenosha, commitment, April 10.

Christina T. Mortinson, 33, St. Paul Minn., arrest warrant – complaint, April 9.

Bradley S. Roberts, 34, arrest warrant – complaint, April 11.

John H. Shearen, 42, Shoreview, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, April 11.

Joshua P. Walton, 30, Shell Lake, commitment, April 11.

Jamie L. Williams, 27, Turtle Lake, commitment, April 11.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

Notices/Employment

Burnett County criminal court Tessa M. Randall, 24, Siren, issue worthless check, $249.00.

Rebecca J. Rivard, 24, Siren, issue worthless check, $249.00.

Joseph Kidder, Spooner, issue worthless check, $248.00.

Joani B. Hartley, 49, Nehalem, Ore., issue worthless check, $249.00.

Brian J. Basta, 34, Pine City, Minn., issue worthless check, $249.00.

James J. Meyer, 20, Somerset, issue worthless check, restitution - $114.26, $243.00.

Mary L. Maske, 41, Grantsburg, issue worthless check, $243.00.

Sabrina M. Toutges, 22,

Rice Lake, issue worthless check, $243.00.

Michael D. Hegge, 44, Webster, disorderly conduct, one-year probation, 60 days’ jail time, complete anger management program, alcohol assessment, no further abusive contact with victim, absolute sobriety, $163.00.

Andrew H. Eaton, 22, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct, one-year probation, must obtain GED, alcohol assessment, apply Fresh Start Program with in 10 days, $163.00.

Bradley J. Kane, 26, Superior, resisting or obstructing an officer, $224.00.

Greg C. Aamodt, 37, Prior Lake, Minn., three counts of cause injury while OWI,

$2,493.00, restitution $2,125.04, three concurrent two-year probations, three concurrent license revocations of 24 months, 60 days’ jail time, Huber Privileges are granted.

Mark R. Geske, 45, Siren, two counts of hit and run involving injury, two consecutive twoyear probations, 30 days’ jail time, Huber for employment only, restitution - $500.00, $176.00.

Jeremy J. Reuter, 25, Hastings, Minn., OWI, $894.00, 10 days’ jail time, license revoked 12 months.

Andrew R. Nilsson, 55, Burnsville, Minn., OWI, $1,020.00, alcohol assessment, 20 days’ jail time, license revoked 16 months.

Ryan G. Washburn, 31, Webster, OWI, $1,967.00, 120 days’ jail time, license revoked 27 months.

Matthew F. Phillips, 20, Grantsburg, obstructing or resisting an officer, $249.00.

Timothy D. Buchholz, 45, Webster, OWI, $2,729.00, alcohol assessment, 110 days’ jail time, license revoked 30 months.

Thomas A. Solinger, 57, Webster, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Eric R. Nelson, 21, Grantsburg, OWI, $856.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked for nine months.

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Oakland, April 13: Wendi J. Harrison, 49, Danbury, was westbound on CTH H when she went into the ditch and overturned. The driver was cited for unsafe lane deviation, OAR and failure to notify police of an accident.

Town of Grantsburg, April 14: Kelsey F. Warndahl, 23, St. Croix Falls, hit a bear on Hwy 48/87. The driver reported no injuries, but the vehicle was towed due to damages.

Town of Daniels, April 14: Nancy Wilhelm, Grantsburg, hit a deer while on HWY 70. The driver reported no injuries and the truck suffered minor damage.

Arrests Town of La Follette, April 12: Mark Stoner, Webster, was arrested on a warrant.

Town of Grantsburg, April 13: Kelly Owens, 29, Grantsburg, was arrested on a warrant.

Town of Meenon, April 15: Nicholas R. Arcand, 18, Garntsburg, was arrested on a Polk County warrant, and Candy L. Zappa, 24, Webster, was arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

Town of Grantsburg, April 15: Justin E. Paulson, 22, Grantsburg was cited for battery and arrested for an incident in Grantsburg.

Village of Siren, April 15: Jason A. Kirby, 30, Siren, was arrested for theft and obstructing an officer.

Other incidents Town of Wood River, April 12: Dean W. Nelson, 51, Minneapolis, Minn., reported several rims, tires and 10 radiators taken from his property.

The incident is under investigation.

Town of Swiss, April 13: David Carlson, 55, St. Croix Falls, reported a water pump, copper tubing and antique wagon wheels taken from his property. The incident is under investigation.

Real Estate

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

Notices / Employment Opportunities

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Prom courts 2007 Frederic Frederic High School’s 2007 prom court (Back row): Dustin Gabrielson, Russell Fjorden, Nolan Neumann, Austin Boykin, Kanan Hackett and Kyle Swenson. Front row: Kelly Wondra, Melanie Chenal, Megan Neumann, Holly Stoner, Michelle Owens and Ashley Heine. – Photo

by Matt Blumkin

Grantsburg

High School’s 2007 prom court (Bottom row (L to R): Allie Briggs and Katty Peterson, Hannah Finch, Vanessa Kleiss, Michelle Davidsavor. Top row: Sean Kutz, Lukas Olson, Jon Wieser and Nathan Dahlberg. Missing is Kevin Johnson. – Photo submitted

Zeiler honored Holiday Stationstores recognizes store manager

SIREN - Holiday Stationstores, a Midwest-based convenience store chain, is proud to announce Jim Zeiler, store manager of the Siren Holiday Stationstore, will be inducted into the 2006 organization’s Pinnacle Club.

The induction ceremony and celebratory events involving the inductees will take place on May 9 and May 10 in Minneapolis.

The celebration includes a formal luncheon, an evening of theater and fine dining and other special activities.

Jim Zeiler The Pinnacle Club is reserved for those elite store managers and district managers of Holiday Stationstores who have consistently shown exceptional results in the areas of sales growth, expense control, age restricted sales compliance and overall business efficiency. Senior management will honor each of the members by presenting them with a plaque of achievement, a Pinnacle Club logo jacket and a company gift to commemorate the event.

Holiday Stationstores is a convenience store/gas station industry leader in the markets in which it conducts business with over 420 corporate and franchise locations in 12 states throughout the upper tier of the United States including Alaska. Holiday distinguishes itself in the marketplace through its exceptional Holiday Pantry food programs and is the sole distributor of Blue Planet gasoline, the clean-air-choice leader. – from Holiday Stationstores

Siren

Enchantment: A Masquerade Ball is the theme for this year’s Siren High School prom, to be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 21. The coronation of the prom king and queen will take place at 10 p.m. in the small gym at the school. The prom court, from which the two will be chosen, includes (L to R) front row: Elizabeth Daniels, Alysha Alden, Jennifer Mitchell and Courtney Daniels. Middle row: Kyle Malm, Adam Daniels, Thad Baasch and Blake Hall. Back row: Jordan Potvin, Kelley Wampfler, Renee Fischbach and Jace Carter. – Photo submitted

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 18, 2007

Packer legend at Siren on Sunday To be inducted into Packer Hall of Fame this summer SIREN – Former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler will be at the Expo 2007 this Sunday at Siren’s Lodge Center Arena.

Butler played his entire pro football career (1990 to 2001) with the Packers. He’s credited with inventing the Lambeau Leap, a touchdown celebration in whch the scoring player leaps into the waiting fans in the stands near the end zone. On Dec. 26, 1993, the Packers were playing the visiting Los Angeles Raiders.

On a second-down swing pass to running back Randy Jordan, Butler forced a fumble that was recovered by Reggie White at the Raiders’ 35-yard line. After running with the ball for 10 yards, White lateraled to Butler, who ran the remaining 25 yards into the end zone and then made a spontaneous leap into the arms of fans in the south bleachers. The Packers went on to win 28-0 to clinch what would be the first of six consecutive playoff berths.

Butler was a srong safety who played in 181 games,

Former Packer LeRoy Butler, credited with inventing the Lambeau Leap, will be at Siren this Sunday, April 21, as part of a fundraiser for Burnett Youth Hockey. – Photo from Milwaukee Journal-

Flags at half staff for Virginia Tech LEFT - Flags flew at half staff in the area following the fatal shooting of college students and professors at Virginia Tech on Monday, April 16. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

earned a Super Bowl ring after the 1996 season and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998). He was named to the NFL 1990s AllDecade Team by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A broken shoulder blade sustained while tackling Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson in the 2001 season forced him into retirement just before the 2002 season, when it was discovered it had not healed properly.

Butler will be inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame July 21. He will be signing autographs ($15 for personal items such as footballs, helmets, etc) and $20 for an 8x10 color photo. Persons may have their photo taken with Butler and his Super Bowl ring for $20. All proceeds will go to Burnett Youth Hockey.

Expo 2007 will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22. There is free admission with “everything for your lifestyle” on display, many kids activities and a food court. - submitted

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Mirror image LEFT - These swans found a home in a pond along CTH W. – Photo by Robyn Meyer

‘Follow the Leader’

Ap r il 18, 2007 • 2nd Se c t i on B• Inter-Co unty Le a de r

Currents N O R T H E R N

THE LEADER’S COMMUNITY NEWS

Sun day all week at Café Wren

backup water heater to control the maximum water temperature that is provided to the taps.

by David Wisted LUCK - After improving their café’s energy efficiency by upgrading appliances and switching to more efficient compact fluorescent lighting, Café Wren owners Stephanie Lundeen and Brook Waalen recently took the next step toward making their business environmentally friendly by installing solar panels.

The café’s solar water heating system was installed by Legacy Solar of Frederic and started producing hot water this winter.

The solar panels on the south side of Cafe Wren, which are visible from Hwy. 35, will provide at least 65 percent of the café’s hot water needs. According to Lundeen, “A restaurant goes through a lot of hot water and getting our cold well water up to temp. is expensive. Now the sun does most of it for us.”

System costs The total installed cost of the Café Wren system was $6,645. After taking advantage of the state Cash Back Reward program from Focus on Energy, a 30-percent federal tax credit, and an advertising barter with Legacy Solar, the final out-of-pocket cost to the owners was $2,485.

To keep costs down, Lundeen and Waalen purchased used solar panels since the panels are quite long-lived. Before being installed at the café, the panels were in operation at another location since the early 1970s and they have plenty of life left.

Big savings A conservative analysis indicated that the financial payback time of the solar energy system is four years, which means after four years the system will have paid for itself in energy savings and after that time it will produce hot water basically for free. The typical financial payback time for a solar domestic water heating system with all new components is eight to 12 years.

According to Kris Schmid, owner of Legacy Solar, “Solar water heating systems are often the first choice of people interested in solar energy due to lower up-front costs and a relatively short financial payback time.” Schmid also

Think globally, act locally “Environmental issues and economic issues are one in the same,” according to Waalen, “Saving energy means saving money, which is just one component of a successful business strategy.”

Lundeen added, “Another one of our business strategies is to support other local businesses. This strengthens the local economy while limiting the amount of fossil fuels burned to bring goods here from the other side of the country. At Café Wren we use food from local farmers, sell gifts from local artists, and we serve Fair Trade organic coffee. This summer we will begin composting our kitchen scraps which will keep them out of the landfill. Every little thing matters.”

Brook Waalen, Stephanie Lundeen and Kris Schmid in front of the solar panels at Cafe Wren at Luck. - Photo submitted noted that interest in solar energy has increased recently due to the 30-percent federal tax credit now available to people who install solar systems by Dec. 31, 2008.

kwh (kilowatts) of electricity that would normally have been used by their electric water heater thereby preventing over 12,000 pounds of pollutants from entering the atmosphere every year.

Environmental considerations For Lundeen and Waalen, the environmental payback was just as important as the financial payback. “No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but future generations won’t want to inherit any more environmental disasters than they have to. We all need to consider the impact our lifestyles are having on people as well as the planet as a whole.”

Each year the relatively small Café Wren solar energy system will produce 24 million BTUs (British thermal units) of energy. This energy will save 7,000

How it works The heat absorbed by the panels is transferred to the potable (drinkable) water in a storage tank by way of a heat exchanger. The solar-heated water in the storage tank is then fed directly to the conventional water heater where additional heat is added if needed on cloudy days or at night.

Since the solar storage tank can easily reach temperatures above the desired hot water tap temperature of 120 degrees, a temperature safety (mixing) valve was installed at the output of the

A diagram showing the solar water heating system. At right, Kris Schmid installs the system at Cafe Wren.

Solar energy system tours Schmid will give periodic tours of Café Wren’s solar energy system in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 21 between 1 and 4 p.m. For solar design and installation inquiries, contact Schmid at 715653-4295 or at solman@legacysolar.com.

Solar information is also available at www.cafewren.com in addition to the Café’s menu and event information. Café Wren is located one-half mile north of Luck on Hwy. 35.

A gauge showing the water pressure and water temperature.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

The City of New Orleans Back in the early 1970s, before cars, before we had cars anyway, my buddies and I rode the trains all over America. We went west to Glacier Park and points beyond, south to Oklahoma and one December, we came home for Christmas all the way from San Diego on the rails. These were freight trains, and while you can find all kinds of legend and lore Steve about riding the rails, fact is it Pearson was dirty and often uncomfortable. But we were college students on a tight budget and the price was right.

THE I grew up next to the railroad and both sets of grandparents lived along the tracks, too. The rumble of the train lulled me to sleep, and that wailing whistle woke me up in the dead of night more than once. The railroad has always been with me on a visceral level, a fact brought home on a recent trip by train to New Orleans. Though I’d ridden the passenger trains around Europe, this was my first time on the Amtrak, and I was in love before we’d left St. Paul.

It was roomy and relaxing, the view was great, and there was plenty of room to roam if you felt restless.

We followed the Mississippi River down the Minnesota side, passing through Red Wing, Wabasha and Winona before crossing into Wisconsin where we headed east to Milwaukee. We spent most of the day in the lounge car, which features huge expanses of glass and skylights running the length of the car on both sides. The combination of bright natural light and an array of comfortable seating options made it a popular place, yet it didn’t feel crowded. For those so inclined, the coach cars featured reclining seats with twice the legroom you’d find on an airplane. In Chicago, we had a four-hour layover. Just after sunset, we climbed aboard the train they call The City of New Orleans, and we sang that song more than once as we headed south in the fading light. We sat down to dinner in the diner car where you order off a menu and eat with real silverware on a white linen tablecloth. The food was great and the desserts too tempting to pass up. There is something oddly surreal about that rolling restaurant on wheels, at once sublime and totally satisfying.

We booked a sleeper car for the overnight hours and as in days past, the rumble of the rails lulled me to sleep, weaving its way into my dreams. Morning came in Memphis where we stopped to pick up passengers, the Mississippi River once more at our side. The landscape had turned green overnight, punctuated by the brilliant fuchsia-colored azalea bushes and the purple wysteria hanging from the trees. We’d found spring.

By early afternoon, we were crossing the end of Lake Ponchatrain and the New Orleans skyline came into view. Unlike airports, which are usually miles from the city center, the train takes you right into the heart of your destination. We grabbed our bags and hoofed it the mile or so to the hostel where we were staying, in the Uptown area, one of the few neighborhoods not flooded by Hurricane Katrina.

We spent our days working at the Habitat for Humanity Musicians’ Village and our nights eating and dancing and walking our way around the city. One night, out dancing to a Cajun band, we met Cindy on the dance floor. By the end of the night, she’d offered to tour our little troop of four around the city the next day after work, to see it through the eyes of a Katrina survivor.

We drove through the upper and lower ninth wards, hardest hit by the hurricane, then through the Gentilly and Lakeside areas. We saw block after block, neighborhood after neighborhood, abandoned. Houses still standing for the most part but empty, rotting hulks, their former inhabitants gone for now, maybe for good.

Each house, the vast majority of houses in the city, were still marked with the large red X left by recovery workers, each quadrant of the X telling a story about who inspected the house on what date and how many bodies were found there.

She explained that most of the working poor couldn’t afford to return to their homes, that they’d found jobs in other places like Houston and were attempting to make new lives. Without homeowner’s insurance or with policies that didn’t cover flooding, they simply didn’t have the means to rebuild. New Orleans’ population had been cut in half in the aftermath of the hurricane, from 450,000 to 225,000.

VIEW

FROM

HERE

The lounge car, riding on The City of New Orleans.

Musicians’ Village, Upper Ninth Ward, new houses visible in pastel shades. – Photos submitted We met 70-something Millie and her son Anthony, with folks from all over the country, many of them colvisiting from Atlanta, who talked about the hardships lege students who had given up the traditional spring faced by those who chose to come back and try to re- break for something more fulfilling. Evenings we’d go build. After months spent gutting their home, dry- prowling the streets, sampling that unique hodgewalling walls and ceilings, replacing floors and podge of cuisine that is New Orleans, a culture too visubfloors, they had begun to put the finishing touches brant and varied to be destroyed by a hurricane. But on the modest home that had been in the family for we had to leave it all behind, vowing to return soon. generations. They arrived one morning recently to The train beckoned, its lonesome whistle calling, and find that thieves had broken in through a bedroom we climbed aboard and rode 1,500 miles home on window, stolen their air conditioner, ripped out all the wheels of steel. interior doors, climbed in the attic looking for copper wire and fell through the ceiling into the bedroom below, leaving a mess of insulation and broken drywall on the floor.

Still, there were places that emerged unscathed from the flooding. The French Quarter looked much as it did when we visited five years ago. The Garden District and Uptown neighborhoods were largely untouched, though the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, a popular crosstown route with tourists and locals alike, was still down, it’s track damaged in places by rescue vehicles and its cars in need of repair after flooding at the garage.

Our six days in the city seemed too short.

We wanted to continue on with this life that balanced work and play so nicely. Sitting in the courtyard drinking coffee in the early morning All aboard in Jackson, Miss. light, days spent working

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APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

From Aaron to Zelda

by Brenda Mayer Several years ago I purchased a book called “The Romance of Wisconsin Place Names.” It tells the history of most of the towns, counties, areas, settlements, waterways, and lakes in Wisconsin. I keep it in the car and, as we traverse the state, I ask the driver (usually my husband) where he thinks the names of the various towns may have originated. I find this discussion fascinating; however, that is not always the opinion of the driver.

Many of the places are named for politicians and lumbermen, others are Native American words, and still others just happened. Our state has a varied and interesting face that I would like to share with you.

Food is always a good topic and we have Appleton, Bacon Creek, Bass Bay, Bean School, Berryville, Blueberry, Butternut, Candy Corners, Cherry Valley, Chili, Chicken Ridge, Citron Creek, Clam Falls, Cobb, Cornucopia, Cranberry Island, Egg Harbor, Ekleberry Corners, Fish Creek, Goose Creek, Hamburg, Hog Island, Honey Creek, Lemonweir River, Pancake Valley, Plum City, Pumpkin Hollow, Rice Lake, Sugar Loaf, Wheat Hollow, Whiskey Creek and White Potato Lake.

In addition to the animals and fish that live in our state, we have the following towns, streams, and areas named for them: Birds Valley, Black Hawk, Black Wolf, Buck Creek, Cat Island, Crane City, Crow Hill, Eagle River, Elk Creek, Fish Creek, Foxboro, Horse Creek, Otter Creek, Pigeon Falls, Porcupine, Turtle Lake and Wild Cat

Mound.

In memory of the places that the settlers came from we have several “News” including New Amsterdam, New Berlin, New Buffalo, New California, New Cassel, New Centerville, New Denmark, New Franken, New Glarus, New Haven, New Holstein, New Lisbon, New London, Muster, Paris, Prospect and New Richmond.

We have lots of water in our state and thus we note Anderson Creek, Ash Creek, Bad River, Bailey’s Harbor, Baker Creek, Brule River, Brunet Falls, Brush Creek, Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Devil’s Lake, Fountain City, Grand River, Hay Creek, Johnson Creek, Lake Geneva, Stone Lake, Trade River, Watertown and Yellow River.

Places named for famous people include Adams, Barnum, Columbus, De Soto, Franklin, Garfield, Hawthorne, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Osceola, Polk, Washington and Webster.

There are many beautiful-sounding Native American places and they include Ashwaubenon, Chequamegon Bay, Chippewa Falls, Kaukauna, Kenosha, Manitowish Waters, Nebagamon, Neopit, Nekoosa, Osaukee, Ojibwa, Seneca, Shiocton, Tuscobia and Viroqua.

Wisconsin has many types of trees and thus we have Ash Creek, Balsam Lake, Cedarburg, Elmwood, Forest, Green Brush, Little Norway, Maple, Oak Grove, Poplar, Sumac Lagoon, Tamarack and Wood County.

Religion also is the source of many names. The saints are St. Anna, St. Catherine, St. Cloud, St. Croix, St. Francis, St. George, St. German, Joe, St. John, Marie, Phillips, and St. Rose. We have Holy Cross, Holy Hill, Island and Holy

Land.

Colorful places include Blue Mounds, Coral City, Evergreen, Green Bay, Hazelhurst, Kelly, Lime Ridge, Little Black, Orange, Primrose and Red Cliff.

Interesting names we find include Argyle (a type of plaid), Baraboo (a name found only in America), Centuria (founded at the turn of the century), and Colgate (after a toothpaste? No, after a family), Dunrovan (staying put), Falun (for a city in Sweden), Fiddler’s Green (just sounds fun), Frederic (named for the son of the landowner), Gravel Store School (there used to be a store there with gravel on the walls), Inch (no one knows why), Johnny Cake Gulch (named for the color of the sand), Kickapoo (name of a Native American tribe), Loyal (It is claimed that during the Civil War every eligible man in the township enlisted.

