Leader | april 4| 2007

INTER-COUNTY

‘Follow the Leader’

April 4, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No 32 8,000 copies

the-leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Since 1933

.net

SECTION A

$1

Write-in vote ousts village president At Webster, Cyms defeated by trustee who was not on the ballot Page 3

Cloning Gladys

Unofficial election results inside

Trail battle continues Greenway group seeks court review of DNR decision Page 7

Burning regs now in effect DNR sets spring burning rules Page 2

Child found Father faces neglect charges after child found in swamp Page 3 www.the-leader.net

Challengers win seats on Frederic School Board Amundson, Matz are new members Page 3

The "Gladyses," Kristi Clarke, Britta Giller, Emily Smith, Iqra Mian, Megan Hacker, and Sarah Petersen (L to R), plot against the Garrets in the Luck High School play entitled “The Show 007,” performed this past weekend. More photos and story in Currents section. - Photo by Carl Heidel

Woman of history Helen McCann White honored as 2007 History Woman of the Year BALSAM LAKE — Helen McCann White was honored as 2007 History Woman of the Year at the March 27 meeting of the Polk County Historical Society. About 50 people attended the program.

White is a historical researcher and writer, wellknown for her years as editor of The Dalles Visitor, a historical newspaper which she founded that features accounts of the towns of the St. Croix Valley.

Among her other published works is the book “Hot

See White, page 4

Judy Wester of the Polk County Historical Society, right, presents Helen McCann White with the 2007 History Woman of the Year award. - Photo by Mary Stirrat

SPORTS

F E AT U R E

S E R V I N G

Laura Tiede colors our world

Pirates set sail again

Page 31

Page 15

B U R N E T T

&

P O L K

C O U N T I E S

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

Groundbreaking set for Burnett Medical Center project.

Burnett Medical Center's building project is set to begin this month, and a groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend the celebration at the Grantsburg medical center. A special building project folder will be distributed to attendees. Cake and ice cream will be served, and balloons will be given to children. Mix 105 radio station will be broadcasting live from the event. “This building project is a very positive step and will be a significant change for Burnett Medical

Center,” says BMC's Chief Executive Officer Tim Wick. “The project is designed to exceed expectations by expanding on our ability to provide comprehensive, expert health care in Burnett County.” Three years of planning have gone into Burnett Medical Center's expansion and renovation project.

The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2008. An artist's rendering of the expansion of Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg. - from BMC

Antifreeze used in murder-suicide, says coroner POLK COUNTY - A coroner’s report released this past week shows that a father and son who were found dead in a Richfield, Minn., hotel room last month died from ingesting ethylene glycol, an active ingredient in antifreeze.

The bodies of Zachary Wolfe, 7, of Luck, and his father, Jeffrey Wagner, 47, of Edgerton, were found by police Feb. 14 at the Richfield AmericInn, just off Interstate 494. Investigators were at first puzzled by how the two had died, as

there were no weapons in the room or signs of injury.

The Hennepin County Coroner’s Office ruled Friday that Wagner killed his son and then himself, constituting a The report states murder-suicide.

Zachary died “following ingestion of ethylene glycol administered by another person.”

The odorless liquid has a sweet taste.

When ingested it becomes very acidic, causing severe damage to the brain,

New bridge construction

The new bridge construction over the St. Croix River north of Danbury is progressing. The portion now being constructed will be the divided lane for ATV and snowmobile use. When this lane is done, the traffic will use it while the current bridge is torn down and the new one built. The DNR has committed $250,000 for the recreational lane. The new bridge will be approximately 50 feet wide when completed. Lunda Construction of Black River Falls is doing the work. The bridge is scheduled to be completed by fall of this year.

- Photo/information by Al Holter 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.

How to subscribe:

The Inter-County Leader [ISS No. 8750-9091] is published weekly. Subscription prices are $30/yr. in Polk and Burnett counties $34/yr. in Barron, Chisago, Washburn, St. Croix counties; $37/yr. anywhere in the United States $22/yr. for servicemen or women $22/yr. for students or schools (9 months).

Payment is needed before we can start the subscription. No refunds on subscriptions.

Persons may subscribe online at www.the-leader.net, write us at Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837, or stop by one of our three offices.

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

liver, kidneys and blood vessels.

Two days before the bodies were discovered, Wagner took his son from the boy’s mother’s home near Luck as

Zachary waited for the school bus. Cell phone records traced the pair to the hotel room. - with information from Associated Press, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Burning regulations are now in effect BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES Burning permits are now required outside of incorporated cities and villages in those areas under DNR regulations.

Some areas of Burnett and Polk counties are not under DNR regulations but may have township regulations. Check with local fire officials to see what the rules are for your area. A burning permit is not required for small campfires, cooking and heating fires. Permits are free and can be obtained from any DNR Ranger Station or emergency fire warden. Burning hours are normally restricted to allow burning between 6 p.m. and midnight. No burning is allowed on Sundays or holidays.

Special permits are required for burning areas larger than one-half acre. When the fire danger increases, permits may be suspended until safer conditions return.

Burning permits prevent forest fires by confining burning to the safest part of the day, when wind and temperature are generally lowest and the relative humidity is highest, said DNR Forest Ranger Ross Larson of Grantsburg.

Burning without a burning permit, setting a fire and failing to extinguish it, or allowing a fire to escape are violations of state statutes. Ranger Larson also wanted the public to know that should your debris burn escape and become a wildfire, you will be billed for the cost of

The Inter-County Leader is a qualified newspaper for the publication of legal notices, meeting the requirements as set forth in Chapter 985.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Every government official or board that handles public money should publish at regular intervals an accounting of it, showing where and how each dollar is spent.

We hold this to be a fundamental principle of democratic government.

Publisher reserves right to reject any advertisement or news release or letter of opinion at any time.

Member • National Newspaper Association • Wisconsin Newspaper Association

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

Subscription concerns: subscriptions@centurytel.net Advertisements: addept@centurytel.net Deadline for ads and copy: 10 a.m. Tuesdays

OFFICES Frederic

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

715-327-4236 Fax - 715-327-4117 (news copy) Fax - 715-327-4870 (ad copy)

Siren

24154 State Road 35, Siren, WI 54872 (M-W, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

715-349-2560 Fax - 715-349-7442

St. Croix Falls

Box 338, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

History of the Leader can be (M-W, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) viewed at: www.the-leader.net 715-483-9008 • Fax - 715-483-1420

suppressing the fire and any damages as a result of the fire. “These costs can be very expensive, and a landowner may want to think twice before doing any burning. Even if you are burning with a permit, and your fire escapes, you will be billed for suppression. Anytime you set a fire there is a risk of it escaping your control. We encourage people to burn when the ground is snow covered when conditions are the safest.”

Items that may legally be burned include grass, leaves, brush, paper products and unpainted/untreated lumber.

Burning of asphalt, rubber, plastic, wet garbage, wet paper or oily substances is prohibited. Materials from building demolitions need to be disposed of in an approved demolition landfill.

Webster Forest Ranger Renae Paulson said burning should be a last alternative for disposal. Recycling and composting are encouraged as methods to dispose of unwanted materials.

Ranger Paulson provides these suggestions for safe burning. Burn when the wind is less than 8 miles per hour.

Have fire fighting tools and water on the site before you start the fire. A noncombustible fire break should surround the material to be burned. The fire must be attended at all times and be totally extinguished before you leave.

Everyone is also reminded to be careful with the disposal of ashes from wood stoves, both indoor and outdoor, and charcoal grills. Ashes should be thoroughly doused with water and disposed of on a noncombustible surface.

“The majority of Wisconsin’s forest fires occur during the months of April and May. Debris burning is the number one cause of forest fires in Wisconsin,” according to Ranger Paulson. “Even though the ground may appear to be very wet, dead grasses and other light fuels can dry out very quickly and be ignited by a stray spark or ember. The result could be a forest fire that threatens lives, homes and forest resources.”

Everyone is cautioned to use extreme care when conducting any outdoor burning.

If you have any questions about burning or the need for a burning permit please contact either the Grantsburg Ranger Station at 715-4632897, the Webster Ranger Station at 715866-8201 or check the DNR Web site http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/ Fire/Fire_Danger/WDNRfire_report.asp - from the DNR

Child found alone in swamp; father faces neglect charges POLK COUNTY - A 50-year-old Balsam Lake man faces charges of child neglect after his 3-year-old son was found alone in a swamp Sunday afternoon.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to an area south of Pap’s Store on CTH E after some people found the child sitting in the swamp grass, cold and wet.

The child had urinated and defecated in his clothes, according to the police report, and was very hungry and thirsty. He drank an entire bottle of water and a bologna sandwich, but could not speak.

Authorities contacted neighbors along the road but no one recognized the child.

The Polk County Department of Social Services met authorities at the hospital in Amery, where the child was checked for hypothermia and other health concerns.

Nurses removed several wood ticks from the child, but he was found to be healthy and was taken into custody by the Polk County Child Protection Services.

A sheriff’s squad car was still at the swamp area around 4 p.m. when Ben Balo, the child’s father, arrived at the area and told an officer that he was looking for his son.

Balo identified his son by the officer’s photograph. According to the police report, Balo said he was in the woods at noon with the boy. He told officers that he thought the 3-year-old went somewhere with his 11year-old daughter.

The 3-year-old was found almost two land sections away from where Balo was.

Authorities arrested Balo on misdemeanor child neglect charges, because Balo had not contacted anyone about his missing son. – Julie Holmquist

Challenger tops Webster School election Holmquist takes seat on board

WEBSTER – Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election put Kitty Holmquist on the Webster School Board with a total of 667 votes.

Holmquist Holmquist, the challenger, topped both incumbents with her vote tally.

The final count shows Holmquist at 667, Mark Elliott with 659 and Doug Quenzer with 536 votes. Incumbent Elliott will continue on the board, and Holmquist will replace Quenzer.

Ziegler wins Supreme Court race STATEWIDE - With 98 percent of precincts reporting Wednesday morning as the Leader went to press, Washington County Circuit Judge Annette Ziegler held a 58 percent to 42 percent lead over Madison attorney Linda Clifford for a seat on the Supreme Court.

Ziegler wil replace retiring Justice Jon. P. Wilcox on Aug. 1.

Polk County voters favored Ziegler by a margin of 2,729 to 2,620 margin. Burnett voters favored Ziegler by a 2,620 to 1,217 margin.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Challengers win seats on school board FREDERIC – In a six-way race for four open seats, the two challengers in Tuesday’s election, Becky Amundson and Shari Matz, gained seats on the Frederic School Board.

They will replace incumbents Terry Taylor and Lee Jensen.

Incumbent board president Kay Friberg and board members Scott Nelson were returned to the board by voters.

Unofficial results show Amundson with 407 votes, Nelson with 400, Matz

Amundson

Matz

with 378, Friberg with 332, Jensen with 201 and Taylor with 198.

There were four individuals who

received a total of six votes and a total of 1,922 votes were cast.

Amundson and Nelson, the top two vote-getters, will serve three-year terms, Matz, as the third place votegetter, will serve a two-year term, and the fourth-place vote-getter, Kay Friberg, will be appointed to a oneyear term.

The new board will consist of Amundson, Nelson, Matz, Friberg and Marilyn Sederlund, who was unopposed in this election.

Ammend, Johnson new trustees at Frederic FREDERIC – Maria Ammend and William Johnson IV will be two new faces on the Frederic Village Board following Tuesday’s election.

The two challengers, along with incumbent John Boyer, will fill the three seats that came open this spring.

Incumbent Arlen Peterson was defeated.

Unofficial results show Ammend

Ammend

Johnson

with 121 votes, Boyer with 113 votes and Johnson with 72 votes. Peterson received 65 votes, and challenger Eleanore Carlson received 64 votes.

Village president Phil Knuf, unopposed on the ballot, received 135 votes and will also return to the board.

The new board will consist of Knuf, Ammend, Boyer, Johnson and Jamie Worthington.

Write-in candidate ousts village president WEBSTER – Incumbent village president Paul Cyms, unopposed on Tuesday’s ballot, was defeated by trustee Jeff Roberts in a write-in vote.

Roberts, a teacher and athletic director for Webster Schools, was elected to the village board in 1998. He accepted the position of village president Wednesday morning. That creates an open spot on the village board which

Roberts

Rock

may be filled by appointment.

Unofficial results show Roberts receiving 101 votes to 69 votes for Cyms.

Incumbent trustees Tim Maloney and Kelly Gunderson were re-elected to the board with 130 and 139 votes, respectively. William Rock was elected to fill the third open spot on the board with 107 votes.

Siren village vote ends in first-time tie SIREN – “We’ve never had a tie before,” commented longtime Siren Village clerk Doris Kosloski as she called in the votes in the April 3 election. Village board candidates Herb Howe and Josh Henry, both on the ballot for the first time, received 33 votes each. Four candidates were running on the ballot for three village trustee positions. Incumbents Joan

O’Fallon (vote of 64) and Dave Alden (vote of 67) were returned to office, leaving the tie vote for Howe and Henry, with the winning candidate to be determined later.

Lone candidate Janet Hunter received 61 votes and becomes the new village president. Herb Howe got one write-in vote for this position.

Past President Rick Engstrom had

decided not to run again for the board. Dave Kopecky, the only other vote-getter, received one write-in vote.

In the other Siren election, Bill Ellis and Michelle Renberg were elected to fill the two open seats on the Siren School Board.

Peterson new town chair

Fisher, Tjader new supervisors

TOWN OF DANIELS – Daniel Peterson defeated incumbent town chairman Walter Sellant in the town of Daniels spring election, according to

unofficial results.

Peterson received 195 votes to Sellant’s 32 votes.

The town board will also have two new supervisors. Timothy Tjader and Edward Fisher received 193 votes and 104 votes, respectively. Incumbents Ed Bitler and Jim Engelhart received

92 and 36 votes, respectively.

Incumbent town clerk Ellen Ellis received 160 votes to challenger Elizabeth Simonsen’s 60 votes.

Treasurer Emma Kolander, unopposed, received 222 votes.

Financial status misrepresented, says former station owner AMERY – A story about the sale of an Amery radio station published in last week’s Leader included information that misrepresented the financial status of the operation, said its former owner.

Darren Van Blaricom said he was surprised to see a quote in the story claiming WXCE lost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” over the last five years. The statement was made

by Ron Revere, representing Red Rock Radio Corp., the station’s new owners.

Van Blaricom said that despite a dip

in sales the month following 9/11 in 2001, the station was self-sustaining financially and owed no money. “It was basically a break-even deal,” he noted.

Investors in the station ended up with more money than they invested, he added.

Van Blaricom also noted he is proud that the station, besides being self-sustaining, managed to put money back into the community over the years, including several thousand dollars in scholarships and donations to various local projects: the new concession

stand at the Amery school, local food pantries and the local hockey association.

Contacted for comment, Ron Revere wrote in an e-mail that he stood by his statement that the station had lost money but he did not specify an amount. “In the interest of moving forward, let’s just say they were losing money and leave it at that,” he wrote.

Van Blaricom said Revere “doesn’t have a clue” as to the finances under the station’s previous ownership. – Gary King

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

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

Incumbents returned at Osceola

Incumbents defeat challenger at Unity BALSAM LAKE — In a relatively close election for the Unity School Board of Education, four incumbents seeking re-election held their seats while challenger Scott Sorensen was

defeated.

Incumbents Jim Beistle, Harley Lund, Dave Moore, and Chad Stenberg were all returned to the board.

Unofficial results show that Moore garnered the most votes, at 413, followed by Stenberg at 399, Beistle at 395 and Lund at 385. Sorensen received 373 votes.

Unofficial election results from the village of Osceola:

No surprises for Luck School Board LUCK — Robert Clifton and LeRoy Buck, running unopposed for seats on the Luck School Board of Education, were re-elected Tuesday by voters in

the Luck School District.

According to the unofficial vote count, Clifton received 250 votes and Buck received 264. There were sever-

al write-in votes cast, said district administrator Rick Palmer, with no single person receiving more than two or three votes. — Mary Stirrat

Incumbents re-elected at Balsam Lake BALSAM LAKE — There were no surprises in the election for the Balsam Lake Village Board, with incumbents running unopposed on the ballot.

Village president Guy Williams received 75 votes, with five scattered write-ins. Incumbent trustees Mike Voltz, Geno D’Agostino, and Dave Evans received 77, 72, and 62 votes

respectively, with one scattered writein. A total of 90 votes were cast. — Mary Stirrat

President Gary Beckmann (I) Kathleen Demulling

174 113

Trustees - elect three 208 Carrie O’Connell (I) 206 Purnal Tracy (I) Kenneth Janes,Jr (write-in) 76 61 Charles Jensen (deceased but on the ballot) Walter Piszczek (write-in) 44

Nielsen, Berg and Holdt at Luck LUCK — There will be two new trustees on the Luck Village Board after an uncontested election for three seats.

Incumbent Jack Holdt was re-elected as a board trustee, along with newcomers

Steve Nielsen and Marilyn Berg.

The unofficial vote count shows Holdt with 75 votes, Nielsen with 69, and Berg with 63. Harry Skow received one write-in vote. Village president Rich

Callister, running unopposed, received 77 votes, with a total of 83 votes cast in the village.

Callister, Nielsen, Berg and Holdt will be sworn in at an April 17 organization-

al meeting of the board.

It was incorrectly stated in last week’s paper that trustee Phil Warhol was seeking re-election, and Nielsen’s name was omitted as a candidate. — Mary Stirrat

White/from page 1 for the Gold Fields: Northern Overland Wagon Trains of the 1860s,” an account of wagon train emigrants who traveled from Minnesota to the gold fields of Montana.

White first came to the St. Croix Valley as a young girl in the 1940s. Her father, Edward McCann, was a Methodist minister assigned to the St. Croix Falls, Eureka, and Wolf Creek churches from 1941 to 1944.

As a stranger to the area, White would introduce herself to people sitting on their porches. She would ask where they had come from and how long they had been in the area.

This, said White, was her way of adjusting to a new environment and was most likely the beginning of her interest in history. Since then she has written books, published newspapers, done a radio show and restored historic buildings.

White graduated from Hamline University, working her last two years in the manuscripts department for the Minnesota Historical Society. She then enrolled at the University of Minnesota, studying American history and literature, where she met her husband, Dr. Henry Gilbert White.

Dr. White was a resources economist with the university and later with the government. During the next 20 years, his career took him from Utah and Colorado to Japan, the Philippines, and France. His wife and three children would follow, with her trunk full of manuscripts.

In 1961 they settled in Washington, D.C., where she completed research on her first book about Minnesotans emigrating to the Montana gold fields.

The Whites returned to the St. Croix Valley in 1965, upon retirement, and bought a farm north of Taylors Falls, Minn. Henry White died in 1967 and a short time later Helen moved to Taylors Falls, restoring the historic Schottmuller building.

White also restored the 1850s Taylors Falls Jail, which opened in 1981 as a historical bed and breakfast.

In 1969 she started the annual newspaper, The Dalles Visitor. The first issue was 16 pages long, with 10,000 copies distributed. The 2006 edition was 24

brought in his son, who had been working in Washington, D.C., at the time but who signed on at the Standard Press and helped finish the book.

Nowhere in the book, said White, does Folsom credit the extra help he received. It was only while going through Folsom’s papers at the Minnesota Historical Society did she uncover the information, which had never been brought to light before.

“I thought you might like to know this,” she said, “because it’s part of your history. It’s never been written about as far as I know, how the minister, the son, and the local people all helped put it together.” — Mary Stirrat, with information from the Polk County Historical Society

Four of the five recipients of Polk County’s History Woman of the Year attended the March 27 program honoring Helen McCann White. In back (L to R) are Rosemarie Braatz (2006) and Marguerite Hallquist (2003). In front are Elsie Wood (2004), and Helen McCann White (2007). Not pictured is Leona Cummings, 2005 History Woman of the Year. – Photos by Mary Stirrat pages, with 30,000 copies distributed.

White’s son, Bruce, and his wife were involved in the publication of the paper.

After 30 years as editor of The Dalles Visitor, White handed the reigns to Joanne Frank five years ago.

White and her many lasting contributions to the history of the St. Croix Valley were recognized Tuesday evening, March 27, when she was named 2007 History Woman of the Year by the Polk County Historical Society.

The award is an outgrowth of National Women’s Week, passed by Congress in 1981, and National History Woman’s Month, established in 1987.

White is the fifth woman to be hon-

ored as Polk County’s History Woman of the Year. Other recipients are Marguerite Hallquist in 2003, Elsie Wood in 2004, Leona Cummings in 2005, and Rosemarie Braatz in 2006.

In accepting the award, White appropriately related a little-known piece of St. Croix Valley history. She spoke of W.H.C. Folsom, author of the still-pertinent history of the St. Criox Valley, “Fifty Years in the Northwest,” published in 1888.

While Folsom was finishing his book, said White, he was not well and felt he needed help.

He recruited a minister/teacher friend who had lived in the area in the 1860s. Folsom also

w w w. t h e - l e a d e r. net

Polk County Historical Society’s 2007 History Woman of the Year Helen McCann White, with her son, Bruce White.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Burnett town election results Contested races only ANDERSON Chair Charles F. Peterson (I)48 Jeremy Gronski 46 Supervisors Gerald L. Johnson (I) 63 Curt Kabeary (I) 60 Donald Syring (write-in) 24 BLAINE Supervisors Martin Pearson William Slipher (I) Merle Meyer Don Carlson

26 21 18 17

DANIELS Chair Daniel Peterson Walter Sellent

195 32

Supervisors Timothy Tjader Edward Fisher Ed Bitler Jim Engelhart

193 104 92 36

Clerk 160 Ellen Ellis Elizabeth Simonsen 60 Treasurer Emma Kolander

222

DEWEY Supervisors James C. Toll (I) Don Israel (I) Philip Scheu

83 79 50

Treasurer Bill Holden 50 Kim Scheu (write-in) 40 Jane Sollberger 33 JACKSON Chair Dianne Connor (I) Elra A. Johnson

112 98

Supervisors Gary Biron (I) Nancy Growe (I) Jim Henrich

147 137 101

SAND LAKE Supervisors Jim Tolbert (I) 73 Carsten (Ro) Endresen (I) 58 Dennis Winslow 33 Treasurer Carrie Hunter 48 Karen Warden (write-in) 38 SCOTT Chair Doug McCreadie

Bob Heideman

100

Supervisors Gary Lundberg Shirley Muller Steve Roman Joseph Fisher (I)

156 119 76 63

Treasurer Paul Kipping Sue Melton (I)

128 104

TRADE LAKE Chair James Melin (I) David Pederson Supervisors Roger Hinrichs (I) Jeff Lade (I) Jack Buecksler

95 39 116 101 31

WEBB LAKEChair Clifford (Larry) Main111 Harry Patneaude 109 Supervisors Greg Main David Johnson (I) Wayne Nutt write-ins

131 104 98 70

Clerk Gail Keup Sue Oslund

126 92

134

Polk town election results Contested races only APPLE RIVER Chair Daniel J. Carlson (I) 154 113 Rick Scoglio Supervisors possible tie for seat David Waterman (I) 158 Ansel Johnson 104 or105 104 Keith Peterson Mary Ann Scoglio 98 Clerk Ken Samples (I) Tom Sykes CLAM FALLS Supervisors Robert Carlson (I) Guy Foltz (I) Tim Abrahamzon

150 105

73 49 31

Referendum : Shall the clerk be appointed?

Yes: 34 No: 48 EUREKA Chair Gene A. Krull Steven C. Jensen

130 94

Supervisors Roger W. Johnson 169 Jose H. Trejo 148 Jane Meinz (write-in) 30

GARFIELD Supervisors M. Buckingham (I) 184 Donald Mork 183 177 M. Baillargeon (I)

Supervisors Steve Stroshone (I) 141 Ronald Gamache 132 Tim Lauridsen 122 Eugene Lindholm (I)101

LINCOLN Chair Jay Luke (I) Gail Tessman

381 297

Supervisors R. Waterman (I) Alan Carlson (I) Jeff Warren Larry Karlson

472 356 188 169

ST. CROIX FALLS Chair William (Bill) Hughes (I) 103 Steve Palmer (write-in) 69

Treasurer Clark Anderson Richard Timm

364 288

LUCK Supervisors Larry Wright (I) Don Langel (I) Greg Marsten

48 42 41

McKINLEY Chair Lynton Lindell Sandy Hibbs

92 30

MILLTOWN Supervisors Christoph. Nelson (I) 55 Clifford Gustafson (I) 54 Al Springer 22 OSCEOLA Chair Bob Ingebrigtson Lynn Buss

Supervisors [elect four, top two serve two years, next two serve one year] Erick Vitalis (I) 126 (two years) Steve Palmer 118 (two years) James Beistle 96 (one year) Mary Lynne McAlonie 84 (one year) Mike Leehey 75 David Robinson 73 Dave Lundin 46 STERLING Supervisors Duane Doolittle (I) Danny M. Hinkel Tom McGough

53 24 16

WEST SWEDEN Chair Dennis O’Donnell (I) 59 Simon Nelson 56

206 62

Federal charges filed in Osceola forgery case POLK COUNTY - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin has indicted a Forest Lake man for alleged forgeries and identity theft concerning two Osceola businesses.

Stephen J. Barthold, 43, of Forest Lake, Minn., is charged with four counts of possessing a forged security and possession of a means of identification not his own with intent of committing an unlawful act.

The indictment alleges that on Sept.

28, 2005, Barthold possessed forged checks of two Osceola businesses and possessed a means of identification in

the name of an individual to whom the checks were made payable.

If convicted, Barthold faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each possession of a forged security count, and five years for the identity theft count.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson. Julie Holmquist

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

American Family Insurance agents retire But will keep Siren office open for awhile

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – As of March 31, Gerald Potvin officially retired after 30 years as the agent for American Family Insurance, covering Grantsburg, Siren, Webster, Danbury, Frederic and Luck.

A new agent, Ty Gerber, brother of local bankers Ted and Tim, has been named as the new agent.

However, as Gerber only recently returned from two years as an English teacher in Japan, Potvin and his wife, Gail, will continue to manage the office until Gerber is ready to take over July 1.

“We want to keep a smooth transition,” Potvin said, “and let our customers know that somebody will still be here.”

The telephone numbers will remain the same for the office, which is in Siren, the center of the coverage area.

The 800 number for insurance claims is 800-374-1111, but other concerns and questions will still be answered at the Siren office.

This American Family Insurance Agency takes care of about 1,100 customers and has over 2,000 accounts.

Since Potvin started as agent, everything has become computerized, and everybody who works in the office has to be fully licensed. This applied to Gail, who was under the age of 60 when that ruling was made, and is now a fully licensed agent.

Many types of accounts have been

Even though official retirement started March 31, Gerry and Gail Potvin will be managing the American Family Insurance office in Siren until the new agent, Ty Gerber, finishes his training and is ready to take over July 1.

Granddaughter Jaelyn from Sun Prairie was visiting the Potvins Monday, April 2, when this picture was taken. She brought her golf clubs along, but Gerry cautioned there might not be enough time to get out on the course that day. The Potvins have owned the building since 1979, and Gerry started as an agent in 1977. Gail is also a fully licensed agent for the company. – Photo by Nancy Jappe developed in those 30 years, up to 35 different policies to sell. “You have to know them all,” Gail commented.

Potvin said he likes working with people, and will miss them more than

anything. Because of this, he thinks that the idea of a transition time will work out well and make it easier to get into retirement. “You get out of it slowly,” he said. “Some people have a hard-

er time than others do.” “When you’ve done something for over 30 years and you quit all of a sudden,” Gail added.

“We have liked working with the people,” Potvin went on to say. “I will miss it more than her (Gail) because she is quite busy with outside (activities).”

He specifically mentioned the volunteer work that Gail has been doing as president of the Grantsburg Historical Society, something he helps her with from time to time.

“I will have to find other things to keep me busy,” he continued, mentioning spending more time with his five grandchildren, golfing and fishing.

The Potvins have three sons, Rich, Garrett and Gerard. The five grandchildren range in age from 3-10.

The Wisconsin American Family Insurance Company Spring Convention was held recently in Madison, and the Potvins spent time saying goodbye to other agents. The first convention Potvin attended when he started with the company was in Madison, and there has not been another convention held there until this, his last year as an agent.

“I want to retire now,” Potvin said.

“A lot of people wait too long.

Hopefully my health will be good.”

“We want to do some traveling,” Gail commented. “More traveling, yes,” Potvin added.

As of now, there will no longer be a Potvin Agency in Siren. The phone will be answered as American Family Insurance, but Gerry or Gail Potvin will still be around for the next few months before traveling and other retirement activities get going.

Reconstruction starts week of April 16 on Siren’s Main Street

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Reconstruction of Siren’s Main Street is scheduled to start during the week of April 16. The exact date will be published in next week’s paper.

All business owners are invited to the village hall for a meeting Thursday, April 5, starting at 1 p.m., to discuss signage and business access while the construction is going on. At 2 p.m. that day, before the start of the monthly village board meeting, a public hearing on special assessments for owners of Main Street property will be held in the board meeting room.

The public is invited to the Thursday, April 12, meeting of the village board’s roads and streets committee. The concrete subcontractor will be there to discuss sidewalk colors and patterns. The

project, as awarded, includes coloredimpressed concrete for sidewalk accents and cross walks. The brick pavers that had been originally planned for the project proved to be too expensive to be considered.

Construction is expected to take from six to eight weeks, depending on the weather. The contractor is required to have the project substantially completed before the end of June.

Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the construction; however, if and when access is possible, signs will be put up to indicate this. Either Hanson Avenue, Lake Street or First Avenue will be open to north or south through traffic, except for short periods, during construction. All streets and alleys will be open to and from

Four-year-old kindergarten round-up at Webster WEBSTER – The Webster School District will hold a 4-year-old roundup at the elementary school on Friday, May 18. All parents in the district who have a child 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 are urged to bring their child in to meet the teacher, staff and see the classroom.

Sessions will last approximately one

hour and will be staggered to accommodate seven to eight children at a time. Sessions will be on an appointment-only basis so please call the Webster Elementary School office at 866-8210 or 866-8211 to register you child by May 4. An informational letter with time schedules will be sent to each participant. - submitted

Siren School posts second guidance position SIREN – In open session Tuesday, April 3, the Siren School Board acted to post the position for a second fulltime K-12 guidance counselor. This action came after closed-session discussion that started at 4:30 p.m. The

new position will have the emphasis on, but not be limited to, addressing the at-risk student population. The position will be posted this week. – Information from Scott Johnson, district administrator

Main Street, and Ellis Avenue will be open at all times.

Pedestrians will be allowed on Main Street in different sections and/or at different times. Routes will be marked. Most of the sidewalk on Main Street will stay in place, and can be used during the first two or three weeks of the project.

All of the Main Street businesses will be open and accessible during construction. Some businesses will use their back doors for main entry. Some can be reached by parking behind the building and walking around to the front door. Signage will indicate this.

The post office will be accessible all the time. Cars can be parked in a temporary lot that will be set up behind the building. That lot is accessible by alley

from either Hanson or First avenues.

The village will also set up a temporary parking lot at the intersection of Main Street and First Avenue. That lot can be reached from First Avenue or the alley behind Jenneman’s Hardware. Parking will be possible most, not all of the time, on First Avenue.

Weekly updates will be put in the newspaper. The village hopes to have updates on local radio and posted on the Siren Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Web sites. Anyone with questions can contact village administrator/engineer Randy Surbaugh at 715349-2273 or by e-mail at rsurbaugh@sirentel.net. - with information prepared by Randy Surbaugh

Saturday is benefit for Brownie Sears

by Nancy Jappe WEBSTER – A benefit for well-known Webster resident Brownie Sears will be held Saturday, April 7, at the Black & Orange on the west end of Main Street from 2-6 p.m. The Older Than Dirt Band will be playing most of the time, along with zany antics and good music provided by Duane Percells. There will be a lot of food, including a cake in celebration of Sears’ 83rd birthday, which fell on March 4.

Eight years ago, Sears was diagnosed with vulvar-cell cancer. She had surgery and five weeks of radiation at that time. All went well until two years ago, when the cancer came back. Sears underwent radical, invasive surgery, with no chemotherapy or radiation, and was able to do some of the things she likes to do. Like taking care of her flowers in the summer and of her cat, going to the Black and Orange to watch bowling every week and, according to her daughter, Ruth Johnson of Siren, “bossing three of her four children who live close to her.”

In the fall of 2006, the cancer showed

up again. Sears was at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., for a week of chemotherapy, then went to the Piper Building in Minneapolis five days a week for several weeks for radiation treatments. A week’s stay in the hospital came with the last of the chemotherapy, which was completed Feb. 20.

“She continues to get better each day now that she is at home,” Johnson said. “She went for her six-week checkup March 28, and doesn’t have to go back for another three months, so I guess she’s in remission.”

Plans for the benefit include raffling off items such as a 24-inch flat-screen TV, overnight stays with meals from the Hole in the Wall and Turtle Lake casinos, a DVD/CD player, a digital camera, a football signed by the Green Bay Packers, gift certificates and gift baskets. Tickets are available at the benefit, and winners must be present to win. And you can be sure that Brownie Sears will be there, too, to greet all her friends and well-wishers.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

S T A T E

/

L O C A L

H E A D L I N E S

Amery to Dresser Trail battle continues

Greenway group seeks court review of DNR decision

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - Advocates for a nonmotorized Greenway for the Dresser to Amery Recreation Trail took court action last week following recent a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources decision.

Friends of L.O.G. Greenway, Inc., and landowner Richard Roos of Amery filed a petition on March 27 in Polk County Circuit Court seeking a judicial review concerning the DNR’s decision to not prepare an environmental impact statement on the trail.

Friends of L.O.G. Greenway, Inc. is a grassroots organization that has worked continuously to keep the trail closed to year-round ATV use. Year-round ATV use was eventually included in Polk County’s master plan for the 14-mile trail and abandoned railroad line, but the trail use was hotly contested.

Advocates then filed a lawsuit alleging that the DNR failed to conduct environmental studies.

In June of 2005, Friends, Roos and other advocates reached an out-of-court settlement with the DNR.

The DNR agreed to complete an environmental analysis, and management of the trail reverted from the county to the DNR. Then on Feb. 20, 2007, the DNR certified the final environmental analysis and decided that the more detailed environmental impact statement for the trail is not required.

DNR Attorney Mike Lutz said the DNR was still in the process of working on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding for the county’s operation of the trail, and “hadn’t made a decision about how the MOU would look.”

“We haven’t made a decision if we will be proceeding back to the county or wait to see where the lawsuit goes,” Lutz said Tuesday.

Once the DNR completes an MOU, the next step would be to reinstate negotiations with Polk County in terms of turning the trail over to the county.

In the petition, Friends stated that the group “is aggrieved by the final decision of he DNR to certify the environmental analysis and not prepare an environmental impact statement for the trail, because this decision is unreasonable and would allow the trail to be used for motorized uses.”

The Friends group contends that an

impact statement should be done to address existence of burial sites, special wildlife habitat and nesting sites, rare native plant communities and other factors along the corridor.

Friends has advocated for the trail to be developed for only nonmotorized use to provide a safe, peaceful place for residents to walk or bike, to attract tourists and to protect wildlife and habitat.

Lutz said that the county’s master plan that included motorized use of the trail was never a factor in the 2005 lawsuit and subsequent out-of-court settlement.

Roos, a landowner who is a plaintiff in the suit filed last week, is one of five generations of his family to live on land contiguous to the trail. He built a home within 150 yards of the trail in 2003.

Trail timeline 2003

• DNR acquires trail right of way from Wisconsin Central Limited Railroad.

2004

• Citizens advisory committee convened by Polk County to receive input for trail master plan.

• Polk County Property, Forestry and Recreation Committee voted 3-2 to open the trail to motorized use yearround.

• A memorandum of understanding between the DNR and the county concerning operation of the trail was agreed to.

2005

• Polk County Board voted 11 - 10 that the trail would be open on a yearround basis for motorized vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles.

• Friends and advocates filed a lawsuit challenging the DNR’s environmental review.

• Settlement reached between DNR and Friends.

2006

• DNR prepared a draft environmental analysis and held public hearing.

2007

• DNR certified final environmental analysis.

• Friends files lawsuit.

DNR calls emergency MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources announced that it is calling an emergency meeting of the Natural Resources Board on Wednesday, April 4, to address the potential spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia to fish in Wisconsin’s inland waters.

“VHS is one of the most serious threats that we’ve seen to Wisconsin’s fisheries and our $2.3 billion fishing industry,” said DNR Secretary Scott Hassett. “This disease has been responsible for major fish kills in the lower Great Lakes, it’s probably already in Lake Michigan, and it could be in Lake Superior and the Mississippi River drainage basin soon. This rule is a proactive, responsible attempt to prevent the virus from spreading to inland waters, where it could have devastating effects.”

The DNR is asking the board to act on an emergency rule that will aid it in controlling the spread of VHS. The rule will: • Prohibit the possession and use of live bait from outside Wisconsin, except

minnows imported in compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and DATCP requirements, as live bait enters Wisconsin from other parts of the country where VHS may be present; • Prohibit the on-water possession and use of dead bait, except used on Lake Michigan or the water the bait originated from, or when preserved in a way that would kill the VHS virus; • Prohibit the transportation of live fish or fish eggs from waters of the Great Lakes or Mississippi River drainages, except a) fish being exported in compliance with USDA APHIS regulations, b) fish or fish eggs tested and found to be free of VHS virus, and c) fish or fish eggs transported with the prior written approval of the department; • Require all boaters to drain water from bilges, ballast, buckets, and live wells immediately after leaving waters of the Great Lakes or Mississippi River drainages; and • Allow the department to deny per-

Harsdorf vows to fight $1.2 billion property tax increase MADISON – The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau has estimated that Gov. Jim Doyle’s 2007-09 state budget proposal would result in $1.2 billion in new property taxes.

Gov. Doyle doubles the allowable increases in the property tax levy for counties and municipalities, while imposing no controls for technical colleges.

State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R – River Falls, expressed alarm that the governor has further relaxed property tax limits.

In the last budget, the governor used his veto pen to rewrite the Property Tax Freeze as passed by the Wisconsin Legislature.

“Big taxes and big government are eating away at the budgets of middleclass families,” said Harsdorf. “We need a real property tax freeze, coupled with mandate relief and public employee health care reform, to reduce the tax burden on homeowners.”

The estimated $1.2 billion property tax increase proposal is in addition to the $1.7 billion in new state tax and fee increases already in the governor’s budget. While Wisconsin’s national tax ranking has been declining as a percentage of per capita income, the nonpartisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance revealed that if Gov. Doyle’s budget succeeded in passing, Wisconsin’s tax ranking would rise to the fifth highest in the nation.

“We should be lowering our tax burden, not increasing it,” said Harsdorf.

“Nearly 3 billion in new state and local taxes adds up to $536 more for every man, woman and child in Wisconsin.

We simply have to stop promising programs taxpayers can not afford. I am hopeful that the Legislature rejects these tax increases.” – from the office of Sen. Harsdorf

mits for the use of nonstandard minnow gear to prevent the spread of invasive species or diseases.

“We need to act now to minimize the possibility that any live fish or fish eggs from VHS-affected waters are transported to VHS-free water,” said Mike Staggs, DNR Fisheries Management Bureau Director. “The DNR believes that this is not only the best – but the only – way to control this destructive virus.”

Other Great Lakes states have also taken steps to try to minimize the spread of VHS. New York has already enacted provisions in line with those proposed by the Wisconsin DNR, and Pennsylvania has passed rules to prohibit the movement of live fish from Lake Erie.

The DNR’s request for emergency action is another step in its efforts to proactively deal with this deadly virus.

Already, the agency: • Has tested sport and commercial fish from the Great Lakes since 2006, with expanded testing planned for 2007; • Disinfects all trout and salmon

spawn taken from VHS-likely waters; • Has suspended collection of all spotted musky, walleye and sucker spawn on VHS-likely waters because there currently is no scientifically accepted disinfection protocol for VHS; and • Tests all DNR stocked fish for VHS prior to stocking.

VHS is a serious pathogen that affects fish of all size and age ranges. It does not pose a threat to human health. VHS can cause hemorrhaging of fish tissue, including internal organs, and is often fatal for infected fish. The virus is waterborne and is believed to remain active for up to 14 days. Once a fish is infected with VHS, there is no known cure. Not all infected fish develop the disease, but they can carry and spread the disease to other fish through reproduction and the secretion of bodily fluids. Due to its high mortality and severe economic consequences, VHS is classified as a reportable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health. – from the DNR

Follow the Leader.

Correction In a story on the Siren School Board last week we inadvertently put the last wrong name for Becky Walsh, a teacher who addressed the school board. Walsh asked the board to clarify their procedure for going into and adjourning closed sessions. Board president Sid Sherstad went over the procedure, noting the board would hold their closed session in the administrative office, as has been their practice, but would come back into the library (where the regular board meetings are held) for the open session afterwards. Walsh was con-

cerned over a February board meeting where seven persons – five staff members and two members of the public – waited in the library for the board to come out into open session following a closed meeting, as indicated on their agenda. Because the board took action in closed session and had no action to take in open session, they reconvened in open session and adjourned immediately. The board has indicated its members will also be making an effort to learn more about open meeting guidelines.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

L e a d e r

F O R U M Editor’s NOTEBOOK

We b Po l l Last week’s question: Do you plan to vote on Tuesday?

1. Yes 42 votes (49 percent) 2. No 37 votes (44 percent) 3. No, I have no way to get to the polling place 4 votes (5 percent) 3. No, I’m still too young 2 votes (2 percent) Total votes: 85 This week’s question: Who should be in control of approval of future casinos and gaming compacts?

1. The governor 2. The legislature 3. The people via referendum

J o e H e l l e r

Focusing on the need

T

he Community Referral Agency's Welcome Home Shelter, which serves the area's battered women and children, has been in the news lately, at least the pages of the Leader.

The shelter is going through some personnel changes and restructuring - all under the public spotlight - and persons on various sides of the issue have weighed in with us, on and off the record. Some see a fresh start for the shelter, others see it much differently.

But most of those who are close to the shelter agree that it’s an essential service.

There’s a natural tendency to shy from controversy but it’s difficult to understand any notion of questioning the future of the agency due to controversy. After all, parents and taxpayers rarely entertain the notion of pulling their support from their public school when teachers and the district are in the midst of heated negotiations.

It should be no different here.

The shelter and the critical service it continues to provide, as pointed out eloquently in a letter to the editor this week by one of the shelter's former directors, needs to be the underlying focus of this community. More now, as the adage goes, than ever.

There's a lot of truth in the power of perception and projection. What the community focuses on can often come to be - positive or not, truth or not.

There are a hundred causes to donate to - all good causes - from swimming pools to food shelters to missions for the oppressed overseas.

But there is no local cause worthier than a local shelter for women and children who fall victim to domestic violence. And to secure that service requires some positive thinking and active support. A Blue Ribbon Walk at Milltown April 28 is raising funds for the shelter and Kinship of Polk County.

That’s a good place to underscore community support for both causes - both critically reliant on community involvement and financial support.

By the way, April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, which plays directly into both programs and efforts such as the Alternative to Violence program and victim-witness coodinator positions - and all groups that focus their efforts on preventing such abuse and handling the fallout.

Gail Peavey from UW-Extension notes in her column this week that there were 953 reported cases of abuse and neglect or one report every two hours in 2006. Several years ago Burnett County ranked high among the state’s counties when it came to child abuse.

This is literally our backyard - and while not exclusive to our neighborhood - it’s something that should concern us deeply.

Peavey notes that further information on what parents and caregivers can do to prevent child abuse can be obtained by calling her at 485-8600 or downloading materials at: www.blueribbonsonline.wi.gov.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper printed in Frederic with offices in Siren and St. Croix Falls. Board of directors: Vivian Byl, chairman; Janet Oachs, Merlin Johnson, Harvey Stower and Charles Johnson. Manager: Doug Panek.

Opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily represent the opinions of the board or management.

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

A tip ‘O the Hat

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

Marsha Jensen

Hats off this week to Marsha Jensen of Luck for her commitment to building a stronger community. She has long been an avid supporter of the village, taking an active role in business, community, church and school. Jensen has been a Kinship mentor, on the church council at Luck Lutheran Church, and a volunteer at the school. She also headed up the Little Miss Luck pageant for about 10 years. Jensen is currently involved in the Community Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, is on the village board and the library board, and is on a steering committee for the new Luck Library/Museum building project. She is also kept very busy with her five grandchildren, the youngest one born two weeks ago on March 21. Hats off to Marsha Jensen.

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

T h e

I n t e r - C o u n t y

L e a d e r

i s

a

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r Views from across the S t a t e

Cable bill isn’t the best for consumers

I

f competition means lower prices for cable TV services, a bill in the state Legislature could be a benefit to consumers.

But competition isn't the only thing this bill would allow - and that's why it wouldn't be a good deal in the end.

Currently, cable companies negotiate with each community to be their cable TV provider. Communities give companies access to public right-of-way in exchange for what's called a franchise fee. It's a percentage of a company's revenue from its customers in the community. Cable companies also agree to provide public-access programming.

Phone companies - such as AT&T, which is lobbying heavily in favor of the bill - want to get into the television game, too. But they don't want to have to go through the negotiating process with each community in the state.

The bill would move the franchising rights from communities to the state.

Communities would still get a franchise fee, but it would be capped at 5 percent.

Supporters of the bill say the increased competition would lead to lower prices and better services for customers. That might be true. But it would have negative effects, too.

At a legislative hearing on the bill Tuesday, Janet Jenkins of the state's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection said it would eliminate customers' rights to have service repaired within 72 hours, to get a credit for service interruptions of four hours or more and to be told about rate increases 30 days in advance.

Communities and some customers also worry that the bill would hurt public-access channels.

Communities also are worried about getting less money from franchise fees than they do now. While they do bring in a significant chunk of change that gets spent on services, it's also basically a tax on customers, since cable companies are allowed to pass on those costs to them.

Perhaps municipalities would be better serving their residents by trying to find a way to eliminate franchise fees as a revenue source.

That's a side point. The main point is that legislation to allow cable TV competition would be worthwhile, but only if it doesn't damage what consumers are already getting. - Appleton Post-Crescent

C o m m u n i t y Why stupidity is a good thing

A

while ago I read an amusing column by Joe Soucheray in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. In it he wrote about how the educational system we're pouring billions of dollars into is failing because it continues to crank out idiots who (among other things) don't understand that you can actually die from drinking too much water.

Refreshingly, Soucheray's conclusion wasn't that teachers aren't doing their jobs. It was that people are just dumber than they used to be. He wasn't sure why, but based on how easy it is to find examples of stupidity today, he was quite sure people just don't have the brains they used to.

He did make some interesting points. If you stop to think about it, initially, it does seem like the number of dumb people are on the rise. Indeed, late night TV talk shows have been ahead of the curve on this one. Except for terrible singers, nothing's funnier than stupidity. What a great country. Where else is it possible for a society to capitalize on it's own weaknesses?

It certainly is an easy argument to make. As Jay Leno has shown us, it's really not that hard to find stupid people these days. Be it history, geography, literature, grammar, current events or mathematics, millions of Americans should know more than they do. This is something I think we can almost all agree upon. It's why we, as a nation, are always so concerned about the state of education. I mean, when was the last time you heard someone say, “Boy our schools sure are great. Kids today are smarter than ever.”?

But if this is the case-if, for some reason, Americans are indeed getting dumber-logically we should begin to see a drop in the productivity of U.S. workers. Right? But we're not. According to the U.S. government, worker productivity has been on the rise since the early '90s and has accelerated dramatically in the last five years.

According to a recent article in INC. magazine, just one example of this rise in productivity can be found in the insurance industry. On average, in 1991, a worker in insurance contributed $85,000 in revenue to his or her company. Today it's $250,000.

So I guess the only conclusion we can make now is that stupid people (and bad singers), while funny, are still great for the economy.

The problem with the argument that schools are failing or that people are dumber is that they both contain faulty assumptions-that we know what people today should know in order to be productive members of society. Or better yetwe can know.

Children in kindergarten today will be graduating from high school in the year 2019. We don't know what the world will look like in five years. What are the specific sets of facts or skills that are going to be valuable in the year 2019 and beyond? Will it be important to know where Edmonton is?

Should everyone in that graduating class be required to know about John Smith and Pocahontas? How about the capital of Rhode Island or the elements of the periodic table?

Maybe we should be asking Jay Leno these questions.

Our current educational model was built to meet the needs of industrialism. As such, it assumes that you should know certain things, and you should be afraid of making mistakesjust like you should be afraid of your boss and to make mistakes on the job. Tests are given so that we know that you

S t a f f

W

Earth calling Mars

hen I was a kid, the saying “Earth calling Mars” was something my mother said when she was telling me something or asking me a question in which my lack of an acknowledging response gave away that I wasn't listening to her.

In the case of my column, though, the saying's meaning is different, but was the first thing I thought of when I read the news today about caves on Mars, and the probe by us earthlings to seek out life forms, or the potential for future life on Mars.

When people ask me if I believe in aliens and life on other planets, I say I don't. I'm a skeptic, but not anti-space exploration. Other than the stories of abduction by aliens, or UFOs, or government cover-ups of such things, I haven't seen the proof of life out there.

I will admit some of those stories are

F O R U M V O I C E S know certain things. But let's face it.

Some kids are rebellious. Some kids just don't care about tests. And sometimes, try as we might, we simply can't make them afraid.

So today, understanding the complex interplay between all of the issues surrounding society and education, American politicians have devised a system called No Child Left Behind-so that Chris others can be afraid for them. And I think Wondra it's working. Administrators, teachers and school boards across the nation are wringing their hands over test data, devising complex and thorough systems to identify children at risk, and redoubling their efforts to differentiate instruction to fit the unique learning styles of each student.

Thankfully, however, educators aren't fighting this battle alone. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies are also doing their part by creating and distributing drugs that help fidgety kids stay focused.

And on what have we decided that they focus?

“Every educational system around the world has the same hierarchy of subjects,” says Sir Ken Robinson, an expert educator and senior consultant for the Paul J. Getty Trust. “At the top are mathematics and languages, then the humanities, and at the bottom are the arts. And even within the arts is a hierarchy too. Art and music are usually given a higher status than drama and dance. There isn't an educational system in the world that teaches children dance every day the way we do mathematics.

“Truly what happens as children grow up is that we start to educate them progressively from the waist up. And then we focus on their heads-and slightly to one side,” he says.

Robinson concludes that the whole purpose of educational systems around the world is to produce university professors. What he advocates we do instead, is to cultivate creativity.

In 1934, Gillian Lynne's teachers thought there was something wrong with the 8-year-old because she couldn't sit still.

She couldn't focus and wasn't getting anything done. So they recommended her parents bring her to a doctor.

After the initial examination, the doctor asked her mother to step with him out of the room, leaving the young Gillian on her own. But before he left, he flipped on the radio.

Outside, the doctor simply asked Gillian's mother to watch her through the window.

“Your daughter is not sick, Mrs. Lynne,” said the doctor.

“She's a dancer. Take her to a dance school.”

Luckily, she did, and Gillian Lynne excelled. Eventually she met Andrew Lloyd Webber, and has since composed for some of the most successful musicals in history-including “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera.” She's been extremely successful in her career, contributed greatly to society and culture, given pleasure to millions and is a millionaire many times over.

But I have to wonder-might she have just done better with an ADHD diagnosis and some meds?

And do you think she knows that drinking too much water can be fatal?

Editor's note: Chris Wondra is a middle school teacher in St. Croix Falls. You can comment on this column at http://chriswondra.com

C O R N E R

bizarre!” Maybe this could serve as a place to exile criminals and bad people? Forget fascinating and, at times, about Siberia; let's ship them to entertaining and humorMars. That would take care of ous. Do I think that perhaps the problem with overcrowded there is a possibility God, prisons, prison breaks, and who created the universe, repeat offenders. had created life on other Or another possibility, send planets? Maybe. But it isn't Angelina Jolie there to live, and documented in scripture. maybe she can find another reaSo, I guess I have answered Tammi son to adopt a child and talk to my own question. If it isn't Milberg Barbara Walters. If you didn't in scripture, it isn't so. get that sarcasm, here it is more I think it is great to simply put: Mars could be a explore the planets, and for crazy people. I can see it refuge see what they look like, send photos of Welcome to Mars, would you like now, them through space, and do soil, rock, mineral and boring sampling. The to stay in the Brittney Spears Cave, strategy to use microbots to do the Tom and Katie Cave, Michael Jackson exploring is an incredible advance in Cave or the Brangelia Cave?

Back to the story… the article talked science and technology.

Some theories about establishing about ways to create a balloon lining in human life in caves on Mars were also a cave and fill the cave with oxygen, discussed. My thought is, “How then add water, in hopes to create an

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

ecosystem. One scientist believes we could create another Earth on Mars.

Am I the only one who thinks this is goofy? “Earth calling Mars!”