The town was named as a tribute to those men.), Luck (a stopover between Taylor’s Falls and Cumberland and, if they made it there by night, they were lucky), Milltown (a sawmill was the only building for many years), Misha Mokwa (Native American words meaning a very large bear), Siren ( no, not a whistle but the Swedish name for lilac; however, the postal department changed the spelling from Syren), Sobieski (the Polish immigrants named it in honor of the King of Poland), and

Writer’s Corner

Writer s Corner contest LEADER LAND – Do you have a fish tale to tell? The Writer’s Corner is looking for the best fish story to feature in May 2 issue, just before the fishing opener. If we receive several good stories, we will run a series during May. So sharpen your pencil and send or e-mail your stories to the Leader office.

If you e-mail your entry, put Writer’s Corner in the subject box.

Stories should be 800 words or less.

Voree (it means garden of peace and is from the Book of Mormon).

One could go on and on with these interesting names that make up the history of our state.

Now, where did I come up with the title of this article? Aaron—Aaron Cornelison was an early settler in Rusk Township of Burnett County—is also the first name in “The Romance of Wisconsin Place Names.” Zenda—Zenda is located in Walworth County and might have been suggested by the novel “The Prisoner of Zenda”—is the last name in the book.

It is in closing that I say that I am glad that I am from Balsam Lake and not Skunk’s Hollow.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

SIDS Day hosted by Burnett Dairy Co-op ALPHA – Burnett Dairy Co-op, located in Alpha, is the local sponsor of Spring-for-SIDS Day on Friday, April 20.

This is a SIDS awareness and fundraising event to benefit The American SIDS Institute. “We are proud to be part of this nationwide event,” said a spokesperson for Burnett Dairy.

SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the name given to a mysterious baby killer that takes the lives of between 2,000 and 3,000 infants each year in the United States. It is the No. 1 cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. SIDS is sudden and unexpected, and even after an autopsy no cause of death is found. In a typical situation, parents go to check on their infants

they think are sleeping only to find their baby dead. There is no greater tragedy!

Spring-for-SIDS is especially important to Burnett Dairy Co-op. One of their employees, Earl Wilson, lost his 2month-old granddaughter, Anna Ruby Lapierre, to SIDS in December 2002.

Every day unfortunate parents all over the world experience this heartbreak. Dr. McEntire, with the American SIDS Institute, has worked with SIDS since 1976.

“We have seen a tremendous decline in the incidence of SIDS since I began,” she explained. “However, we still cannot tell parents why their infant died. They are left with no closure.”

“We don’t know the exact cause of SIDS, and there is no way to guarantee

an infant will not die,” says Dr. McEntire.

“However, there are proven ways to reduce the risk,” she explains. “Don’t smoke during pregnancy, and don’t let anyone smoke around your baby. Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back in a bare crib. Instead of using covers, put enough clothing on the baby to keep him/her warm but not too warm.” For a full list see www.sids.org.

Employees at companies around the country will participate in Spring-forSIDS Day on April 20, by making a $5 donation. In exchange, they will be given a SIDS information card and a decorative sticker. All employees with Spring-forSIDS stickers will be allowed to wear their casual spring outfits on April 20.

This is a great way to educate people about SIDS, raise funds for research and have a lot of fun.

For further information contact: Mary Wilson or Jessica Lapieere, 715-327-8488 or Betty McEntire, PhD, executive director, American SIDS Institute, Marietta, Ga 1-800-232-7437.

Donations can be mailed to: Mary Wilson, 20238 Round Lake Road, Luck, WI 54853, (make your check payable to SIDS), or make a credit card donation online at www.sids.org. In the block that says “in honor of” please put Burnett Dairy team. Then the co-op’s team will get credit for your donation. – from Burnett Dairy Co-op

Earth Day event set at Danbury Federal official invited join local officials to commemorate funding of water and sewer project DANBURY - The St. Croix Chippewa and Danbury Joint Water Quality Commission, along with the Danbury Area Chamber of Commerce, is sponsoring an Earth Day event on Tuesday, April 24, at 1 p.m. at the Blueberry Junction Park on Hwy. 77 ( Main Street of Danbury).

Ben Anderson, deputy administrator for the Rural Business-Cooperative Service in Washington, D.C., has been invited to take part in the event.

This year’s Earth Day is special to the

area. Wisconsin Rural Development, along with other agency funding, has made it possible to fund a water and sewer project for the Danbury area.

There will be special representative guests from many agencies there that day such as: DNR, state congressional and other political offices, local leaders, St. Croix Tribal drum core, S.E.H., Webster School music group and many others.

The public is invited to attend this special ceremony which will include refreshments. Governor Knowles State Forest will also provide seedling trees to the first 50 guests that attend. – submitted

Tentative schedule 12:45 p.m. - Refreshments will be served 1 p.m. - St. Croix Tribal drum ceremony 1:10 p.m. - American flag presented

along with national anthem by Webster School 1:15 p.m. - Guest speakers 1:30 p.m. - Ceremonial tree planting 1:45 p.m. - Closing comments

Polk County Historical Society to meet BALSAM LAKE – The Polk County Historical Society will meet Tuesday, April 24, at the Polk County Justice Center in Balsam Lake at 7:15 p.m. Know Your Antiques is the topic of the month.

Appraisers will be Leanna and Larry Phillipson, Tom Martin and Mark Cellotti. Members are expected and visitors encouraged to attend. Please limit bring-

ing two antiques for appraisal. Refreshments will be served following the program. Board meeting will be at 5:45 p.m.

Please contact Muriel Pfeifer at 715268-6578 or email: mpfeifer@amerytel.net for furher information. - submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Scenes from Old Trade Lake

by Stanley Selin Here are a few old pictures of the bygone days, taken mostly in or near the village of Trade Lake. Photos from Selin collection unless otherwise noted.

Brothers Gilbert and Axel Swanberg on the left, and Robert Swanberg on the right in their early years.

Later, Axel had a meat market in Trade Lake, delivering meat doorto-door. Robert became the proprietor of the confectionary.

Early bicycle riders in Trade Lake, circa 1900. Starting on the left, Robert Grimh, Carl J. Franseen, Olle Gullickson, Frank Gotfred Grimh, and Carl Gustaf Grimh leaning on tree. The Grimh Brothers owned the Trade Lake Roller Mill. Carl Franseen was the miller in Trade Lake for a time. Olle Gullickson was the first buttermaker in the creamery. In the distance, note the creamery and post office buildings.

Six guys looking at something fascinating under the hood of a Plymouth somewhere in Trade Lake. C. 1948.

A view inside Nedvidek’s Tavern in Trade Lake taken about 1936. Art Nedvidek and his wife Mathilda are shown standing behind the bar. They had moved here from Cumberland and were well-known for staging rooster fights for betting purposes. The cock fights were very popular and were usually held on Sunday mornings. The street in front of the tavern was often filled with cars at this time. Art said that sometimes Father Cheney of Cumberland would stop by and bless the roosters for good luck before the fights. In 1940, the sale of beer was voted out in the Trade Lake area, so the Nedvideks sold the building to Hjalmer Peterson of Falun and moved to Cumberland.

Photo courtesy of Madie Ritchie of Cumberland.

View of Trade Lake village from the west. August Hane’s harness shop and the Franseen’s house are in the foreground. Roller mill is in the distance to the right.

Lester and Minnie Olson operated the tavern located across the road east of the creamery for a short time. Minnie is shown in this photo taken about 1938.

View of the west end of Trade Lake. The Franseen house is on the left. The building in the foreground is a livery stable where the horses were hitched and sometimes fed while the farmers waited for their grain to be ground at the roller mill on the right. C.1910.

CORRECTION: The St. Croix Historical Society will be meeting at the city council chambers — not at the river headquarters. This is at the visitor center at Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 35. The Rambler’s topic: “The History of Cushing and Dr. Squirt.”

Harnessing the Power presented at the Spring Gathering of Friends ST. CROIX FALLS – The Friends of Interstate Park invite you to their Annual Spring Gathering of Friends on Tuesday, April 24, at the Ice Age Interpretive Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with free refreshments provided by the Friends.

Following the refreshments, at 7:30 p.m., Rosemarie Braatz and Mike Prichard will present a program Har-

nessing the Power: The Story of the Hydro Dam on the Falls of the St. Croix River. The hydroelectric dam on the St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls, and Taylors Falls, Minn., is turning 100 years old this year!

When the power dam at the falls of the St. Croix River was finally built a century ago, by the Minneapolis General Electric Company, it was the beginning of a new

period in the history of this area, and the end of over half a century of disappointments, delays and devious dealings.

Learn more about the past, present and future of the hydro dam and the importance of its presence in our community.

Bring family and friends to the annual Spring Gathering of Friends on April 24.

Everyone is welcome! Friends of Interstate Park is a nonprofit educational or-

ganization dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation of the human and natural history of Interstate Park by enhancing the park’s interpretive program.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information, call Julie at 715-483-3747. – from Interstate Park

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Christian one-liners

Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Some people are kind, polite and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

It is easier to preach 10 sermons than it is to live one.

The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

When you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God lives there.

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

We don’t change the message, the message changes us.

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

(Note: You may have heard some of the above, but they are worth hearing a second time. Courtesy of John G.) On a personal note I am reading the book “Sam’s Letters to Jennifer”

by James Patterson. The astonishing thing is that it’s set in Lake Geneva, so I can identify with some of the places: Yerkes Observatory, the library square, mail delivery in the summer by boat on the big lake, the ships, etc. I wonder if the author really experienced the town or if he just read a blurb about it.

The Sam in the book is Samantha, Jennifer’s grandmother. It’s told in a series of letters and Jennifer is a journalist for a Chicago newspaper. She wrote, “You’re only as good as your last column.”

(Help! That’s alarming!)

mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife’s car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.

Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, Bernice and the throw rug was wadded Abrahamzon against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife.

He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel.

She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, “What happened here today?” She again smiled and answered, “You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?” “Yes,” was his incredulous reply. She answered, “Well, today I didn’t to it.”

(Courtesy of a faithful reader)

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Until next week, Bernice

What do you do all day?

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the

Interfaith Caregivers Big Band Gala Night SIREN – Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County will hold a fundraising event on Friday, May 11, at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren.

A social hour, with cash bar, will start the evening off at 5:30 p.m. Then from 6 to 7 p.m. a buffet dinner will be served. From 7 to 10 p.m. the Nuto Band will play music from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s for listening and dancing. The six men in the band have been together for many years, some as far back as the ‘50s. They play Tommy Dorsey-type Big Band music.

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $25 per person, and must be ordered by May 3. If you want to come just for the music and dancing, the cost is $10 per person. You can get tickets for the music portion of the evening at the door, but advanced orders would be appreciated. To order tickets call 715-866-4970, 715-3495168, 715-866-4878 or 715-259-7876.

Interfaith Caregivers is a nonprofit community service organization. – submitted

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago The Milltown Outlet Store had a weeklong sale April 12-15, operated by the physically handicapped (nowadays we say physically challenged). There were specials on the dishtowels, baby bibs, hot pot mitts, brooms made by the blind, etc.-One hundred persons attended the Guernsey Breeders banquet held at the Milltown Lutheran Church on April 2, with Roland Marschall as toastmaster.-The movie “Magnificent Roughnecks” was playing at the Frederic Theater starring Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall and the Bowery Boys.The April 17 headline on the front page was “He is Risen…The Lord is Risen, Indeed…”-A general farm sale was listed for April 26 at the Wm. Ingalls farm, north of Webster.-The Frederic Boy Scouts scheduled a paper drive for May 4, and residents were asked to leave bundled papers on the curb for pick up.-Harvey Dueholm was elected chairman of the Polk County Board.-The Frederic Rural Fire Department was called to the Oscar Johnson home for a chimney fire, at Maple Valley, and a call to the Robert Anderson home in Indian Creek for a basement fire.-The Frederic Dairy Queen opened under the new management of Mr. and Mrs. Joyce Johnson.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included Hormel’s ready-to-serve hams at 49¢ lb., Kool-Aid at 6 pkgs. for 25¢, grapefruit at 6 for 39¢ and lemons at 43¢ a dozen.

40 Years Ago A rummage sale was held April 8, at the West Sweden Hall.-Mrs. Olaf Peterson died.-The public was invited to visit Anderson’s Sugar Bush to see the cooking process. It was located between Luck and Cumberland.-The film “Texas Across the River” was playing at the Frederic Theater, starring Dean Martin.The opening dance at the West Sweden Hall was held April 15, with music by Glen Anderson.-Vern Wikstrom of Frederic fished the Brule on opening day and caught two dandy German brown trout weight 4 lbs. and 3-1/2 lbs.-Stokely Canning plants were closed in labor disputes.-Effective May 1, the Clover Farm Store owned by Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Anderson would become the property of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Krentz.-Beginning April 14-15, a garage sale would be held every weekend all summer at the Gust Saros place, Lewis.Specials at Anderson’s Clover Farm Store, Siren, were Butternut coffee at 3 lbs. for $1.79, ice cream at $1.19 gal., and grapefruit at 10 for 39¢.- Specials at Les’s Store, South Siren, included men’s demin dungarees at $2.88 pr., eggs at 3 dozen for $1 and Wisconsin fryers at 33¢ lb.-Specials at Route’s Super Market were cauliflower at 19¢ each, cucumbers and green peppers at 10¢ each and chocolate chips at 2 12-oz. pkgs. for 79¢.- The Walt Disney film “Follow the Boys” was playing at the Frederic Theater, starring Fred MacMurray and Vera Miles.

20 Years Ago The Luck Fire Department responded to seven calls within 24 hours.-A Polk-Burnett lineman, Gregory Byl, 32, Milltown died when the “Wood Tiger” all-terrain vehicle went through the ice.-Frederic gymnast, Heidi Funne won first place in the floor exercise at the state gymnastic meet held at Wisconsin Rapids.-Prizes were awarded at the Milltown Trade Show.-Vern’s Country Market, Cushing, was highlighted as the Business of the Week in this newspaper.-Frederic music students won a first rating at Somerset with 34 students attending.-Frederic’s early days were recalled on the 1926 banquet article written by Bernice Abrahamzon.-An increase was reported in child abuse cases in Polk County.-The Frederic Area Community Ass’n. honored Dale Skow. The plaque was presented by Dr. Brad Harlander.-Obituaries included Adolph Mattson, William Facklam, Roland Palm, Grace Alden Lund, Naomi Fredericks, James Wyczawski, Margaret Jerrick, Gregory Byl, Ruth Soderberg, Luella Sutliff, Carl Ketel, Hazel Gardner and Bertha Frokjer.-A night attendent was wanted at Circle C Foods, Frederic.-Help was wanted at Bud’s Sugar Bush, Frederic, to carry sap.-Luck was faced with a large first-grade class and the school was out of room.-The Sterling Homemakers met March 27 at the home of Marlys Armstrong, with the lesson on self-esteem.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

Frederic 1908 Sunday school notes: Frederic boasts of the largest Sunday school in Polk County. Last Sunday, 150 were present, which is the largest recorded attendance in the history of the school. The primary department is the hope of the Sunday school. It now has an enrollment of 60, with an average attendance of 40.

The Frederic Philharmonic Band held a meeting and reorganized. A number of new members have joined, and the boys will meet every Tuesday evening at the village hall for practice. J. LeRoy Elwell will be the new instructor and will make it a first-class band.

A Basket Social and dance to be given in the village hall by the Frederic ladies for Feb. 7. Gentlemen are invited to bring a basket.

The Frederic Fire Department was called out to the Heading Mill Friday morning. Had it not been for their

promptness, the flames would have soon been out of control.

Last Saturday afternoon, two Indians got on the train at Luck coming north. After they had ridden a Betty short distance, they Fenton jumped off, one of them landing safely, HISTORICAL but the other fell into a culvert and was killed. VIGNETTES They were probably riding to the camp a few miles north of Luck when the accident occurred.

In this week’s issue of the Frederic Star is published the law regarding the attendance at school of children. Every parent should read it.

First National Bank of Frederic, total resources over $100,000. Depository for the state of Wisconsin. Only national

Heading Mill Crew

Sponsored by the St. Croix Falls what he paid for it.”

Historical Society According to the history An item in a 1935 St. Croix Falls of W. H. C. Folsom, the vilStandard-Press states that “Mr. lage was surveyed and J.C. Hoglund of the Bank of St. platted by Marion T. ChanCroix Falls secured a rare old-time dler. What might have hapinstrument for the bank last week pened to the surveying which is proving to be very attracinstrument? tive these days. While clerking The daughter of J.C. Rosemarie Hoglund, the auction sale at the Scharin Carolyn Aherns, Vezina home on the northern shore of the of Hudson, has written us Sand Lake last week, a strange about her Hoglund family, Braatz box and instrument was offered and the Scharins, of Sand for sale. Mr. Hoglund soon Lake. learned that the instrument ofThe Scharins, Carolyn fered for sale was the surveying recalls, lived on the north instrument used in 1857 to surshore of Sand Lake, across vey the village of St. Croix Falls from Bethesda Lutheran and surrounding country. So he bid on Church, “on what is Darrel and Barbara the outfit and now has something Peterson’s home/land.” which is really worth several times “Bengt Scharin (1824-1912, from Ost-

A ST. CROIX TALE

bank in Polk County. Directors: Louis Sund, Wm. J. Starr, J.H. Savage, M.A. Scheidrup, E.J. Olsen, M.C. Pedersen, Gustaf Hedwall, Chas. E. Lewis, C.A. Carlson and Louis A. Copeland.

A fire ordinance in accordance with state laws, establishing fire limits for buildings hereafter built within that part of the original plat lying one-half block south, and one-half block north of Oak Street, from Polk Avenue to First Avenue, was put into effect.

Ladies Home Journal patterns were now being purchased from Scheldrup & Olsen Store in Frederic. Posted in the Frederic Star the directory – Royal Neighbors of America: Independent Camp No. 1953 meets the first and third Wednesday evenings in I.O. O. F. Hall.

Modern Woodmen of American, Frederic Camp No. 10943 meets every second and fourth Monday evening in I.O.O.F. Hall at 7:30 p.m. Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 166 meets in I.O.O.F. hall at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. Modern Brotherhood of America North Star Lodge No. 1245, meets every first and third Friday in I.O.O.F. Hall. Independent Scandinavian workmen Kalmer Lodge No. 69, meets the first and second Monday nights of each month.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Floyd B. Harin, Pastor, church Service at 10:30 a.m. Strangers always welcome.

Catholic Church services every Sunday except the first Sunday of each month.

Fire department regular meeting, the first Wednesday of each month. G.A. Norton, chief.

Potatoes were sold for 40 cents a bushel. 60 pounds to the bushel and 15 pounds to the peck.

A case of diptheria at Fisk’s on the east side, every precaution is being gotland, Sweden) and his wife, Helena Sofia Bothvidson, were at Sand Lake by 1875 when they petitioned to share the Bethesda church’s pastor’s time. At that time the church was located at East Lake. This group of 28 adults offered land on the lake and moved the log church east to the site. By 1876. the church was in use at Sand Lake.

“The Scharins had a son, Ernst August, and a daughter, Carin. I believe there was another son who drowned in the Ohio River when the family was enroute to Wisconsin. He fell off the boat.”

The St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce (Executive Secretary Ann Emerson) recently received this message from Arnold Mellgren of Stockholm, Sweden: “I am producing a book about Swedes who emigrated to St. Croix

taken and it is thought it will not go beyond the one family. We did not know whether to say March came in like a lion or a lamb, but at any rate, it brought some two to three inches of snow with it. The citizens all along the Frederic branch of the Soo are kicking, and are justified in doing so, about the abominable train service this last change has given them. This branch has just one train a day now. It leaves Frederic at 4:30 a.m., and it is until about 7:30, getting to Dresser Junction. It then returns to Frederic at 3:30 p.m. There is no evening train and the only way to come from the Twin Cities is to leave there at 8 a.m. and reach Frederic at 3:30 p.m. It will take two days and half the night to travel 150 miles and three-fourths of that time is spent on the last 27 miles.

The Frederic Star’s yearly subscription was $1 a year.

Hagberg’s of Frederic was featuring in their ad – Spring Opening of Parisian Models and the latest novelties in Millinery. The Hotel Frederic opened for business Wednesday morning, with Mr. Henry Burmeister proprietor. The building is to be papered and painted throughout and put into first-class condition. A large crowd turned out to listen to the temperance lectures. In both discourses, the financial and business side of the question was discussed fully, and the people lead to look at it from various points. Both talkers had statistics showing that the amount of taxes would only increase about 9 cents on a $100 and that a “No License” town had more money to spend on improvements. – from Betty Fenton, Director of Public Relations, Frederic Area Historical Society

Falls about 150 years ago... I think many people in your city are descendants of this Niclas Herman Siltberg family who came to your city in 1869. I have seen some Internet Web sites that some people with this name are still living in your area. For example, Verlyn D. Siltberg, Verna L. Siltberg, W.L. Siltberg, and Bruce Siltberg.

“I should be very grateful if you could forward this matter to someone who could get in contact with these people ... my wife, Eva, is one of the descendants.”

Mr. Mellgren gives his e-mail address as: arnold@bredband.net. Telephone number: 08-7331713.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Frederic Senior Center On April 9 spades was well attended. Our special guest player was Clareese Marek, who was 96 years old Monday, April 9. She played spades and then her birthday was observed after spades. The winners at spades were first Hazel Hoffman, second Donald Heavey, third Carmen Marek and fourth Eleanor Bonneville.

I sure hope I will be like Clareese on my 96th birthday.

We all enjoyed lunch together and visiting with her. An enjoyable time was had by all her senior friends.

The pokeno players enjoyed playing pokeno Wednesday.

349-7249

Westerberg/Hoikkg Mr. and Mrs. Al Westerberg, Frederic, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer, to Jacob Hoikkg, son of Charlie Hoikkg of Prescott and Mr. and Mrs. Randy Diesing of Prescott.

A June 23 wedding is planned.

St. Croix Valley Dottie Senior Center Adams We had a hobo soup dinner on April 15. Our hosts were Ron and Elaine Edlund who did a great job. There were cards and dominos following the meal.

Our Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Deloris Benson in first place, Dorothy Flatum in second place and George Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Lonnie Jones in first place, Jack Lund in second place, Cliff Qualle in third place and Wally Quist in fourth place.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved. You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.

Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Elroy Petzel in first place, Lonnie Jones in second place, Don Anderson in third place and Olga Young in fourth place.

Have a great day!

Dewey - LaFollette Karen

468-2520

Mangelsen

Clam River Tuesday Club led a sing-along at Capeside Cove Nursing Home Thursday. They then served ice cream and cookies with afternoon coffee.

Don and Lida Nordquist and Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Nina and Lawrence Hines Thursday evening and they played some cards.

A number of people visited Garry Crosby Saturday and helped him celebrate his 60th birthday.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen visited at the lake home of Jake and Holly Mangelsen and family Sunday afternoon. Dave and April Close and family came for supper also. April and Dave’s anniversary was celebrated.

Barry, Josh and Olivia Hines and Lida and Don Nordquist were supper guests of Donna and Gerry Hines Sunday.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen called on Nick and Esther Mangelsen at Siren Sunday evening.

349-2964

472-8285

LaVonne O’Brien

Guests of Maxine Stone Sunday were Doris Schauer and daughter Jean of Glendora, Calif., and Iola Rachner. Neil Olson also visited her last week. Brad, Pam and Spencer Peterson visited Mallory in the Cities on Sunday.

The Orange 4-H Club met at Webster Elementary School Wednesday afternoon.

The pancake breakfast sponsored by the Moose on Sunday to benefit the Burnett Community Library was a success. Thanks to all who attended.

Fran Krause attended the Sarah Circle at Ethel Daniels’ home Wednesday afternoon.

Brad Krause was a successful turkey hunter last week.

Luck Senior Center

Hello from Luck Senior Center!

Good to see Kathy and Dave Mueller, two of our snowbirds back. Welcome home!

At our last board meeting it was brought to our attention that there are some folks who were interested in playing bridge, 500 and other card games. So, if anyone out there would like to help us get some tables going, give Kathy Mueller a call at 715-472-8285.

Bev Beckmark

cuperating after spending five days in the Cities at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Congratulations to elementary student Brittany Dohm, middle school student Carley Emery and high school student Tom Chosa for being chosen Siren schools students of the week.

Coming this Friday, April 20, at the Webster High School, is the Jose Cole Circus. Why not take the whole family and enjoy a family night out? Show time is 7 p.m. and tickets are adults, $9 and kids 12 and under $7.

Congratulations to new parents Roy and Chris Ward. A son was born on April 11, and he weighed in at a hefty 8 lbs., 13 oz. and was 20 inches long. Former Siren Methodist Pastor, Steve Ward and wife, Gail, are the proud grandparents.

Don’t forget the regional hospice spring fling at the Northwoods Crossing Event Center. There is a dinner, silent auction, prize drawings and games. Entertainment is provided by River Deep. For more info call 715-6359077.

Orange

The Dan Lindberg family from Maple Grove, Minn., spent the weekend with Pat and Nancy O’Brien.

On Sunday, Tylyn O’Brien was baptized and had her first communion at St. John’s Catholic Church. Jack and Lavonne, Pat and Nancy, Tom and Becky and Heather and Rylee O’Brien along with other relatives, celebrated with her at the Mike O’Brien home.

A speedy recovery to Mary Herman who broke her toe last week.

Reeny Neinstadt and Sharon Proffit attended a bridal shower for Annie Coveau at Cozy Corners Saturday afternoon. That evening they, and other friends, enjoyed a tribute to Marty Robbins concert at the theater in Sandstone, Minn.

Barb Munger

Palomaki. Another great turnout this week, 31 players joined us for cards.

Friday spades winners were, Clara Palomaki, Arvid Pearson, Flo Antiel and Gerry Vogel.

Shirley served a delicious dinner on Thursday for Dining at Five. Thirty-five people enjoyed glazed ham loaf and all the fixings. Our next Dining at Five will be on May 3. This evening all the volunteers will be honored. Therefore as Shirley said, “we will give thanks to all our volunteers with a Thanksgiving Dinner of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, salad bar and something delicious for dessert.” The sign-up sheet will be out, so stop in and sign up or call and make your reservation at 3492845.

Remember the center is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The coffeepot is always on so stop in for a visit.

Siren

Oh, the joys of spring with its warm, sunny days. It is interesting to see the change in the birds in our backyard.

Over the cold days of winter they didn’t seem to mind their neighbors getting a little too close, after all, they were more interested in just getting enough to eat and keeping warm. Come spring, however, the game has changed. It’s now all about territories and the possibilities of maybe setting up housekeeping. Their sparring antics can be quite amusing. Yards are greening up and it won’t be long now and the spring flowers will be in full bloom.

Sympathy to the family of James B. Sine who passed away April 1.

Sympathy to the family of David Oman who passed away April 7.

Coming up at the Northwoods Lodge Event Center in Siren on April 27 – 28, is the Womens Spring Conference, “Shine.” For more info call 715-349-7185. This event is hosted by the Hands to the Plow ministries.

Peggy Strabel out on Waldora Road is back home re-

Fran Krause

500 players enjoyed their game at 6:30 Thursday night.

Winners were first Myrna Wick, second Willis Williams, third Betty Wilson and fourth Marlys Borchert.

Saturday Share-A-Lunch at noon, bingo and cards games, 3 p.m. coffee time. We enjoyed a roast turkey dinner and all the trimmings.

Next Saturday we will observe the birthdays of the month. The birthdays to be observed are John Marklevits, Vera Amundson, Cleo Koch, Clareese Marek, Frances Kurkowski, Marion Miller, Carlton Cousins and David Christensen.

Siren Senior Center

Things were back to normal this week after our busy Easter weekend.

We had five tables of dime-bingo on Tuesday; I believe that is the largest group that has attended to date. We still have a lot of room for more, and everyone is welcome to come out on Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. The only requirement is a supply of dimes, at least 18 anyway.

Our fourth-grade friends will be visiting us next week, April 23, be sure and put that on your calendars as we will only have one more month to enjoy them before school is out.

I have neglected to mention our April birthdays and by the time that you read this we will have celebrated for them at the center on April 17. Happy Birthday Larry Caucutt, Millie Hartshorn, Fran Oltman, Betty Cullen and Marion Keith.

Winners at 500 this week were, Roy Magnuson, Joyce McKinney, Dorothy Cronquist, Don Heavey and Clara

Ardyce Knauber

Shirley Lund

Mark your calendars for our monthly potluck on Friday, April 27, at 5 p.m. Dan Beal, the Rock Man, will be our guest speaker. We will have birthday cake for desert.

Sounds like a fun and interesting evening. Come join us!

Remember our hours and days – Tues. and Wed., 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 653-4281 A week ago Monday, members of the Scrabble Club went to the United Pioneer Home at Luck to visit Agnes Olson. Those who went were Minnie Grihm, Edna Martin, Donna Erickson, Doris Lindquist, Florence White, Darlene Jensen and Eva Hansen. They played two games of Scrabble and enjoyed visiting together. Agnes was always a faithful member when she lived in Frederic in retirement years, before moving to an apartment at Cumberland.

April snow! Why couldn’t it come in winter when it’s expected and prayed for? Bob Becker, author in Spooner, always said April was fickle, capricious and unreliable.

He’s got that right!

Did you see all the cars at Countryside Inn on Easter Sunday? Many diners enjoyed eating out.

Camp Sunday was observed April 15 at the Lewis Church with Greg Louden, director at Whispering Pines, present to give the children’s message. (He has good interaction with children. It’s easy to see that!) A special mission collection was accepted especially for the camp. We are very fortunate to have a camp so close to us. Boxes of craft items, etc. are also being collected for camp.

Lewis

Welcome home to snowbirds, Alice and Charles Ford! So good to see them again.

After Sunday’s service, the congregation enjoyed fellowship along with cupboard cookies. The church altar was decorated with pussywillows, yellow Asian lilies and geraniums. A camp scene was set up by members of the Scott Nelson family.

Nicole Nelson is recovering from a bad ear infection. Doctors have said they sometimes err in undertreating such an infection.

The morning book club will meet this Thursday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Frederic Library to discuss the book “A Lesson Before Dying.”

Members of the NW Regional Writers met last Friday at Sunrise Apts., Frederic.

Present were Bob MacKean, who presided in the absence of President Mary Jacobsen; Don Miller and his service dog, Buddy; Denis Simonsen; Russ Hanson; guest, Doris Hanson; and Bernice Abrahamzon. Good variety of stories read aloud. Even our guest had done the assignment.

Writers are looking forward to the spring conference to be held Saturday, April 21, at the Northern Lakes Art Center at Amery.

Bernice Abrahamzon

Registration is from 8:30 – 9 a.m. and the day includes special speakers, audience participation, lunch, book sale, sharing. It’s fun and a learning situation when “birds of a feather, get together.”

Carpooling for the short jaunt to Amery on Saturday is set for 7:50 a.m. in the Leader lot. Questions? Call Boyd Sutton.

You’ll find him in the local phone book.

The all-church rummage sale will be held two days – on Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. both days. Serving sloppy joes, chips, bars, beverages both days. Welcome.

If donating items, please bring them on or before Wednesday, April 25, as workers will be setting up that day. It is very difficult if members or friends wait until the sale date to bring in donations. Early delivery is appreciated.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ward who became parents of a baby boy last week. Pastor Steve and Gail became grandparents, too.

A lot of clean-up activity around the former Log Rail on Main Avenue, Lewis.

Some remodeling, too. Looking good! New things are happening.

Remember to get a burning permit for

Webster Senior Center Fifteen local senior citizens participated in the 55 aAlive class taught by Eldon Freese on both Monday and Tuesday afternoon at the center. The no-shows that had signed up but didn’t appear missed out on a great chance to reacquaint themselves with both old and new driving regulations, and to improve their driving skills. I realize now that a great deal has changed since I took a high school driving course back in the mid-‘50s. We were thankful to have Chris run over from Mangelsen’s Electronics to get the VCR working properly.

The Burnett County Aging nutrition Project Council met on Wednesday at the A & H Senior Center. Present were Burnett County Aging Director Lois Taylor, Nutritionist Sara Miller, council president Eldora Brown, Mert Kisselburg, Mary Klar, Dee Troutman and Jerry Oachs. There weren’t any members present from Siren, or from Grantsburg, as Anne Kallman had fallen and injured her leg. Since Sara will be taking some time off after the birth of her baby, menus for both the months of May and June were gone over with a few revisions.

The next project council meeting will be held on June 13 at the Grantsburg Senior Center.

320-242-3933 Nine seniors from out here in the townships of Arna and New Dosey thoroughly enjoyed the Seven County Seniors Convention they attended in Mora last week.

Once again, universal health care and reducing prescription drug prices were voted to be the priorities for the group in the coming year. Jennings Campbell, a retired chemist, and Al Franken, satirist and author, were the guest speakers. Fran Levings was elected as second vice president of the group. Door prize winners among our delegation were Emma Fornengo, Jim Vink and Gert and Gordy Peschong.

Some very exciting wildlife sightings have occurred out here recently. Mary and Frank Schaaf spotted two black swans swimming near the shore of the Hay Creek Flowage on Hwy. 25 one day and Shirley Blokzyl saw them a day or so after that. In conversations about the swans, many of us have said that we didn’t even know there were such birds. Shirley researched black swans on the Internet and learned that they come from Australia. Are we to think that they actually flew to Arna Township from there? That’s very exciting!

Darlene and Peter Merimonte saw a mama and baby bear just down the road from their home. That is a sure sign of spring.

There were 15 dime bingo players on Wednesday afternoon and everyone had a great time, in addition to enjoying the tasty assortment of goodies at break time.

Twenty-eight congregate diners enjoyed the delicious baked chicken dinner prepared by Deb on Thursday. Janice Lind joined Gladys Beers for lunch to help celebrate Gladys’ birthday which was that day.

Deb served chocolate cake with fudge frosting and we sang Happy Birthday to Gladys and also to Faye Ruck whose birthday will be on the 21st. Deb also had cake for the home delivered meal clients. Others celebrating birthdays in April are Jack Brimblecom, Betty Conroy, Geri Cyms, Leland “Bud” Martin and Joanne Miehle. We also remember Deb’s mom, Betty Korhonen, who passed away last year.

Our regular group of pool players and card players were there on Thursday evening except for Sam Williamson and Mert Kisselburg who were attending Sam’s annual Boy Scout banquet.

The rummage and bake sale sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Otis Taylor Post 96, Webster, was well attended on Friday and Saturday and they were very appreciative of all those that participated in it.

Twelve members of Elden Klar’s family that included his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited at our home on Saturday afternoon. I must say that the house was just buzzing with activity. It is nice to get company but it is even nicer when they all go home and peace and quiet is restored! Elden took a very long nap afterward.

Don’t forget that the next Dining at Five evening meal will be held in combination with the annual volunteer recognition dinner at our center on Thursday, April 26, at 5 p.m. Call Deb at 866-5300 to make your reservations. Deb will be serving Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, roll and dessert.

Our gratitude is extended to Gladys Packer for donating homemade caramel rolls and aluminum cans; Pam Lamb-paperback books; Patty Blatt-candy; Gladys Beers for delivery meals in the absence of Leon Mansfield who had a doctor’s appointment; and Dave Wardean for repairing the lazy Susan cabinet door in the kitchen and adjusting the pilot light on the stove.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Ruth Sachs, Marion Brown, Norma Martin, Betty Trudeau,

Cloverton - Markville Our sympathy to Clara Lilly in the loss of her sister last week. Gertrude Moller lived in a nursing home in Dassel and the service was held in Howard Lake. Family and friends had been planning a 90th birthday party for Gertrude this summer.

The garage owned by Lucille Smyth burned to the ground in Markville during the night of April 12-13. No one knew it was burning, so the fire department wasn’t called. No one lived on the premises either.

Let’s have a rundown on some of our Easter activities.

Toni and Dave Royer hosted a ham and turkey meal for 10 members of their family.

After gorging on the good food, they all had fun at card games or on the 4-wheelers.

Toni reports that she may have to apply for disability because she has never fully recovered from injuries she received in the school bus accident seven years ago.

Beverly and Ed Carlin went to her dad’s, Chester Whaley, for Easter. All of her siblings and families were there making for a nice group of about 30 people. Her sister, Carol, was the main cook with everyone else bringing potluck dishes.

Darlene and Pete Merimonte went to the home of their daughter in Pine City for Easter. A group of 12 enjoyed the day together.

that burning barrel in your yard. Available at Sundown Saloon on Hwy. 35. With the snow disappearing, the fire danger increases.

Ethan and Emmy Midbrod visited their grandparents, Lee and Carol Mangelsen this past weekend, a great-grandmother, LaVerne Leep, visited there, too, plus other relatives.

Did you spend the weekend slaving over figuring income taxes? At least this year there was extra time allowed.

Rick Abrahamzon accompanied Joe Zwiess to Waverly, Iowa, on Sunday for a bird swap. Still snow in ditches there from the last storm.

Several members of the Lewis UMW plan to attend a Day of Enrichment this Saturday, April 21, at the UM Church at New Richmond. Planning to go are president, Sylvia Schaetzel; vice president, Robin Peterson; chairman of the church administrative board, LaVonne Boyer.

So much going on these days! What happened to that old song about peaceful in the country “It’s so restful and quiet, you really ought to try it.” (It’s a myth, a fallacy, a daydream!)

Mary Klar Kathy Beyer, Mercelia Studeman, Katy Johnson, Maury Heyer, Viola Macho, Don Carlson, Eunice Tollander, and Barry Heyer who is recovering after receiving a donated kidney from his brother Todd Heyer.

Raku pottery is made from a special kind of clay that has been shaped by the hands of the potter who has allowed a part of his own spirit of artistry to speak through the finished work with a particular directness and intimacy. It is put in a glowing red-hot kiln and then put in a smoldering sawdust pile where it remains until finished. The result is a unique one-of-a-kind product.

We, too, bear the imprint of the Potter’s hand. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. But we, too, must experience the kiln of affliction. Aching hearts, weary spirits, aging bodies are the processes God uses to finish the work he has begun. But we shouldn’t fear the “furnace” that surrounds us, but wait patiently for the finished product. “We are here to be perfected, only God our needs can see; rarest gems bear hardest grinding, God’s own workmanship are we.”-Anon. “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”Philippians 1:6. See you at the center!

Fran Levings

The Blokzyls entertained several of their children and grandchildren for an Easter dinner on Saturday for 19 people. They even had an Easter egg hunt out there in the chilly weather.

The Cloverton Town Hall was the site of an Easter dinner hosted by Emma and Pete Fornengo. The entire family came for a wonderful day together.

It was Easter dinner at the Marlene and Don Mishler home for 19 of their children and grandchildren. A special highlight was having two babies, great-grandchildren Isabel and Ben, there to make things especially nice.

Evelyn Johnson joined her children at the home of daughter Debbie in Hudson,

where Debbie had prepared the entire meal herself. The big meal was followed by birthday cake for three family members who have their birthdays in April.

On the home front, Dave and I joined my son, Chuck, and his family at Perkins in Superior for a Good Friday lunch, then on Easter Sunday, we had my niece and her sons and another nephew at our home for dinner. The meal was followed by a long game of Phase 10.

One of our residents, who wishes to remain anonymous, would like to say “Hi” to Pete, our former DNR guy, who reads this column regularly.

Don’t postpone joy, wherever you are.

Happy Corners Vern Catlin visited at Amanda Catlin’s home for supper on Monday.

Mike Catlin attended an auction by Shell Lake on Saturday forenoon.

Vern Catlin had a doctor’s appointment in Barron on Tuesday forenoon.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn were in St. Croix Falls on Thursday afternoon.

Vern Catlin had supper and stayed overnight at the Amanda Catlin home on

Thursday.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn attended an auction north of Staples Lake on Sunday afternoon.

Gene Doster attended an auction north of Staples Lake on Sunday afternoon.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn attended an auctioin by Shell Lake on Saturday forenoon.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Brewster is a 3-year-old, longhair, brown tabby. He is neutered and declawed. Brewster came to Arnell because a member of his previous household developed allergies to him. He lived with a family with a teenager, a 2-yearold child and a dog. He likes attention sometimes and then not Arnell other times. He is a typical cat.

Brewster is completely litter box Humane trained and does not scratch furniSociety ture. He is a large, fluffy handsome cat waiting for a home.

The recent nationwide pet food recall has raised a number of questions about the food we give our pets. The contaminated pet food was made by one manufacturer but sold under many different labels. With reputable pet foods like Iams, Eukanuba and Purina on the list, many Americans were confronted with questions about the quality of their pet’s diet. The list of dog and cat foods included in the recall has been difficult to decipher; wet or dry, pouch or canned and sometimes difficult to find in entirety. Which foods are safe might be a better question to ask. A recent article in The Week magazine offered some insight and answers.

Pet foods include animal parts or meat byproducts considered unfit for human consumption, such as poultry beaks and feet, as well as heads, hooves, spinal columns and intestines. These ingredients are defended with the rationale that a dog in the wild would happily eat an entire carcass of prey, including feet, brains and entrails. Indeed, the contaminating ingredient of the pet food recall was found in wheat gluten from China that contained melamine, an industrial chemical that in high doses can cause kidney failure. How the melamine got there in the first place has not been determined.

The cuts and gravy-style pet foods included in the recall also include soy meal, sweeteners, artificial coloring and preservatives that have been associated with cancer in humans.

The pet food recall has made all of us think twice about what we are feeding our pets. With one manufacturer making pet foods sold under more than 90 brands and dozens of companies, people are

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT

Lunsmann/Hyden Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lunsmann, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Autumn Marie Lunsmann, to Ryan Patrick Hyden, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hyden.

Autumn is a 2004 graduate of Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and received an associate degree in early childhood education.

Ryan is a 2002 graduate of Unity High School. He is currently working as a glass technician for Indianhead Glass, as well as an active member of the Milltown Fire Department.

Their wedding is planned for April 21, 2007, in Milltown.

Engagement

Curnow/Clark Jerry and Judy Curnow, Frederic, and Richard and Kathy Clark of Denver City, Texas, announce the April 8 engagement of their children.

Britt Curnow, BSN, R.N., and Lt. Justin Clark, M.D., USN, will be married in Leavenworth, Wash., near Seattle, on July 8, 2007.