I mean would you be comfortable living on a supply of oxygen in a cave lined with a balloon, dependent upon someone to bring more oxygen to you through space? Sounds a bit like the real-life drama of being placed on oxygen and relying on Medicare or the HMOs to continue your supply. O.K. maybe not, but anyway, it is too weird for me.

Besides, if history has taught us anything, we know there would be one psycho who would pop the balloon and kill everyone just to see what would happen. It's too much drama for me. Just sell me a photo of Martian rock for my collection, but I prefer to breathe balloon-free thank you.

Explore, yes, but let's not pack up and live there.

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - ARPIL 4, 2007

L e a d e r

F O R U M

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Sources

Pastor Olson defends his faith with energy and appearances of scholarship.

He immodestly proposes to have written the final word on Islam, at least for the Leader. Citing more than 100 verses from Old and New Testaments and the Qur’an, he denies that the God of Islam is the same God of Abraham, Jews and Christians. He claims the God of Islam lacks mercy and grace, and he criticizes Islam for rewarding suicide bombers with promises of heaven. Pastor Olson values homework, so I assume his citations come from the Bible and the Qur’an directly. I checked his citations and more, and was surprised by what I read.

My sources are my old American Standard Bible and a new-for-me copy of Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s 2006 English translation of the Qur’an.

I find no references to Jesus Christ or Triune God in the Old Testament as Pastor Olson claims.

I found two Qur’anic citations misrepresented, Surah 6:42 and 7:31.

I find many Qur’anic references to Abraham and credit to him for turning the people from multiple gods to the “one true God.” Surah 2:136 is pretty clear.

I find numerous mentions of Allah’s (God’s) grace and mercy in the index to the Qur’an. And promises of harsh judgment for unrepentant sinners.

Sounds similar to the Bible.

The Qur’an speaks clearly about the importance of good works on judgment day, but are good works not important for Christians? Committed Christians are best known by their actions, not just salvation talk and church attendance.

Heaven is depicted as luxurious in the Bible and Qur’an. I trust different descriptions reflect different cultural views of luxury. The Qur’an describes paradise as gardens with flowing rivers, thrones, fine carpets and clothing, fruit within easy reach, meat, plentiful nonintoxicating drink, and pure companions, chaste women with big beautiful eyes who no man has touched. The word “virgin” is not indexed, and an inference of sexual pleasure requires an elective imposition of modern meaning on ancient words.

The Tirmzi is cited as a source for the “72 virgins in paradise” promise. I find the book Tirmzi is not in the Qur’an, rather, it is reported to be an ancient edited commentary on Islamic practice, an Hadith, one of several whose validity is controversial among Islamic scholars. I could not access this book, and I compliment Pastor Olson for his homework!

About “jihad”: the Arabic meaning is “striving hard in God’s cause” and it has both violent and nonviolent connotations. Christians strive hard in God’s cause and have violently defended their faith. The Qur’an frequently advocates violence but only in defense of Islam under attack; remember it was written in a time of inter-tribal violence among Muslims, Christians and Pagans.

Would we not defend our faith if invaded by Pagans from Canada?

Suicide bombing has been practiced by contemporary Muslims and WW II Japanese: It’s a highly effective war tactic by desperate underdogs. Recall our own colonists succeeded in defeating the militarily superior British in part with their terrorist tactics. For some Islamic nations, faith and civil society are not distinguished, so threats to one are threats to both, hence jihad.

Religious radicals can be self-righteous and threatening whether Muslim, Jewish or Christian.

The crescent moon and star is both an

ancient Pagan symbol and a contemporary symbol of Islam. Some Muslims want to get rid of it because of it’s Pagan history. We all have Pagan ancestors.

Many churches in Europe built before the Christian era still bear Pagan symbols. We have the cross (an ancient symbol of capital punishment), the Jews the Star of David, and the Muslims the crescent and star. This is a strawman issue.

We humans seem better able to see toothpicks in the eyes of others than the logs in our own eyes. I’m happy with my own faith, but rather than amplifying differences, I remain curious, seeking the common wisdom that may allow us to live on this planet with greater peace, justice and health if not love. Seminaries include study of other religions as a way to better appreciate one’s own faith.

Since Islam is the second-most practiced religion in the world and g r o w ing, and since Christians, Jews, and Muslims are still killing each other over religious arrogance, misunderstanding, and competition for natural resources, it might be in our self-interest, if not compassionate, to ponder the now-famous question of Rodney King, “can’t we all just get along?”

With a little less certainty that our chosen beliefs are the correct beliefs, that we are God’s chosen people, and with a bit more humility, I’m guessing the God of Abraham would be pleased.

Norman Jensen Madison and Siren

Begin the healing It is with great sadness that I read and hear what is happening at the Community Referral Agency. My intention for this letter is to start a process of healing for the agency and what I hope is a gentle reminder of what CRA is all about.

CRA belongs to the community. It is not about any one individual or a group of individuals. It does not belong to the board…to the staff…to the director.

CRA belongs to the community. It is the community who built CRA from an allvolunteer organization to what it is today. The community gave their homes, their time, their love, their sweat, their tears, their songs, and their money to make this organization a place for safety for the many families who have sought refuge behind those walls.

Without that support and commitment, CRA could not have become the agency it is today.

CRA has been a grassroots organization since the beginning. According to Webster grassroots means “ordinary citizens, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite.” Operationally, that meant the leadership of CRA made sure the voices of the ordinary citizens were heard, especially the families it served, and yes, the frontline staff that were out there doing the day-to-day work of providing those services. Policies were designed around that concept, and it was the vision behind the decisions that were made at the agency.

When decisions are being made based on anger, resentment and control, possibly it is time to walk away…to recognize that fresh eyes and ears may be the best thing for the organization. And to the ordinary citizens in Polk and Burnett counties – CRA still needs you, I would guess more now than ever.

Ann Turner North Branch, Minn.

Our hearts and minds I’m writing today to address a topic that seems to be on everyone’s mind. I won’t bore with meaningless facts and figures, I don’t have any great resources to quote, nor do I have clever wit to offer – I can only speak of what I believe, from the bottom of my heart.

With that lengthy disclaimer aside, let me offer these comments on the unsuitably named “Battle for Iraq.”

As I see it, any armed conflict can be described on two very broad planes – military and psychological. I’m proud to say that, like my father and grandfather before me and like my brothers on this very day, I’ve also served my country in time of war. I’m even more proud when I think of the brave young men and women who willingly serve at this very moment. No military in the modern world can match the diverse array of skilled, dedicated, and enthusiastic can-do volunteers – military victory in battle is certainly swift and complete.

The psychological battle on the other hand, is anything but certain. This plane of conflict is not won or lost on the battlefield; rather, it is won or lost in the hearts and minds of those of us left here at home. We know it, our enemies know it, they’ve always known it (remember Tokyo Rose, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty?). How did we persevere? Ask those who were there – ask about Rosie the Riveter, about the aluminum foil collections, buying war bonds. Never was there criticism of the effort – even after millions of dollars spent on military hardware, innumerable casualties, countless funerals and memorials – we were united in this fight against unspeakable evil, dedicated to those who served, committed to victory at all cost, no matter how long it took.

How is this conflict any different?

Are the atrocities committed by our enemies any less despicable? Is our cause any less worthy – the guaranty of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, not only to our citizenry but to all of humanity? Apparently, we don’t have what it takes; guts, stamina, fortitude, the right stuff. We’re spoiled, we’ve had it too good for too long, we expect problems to be solved instantaneously and completely. Our Hollywood society has Attention Deficit Disorder – if we can’t resolve a conflict in a single, sensationalized episode, we lose interest and change the channels!

This so-called time line for withdrawal is nothing more than a scripted surrender. It can only serve to embolden those fanatics who wish to hold the world hostage to their perverted 12th century ideals of dominance and persecution. This attitude combined with today’s military technology yields the most dangerous adversary we’ve ever encountered. What are a few years to them? They’ve already committed a lifetime to their one purpose – to train their legions, amass their tools of destruction, plan their attack – one that, should we surrender in Iraq, will almost certainly take place here in our own backyard!

Kent Muschinske?

Dresser

Bridging the gap I’m a latecomer to this “Christian versus Muslim” discussion. Perhaps some added insight will help. I have lived among Muslim peoples in the Middle East and the United States for the past 37 years. I’ve also studied the Quran for 30 years in three languages: Farsi, Arabic and English.

Although I’m not a Muslim, I appreciated Mr. Mian’s scholarly comments on the word, Allah. It’s true that the Arabic word, Allah, merely means God, just as Xoda means God in Farsi, Gudt means God in German, etc.

The question remains, however, “Is the God of the Quran the God of the Bible?”

To answer this question the following Biblical criteria will be used: God is the creator of all things.

According to the Quran, Sura 32:4, “It is God who has created the heavens and the Earth, and all between them, in six days…”

God is the God who revealed himself and his plan and purposes for mankind to the prophet Abraham. The Quran says that God “…show(ed) Abraham the power and the laws (kingdom) of the heavens and the Earth, that he (Abraham) might (with understanding) have certitude (i.e. assurance as to who God was and what he was going to do).”

God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the founding fathers of the Children of Israel. Sura 29:27 says, “And we (God) gave (Abraham), Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his (Abraham’s) progeny prophethood and revelation.”

God is the God of Moses, the writer of the first five books of the Old Testament. Likewise, the God of the Quran says, “Moreover, we (God) gave Moses the book, completing to those who would do right, and explaining all things in detail…”

God is the God of the Children of Israel to whom he originally gave both the Old and the New Testament writings. This truth is confirmed in the Quran. “We (God) did aforetime give Moses the guidance, and we gave the book in inheritance to the Children of Israel…” (Sura 40:53).

God is the God of the prophet and king, David. Sura 4:163 says, “…and to David we (God) gave the Psalms.”

God is the God of Jesus, the Messiah.

Sura 5:114 says, “…And behold! I (God) inspired the disciples to have faith in me and mine apostle (Jesus the Messiah)” In fact, the Quran even says, “Behold!

God said: ‘O Jesus! (I will cause you to die, Arabic: (motawaffeeka) and raise thee to myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the day of resurrection…’”

In my humble opinion, the God of the Quran is indeed the God of the Bible.

However, having said all of this, there certainly is a difference in the interpretation and understanding of truth between the religious of Christianity and Islam. In my opinion, this is a result of centuries of national personal unforgiveness, arrogance, pride and fear on the part of both Christians and Muslims.

In conclusion, let me remind those who claim to worship God, but fail to walk in his ways, of James 2:19: “You believe that God is one; you do well.

Even the demons believe (this) and shudder!” Obviously, believing in the existence of God and defining the unity of God isn’t as important as understanding and embracing his eternal and unchanging message.

K. L. Nelson Grantsburg

E-mail your letters to: the-leader@centurytel.net

APRIL 4, 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 Fishing expedition The Republican Congress went on a fishing expedition to investigate the firing of the employees in the Clinton presidential travel office.

The Republican Congress went on a fishing expedition to investigate Clinton and Whitewater.

The Republican congress went on a fishing expedition to investigate the Clinton Presidential Christmas cards.

The Republican Congress went on a fishing expedition to investigate the stains on a woman’s dress.

The Republican congress did not go on a fishing expedition to investigate the Bush lies about WMDs. Now, President Bush accuses the Democratic Congress of going on a fishing expedition while investigating the partisan politics in the office of the U.S. Attorney General.

My, how quickly things change!

ilege. They covered everything from gun safety to first aid, bow and arrow, ATVs, black powder, turkey hunting, safety in deer stands, water safety and how to handle guns on the rifle range. I could have missed something, but each 2-1/2-hour session was full of information and kept the kids attention from start to finish. There are two sessions each week 2-1/2-hours and a Saturday morning session at the Balsam Lake Rod and Gun Club.

Gratitude is extended to the following instructors: Mike Dau, Renee Dau, C. Robert Swanson, Ted Gonsowski, Jeremy Bengston, Brian Johnston, Jim Noonan, Bob Smith and Justin Duncan.

I hope I did not miss anyone.

Jerry Willits St. Croix Falls and Lucas Denotter Clayton

Darrel Mathieu Luck

Hat s Off

I had the privilege to attend a hunters safety-training program with my grandson at the Unity school over the past four weeks. The program was taught by Unity hunters safety instructors, which are dedicated to teaching our young people that hunting is a priv-

Concern for CRA I was truly honored to work with the former CRA staff members Marcia Wilson, Linda Shaw and Shea Mishler.

Recently they have lost their positions due to agency restructuring. They were told to reapply for position titles similar to their own that had been publicly posted as available. They did not apply for these positions. Combined, they have been with the agency for at least 45 years.

I trust these women implicitly, not only to identify abuse when it is occurring, to stand witness to the damage it inflicts, and to provide support, solace and education to the survivors. Their absence can only be a loss for CRA. My concern now, as I read of the current crisis and corresponding letters to the editor, is for the victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

I believe that the staff brought their concerns to the newspaper because they felt it was the last step that they could take to warn the community about the dangers that they felt the agency was

currently facing. I believe their concerns for the future of the agency.

Colleen Allen Former CRA staff member, 1999-2004 Frederic

Frederic play I had the privilege to attend the Frederic High School play this past Friday and want to give a big thanks to all the young people and adults who made it possible. I hope this is something that can continue to grow and develop at the school. It was fun, and everyone did such a good job.

Sincerely, Jay S. Stackhouse Frederic

Letters

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.

A r e a N e w s Teacher/coach faces assault charges

PRAIRIE FARM - A 38-year-old man who is a teacher and coach in the Prairie Farm School District has been placed on administrative leave without pay and faces a felony charge in connection with the sexual assault of a student who was 13 years old at the time of the alleged offense. Nathan E. Cox, Barron, was charged Friday with second-degree sexual assault of a child. The felony carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. The student accused Cox of being intimate with her while they were in his vehicle near her home in the summer of 2006, according to the criminal complaint. She said the contact included kissing and touching but “not sex.” Cox told authorities that no sexual intercourse had taken place, and that he would not contradict anything the girl had told police, the complaint states. Prairie Farm School District Superintendent Don Hauck said the district cooperated with the sheriff department’s investigation, and Cox was placed on leave without pay as of March 21 pending termination of his contract with the school. The defendant has been employed as a middle school math teacher at Prairie Farm for the past seven years and was serving as the elementary and high school wrestling coach. He had also coached track while at Prairie Farm. Cox’s initial appearance before Judge Edward Brunner was held this week. – Barron News-Shield

Buried evidence leads to charges

RICE LAKE - Buried evidence from an alleged sexual assault unearthed 19 years later has led to charges against a former pastor of Rice Lake’s First United Methodist Church. Angel R. Toro, 56, now of St. Petersburg, Fla., is charged in Barron County Circuit Court

with four counts of felony third-degree sexual assault and two counts of felony child enticement. Toro is scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing on the charges on Wednesday, April 25.

The criminal complaint states that the alleged victim told Rice Lake Police Department investigator Chris Fitzgerald that he was sexually assaulted by Toro when he was 17 and living in Rice Lake with his family in 1987. The alleged victim said the incidents happened when he was at the church doing odd jobs for Toro. He said that Toro plied him with beer, liquor and cigarettes on more than one occasion. While at the church, Toro forced sexual contact and intercourse on the boy, the complaint stated. After one incident, the boy said he found blood on his underwear.

He said he was humiliated and took the bloody underwear and buried it in the backyard of his residence. Last July, Fitzgerald and Sgt. Ken Tomesh dug in the area where the alleged victim said he’d buried the underwear. The officers located a small piece of fabric and sent it to the FBI for analysis, which revealed, in part, white cotton fibers, the complaint stated. For each third-degree sexual assault conviction, Toro, who moved out of the state in 1989, faces up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. For each child enticement conviction, Toro faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Toro resigned as senior pastor of the Chapel on the Hill United Church of Christ in Seminole, Fla., on March 19, said Jean Simpson, regional conference minister for the Gulf Coast of Florida of the UCC.- Rice Lake Chronotype

Local Little Leaguer starter for No. 1 NCAA team

BARRON - Barron baseball star Mark Hallberg has taken his game to another level. So, he’s proving himself all over again. It comes with the turf of a baseball player from northern Wisconsin. “I

always have to prove I can play at the next level,” said Hallberg on Friday, minutes before leaving for Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. The 21year-old Hallberg is starting shortstop for Florida State. That’s the Florida State Seminoles, the nation’s No. 1-ranked college baseball team. Florida State has won 27 of its first 28 games. Tuesday’s 6-0 win over North Florida takes Florida State halfway through a 57-game schedule that the Seminoles hope will be followed by a trip to the College World Series in June. Hallberg, a junior in his first year at Florida State, is soaking up the winning and major-college competition, while at the same time tempering his excitement. “There’s a strong baseball tradition here, and in years past they’ve also started well. This year we want to keep it going,” said Hallberg.

Hallberg is hitting .360 while batting either lead-off or second. Despite batting high in the order, he is second on the team in RBIs. Hallberg has started every game at shortstop, posting a .980 fielding percentage with only two errors. So how does a player born in Saudi Arabia, where his parents were teachers, and who played Little League at Unity when the family spent summers at Balsam Lake and high school ball at Barron, end up with one of the nation’s best college teams? After a strong high school career, ending with a first team all-state selection, Hallberg played with the Haugen Knights in the local men’s league in 2003. He moved on to the Eau Claire Cavaliers in 2004. In the spring of 2005, Hallberg played his first NCAA Division 1 ball with IllinoisChicago University. He returned to Chicago for his sophomore season and earned All-American honors. Florida State showed an interest in Hallberg, who sent out inquiries to FSU and LSU after his sophomore year at ChicagoIllinois. Chicago didn’t offer the major for him to pursue a career in physical education teaching. “Coming from

Northwest Wisconsin, getting exposure is difficult,” said Hallberg, the son of Monti and Julie Hallberg of Barron. – Rice Lake Chronotype

Public transit for Pine County?

PINE CITY, Minn. - Chisago and Isanti counties operate the Heartland Express, a public bus and volunteer driver program offering curb to curb service. Mille Lacs County also provides public transit options for its senior citizens. Pine and Kanabec County don’t.

That may change in the not-too-distant future, thanks to information presented to the Pine County Board recently.

Members of a transit study work group, established by the East Central Regional Development Commission, told the commissioners that funds already being used for human service related transportation in Pine County can be used as a match for federal public transit grants.

“All five counties in the region (Pine, Isanti, Kanabec, Chisago and Mille Lacs) pay for human service transit,” work group member Lisa Krahn explained, “but only Isanti, Chisago and Mille Lacs have public transit. We believe you can do it here if you leverage funds that are already available.”

Krahn told the board that Pine County could work with counties like Chisago and Carlton, where public transit already exists. “The Heartland Express operates under joint powers between Isanti and Chisago counties...It works well.” It provides transportation for seniors and disabled residents. Federal grant money to expand existing transit services is available, Krahn said, but not to start new services. The required 20percent match can be the money the county already spends for transporting people in its public health and social service programs and for paying the senior minibus driver. – Pine County Pioneer

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

L O C A L

H E A D L I N E S

Kohl honors local teachers, students Kohl Foundation has presented $6 million to educators, schools and students since program began in 1990

by Wayne M. Anderson CHIPPEWA FALLS—Sen. Herb Kohl, of Wisconsin, said “it’s probably one of the best things I’ve had a chance to do.”

That best thing he does is recognizing and promoting education in Wisconsin.

He considers many weighty matters, as someone elected to the U.S. Senate four times. But education is high on his list—both as a public politician and as a private man.

In 1990, he started the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship Award, which supports and recognizes outstanding teachers, students and schools in Wisconsin.

This year, three students and two teachers from Polk and Burnett counties were honored at the awards ceremony for their scholarship and fellowship.

“We get close to our winners and their families,” said Sen. Kohl. “I’ve met (student) winners from back home who’ve gone on to good careers.”

And “recognizing teachers is so important because they don’t get sufficient appreciation for what they do,” he said Recognizing excellence in students and teachers is “one of the best things that this foundation does,” said Sen. Kohl. “It makes me feel great!”

One excellent teacher recognized this year for his ingenuity was Joshua Watt, of Grantsburg High School.

Watt is head of the virtual school, where students take classes and learn off campus using the Internet.

“What I’ve done primarily,” said Watt is “utilized the best practices of educational technology and incorporated that into my traditional classroom.”

He’s said he’s taken his traditionalclassroom setting and added a 21st century spin to it.

“Imagine a traditional classroom

Merlin Johnson, Sen. Herb Kohl, Robyn Watt and Joshua Watt. where you have your file cabinets, folders, handout papers, textbooks,” he said. “Well what I do is I take that same physical environment” and put it online. “My students turn in just about all their assignments online.”

Watt said he is very excited by the Internet age. Students who surf the

Internet, instant message, watch videos and listen to music, can now use Internet technology to do their schoolwork.

“They go on the Internet and can access our classroom from anywhere they have a computer and Internet connection,” Watt said.

Of course students are still required to come to school. But they’re not “necessarily required to sit in a classroom for a 90-minute class period four times a day.

They can take their classes from home.

They have access to the classroom 24 hours a day,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Recent studies show online education is gaining a lot of attention. High schools, colleges and business are utilizing computer and Internet technology more and more for educational and training purposes.

“It’s a really good program,” said Merlin Johnson, retired Grantsburg school superintendent who attended the award’s ceremony. Josh Watt is a “forward thinking guy. He’s a winner.”

Each year the Kohl foundation awards $1,000 to 100 graduating students from differing high schools. The winning educator and school also receive $1,000.

As of August 2006, the foundation has awarded a total of $6 million to Wisconsin students, educators and schools.

Merlin Johnson, Grantsburg; Lauren Howe, Siren High School; Judy Wicklund, Frederic High School; Galina Liljenberg, Webster High School; Sen. Herb Kohl, Milwaukee; Brad McGuiggan, Osceola High School; and Joshua Watt, Grantsburg High School. – Photos by Wayne M. Anderson

Sign causes debate at Balsam Lake Board votes to exceed size limits for hardware store sign

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — A request from Hardware Hank to erect a sign that exceeds the limits outlined in the village ordinances was approved by the Balsam Lake Village Board Monday night, but the sign will still be lower than the owners would like.

The request was made to put up a sign that would be 18-feet tall, with a five- by 10-foot sign and a 35-square-foot reader board. The board voted to allow the sign, but with a 16-foot maximum height.

Village ordinances state that signs must be 12-feet high or less, with the sign not to exceed 35-square feet.

The original request gained the unanimous approval of the planning commission at its March 27 meeting, with two of seven members absent.

Because the sign exceeds both the size and height limits, the board discussed whether it would set a precedent for

future requests. It was noted that other signs in that area, including Century 21 and Family Dollar, are within the limits.

“That’s the problem,” said trustee Mike Voltz. “When you open it to one you have to open it to everybody.”

It was then mentioned that, with board approval, the sign at the Polk County Business Center is larger than outlined in the ordinances. The sign at Holiday StationStore is higher than allowed, because of the canopy over the gas tanks, said village President Guy Williams.

“The hardware store is facing extreme competition from Menards on Hwy. 8,” said trustee Geno D’Agostino. “Maybe they feel this is vital for them.”

“I definitely think that’s a major concern,” said trustee Chris Sondrol, who is a member of the planning commission.

Other members are Williams, trustee Dave Evans, Steve Williams, Merrill Paulson, Glen Schimke and Sherry DeLozier. Schimke and DeLozier were absent from the March 27 meeting.

“I wouldn’t have a problem with the sign if it was reduced in size,” said Voltz, adding that he wanted to adhere to the 35-square-foot limit.

“I still think it’s going to stick out like a sore thumb,” he said. “My thought is, where does it stop? How big can we get?”

“It could be turned down and renegotiated,” suggested Evans.

Voltz then commented on the fact that the precedent has already been set, and asked why the zoning regulations are not followed.

“We’ve already got one (that exceeds the limits),” he said. “What are there zoning laws for if we don’t abide by them? When are we ever going to start enforcing them?”

D’Agostino had a different issue. “We have these commissions,” he said, “and these commissions make recommendations to us, and we pretty much blow off the recommendations.” The planning commission includes three board members, he added, who all voted to recommend that the sign be approved.

“Now we’re backpedaling,” he said.

“That’s all I’m going to say.”

With all present, the board voted to approve the sign but with a 16-foot height limit. Trustee Judy Swenson voted in favor “with reservations.”

Follow the Leader

Other business • The annual Easter egg hunt is this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Pine Park, said Fire Chief Ed Hill, with registration at 10 a.m. Hill also reported that $7,125 has been collected for the Freedom Festival fireworks.

Village President Guy Williams added that the homeowners association has promised another $2,000 or more.

• Tom Mabry told the board he would like to donate his older semi to the fire department to be used for a tanker. A place in Marshfield can add the tank for about $25,000, with $19,000 already in the budget. The board voted to accept the offer.

• The board accepted the low bid of $4,696 from Nelson Construction for labor for the storage shed addition. The materials bid was accepted last month at $4,711.

• Village President Guy Williams reported that Ehlers & Associates is developing options for refinancing TIF 3 at the industrial park. Tax increment in the TIF district is not increasing as expected, and the board is considering options to prevent a mill rate increase.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Transmission shop makes Centuria home

by Julie Holmquist CENTURIA – Interstate Transmission on Hwy. 35 in Centuria is a new business that’s been growing. Opened last fall by owner Keith Brown, the business servicing cars and medium trucks is growing steadily, he said.

Brown has 25 years’ experience in transmission work, including working and training as a heavy-duty truck mechanic. He is an Allison-trained technician.

Brown moved to Osceola a year ago, after selling a transmission business on

Hwy. 36 in Stillwater, Minn., after his building grew too small.

Brown offers free test drives and a free diagnostic scanning to determine what the problem is, as well as free towing up to 10 miles.

He works on clutches, 4x4s, and differentials, and is skilled at working on both foreign and domestic makes.

The shop offers a nationwide warranty on major overhauls and is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 715-6461600.

Dresser Village elects four DRESSER–The village of Dresser had a small election turnout. Village president Sherm Leske was re-elected with 53 votes, incumbent trustees Greg Andrie and Brian Beseler were returned

to the board with 46 votes and 38 votes, respectively. New trustee Rich Erickson was elected to the board with 46 votes.

All candidates ran unopposed. All election totals are unofficial at this time.

CNA graduation at UPH

Keith Brown was busy last week working on transmissions in his shop on Hwy. 35 in Centuria. – Photo by Julie Holmquist

New director of Ice Age Park and Trail

A graduation ceremony was held March 30 for 12 students in the certified nursing assistant program hosted by United Pioneer Home in Luck. The program was taught by Karen Nelson, RN, from CNA Professional Services, Boyceville, back left. With Nelson (L to R) in back are graduates Caitlin Ayd, Daniel Begay, David Emerson, Richell Humphrey and Stephanie Larsen. In front are Kristina Martin, Tara Nelson, Nicole Petersen, Chrissa Rooney, Constance Slomski and Tommie Tillmon. Not shown is Margaret King. As part of the graduation ceremony, each student was presented with a Bible from Lois Sassor of Amery Gideons. United Pioneer Home is planning to host another class in June. For more information contact CNA Professional Services in Boyceville. — Photo by Mary Stirrat

MADISON - The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation recently named Dave Kuckuk its new executive director.

Kuckuk will start work in his new position in mid-April.

The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, headquartered in Madison, is a nonprofit volunteer - and memberbased organization established in 1958 whose mission is to create, support and protect the Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile hiking path highlighting Wisconsin‘s glacial features and scenic beauty.

Approximately 600 miles of the trail have been completed and are open to the public, and that number continues to grow thanks to the support of the IAPTF’s 3,300 members and thousands of volunteers.

Kuckuk comes to the IAPTF following an 18-year term as executive director at

the Ellwood H. May Environmental Park (commonly referred to as “Maywood”) in Sheboygan. At Maywood, Kuckuk oversaw a $1.25 million expansion of park headquarters, in addition to park management, fundraising, program management, volunteer coordination, marketing and teaching.

Kuckuk is no stranger to the Ice Age Trail. In 1998, he hiked the entire trail in six weeks to raise more than $50,000 for Maywood. A major component of his hike was educational outreach; he stopped at schools along the way and gave presentations on the Ice Age Trail and the importance of land conservation in Wisconsin.

A portion of the Ice Age Trail runs through Burnett, Polk and Washburn counties. – from IAPTF

www.the-leader.net

Hydro dam celebrates 100 years during Wannigan Days ST. CROIX FALLS - The hydroelectric dam on the St. Croix River is celebrating 100 years with a celebration theme called the Dam in the Valley – Green Energy for a second century. During the 2007 Wannigan Days celebration some special events are planned for the hydro

dam including an open house at the dam, photo displays, a renewable energy video and a 100th birthday party.

Xcel Energy is one sponsor of the event, but organizers are looking for additional donations from the public to enhance the celebration. Tax free con-

tributions can be made to the St. Croix Falls Historical Society’s Hydro Dam Celebration fund. Donations will be accepted through May 31. All donations will be recognized during the Wannigan Days. Contact Mike Prichard at 4839949, e-mail Prichard.Mike@dorsey.com

or Sally Barott at sallybarott@aol.com for more information.

The hydroelectric dam on the St. Croix is located between St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls, Minn. - submitted

Aldermen elected for city ST. CROIX FALLS–The city of St. Croix Falls had three council seats to vote for. Each ward or district cast their votes for alderman. In District 2 Lori Erickson was seeking a one-year elected term to finish out a two-year term. She was appointed for her first year term

and had to be re-elected to continue on the council. She was re-elected with 81 votes. Arne Carlson, District 2, was seeking re-election to his seat on the council and was re-elected with 84 votes. There were four write-ins for District 2 including three votes for Lee

Uhrhammer and one vote for Tom Engel.

Bryan Blesi was running for his first term on the council, filling the seat vacated by Jon Cermin. Blesi, District 1, was running unopposed. He was elected with 107 votes. There were three

write-ins for District 2 including one vote for Aaron Tomandl, one vote for Austin Powers and one vote for Dan Meyers.

Stensven, Fehrenbacher on school board ST. CROIX FALLS–The school board election for St. Croix Falls resulted in the re-election of Ken Stensven with 532 votes and former board member Max

Fahrenbacher returning to the board with 454 votes.

Fehrenbacher served 13 years on the board and ran again after board presi-

dent Woody Minar indicated he would not seek another term on the board.

Phone canvassing near the voting hour for writing in Minar for the seat took

place and Minar received roughly 200 write-in votes. All vote totals are unofficial at this time.

Polk County recycling facility to host open house ST. CROIX FALLS – Polk County Solid Waste and Recycling will have an

open house at the facility on Earth Day, April 20. There will be tours of the facil-

ity, more than 20 venders set up and coffee and cookies during the open

house between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

S

S

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

I N T E R- C O U N T Y L E A D E R

P O R T

F R E D E R I C • G R A N T S B U R G • L U C K • S T. C R O I X F A L L S • S I R E N • U N I T Y • W E B S T E R

Pirates begin voyage for repeat!

Grantsburg avenges last years loss to Pine City, Minn., Dragons and keeps winning streak alive

Extra Points

Grantsburg 2, Pine City, Minn., 0 Grantsburg 12, Spooner 0

by Matt Blumkin STILLWATER, Minn. – As the Grantsburg Pirates began defense of their state title on March 31, they picked the one bone they had from last season.

The Pirates fell to the Pine City, Minn., Dragons last year in their annual earlyseason trip to Stillwater, Minn. The Dragons beat the Pirates 5-3 with a home run to the shallow part of the outfield, which would not have been a home run in most ballparks. No homers or runs this time around.

“They thought we were waiting for that game all year, which we were,” said Pirates pitcher Mollie Bjelland.

No other team touched the Pirates last season as they rolled up 24 consecutive wins and won the school’s first-ever state softball title. They upended a onceunbeaten Lancaster squad (24-1) in a 62 championship game thriller, which lasted 12 innings.

“That’s how we could get better this Pirates catcher Miranda year,” Kammeyer said in reference to their 2-0 win over Pine City on March 31.

Bjelland also took care of business on the offensive end by smacking a ball deep into centerfield to the other end of the dome, and she sprinted home for a home run. Sarah Wald scored the other run for the Pirates when she came in to pinch run for first baseman Lindsey Hedlund after her single in the fourth inning.

The Dragons had threatened on several occasions including a runner singling and stealing second; but she got thrown out at third. Pirates pitchers Bjelland and Jaimie Lund did not allow any runners across the plate. In addition, the fielding held runners from advancing and getting on base.

Yet, the Dragons did attempt a rally

Alyssa Ryan of Grantsburg scampering toward third against Spooner on March 31. The Pirates pillaged the Rails 12-0, and they avenged last year’s loss to Pine City, Minn., with a 2-0 shutout. – Photos by Matt Blumkin one last time in the sixth and final inning with two batters getting on base.

One had been tagged out at third, and Lund K’ed another batter for the final out.

“It’s a lot of pressure on the pitcher just knowing you can’t give up anything,” Lund said.

Lund had dealt with an even bigger scare in the second inning of their game

Grantsburg’s Emily Prazak driving the ball against Pine City, Minn., while Michelle Davidsavor warms up on deck. The Pirates blanked the Dragons 20 in a contest between two state-caliber clubs.

against Spooner when the Rails loaded the bases with the help of two walks by Lund. She struck out a batter to have the Pirates escape that one too.

“Spooner was a ‘try and see what’s going to happen game,’” said Hedlund.

In putting out their feelers, the Pirates tallied up 12 runs against the Rails in coasting to their first win of the season.

Pirates coach Don Bjelland also gave freshman pitcher Michelle Lund time on the mound, and she struck out a couple of batters.

Younger players will be key for the Pirates this season with many new faces.

“The Grantsburg program’s just building so well,” said Kammeyer.

“There are a lot of freshman coming here. There are two on varsity that are going to be huge for us this year as far as running bases, outfield and everything.”

It will be a new team but the same goal as last season. They also have some idea of what to expect.

“I’ve told them about some of the other teams that have struggled that haven’t repeated,” said Coach Bjelland.

“You’ve got to start all over, you’ve got to develop a new chemistry with your teammates.”

So far, starting over has brought them to 2-0 and extending their winning streak to 26 games.

••• PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Former Frederic student John Sopinwick picked up his first win of the season with St. Olaf College baseball on March 27. Sopiwnik pitched five innings and struck out two batters in the Oles’ 17-7 win over Depauw University. He also closed out a game against Macalaster College on April 2 when the Oles swept the Scots in a doubleheader. The Oles hold the No. 9 ranking in NCAA Division III baseball. – Matt Blumkin ••• NORTHFIELD, MINN. – Elise Johnson, a onetime Grantsburg athlete, helped Carleton College softball sweep Bethany Lutheran on March 29.

Johnson went 1-3 with two runs and three RBIs in their 9-1 win to complete the sweep. She hit a two-run single in the fourth inning. In the first game, she scored a run during their 8-1 win.

The Knights stand at 4-12 on the season. – Matt Blumkin ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Grantsburg Pirates baseball player Bryan Johnson has seen playing time for the University of St. Thomas baseball team this season. Johnson has hit .211 in the young season, and he has driven in three runs, in addition to not striking out in 19 at-bats. The Tommies stand at 11-5 overall as of April 1 and have a No. 20 ranking in NCAA Division III baseball. – Matt Blumkin ••• MORRIS, Minn. – Despite being a freshman, former Grantsburg student Matt Throngard has started seven of eight games for the Minnesota-Morris baseball team this season. He has three runs and two RBIs this season along with a .182 average for the struggling Cougars (1-7). – Matt Blumkin ••• DURHAM, N.C. – Onetime Unity Little Leaguer Mark Hallberg has been making himself at home with Florida State this season. After playing two years of collegiate baseball at Illinois-Chicago, Hallberg has batted .376, drove in 35 RBIs and scored 37 runs and a homer in 31 games this season with the Seminoles. He had two RBIs and a run on 2-5 batting in an April 1 game at Duke. The Noles won 8-5 to take two of three games from Duke. FSU (29-2) held a No. 2 ranking in the Baseball America poll as of March 26. – Matt Blumkin ••• STARKVILLE, Miss. – Pad Judd, a former Grantsburg track and cross country runner, placed in the top 10 for two distance events at the Bulldog Invitational on March 31. The Mississippi State Bulldogs runner took ninth in the 1500-meter run with a time of 4 minutes, 4.39 seconds. He also finished fifth in the 3000-meter run at 8:47.85. Judd and the Bulldogs will compete next at the Texas Relays on April 4-7. – 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 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Luck Cardinals can’t catch Cumberland Luck shows spark early and late, but third inning proves too much to handle Cumberland 17, Luck 10

by Marty Seeger LUCK — The Cardinals got in their first game of the season just prior to the wild weather conditions. The Monday night nonconference matchup against Cumberland was not only the first game of the season, but their first game without coach Bob Pilz.

Pilz is currently battling a rare blood disease, and is seeking treatment.

Stepping up to the job is two-year assistant coach Jay Clark, who credited Pilz as a mentor and the person to bring Clark into the position he is today.

“It’s tough, you know, I have to think of what Bob would do.” Clark credits Pilz with teaching him a lot about baseball over the past couple of years. As for the players, Clark says they’re ready for the season.

“I don’t think they’re down. I think they want to do a good job because he’s not there, and the spirits are very good.”

Luck fell 1-0 in the early goings of the first inning, but bounced back quickly in the bottom of the first. After two walks drawn by Cody Richert and Mitchell Klatt, Travis Pilz punched a

A Cardinal toss to Mitchell Klatt (above right) forced the first out in the third inning on a bunt executed by Cumberland. It would be a long time before the Cardinals got their final out in a long third inning. - Photos by Marty Seeger

Three Cardinal pitchers made their debut against Cumberland on Monday night. Travis Pilz (L) started the game, followed by Harrry Severson (above #34), and Harlan Opitz (top). Coach Jay Clark wanted to get his main three starters a chance to get a few minutes before the conference games begin.

grounder through second base to get the Cards first run of the game. Pilz would later score on a steal from second base, giving the Cardinals a 3-1 lead.

Cumberland didn’t sway in the second inning, and quickly tied the game after a base hit and forced grounder.

Cardinal bats remained stagnant in the second inning, which finished off the top of the order in three consecutive outs. In the top of the third inning Cumberland rallied.

Pilz beaned the Beaver’s first batter to start the top of the third, and another batter shortly after on another wild pitch. Cumberland retaliated with the bases loaded, and scored two on a base hit to left. A three-run homer quickly followed, and the Beavers were in business with an 8-2 lead. It didn’t stop at that after Cumberland tacked on another four runs off a double, and the second three-run homer of the game.

Cardinal sophomore Harry Severson would end the rally with a strikeout, but the Beavers took a commanding 123 after a long third inning.

Severson pitched a solid fourth inning with two strikeouts and was aided by some quality Cardinal defense.

“I think we’re there defensively,” said Clark.

The Cardinal bats heated up a bit in the fourth with Jamison Gross picking up a base hit and Mitchell Klatt getting him home on another hit. The bats remained quiet for the Cardinals in the fifth, however, while Harlan Opitz

replaced Severson on the mound in the sixth.

“I just wanted to get our three main guys out there and get them some minutes before conference starts,” said Clark.

Opitz gave up two runs, but it might have been worse if it wasn’t for the added defense of the Cardinals. Pilz saved a run with a diving stop at short and Mitchell Klatt forced a double play at third by tagging a Cumberland runner, and catching the other runner at first, to end the inning.

Junior Brett Holdt smacked the Card’s first homer of the season on a solo shot in the sixth, and they would later make a run in the seventh, but it wasn’t enough to grasp the win.

“I think we kept at ‘em right to the end and didn’t give up,” said Clark.

Saints drive out Blue Devils SCF downs Plum City in season opener St. Croix Falls 6, Plum City 3

by Matt Blumkin PLUM CITY – SCF made the most of their hits and beat the Plum City Blue Devils in their first game of the season on March 29.

“Timely hitting and good base running allowed us to score the six runs,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph.

Matt Vold and Gus Koecher each scored runs in the first inning to give the Saints a 2-0 edge. Yet, Plum City tied it up 2-2 with a run in the bottom of the first and the second,

but that’s all they would get for the next three innings.

The Saints played strong on defense turning three double plays, and they left six of nine runners on base throughout. Offensively, the Saints made the most of their hits with runs of off only six hits.

“We need to improve our hitting and will spend some time doing this,” acknowledged Randolph.

Vold led they way offensively with 23 hitting, two RBIs and one run scored.

Trygve Chinander also hit 2-3 with a couple of runs scored.

“What won’t show up in the boxscore is how well we played as a team,” said Randolph.

They get to show it on the field instead.

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

P

O

R

T

S

SCF’s Lindstrom running overtime his best length in the long jump with a 17.0375 leap. He took sixth in the event, and also took seventh in the 200 and 12th in the 55.

“All of them got off to a pretty good start tonight,” Sinz said of the jumpers.

Allastant Nuckles ran a 6.76 time in the 55 for a fourth-place finish, and he led off a 4x200-meter relay team of Colombo, Joe Carpenter and Walters.

They took third with a 1:44.69 mark.

The Saints run in their first outdoor meet of the season in Siren on April 10.

SCFs Annie Lindstrom begins first track season with the Saints while competing in state club gymnastics

by Matt Blumkin RIVER FALLS/ROSEVILLE, Minn. – SCF’s Annabel Lindstrom can be found running often, and not just for the Saints’ girls track team.

“I’m probably lacking on sleep,” said Lindstrom, who had just ran in the Saints’ first meet of the season on March 29, two days before competing in Minnesota’s state club gymnastics meet.

Lindstrom has been competing with the Flyaways Gymnastics Club in Forest Lake, Minn., while beginning the track season with the Saints. With those two commitments, she has been putting in 20 hours of practice each week in addition to the drive between SCF and Forest Lake.

“I come home after school and do homework, but on days I have gymnastics, I go straight to the gym,” said Lindstrom. “Then I come home about 99:30 p.m., and I have to do my homework.”

The Saints senior also has been doing her homework on track, a sport she hasn’t competed in since middle school.

Yet, she took second place in the 55meter dash at the UW-River Falls Invitational on March 29. Lindstrom had a time of 7.62 seconds.

“It’ll be a good transition because I’m going into college gymnastics, and I need something to work on in the spring and summer,” said Lindstrom.

“Running has always been in my family. My mother ran in high school, my sister ran in cross country, so I decided to give it a try.”

Lindstrom, who has been in club gymnastics with Flyaways for the past two years, will compete in gymnastics at Winona State University next season.

Jessica Ahles running in the 110meter hurdles for the Saints at the UW-RF Invite. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

St. Croix Falls’ Annie Lindstrom competing at the Minnesota club state gymnastics meet in Roseville, Minn., on March 31. Lindstrom competes with Flyaways Gymnastics Club in Forest Lake, Minn. She also runs track for the Saints. – Photo submitted She had competed in gymnastics for the Saints until her junior year, prior to joining Flyaways.

“I really like club because it offers a lot more competition and is a lot harder because they’re looking for perfection, not if you’re able to do the skill,” said Lindstrom.

She took 14th in the all-around in the state meet at the Roseville, Minn.

Gymnastics Center on March 31.

Lindstrom posted scores of 9.125 on floor excercises for 8th, and 9.1 on the vault for 14th. She competed at level 8, the highest level of competition in Minnesota club gymnastics.

Two Saints girls start strong RIVER FALLS – Besides Lindstrom’s second-place finish in the 55, Cassie Andrewson and Jessica Ahles knotted

fifth-place finishes in a couple of events.

“We had some good individual performances from some of the people who were returnees,” said Saints coach Jason Sinz.

Ahles, a senior, ran a 35.81 in the 200 hurdles, and she won the first heat.

Andrewson, a sophomore, had a 1:16.22 time in the 400.

Jumpers and sprinters bolt out RIVER FALLS – Coach Sinz had to be happy with his sprinters and jumpers at their first meet of the season.

Two jumpers hit personal-best jumps, and a couple of sprinters earned topfour finishes at the UW-River Falls Invite. Chase Walters had a personalbest 36-5-1/4 triple jump for second place, and he took third in the 200 with a time of 24.75. Tom Colombo jumped

SCF’s Eric Thorstad running in the 400-meter dash. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Unity’s 4x2 on track again SUPERIOR – Unity’s 4x200 meter relay team reached sectionals last season, and they opened the 2007 campaign strong.

The team of Tina Edgell, Charity Moore, Briana Bielmeier and Brianna Schmid took third in the relay behind Superior and Drummond at the Simpson Invitational at UW-Superior on March 30. They ran it in a time of two minutes, 0.01 seconds.

“Competition was very good,” Eagles coach Mike Bielmeier said about the meet.

They ran against larger schools in Superior, Northwestern, and Ashland at the meet. They also raced against Ironwood, Mich., from the upper peninsula.

The Eagles took eighth overall at the meet with a handful of top-five finishes.

Moore took second in the long jump with a jump of 15 feet, 7.5 inches. A couple fourth-place finishes also helped out the Eagles. Brittany Bernier took fourth in the pole vault with a height of 6-6.0, and Lisa Muller had a 2:05.56 in the 200 for her fourth-place finish.

Strilzuk wins long jump SUPERIOR – Chad Strilzuk outjumped the competition in the Eagles first track outing of the season.

He had a 20-foot, 0.3-inch jump to win the event, and he scored 20 points in helping the Eagles to a seventh-place finish at the Simpson Invite. Strilzuk also took second in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.69 seconds and seventh in the 55.

Devon Hoyt also had a strong evening jumping with a fifth-place finish in the long jump, and he took seventh in the 800. Ryan Flaherty ran half that distance with a 58.14-second 400 for fourth place. Dan Livingston also put some points on the board for the Eagles with his eighth-place finish on the 55-meter hurdles.

The Eagles had entered the meet shorthanded with athletes gone due to academic/disciplinary reasons, but they put together top five finishes in two relays. They took fourth in the 4x4

Alex Radinzel tossing a discus. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

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

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Siren’s Engstrom, U.S. off and rolling!

Sirens Molly Engstrom knots three goals in preparation for 2007 World Championships

by Matt Blumkin SELKIRK, MANITOBA– Siren native Molly Engstrom showed no signs of rust from not having played a competitive hockey game since the 2006 Olympic Games “It feels really good to be back,” said Engstrom who had three goals in exhibition play for Team U.S.A. She scored a short-handed goal and a power-play goal for the U.S. in their 7-1 win over Sweden on March 30 at the Ralph Englestad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. The U.S. defenseman followed it up with a one-goal performance in their second exhibition game on April 1 with the Swedes at Warroad, Minn. They Molly blanked Sweden 5-0.

Engstrom “Sweden always gives us a good run for our money,” said Engstrom. “They were high-paced games.”

The U.S. kept piling on the goals when they opened the International Hockey Federation World Championships Tournament with a 9-0 win over Kazakhstan. Engstrom had two assists during the first period of the contest.

It will get more challenge as the U.S.

Siren native Molly Engstrom celebrating one of her two goals against Sweden on March 31. Engstrom had three goals in exhibition play prior to the World Championships. – Photos courtesy of USA Hockey faces China on April 5 and gets the playoff rounds under way in Winnipeg on Easter Sunday.

“It’s going to be a big jump from Kazakhstan to China to Canada,” said Engstrom.

They’ll likely face Sweden or Finland during the playoffs and Canada in the Gold Medal Game if they advance. The U.S. hasn’t faced Canada since their exhibition games prior to the 2006 Olympics.

Engstrom had one short-handed goal and a power play goal in the U.S.’s 7-1 win over Sweden on March 31. She had two assists during the first period of their World Championships opener against Kazakhstan on April 3. The U.S. routed Kazakhstan 9-0 and will face China next on April 5.

SCF’s O’Donnell inducted into the hall Keith ODonnell joins Wisconsin footballs coaching greats

by Matt Blumkin MADISON – Following his historic 35-year football-coaching career at St. Croix Falls, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association gave Keith O’Donnell the recognition due such a feat.

“It truly was a special night,” said O’Donnell. “I think that you have to go through it, or see an induction ceremony to get an appreciation of the magni-

Keith O’Donnell is shown here during his last home game as the Saints head coach against Luck. in October of 2006. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

tude of the evening. It is the ultimate coaching honor.”

O’Donnell joined the company of 19 other inductees at the induction in March. He also had the presence of his family, friends, former players and assistant coaches on hand.

“I think that a person coaches this long because of the love of the sport and the kids involved in the programs,” said O’Donnell.

O’Donnell influenced many people during his years as the Saints football coach and a teacher at the high school.

In addition, he also coached the Saints to victory many times with a state runner-up showing in 1988, two sectional playoff titles, three regional titles and six conference titles.

“In a small school system, it’s hard to win every year,” said O’Donnell. “But even in the down years we still had a lot

of great kids to coach. The support and understanding of the community has been important in order to keep coaching.”

He attributes much of success to his own high school football coach, Don Penza, when he attended Wisconsin Rapids Assumption.

“I just wanted to do for as many ball players, what Coach Penza did for me,” said O’Donnell. “I got the chance to play college football and get a good education because of him. I owe everything to Coach Penza.”

O’Donnell also had influence in similar ways in some of his players’ lives.

Two current SCF coaches, Dan Clark for wrestling and Todd Anderson for boys’ basketball, played for O’Donnell.

One other football coach from the area has earned such an honor. The late Don Seitzberg of Webster had been inducted

Saints fall short to Osceola in opener SCF loses to rival in season opener to Cheiftans Osceola 10, St. Croix Falls 6

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – Playing shorthanded, SCF coughed up a 5-3 lead in the final two innings against rival Osceola on March 29.

Two starters missed the game due to illness, so Saints coach Melissa Peterson

brought up Megan Yunker, Rachel Hanson and Melinda Beyers from the junior varsity squad.

“They stepped up and did a really nice job,” said Peterson.

Yunker, a freshman, had not even played junior varsity game yet let alone a varsity one. She showed some earlygame jitters but overcame them.

Hanson came in at first base for the Saints, and Beyers came in to pinch run

once during the game. The Saints also had another change in their infield with sophomore Abby Swenson playing third base.

“There were a couple bobbles and coverage errors for steals, but they came back strong,” said Peterson. “I was extremely impressed with Rachel’s stretching to make some nice catches at first. It was also great to see such amazing growth in Megan Yunker through the game.”

The Saints had a 5-3 lead through five innings, but the Chieftans rallied with seven runs in the final two innings.

“It was a tough loss, but I am proud of

how the girls pulled together and fought hard,” said Peterson. “They played extremely well considering some were playing positions they have never seen before!”

Duluth, Minn., 5, St. Croix Falls 0 ST. CROIX FALLS – Visitors from the north payed the Sa ints a visit on April 2, and they dumped them to 0-2 on the season.

The Saints trave to Cameron next on April 5, weather permitting.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

L

E

A

D

E

S

R

P

O

R

T

S

Dome days of Spring: Unity at Stillwater

Unity played a pair of exhibition games at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center in Stillwater, Minn., on March 31. The Eagles opened the day against Spooner and capped it off with a contest against Cameron. ABOVE: One Eagles baserunner makes in home during the second inning of the Spooner game. RIGHT: Lindsey Turner making the calls at catcher for the Eagles. FAR RIGHT: Unity’s first baseman didn’t quite tag a Rails runner out on time. – Photos by Matt Blumkin

B R E W E R S -T W I N S

S

Next: vs. Cubs, @Marlins There are still 160 games left in the regular season, but the start of the Brewers season is headed off in the right direction. Ben Sheets pitches a two-hitter on Monday night’s opener against the Dodger’s to help the Crew take their first win of the season.

Just when things couldn’t have been better, Kevin Mench stepped up with a two-run shot in the sixth to give the Brewers the one run they needed to take their second win of the season. In the coming weeks you’ll probably see a battle for positions between Mench and Geoff Jenkins for a spot in left field. Mench’s homer could play a role in that decision. On Wednesday night, the Brewers will attempt the sweep on the Dodgers before hosting the Cubs for a three-game series at home. The Brewers bullpen looked deep and strong in Tuesday night’s win, and it will be interesting to see how Jeff Suppan does in his first start as a Brewer on Wednesday night. If you get the opportunity to catch a Brewer game on TV you won’t be disappointed. This team is definitely fun to watch. – Marty Seeger

L

E

A

E

OAPBOX

D

E

Next: @ White Sox, vs. Yankees A nice one-two punch got things rolling for the Twins in the 2007 campaign. Justin Morneau and Tori Hunter delivered back-toback homers in the second inning, and the Twins rallied from a poorly played fourth inning to win 7-4. Pitching ace Johan Santana looked OK in his first outing of the seaon with six stirkeouts, but the fourth looked scary. He surrendered three earned runs in the inning with a full-count walk and and three doubles. The Twins got themselves together, though, and took control of the game with Nick Punto, Joe Mauer and Luis Castillo all scoring in the fifth. The Twins followed up on the opening-day effort with a 3-2 win over the Orioles on Tuesday, April 3. Boof Bonser had a good outing allowing two runs in his six innings of pitching. Jason Bartlett drove in the go-ahead run for the Twins. They’ll get a more challenging slate next with the White Sox on the road and the Yankees at home. It will be important for the Twins to start fast against the Sox since the AL Central is stacked top to bottom this year! – Matt Blumkin

R

S

P

Y E

O

N

J

Washburn starts strong in opening debut

by Marty Seeger SEATTLE - Jarrod Washburn pitched a great game in his first game of the season against Oakland on Tuesday night.