The bride-to-be, a graduate of MSU Bozeman, Mont., is a registered nurse employed by St. Peter’s Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. The future groom, a graduate of Texas A & M, is a U.S. Navy M.D. assigned to Bremerton, Wash., Naval Hospital.

After the wedding, the couple will be deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

Births Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A girl, Peyton Lynn Makinen, born April 8, 2007, to Amy and Richard Makinen, Osceola. Peyton weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz.

•••

Brewster wondering if they are getting the same pet food no matter what the label or cost. The reality is that the manufacturer follows formulas supplied to them by the individual client. High-end brands tend to have fixed formulas while lower-priced brands may often instruct the manufacturer to use whatever meat and other ingredients are the cheapest at the time. The foods may have similar ingredients listed on the package, but they are in different proportions and sources.

Some people suggest that owners feed homecooked meals of soup, meatloaf and vegetables formulated for dogs and cats.

It would be counterproductive for pet owners to resort to feeding table scraps to their pets. The human diet is not sufficient for them and will not provide the necessary nutrients provided in packaged pet food.

With Americans spending $16 billion a year feeding their 90 million cats and 74 million dogs, the pet food recall has put the spotlight on an often overlooked issue, “What are we feeding our animals?”

Just because is looks juicy or comes in an attractive array of colors, doesn’t make it suitable for consumption.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 715 268-7387 or online: www.amhs.petfinder.com

Hello, Fritz here! Well, it’s spring outbeautiful, friendly golden lab. And then we have side and inside at the shelter. Outside our Peggy and Suzie Q, each about 3 months old and weather is warming up and we are enjoyso lovable and eager to play. Peggy looks like a ing the grass between our toe pads, the black lab/shepherd-mix pup and Suzie is a sun on our furry coats and the smell of pretty, dappled corgi mix. earth in our keen noses. Inside it is also Travis, Honkey Tonk, Rufus and I are really enspring as we are full to overflowing! I joying the company of all these wonderful fehave so many friends here of all shapes males, although we’d prefer to be adopted of Fritz course! I don’t think I’ve introduced Rufus, he’s and sizes and all are waiting for loving homes. a young, springy, springer spaniel. If unbridled The females rule the roost right now NEWS FROM enthusiasm is what you need in your life right as they are in the majority. Good thing now, Rufus is the one for you. He’s more cheerthey’re all fine ladies or I’d be in the dog ful and energetic than a prescription for antidehouse, arooo! Ranessa is a beautiful pressants. young husky with incredible blue eyes.

Enjoy the beautiful weather by walking with a She is lean and fit and would do well furry friend and have a great week! Slobbers with an active family or human who could exercise and tail wags to everyone who helps keep my home her a lot. Honey and Abigail, our two empty-nest open and food bowl full! moms are more settled and just ask for a few walks, With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. a soft bed and someone to love. Ursula is a big, www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

YOUR SHELTER

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Amery Public Library “Stealing Buddha’s Dinner: A Memoir,” by Bich Minh Nguyen “Stealing Buddha’s Dinner” is a new memoir of growing up Vietnamese written by Bich Minh Nguyen, a girl who escaped from Vietnam with her father, sister and grandmother in the last group leaving before North Vietnam took over the country. They came to the United States where life was incredibly different from their homeland.

Coming of age in Grand Rapids, Mich., Bich longs for American food, she wants to be a Tiffany or a Jennifer, she feels out of place as a Buddhist in a predominantly Christian place. Bich’s grandmother coddles her with exotic Vietnamese food but all Bich wants are Twinkies, KitKats and Toll House cookies.

Stealing Buddha’s Dinner is a fine memoir, a glimpse into a diverse family, hard-working, loud, but loving and trying hard to fit in to a land far from home.

Throughout the book we wonder about Bich’s birth mother and why she didn’t come along when the rest of the family left. We learn the answers eventually, but Bich’s father remarries a Mexican woman which makes the Americanization of Bich even more complicated. Bich is now married and teaching literature at Purdue University.

The Friends of the Library thank everyone who helped work at the Home and Garden Show and those who stopped by to chat with the Friends. If you would like to become a Friend of the Library pick up an application at the circulation desk.

The Friends of the Library Book Group meets on May 21, at 7 p.m. to discuss “A Million Little Pieces” By James Frey, a stunning memoir of addiction.

Pick up a copy of the book at the circulation desk if you want to join the discussion group led by Audrey McNurlin.

The Teens Read Book Group meets on April 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “House of the Scorpion” by Nancy Farmer. Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us if you are teen for snacks and exciting book talk.

The Otaku Club meets every Tuesday at 5 p.m. for teens who like manga and anime. Stop in and check it out if you are a teen. National Library Week is April 15 to 21. The theme this year is Come Togetherat Your Library. Stop in your local library and see all the wonderful things we have to offer, books, magazines, newspapers, large print books, music cds, DVDs, videos, board books for babies, books on tape and books on CD, and topical information on the public access Internet.

Library Notes Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Join us for songs and stories. Spring is a great time to start coming to Story time. We don’t have an age limit, and try to gear some of the songs, fingerplays and rhymes to the very little ones.

Library Hours Mon. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dresser Public Library

Clear Lake Public Library The fourth week in April 22-28 is National TV Turn-off Week. The library will be hosting a game night on Wednesday, April 25, beginning at 6 p.m. Come and play some games with us at the library.

In honor of Earth Day, April 22, the library is offering seed planting to anyone who is interested. Just come into the li-

Milltown Public Library National Library Week We’re handing out prizes to every customer who checks out materials during National Library Week, April 16 – 21.

Check out a book to get buttons, balloons, stickers, bookmarks and more!

Knit and crochet Join the most exciting group in Milltown at the library on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Experts and beginners are invited! If you’re in the middle of a project and are looking for help or just fun conversation while you finish that sweater, hat, mitten or whatever, please join us for the next meeting on April 19. Beginners are also invited for free lessons from talented club members – just call the library at 8252313 to ensure that a teacher and materials will be ready for you.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our new, free, fast wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer! Surf the net from a comfortable chair! No time limits! Network repairs have recently been made, and the WIFI is once again as fast as ever.

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers two to library staff and library fines must be story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make under $10 to use a computer. it in the morning? We will repeat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts!

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 Helping your child which is our telephone and FAX number Do your children need to practice their or e-mail us at addition math facts? Here is a fun game www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web to play with two children or players. Disite, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also vide an entire deck of cards between two has information about story times, days players and have them place their cards closed, reference links, library policy in a pile face down on a table. The playand much more. ers simultaneously turn one card over

Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009. The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting on the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

brary during National Library Week or National TV Turn-off Week and we will supply everything you need to plant some seeds.

The knitting and crocheting Group will meet April 25 at 4:30 p.m. Come join us! Free lessons and materials are provided.

are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Book club The Milltown Book Club will discuss “Rise and Shine” by Anna Quindlen at 7 p.m. on April 30. Extra copies of this book are available for checkout now at Milltown Public Library. New members and guests are always welcome at the book club discussions. Refreshments will be served.

Summer reading program Mark your calendars! The Summer Reading Program at Milltown Library kicks off on Saturday, May 26, with entertainment, games, art projects, and prizes for kids and adults. This summer we will offer Readers’ Rewards to people of all ages. If you can’t make it to the kickoff on May 26, you can register for Reading Rewards anytime afterward. Exciting workshops and performers for this summer are already being planned – check out www.milltownpubliclibrary.org for more information.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centuria Public Library

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Income tax forms are available at the library. The Internet is a great source for downloading additional forms you need for only 5 cents per copy!

Three Internet computers: You must physically present a MORE library card

Luck Public Library April 15 – 21 is National Library Week.

Celebrate your favorite book character who you would like to meet at the library. Pick up a form at the library and let your imagination go wild. Return the drawing to the Luck Library and you’ll receive a certificate for a free single scoop of frozen custard in a cake cone or dish to be redeemed at your participating neighborhood Culver’s. We will also enter your name into a random drawing held at the library on Friday, April 14.

Our next homeschool meeting is set for Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. Are you having a difficult time getting your child

kings count as 10. After all the cards have been turned over, the child with the most pairs wins. This game can be used to practice multiplication facts as well. Have fun!

Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

and find the sum. For example, if one player turned a four and the other player turned a seven, the sum of the two cards would be 11. The first player to say the sum gets to keep the pair.

Aces count as one, jacks, queens, and

interested in learning? Why not try a different approach? We have new materials that will help you target your child’s learning style so you can use your time more effectively.

Hours, contact Preschool story hour is held Wednes- Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to days at 10 a.m. We focus on early liter- 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursacy skills and emergent readers. All are day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from welcome.

Osceola Public Library

St. Croix Falls Public Library

Hours Mondays 1 – 5 p.m.; Tuesdays 1 – 8 p.m.; Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursdays 1 – 8 p.m.; Fridays 1 – 5 p.m. Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and and Saturdays 10 a.m. – noon. have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Croix Falls Public Library story hour!

Balsam Lake Public Library

noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Frederic Public Library

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Balsam Lake Public Library Celebrate reading during National Library Week In celebration of National Library Week April 15-21, the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation and Culver’s restaurants are kicking off a Coming Together at the Library drawing campaign for children 10 and under in partnership with Wisconsin public libraries. This is the 11th-straight year local Culver’s restaurants in Wisconsin have sponsored this event, which encourages children to read and celebrates their favorite book characters.

Children can enter the drawing event by picking up drawing sheets from Balsam Lake Library. Children are encouraged to draw book characters that they would like to meet at the library. Every child who completes a drawing will receive a “Be Our Guest” coupon for a free single scoop of frozen custard from Culver’s and be entered into a random drawing to win additional prizes from Culver’s, including a Scoopie plush toy and Frisbee. Drawings will be displayed at Balsam Lake Library through the month of April.

New items We have just purchased six new puppets to add to our collection. We now have a dragon, a puppy, a horse, a dinosaur, a panda and a shark. They are being displayed on a puppet rack made

by Jim Gisch, a library board member.

Gratitude is extended to Jim. Please join this group for a fun-packed hour.

Story time Story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks. Please join us for this fun-packed hour.

Knitting group Join us for an evening of knitting and crocheting. Beginners encouraged and welcome, lessons will be given. Bring a project or start a project here. Good conversation and helpful hints are guaranteed. We meet every other week. The next meeting is Monday, April 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Book club “Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman,” by Elizabeth Buchan is a modern every-woman’s tale. It is the funny, heartfelt, and sad—but definitely not tragic—story about love and how it touched 47-year-old Rose Lloyd. As a college student, Rose fell in love with a man.

His name was Hal, and he loved her but also wanted to roam the world. Then she met Nathan, who wanted to marry her and raise a family. Rose loved Nathan, too, although for different reasons. She made a decision. We will meet Wednesday, April 18, at 3 p.m. Open to all ages.

Frederic Public Library Story hour Wednesday morning Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to story hour at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, April 25, for stories written by author Robert McCloskey, creator of “Make Way for Ducklings.” Please join us for a lively hour of sharing books and activities.

Reading groups meet April 19 The Thursday morning reading group will meet April 19 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest Gaines, a novel that found its way to the top of most recommended reading lists.

The evening book group will meet the same day at 7 p.m. to talk about Anne Tyler’s wry novel, “A Patchwork Planet.” If you are curious about attending a book group, you are welcome to come to either of these discussions.

Mark your calendar The library is beginning to schedule

Friends of the Library Friends of the Library book sale was a great success. Many books found new homes, and we still have a good start for our June book sale. We will still take donations. Friends group will meet again POLK COUNTY – Road Trip dates are April 16- 28. (One week, is just not long on Wednesday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m. enough to get to all the great libraries of Polk County).

Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water In honor of this week, local libraries tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. are hosting the second-annual Polk Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tues- County Library Road Trip! The purpose day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. of this event is to celebrate the libraries – 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sat- and the outstanding library service is urday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. E-mail: balsam- Polk County. Here is how the Road Trip lakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site will work.

1. Cut out your Polk County Library www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Road Trip car.

2. Make plans and visit each of the 10 municipal libraries in Polk County during the time period of April 16-28. This will be a great opportunity to visit marvelous local communities right there in Polk County! Check the times and days

special programs for the summer, and you are invited to join us for Container Gardening with master gardener Colleen Gifford, a make-and-take event Thursday evening, May 24, at the library from 6:30-8 p.m. Colleen will talk about the popularity of container gardening and guide us as we make our own creations to take home. Plan to bring your own container, and the library will supply soil and plants for a $10 fee. Preregistration is necessary for this program.

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m.

- 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979; e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Second-annual Polk County Library Road Trip each library is open in the Polk County Library News pages in the Inter-County Leader- Northern Currents.

3. While visiting each library, be sure to get your Polk County Library Road trip car stamped.

4. After visiting each of the 10 municipal libraries in Polk County and obtaining a stamp from each library by Saturday, April 28, turn in your stamped Road Trip car to your local librarian.

5. All fully stamped Road Trip cars, must be turned in by Saturday, April 28, to one of the 10 local libraries in Polk County.

There are three winner categories – child, teen and adult. - submitted

Road Trip 2007 Child, Teen, Adult

Name:__________________________________________

Get “stamped” at each of Polk County’s 10 public libraries.

Puppet stand for 12 puppets made by Balsam Lake Library board member Jim Gisch. Gratitude is extended to Gisch for a great addition to our children’s area. – Photo submitted

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

and return to your local library by April 28.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

SCRMC appreciates its volunteers and celebrates during National Volunteer Week ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Regional Medical Center is grateful and appreciative of the 9,500 hours of service volunteers have given this past year through assisting departments in the hospital and clinic, knitting and sewing gift items for patients, driving for needed medical supplies and helping with auxiliary activities.

During National Volunteer Week, April 15 – 21, the medical center will celebrate and recognize its volunteers. The week will include: daily gift drawings, treats each day, a bouquet of thanks ap-

preciation mural and a recognition event.

“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of talented volunteers whose generosity and kindness provides a better care experience for our patients,” said SCRMC volunteer manager, Mickey Gebhard. “The activities during National Volunteer Week are but a small token of appreciation from everyone at our medical center. It’s an honor and privilege to work with such a caring group of people.”

SCRMC volunteers (includes auxilians) and their guest are invited to the

Volunteer Recognition Event on Friday, April 20, at First Presbyterian Church.

The evening’s highlights are: Invocation - Pastor Bruce Brooks, First Presbyterian Church Dinner - State Street Café Program - Members of the St. Croix Falls High School Singing Saints SCRMC Message - Lenny Libis, President/CEO Service Awards - Mickey Gebhard, volunteer manager Benediction - Pastor Brooks The 17 volunteers being presented

Fresh voice at WLMX

by Wayne M. Anderson LUCK—There’s a fresh voice upon the morning airwaves. Tim McNeil is the new program director at radio station 104.9 FM. Work commuters and other early birds can hear his weekday show on WLMX from 6 to 9 a.m. His call-in show will emphasize community happenings and reactions to local and world events.

“Community is what I’m all about,” said McNeil. “If you take the community out of radio, you don’t have anything special.”

McNeil comes to the inter-counties from Sedona, Ariz., where he was the production manager at KAZM-AM. He was raised in the Cities and graduated from the School of Broadcasting, Brown College in Mendota Heights, Minn.

His career journey from the high desert area to the great northwest woods

is a perfect fit.

“It was a very intriguing position that I was offered here,” said McNeil. “I grew up in this area, so I have roots that go back here. I have family in New Richmond too, so it just seemed like a perfect fit for me up here.” Northwest Wisconsin is a good fit with a beautiful view.

“It’s a gorgeous place,” he said. “The lake region here is absolutely wonderful.

Coming from the desert, it’s wonderful to see water again.” Listeners can expect new and exciting things on local radio.

“I think the station as a whole is going to be getting a lot better in the next few months,” McNeil predicted. Listeners can call McNeil on weekday mornings at: 715-472-1049.

Tim McNeil on WLMX 105 FM. – Photo by Wayne M. Anderson

with service pins this year are: 7,000 - Beverly Caspersen; 6,000 - Audrey Johnson; 3,000 - Mary Werran; 1,000 - Lynn Hanson and Kayla Hedlund; 500 - Dorene Grove and Amy Cole; 200 Carol Carlson, Renée Ryan, Nicole Dahlberg, Ty Spencer, Alisa Eckel, David Thaemert, Marion Fox, Carolyn Ward, Kathy Lucken and Barb Young.

In addition, scholarship certificates will be presented to students who have given over 100 hours of service. – from SCRMC

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton to perform at Festival Theatre ST. CROIX FALLS – His name is Dan Newton, but you can call him Daddy Squeeze when he’s playing. He got his much more interesting moniker from playing accordion, or “squeezebox” as aficionados call it.

Newton was born and raised in Nebraska where he grew up listening to big band, classical and Broadway records, and to his mom playing hymns on the piano. Along the way, he learned to express his “inner Dan” through the piano, tin whistle, hammered dulcimer and guitar. While playing piano in one of his earlier bands, the other members increasingly booked gigs at bars that didn’t have a piano. Newton was oblivious to this not-so-subtle hint, and decided he needed something that could more adequately fill in for the piano. A friend had an old accordion in the attic that Newton learned to play.

“I was kind of an anti-establishment hippie at the time, so I liked the reaction I got,” Newton said.

Newton will perform with Café Accordion Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Festival Theatre in Downtown St. Croix Falls. He lives in the Minneapolis area and has appeared frequently on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show.

Newton immediately liked the expressive nature of the accordion. And he liked not having to make three or four trips to the car to load in multiple instruments.

When he moved to St. Paul in the 1980s, he remembers not many fellow nonpolka-playing accordionists. One magazine writer called him the greatest accordion player alive.

“That’s probably because I was the only one who didn’t play polka,” Newton said.

Newton has several different musical projects, including the Café Accordion Orchestra, Jumbo Ya Ya, The Rocking Pinecones and Art Carnage. Each has a different musical flavor and allows him to book different gigs with different groups depending on what people are looking for.

“It’s all a matter of making a living,” Newton said.

His solo shows tend to have a little bit of everything — folk, Cajun, French café, Tin Pan Alley, gypsy swing, blues, Zy-

Dan Newton deco and originals. “I read the crowd,” Newton said. Basically, he just loves showing people that an accordion can play more than polka.

Over the years, the accordion has gone from novelty instrument to one that more and more bands are incorporating into their music.

“People realize, like any other instrument, it’s not built to play one type of music,” Newton said. “It’s built to play music.”

Still, Newton realizes — and enjoys — that the accordion will never be exactly mainstream. “ The guitar still rules American pop and folk music. I think the guitar is king, and I can look at that and think ‘Boy, if I played guitar, I’d get more gigs’ but I’m glad I’m not one of 5 million guitar players.”

Tickets to the Saturday, April 21, Café Accordion Orchestra concert are on sale at Festival Theatre, 210 North Washington Street, St. Croix Falls. Box office hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and starting at noon until showtime on Saturday. Reserved seating is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information call Festival Theatre at 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002; check out Festival Theatre online at www.festivaltheatre.org or order tickets via e-mail at boxoffice@festivaltheathre.org. - from Festival Theatre

Café Accordion Orchestra – Photos submitted

Dorthy Fix’in it on Sunday ST. CROIX FALLS - Dreamy, dizzy local new-age band, Dorthy Fix, returns from a nationwide tour to play a welcome back show at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, at the Planet Supply, in St. Croix Falls.

Dorthy Fix’s nearly four-week concert journey took them from the plains of North Dakota, to the forest of the Pacific Northwest, the fun oasis of Las Vegas, the rocklands of Arizona, through driftless Nebraska and through Iowa farmland.

To celebrate their successful temporary “break out of the Wisconsin nutty cold, early spring,” Dorthy Fix will play their mixture of folky-Goth punk to an all-ages show at Planet Supply. Planet Supply is located in the basement of the U.S. Post Office building in downtown St. Croix Falls. A freewill donation cover is desired for this extravaganza. - submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

Grantsburg Historical Society to celebrate “School days, school days, good old golden rule days…”

GRANTSBURG – Let’s get together and recall the daily routines in our area schools, the old days when we got to and from school by actually walking, uphill both ways, through rain, snow, mud or sleet. Those were the days of four-buckle overshoes, woolen snowpants, Christmas programs, PTA meetings, black chalkboards and recess games of Fox and Geese, Work Up, Red Rover or even Hide ‘n Seek.

Everyone is invited to an evening of fun and recollection. Come and share your memories and experiences with former teachers, parents and students from

the rural schools, and even the envious city kids from the village, as they recall the good old days. Come and get in on the interesting stories and conversation.

This event is sponsored by the Grantsburg Area Historical Scoiety and will be held at the Crex Education and Visitor Center in Grantsburg on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

For further information contact Berdella at 715-463-5660 or Gail at 715689-2374.

RIGHT: The Alpha School in December, 1955. – Photo from Merlin Johnson

LEFT: Falun Grade School, 1934, front row (L to R): Daniel Nelson, Kenneth F. Johnson, Gene Gronlund, Earl Blomgren, Warren Hegge, Harriet Erickson, Ruth Peterson, Elsie Johnson, Edward Erickson, Dallas Johnson, Russell Erickson, Esther Peterson, Betty Biggs and _____. Second row (L to R): Edward Anderson, Alice Frederickson, Robert Moulton, David Swanson, Phyllis Nelson, Carl Renaldo, Maybelle Sorenson, ______, Genevieve Hegge, _____, Eunice Peterson, Royal Wedin, _____, Dorothy Peterson, Duane Sandberg, Imogene Johnson, Joe Viedel, Donald Biggs, Maynard Thoreson and Morris Forcier.