Washburn allowed only two runs on three hits, and was pulled in the sixth inning. The lefty gave up one homer and walked three, and logged a lot of pitches in just six innings.

The Mariners might have lost the battle after Washburn was pulled from the game when the A’s came back to tie in DATE

TEAM

Mariners 2006 2007 Mariners CAREER TOTALS

O

R

T

GS

W

31 31 214

8 1 83

S

A R R O D

the seventh. But in that same inning it was the that offense pulled through.

Former Brewer Richie Sexon homered in the second inning, Jarrod Washburn and Yuniesky Betancourt homered in the seventh inning, to help kickstart the rally. Ichiro Suzuki tripled in the seventh and drove in another two runs.

In 19 games played against Oakland last season, the Mariners only won two.

Seattle will attempt a series sweep against the A’s Wednesday night.

– with information from MLB.com

JARROD WASHBURN STATS: L ERA IP H 14 0 71

4.67 3.00 4.04

. . .

187.0 187.0 1340.1

198 3 1323

p

R

ER

HR

BB

SO

103 2 636

97 2 603

25 1 176

55 3 406

103 2 804

i

c

k

s

NCAA MARCH MADNESS ’07 RULES: In addition to keeping track of how many games each participant called correctly or incorrectly, points will be awarded for correct calls in each round. Points will be awarded as follows: Round of 64 game = 1 point; round of 32 game = 2 points; Sweet 16 game = 4 points; Elite Eight game = 8 points; Final Four = 16 points; NCAA Championship game = 32 points. To prevent a tie, all participants will predict the final score of the NCAA Championship Game; whoever calls it closest to the actual score will receive a 64-point bonus to their final point total. Closeness to final score will be determined by adding up the distance over or under of both actual scores, then adding the two totals. Example: Guess score 60-55. Actual score: 67-52. Seven under+three Participants W-L (Points) Championship Florida/UCLA winner vs.Georgetown/Ohio State winner

Matt Blumkin 39-23 (96) UCLA (74-60)

Marty Seeger 45-17 (105) UCLA (71-70)

John Ryan 44-18 (117) Ohio State (83-79)

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Youth wrestling and basketball highlights

Three members of the Burnett County Bulldogs Youth Wrestling Club traveled to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the ASICS Youth National Folkstyle Wrestling Tournament. There were wrestlers from all over the United States as far away as New York, Wyoming and California competing for national titles. Joseph Gaffney, fifth grade, placed eighth in the nation in the 95-pound weight class. Joshua Glover, fourth grade, placed eighth in the nation in the 70-pound weight class. Tristan Brewer, fourth grade, 75pound weight class, pinned his first two opponents, but lost his next two matches, one in overtime and the other by points. Tristan was just shy of placing in the top eight. The boys have worked and wrestled hard all season in a lot of very competitive tournaments. Many members of the Bulldogs will be travelling to Green Bay, April 13-15 to compete in the Tournament of Champions at Gillet Suring High School. – Photo submitted

Several Unity Youth Wrestlers ended their season with a successful day in Cumberland. The team traveled to Cumberland to compete in the Cumberland Tournament, and clinched the Cumberland firstplace team Trophy. The wrestlers had an outstanding season. The team is extending gratitude to coach Dave Anderson, and all of the other parent coaches and volunteers for their dedication to the Unity Youth Wrestling program.

Pictured (L to R): Dylan Ruck, Dylan Stenberg, Brett Nelson, Aaron Koshatka and Carson Stenberg.

Other Unity wrestlers that participated at the tournament included: Jack Volgren, Matt Volgren, Derek Johnson, Owen Raboin,Logan Hendrickson, Landon Hendrickson, Alonzo Saros and Logan Bader. – Photo submitted

On March 24-25, the seventh-grade Siren Dragons basketball team finished fifth out of 20 teams in the small division at the Wisconsin State Invitational Championship Tournament in La Crosse. Eighty teams with the best records in the state were invited to attend, and they were broken up into three divisions. The Dragons received a consolation trophy and medals for their accomplishment. In addition, Luke Bollant was selected to the All Tournament Team.

Pictured front row (L to R): Murdock Smith, Evan Oachs, Taylor Renberg and Adam Neurer.

Back row (L to R): Will Haines, Luke Bollant, Andrew Brown, Elijah Hinze and Isaac Wegner.

Missing are coaches Andy Bollant, Kevin

Former Packer great added to the new Expo 2007 SIREN – Expo 2007 is less than a month away! The new Mix 105, WLMXFM and Classic Hits 105.7, WXCX-FM along with the Burnett Youth Hockey Association are proud to announce that former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler will be at Expo 2007 on Sunday, April 22, at noon. Butler will be inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame on July 21. For all autographed items. $15 for all personal items (items fans bring in such as footballs, helmets, etc), $20 for 8X10

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Storm Chasers 55, Flame Throwers 52, Sandbaggers 52, Hot Shots 47, Spare-Us 45, Under Dogs 41, Gems 37, Misfits 35.

Men’s games: Scott Morrison (Gems) 190, Bert Meyer (Flame Throwers) 181, Chuck Moyer (Sandbaggers) 176.

Men’s series: Scott Morrison (Gems) 535, Chuck Moyer (Sandbaggers) 499, Bert Meyer (Flame Throwers) 488.

Women’s games: Gloria Meyer (Under Dogs) 203, LuAnn White (Spare-Us) 194, Edla Meyer (Sandbaggers) 184.

Women’s series: Gloria Meyer (Under Dogs) 519, Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 490, Edla Meyer (Sandbaggers) 472.

Team games: Sandbaggers 817, Flame Throwers 802, Under Dogs 786.

Team series: Sandbaggers 2378, Flame Throwers 2364, Storm Chasers 2290.

Splits converted: 2-7, Shane Nyland; 47-10, Gail Linke; 6-7, Paul Carlson.

Monday Afternoon Retired Standings: Eagles 33, Nite Hawks 25, Swans 15, Badgers 15.

Men’s games: Roger Messer (Eagles) 182, Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 164, Jack Buecksler (Swans) 157.

Men’s series: Roger Messer (Eagles) 494, Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 442, Jack Buecksler (Swans) 409.

Women’s games: Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 177, Lila Larson (Badgers) 172, Betty Anderson (Badgers) 165.

Women’s series: Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 506, Lila Larson (Badgers) 446, Thelma Hendricks (Nite Hawks) 425.

Team games: Eagles 605, Nite Hawks 603, Badgers 550.

Team series: Eagles 1729, Nite Hawks 1718, Badgers 1531.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: House of Wood 59, Adventures 58, The Bottle Shop 49, S&C Bank 48, Hacker’s Lanes 45, Mane Attractions 39, Radio Shack 37, Miller

color pictures. $20 for your picture taken with Butler ands his Super Bowl Ring with 50 percent of that money being donated back to the Hockey Association. His appearance at Expo 2007 is sponsored by Denny Hecker’s Car/Truck City, Pine City, Minn.

Expo 2007 will be Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Siren’s Lodge Center Arena. Expo 2007 is the primary fundraiser for the Burnett

Youth Hockey Association. Burnett Youth Hockey will receive 50 percent of all profits from Expo 2007.

Expo 2007 will feature free admission for everyone along with everything for your lifestyle. Plus there will be lots of fun stuff and prize giveaways every hour too, as well as just added, many kids activities and just added a food court! The new Mix 105 and Classic Hits 105.7 Radio will broadcast live every hour, both days from the Kinetico

B O W L I N G

Chicks 29.

Individual games: Nancy Anderson (HL) 191, JoAnn Pomerleau (MA) 190, Barb Morgan (HL) 177.

Individual series: Merry Yates (HL) 492, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 480, Janet Brewster (MA) 477.

Team games: Mane Attractions 676, Hacker’s Lanes 653, The Bottle Shop 597.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1883, Mane Attractions 1792, The Bottle Shop 1676.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 125, Great Northern Outdoors 118.5, Bottle Shop 101, Hog Wild 84.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 84, Oddballs 66, Ward Lake Services 53.5, Pioneer Bar 43.5.

Men’s games: Don Hughes 278, Dennis McKenzie 226, Gene Ackland 225.

Men’s series: Gene Ackland 648, Don Hughes 621, Ron Skow 616.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 666, Yellow Lake Lodge 594, Pioneer Bar 556.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1731, Yellow Lake Lodge 1696, Hog Wild 1617.

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies Standings: Frandsen Dairy 5-73, Pioneer Bar 0-69, All Around Gals 2-52, Crazy Ladies 7-50, Hacker’s Lanes 5-37.

Individual games: JoAnn Tyler (FD) 187, Marge Peterson (CL) 182 and 171.

Individual series: Marge Peterson (CL) 508, JoAnn Tyler (FD) 459, Kathy Sandberg (PB) 456.

Team games: Frandsen Dairy 774, Crazy Ladies 733, Pioneer Bar 724.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 2139, Crazy Ladies 2119, Frandsen Dairy 2114.

Wednesday Night Early Men Standings: Skol Bar 38, Parker 36, Lewis Silo 31, Cummings Lumber 30, Pioneer Bar 23, Jack Pine Trading 22, A1 Machine 20, Bye 8.

Individual games: Curt LaPre (JT) 247, Duane Doolittle (LS) and Chris Rowell (P) 232.

Individual series: Duane Doolittle (LS) 618, Chris Rowell (P) 616, Bill Shultz (P)

596.

Team games: Parker 1036, Jack Pine Trading 978, Lewis Silo 955.

Team series: Parker 2909, Lewis Silo

2672, Jack Pine Trading 2571.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: Grindell Law Offices (9) 38.5, K-Wood (9) 36, Full Timers (9) 31, CenturyTel (4) 27.5, Wikstrom Construction (11) 26, Frontier Trails (2) 21, Fab Four (4) 16, Hell Raisers (4) 12.

Individual games: Mike Sullivan (WC) 265, Don Hughes (KW) 255, Bart Sladky (GLO) 233.

Individual series: Don Hughes (KW) 682, Bart Sladky (GLO) 641, Mike Sullivan (WC) 640.

Team games: K-Wood 657, Wikstrom Construction 621, Grindell Law Offices 608.

Team series: K-Wood 1761, Grindell Law Offices 1726, Wikstrom Construction 1681.

Consecitive strikes (5 or more): Bart Sladky (GLO) 5x – 233; Don McKinney (FF) 5x – 209.

Games 50 or more above average: Mike Sullivan (WC) 265 (62).

Splits converted: 4-10: Simon Nelson (GLO). 4-5: Bert Meyer (KW); Bud Buck (FrT); Tim Pederson (FF). 5-7: Tim Pederson (FF). 4-5-7: Jim Wikstrom (WC).

Thursday Late

Broadcast Center at Expo 2007!

It’s not just another “run of the mill” average home show, it’s Expo 2007!

To be a part of Expo 2007 Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, at Siren’s Lodge Center Arena, contact Mix 105/Classic Hits 105.7 Radio, toll free at 1-866-825-4240 or go to www.sirenexpo.com for information and sign-up details. - submitted

R E S U L T S Standings: Stotz & Company 29, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 28, Wardlake Services 27, Johnson Upholstery 22, Fisk Trucking 20, Hansen Farms Inc. 18.

Individual games: Dale Peterson 222, Dale Fransen 216, Gene Wynn Jr. 213.

Individual series: Dale Peterson 604, Norm Hansen 568, Gene Wynn Jr. 552.

Team games: Wardlake Services 906, Hansen Farms Inc. 868, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 862.

Team series: Wardlake Services 2622, Hansen Farms Inc. 2511, Fisk Trucking 2466.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: The Leader 64, Tin Cup Promotions 57, Meyer’s Plus 56, Brad’s Ringneck 55, 4-Season Travel 55, Skol Bar 53, Hole in the Wall 46, Bye 6.

Individual games: Jan Kruse 197, Missy Hernandez and Karen Carlson 193.

Individual series: Jan Kruse 529, Ruth Taylor 483, Karen Carlson 480.

Team games: Brad’s Ringneck 684, The Leader 637, Meyer’s Plus 613 Team series: Brad’s Ringneck 1833, The Leader 1808, Meyer’s Plus 1731.

Splits converted: 5-10: Lynn Johnson.

McKenzie Lanes Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: Country Gals 135.5, Custom Outfitter 134.5, A-1 Machine 132, Kassel Tap 131, Gutter Dusters 130.5, B&H Builders 113, Hauge Dental 111.5, Bye 64.

Individual games: Denise Donaghue 193, Kelley Hill 191, Norma Hauge 185.

Individual series: Kelley Hill 527, Denise Donaghue 522, Jan Kruse 492.

Team games: A-1 Machine 810, B&H Builders 802.

Team series: A-1 Machine 2294, Hauge Dental 2291.

Tuesday Night Men Standings: Dream Lawn 32, Steve’s Appliance 32, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 28, Glass Bar 26, McKenzie Lanes 24, Greatland Transportation 22, Hack’s Pub 16, The Dugout 12.

Individual games: Bob Rettler 279, Michael Hill 265, Rick Fox 256.

Individual series: Bob Rettler 748, Dave Steinert 701, Michael Hil 689.

Team games: Glass Bar 1070, Steve’s Appliance 1043.

Team series: Steve’s Appliance 3014, Glass Bar 3006.

Wednesday Night Men Standings: Tiger Express 30, McKenzie Lanes 30, Dalles Electric 28, Embroidery Plus 26, Davy’s Construction 26, Harvest Moon 24, Reed’s Marina 16, Hanjo Farms 12.

Individual games: Brandon Winge 259, Jim McKenzie 256, Gene Swenson 255.

Individual series: Brandon Winge 761, Jim McKenzie 694, Bob Carey 687.

Team games: McKenzie Lanes 1073.

Team series: McKenzie Lanes 3046.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: K.C. Electrical 100.5, Hauge Dental 97.5, Century 21 85, Balsam Lake Hardware 81, Eagle Valley Bank 77.5, RiverBank 75.5, Deer Lake Block 68.5, Hack’s Pub 53.5.

Individual games: Mjo Hacker 218, Denise Sandmann 211, Dawn Larson 196.

Individual series: Denise Donaghue 522, Mjo Hacker 511, Holly Gutzmer 509.

Team games: Hauge Dental 999.

Team series: Hauge Dental 2866.

Black & Orange TNT Ladies Standings: Flower Power 35-21, Larry’s LP 31-25, Cashco 31-25, Wild Bill’s 1541.

Individual games: Bev Johnson (C) 195, Jennifer Kern (L) 192, Cheryl Hansen (WB) 184.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 504, Bev Johnson (C) 485, Cheryl Hansen (WB) 462.

Team games: Cashco 781, Flower Power 718, Larry’s LP 663.

Team series: Cashco 2155, Flower Power 1997, Larry’s LP 1968.

L

E

A

Saints win lid-lifter, Cards fall. Home games set for Tuesday Temperatures will be back in the 50s with a slight threat of rain, when the St. Croix Falls Saints baseball team hosts Cameron next Tuesday and Luck entertains Prairie Farm. SCF earned a tidy 6-3 win at Plum City last Thursday to start the season at 1-0 while Luck dropped a 17-10 slugfest to Cumberland on Monday. (See game stories elsewhere on these pages.)

According to SCF skipper Paul Randolph, his youthful Saints played great defense in their victory (three double plays’), and ran the bases well with some timely hitting thrown in for good measure. Hurlers Jack Werner, Trygve Chinander, and Dustin Lumsden combined on the hill to hold the potent Blue Devils in check. Randolph even went so far as to call the this year’s crop of Saints the most gifted athletes he’d worked with in his numerous years of coaching baseball at four different schools. And brothers and sisters, that’s one heck of an endorsement.

J o h n R y a n

THE SPORTS

PAGE

SCF entourage watches 3-2 Twins win Tuesday Sixty-eight St. Croix Falls baseball players, coaches, and boosters dominated the left-field bleacher section at the Metrodome last night (Tuesday) in the first of two major off-the-field teambuilding activities for the Saints. Scott Lindholm, ex-Saints star, current coaching assistant, and founding father of the new St. Croix River Bandits town team, organized the Twins game affair.

No decision for Webster’s Washburn Dozens of Leader Land baseball fans utilized their Major League Baseball cable or satellite TV package to watch Jarrod Washburn pitch six strong innings for the Seattle Mariners late Tuesday night. The Mariners led 4-2 when Washburn hit the showers, but eventually Oakland tied the tilt to take away the ex-Tiger’s win. Seattle eventually prevailed 8-4.

Clear Lake drops baseball Due to a shortage of numbers, Clear Lake has decided to drop baseball this spring. Even when they played summer baseball, the numbers game always seemed to be an issue for the Warriors.

St. Croix Falls has scheduled Somerset to replace Clear Lake on their schedule with their meeting scheduled for Thursday night, weather permitting.

Good news for Twins radio listeners Local Twins fans were irritated this week when, as sunset approached, they

D

E

R

again lost reception from the Twins new flagship station, AM 1500 KSTP radio.

But they will fret no more now that good old WCMP radio at FM100.9 out of Pine City has signed on as a Twins broadcasting affiliate. Summer wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t listen to the Twins game while out in the garage, in the garden, on the porch, or out on the lake. No sport lends itself to radio quite like baseball does.

Gobblin’ fever; It can’t be measured by degrees By the time next week’s Leader hits newsstands, several local turkey hunters will have already registered their birds.

The first season segment runs from April 11 through the 15 and the final period from May 16 through May 20. In recent years, more and more hunters are suggesting that Wisconsin dispense with their segmented season format, and simply authorize a general season to run from roughly April 10 to May 25 (with no hunting on Mondays and Tuesdays).

“That would put an end to all the rigamarole of drawings, vacation requests, and all that stuff,” said one proponent of the single-season concept. Still, others prefer the current format because it would allegedly prevent opening-day mayhem and hunting competition.

(Although we seem to be able to pull off our deer, waterfowl, small game and fishing seasons without undue mayhem.

Apparently turkey hunters are wilder.)

Watch for Leader sports scribe Marty Seeger’s turkey hunting account on these Leader sports pages at a later date.

Experts predict that Seeger will bag a gobbler in the 20-22-pound range. Stay tuned.

Pro contract in the future?

EX-Unity Little Leaguer Mark Hallberg continues to have a banner season for number one ranked Florida State (29-2).

When this column was submitted, the FSU Web Site said the Barron High School graduate was batting .376 with 35 RBIs and 37 runs scored. Starting at shortstop for the Seminoles, he’d handled 134 fielding chances with a mere two errors. You can bet former Unity youth baseball coaches Doug Ramich and Greg Paulsen beam with pride when they see those numbers.

Trivia returns next week A lack of both space and motivation prevented trivia from appearing this week.

The exercise will return in the next issue, with a possible reprise of the Randy Moss theme which will be back by popular demand if the Packers are successful in acquiring Randy. “Man, Randy Moss would look good in the spinach and mustard Packer colors, jumping into the stands at Lambeau Field after catching a touchdown from Brett Favre and handing the football to an underprivileged or disabled child, as is his custom,” said one starry-eyed cheesehead hoping the trade can be consummated.

- John Ryan can be reached at jmr202@yahoo.com

S

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

P

O

R

T

S

LEADER SPORTS S C O R E B O A R D BASEBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team St. Croix Falls Luck

Conf.

0-0 0-0

SOFTBALL

Overall 1-0 0-1

Scores

Thursday, March 29 St. Croix Falls 6, Plum City 3 Monday, April 2 Cumberland 17, Luck 0

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Grantsburg Frederic Luck Siren Unity Webster St. Croix Falls

Conf.

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

Overall 2-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-2

Scores

Coming Up

Thursday, April 5 Luck at Turtle Lake-Clayton, 4:30 p.m.

Clear Lake at St. Croix Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10 Prairie Farm at Luck, 4:30 p.m.

Cameron at St. Croix Falls, 4:30 p.m.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Thursday, March 29 Osceola 10, St. Croix Falls 6 Saturday, March 31 Games at Stillwater, Minn., dome Grantsburg 12, Spooner 0 Grantsburg 2, Pine City, Minn., 0 Monday, April 2 Duluth, Minn., 5, St. Croix Falls 0 Tuesday, April 3 games postponed

Coming Up

Tuesday, April 10 Siren Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls)

Thursday, April 5 Birchwood at Luck, 4:30 p.m.

Northwestern at Luck (following first game) Grantsburg at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Cameron, 4:30 p.m.

Frederic at Turtle Lake, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10 St. Croix Falls at Webster, 4:30 p.m.

Luck at Frederic, 4:30 p.m.

Unity at Grantsburg, 5 p.m.

BOYS GOLF Coming Up

Tuesday, April 10 Osceola Invitational, 4 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls)

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Tuesday, April 10 Siren Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls)

The Opening Day Experience The Metrodome is Matt filled as if the Twins are in a midseason Blumkin pennant race.

Crowds wait hours T H E outside the dome awaiting the new season. A former Twin throws out the first pitch, and a late broadcasting great is remembered. All of this and a pretty decent game comprised Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins, which I had the fortune of attending.

Former Twins pitcher Brad Radke, who just retired, threw out the first pitch. It would still be nice to have him considering the state of the pitching staff.

Memories of Twins broadcasting great Herb Carneal where shared on the dome’s Jumbotrons. Carneal passed away on Sunday, April 1.

Listening to a Twins radio broadcast won’t be the same for a very long time.

He truly was to the Twins as longtime broadcaster Harry Kary was to

END ZONE

the Chicago Cubs.

Looking at the Twins player murals hanging in the dome from my upper deck seat, I found it hard to believe it had been a year since Kirby Puckett’s passing. It’s still hard to believe the Puck is gone.

Yet, the Twins are having glory days right now with a defending division champion team poised to make another run. They certainly had their hitting going full throttle that night with 12 hits and a couple homers.

They played aggressively offensively including a nice scoring attempt by Justin Morneau when he came charging home trying to knock the ball out of Orioles catcher Paul Bako’s glove. You could see the impact from the upper deck even.

That came before the midgame distractions of fans having too much fun bumping around an oversized beach ball in the stands. It left other parts of the crowd wondering what they were cheering about during stoppages in play.

It also took until about the sixth or seventh inning to get a substantial wave going across the dome.

Back to the game, the Twins closed it out relatively comfortably except Joe Nathan giving up a walk in the top of the ninth. He had two strikes on two batters also, but he didn’t finish them off. Oh well, it was the first game of the season. There’s another 161 to go!

At home in dome!

Former Frederic student Brian Vilstrup pitching for UW-Stout in ther win over Carthage on March 24. UW-Stout played several early-season games at the Metrodome during all hours. Area college baseball teams play at the dome during the month of March, and they keep it busy. The dome hosts 148 games in 31 days unofficially with games starting as late as 2 a.m. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Read Leader Sports www.the-leader.net

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Cabin fever?

Break out for trout

Anglers grappling with cabin fever are typically stuck with organizing their tackle boxes and changing the spark plugs in their boat motors this of year.

Marty time Although these Seeger preparations for the opener are needed, they’re not nearly as The exciting as tangling Bottom Line with a feisty brook trout or tangling with a 12-inch brown.

A 12-inch fish might not seem like much of a fight, but with light fishing tackle you’ll soon find out that the trout offers some exciting early-season action. Of course, if you’re looking to fill a creel for a tasty meal you might want to avoid the early catch-and-release trout season, which began on March 3, and ends at midnight on April 29.

Nearly every inland stream or river in Wisconsin is open to the early catch-

Sunday’s offering included a barbless No. 4 Panther Martin with a chartreuse-colored blade and black body.

After the quick removal of a barbless spinner, this chunky brook trout was hoisted up for a quick photo op before being released into the icy current. - Photos by Marty Seeger and-release season, with the exception track of a lone deer showed in the mud of spring ponds, ponds, lakes and and small green sprouts of green grass other tributaries such as Lake were beginning to peek through the Michigan, Superior and major Green ground.

Much of the early-season trout seaBay tributaries. Every trout caught must be released immediately, and son is void of human activity, plus, the only artificial lures with barbless hooks fishing can be excellent if stream condiare allowed. Beyond that, the regula- tions allow it.

The fishing wasn’t what I would call tions for early-season trout fishing are excellent on Sunday, and after about 20 simple.

When I set out for the stream last casts, the temptation to move to a difSunday, it took about 30 minutes to get ferent spot was growing. However, the ready. I packed some spinners in a peacefulness of the stream and sound pocket-sized tackle box, stole the spin- of moving water was too relaxing. ning reel off my ice-fishing rod, and “One more cast,” I thought as I flipped attached it to my six-foot summer pole, another short cast across the rippling and renewed my fishing license and water.

As my mind wandered, a heavy tug trout stamp for the new year.

Despite the rainy weather all week- doubled the end of my rod tip. A swift end, the water conditions were just jerk of the wrist countered the weight, right, not too high and not too low. The and a short battle ensued. At first sight, cool, misty, overcast weather condi- the fish looked enormous, and felt like a trophy-sized fish. For some reason, tions made for perfect trout fishing.

At first glance, the river seemed the first one of the season always feels empty, as did the riverbank. Only the a little bigger. After playing the fish out

briefly, I was able to officially log my first brookie measuring close to 14 inches.

There were no qualms about releasing the fish back into the icy Barron County creek. I love to eat trout at least twice a year, but the thrill of catching them can be just as rewarding. On May 5, the fish might not be as lucky.

If you land a nice trout during the early season, always remember to wet your hand in the stream before handling the fish, to preserve the protective cover of slime on the fish, and keep them in the water for as long as possible.

Fishing with barbed hooks during the early season is illegal. Remember to completely remove the barbs from all hooks using a pliers or sharp cutter, and bring a hemostat to remove the hooks from the fish’s mouth. In some cases you won’t even need to touch the fish. You’ll be surprised at how easy it can be to remove barbless hooks from the fish’s mouth.

Although Polk and Burnett counties are not known for superb trout fishing, good trout fisheries can be found in both counties, within 20 minutes from where you live. Other nearby counties that offer great trout fishing include Barron and Dunn counties, which can be reached within an hour’s drive.

If you plan on finding a hotspot of your own, you’ll definitely need a 2007-08 trout fishing regulations map and guide. In it you’ll find everything you need, including the category of the stream, as well as maps to the streams you intend on fishing. Just be sure to ask permission from the landowner before you decide to walk a river or stream. Once you find that perfect spot, you’ll definitely want to go back for more.