Teacher: Mrs. Mabel Martin. – Photo from Merlin Johnson

HealthPartners and Regions Hospital present grant to the medical center AMERY- HealthPartners and Regions Hospital presented the Amery Regional Medical Center Foundation with a challenge grant in support of the development of the new facility located at 265 Griffin Street East in Amery. The proposed grant matches $2 for every $1 pledged by ARMC’s local providers and physicians, up to a $100,000 maximum contribution by HealthPartners (split equally between Regions Hospital and HealthPartners).

The HealthPartners/Regions matching grant will assist Amery Regional Medical Center in attaining their internal fundraising goal. ARMC started an internal fundraising campaign in November to aid in the development of the new health care facility. The campaign’s purpose is to raise funds for the implementation of four special features at the future facility. These features include plants for the rain gardens instead of seeding these areas, installation of the green roof, additional furnishings for the chapel including a water feature, and a walking path along the Apple River for the community. The total cost for the implementation of the features noted above is $665,000.

With the aid of HealthPartners/Regions Hospital, the Andersen Foundations, and the ARMC Foundation, the realization of meeting this goal is well within reach. Employees, management, medical staff, the board of directors and

Dr. Kenneth D. Holmen (L), vice president Medical Affairs of Regions Hospital and vice president Physician Strategies of HealthPartners presented Jim Leadholm, ARMC Foundation vice chairman, and Heidi Erspamer, ARMC board director, with a matching grant incentive for the development of the new health care facility in Amery. – Photo submitted the ARMC volunteer partners are being requested to secure the balance of the fundraising initiative.

The 120,000-square-foot facility with an estimated cost of $36.5 million is scheduled for completion September

2007. Currently, the facility is fully enclosed with 95 percent of the exterior brick, block, and window installation completed. Interior finishes are equally on pace for the September completion date.

Gandy Dancer water bottle with trail pass POLK COUNTY – The Polk County Tourism Council is offering a Gandy Dancer Trail logo water bottle free with the purchase of a 2007 state annual trail pass from now through Memorial Day weekend. This offer is available at the Polk County Information Center, located at the head of the trail, in St. Croix Falls.

Before your first Wisconsin bike ride on the Gandy Dancer Trail this spring, stop by the Information Center in St.

Croix Falls, buy your annual pass, and get a shiny new 32-oz. water bottle for all those upcoming summer rides.

Located in scenic Northwestern Wisconsin, the Gandy Dancer Trail has a solid limestone surface, and runs 47 miles through Polk and Burnett counties, and requires bike riders over 16 to purchase a pass. Annual state trail passes are required on state trails, and include bike, ski and horse trails.

The trail, opened in 1995, has the unique feature of going through the small villages, located every four to seven miles, that the railroad used to serve, making this a very friendly trail for families with younger riders.

For a free trail map, lodging or other information, 800-222-POLK or www.polkcountytourism.com. – from PCTC

The 28-acre lot, on which the new medical center is being built, will include additional clinic exam rooms, 25 private inpatient rooms, expanded emergency care area, increased space for surgical, laboratory and radiology services as well as a fixed MRI scanner. Special amenities such as a chapel, expanded parking, educational spaces, and a dining area will also be a part of the new facility.

HealthPartners and Regions Hospital are committed to improving the health of their patients and communities by providing quality heath care, which makes the medical center a perfect fit and a great opportunity. “The commitment to high-quality, community-based, and patient-centered medical care makes HealthPartners, Regions Hospital, and Amery Regional Medical Center good partners as we work together meeting the needs of our communities, “ stated Dr. Kenneth D. Holmen, vice president Medical Affairs Regions Hospital and vice president Physician Strategies HealthPartners. - submitted

Osceola Senior Citizens Club OSCEOLA – The Osceola Senior Citizens Club, Inc. will hold its monthly noon potluck at the Osceola United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 25. The program, titled “Generations,” will be presented by Gail E. Peavey, Family Living Agent, University of Wisconsin Extension Service.

Osceola Senior Citizen Club membership is open to persons 50 or over, and everyone is welcome. Members are encouraged to bring friends. Anyone who can’t make the potluck may feel free to come not later than 1 p.m. for the program, dessert and coffee.

For more information or to arrange a ride, call 715-294-3670. - submitted

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Explaining the why in military service

by Nancy Jappe GRANTSBURG – For the first time in nearly two years, Staff Sgt. Matthew Olson was able to come home to visit his parents, Gerald and Cindy Olson, to see other family members and to talk at First Baptist Church, Falun.

The talk at church was on Sunday, April 15. At this time, Olson is prohibited from talking in public about On his first visit to the two subjects, religion and politics. This left Grantsburg area in nearly the field open for his two years, Staff Sgt. current talking topic – Matthew Olson stopped at his service for the De- the Leader’s Siren office for partment of Defense an interview about his parand being on two year- ticipation in the Department of Defense’s Why We long tours in Iraq.

Olson was chosen as Speak program. Olson is one of eight members currently stationed at Fort for the third round of Jackson, S.C., working as the DOD’s Why We part of the motor wheeledServe program. He is vehicle mechanical school. one of two in that – Photo by Nancy Jappe group (including two each for the Navy, Air Force and Marines) who represent the U.S. Army. His area to cover is the entire United States.

According to their Web site, Why We Serve is an outreach program designed to assist communities in locating uniformed members of the Armed Forces to speak about the nobility of service and to share their personal experiences with the American people.

“It is an honor to be chosen. The best of the best (are) picked to serve on Why We Serve,” Cindy Olson said about her son.

Olson graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1999. He was active in the Burnett County 4-H program, “ever since I can remember,” and played baseball, basketball, football and track in high school.

Being uncertain what he wanted to do next, and after listening to a recruiter who came to Grantsburg, Olson joined the Army. He served his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. From January 2003 through January of this year, Olson served as the Motor Sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 71st Corps Support Battalion based out of Bamberg, Germany. During this time, he was sent to Iraq on two occasions, serving a year there each time.

“Pretty intense,” were the words Olson used to describe his first tour to Iraq. Before arriving in Iraq, he spent a few weeks in Kuwait. This was 2003, at the start of the war, and skuds were being shot all over the area.

“We had to get into chemical gear because we weren’t sure what they were shooting,” he said, adding that the temperature was over 100 degrees some of the time and the chemical gear adds about 10 degrees to the outside temperature. “Sometimes they came once a day, some days not at all, and sometimes four times a day,” Olson went on to say.

He was part of a convoy that drove 400 miles from Kuwait to Iraq. “All the vehicles made it, although one had a broken fan belt two miles into the trip,” he commented.

At that time, none of the vehicles was armored, and the worry was over dirt and sand getting into the motors. These days, the vehicles have to be prepared for more dangerous conditions, bringing worry about dirt, sand, overweight vehicles and being under attack.

Each military vehicle logs millions of miles, carrying fuel and supplies back and forth, which means the need for trained personnel to be on hand to maintain them. Olson’s job was to maintain and service 49 various pieces of Army equipment, as well as being responsible for the health, welfare and training of all soldiers who were assigned to the motor pool.

“The first time was a lot worse than the second time,” Olson said about his two Iraqi tours. During the first time, the air base he was on was hit by mortar almost every night. The mortar tubes were carried in the back of pickup trucks. The driver would come up to the base, drop off the mortars and get away before anyone knew they had been there. The good thing about this approach was that the shooters weren’t very accurate.

On the second tour of Iraq, which ended in October 2006, the base was on flat land, no trees in sight. “It was pretty safe. They couldn’t sneak away,” Olson related.

During that second tour, mortaring came only once.

“It’s a whole different world.

I’m trying to help people understand.”

Staff Sgt. Matthew Olson on Iraq

Those, like Olson who had been through conditions as they were on the first tour, had no sympathy for new guys coming onto the base who complained about the heat or running out of water and having to bathe with bottled water. “You don’t know what you are talking about,” was Olson’s response.

“I think we are making big local changes,” he said when asked about the positives of the U.S. military being in Iraq. While his unit was working, local people came in and worked with them on improving the buildings that were there. Most of the people were happy when his unit would come to drop off fuel and supplies. The people were friendly.

Those that Olson talked to were glad that Saddam Hussein was out of power. One man, who had been in Saddam’s army, talked about his confinement in a foxhole for two weeks with only a couple of tomatoes for nourishment.

“It’s a whole different world. I’m trying to help people understand,” Olson commented.

“If I could go for a visit (after the fighting is over), I would go back. I know there’s a lot of history there,” said Olson, mentioning things like the Tower of Babel and the fact that Baghdad is a city like any other city.

Relationships were built with people with whom Olson worked. He said that the Iraqis picked up English quickly, much quicker than the military picked up Arabic. This leaves a need for interpreters. At the mechanical school he attended, there was also a linguistic school.

Olson cited personal reasons why being in Iraq was difficult. “I missed Isaac’s first nine months,” he said, regretting not being able to see his son’s early growth.

Staying cool was also difficult when you work outdoors and there’s no air conditioning. The men would choose to work at night as an alternative to being out in so much heat.

The positive side came when Olson would see photos from soldiers who were sent out on the convoys.

The photos were of smiling children, letting him know that Iraqis were feeling a positive impact from the military being in their country.

In Iraq and in most of the states, Olson has found that almost everybody loves the support the military is giving. “They say they don’t support the war, but they do support the military,” Olson said. “It’s hard to support something you don’t understand. We see pic-

tures of dead people, yet the same amount of people were murdered in Detroit (at the same time).”

Olson referred to sensationalism selling better than good news does. “I think that is why we serve,” he said. He feels that media such as CNN are telling the truthful story – just not one side of it.

Olson will be spending three months in the Why We Speak program (April through June). His travel, rental car and lodging for appearances are paid by the Department of Defense. There is no cost to any group that invites him to speak.

Thus far he has spoken at a public meeting organized by Republicans (and including Democrats) in Shackleford, Va.; was a guest of honor at the Ringling Brothers Circus in Fairfax, Va.; spoke to the Grid Iron Club, a journalistic club in Washington, D.C.; was at a Veterans Affairs convention in Pittsburgh; a Boys and Girls Club (young people from 9-12 years) in Milwaukee; at the church in Falun and, on April 17 at a Rotary meeting in Fitchburg south of Madison. Future appearances include some in Wisconsin and one in Texas, his wife’s home state.

Olson’s audiences have ranged in age from the 9- to 12-year-olds in Milwaukee to a range of 40 to 70 years in Shackleford. The questions have ranged in scope, going from “Do you take showers,” asked by the 9 to 12 group to questions about items that are sent to Iraq from home, and what service people really need.

Matt Olson has gone a long way in his Army career.

He has progressed from two ranks of private, to private first class, specialist, a lateral promotion to colonel, sergeant and now staff sergeant. He is currently stationed at Fort Jackson, S. C., with his wife, Melissa, whom he met while both were in service at Fort Hood, Texas. The couple was deployed to Iraq at the same time, and were at the same camp for the last four to five months of Olson’s first tour there. When she became pregnant with Isaac, Melissa left the military. Now the two are expecting their second child in October, the sex of which will be kept a secret until the child is born.

Olson is the sergeant of the Motor Wheeled-Vehicle Mechanical School at Fort Jackson. He works largely with computers, scheduling staff in classes and up to graduation. He’d like to do some instructing, and his goal is to become a warrant officer, if he signs up again after his current stint is over in another year. “My wife and I will have to talk about that,” Olson commented, knowing that if he re-ups, he’s looking at a third Iraqi tour, this time for the now-required 15 months.

Olson was very positive about his participation in the Why We Speak program. “I think it is a great program,” he said, adding, “It hasn’t been publicized enough.”

Nonprofit or nonpartisan organizations who would like to hear from Olson or one of the other members of Why We Speak can call the Department of Defense at 703-614-2879 or dial up www.whyweserve.dod.mil on the Internet. On the Why We Serve link, there’s a form that can be filled out to request one of the speakers.

Matt Olson also mentioned another group, America Supports You, that can be accessed at www.americasupportsyou.mil on the Internet. This group, like the Cookie Brigade that was featured in the Leader two weeks ago, provides support to America’s military personnel in a number of ways.

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Whispering Pines open house set FREDERIC – Whispering Pines will be having their open house on Sunday, April 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for children and their families to visit the camp and learn more about the summer camping opportunities which are held at Whispering Pines each summer. During the open house, visitors will have the opportunity to see the

Summer fun at Whispering Pines Camp is approaching fast. An open house is set for this Sunday. - Photos submitted recently remodeled hilltop cabins, try their hand at a couple of camp crafts, take a ride around the arena on a horse, and cook a s’more over the campfire.

There will also be refreshments available in the dining hall. Children who register and pay the entire camp fee will receive $10 off the price of any camp. They

can also receive a 10-percent discount at the camp store.

Whispering Pines offers one-week camping opportunities for children who are completing the second grade up through high school. The horseback riding camps, which are offered each week, are the big attraction for a lot of the

campers. Compared to other camps offering horseback riding, they are one of the best values around. Our Discovery and Explorer camps, offer a wellrounded camp experience for elementary and middle high campers. Older campers, middle high and senior high, have adventure-type opportunities which include river trips on the St. Croix, biking the Gandy Dancer trail and rock climbing at Interstate Park.

Greg Louden, the director of Whispering Pines, is excited about this summer.

This is due, in large part to the fine staff which has been assembled for this summer. There is a local flavor to it this year.

Matt Talmadge, of Frederic, will be the program director this summer. Counselors from the surrounding area include Jon Neumann from Osceola, Emily Worrell, a graduate of Unity High School, and Jeremy Dietmeier from St. Croix Falls. Also, several of the surrounding UMC churches are providing volunteers to help with the hosting of the event.

Whispering Pines is owned by the United Methodist Church, but its summer camp program is open to any boy or girl who wants to have a well-rounded Bible camp experience. If you have questions about Whispering Pines or to receive additional information about the camps at Whispering Pines you can call Greg at 327-8148, or e-mail the camp at whisperingpines@wisconsinumc.org. – submitted

Family Literacy Night takes a closer look with Bruce the Bug Guy POLK COUNTY - They’re in your grass and in the air. They’re in your house and in your pool. They’re in your bed and on your pets! They’re everywhere! Bugs!

The world is full of bugs. If you gathered together all the world’s bugs in one place and weighed them, those bugs would weigh more than all of the world’s people and animals put together.

Professional entomologist Bruce the Bug Guy entertained Unity families with his unique presentation about insects and arthropods on Wednesday, April 11.

After learning all about bugs, the families rotated through three learning stations. Bruce the Bug Guy provided a hands-on session for small groups so that everyone had a chance to hold a footlong millipede, a hissing cockroach, two different types of tarantulas and a scorpion. Families also participated in buggy reading activities with Title One reading teacher Maryanne Frawley. Students created their own “Guess the Insect” book to take home. Families also created bug boxes and buggy bookmarks with Miss Cara and Miss Karla.

Family Literacy Nights have been provided through the LEAD program grant made possible by Wisconsin’s Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey. - submitted ABOVE: Mary gets a close look at a scorpion.

RIGHT: Austin holds a centipede. BELOW: April and Andrea try on bug hats. - Photos submitted

Title I reading teacher Maryanne Frawley led families in a “buggy reading” activity.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Webster band and choir perform at Disney World A once-in-a-lifetime experience

by Sherill Summer LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – On Monday, April 2, Webster High School’s choir and band performed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as a part of Disney Magic Music Days.

The choir, directed by Jim Muus, performed at the Galaxy Palace Theater in the Magic Kingdom, and the band, directed by Julie Strang, marched down Main Street U.S.A. prior to the Disney Dreams Come True parade.

Muus felt that the performances were great. He added that the weather was beautiful the whole time they were in Florida.

“The students represented our communities well, and everyone worked well together,” he said.

The students also enjoyed the trip.

Sarah Schowalter described it as “overwhelming.” She is a senior this year and has waited four years for this trip.

Even the long bus ride to Florida was fun according to Danielle Stanton.

“The bus ride was more fun than the park at times,” added Kendra Spurgeon.

Becca Schrooten and Allison Leef said that marching was fun, but it was hot marching in black pants.

Dan Erickson said that the water rides at Typhoon Lagoon felt good because it was so hot.

This is the third trip to Walt Disney World for the Webster High School music department. The trips are spaced four years apart so that all high school music students have an opportunity to take the trip.

Several fundraisers are in place to help students raise money for the trip including cinnamon roll sales, Tiger card sales,

Webster’s color guard in perfect formation for their Disney World march. – Photo by Dan and Mary Zimmer the Christmas dinner, variety show and pop concerts. These fundraisers are ongoing so that students have four years to earn money for the trip.

If students work hard, they can earn the whole trip plus spending money. Junior high students fundraise for the trip as well. The trip this year was $550 per person.

Muus and Strang expressed their gratitude to the parents and the “wonderful extended community” for all the hard work that made this trip possible.

Muus especially wants to recognize Dan and Mary Zimmer for all of their help before and during the trip.

Band director, Julie Strang, sporting the best sort of ears to have when marching down Main Street U.S.A. in Disney World. – Photo by Dan and Mary Zimmer

Webster choir, directed by Jim Muus, performs at the Galaxy Palace Theater in the Magic Kingdom. – Photo by Dan and Mary Zimmer

Webster band and choir students, teachers and chaperones on the Webster bus trip to Disney World in Florida. – Photo submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

Lumberjack Day at Frederic FREDERIC – Last Friday was Lumberjack Day for the Frederic fourth-graders. For the past month, the students have been studying about Wisconsin’s first lumberjacks.

They have been learning everything from the actual logging of the trees to the life the lumberjacks led. As a part of their studies, the students took a trip to Cummings’ Lumbermill. There they not only saw the process of taking a log and making lumber out of it, but were also entertained by Geno Cummings as he shared part of a lumberjack show by carving an Easter bunny out of wood. Unfortunately, he “accidentally” cut off the ears when he cut too deep and ended up with a chair out of them!

The students were also entertained by Leona Cummings as she shared stories about lumberjacks by dress-

ing students up. Everyone enjoyed the dressing up of Lisa, Bruce, and Mark Olson (a.k.a. the William Starr family) as Leona told the story about of the naming of Frederic. The Frederic Area Historical Society provided funding for this trip and the staff and students express their gratitude. When the students returned, they en-

joyed a lumberjack meal of flapjacks, beans, sausages and sinkers (donuts). Parents were invited to share in this afternoon feast. However, the rules of no talking at the table unless you ask for food and eating everything from their plate were strictly enforced. It was a fun learning experience for everyone! – submitted

New bees arriving all across Wisconsin

by Wayne M. Anderson STATEWIDE – New bees have arrived all across Wisconsin, all the while bees are vanishing across the nation.

Commercial and hobby beekeepers in Wisconsin started receiving packaged bees from several states last week. One distributor in Stillwater, Minn., reported receiving over 1,000 packages from California. About half that amount was sold to western Wisconsin beekeepers.

But this year beekeepers and the state agricultural department will also be busy watching for a disappearing bee phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder.

Several coastal states have reported mass disappearance of honeybees.

Farmers and agriculture depend on bees, as they are vital to the pollination of crops. Their disappearance is a source of grave concern, especially to apple and cranberry farms.

“I’ve talked to some local beekeepers,” said Jane Larson, public information officer with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “And it doesn’t appear we are seeing anything unusual with our hobbyist bees.”

But when the bees are taken out of Wayne Anderson and Kevin Karge in protective bee suits with a package of state, they disappear. spring bees ready to be deposited in the hive. - Photo submitted “We have received reports that some of our migratory beekeepers have lost a She said Wisconsin beekeepers that Georgia to pollinate crops during the number of hives,” said Larson. take their hives south to Florida and winter experience losing more than

half of their bee colonies.

For some unknown reason, they just disappear.

Scientists have several working theories. The latest theory is radiation from cell phones interferes with the bees’ navigation system, preventing them from finding their way back to their hives.

Whatever the reason, state officials said it is imperative that the reason and remedy for the disappearing bee phenomenon be found.

Therefore, the state agriculture department is asking area beekeepers to participate in an online national survey conducted by Bee Alert Technology, Inc. The University of Montana, Pennsylvania State University and the USDA are also contributing resources for the survey. To participate in the survey go to: www.beesurvey.com.

In the last reporting date of 2005, Wisconsin ranked eighth in the nation in honey production, with 64,000 registered colonies. The state produced 5 million pounds of honey, valued at $6 million.

A state inspector will examine bees and hives in Polk and Burnett counties on May 17. The inspection is free of charge. To request an apiary inspection, call: 715-327-5525.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

called the vet out to make sure that the ewe was going to be all right. While he was taking the their little cold, wet bodewes temperature I told him ies, with little sips of milk about the lamb that had died. replacer and some gentle In a calm, soothing voice he massage to mimic mom’s said something very simple, licking.