Jesse Ashton awarded Wisconsin Bow Hunters Warden of the Year APPLETON – Polk County Conservation Warden Jesse Ashton was awarded the 2006 Wisconsin Bow Hunters Association Warden of the Year Award at the group’s annual meeting in Appleton recently. The group annually recognizes a conservation warden who has demonstrated a strong commitment toward bowhunter-related issues including education, community involvement and enforcement.

“Jesse has worked very hard to develop an all-around law enforcement program, that includes safety, hunter education, enforcement and working with youth” said Warden Supervisor Dave Zebro.

During the past two years, Ashton has issued more than 50 civil and criminal archery hunting citations. Ashton routinely investigates complaints of residents and nonresidents committing

tagging violations, hunting deer with the aid of artificial light and archery hunting without a license. Zebro said these investigations are successful because of Ashton’s ability to document the violation by obtaining and corroborating confessions by seizing equipment, carcass tags, registration stubs and deer antlers.

Every year Ashton assists the Polk County Sportsmen Club with a disability hunt. Several landowners open their property for disabled hunters of all ages to harvest deer, and Ashton mentors hunters in the program.

During the past two years, approximately 50 disabled hunters participated. Ashton has worked with disabled youth to provide them with a safe, responsible and ethical hunt. Zebro said Ashton says this is one of his most rewarding experiences as a conserva-

tion warden.

Warden Ashton has also spent a considerable amount of time educating resource users. Last year he attended 19 different hunting education courses instructing more than 530 students on their duty to hunt responsibly and ethically. Two youth from Ashton’s area participated in Wisconsin’s Youth Bear Hunt, and each was successful harvesting his first bear.

“Jesse has also been diligent with responsibilities associated with new challenges the DNR faces such as the health of our deer herd,” Zebro said.

Ashton has closely inspected deer farm fencing which is a key element in our overall effort to combat the spread of Jesse Ashton, (pictured right) has been working in and around the Polk County area since the spring of 2002. - Photo submitted

Spring wildlife and fish rules hearings April 16 MADISON – Wisconsin residents have an opportunity to comment on proposed rules that regulate fishing, hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation activities in Wisconsin by attending the 2007 Spring Wildlife and Fisheries Rules Hearings on April 16.

Results of the votes on proposed rule changes, along with written comments on proposed rules, are presented to the state natural resources board for their consideration in acting on the proposed rules. Votes are nonbinding and are pre-

sented to board members as advisory only.

All hearings begin at 7 p.m. The spring rules hearing agenda, questionnaire, meeting locations, and more information can be found on the spring rules hearings pages of the DNR Web site: DNR Spring Fisheries & Wildlife Rules Hearing and Conservation Congress County Meeting.

Some of the key wildlife rule changes proposed include reducing the number of wild turkey management zones,

eliminating jackrabbit hunting, and changes to waterfowl hunting areas on the Mississippi River. Fisheries management questions include whether the musky fishing season in the southern zone – those waters south of Hwy. 10 – should be extended to Dec. 31, and whether a quick-strike rig should be required when fishing with large live bait, to set the hook more quickly and reduce the chance that fish caught and released will die.

The state natural resources board has

two advisory questions on using nontoxic (nonlead) shot. One asks if nontoxic shot should be required for dove hunting on DNR managed lands. The other asks if nontoxic shot should be required for hunting of all birds other than turkey on department-managed lands.

For more information contact Kurt Thiede, DNR conservation congress liaison at 608-266-0580 or AnnMarie Kutzke, legal associate - 608-266-2952 – from the DNR

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Polk County releases child protection statistics POLK COUNTY – There were 953 reports of alleged abuse, neglect and child welfare made to Polk County Child Protective Services in 2006. This number works out to be approximately one report coming in every two hours of the county workday. The 2006 numbers are down from 2005, at 1,198 reports, or one for every 96 minutes of the county workday.

The report types are divided into two categories: child protective services reports and services reports. Of the 953 total reports made, 585 were reports of alleged abuse and neglect. Two-hundred sixty-two of these reports met the

criteria for nonaccidental injury, substantial or great bodily harm, severe emotional damage, sex abuse, or neglect so as to seriously endanger the physical health of the child.

Of the 953 total reports, 368 were for some type of child welfare service needed or information needed. Of these 368 reports, 142 required response by child protective services investigators.

Polk County has two full-time and one part-time Child Protective Services investigators that cover about a 900 –square mile area including the eight school districts in Polk, plus parts of Cumberland and Turtle Lake school dis-

tricts; all Polk medical and counseling facilities; police departments and the sheriff’s department, in addition to responding to reports from anyone in the general county population of about 43,000. They often work in conjunction with law enforcement. The case workers managed 131 children in 67 families.

There are an additional three family support workers (parent aides) providing home parenting education, supervised visitation and transportation support to a majority of these families.

Of the 131 children in child protective services, only 38 children were in outof-home placement settings at a estimat-

ed costs of $354,027.

Of the 953 total reports of abuse, neglect or child welfare concern made to Child Protective services in 2006, 589 different families were involved. 168 recurrent families had multiple reports made against them. These 168 families comprised 517 reports, making up 28.5 percent of all families with reports filed in their names and 54 percent of all reports filed in 2006. – by Sherill Summer with information from Polk County Human Services Departmet

Speaking Saints to State and Nationals

Three St. Croix Falls students have advanced through the national qualifying tournament to the NCFL Grand National Tournament in Houston, Texas. The three will be among thousands of high school students competing for the national title in six forensics events. Kaelie Ward will compete in dramatic performance and Isaac Bont and Erik Thorstad will compete in dramatic duo over Memorial Day weekend.

Thirty-seven Speaking Saints have earned the right to compete at the WHSFA state tournament in Madison April 13-14. Pictured above are (L to R) back row: Dan Roach, Peter Weber, Erik “Happy” Thorstad, Isaac Bont, Eric Roush, Steve Tucker, Greg Kadrmas, Trygve Chinander, David Lund, (L to R) third row: Brittany Petznick, Jenny Benoy, Kelsey Douglass-White, Kaelie Ward, Annie Confer, Sarah Andrewson, Sara Palmer, Charles Schmidt, David Smith, Ryan Stark, (L to R) second row: Abby Swenson, Tashina Martinson, Paige Marek, Sarah Perzyk, Ali Greenlee, ZacK Nelson, Allastant Nuckles, (L to R) front row: Gabby Nuckles, Meghan Smith, Jo Oldenburg, Emily Thayer, Molly Kalmoe, Mary Ryan, Brenna Martens, and Ian Virchow. –Photos by Tammi Milberg

Armchair tour

Peterson anniversary

The Polk County Historical Society presented an “armchair” tour of Alaska last week, with Jay Bergstrand (above), Rey Lark and Darrell Kittleson as tour guides.

Bergstrand lived in Alaska for 30 years, working in law enforcement, biology, and planning and development. He shared some of the artifacts he collected in his time there, including the caribou skin and wolf fur mask shown here. The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 24, with the theme of Know Your Antiques. –Photo by Mary Stirrat

Local man injured POLK COUNTY - A Cushing man is in Regions Hospital after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies, Cushing Fire and Unity Area Ambulance responded to the incident on Sunday around 1:30 a.m.

The man was semiconscious and transported to the St. Croix Regional Center where was treated, then transferred by ground ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. for further treatment of his injuries. – Julie Holmquist

Vernon and Gwen Peterson, town of Daniels, celebrated their 68thwedding anniversary Wednesday, March 14, with a dinner out at Countryside Inn north of Frederic. The two were married in Pine City, Minn., during a snowstorm in 1939. Every year, to observe the occasion, the couple goes to Countryside Inn for dinner, where they say they are treated like royalty. – Photo submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

Congressman Obey comes to town

by Boyd Sutton SIREN - U.S. Congressman Dave Obey, who represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, spent about 50 minutes talking with constituents from Polk and Burnett counties last Friday, March 30, at the Burnett County Government Center. He was accompanied by State Sen. Bob Jauch and State Rep. Ann Hraychuck. At least 50 people attended, and some were able to ask Obey questions following his presentation.

While Congress is out of session, Obey is going around to all of the counties in his district to explain his and the Democratic leadership’s priorities and to “listen to constituents’ concerns.”

Obey said that he and the Democratic leadership have two priorities right now—Iraq and a budget agreement.

Their first order of business after being sworn in was to pass the appropriations bills that the outgoing Republican congress hadn’t, all for domestic spending.

He explained that those bills hadn’t moved because Republican moderates refused to vote for some pretty stingy legislation for health and human services, education, and veterans’ care. The Republicans had stalled it, not the Democrats.

Now they are focusing on the war spending budget. He said that he believed General Petraeus, the American military commander in Iraq, is “a good man” and needs Congress’ help. Unless the Iraqi politicians make the necessary compromises to take on the difficult business of providing security and rebuilding the country, nothing the Americans do can work.

So, Congress has decided to play “bad cop.” By establishing hard funding limits and withdrawal dates, they’ve given Petraeus ammunition to persuade the Iraqis to get on with the business of governing the country and moving away from their sectarian squabbles. He noted that the Senate’s bill, in contrast, establishes the pull-out timetable as a goal, not a hard date, and that the differences will now have to be worked out in conference. He utterly rejects the argument that this gives the terrorists aid and comfort.

He said that another objective of their legislation is to limit this president’s free hand in how he uses, “abuses would be a better word,” our troops.

Thus, they have proposed legislation that does three things.

1. No soldier can be returned to Iraq without having been home for a minimum of one year.

2. No soldier can be held in Iraq beyond one year.

3. No unit or soldier can be sent to Iraq without being at the highest acceptable state of readiness. He said that all U.S.-based units are currently at a

deplorably low readiness level C4, and that’s unconscionable. He said that President Bush took strong exception to the limitations on his use of troops. So, as a compromise, they added a provision that the president could waive those restrictions, but his waiver message had to provide explicit justification for doing so, including a rationale for why the exigencies for doing so overrode the harm.

The next priority is to establish a budget resolution as a guide for all budget legislation this year. Obey explained that the new Democratic budget resolution shifts $22 billion from Republican to Democrat priorities, including a major new initiative in energy research to address global climate change, education and health care.

In the question and answer session, the first question dealt with getting a handle on energy costs. Local author, Katie King, said, “I think your numberone priority should be to mandate energy efficiency.” Obey responded that it takes 218 votes to pass anything and they are difficult to come by. “Right now,” Obey said, “our priorities are Iraq and the budget agreement. Energy comes later.”

This reporter asked, “Over the past 30 years or so, virtually all improvements in American productivity—improvements that have kept the economy moving ahead—have stemmed from advances in computer technology and the uses of computers at work and at home. Yet the crooks are so far ahead of security capabilities and law enforcement that the annual cost to Americans from identity theft, credit card fraud, and other computer crimes costs an estimated $90 billion. Given that you’re so proud of shifting $22 billion from Republican to Democrat priorities, don’t you think tackling the $90 billion annual drain on the economy might make a difference? What do you and your Democratic colleagues intend to do about that?”

The Congressman said, “I have no idea.” Responding to a follow-up question, “Then can you suggest the name of a specific congressman, Democrat or Republican, with whom I might communicate to get a good answer to my question?” he responded, “We all specialize. We can’t all know everything about everything. I don’t know who’s working on those issues. Perhaps Mass.

Congressman Edward Markey.”

The next question had to do with property taxes. “They’re driving seniors out of their homes.” Answer: “Congress doesn’t have one thing to do with property taxes.” But he said, “Wisconsin is one of the best states in the country for the services it provides in terms of health care, education and other such things. Virginia, particularly southern

Public Health Month in Wisconsin MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed April 2-6 as Public Health Month in Wisconsin.

Public health makes sure that: • We learn ways to improve our own health, and learn to avoid behaviors that lead to chronic disease, disability and early death; • Our children are protected against lead poisoning and pregnant women are aware of the harmful effects associated with exposure to mercury and other hazardous substances; • We know when to see our health care provider and know which screening tests we should receive; • A record is maintained of every birth, death, marriage, divorce and adoption that occurs in Wisconsin so that we can prove the details of these important events; • Our children get preventive care for their teeth that helps prevent decay; • Children and adults get their immunizations on time;

• Pregnant women and new mothers have access to nutritious foods for themselves and their babies; • Mothers and fathers do a better job of parenting and our children thrive; • Fewer babies die in infancy; • There are properly trained EMTs and paramedics to serve us in emergencies; • Fewer of us get sick, suffer injury or disability; • Communicable disease outbreaks are discovered early and interventions applied quickly; • New residents gain access to the necessary health services quickly; • Our restaurants use appropriate sanitation practices, our hotels and motels are clean and safe, and public swimming pools do not spread disease; • We know how to protect our families in emergencies and have access to resources to help us recover from flooding, severe weather and tornadoes. submitted

Congressman Obey.

Regan Kohler

—Photo by

Virginia is, by comparison, in the Stone Age. And Mississippi. Well, let’s just say that Mississippi is a condition, not a state.” That got a good laugh.

He went on to say that Gov. Doyle’s program is helping people at lower income levels (below $24,000 annual income). And, he said, unfunded mandates eventually fall back on the local taxpayer. He pointed out that President Bush’s No Child Left Behind mandate was funded for the first year, but that his budgets have failed to fully fund it for every year since that first year. Yet the mandate remains, and it eventually falls on local taxes. Finally, he noted, Wisconsin’s many years under Republican governors allowed businesses in this state to pay less than their fair share of taxes. But that’s a state government issue.

Obey provided some personal insight into his frustrations working with the Bush administration. He said that “This president is the first one I’ve known who just doesn’t listen.” He explained that he’d worked with Presidents Carter, Ford, Reagan, and the first President Bush. “They all listened well.

Not this one.” He illustrated that with a story about how he and Congressman Peter Young, the Republican Chairman

of the Appropriations Committee, and he had tried to help out shortly after 9/11. He reminded us of the anthrax scare at the time and how Congress had been forced out of their offices.

“Congressman Young and I went around to all the involved agencies to see what they needed—their unfunded or under-funded needs. We went to NSA, CIA, DIA, FBI—all of those places. And we came up with a bipartisan package of additional money to meet their needs. Then we went to the president. He walked in and before we could say a word said, ‘I’ve just talked to my budget director and we have everything we really need in the budget. Spend one more dollar and I’ll veto the bill.’ Now that’s before we even said hello.”

The last question had to do with SeniorCare, a program that President Bush and Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt are terminating. Obey said it was “just plain stupid” to eliminate SeniorCare because it actually saves money—about $100 million— over not having it. He said that the entire Wisconsin delegation, Republican and Democrat, went to Bush and Leavitt urging them to continue it and not force people onto Medicare Part D and they said no. He urged citizens to write to the president and the HHS secretary. Hraychuck and Jauch spoke up, saying the same thing. Hraychuck said she’d make certain we all had the right addresses and said, “Every one of you needs to write or call them.”

The session was well received by the standing-room-only crowd, and he received applause several times, principally for comments about insisting that the Bush administration begin withdrawing troops from Iraq.

No child left behind … on the bus

MADISON - A proposal at the state Capitol aims to make sure no child gets left behind on the school bus.

The plan would force school bus drivers to walk to the back of the bus before they leave and make sure all their students have exited. It would work using an alarm system. Once drivers turn off their buses, they’d have to walk to the back and hit a switch. If they don’t and they try to leave, the alarm would sound.

Janesville Assembly Democrat Mike Sheridan says the idea for the plan came to him from one of his constituents who drove a school bus and accidentally left a student onboard. He says installing these alarms would prevent that in the

future. He says there is a cost to this and he knows it’s tough for schools to make ends meet right now, but he thinks when it comes to safety, cost should not be a factor.

Sheridan says the alarms cost between $50 and $60 apiece and take up to 1-1/2 hours to install, depending on the particular model. There’s no money attached, meaning schools would have to pick up the cost.

The school in his own legislative district is lobbying against the plan. The Janesville School District calls Sheridan’s idea an “unfunded mandate.” - Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

Public forums on health care reform set for April 10 BARRON COUNTY – The proponents of three competing state health plans will be in Rice Lake and Cumberland on Tuesday, April 10, to present their plans to the public, Rep. Mary Hubler announced.

The local groups sponsoring the nonpartisan, informational meetings are the Rice Lake Ministerial Association and the Healthier Cumberland Coalition.

The programs are free and open to the public.

The Rice Lake program is at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Conference Center from 3 to 5 p.m. The Cumberland program is at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1025 2nd Avenue from 7 to 9 p.m.

“I want to thank the RLMA and the Healthier Cumberland Coalition for coming forward to sponsor these forums,’’ Hubler said. “Proponents of these plans will give details and the public will get to make comments and ask questions.

Pastor David Halaas of Augustana Lutheran Church worked to coordinate the Cumberland event. Pastor Bert Schultz of Long Lake Lutheran in Sarona helped with the Rice Lake event.

The event features presentations of the Wisconsin Health Plan, the Wisconsin Health Care Partnership Plan and the Wisconsin Health Security Act. The plans will be presented in the first hour, and the second hour is reserved for questions from the audience.

These events are part of an ongoing series of forums across the state with assistance from the Institute of One Wisconsin.

“Health care costs are skyrocketing in Wisconsin,’’ Hubler said. “These forums are an important and engaging way for Barron County residents to find out about proposals under discussion in Madison.’’ – from the office of Rep. Hubler

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

S T A T E

/

L O C A L

H E A D L I N E S

Local fight against tobacco continues

Students from Grantsburg, Frederic, Siren and Webster join in the fight

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - Decreasing the burden of tobacco use and exposure for people in Burnett County continues to be a topic of interest for many in the county. The impact that tobacco use/exposure has is truly amazing.

Each year, tobacco use kills more than 400,000 Americans, which is more than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined.

Approximately 17 percent of all deaths in Burnett County are directly related to smoking each year.

Cigarette smoking causes 84 percent of all lung cancer deaths and 15 percent of all deaths from cardiovascular disease in county.

In January, Gov. Doyle announced a statewide antismoking initiative that would increase tobacco tax by $1.25, dedicating the funds to pay the cost of tobaccorelated illness; expand smoking cessation programs; and a smoking ban, banning smoking in all public buildings, workplaces, restaurants and taverns.

Since 1995 the Burnett County Health Department has been working through the Burnett County Tobacco-free Coalition on many different activities.

Most recently, on March 27, Jeff McIntyre, Burnett County Health and Human Services director and Julie Steiner, Burnett County Tobacco Free Coalition coordinator, joined several people from western Wisconsin at the joint finance committee meeting held in Chippewa Falls. They were able to register, speak, and submit written testimonies favoring the increase in tobacco tax by $1.25, which would expand on statewide tobacco control coalition programs, and help cover the cost of smoke-related illness.

Students from Grantsburg, Frederic, Siren and Webster joined thousands of kids across the country taking part in Kick Butts Day, on March 28. Frederic students state “Smoking Bugs Us” with their fence sign. Other school messages remind us that 1200 Americans die each day because of tobacco use.

Webster and Frederic students also made Kick Butts Day commercials informing viewers of the toxins that are in tobacco. These commercials were played at the

schools throughout the day.

WI Wins is one activity Burnett County has used in the past. It is a state and local partnership dedicated to protecting children from the health hazards of tobacco.

It reminds retailers not to sell tobacco to minors and rewards those that don’t sell with recognition for doing the right thing. Burnett County will again be actively using the WI Wins program in 2007.

Nicotine patches, nicotine gum and prescription medications have been helpful in reducing withdrawal symptoms. Wisconsin Medicaid, BadgerCare and SeniorCare now cover tobacco cessation. Some private insurance companies also cover them. Burnett County also encourages smokers who wish to stop using tobacco to use the Wisconsin Quit Line 1-800-QuitNow (1-800-784-8669). There are also many different Web sites that provide information on the benefits of quitting, smoking during pregnancy and how secondhand smoke affects nonsmokers. A few favorites include www.ctri.wisc.edu , http://tobwis.org , www.smokefreewi.org and http://www.wwhf.org/ fb/index.aspx.- submitted

Wisconsin Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week observed April 9-13

MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed April 9-13 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. On April 12 a statewide tornado drill is planned. The National Weather Service will issue mock tornado watches and warnings. If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the state on April 12, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 13, with the watch/warnings issued at the same time.

Below are the scheduled times for the mock watches/warnings. At 1 p.m., there will be a mock tornado watch for all of Wisconsin. From 1:40-1:45 p.m. the National Weather Service Minneapolis/Chanhassen issues mock tornado warning for Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk and St. Croix counties. From 1:50-1:55 p.m. the National Weather Service Duluth will issue mock tornado warning for Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Washburn counties.

Do you know what to do in the event of severe weather? Families, schools, and businesses should have an emergency plan in case of threatening weather. This includes knowing where to go for shelter, what to do if severe weather strikes, have a NOAA weather radio to monitor conditions, and put together a disaster supplies kit that contains a flashlight with fresh batteries, bottled water, a first aid kit and blankets. Remember your safety depends upon knowing what to do should a severe storm strike. For more safety information, contact your county emergency

management director.

Watches and Warnings: Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

Tornado warning: A tornado is imminent (based on weather radar information) or has been sighted by spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area - move to your predesignated place of safety. Seek shelter immediately!

Severe thunderstorm watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with damaging straight-line (downburst) winds and/or large hail.

Severe thunderstorm warning: Severe thunderstorms with damaging straight-line winds and/or large hail are imminent or are occurring.

Where to go in severe weather: In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table, workbench or stairs), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.

In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell or in an interior hallway with no windows.

Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. Even in an inte-

rior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against flying or falling debris.

In an office building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building — away from glass. Then, crouch down and cover your head.

Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter. Stay off elevators - you could become trapped in them if the power is lost.

In a mobile home: Get out! Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within close distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.

At school: Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

In a car or truck: Get out of the vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a permanent building. Do not try to out run a tornado. If there is no shelter, lie flat and face down, protecting the back of your head with your arms. – submitted

Furor sparked by penned animal legislation

STATEWIDE - A few years ago, a new law took effect that added foxes, bobcats and coyotes to the list of wild animals people can pen up to help train their hunting dogs. Now, the Department of Natural Resources has drawn up rules on how the law will work, and it is reigniting protests from animal rights activists.

Some of the people complaining about the rules object to the very idea of training hunting dogs on captive animals, although it’s a practice a strong majority of lawmakers and the governor signed on to.

Lori Nitzel, with the Alliance for Animals, told lawmakers at a public hearing that training hunting dogs on captive animals is inhumane, and at the very least puzzling. But she also objected to pieces of a DNR

rules package that would let training facilities pursue a confined animal for 16 hours at a time.

Others spoke out against provisions in these rules that would let hunting dogs train on raccoons in rolling cages, saying it in instills terror in the animals.

Supporters say the rules package goes a long way to require humane treatment. For example, pens designed to let certain wild animals run around have to be 60 acres. And hounds are not allowed to be released into the pens with the intent of killing the animals.

Robbie Brooks with the Wisconsin Association of Sporting Dogs spoke in favor of the plan. He says it is ridiculous to suggest that sportsmen don’t care about the animals.

Siren police report Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers asks village residents to be aware of any cleaning up that needs to be done on their property. Sybers will be going around the village, looking for junk in yards and appliances that need repair. The leaf dump on Nyren Road is open Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Sybers encourages the use of that dump rather than burning waste items, saying that the DNR expects this to be an especially bad fire season.

March 23: Lavonne Carlson, Siren, turned over to

Chief Sybers a fraudulent cashier’s check for $2,970 she received from Ezone Universal Gaming, London, Ontario. The check was supposedly a prize for winning the Publisher’s Clearing House, Readers Digest Sweepstakes and Internet Casino North American Promotions Program.

March 27: Joseph N. Julson, 18, Siren, was cited for the theft of taffy and Starburst candy that was found in his pocket as he left the Holiday Station around 8:30 p.m.

Julson allegedly said that he

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Steven R. Baier, Meenon, and Lisa M. Clark, Turtle Lake, March 29.

Larry E. Sanford, Anderson, and Iva L. Kedrowski, Anderson, March 30.

had run out of money but still wanted a few more pieces of candy. The candy was returned to the store. Julson was referred to Restorative Justice Response.

March 30: A harassment complaint from a village resident was forwarded to the district attorney to provide the resident with assistance in getting a restraining order.

At 3 p.m., Lightning Video reported that the case for a movie, “Caracara,” had been returned with no movie in it.

The person rented the movie was notified that it must be returned by April 13 or a charge of theft would be filed.

April 1: Shannon M. Dugger, 27, Siren, was stopped on Hwy. 35 at Fandeen Road at 12:41 a.m. As the result of that stop, Dugger was cited for oper-

ating while intoxicated, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher, improper display of license plates and operating after suspension.

At 4:22 p.m., Marc R. Lopit, 25, Hayward, was stopped on Hwy. 35 between Fandeen and Tewalt roads. He was cited for operating after revocation. The child with him was turned over to its mother. The report indicated that Lopit was wanted on two warrants from Washburn County for possession of drug paraphernalia and THC. April 2: At 1:29 a.m., Tanya M. Krause, 21, Shell Lake, was cited for disorderly conduct following a verbal argument and alleged striking of another woman at Kris’ Pheasant Inn.

While the law allowing this type of training is on the books, the DNR rules still need final approval.

Lawmakers held off on voting on the package at their hearing last week. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

Chippewa purchase Moonshine Island HAYWARD – Last Friday the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and The Trust for Public Land announced the conveyance of 17acre Moonshine Island to the Lac Courte Oreille Band for $650,000. The island will be owned and managed by the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Under the Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management Plan of 2000, a unique joint management agreement between the Lac Courte Oreilles Band, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, the overall management plan is “to perpetuate the undeveloped shoreline character of the Chippewa Flowage and to manage for compatible resource opportunities.”

In keeping with the collaborative spirit and sense of mission, the Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association was also crucial to the preservation of Moonshine Island as an undeveloped resource of the Chippewa Flowage.

“Moonshine Island in the Chippewa Flowage of northern Wisconsin is an important conservation effort, and a historically significant site, featuring 3,000 feet of natural shoreline and an intact, functional ecosystem,” stated Doug Kurtzweil, CFAPOA Chair, and a major organizer to conserve the island. – from The Trust for Public Land

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

Real Estate

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of La Follette, March 23: Michelle R. Newville, 33, Cumberland, was in an accident on CTH B. There were no reported injuries.

Arrests Village of Siren, March 27:

Peggy Belknap, 45, Siren, was arrested for disorderly conduct and reckless driving for an earlier incident in the village of Grantsburg.

Other incidents Town of Swiss, March 30: A break-in was reported at the concession stand at the Danbury ball field. Nothing of value was kept in the building.

Nothing appeared to be missing.

The incident is under investigation.