“You can’t always go over the One lamb lived and past and what you should’ve the other died. And then Jane F. Meinz done. Sometimes hard things all my second-guessing just happen and that’s just the started. “I should have way it is.” I thought to myself, tried harder; been there this man was smart. an hour earlier; let mom We can all look at times in talk to them..…..and then our life when our best wasn’t maybe that little lamb good enough, and then at these would be alive.” I went times it is appropriate to do over it in my mind for at some serious reflection. But least an hour. It was more comforting to then there are those times when our best be concrete in attempting to find some truly was good enough, and it is at these flaw in my care giving then to just feel times that too much reflection needs inhelpless and sad about the death of a stead to be transformed into a letting go creature that I gotten attached to. I knew and embracing what is. Acceptance of I had to just let go and accept. what is can be challenging, frightening It’s funny how life serves up exactly and yet also deliciously liberating bewhat you need just when you need it. I

For so shall it be

How many times have you said to yourself, “I should have done…”; or “If only I would have….”; or “Maybe I could have…”? Have you ever noticed that these kind of sentences always seem to end with that ominous “…and then this wouldn’t have happened.” It’s all those shoulda, woulda, couldas that torment our minds and leave us secondguessing ourselves.

I was taking care of a neighbors’ farm a few days ago, and when I went there one day to feed the sheep, I could see that an ewe was down and had delivered three lambs. One was already dead, and the other two were clearly in trouble. I looked mom over who I was pretty certain was going to be all right, but the two lambs needed help immediately. I rustled up all the horse and cow knowledge that I had to help. Into a cardboard box they went with a heating pad, a towel and a heat lamp to warm

Sky’s the Limit

cause it draws us more deeply into ourselves, our experience, and our feelings.

Sometimes we confuse acceptance with apathy, but there is a world of difference between the two. Apathy freezes the will-to-action and fails to distinguish between what can and cannot be helped. True acceptance frees us to make this distinction and relieves us of impossible burdens. In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous it says, “And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today….I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.”

Not all things in life can be controlled, nor should they be. We have only small pieces of the puzzle to look at in this life, not the whole finished picture. Why did one lamb die and not the other? I don’t know, but I believe that not always knowing is part of the rich mystery of this amazing thing we call life.

Jason Dorgan running the Ice Age Trail Fifty miles a day for three weeks

by Gregg Westigard LUCK – After a good night’s sleep, Jason Dorgan set off Sunday morning for a 50-mile run/hike, the second day of a journey that will take him from St. Croix Falls to Door County by way of Madison, a distance of 1,000 miles. Dorgan, a mechanical engineer from Madison, is using his three-week “vacation” to run/hike the Ice Age Trail.

Dorgan’s first day took him from the trail’s starting point at Interstate State Park along the eskers and valleys in St. Croix Falls. He crossed over to the Gandy Dancer Trail near Centuria, headed north through Luck to Frederic where he headed into the woods again.

Dorgan headed east, skirting the new

Jason Dorgan, Madison, headed into the McKenzie Creek Forest Sunday morning on day two of his 22-day trip following the Ice Age Trail across Wisconsin. – Photo by Gregg Westigard

Straight Lake State Park where a new trail section is being routed. His route eventually led him into the rugged beauty of McKenzie Creek State Wildlife Area where he ran/hiked north past McKenzie Lake to CTH W. That was 11 hours of travel.

Dorgan spent Saturday night at the Luck County Inn. Shahid Mian, owner of the inn, said his spot is becoming a regular stopping place for Ice Age Trail travelers. Last spring three women stayed there as they continued their trip across the state. In their case, the trip was divided into segments spread out over the summer.

Sunday at 7 a.m., he was off again through the forests of Polk, Burnett, Barron, and Washburn counties to Haugen.

By Monday night he was in Weyerhaeuser in Rusk County. He carries food and water in a backpack. A companion drives near the route, carrying his sup-

plies and meeting him where the trail crosses highways to refresh his supplies.

At the end of each day, he is driven to the night’s resting place.

Dorgan says he has several main goals for his trip. He wants to raise awareness of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. He wants to raise money and recruit members for the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, the volunteer group that supports the trail. And he wants people to join him as he travels across the state.

People who wish to join him, or just follow his progress as he heads across the state, can learn Dorgan’s current location at his Web site: iceagetrail1000.com.

w w w . t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

It’s about a community … that fights against cancer WEBSTER – It’s about being a community...

Does the thought of walking 60 miles in three days make your knees weak?

Do you have the time to drive to Duluth, Eau Claire, or the Twin Cities to walk with thousands of complete strangers?

If your knees are weak and your time is limited, then the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is for you.

It’s about a community that takes up the fight against cancer. In 2007, 4,800 communities across the United States and events in 24 countries worldwide will join Burnett County, to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy and support services. Relay for Life has

become a worldwide movement to end cancer and you are invited to help us to the finish line.

June 8 and 9, Relay for Life returns for the seventh year to our community.

There is still time to form a team of family, friends or co-workers and join us, in Webster. It’s easy, fun and relay makes a difference.

Teams camp out around the high school track enjoying music, entertainment, games, raffles and of course, a wide variety of food is available. The opening ceremony at 7 p.m. celebrates our cancer survivors as they start the relay with the first lap. Circling the track, cancer survivors are greeted by

cheers, high-fives and tears of incredible joy by the gathered teams. Later the lights of the field are dimmed as about 500 white luminarias flicker around the track, honoring those who have fought cancer and remembering our loved ones lost to cancer. This is a truly memorable and important time at the relay. Honor and remember your friends and family who have battled cancer with a luminary dedicated to them. Luminary bags can be purchased from a team member, at the Gandy Dancer Bookstore in Webster, or at the relay. The public is welcomed to both ceremonies, please come and experience the power of hope.

Fight cancer close to your home, on a

short quarter-mile track surrounded by family and neighbors. Burnett County cares about cancer.

Gratitude is extended to the 2007 Gold Level sponsors: Burnett County Sentinel (6th year); Siren Lions Club (3rd year); Burnett Medical Center (2nd year); Northwestern Wisconsin Electric (2nd year); Sam’s Motor Express (1st year); Inter-County Leader (1st year); and Mix l05 Radio (2nd year).

For more information please contact Peggy at 715-656-4414 or 800-ACS-2345.

- submitted

An Everyday Miracle at The Butterfly House ST. CROIX FALLS - This is an invitation to celebrate an Everyday Miracle on Saturday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Butterfly House at 336 N. Washington St., St. Croix Falls.

The Everyday Miracle is the promise of a new life with hope and healing for women recovering from drug or alcohol

dependency. The open house is a celebration of the many volunteer hours dedicated to The Butterfly House in order that it may begin taking residents on May 1.

The Butterfly House is a solution seen by the organization members of Moms and Dads Against Meth - a group of con-

cerned parents and others who want to make a difference in the fight against methamphetamine. This group reaches out to provide education and support for the community and individuals.

The Butterfly House is just one of the many efforts this group offers the community. Visit the Web site for more infor-

mation or ways you can donate towards The Butterfly House at www.methawareness.org or for more information call Mary Hubbell at 715-2487218. - submitted

Local Lioness members attend convention CHIPPEWA FALLS - On Saturday, nine Frederic Lioness members journeyed to the district convention which was held at the Avalon Hotel and Convention Center in downtown Chippewa Falls.

District 27-E1 of the Wisconsin Lions

Foundation sponsored the event. There were various speakers who talked about the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, the Lions Camp in Rosholt, and the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin.

District 27-E1 Lioness members held their annual business meeting and voted

Lioness Phyllis Wilder of Frederic as president of the district. Lioness members LaVonne Boyer, June Fossum, Joan Funne, Fran Kurkowski, Phyllis Meyer, Marie Sanborn, Maria Taylor, and Carol Thompson were there to encourage and support Wilder in her newly appointed

position.

For more information about the Frederic Lioness Club, call LaVonne Boyer at 715-327-4915. - submitted

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Webster students to perform “The Odd Couple” WEBSTER – The Webster students will be performing Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” (Female Version) on April 27, 7 p.m., and April 28, 2 p.m. at the Webster High School cafetorium. The show is being directed by first-time director, Sarah Smith.

“The Odd Couple” (Female Version) is a hilarious farce about two friends, Olive Madison and Florence Unger, who decide to move in together after one of them goes through a divorce. Madison, played by freshman, Olivia Main, is a real slob, while Unger, played by sophomore, Brittany Flatten, is tidy to a fault.

Hilarity ensues as the pair attempt to get along with each other.

The fun continues as the roommates go on an awkward, misunderstanding-filled date with two Spanish brothers, Manolo, played by freshman, Jason Hendry, and Jesus Costazuela, played by senior, Greg Stanton.

From a burnt dinner to strange Spanish philosophy, the evening turns into a complete disaster.

Throughout the show, friends of the roommates, played by seniors, Gaby Santisteban and Jessica Mosher; junior, Brandie Sjoholm; and freshman,

Brittany Flatten portrays Unger in Webster’s “The Odd Couple.”

Jason Hendry, Greg Stanton and Olivia Main prepare for Webster’s “The Odd Couple.” – Photos sub-

Middle school concert April 26 FREDERIC – On Thursday, April 26, Frederic students in grades four, five and six will present their annual spring concert.

The evening will include performances by bands, bell choirs, percussion ensembles and more.

Students in grades four and five will perform a new musical by John Jacobson called “Lights! Camera! Action!”

Look for appearances by Spongebob, Willy Wonka, Shrek and others. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the elementary gym. – submitted

Pack 160 holds Pinewood Derby

St. Croix Falls Pack 160 held their annual Pinewood Derby race on Saturday, April 14.

The top three speed winners (standing with Cubmaster Eric Anderson) were Mark Wampfler, first place; Wyatt Kuenkel, second place; and John Houliston, third place. The top three winners for design (kneeling) were Brett Kuenkel, first; Steve Lattin, second ST. CROIX FALLS – A play group of ethnically di- and Henry Klein, third. verse preschool children is being started in the St. Croix These racers now have Falls area this summer. If interested, please contact the opportunity to race their cars at the District Heather at 715-483-5445. – submitted Pinewood Derby to be held in Somerset on Saturday, April 21. – Photo submitted

Rainbow kids play group forming

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

Christina Becker, add to the laughter with their weekly game of Trivial Pursuit.

With all the crazy antics, “The Odd Couple” is guaranteed to put you in a good mood!

Students have been rehearsing for the show since February, and are eager to perform for an audience.

Tickets for the show are $5 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. – submitted

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Unity Honor Roll

Seniors

Jennifer Bailey, Michael Carlson, Jessica Fehlen, Tiffany Hallin, Jacob Hauth, Nicola Hickethier, William Hinshaw, Megan Johnson, Toya Johnson, Brandon Kahl, Krystal Marek, Jessica Martin, Shila Meyer, Curtis Nelson, Dane Olson, Rachael Schmid, Liza Skalicky, Alicia Szydlo, Lindsay Turner, Victoria Weiser and James Zahler.

Juniors

Justin Bader, Angela Berthold, Briana Bielmeier, Hannah Ditlefsen, Ryan Flaherty, Kayla Fuller, Emily Hoehne, Ashley Hutton, Annie Jepsen, Patrick Jones, Taylor Larson, Andrea Leis, Katelin Metzdorf, Charity Moore, Sharla Moore, Danielle Morgan, Lisa Muller, Kate Nelson, Kendra Nelson, Katelyn Radke, Tim Reed, Ethan Schmidt, Brittany Vollrath, Bryn Vollrath, Eric Wester and Chelssy Wytaske.

Sophomores

Elizabeth Ebensperger, Ashley Elfers, Jennifer Gorne, Kelsey Jensen, Randall Krueger III, Julia Larsen, Raya McKenzie, Brittney Peters, Rebecca Pollock, Bethanie Rice, Spencer Severson, Cailin Turner and Hannah Zahler.

Freshmen

Joy Albrecht, Madeline Anderson, Amanda Bestland, Tyler Bublitz, Joshua Eaton, Logan Hilleshiem, Luke Hilleshiem, Stephanie Hunter, Samantha Ince, Derek Jorgenson, Laura Krueger, Karly Peckman and Katie Petzel.

HONORABLE MENTION Seniors

Justin Allen, Paige Andrews, Alisa Eckel, Matthew Goulet, Devin Hoyt, Carrie

McGee, Trent McKenzie, Nicole Norlund, JoVan Paulzine, Allison Peterson, Michael Schmidt, Tyler Sturgul, Jamee Walker and Danielle Williamson.

man, Erin Owens, Alesa Paulsen, Abby Schlechter, Troy Voss and Benjamin Walsh.

Juniors

Amanda Brunotte, Dustin Dunsmoor, Tyler Hall, Cadi Harper, Ariane Mattson, Kristen Norlund, Kaylynn Olson, Cathrine Peper, Matthew Picton, Katelynn Swiontek, Jacob Thomfohrda and Kalvin Zygowicz.

Jenielle Deiss, Keila Dunsmoor, Christina Edgell, Cassandra Fox, Benjamin Hendricks, Rylee Johnson, Kimberlie May, Jennifer McMeekin, Marissa Mulvehill, Todd Nutter, Lance Peper, Brianna Schmid, Amber Springer, Elliot St. Amand, Chad Strilzuk, Andrea Thompson and Amy VanDeBrake.

“Another Work In Progress” OSCEOLA – The OHS Drama Club presents the world premier of “Another Work in Progress,” the sequel to last spring’s well-received “A Work in Progress.” Both plays are the work of local playwright Julius Xram. “Another Work in Progress” picks up the storyline a few years after the original and features the same cast of characters along with some new faces.

“Another Work in Progress” will run April 20, 21, and 22 at 7 p.m. each night with an additional matinee performance at 2 p.m. on April 22. General seating. For information call 715-294-2127, ext. 410. – submitted

E-mail us @ theleader@centurytel.net

Sophomores

Samuel Bengtson, Brittany Bernier, Amber Christensen, Jordyn Christensen, Reina Cox, Erica Gutner, Samantha Hill, Stephanie Kothlow, Amanda Kuske, Seth McKenzie, Rebecca Milligan, Nicholas Ost-

OHS Drama Club students rehearsing for this weekend’s production. – Photo submitted

Freshman

Perfect Attendance

Joy Albrecht, Nicola Hickethier, Stephanie Hunter, Rachael Janusch, Annie Jepsen, Laura Krueger, Anthony Larson, Spencer Severson and Katelynn Swiontek.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS

Siren Elementary Perfect Attendance

Kindergarten

Cassandra Maslow, Triston Ortez and Anne Zirngibl.

First Grade

Third Grade

Caitlynn Daniels.

Fourth Grade

Nathan Bachman, Emily Howe, Michael Kosloski and Aaron Zirngibl.

Nicole Dalsveen.

Second Grade

Fifth Grade

Ashley Bond.

Amber Moore, Lucas Stiemann, Jessica Strabel and Whitney Yambrick.

Sixth Grade

Elizabeth Brown, Sadie Buhler, Michael Conrow, Kyaisha Kettula, John Laforte and Mathew Wampfler.

Austin Bruss, Tyler Molamphy,

Frederic Honor Roll Grade 7

April Halverson, Seneca Lundeen Brooks, Megan Amundson, Erik Stoner, Nicolas Rognrud, Christopher Hopp, Corissa Schmidt, Joseph Engelhart, Jordyn Siebenthal, Bradley Knauber, Alexander Miller, Sarah Underwood, Waylon Buck, Michael Tesch, Lauren Domagala, Dayton Rivera, Leah Engbretson, Michelle Jensen and Bryce Williamson.

Grade 8

Allison Anderson, Tanesha Carlson, Sarah Knauber, Samantha Nelson, Isabel Lexen, Anthony Peterson, Kayla Nelson, Daniel Halverson, Ryan Anderson, Zachary Tietz, Amanda Blok, Brady McWilliam, Vanessa Neumann, Ashley Bergeron, Jesse Chouinard, Tiffani Demarre, Jade Johnson and Jimmy Richter.

Grade 9

Kendra Wells, Amanda Runnels,

Nicole Root, William Primm, Joel Anderson, Alexsandra Lonetti, Bradley Thomas, Amber Boyle-Carlson, Adam Hardenbergh, Terri McKinney, Christine Chenal, Sadie Kettula, Danielle Pearce, Baylee Heimstra, Joel Knauber, Marissa Nelson, Michael Elrod, Haley Kurkowski, Cody Hallanger, Ethan Cook, Cathryn McConnell, Zachary Petersen, Danielle Peterson and Ian Anderson.

Grade 10

Megan Anderson, Adrianna Otte, Rebecca Anderson, Sarah Lexen, Zachary D. Anderson, Benjamin Knauber, Brett Williamson, Amy Jones, Bobbi Jo Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Kelly Daeffler, David Harlander, Candace Buck, Jihye Jang, Orianna Tesch, Chelsey Chute, Patrick Eaton, Andrew Kurkowski and Peter Draxler.

Grade 11

Megan Neumann, Amy Soppeland,

Alexandria Delosier, Paola Poliseno, Jessica Owens, Holly Stoner, Kyle Swenson, Michelle Owens, Ashley Heine, Melanie Chenal, Lisa Chelmo, Erin Schmidt, Yuting Wang, Ben G. Anderson, River Karl, Alexandra Puetz, Perry Anderson, Savanna Pearson, Peter Carlson, Samuel Halverson, Kelly Wondra, Dustin Gabrielson, Danielle Gadbois, Christi Jensen, Kendra Letch, Nathan Stackhouse, Kanan Hackett and Austin Boykin.

Grade 12

Kristen Anderson, Julia Haas, Traci Lundeen, Bryan Knauber, Lynnea Chelmo, Jennifer Murphy, Kathleen Jerry, Jacob Schmidt, Emily Didlo, Chad Wondra, Anne Lexen, Rachel Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Kelli Swenson, Kyung Chung, Dawn Harlander, Ann Nelson, Steven Lake, Joshua Nelson, Elliot Lund, Taylor Bergeron, Jacob Schommer and Amanda Lindahl.

Grantsburg Honor Roll A Honor Roll Grade 9

Carinna Coy, Casey Crawford, Cody Crawford, Lindsey Fallstrom, Jessika Ilgen, Kelsey Lien, Michelle Lund, Christopher Olson, Joshua Phillipps, Ethan Prazak, Dustin Ryan, John Schneider, Kallie Thoreson, Leah Ticknor, Aimee VanTatenhove, Sarah Wald, Emma Walker and Larissa Wilhelm.

Grade 10

Kaylynn Anderson, Lydia Benge Briggs, Natta Chuenjumlong, Nicole Davis, Justine Diffee, Mitchell Evenson, David Larsen, Thane Larson, Jennifer Lisiecki, Nathan McConnell, Jessica Moyer, Tyler Myers, Darryl Richter, Kaitlin Unbehaun and Tina Zimmermann.

Grade 11

Jennifer Anderson, Maarja Anderson, Ausha Arnold, Megan Branstad, Sasha Chell, Adam Dahl, Michelle Davidsavor, Kevin Johnson, Vanessa Kleiss, Ashley Larson, Khrystyne Lindgren, Alison McKinley, LaShawn Nohrenberg, Katty Peterson, Emily

Prazak, Rebecca Radtke, Alyssa Ryan, Laura Skifstad and Donald Syring.

Grade 12

Mollie Bjelland, Ashley Goepfert, Lindsey Hedlund, Timothy Josephson, Miranda Kammeyer, Amy Lindh, Crystal Moris, Michael Myers, Tracey Nordrum, Rebecca Olson, Thomas Olson, Shawn Swanson and Jonathan Wick.

B Honor Roll Grade 9

Steven Alderton, Jessica Banks, Austin Eskola, Robert Finch, Mitchell Frommader, Daniel Gaffney, Jennifer Langevin, Allen Lindus, Cerenity Louis, Anne Palmquist, Lauren Romanowski, Derek Sando, Lauren Shoebroek, Rachel Tober, Cody Tromberg and Matthew Wood.

Grade 10

Bradley Berner, Kevin Berry, Trent Bonneville, Alexander Casler, Benjamin Cole, Jonathan DeRocker, Bobbie Durand, Taylor Finch, Tessa Hane, Gretchen Hedlund, Kayla Johnson, Lauren Leonard, Dylan

Longhenry, Travis Nelson, Samantha Oman, Jake Ryan, Lauren Stavne, Abbey Vaksdal and Ricky VanderVelden.

Grade 11

Allison Briggs, Melissa Burton, Zachary Corbin, Amanda Durand, Charles Falk, Hannah Finch, Madison Graves, Bryan Hamann, Carson Holmquist, Kirsten Ilgen, Chandra Krout, Nicholas Larsen, Dominic Leibel, Cody Marek, Priscilla Morris, Alex Nelson, Lukas Olson, Shawn Pavlik, Amanda Peterson, Jesse Swanson, William Waker and Simone Workman.

Grade 12

Aundrea Cutler, Paul Edling, Ashley Fallstrom, David Faulhaber, Olivia Finch, Cody Franklin, Sarah Frommader, Amanda Huehn, Jade Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Brandon Kaiser, Holly Knoepke, Matthew Knoepke, Tyler Larsen, Jamie Lund, Senja Melin, Nicole Paquette, Zachary Phillipps, Joseph Reed, Rekha Roelfs, Sarina Rogers, Jeremy Simon, Shawn Solomonson, Brenton Thompson and Tabitha VanDeusen.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Students attend circus

Lions donated to library

Lions Siren President Michael O’Hare presented a check in the amount of $1,200 toward the Siren Library School fund recently to teacher/librarian Sheila Staples. – Photo submitted On Friday, March 30, the St. Croix Falls sixth-graders attended the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus. This exciting show included daredevils, acrobats, clowns and exotic animal acts. Gratitude is extended to Dave Hanson and the St. Croix Falls Lions Club who purchased the tickets. Pictured (L to R) are sixth-graders Kody Murphy, Cody Dudash, Jesse Rich, Shriner Clown, JoVonna Leske and Courtney Ewald. – Photo submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Siren Honor Roll

A Honor Roll Grade 7

Heather Bearheart, Andrew Brown, Rachel Gloodt, Kaylene Johnson, Christina Luna, Ian Martin, Abigail Mitchell, Evan Oachs, Tyler Richison and Isaac Wegner.