Town of Scott, March 20: Ralph W. Henning, 54, Frederic, reported the vandalism of his Voyager Village work truck and an oily substance poured onto the 16th hole golf green, killing the grass. The incident is under investigation.

Town of West Marshland, April 1: Three different cabins were burglarized on Norway Point. All were burglarized in a similar nature. A bolt cutter was used in padlocks and tracks from a truck with oversized tires were found at all sites.

Burnett County deaths Helen L. Klotzbach, 75, Jackson, March 26.

Melinda J. Krueger, 48, Anderson, March 16.

Robert E. Nelson, 80, Swiss, March 21.

Larry E. Java, 70, Oakland, March 18.

Lorna P. Swanberg, 94, Grantsburg Village, March 16.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Burnett County criminal court Debra K. Troutman, 45, Hinckley, Minn., issue worthless check, $249.00.

Nicole E. Steele, New Richmond, issue worthless check, $287.00, restitution, $85.58.

Kassandra J. Flake, 18, River Falls, issue worthless check, $280.30, restitution, $69.70.

Joseph Peterson, 22, Pine City, Minn., issue worthless check, $249.00.

Travis M. Spafford, 23, Woodbury, Minn., issue worth-

less check, $249.00.

Billy J. Williamson, 26, Danbury, issue worthless check, $249.00.

Elizabeth D. Mulligan, 31, Luck, issue worthless check, $249.00.

Leroy A. Harmon, 22, Grantsburg, possession of THC, 120 days’ jail time, license suspended six months, $88.00.

David P. Anderson, 45, Frederic, OWI, $2,811.00, alcohol assessment, 140 days’ jail time, Huber privileges are granted after the first 48 hours,

Burnett County civil court Wisconsin DNR vs. David B. Hunter, Siren, $624.94.

Wells Fargo Auto Finance Inc. vs. Darlene L. Brenzier, Siren, return of 2005 Chevy Impala and $415.00.

Medical Arts Foot Clinics, P.A. vs. Gary A. Demarre, Grantsburg, $854.93.

Capital One Bank vs. Lynn M. Auchi, Grantsburg, $1,364.94.

Money Source Inc. vs. Jon Knoepke, Siren, $2,660.50.

Money Source Inc. vs.

Kimberly A. Shipley, Siren, $848.43.

Money Source Inc. vs. Kelly Kubesh, Grantsburg, $767.71.

Polk County divorces Divorces granted Spencer and Jaime Vick.

Married 1979.

Timothy and Lois Crawley.

Married 1997. No children.

Divorces filed

Anita and Deke Murphy, Turtle Lake. Married 1995.

Three children.

Audry and Dustin Donald, Frederic. Married 1997. Two children.

Jon and Bobbi Jo Pankonien, Clear Lake. Married 1998. One child.

Christine Peterson, Osceola, and Kent Peterson, Milnure, N.D. Married 1994. Two children.

Polk County criminal court Kenneth Sunday Jr., 32, Clear Lake, pled not guilty to battery. Signature bond set of $1,000.

Phillip Points, 29, Dresser, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Court required no contact order. Court review set for June 8.

Leisha Christenson, 28, N. St. Paul, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of cocaine, neglecting a child. Review set for June 8.

Teshna Esparza, 24, St. Paul, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of cocaine, neglecting a child. Review set for June 1. Signature bond set of $1,000.

Not to be on premises of Holiday Inn Express.

Jolene Nolan, 24, Stillwater, Minn., pled not guilty to issue of worthless checks. Review set for May 25.

John Schuett, 59, Amery, pled not guilty to bail jumping.

Signature bond set of $1,000.

Joseph Voss, 50, Frederic, pled not guilty to battery.

Polk County civil court Robert and Marion Newbauer, Luck, plaintiffs.

Chris Nelson, d/b/a Litehouse Construction, Balsam Lake, defendant. Plaintiff alleges breach of contract and substandard workmanship that resulted in code violations needing repair and that defendant absconded with materials paid for by plaintiff.

MidFirst Bank, Oklahoma City, Okla., plaintiff. Todd and Dana Wilson, Frederic, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure in amount of $15,719.03.

Capital One F.S.B., Norcross, Ga., plaintiff. Steven Oswald, Osceola, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of charge account agreement and seeks payments of $7,013.87.

Discover Bank, Hilliard, Ohio, plaintiff. Michael Evenski, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of charge account agreement and seeks payments of $5,161.28.

Westconsin Credit Union, Menomonie, plaintiff. Jerrold and Tonya Featherly, Clayton, defendants. Plaintiff seeks money judgment of $19,151.67 for vehicle repossession for alleged default of loan agreement.

Review set for May 25.

Lucas Koenig, 43, St. Croix Falls, pled not guilty to theft.

Signature bond set of $1,000.

Review set for May 27.

Brent Mullan, 19, Amery, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for June 1.

Karl W. Nelson, 44, Star Prairie, pled not guilty to battery.

Signature bond set of $1,000.

Gloria Telin, 33, St. Paul, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Review set for June 8.

Donald Gartner, 33, St. Paul, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting/obstructing an officer.

Review set for June 8. Bond of $2,500 continues.

license revoked 33 months.

Rebecca J. Swanson, 51, Siren, OWI, $1,209.00, license revoked 27 months, one-year probation, condition of probation - 60 days’ jail time, Huber privileges are granted, alcohol treatment.

Nathan W. Pardun, 19, Webster, construct or use elevated device, $186.00.

Stephen J. Stevens Jr., 24, Webster, possession of marijuana, $249.00.

Adam D. Carr, 17, Lakeville, Minn., ATV operation on Hwy., $186.00.

Tamara A. Rutzen, 38, Webster, mandatory seat belt requirement, $10.00; operating left of centerline, $198.60; operating while suspended, $186.00; operating while suspended, $186.00; OWI, $793.00, alcohol

assessment, license revoked eight months.

James O. Nelson, 70, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Wesley M. Cemenski, 30, Sandstone, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Todd A. Plaster, 38, St. Paul Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Dean M. Prochnow, 36, Medford, speeding, $160.80.

Timothy D. Sellner, 51, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $113.00.

Jody A. Hecker, 50, Duluth, Minn., theft, $200.00.

Orval V. Simon, 40, Grantsburg, OWI, $585.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months.

Timothy P. Kornwolf, 61, North Branch, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Employment Opportunities

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

Notices/Employment

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Laura Tiede colors our world

by Sherill Summer GRANTSBURG – Early spring is a study of somber hues in northern Wisconsin. Any snow left is a dirty shadow of former brilliance. Brown leaves decompose in mud or hang from red oak branches, and grungy ice covers lakes. Grass is not yet green. Even the blue sky is often draped with clouds.

All of early spring’s drabness ends though, at Laura Tiede’s doorstep.

Inside, walls of chartreuse green, yellow, peach, contrasting deep blue and green sparkle like a bed of pansies.

Tiede’s jewel-toned paintings and pastel drawings are at home on the vibrant walls. It is easy to see that Tiede loves all of these colors. They are a part of her.

Subject matter from Tiede’s colorful artwork comes from a variety of places.

She travels extensively with her husband John, and scenes from these travels find their way into the artwork.

Farm animals remembered from her childhood on a dairy farm in northeastern Wisconsin or nature’s fascinating forms also provide subject matter for Tiede’s art. Whatever the subject matter, Tiede steps up the color and energy until the familiar is viewed in an unusual way. Cows become purple. Tulip leaves are painted blue, and rooftops radiate every color of the rainbow.

Subject matter is presented from unusual vantage points. We look up at a tulip or looking down on the rooftops. Tiede will also arrange objects in such a way until they almost tell a story.

Everything is presented with a heightened sensibility, shimmering with energy.

Even as a child, Tiede strove for the unusual. Although fond of the dairy farm she grew up on in northeastern Wisconsin, she also had interests outside the usual realm of farm life. She wanted to speak French. She was interested in ballet and art. In college she was able to pursue these dreams. She majored in French took ballet and art classes. Yet she was also influenced by her pragmatic upbringing and earned a practical teaching certificate which she was to use for nine years.

Tiede has loved to travel since spending a semester in Southern France when she was 20. She traveled as much as possible within her teaching job, even traveling as far away as Africa on a Fulbright teacher exchange during the 1999-2000 academic year. Eventually she realized that she must make a

Extensive travels supply subject matter for Laura Tiede’s artwork. This oil painting is titled “Homeward.”

Laura Tiede in her studio next to a rooftop composition she is working on. choice. Not only did her pragmatic, respectful teaching job not leave much time for art or traveling during the inexpensive off-season, she also had little time to pursue other interests, such as art. Although it was difficult to do, Teide followed her heart and left her teaching job after the 2000 academic

A view of the brilliant colors found in Laura Tiede’s home south of Grantsburg.

year. Now, both Tiede and her husband concentrate on living a lifestyle that allows for the flexibility and extra money needed for long, spontaneous trips. A part-time job as an interpreter at the Center for Victims of Torture in the Twin Cities fits in with this lifestyle, as does an art career.

Some of the destinations that Tiede and her husband have traveled to are Kenya, Tanzania, India, Japan and several trips to Europe. They have just returned from six weeks in Thailand and Cambodia. Their travel style is spontaneous to the extent that when they left home, they only knew where they were going to stay for two nights.

The rest they figured out when they got there. It will be interesting to see what of these travels find way into artwork!

Changing careers is challenging.

Tiede has pursued art as any smallbusiness owner. She has learned how to frame her work and where to get prints made. She has found places to hang her work and worked out a balance between prints and originals that work well with the clientele. She also offers payment plans so that her art is available to those with limited funds. Last year she participated in two art fairs and hopes to do more this year. She also has a Web site at www.ltart.com where you can contact her and view more examples of her work.

Tiede has an exhibit now at the Wilde Roast in Minneapolis, Minn and has cards available at Café Wren in Luck.

She will also have work at the Orchard House Gallery in Centuria when it opens this spring.

Photos by Sherill Summer

This pastel drawing, called “Untitled 3,” is an example of Laura Tiede’s fascination with nature’s smallest details.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 4, 2007

Volunteers bring Polk County to the Sportshow MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Polk County booth at the 75th-annual Northwest Sportshow, that ran from March 27 to April 1, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, was staffed by 18 local volunteers, dedicated to promoting Polk County.

The Northwest Sportshow, one the nation’s largest travel destination and recreation expos, brings tens of thousands of travel-minded people to explore the options of the upcoming vacation season.

The Polk County Information Center has for years attended this show to promote Polk County businesses, villages and cities and organizations.

The 18 volunteers who spent some time at the booth were Sue Lucken, Beth Egge, Linda Grandstrand, John Jenkins, Jeff Appel, Paul Lindholm, Larry Jepsen, Jackie Jepsen, Orval Johnson, Edna Mae Johnson, Pat Kytola, Larry Kytola, Doug Johnson, Stan Johnson, J.P. Johnson, William F. Johnson IV, Roxanne C. White and Jerry Boucher.

Cases of the 2007 Polk County Visitor Guidebooks, along with Polk County dining and accommodation guides, snowmobile trail maps and other specific recreation-related information were handed out.

The Polk County Information Center is responsible for the promotion of Polk County to economically benefit the area.

Visitors to Polk County have spent as much as $71 million annually, up from $28 million back in 1993. Around 2,000 full-time jobs in Polk County depend on tourist dollars and that number will rise as the employment demands of this area evolve.

Polk County Information Director Sue Mathews and volunteer Sue Lucken (among others) represent and promote Polk County at the Northwest Sportshow at the Minneapolis Convention Center. - Photo submitted The Polk County Information Center makes arrangements for promotional material to be handed out at more than a dozen regional travel-related shows in the Midwest from Chicago to Minneapolis, as well as local distribu-

tion of the Polk County Visitors Guidebook at many area businesses, offices and events.

For more information on the promotion of Polk County, how to advertise your business more effectively, volun-

teer to help promote Polk County, or just get a copy of the 2007 Polk County Guidebook, call the Information Center at 800-222-POLK or visit the Web site at www.polkcountytourism.com. - from the Polk County Tourism Council

Fundraisers set for Bone Lake Store owners

Danny and Ernestine Hoffman salvaged a quilt that came from Danny’s family as they dug through the remains of their home in Saturday’s rain. - Photo

by Julie Holmquist

by Julie Holmquist TOWN OF BONE LAKE – Saturday’s rain didn’t help Danny and Ernestine Hoffman as they tried to salvage personal items from the ruins of their home and the Bone Lake Store.

Both were destroyed by fire Feb. 14.

On Saturday, friends, family, and even some people the Hoffmans didn’t know faced the cold and wet to dig high school yearbooks, craft files, and other personal items from the ashes.

The Hoffmans said they will receive insurance money, but not enough to rebuild the store and house. The store’s gas tanks have been approved for safety, but the well water still needs to be inspected for safety, they said.

Two upcoming fundraisers are planned to help provide funds so the Hoffmans can rebuild.

The first is scheduled for this

Saturday, April 7, starting at 6 p.m. at Wilkins Bone Lake Bar and Resort. The fundraiser and raffle involves a long list of prizes, said Mary Strenke, who is organizing the fundraiser.

Donated items include a brad/nailer set from the Milltown hardware store, an overnight stay and dinner for two at the St. Croix Casino, and plenty of gift certificates from places like Hog Wild restaurant, The Bottleshop, Shear Magic, Nails by Cathi and more.

“Grandpa” Fred Strenke will entertain with accordion music from 6 to 7 p.m., and Krysten Knights has donated her karaoke services from 7 to 11 p.m.

A spaghetti dinner at the Luck DBS Hall has also been scheduled for May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information about the dinner, call Seirra Otto at 554-2912.

‘Follow the Leader’

Ap r il 4, 2007 • 2n d 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

Cookie Brigade to the rescue

by Nancy Jappe FREDERIC – “Let’s get America baking for our troops,” Susan Hager states in the new colored brochure she has prepared to highlight Cookie Brigade, the business she hopes will catch on across the country.

In 2004, Hager and Tulsa, Okla., high school classmate Yolanda Segovia started sending home-baked cookies to Segovia’s brother, an Army reservist serving in Afghanistan. Maj. Mark Segovia, who later came up with the name Cookie Brigade for the baking duo, told them it was like Christmas each time a box of cookies arrived.

The same response came back from Hager’s nephew, U. S. Navy corpsman Mahlon Andrews. His response was, “Thanks, Aunt Sue, but please send more.”

Hager and Segovia started thinking about organizing some type of community baking program, one that included military working dogs in addition to their handlers. “We don’t have anybody in the entire U.S. who is working with dogs,” said Ron Aiello, director of the U.S. War Dogs Association.

Hager sent Aiello a copy of the recipe for a cookie she created as a Christmas gift for dogs in her pet-sitting business in Tulsa. The recipe uses whole wheat pastry flavored with garlic, which dogs apparently love. Aiello approved the recipe, and provided her with military addresses for canine handlers. Cookies for the handlers are included with each package that is sent to those addresses.

“I don’t make many biscuits because dogs are not supposed to have treats,” Hager explained. “I have been getting some wonderful e-mails from the military handlers because someone is thinking about them and their dogs.”

Gratitude is the name of the game for the Cookie Brigade. “Do you know someone in the military you want acknowledged?” Hager asks in her brochure. “They will receive freshly baked cookies on behalf of Americans who want to let them know that we care and appreciate the hardships and risks they endure daily for our country.”

Once a month, homemade cookies and dog biscuits are sent out via the U.S. Postal Service, with Cookie Brigade paying the shipping costs. The cookies are packaged in plastic containers, which the military personnel can use for other items once the cookies/biscuits are gone.

Colorful tissue paper and ribbon are used to provide a bright spot in the day for the receivers. Appreciation cards are attached to the containers.

Cookies must be no larger than two inches in diameter which, when packed, helps to prevent breakage. Biscuits must be made from Hager’s recipe because military working dogs are under strict diets. The finished biscuits must be small enough to fit into a snack-size plastic bag. The recipe is available from Hager upon request.

As you might expect, Hager welcomes people who are willing to make cookies to donate, again with the restriction that the cookies be kept small enough for safe delivery. For those who can’t bake or don’t have time for baking, volunteers are needed to sort and package for mailing.

Monetary donations are also needed to help pay for the cost of supplies and

Susan Hager (L), co-founder of Cookie Brigade, Frederic, accepted the donation of home-baked cookies from Darlene Weller, Siren, participant in the Community Service Program of Burnett County Restorative Justice Response.

One of the bags includes gluten-free cookies, and all are the proper size to send out to military personnel, along with biscuits for their K-9s. - Photos by Nancy Jappe mailing expenses. Hager has applied for status as a nonprofit business. She stresses that Cookie Brigade is not affiliated with any political organization, and is neither anti- nor pro-war.

Military personnel who are convalescing from war injuries are also recipients of Cookie Brigade packages. A week ago, Hager sent cookies to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since October 2006, she has sent out 351dozen cookies and 165 dog biscuits.

“This morning, I picked up over 200dozen cookies donated by the Dairyland Homemakers Association,” Hager said, bringing her to a total of 300 dozen to ship out in the next week or two.

Not only is Hager sending out cookies/biscuits from Frederic, she is expanding the scope of the organization to include other chapters across the country. The first chapter started in March in Deep River, Conn., by a military mom with a son stationed in Italy. Other military moms in Ohio and Michigan are working on setting up chapters.

“You were right, this is really going to take off!” Debbie Schaefer, the Connecticut chapter director e-mailed Hager.

“I’m very excited and very emotional about the whole thing, and am happy this is working out so wonderfully.”

Schaefer’s 13-year-old son, Patrick, told his whole school about baking for Cookie Brigade, and the school is giving a yellow-ribbon pin to everyone who bakes for the cause.

See Cookie Brigade, page 2

Military war dog Rico could smell the cookies and dog biscuits included in a package to his handler, Stacey Harrington. “Even though we aren’t supposed to give the dogs anything besides dog food, I couldn’t resist. Boy, did he love them,” Harrington said.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

Cookie Bridage/from page 1 Working with Restorative Justice “Susan’s organization is doing wonderful things, starting with community service for people who need to fulfill their community-service requirement in a way that is related to their skills or things they like to do,” commented Lisa Johnson, director of programming for Burnett County Restorative Justice Response.

Johnson referred to the RJR program that provides community service for inmates in the jail and for participants in drug and alcohol court (five at the current time). “For every 24 hours of community service, they get one day off their sentence. It saves the taxpayers, is a huge contribution to Burnett County and helps participants in restorative justice,” she added.

Darlene Weller, Siren, is working with the Cookie Brigade and the Siren Senior Center Good Friday breakfast as part of her 40-hour community service requirement. Weller has been in Siren for the past three years, and is eager to become involved in the community along with helping the military families and kids, eventually. She has enrolled in a business-management program at UW-Superior, and recently went to Chippewa Falls to speak to legislators on the importance of funding for Treatment Alternatives to Detention. “I told them how our drug court has accepted me, and the things that helped me,” Weller said.

“This is great,” Weller went on to say about Cookie Brigade. She has a 5-yearold daughter who loves to make cookies, and every two weeks mother and daughter get out their recipes, bowls and sup-

ice effort is mutually beneficial.

The Community Service Program gives offenders an opportunity to repair the harm they have caused, fosters a sense of social responsibility in offenders and allows the offenders to restore themselves once again in their communities after their offense.

Military war dog Rico is shown here with packages of brightly wrapped, homemade cookies and biscuits that were sent to his handler, Stacey Harrington, by Cookie Brigade. Rico was given the biscuits, a gift he really loved. plies to make batches of cookies to donate.

“This is a wonderful success story,” Johnson said, commenting that the merger of Cookie Brigade and Restorative Justice Response’s community serv-

Grief support group to begin soon RICE LAKE — The Rice Lake Area Grief Support Group spring session, provided and staffed by the Lakeview Medical Center Hospice Care Program, Rice Lake, will begin April 10.

This group is open to all people who are grieving the death of a loved one.

The program offers information about the grief process, and gives an opportunity for people to share their thoughts

and feelings in an environment of understanding and empathy.

The group will meet for six weekly sessions, each Tuesday evening, 6 to 7:30 p.m., beginning April 1 and ending May 15. The sessions are provided free of charge but preregistration is required. For more information or to preregister, call 715-236-6255. — from LMC

E-mails from Cookie Brigade recipients “The troops here loved the treats.

They disappeared quickly and were greatly welcomed … Receiving little things from home definitely helps, especially when it is from someone you don’t even know,” wrote Sgt. Joshua Vanorden from Iraq. Staff Sgt. Keith Combass wrote from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany: “We recently received a wonderful box of your cookies here at the 52nd Security Forces K-9 section. I can personally attest that my PT scores will go down because of the many delicious cookies I’ve eaten … My dog (Carlo) enjoys his treats as well.”

Stacey Harrington wrote that her military war dog, Rico, was all over the box before it was even opened. “Even though we aren’t supposed to give the dogs anything besides dog food, I couldn’t resist … Boy, did he love them,” Harrington said. “I just wanted to let you know that it is a blessing to know that there are wonderful people out there that think of the deployed troops and the military war dogs.”

SSgt. Steven Hanspard wrote from Osan Air Base, South Korea, about being given some cookies sent by Cookie Brigade. “I have given up on thinking that there were people who were out

there that actually appreciated what we do as military members serving our country,” Hanspard wrote. “Knowing there are people like yourself who are taking the time to acknowledge the service members makes it all worth it.”

Hanspard had been separated from his family for approximately 18 months, going to Korea from Iraq. “It takes a toll out of you,” he said.

Another e-mail from AW1 Wade Hove, expressed his appreciation to people who care about their fellowmen enough to take the time to bake cookies and send a thank-you to a service member. “It is motivating to know that not all of the people back at home just sit back and complain about how we are doing things over here. The news doesn’t tell people about all the good things we are doing over here … Some bad things happen, but this is a war and war is not a pretty thing. Someone has to stick up for others who can’t stick up for themselves,” Hove said.

People who are interested in getting involved with Cookie Brigade can contact Susan Hager for more information at P.O. Box 291, Frederic, WI 54837, via telephone at 715-327-4532 or e-mail at cookiebrigade@centurytel.net. There is also a Web site at www.cookiebrigade.com.

Any non-profit organization or governmental agency who would like to utilize community service workers can contact Burnett County Restorative Justice Response at 715-349-2117 or by e-mail at bcrjrprogram@sirentel.net.

News from the service SAN ANTONIO, Texas –Air Force Airman Nicole J. Pendexter has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

She is the daughter of Eric Pendexter of Dresser, and Wendy Riebe of Barron. Pendexter is a 2004 graduate of Osceola High School.

Airman Nicole J. Pendexter

Ownership changes at Siren Dollar and Ani Home Accents

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Jackie Nerby and Julie Bjornstad, longtime friends who live in Hudson, took over ownership of the Siren Dollar Store and Ani Home Accents next door as of March 1 from Nancy Bergman, who started both businesses several years ago.

“We were up every weekend, and always came in (to the stores),” Bjornstad said. “We were one of Nancy’s biggest fans, and we liked the stores.” The two saw the signs Bergman had posted, saying that the businesses were for sale.

“Why not buy?” the two friends agreed.

All of Bergman’s employees were retained on the job. There are two managers, Shonnah McIntyre, Webster, and Denae Tolzman, Siren. The new owners work in downtown St. Paul, Nerby at EcoLab and Bjornstad at Securian.

The first venture was to make changes in the merchandise carried at Ani Home Accents. “The goal is to keep things (at that store) under $30,” said Bjornstad, admitting that there was now some glassware that is priced at over that amount. Knowing that people coming to Siren from other places are looking for things for their cabins, and that there

needs to be more of a draw for male customers, new north-country merchandise will be added.

One supplier they are dealing with provides duck decoys for Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association and Pheasants Forever. “We can hopefully bring guys in and give them something to look at besides (things for) women,” Bjornstad commented.

Bjornstad’s parents, Marie and Toby Olson, live in Webster. Her son is engaged to Nerby’s daughter. Another son is married to one of Russ and Terry Erickson’s (from Russ’ Meats in Siren) daughters. “We have family ties up here,” she said.

A grand opening planned by the excited new owners will be held Friday and Saturday, April 27-28. The hours of both stores are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. “We have no intention of being open on Sundays.

Everybody needs a day off,” Nerby said.

Jackie Nerby (L) and Julie Bjornstad (wearing bunny ears) from Hudson took over ownership of the Siren Dollar Store and Ani Home Accents as of March 1.

This is the first retail venture for the two friends, who have known each other since junior high school. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

www.the-leader.net

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Running

by Walt Fluegel The sun was coming over the horizon and I had no idea why I was running. I kept running and running. My feet pounded the earth in rhythm to my heartbeat. My arms were raised as if they were pistons in an engine. I pushed air in front of me. I inhaled at the same rhythm and ran and ran and ran.

I was still running, running, running when I passed someone who nodded and wished me good morning. I nodded and smiled. I was running on softer composition now so I knew I was covering more ground. But I still did not know why I was running, running, running. I was not tired. I was breathing well. My legs were comfortable. My running shoes gave me no trouble so I ran, ran, ran. I met others. We just nodded or waved. I heard a low pounding and thumping rhythm up ahead from a runner on a wooden bridge. The pounding stopped as the runner proceeded on the main path. I knew I, too, would be on that bridge so I kept a steady pace. I just ran and ran, and ran.

I looked around. The scenery changed slowly. But did this matter? What mattered was that I was running, and I still did not know why until my feet were

on that bridge.

Thump, thump, thump. My feet pounded the wooden bridge. My piston arms helped me keep my balance.

Now the pounding thumping, pounding thumping of the bridge and my feet helped me understand that if I thought of where I wanted to go, I could get closer to my goal. It reinforced the notion that now I had a goal in running. I was going there. It came automatically and my mind switched to there, there, there. When there became evident, I looked up from the path and I saw a different horizon. Was that there?

I saw snowcapped mountains, a village, a city, open plains, and rolling hills in front of me. I kept on running to the distant there. I quickly began to go around hills, over hills, through steepsided ravines, opening into valleys of green and then valleys of parched earth. I knew I was not there. I had to concentrate, concentrate, concentrate on what was ahead. As I did so, I realized if my thoughts were on what I wanted, rather than wondering where there was, I would be in the close vicinity of my thoughts. It was easy to switch to being in a village, a city, or out in the opening trying to get there.

However, I kept on running, running, running without being exhausted. But I was getting weary of the endless

pounding, pounding.

I went through this village, that town, and the city.

I for looked street signs, but only as I got out of one town heading for another town did I find mileage signs.

The next town or city was so many miles away. The overhead signs were blurry, but I was aware I had miles to go, many miles to go between each town. I passed many of these blurry signs. I realized I was never in the exact place I wanted to be.