Grade 8

Ashley Bjornstad, Tiara Hanson, Byron Jeffers, Nathaniel Larson, Jessica Morris, Tadd Oachs, Elizabeth Otto, Jacob Stiemann, Stephanie Taylor and Michael Wampfler.

Grade 9

Sarah Howe and Mackenzie Swenson.

Grade 10

Emily Muus and Larissa Yonashiro.

Grade 11

Courtney Daniels, Jennifer Mitchell, Britteny Muus and Charisse Phernetton.

Grade 12

Ashley Cummings, Caitlin Flanigan, Lauren Howe, Misty Hunter, Brittany Jaskolka, Kimberly Lindberg, Brynn McBroom, Amanda Peterson and Robert Smith.

B Honor Roll Grade 7

Luke Bollant, Justin Decorah, Tayler Frederickson, Amber Hall, William Haines, Leo Hanson, Elijah Hinze, Tricia Kopecky, Jennica Kosloski, Jessica Lysdahl, Adam Neurer, Leanne Pigman, Taylor Renberg, Jocelyn Rudd, Murdock Smith, Jacob Stener and Alan Strabel.

Grade 8

Carley Emery, Ashley Guevara, Christopher Honeysett, Danielle Keller, Catrina Luna, Jayme Mitchell, Coty Reh, Samantha Rosado, Riki Rosty, Kristen Sexton and Jeremy Wikstrom.

Grade 9

Meghan Baasch, Breanna Barr, Derek Jaskolka, Kendra Jones, Joseph Pigman and William Shipley.

Grade 10

Amanda Bachman, Michael Baier, Shawn Blum, Charles Brown IV, Allison Didier, Aaron Engstrand, Jesse Hinze, Michael Hunter, Ashley Matrious, Kevin Niedenfuer, Samuel Radke and Jenna Wambolt.

Grade 11

Thad Baasch, Larissa Bartheidel, Sydney Berreth-Doran, Thomas Chosa, Amanda Coen, Adam Daniels, Elizabeth Daniels, Grant Downard, Travis Freese, Melissa Horwath, Timothy Jewell, Kyle Malm, Marcus Morris, Jordan Potvin, Lynette Renberg, Jessica Sanders and Laura Vasquez.

Grade 12

Holly Barber, James Berglind, Jenna Coyour, Keith Cremin, Jacob Didier, Jesse Gilbertson, Lance Johnson, Kacey Lamphere, Lyndsey Lee, Matthew Lester, Ashley Maslow, Kyle Phernetton, Michelle Piper, Aundrea Proulx and Melanie Schultz.

St. Croix Falls Honor Roll Grade 5 Erica Bergmann, Jacob Bertram, Nakayla Boettcher, Audreana Breault, Kierstyn Campbell, Hayley Cermin, Tristan Chamberlin, Casey Choronzy, McKenzie Christenson, Joshua Emerson, Andrew Erickson, Kamille Flandrena, Brendon Gearhart, Matti Gerlach, Brian Gilbert, Jose Goyeneche, Nathan Hansen, Kody Hibbard, Teagan Hills, Ella Hoefler, Matti Gerlach, Brian Glibert, Teagan Hills, Ella Hoefler, Daniel Horn, John Houliston, Bret Johnson, Alexander Jorgensen, Garrett Kerkow, Emily Kessler, Benjamin Kopp, Zarek Kubesh, Makayla Langer, Cody Leach, John Lumsden, Nicholis Lunde, Taylor Moen, Carmen Molamphy, Kayla Newell, Sabrina Ogren, Evelyn Paulson, David Petherbridge, Jessica Rademacher, Joseph Rademacher, Lars Russell, Thomas Schuler, Tyler Shaver, Jacob Siltberg, Ciara Swanson, McKayla Swanson, Megan Swenson, Zackery Tohm, Brandon

Tollefson, Logan Wallace, Drew Wheeler and Lindsey Wondra.

Grade 6 Jordan Amos, Phillip Bayle, Jared Binkley, Zoey Carney, Noah Casterton, Kyle Chapman, Michael Chernyaev, Braden Chryst, David Cole, Brandan Collins, Zachary Constant, Alyssa Eisen, Autumn Erickson, Taylor Erickson, Courtney Ewald, Dustin Findlay, Kevin Fisk, Sarah Flatum, Gabriel Francis, Sydney Geisness, Matthew Gjovig, Jesse Gray, Madilyn Hanson, Tyler Hills, Alexandra Holmdahl, Nicholas Holmes, Jessica Houliston, Hayley Jaremczuk, Jordan Johnson, Jasmine Jones, Jerrica Jones, Samantha Jorgensen, Laina Kaskinen, Nathan Krenz, Cheyanne Krueger, Brittani Krych, JoVonna Leske, Brandon Loiselle, Dylan Lynch, Jacqueline Manoppo, Stephanie Melin, Bryan Nelson, Madisen Neuman, Samantha Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Taylor Orton, Jesse

Rich, Natalie Sempf, Jacob Sommer, Anthony Stelton, Shane Swanson, Briana Wenell and Taylor Woller.

Grade 7 Crystal Anderson, Ethan Anderson, Haley Anderson, Nathan Barry, Jessica Berganini, Benjamin Clausen, Chad Cochran, Emily Dillon, Christopher Eisen, Alexis Erickson, Kelly Fossum, Samantha French, Alexander Frey, Elliott Frokjer, Alicia Gravesen, Kalea Gustafson, Tyanna Gustafson, Natasha Helbig, Ahna Hoefler, Zachary Horn, Emily Johnson, Erin Kessler, Terrence Klemish, Lauren Koschmeder, Melissa Larson, Carlee Libbenga, Brenna Loen, Alex Mikl, Karina Morley, Alissa Norlander, Ryan Nussbaum, Sarah Petznick, Jake Rademacher, Joseph Reddy, Matthew Rude, Caitlyn Schultz, Nicholis Siltberg, Erik Swenson, Jessica Theroux, Jenna Van Soelen, Brittany Whittier and Haley Yunker.

Grade 8 Justin Becker, Ashley Bollig, Alora Breault, Kellie Brown, Brittany Buss, Marcus Campbell, Alicia Chelberg, Mary Chernyaev, Zachary Christenson, Jessica Derrick, Kodi Drinken, Lauren Frokjer, Mitchell Geisness, Heather Gilbert, Simon Grange, Nathan Gravesen, Ryan Jaremczuk, Nicholas Johnson, Bailey Knippenberg-Bergmann, Jessica Larcom, Lori Linke, Lauren Lund, Alexandra Lunde, Carley Martin, Mara Martinson, Alaina Mathias, Daniel Nelson, Devin Orton, Samantha Peterson, Garrett Radinzel, Timothy Roettger, Nathaniel Seifert, Jared Spreiter, Kristin Standing, Allison Swenson, Joseph Thayer, Rebecca Wampfler, Stephanie Waterworth, Summer Wilson, Emma Wimberley, Margaret Wimberley and Richelle Wood.

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

OBITUARIES Georgene (Sue) Weideman

David Walter Oman

Ann Elizabeth Hansen

(Sue) Georgene (Sue) Weideman, 60, of Rice Lake, formerly of Hertel, died on April 11, 2007, at the Rice Lake Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center at Rice Lake.

Sue was born on Oct. 12, 1946, at Missoula, Mont., to Sigmund and Murill Schoenbachler.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Weideman, on March 19, 2005.

She is survived by her sons, Scott Requa of Evertt, Wash., and Chris Requa of Des Moines, Wash.; granddaughters, Jessica Sanders of Siren, Jennifer Sanders of Rice Lake and Elizabeth Newbold of Seattle, Wash.; special friends, Bill Scanlon and Glenda Scanlon, both of Hertel; along with other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held Monday, April 16, at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster with Pastor Lucy Basler officiating.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

David W. Oman, Lolo, Mont., died Saturday, April 7, 2007. He was 60 years old.

David was born at Grantsburg General Hospital on Dec. 23, 1946, to George and Hazel Oman. He attended the Falun State-Graded School and graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1965. He spent the majority of his life in the Falun area and was proud to call Falun his hometown.

Dave served his country by joining the Wisconsin National Guard in October of 1965 and was actively involved for a number of years.

He had a love for trucking, and like his dad, drove semis for several years. He was employed at ParkerHannafin for many years until relocating to Lolo, Mont., in 1998, with his wife, Julie. There, he returned to driving for Jim Palmer Trucking Co., until more recently when he worked for them as a dispatcher. His career in the trucking industry and his work at the family business, The Jack Saloon, gave him the opportunity to meet and talk to people, which was another thing he loved to do.

Living in the mountains of Montana allowed Dave to pursue some of his favorite hobbies such as elk hunting, fishing snowmobiling and enjoying the great outdoors. David also enjoyed collecting pets. He loved feeding the birds, talking to his horse and there was always room on his lap for his dogs, Brandy and Sissy and Cat. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Julie; mom, Hazel Oman of Falun; daughters, Heather (Chris) Beedy of St. Paul, Minn., and Daisy (Dalen) Mott of Trade Lake; grandchildren, Samantha and Dylan Oman of Grantsburg and Colton Beedy of St. Paul, Minn.; stepchildren, Maribeth Reinhardt and James (Bud) Johnson of Lolo, Mont.; stepgrandson, Garrett Reinhardt of Lolo, Mont.; brother, Dennis (Betty) Oman of Gladstone, Mich.; sister, Kristi (Matt) Anderson of Siloam Springs., Ark.; nieces and nephew, Emily, Leah and Karl Anderson of Siloam Springs, Ark., and other extended family.

David was preceded in death by his dad, George; and son, Brad.

Services were held at the First Baptist Church in Falun on Friday, April 13, officiated by Pastor Kevin Miller, with organist Karen Miller and soloist Marci Wicklund.

Honorary pallbearers were Joel Larkin, Butch Larkin, Bruce Anderson, Bruce Chell, David Johnson and Lynn Johnson.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster was entrusted with arrangements.

Ann Elizabeth Hansen, 87, of Grantsburg, died April 14, at Burnett Medical Center Continuing Care Center.

She was born March 10, 1920, to John and Sarah Marquette. Ann was baptized July 1, 1923, at the Frederic Methodist Church. She graduated from the Frederic High School. She married LeRoy Hansen on Sept. 9, 1939. Three children were born to this union. She played the organ in church for many years. She started playing professionally at Indianhead Lodge in Balsam Lake and later at the Dallas House in St. Croix Falls. She also played at many locations in Minneapolis, Minn.

She loved to travel, cook, bake, read and entertain.

After she lost her sight, she still lived life to the fullest with her talking books and her family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Cindy) Hansen of Roberts and Tom (Penny) Hansen of Amery; daughter, Betsy (John) Hanson of Cameron; granddaughters, Tiffany (Jeff) Van Buren of Caledonia and Sarah (Cory) Starkweather of Minneapolis, Minn.; and great-granddaughter, Ella Starkweather. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sarah Marquette; husband, LeRoy; and an infant son.

There will be a memorial service at Central United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 19, 11 a.m. Pastor Cathy Hamblin will officiate the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Karen Jane Burgett Karen Jane Burgett, 55, of Centuria, died April 9, 2007, in St. Croix Falls.

Karen was born Dec. 6, 1951, in Reedsburg. She was the daughter of Eugene and Alice Aherns, and was a lifelong resident of St. Croix Falls, moving to Centuria in 2000. She married Paul Burgett in 2000.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Alice; her grandparents and aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Burgett of Centuria; brother, Richard (Dick) Aherns of New Richmond; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Karl and Shirley Burgett of Centuria; aunts and uncles, Ellwood Aherns of Marine on St. Croix, Minn., Donald Aherns of River Falls, Merlin (Shirley) Campeau of Lindstrom, Minn., Delores (David) Bauer, Shirley (Tony) Fletch of St. Paul, Minn., Leroy (Sally) Campeau of Siren, Jim Campeau of Cottonwood, Ariz., Yvonne (Kenneth) Wurtinger; six nieces and nephews; eight grandnieces and nephews; cousins and numerous friends.

Services were held April 13, at the Calvary Church of the Nazarene of St. Croix Falls, with the Rev. Lori Ward officiating. Interment was at St. Croix Falls Cemetery.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

EDLING FUNERALHOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERALHOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

Edwin J. Larkens

Edith Evelyn Janssen

Edwin J. Larkens age 66 of Luck, formerly of River Falls, died Monday, April 9, 2007, at the New Richmond Meadows, New Richmond.

Ed was born Feb. 16, 1941, in River Falls, the son of Lyle and Helen (Rasmussen) Larkens.

After graduating from River Falls High School, Ed served his country in the United States Navy before going to work at Northstar Steel Manufacturing where he was employed for over 30 years until his retirement in 2002.

He is survived by his former wife, Bonnie (Stokes) Larkens of New Richmond; children, Todd (Stacie Bornmann) Larkens of River Falls, Victoria (Jared) Bee of Ellsworth and Tammy (Randy) Peterson of River Falls; eight grandchildren, Owen Bee, Brandon Bee, Chelsea Larkens, Brian Larkens, Travis Larkens, Jessie Peterson, Jamie Lee Peterson and Jacob Mitchell Peterson; one sister, Marlys (Ronnie) Anderson of River Falls.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian, and his parents.

Funeral services were held at Saturday, April 14, 2007, at the Cashman- Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., with the Rev. Jenny Arneson officiating. Private family ceremony followed cremation.

The Cashman - Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services, River Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Edith Evelyn Janssen, 92, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006 at Colonial Manor Care Center in Columbus Junction, Iowa.

Edith Evelyn Baldwin was born Aug. 22, 1914, in Grantsburg, the daughter of Andrew and Matilda (Ekstrum) Baldwin. On April 6, 1935, she was united in marriage to Johnnie Janssen in Grantsburg. Evelyn was a farm wife, homemaker and mother, and a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Frederic. Her special activity was making large, hand-tied, heavy quilts.

Many were sent to the Holy Land, and many other countries, through her church charities. In later years she made twin-sized quilts and lap robes for cancer patients and those in retirement and nursing homes. Her greatest joy was spreading love to her family and friends and being a loving grandma.

Evelyn will be dearly missed by her daughter, Fern White Bylo of Columbus Junction, Iowa, with whom she made her home in her latter years; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren and four nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1979; son, James in 1974; daughter, JoAnn in 1998; two special sons-in-law, Walt Yeschick and Chuck White; also a grandson, David Janssen in 1969.

There will be a graveside service for Edith at Trade Lake’s Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery on Saturday, April 28, at 10:30 a.m.

The Stacy-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Function, Iowa, was entrusted with arrangements.

Judith Ann Soderholm Judith Ann Soderholm (nee Bradshaw) of Danbury, died March 4, 2007.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Amanda Bradshaw of Danbury; brothers, John D. and James G. She is survived by sister, Kaye (Ole) Olson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 21, 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Danbury.

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John Mauritz Waldemar Olson John Mauritz Waldemar Olson, “Wally” died March 27, 2007, at the age of 83.

Wally was born April 18, 1923, in Frederic to Fritz and Tensie Olson. He grew up on the family farm west of Frederic, and continued farming most of his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Trade Lake. He graduated from Frederic High School in 1944.

Wally married Shirley Hammer of Grantsburg. They were blessed with two children, Wayne and Ellen. They continued to farm the home farm with his dad. Wally moved his family to California for a brief period, but soon returned to Frederic.

Along with farming, Wally was an over-the-road trucker and a bus driver for the Frederic School District.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years; son Wayne (Lorraine) of Oakdale, Minn.; daughter Ellen (David) Johnson of Mansfield, Ariz.; grandchildren Lisa Borden, Craig Johnson, Angela Taylor, Atleta Leske, Allen Olson and Pauline Kotaska; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held on March 31, at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Dave Almlie officiating.

Pallbearers were Allan Olson, Craig Johnson, Donelly Jensen, Steve Leske, Bryan Kotaska and Larry Linder.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

CHURCH NEWS

“Commitment of will” in marrage outlasts emotional turmoil Q: Is it possible to love someone and not feel it?

DR. DOBSON: It certainly is because love is more than a feeling. It is primarily a decision. Married couples who misunderstand this point will have serious problems when the feeling of love disappears for a time. Couples who genuinely love each other will experience times of closeness, times when they feel apathetic, and times when they are irritated and cranky.

That's just the way emotions operate. What then will hold them steady as their feelings bounce all over the landscape? The source of constancy is a commitment of the will. You simply make up your mind not to be blown off the limb by fluctuating and unreliable emotions.

••• Q: When it comes to raising teenagers, you have said that parents should pick and choose what is worth fighting for, and settle for something less than perfection on issues that don't really matter. I think I understand what you're recommending. You're not suggesting that my husband and I let our kid run wild. Instead, we should choose our battles carefully and not push her into further rebellion by trying to make her something she can't be right now.

DR. DOBSON: That's it. The philosophy we applied with our teenagers (and you might try with yours) can be called "loosen and tighten." By this I mean we tried to loosen our grip on everything that had no lasting significance, and tighten down on everything that did.

We said "yes" whenever we possibly could, to give support to the occasional "no." And most important, we tried never to get too far away from our kids emo-

tionally.

It is simply not prudent to write off a son or daughter, no matter how foolish, irritating, selfish or insane a child may seem to be. You need to be there, not only while their canoe is bouncing precariously, but after the river runs smooth again. You have the remainder of your life to recon- Dr. James struct the relationship that is now in Dobson jeopardy. Don't let anger fester for too long. Make the first move toward reconciliation. And try hard not to hassle your kids. They hate to be nagged. If you follow them around with one complaint after another, they are almost forced to protect themselves by appearing deaf.

And finally, continue to treat them with respect, even when punishment or restrictions are necessary.

Then wait for the placid water in your relationship during their early 20s.

••• Q: When my husband and I were dating, we could talk for hours about anything and everything. Now that we're married, we go out to dinner and have nothing to say to each other. What has gone wrong?

Richard just keeps his thoughts to himself.

DR. DOBSON: Millions of couples experience that transformation. They talked endlessly before marriage, but find themselves with little to say a few years after. When the courtship is over, some people find it very difficult to express their feelings openly and honestly.

As a general rule, this is more true of men than women. Research makes it clear that little girls are

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

Bethesda celebrates 135th anniversary DRESSER - Bethesda Lutheran Church on Sand Lake, will be hosting their 135th anniversary with a two-part celebration.

The first part of the celebration will be on April 22, the second on June 10. On both of these days, Bethesda will be having one worship service to honor this event at 10:30 a.m. This service will be followed by a meal and an afternoon program. On April 22, they will be looking back at where they have been and remember-

ing their ancestors by men wearing ties and women wearing hats. Also, as in the past, the women will sit on the west side of the church and men on the east.

The meal following will be a traditional Bethesda potluck - not to be missed! The community is invited to join in their celebrations. You can find out more information at their Web site at www.bethesdalutheran.ws or call the church office at 715-755-2562. submitted

blessed with greater linguistic ability than little boys, and it remains a lifelong talent. Simply stated, she talks more than he. As an adult, she typically expresses her feelings and thoughts far better than her husband and is often irritated by his reticence. God may have given her 50,000 words per day and her husband only 25,000. He comes home from work with 24,975 used up and merely grunts his way through the evening.

He may descend into Monday night football while his wife is dying to expend her remaining 25,000 words.

Every knowledgeable marriage counselor knows that the inability or unwillingness of husbands to reveal their inner thoughts to their wives is one of the common complaints of women. A wife wants to know what her husband is thinking and what happened at his office, and how he sees the children, and especially how he feels about her. The husband, by contrast, finds some things better left unsaid. It is a classic struggle.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, Co. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House.

COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; 816-932-6600.

Brought to you by:

Siren/Lewis United Methodist Churches Siren, Wis.

Lewis, Wis.

Ladies Morning Retreat scheduled FREDERIC – Spring is here, is cleaning next on your list of things to do? Before you start, join other women at Frederic Evangelical Free Church to our Ladies’ Morning Retreat scheduled for Friday, April 20. They meet at 9:15 a.m. for coffee and tea, and then they look forward to a fresh start with cleaning tips from Tammy Zarn. Snacks and child care provided. - submitted

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS

Tag-team pastors serving at Faith Lutheran

by Julie Holmquist BALSAM LAKE - There’s a new tag-team pastor team at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake.

Interim pastors Keith Rediske and Julie Brenden are sharing duties at the church as they guide the congregation to take stock prior to calling a permanent pastor.

“It’s a time to tie up loose ends from the past and give clarity for the future,” said Rediske about the interim time between permanent pastors.

Rediske, who’s been in ministry for 26 years, is trained as an intentional interim pastor.

The typical year served by interim pastors in the Lutheran Church gives the congregation time to deal with grief feelings in regard to the former pastor. Interim pastors help congregations reflect on the recent and past experiences within the life of the congregation, and help the congregation study its strengths and weaknesses.

“It’s not just a fill-in position,” Rediske said. “It helps the congregation examine its mission and goals.”

Rediske lives in St. Croix Falls and has served as a pastor in three churches. He’s served as an interim pas-

Pastors Julie Brenden and Keith Rediske are sharing duties as interim pastors at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake. – Photo by Julie Holmquist

tor at seven other churches in the area. He also serves on the Polk County Board.

Brendan has been in ministry for 18 years and lives in Centuria with her husband, Mel Rau, who is the pastor at Fristad Church in Centuria.

“When I had my second child I wanted to be home for awhile, but as the boys got a little older, I’ve been looking for work,” she said.

She and her husband have two sons, ages 8 and 5.

The part-time job share with Rediske is a fit for both pastors, they said.

“It gives the congregation a look at two different styles of ministry,” she said. “And this congregation hasn’t experienced a female pastor before.”

The church dates back to 1944. The majority of its history has been with two long-term pastors; one who served for 24 years, and one who served for 28 years.

Interim pastors are not allowed to be called as pastors at the church they serve as interim pastor.

Baptisms at St. Luke’s FREDERIC – Two baptisms have taken place recently at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Frederic. On Sunday, March 4, Anna Louise Schmidt, daughter of Lorin Schmidt and Jessica Fredericks, was baptized by Pastor Arveda “Freddie” Kirk at the 9:45 a.m. worship service. Anna’s brother, Jonathan, looked on as Jen Johnson and Ryan Schmidt stood as Godparents for Anna Louise.

Sunday, March 18, was the day Danielle and Jeremiah Schweitzer brought their son, Brody Daniel Schweitzer, to the altar for baptism. Pastor Kirk performed the ceremony with Derek Anderson and Erin Carlson standing as Godparents. Sister, Lizzy Schweitzer helped by testing the temperature of the water used in the ceremony. – submitted

Pictured (L to R): Lorin Schmidt holding Anna Louise Schmidt, Jessica Fredericks, Jenn Johnson and Ryan Schmidt.

w w w . t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

Brody Daniel Schweitzer, Elizabeth Schweitzer and Pastor Freddie

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

CHURCH NEWS Whom shall I please?

Onesiphorus

During my high school days, I often joined friends to walk to the grade school for lunch. About once a month, the offering would be a lentil dish. Lentils? Yuck! Or so everyone complained about its Sally Bair texture and taste. Actually, I enjoyed it. But I followed along with my friends’ complaints because I PERSPECTIVES wanted their approval.

Peer pressure. Wow, how powerful it is for young people! Back in my school days, peer pressure came in the form of what clothes to wear or how to fix our hair, and other innocent behaviors. Back then, smoking, drinking, drugs and sex were highly avoided—peer pressure in reverse of today’s teen society.

Unfortunately, many of us adults also seek popularity and approval of others at all costs, even at the expense and harm of others. And owning the newest electronic devices and techno-toys is desired by young and old alike—all for the sake of social acceptance. So is the desire to compete in studies, sports and nearly everything else.

Our rationale? “Everyone does it.” “I’m not hurting anyone.” “Shouldn’t I be popular” … “better” … “richer?” The problem with constantly seeking approval from others is that once we reach our goal, we must reach still another level to keep our popularity, to keep from being rejected for someone else.

Jesus sought only the approval of his father. Paul sought to please Jesus Christ alone. Both were single-minded in their mission. Neither sought popularity or acceptance—or even safety—of anyone else.

All that mattered to them was that God’s message of love, forgiveness, and righteous judgment would be taught at all costs.

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. If we truly wish to please God alone, we must believe in, preach, teach, and live the Gospel of Christ. What does that get us, besides the risk of unpopularity? It gets us the fulfilling assurance, now and eternally, of God’s acceptance of us.

You can’t beat that. “…if anyone preaches any other gospel to you that what you have received, let him be accused. For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:9-10) Lord, help us remember that the acceptance of man is fleeting and of no eternal value. Help us to please you above all else today—in our worship and obedience and praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

Bethany begins new Sunday school lesson

was not in vain while he was helping Paul. He did not give up simply because Paul was The Apostle Paul once wrote of a man who never set free. In this way he was persistent brought much profit to the Lord’s Kingand consistent in bringing profit to the Lord’s dom. As a matter of fact, his very name Kingdom. means “profit bearer.” The man’s name Onesiphorus also brought profit to the was Onesiphorus. Regardless of the fact Lord’s Kingdom by taking the initiative in the that Onesiphorus is only mentioned twice work of the Lord. Again in our text we see that in four verses of the New Testament, the Garret Onesiphorus “sought [Paul] out very diligently, Apostle Paul was very fond of him and found me”. The word “diligently” means to Derouin and commended him for his work for the Lord “expend all energy.” Onesiphorus took it upon and for his bringing profit to the Lord’s himself to seek for Paul in the large city of THE Kingdom. This is because Onesiphorus Rome, and did not cease until he found him. was a diligent worker in the Kingdom and PREACHER’S We, in following his example, should likewise a faithful friend to the Apostle Paul. take the initiative in “seeking the Lord” (Heb 2 Timothy 1:16-18 Paul states; “The Lord 11:6) and “in service to His Kingdom.” give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; Onesiphorus did many other things to bring for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. He made his Chrischain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out tianity known by not being ashamed of Paul’s chain. very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto He remained faithful unto the Lord, and the Lord him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: granted him his rest at the end of his profitable life. and in how many things he ministered unto me at We can learn from Onesiphorus. We should always Ephesus, thou knowest very well.” From this passage strive to bring profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. We we learn that Onesiphorus was a man that brought should refresh others, especially those who are fellow profit to the Lord’s Kingdom in many ways.

Christians. We should be persistent and make our Onesiphorus “oft refreshed” the Apostle Paul. He did Christianity known to all. We should take the initianot help Paul one time only, but time after time, while tive and remain diligent in our service to Christ.

Paul was in prison in Rome, from 61-63 A.D. We can (Adapted from an article by Josh Haley.) learn from this example that we must always enIf readers have questions or simply wish to know deavor to “refresh” our Christian brothers and sisters more about the Church of Christ, we invite you to call in their times of need. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 715-866-7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, W. Birch St. in Webster. Office hours are Tuesdays unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the through Fridays 9 a.m.-noon. Sunday Bible class beLord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in gins at 9:30 a.m., worship is at 10:30 a.m. We also meet vain in the Lord.” Onesiphorus knew that his labor Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

PEN

Carole Vezey to speak SIREN – Carole Vezey, founder and director of Uganda Hope, an organization based in northern Uganda, will be speaking at a special service at Siren Assembly of God on Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m.

Vezey’s work was recently the feature story in the Northern Currents section of our paper.

The story of the plight of the people in northern Uganda has been brought to the world’s attention recently through “The Invisible Children” documentary, “Dateline,” Oprah Winfrey, “National Geographic” and Christianity Today, to name a few. Jan Egeland, the United Nations undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs has stated, “In my 25 years of working in over 100 nations, this is one of the worst situations I have ever seen. I cannot find any other part of the world that is having an emergency on the scale of Uganda that is getting so little international attention.”

The war in northern Uganda is Africa’s longest-running war. For more than 20 years, the Acholi people have not had peace or security on their own land or in their own homes. A terrorist group led by Joseph Kony, and his rebel group called the LRA, have kidnapped over 50,000 children from their homes. Under Kony’s command, LRA forces have been responsible for tens of thousands of rapes, assaults, kidnappings and killings of unarmed innocent civilians.

You are invited to Siren Assembly on Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m., to hear a firsthand report from Vezey

Carole Vezey hugs a child at her Uganda Hope mission in Africa. - Photo submitted about her courageous work right in the very center of this rebel activity. It will be an evening of information, inspiration and challenge as we hear through eyewitness accounts and multimedia, the story of what is currently happening in northern Uganda. – submitted

First Communion celebrated on Maundy Thursday

The Sunday school program at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren started a new lesson this week.

Students are pictured here around a paper tree that will “grow” with fruits of the spirit this spring. Students and congregation members are also studying a new Bible verse for April; John 11:25b reads, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live….” The Gospel and sermon for Sunday, April 15, were taken from John 20:19-31 and told the story of Thomas, who had to see to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. Everyone is welcome at Bethany. The church holds worship services Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m., and Wednesday fellowship at 5:45 p.m. For more information, call 715-3495280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

Nine youth celebrated their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 5, at Bone Lake L u t h e r a n Church. Pastor Mary Ann Bowman and the cong r e g a t i o n congratulate them on this important step of their faith journey. – Photo submitted

APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

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APRIL 18, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Elizabeth Schweitzer has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is the daughter of Jeremiah and Danielle Schweitzer and is in Mrs. Asproth’s first-grade class.

Some of her favorite activities are reading, math and art. She is a very thoughtful student who treats others with kindess and respect.

She enjoys learning new things and always has a positive attitude.

Michael Tesch has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Brenda and Steven Tesch. Michael is an honor student with a good attitude. He works well in groups and is responsible and conscientious.

Michael is involved in baseball, football, basketball and track. He is interested in rockets. The greatest influences in his life have been his parents.

Mike Gosselin has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Diane Gosselin. Mike appreciates the value of education and is dedicated to obtaining his high school education. He is polite, honest and makes others feel comfortable. Mike enjoys dirt biking and snowmobiling. He would like to work in the automotive or auto-body field. Mike’s sister has been the most influential person in his life.

Ian Anderson has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Dwight and Paula Anderson. Ian is a good student and listener. He gets his work in on time, is respectful of others and doesn’t follow the crowd.

Ian is involved in football, basketball and baseball. He enjoys riding snowmoblies and 4wheelers. Ian plans to attend a four-year college.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Kyla Melin has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Aren Gerich and Jamie Melin. Kyla enjoys reading lots of books, writing great stories and thinking with numbers. She is a good, helpful friend to her classmates.

Bryce Amlee has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Cheryl Houman and Brian Amlee. Bryce comes to school with an infectious smile. She always tries to do her best. Bryce is involved in volleyball. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing games, drawing and avoiding homework.

Kasey Johnson has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daugher of Scott and Karen Johnson. Kasey is a pleasant student who works very diligently at her school work and comes to class every day eager to learn. She is a positive influence to the classroom. Kasey is in FFA, 4-H and Sunday school. She enjoys riding horses, attending tractor pulls and showing dairy cows.

She plans to attend college for dairy science.

Erica Mevissen has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Charlie and Sheila Mevissen. Erica has a twin sister, Erin, and a younger brother, Carl. Her favorite subjects are math and reading. She enjoys riding her bike and 4-wheeling.

Erica like to wrestle. In the summer she likes to go swimming and boating. The family has four dogs. Erica is a very pleasant girl with a lovely smile.

SIREN

Garret Hunter has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Greg and Sue Hunter. Mrs. Schrooten nominated Garret for being a good helper on the playground. Garret is a friend to all of his classmates and is always willing to help. He is friendly and does his best in school. Garret enjoys gym, reading and playing hockey.

Tyler Richison has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. He is the son of Marybeth and Jim Richison. Tyler is an excellent student that does his best each and every day. Tyler excells in and out of school. He is in football and plays hockey for the Burnett Blizzards. He made Team Wisconsin and will play hockey all over the upper Midwest this summer. Tyler plays trumpet in the school band.

Matthew Gjovig has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Mark and Maria Gjovig. Matthew has one brother, one sister, one dog and three cats. He enjoys baseball, football, wrestling and soccer. His favorite subject is art. Matt is a happy, well-adjusted student who is enthusiastic about participating in all school activities. Matt enjoys listening to music.

WEBSTER

Ashley Maslow has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a responsible, hardworking and caring student.

Ashley always comes to class prepared and ready to work. She is currently enrolled in a college course, has a full class schedule, runs for track and holds down two jobs, while maintaining a high GPA. Ashley is a considerate person who offers assistance whenever needed. She has done a great job as a TA and follows through on what needs to be done.

Congratulations students on a job well done!

Celeste Goude has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Jennifer and Scott Goude. Celeste brings a little sunshine into the class with her great attitude. She is friendly to all, helpful and eager to learn.

Her favorite activity at school is gym. At home she likes to watch TV and help take care of her little sister.

Brittany Maxwell has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Angel and Darryl Maxwell. Brittany is an outstanding student and person. She has perfect attendance and has worked hard to earn straight A’s. Brittany is involved in band and softball. Her hobbies include music and guitar.

Brittany is very quiet in school and boisterous outside of school.

Daranchara Sukhevriya has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a foreign exchange student. Data has earned 12 A’s and one B this year. She also has very good attendance. Data has many talents and uses them to her potential. She is an excellent student. Data is in band, choir, track and was a gold medal winner at state forensics. She enjoys singing, reading, drawing, painting and listening to music. She will attend college in Thailand.

UNITY

Jordan Lowe has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Scott and Shelly Lowe. Jordan is an excellent student in all areas. He is very responsible and an independent worker. Jordan always shows polite manners and thoughful behavior to others. His interests include basketball, soccer, golfing, motorcross and camping.

Michelle Rindal has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Diane and David Conley. Michelle is kind and has a positive, upbeat attitude.

She has a wonderful sense of humor. Michelle has been doing a wonderful job all year in all of her classes.

Danni Linstrom has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Dave Conley and Melody Hills. Danni was nominated for her hard work and inquisitive mind. She enjoys reading and drawing. Danni plans to major in art after high school.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 18, 2007

APRIL

THURSDAY/19 Cushing

• The S.E.L. Historical Society will meet April 19, at the Cushing Community Center.

Business meeting is 5:45 to 7 p.m., followed by a program given by a Civil War enthuiast.

Coming events

Coming event items are published as a public service. Items must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Mondays to be assured of publication in that week’s issue.

Osceola

Dresser

• Polk County Genealogical Society to meet at the library, 7 p.m. Call 715-294-3447.

Frederic

• Candlelight vigils at local schools in awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. For information call Gail at 715-485-8600.

• Spaghetti Dinner, sponsored by VFW Post #4186 & the Ladies Auxiliary, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Community Hall.

Polk County

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• 39th-annual kindergarten circus at the elementary big gym, 7 p.m.

• Lioness meet at Bean’s Country Griddle for supper, 5:30 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. at Sunrise Apts. in their community room.

Siren

• Siren Ballpark Softball League meeting at the Pour House, 7 p.m. For info call John at 715-349-2391.

TUESDAY/24

Luck

Amery

• ALPHA Dinner, video & discussion, “How Does God Guide Us?” at 6:30-8:45 p.m., Faith Fellowship. Call Maggie at 715-825-3559 for more info.

• Planning for Retirement - Are you ready?

7-8:30 p.m. at the high school. Hosted by Polk-Burnett Retired Educators’ Assoc. Call 715-268-6578 or 715-472-2153, ext. 154 for more info.

• Luck American Legion and Auxiliary #255 meeting at Luck Village Hall. Please plan to attend.

• Polk County Christians in Action Food distribution, 9 a.m. at the Congregation Church.

Balsam Lake

• American Red Cross CPR adult class, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested. Call Terry Anderson at 715-485-3025.

• Polk County Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting, 1-3 p.m., at the government center.

Guest speaker, Julie Holle will speak on HosSiren First hepatica of spring on the Railroad Trail, the trailhead near the Taylors Falls pice care.

• Cholesterol & Diabetes Screening. Call Memorial Community Center. – Photo by Josie Fisk • Polk County Histoical Society will meet, 715-349-2140 for appointment.

7:15 p.m. at the Justice Center. Board meeing • American Legion Post 132 meeting at 7 at 5:45 p.m. Call Muriel Pfeifer at 715-268• Dedication of the Education Building, in Silent Auction, at the Northwoods Crossing. p.m. in the village office building. the D.D. Kennedy Park, 11 a.m. Hosted by the Social hour and silent auction 5 p.m., followed 6578 or e-mail: mpfeifer@amerytel.net for . more info.

Friends of the D.D. Kennedy, and Rep. by dinner. Call 715-635-9077 for more info.

Danbury Spencer Black will speak. For info call 715-483Spooner St. Croix Falls • Earth Day events on Main Street, 1 p.m.

3979.

• Indian Rifle & Pistol Club Gun Show, at the • First-ever St. Croix Valley Sportsman’s Balsam Lake elementary school. Fri. 6-9 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-4 Expo at the Alliance Church of the Valley, 5 - 9 Siren p.m. Call 715-635-2319 or 715-635-7134 for • Rod and Gun Club Smelt Feed, 4 p.m. p.m. Call 715-483-1100 or www.stcroixal- • Food & Friends Community Dinner will be more info.

Bone Lake liance.com for info. at the Siren Covenant Church, 5 - 6 p.m. Dona.

• Spring Fling Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the tions acepted.

Lutheran Church. Lunch served, call 715-472• Burnett County Republican Party will meet Osceola 2535 for more info.

Dresser at 7 p.m. in Room 162 at the Government Cen• “Another Work in Progress” at the high • Part one of the 135th anniversary of ter.

Burnett County school. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 & Bethesda Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m. Ser- • Burnett County Tobacco-Free Coalition • Sucker Fishing Contest. Sign up or info at vice, meal and program.

7 p.m. Call 715-294-2127, ext. 410 for info. meeting at the high school, 3:45 p.m. 715-349Wild Bill’s, Webster - 866-4220; Big Mike’s, 7600, ext. 1227.

Siren or Backwoods Beer and Bait, Falun.

New Richmond • Vezey speaks on Uganda, 7 p.m. at Siren Frederic • Annual Spring Program, in the pavilion. Assembly of God. Clam Falls • Ladies Morning Retreat, 9:15 a.m., at Fred“Music Through the Years.” Opening of new • Spaghetti Supper, 5-8 p.m. at the Lutheran sesquicentennial exhibit. Call 715-246-3276 for eric Evangelical Free Church.

St. Croix Falls • Pokeno, 1 p.m. at the senior center. Every- Church. information.

• Friends of Interstate Park host their AnDresser one welcome. nual Spring Gathering of Friends at Inter• W/ELCA Apple River Conference Spring Osceola state Park, 7 p.m. 715-483-3747.

Milltown Day of Renewal, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Peace • Turkey Shoot at the Rod and Gun Club, noon • Fish Fry, at the United VFW, 4:30 p.m.-?

Lutheran Church. Call 715-825-2239 for info.

- 5 p.m. 715-755-2633.

FRI. & SAT./20 & 21 FRI. - SUN./20-22

SUNDAY/22

FRIDAY/20

St. Croix Falls

• Tour of Polk County Recycling Center, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call 715-483-1088 for info.

Webster

• Jose Cole Circus, 7 p.m. at the high school gymn.

SAT. - SUN./21 & 22 Siren

• Expo 2007. Burnett Youth Hockey Association and Mix 105 and Classic Hits 105.7 team up to present the event at the Lodge Center Arena in Siren. Saturday events are from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Fundraiser for the hockey association. Call 715-472-9569 for info.

SATURDAY/21 Amery

• Spring Writers Conference, to share work and ideas at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wisconsin authors Michael Norman and Jerry Apps to present.

Call 715-268-6811 for more info.

• Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Fire Dept., 4-7 p.m. at the fire hall.

Frederic

• Noon potluck lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m. Please bring a dish to share or a monetary donation. Birthday cake and ice cream at 3 p.m.

Luck

• Spring sale, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Lunch, baked goods, craft items, white elephant sale.

• Suicide Prevention Walk, 9 a.m., at the school. Call Tanya Pardun at 715-554-2241 for more info.

Osceola

• Heart 5K Run/Walk, registration 7 a.m., race starts 8:30 a.m., beginning at the high school.

Call 715-294-5736 for more info.

Siren

• Spooner/Grantsburg regional hospice’s 84th-annual Spring Fling Gala Dinner &

Rice Lake

• Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra presents “Voices of Spring” at UW-BEC Fine Arts Theatre, 4 p.m.

Spooner

• Earth Day Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the armory.

Call 715-635-2197 for more info.

Superior

• Spring open house at UW-Superior, 12:304:30 p.m., www.uwsuper.edu/admissions or 715-394-8230.

Webster

• Good News Singers Coffeehouse Concert, at Grace United Methodist Church, 2:30 p.m.

MONDAY/23 Balsam Lake

• Health Care listening session with Rep. Hraychuck at the Justice Center, 5- 6:30 p.m.

Frederic

WEDNESDAY/25 Balsam Lake

• American Red Cross CPR Infant/child class, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested. Call Terry Anderson at 715-485-3025.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m. at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

Osceola

• Senior Citizens Club monthly potluck and program at the Methodist Church, 1 p.m. 715294-3670.

St. Croix Falls

• 9th-annual SCV Home & Sport Show at the fairgrounds. Call 715-483-2610 or 715-4831690 for more info.

• Medical Laboratory Week Open House, 1:30-4 p.m., at the medical center.

• Spades played, 1:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Chief Sybers presents a lesson on bicycle safety Siren Elementary School was pleased to welcome Chief Sybers and volunteer Angie Sybers to present a lesson on bicycle safety to the students in kindergarten and first grade. All the students received bicycle helmets and bicycle safety information to read. Siren Elementary students and staff members would like to thank Chief Sybers and the Siren Police Department for this opportunity and the helmets. - submitted