I had to search further, further, further, close to my goal of being there. When I did this, my distant memory told me that each place was very, very, very familiar. Especially when I was in a building with many hallways with different doors of different shapes and different colors.

It always happened this way. I knew if I could go to the left or right I would find my goal. Finally, I knew from experience I was getting closer. My heart thrummed, thrummed, thrummed as

Writer’s Corner

my feet pounded down familiar hallways, hallways, hallways. All I could see now was doors, doors, doors. Finally, I found the one door. I stopped running, but I could feel my heart pounding. I tried to opened the door. It did not open. I put my shoulder to the door and gave a quick push. As I pushed, the door gave way and I fell into the men’s room.

When I tumbled into the room, I awakened instantly because I almost fell out of bed.

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 and be submitted by April 2.

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

You can subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net Cheap tricks Wayne, As Walter Mondale said in his 1984 debate with Gary Hart, “Where’s the beef?”

Your response to my column was good for a laugh, I have to admit. Well, at least a chuckle or two. Sorry to say, though, it was all style and no substance, all bun and no burger. Where was the refutation of the case against Cheney? That was the name of the column, remember? The Case Against Cheney.

In fact, you only mention the Dark Man’s name twice! Mostly, you obsess over the “I” word. I can see this impeachment thing sort of stuck in your craw.

But no one is above the law, Wayne. I agree that impeachment is highly unlikely with less than two years of the Bush presidency remaining. I can get behind your idea of prosecuting the Veepster after he leaves office. I was merely speculating that if Vermont voters want to oust Bush, they should take a closer look at Number Two, something you failed to do.

Instead, Brother Wayne, you resorted to cheap literary tricks. You know what I mean – name-calling (a “minority of nuts in Vermont”), loose associations (“Where do you get this impeachment stuff? On Yahoo.com?”), innuendo (“You’re a smart, good-looking guy”) and other silliness (“These kids. . . are having a good time. I love their cute little cartoon faces.”)

Why, you even worked in some gay-bashing. Way to go, big guy. This is a debate, remember? You’re supposed to refute my points, not play silly games. The three or four readers still following this exchange expect no less.

Let’s review the case against Cheney. He: • set up a phony intelligence agency which manufactured bogus intelligence to justify U.S. invasion of Iraq. His pal and Chief of Staff Scooter was involved

in outing a CIA agent and is headed to prison for lying about his part in it. What kind of guy would let a friend take the rap?

• consistently lied or distorted the truth about what he knew about Saddam’s WMD capabilities.

• lied about his connections to Haliburton, the company he ran Steve from 1995 to 2000. His stock options total $10 million but he Pearson claimed “no financial interest.”

• held secret meetings with energy execs, fought tooth-andTHE nail to keep them undercover, then advocated for an energy policy that lined their pockets.

• used phony claims of his Iraqi exile pal Ahmad Chalabi to argue for war, even after they had been disproven. Invited Chalabi for sleepover despite knowing he is a wanted fugitive from justice in Jordan, our ally.

You’re right about one thing - if Rep. Obey is all about “moving forward and getting things done,” impeachment is unlikely. Of course, if we used that logic, we’d never prosecute anyone for crimes commit-

VIEW

FROM

HERE

ted. Robbed a bank? Hey, that was in the past, and it’s time to move forward.

Call me old-fashioned, but I believe people should be held accountable for their actions. No one, vice presidents included, is above the law. I can be patient - I just get a little twitchy when I consider that the 18percent Man is a heartbeat and a bunker away from the presidency.

Wait, maybe I missed the mark completely. I think I get it now. You were doing the tongue-in-cheek thing again, tossing out more one-liners like that first night we met. Did you pull another one over on me, Wayne? You’re probably having a good laugh as you read this, thinking to yourself, “I really got him going this time! I know Cheney’s a crook, but this is just too much fun.”

“You just can’t take yourself so seriously,” you’re probably thinking. That explains the hat, right? OK, I get it, but just one more thing - have your wife preview the photo next time.

Steve

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

River Road Ramblings Baldwin’s Store in Trade Lake

by Stanley Selin Clifford Baldwin had a general store in Trade Lake for over 22 years. He came to Trade Lake in 1939 with a partner, Art Kumlin. They took over the business from Monroe J. Hovde who had occupied the former Trader Carlson store since 1932. In 1940, Baldwin became the sole owner. In 1950, he acquired the build-

collected by Russ Hanson

ing and contents of the Fred Gustafson Store. He sold general merchandise and maintained a good relationship with his customers. While living in Trade Lake, he served as a constable and justice of the peace for 7-1/2 years.

Clifford Baldwin was a carpenter and cabinet builder. He also built and sold wooden fishing boats. He had a pet crow that would eat out of his hand. His son Norvin tells that the crow had a fondness for silver coins, picking them up with his beak and flying off. Clifford noticed that after picking up a coin, the crow would fly up to a nest in a tree behind the store. One day, using a ladder, he climbed up to the nest to take a look and found a small bunch of silver coins in it.

In 1961, Baldwin sold the Trade Lake Mercantile Store to Harold Magnuson and retired to his place on Little Trade Lake.

Inside view of Baldwin’s Store showing merchandise. - Photo courtesy of A. Norvin Baldwin

Views of Baldwin’s Trade Lake Store as it looked in 1953. Notice the two gasoline pumps in front. The glass tanks at the top were filled to the desired number of gallons using a hand lever. Then a hose was inserted into the car’s tank and the gas ran into the car by gravity. - Photo courtesy of A. Norvin Baldwin

Clifford Baldwin feeding his pet crow in front of his store. The Trade Lake feed mill and creamery are in the background. - Photo courtesy of A. Norvin Baldwin

A plate given out in 1939, which faintly reads: A holder for wooden matches given out at Christmastime as a token of customer appreciation. - COMPLIMENTS OF BALDWIN & KUMLIN, TRADE LAKE, WIS. - Photo from Selin collection.

Photo from Selin collection.

Sales slip for listing merchandise sold. Baldwin maintained both a Frederic and Grantsburg telephone since Trade Lake was midway between the two calling areas. - Photo courtesy of A. Norvin Baldwin

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

A string of pearls

The cheerful little girl was almost 5. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them; a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. She begged her mother to have them. The mother looked at the price, “A dollar ninety-five. That’s almost $2. If you really want them, you’ll have to do some extra chores.” The little girl agreed.

She loved the pearls. They made her feel so grown up. She wore them everywhere; Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she had a bubble bath. Her mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

The little girl had a very loving daddy who read her a story every night before bed. One night, as he finished the story he asked, “Do you love me?” And the little girl said, “Oh, yes, daddy!” He then said, “Then give me your pearls.”

The little girl was surprised. She said, “Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, my white horse with the pink tail. She’s my favorite.”

The father said, “That’s okay, honey. Daddy loves you.” And he gave her a kiss. This same exchange occurred the next night and on until a few nights later the father came in and found the little girl sitting on her bed, crying. He asked what the matter was, and she lifted her hand up to her daddy and said, “This if for you.”

In her hand were the pearls. With tears gathering in his own eyes, the father reached out with one hand to take the dime store pearls, and with the other hand reached into his pocket and pulled a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to his daughter.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is with our heavenly father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.

God is that good and better.

So, how about it? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go? Are there harmful things, relationships, habits or activities that you have become so attached to that it seems impossible to let go of them? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this…God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

(Note: The above is anonymous. It is adapted from a church bulletin in Los Banos, Calif., where a pastor there adapted it from someplace else.)

On a personal note I apologize for the shortness of last week’s column, comprised of bits and pieces on my desk. On Monday I woke up with a terrible cold. It felt as if someone had cut my throat in the night. I crawled back into bed and stayed there, more or less, for two days.

So much for a flu shot and a new pneumonia shot.

Yes, I know, those shots don’t have anything to do with an ordinary old cold.

When I lived in damp, chilly Milwaukee, I often had a sore throat. I’d check into the college infirmary, and the school nurse would swab my throat with terrible stuff – perhaps iodine – and I’d gag, but it always helped. Now, doctors don’t do that anymore. They think sucking on a lozenge is just as good. It isn’t.

And I remember the days when I’d go to the doctor’s office and invariably he’d say, “You need a penicillin shot.”

Not anymore! They’re saving penicillin shots for the time when you’re really sick. I don’t know what they have in mind. A terrible epidemic of upper-respiratory infections perhaps?

When my throat felt better and I could talk without hurting, the cold moved to my eyes and turned them into rivers of tears.

Then I started to cough and cough, and my nose ran. My sneeze towel was always with me. How disgusting!

I am gradually getting better, but my energy level is at a new low. I don’t bounce back as fast as I once did.

Did I consult a doctor? No, I felt too sick for that.

He wouldn’t swab my throat or have the nurse give me a penicillin shot anyway.

While I was inactive, I read Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights.” If you think the film is dark

and dreary, the book is even more so. Set in Cornwall, the novel is stark, relentlessly cruel, and many of the characters died at a young age of 30 years. They died of consumption or unknown fevers and it always seemed to be cold and bitter and snowy out on the moors. So Bernice much for walking in the Abrahamzon heather! Once in a while the author relented and it was a beautiful summer day out among the crags and rocks.

The main character of Heathcliff was dark and brooding, a gypsy boy found in London and brought home to Wuthering Heights. The master was much taken with him, as he was a rugged little boy determined to live no matter what circumstances. He was the direct opposite of the master’s own frail son.

The main character of Cathy is very young, often unreliable and juvenile. Heathcliff is not only in love with her but obsessed. The romance is doomed from the first.

The movie, as I recall, dwelt mostly on the one generation, but at the end of the book there are some redeeming qualities and hope for the second generation. The story is told by Nelly Dean, the housekeeper/nursemaid. Oh, she is a brave one, not afraid to speak up to her master.

The old faithful retainers speak old English and as you read, it becomes easier to figure out. (i.e) “Aw mun her my wage au mun goa Au ed aimed tuh dee, where aw’d sarved fur sixty year.”

The copy I read is printed in hardcover, schoolbook type volume with nice dark print. Somewhere in my collection, I have older, museum-quality versions, more suited to that age. It’s easier to read classics in modern format.

But what a sad book to read when I’m already under the weather.

And now, to end on a happy note, I hope you enjoy the following. It would be good to read at a baby shower.

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

A baby boy Just think of all the joy He’ll bring into your home Not to mention turtles and frogs Valuable rocks Bits of string Water guns Stray dogs Jelly beans Lightning bugs Pocket knives Bubble gum, Etc., etc., etc.

He tries to seasaw all alone, And gets a bruise on his funny bone.

He is Superman With the world in his pocket.

He is riding through space In a roaring rocket.

He’s will-o-the-wisp He’s a small tornado.

He’s a marshal Cleaning up Laredo And when you call “Hey, it’s time for bed.”

He is somewhere hollering “Bang, you’re dead” So that is a boy in a word or two Aren’t you happy one happened to you?

–Anonymous (Copied years ago off a wall plaque) Happy Easter to all, Bernice

Wisconsin Interstate Park ST. CROIX FALLS – Join Naturalist Julie Fox at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park for a story and activity chosen especially for preschoolers and their parents. Please bring clothing for outdoor play (weather permitting).

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

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago The Lincoln School was purchased by the Frederic American Legion and Eldo Bengtson Trucking would move it to the village of Frederic, near the baseball park.-The County Education Committee inspected the Frederic Grade School on Hwy. 35 for Polk County College site.-Two Frederic students, Gayle Dahlberg and Nancy Christensen, won A’s at River Falls speech contest.-Pagh’s Footwear at Luck had an inventory clearance sale.-Specials at Route’s Supermarket included ground beef at 29¢ lb., bacon at 33¢ lb. and 50 lbs. potatoes at 95¢.-At Hagberg’s Federated at Frederic, handkerchiefs were 12 for $1, children’s bonnets were 50¢ and bobby sox were 12 prs. for $2.-Jill Kusler, Murriel Lind and Kenneth Smith won B’s at the River Falls speech contest.-A Historymobile was touring Wisconsin.-The film “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-Wisconsin voters okayed daylight-saving time.-The Frederic Ass’n. of Commerce voted to have Good Friday closing of businesses all Friday forenoon, opening at 1 p.m. , and including evening hours.-The grand opening of the Milltown Outlook Store (next to Advertiser office) was April 6.-The April special at Carlson Hardware in Frederic was a 50’ plastic clothesline at 39¢.-An Easter parade style show was held Friday, April 5, at the Siren School auditorium, with proceeds going to the Siren Public Library.

40 Years Ago Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included oranges at 49¢ doz., Butternut coffee at 3 lbs. for $1.70 and Jell-O at 6 pkgs. for 59¢.-John Donlin was the president of the Siren Chamber of Commerce.-Obituaries were Robert Tretsven, Mike Paulich and Rudolph Burglund.-A Good Friday service was held March 24, at the Trade Lake Baptist Church, with the Rev. Derald Sanberg giving the message.-Pastor Robert Isler was pastor of the Lorain Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Methodist Church at Frederic and the Atlas Community Methodist Church.-Christian Jacobsen had an auction March 29, at his farm, one-half mile south of Luck. The listing included 27 herd of Holstein cattle, farm machinery and household. The North Luck Ladies Aid served lunch.-A basketball game was played March 24, in the Siren High School gym with Siren’s last year team (Alumni) playing this year’s Siren High School team.-Vickie Asper, daughter of Mrs. Bernice Asper, was on the dean’s list at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minn., where she majored in elementary education.-Ike Joles was teaching advanced square dancing at the Frederic School cafeteria for the “Square Wheelers” starting a new series of 10 lessons.

20 Years Ago A booya was held at Hillside Inn, 13 miles north of Danbury.-The Webster hockey team won the WAHA state championship.-The Frederic gymnasts won the Class B sectional title at St. Croix Falls, to advance to the state at Wisconsin Rapids.-Girl Scout Week was observed March 7-14.-Milltown Arrow Building Center was featured as the business of the week. It was No. 1 in 1986.- Bertha Wilson, mother of Eunice Early of Frederic, celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 22, in Beaverton, Ore. Eunice, Gene and son, Jim, went there for the celebration.-Frederic sent 26 students to district for forensics.-David Puetz, a pilot on the Dillie Hoover Sugar Bush, was grounded by the maple syrup season.-Dale Skow accepted a new position at Polk Couty Bank, after 10 years at the First American Bank at Frederic.-Obituaries included Oline Johnson, Paul Grant, Henry Thiemer, Katie Peper and George Summerfield.-Luck forensic winners were Jennifer Hendricks, Jennifer Schauls, Sara Babcock, Anna Netys, Betty Christiansen, Michelle Boileau, Barb Shauls, Gwen Christiansen, Jay Loehr, Rob Stapel, Marc Shotswell, Todd Engstrand and Rod Kennedy.Paul Wilker, UW-River Falls grad, was a Polk County Extension Intern.-Twins, Adam and Emily Hedlund, won a Huffy bike at Ben Franklin Store, Frederic.

There were over 600 entered to win. (Do you suppose they took turns?)

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

1908 Shafer Hall

Taylors Falls Township but the name was changed to The recently demolished 1908 Shafer Township in 1873.

Shafer Hall in downtown Shafer W.H.C. Folsom, in his was once a building of great sig1888 book, “Fifty Years in nificance to the residents of the enthe Northwest,” lamented tire Shafer region. Many of those the use of Jacob Shafer’s poor but hardworking residents name for the township by had labored long to raise the “The honor ought funds for its construction.

Rosemarie writing: to have been given to some Shafer Hall was completed in Vezina of the hardy Swedes, who the fall of 1908 and was officially were the first real pioneers, Braatz opened with a dance on Thanksand the first to make subgiving of that year. Two selected stantial improvements.” newspaper items from the TayIn the late-1840s, Jacob lors Falls Journal of 1908, regardwho was a tranShafer, ing the opening of Shafer Hall, sient, cut hay in Sections 4 are as follows: and 5 in the northern part Thursday, Nov. 12: “The new hall at Shafer will be opened with a dance, of the township, near what became the once-thriving settlement of Palmdale in Thanksgiving.”

Thursday, Nov. 26: “The new hall at 1899. The hamlet that later became the Shafer station, built by S. Berquist and village/city of Shafer was born in 1881, Son, was completed this week, for the the year after the railroad was built through the southern part of the towndance Thursday night.”

After five long years of planning and ship.

When I was born (back when Truman fundraising by residents of the entire Shafer Township region, Shafer Hall was still in office), my parents had a was completed as a much-needed and farm in Section 6 near Palmdale. My desired all-purpose meeting hall/com- parents, like many others, often atmunity center. As the years passed, tended gatherings at Shafer Hall, if for nearly every sort of public gathering no other reason than to visit with other and entertainment imaginable was held members of the area’s extended family.

The 1908 Shafer Hall was once the soin Shafer Hall, which originally had a cial heart of its tightly knit, extended curtained stage.

The architecture of Shafer Hall was community. But, alas, demographics simple, which can be said to have re- and values have since changed much. flected the frugal nature of the Swedish The historically tragic demolition of immigrant farmers, their children and Shafer Hall may be considered as the grandchildren who comprised the great belated symbolic end of a now distant majority of the Shafer region’s popula- era of Shafer Township’s history. - Spontion. However, Jacob Shafer, after sored by the St. Croix Falls Historical Sociwhom the Township (and thus Shafer ety

by Jack P. Liljenberg Hall) was named, was not Swedish. The Taylors Falls township was established in 1858 as

A ST. CROIX TALE

Subscribe online at www.the-leader.net

John Jackson, of Shafer, Minn., and Pat Johnson, of St. Croix Falls, at the Shafer Community Center, during the celebration of the sesquicentennial of the Town of Shafer, in October 2004. John is costumed as Jacob Shafer, an itinerant hay-cutter, for whom the town is named. - Photo submitted

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Frederic Senior Center The benches outside the center were used earlier in the week. This is a sure sign of spring.

Spades was played on Monday, March 26. The following winners were: Ed Berdal in first place, Carmen Marek in second place, Maeve Turek in third place and Vi Luke in fourth place.

Wednesday pokeno was enjoyed.

Thursday night 500 had a very large group of players.

The winners were: Arvid Pearson in first place, Eleanore Bonneville in second place, Myrna Wick in third place, Duane Rolfs in fourth place and Arnie Borchert in fifth place.

Ardyce Knauber

Engagement

The center is looking like the Easter season. Saturday was share-a-lunch. Bingo and card games were played afterwards with a lunch at 3 p.m.

We will have our monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 5, due to Good Friday activities.

We have a lot of April birthdays. We celebrate them on Saturday, April 21. Those who celebrate April birthdays are: John Marklevits, Vera Anderson, Cleo Koch, Clareese Marek, Frances Kurkowski, Marian Miller, Carlton Cousins and David Christenson. Happy Easter from our senior citizen members.

Happy Corners Mardel Barnette and Shawn visited at the Gene Doster home on Tuesday evening.

The ambulance took Vern Catlin to Luther Hospital in

Eau Claire early Thursday morning.

Gene Doster, Mardel Barnette and Shawn went to Eau Claire on Saturday afternoon to bring Vern Catlin home and he’s is doing much better.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn went to their church’s brunch after church, and then in the afternoon went to Leona Richter’s 90th-birthday party in Cumberland.

Joann Catlin attended Leona Richter’s 90th birthday party in Cumberland on Sunday afternoon.

Hansen/Slater Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. Hansen, Centuria, announce the engagement of their daughter, Andrea Lynn Hansen, to Benjamin Roy Slater, son of Roy Slater Jr., Micco, Fla., and Deborah Huebner, Spooner.

Andrea is a 2000 graduate of Winona State University and is an investigator for the public defender’s office in St. Paul, Minn. Benjamin is a 2001 graduate of Musicians Technical Institute and a 2004 graduate of the University of Minnesota. He is a systems analyst for the National Arbitration Forum in St. Louis Park, Minn.

Their wedding is planned for June 2, 2007, in Cable. — Photo submitted

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Lewis

653-4281 Palm Sunday was observed April 1 at area churches including Lewis. Lots of waving of palm leaves and the choir sang a special, long narrative song about the traditional day. Robin Peterson read scripture, and Sylvia Schaetzel assisted with the service conducted by Pastor Mike.

Lunch was enjoyed after the service, with Ethel Lane, Marlene Nelson and Ann Nelson behind the serving counter.

Special concerns include pastor’s medical problem plus Candy Ascher’s son downstate who has gone through some very serious surgical procedures. Many challenges to be addressed.

Maunday Thursday services will be held

at 7 p.m. at the Siren UM church for the Siren – Lewis charge with everyone welcome.

Good Friday services will be held at 1 p.m. at the Siren UM church, and 7 p.m. at the Lewis UM church. Welcome.

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon went to Neillsville on Saturday for a poultry swap.

Reports on making maple syrup are that it wasn’t the best season on record. Warm days and cold nights are needed.

The Log Rail Bar on Main Avenue is vacated, ready for the new occupants to take over. An informal coffee party was given for Bonnie one day last week by Jean Hill with

several neighbors called in. The former owners of the bar are moving to Rice Lake.

With the grass beginning to show signs of green, residents are taking heart that spring has really spring, and it’s time to begin yard work. It is said that spring is discovery time: you discover the tools left on the lawn last fall, a stray mitten and whoknows-what.

Your correspondent has been fuzzyminded due to a bad cold and bronchitis.

The assignment for the Friday, April 13 meeting of the NW Regional Writers is now restated correctly. “If you could be invisible for one hour, where would you be and what would you be doing?” (My apologies!) The

Webster Senior Center Even though we had cloudy skies and rain almost all week, most people didn’t mind because the snow piles finished melting, the outdoors is greening up, and we don’t have to worry about spring or early summer forest fires.

Thirty-five ladies, both young and old, enjoyed the Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society Luncheon on Tuesday at the Channel House. Two new “pink hatters,” twin granddaughters of Jeanine Bickford, Erin and Danielle Ambrozaitis, joined us, in addition to Ginna (Harstad) Ericksen. After singing our “Red Hat” song, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Marty Janey and Dee Troutman and they were both presented with a birthday gift donated by Donna Doriott. Queen Mother Mary Klar gave a reading entitled “Golden Years - My Foot” from her book “Getting Old Ain’t For Wimps.” Some anecdotes were read by Corinne Root and several very amusing jokes were told by Thelma Klugow and Jean Bickford.

Vice Queen Mother Jeanette Olson and Jean Bickford performed a very funny skit based on the original cast of Hollywood Squares.

VQ Jeanette and Jeannie reported on the luncheon and style show they had attended at Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino with Ginna Ericksen, and our new member Sandy Johnson who went as our “Lady in Waiting.” Door prizes were won by Bonnie Raymond, Delores Farr, Janice Lee and Virginia Siedschlag. Our next Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society Luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday,

April 24, at White Tail Wilderness, 27225 State Road 35, Webster.

Welcome home to Rod and Millie Hopkins from their winter home in Mission, Texas. Rod and Millie, Millie’s sister Vera Tromberg, and Chuck and Donna Lehman stopped in at the center for Wednesday morning coffee and also enjoyed a couple games of pool. There were 17 players at dime bingo on Wednesday afternoon and Gladys Beers, Jane Wardean and Margel Ruck took turns at calling. Vera also accompanied Millie to play dime bingo.

Everyone enjoyed the array of goodies furnished by several of the ladies.

We also welcome Les and Arleen Doble back home after spending their winter months in a warmer climate.

Thirty diners enjoyed Deb’s baked chicken dinner on Thursday evening for the monthly Dining at Five meal. Afterward, Jane Wardean, Margel Ruck, Mert Kisselburg, Gladys Beers, Joyce Smith and Judy Behrens redecorated the center in an Easter theme for the month of April.

Millie Hopkins and sister Vera joined Donna Lehman, Margel Ruck, Jane Wardean, Joyce Smith, Gladys Beers and I for cards later. Vera has been spending a few days visiting the Hopkins before returning to her home in Virginia, Minn. Rod seemed happy to be back home playing pool with Chuck Lehman, Sam Williamson, Dave Wardean, Harold Peterson, Pat O’Brien and Ken Hayes. He probably is also glad to be “back in the saddle again” with his horses.

Our Burnett County Aging Nutritionist/Dietician, Sara Miller, will be taking a maternity leave of absence this month as she and her husband are expecting their first child. Our best wishes to both of them!

Don’t forget that Friday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. is the very last time to have the AARP tax aides help you before the deadline of April 15. I understand that since the 15 is on a Sunday, you can still get them in the mail to be postmarked no later than on Tuesday, April 17.

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. The volunteers to be recognized will receive written invitations, the other diners must call Deb at 866-5300 to make their own reservations. Deb will be serving Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, roll and dessert.

Our special thanks to Margel Ruck who has been busy taking photos of people and activities to be put in our senior center albums. Deb and Jane had been doing this task before and are happy to turn the job over to Margel. Also, thanks to Sonny Tyler for the donated box of hardcover books; and to the anonymous donor of a large bag of aluminum cans.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Katy Johnson and Maury Heyer who are still patients at BMC Continuing Care, Grantsburg; Norma Martin, Kathy Beyer and Patty McLaird. Our

Cloverton - Markville

320-242-3933 Gene McClean, director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security for Pine County, was the guest speaker at the March meeting of the East Pine County Wanderers. He did a fine job of outlining county plans in the case of flu pandemic and/or a tornado. He also updated us on some changes to our 911 system.

The cake and door prize for the meeting were brought by Fran and Dave Baker.

There were no birthdays from our group in March. The prize, two jars of homemade jam, was won by Jim Vink.

Maple syrup season has not gone too well out here in the townships of New Dosey and Arna. Peter Fornengo, tapping

trees with son and grandson, both named Dave, has done very well, with a result of 4 gallons. He claims that moving the sugar bush site to lower ground helped a lot.

Dave Baker had a dismal experience this year. Weather conditions, wood ticks and many trees that simply were not running this year gave him a product of about 3 quarts.

Some young people from the Cities got a permit from the DNR and set up a syrup stand on the county forestland down on the minimum maintenance road past the intersection of Hay and Squib Creek roads.

They tapped over 400 trees, set up a fire pit and camped out for the maple season.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center Our April birthdays are : Al Reeves, Ione Meixner, Junior Lindh, Jeanette Berquam, Artis Brown, Mildred Lundberg (98), Hilda Raicha (96). Best wishes for a very happy birthday to all of you.

The crafters are busy doing what they like best. We are getting things lined up for the craft sale in June.

Tuesday afternoon domino winners were; Ione Meixner in first place, Joan Zeigler in second place and Deloris Benson in third place. 500 card winners were: Jeanette Berquam in first place, Jack Lund in second place, Irene Campbell in third

Dottie Adams

place and Ruth Flostrand in fourth place.

One should never count the years – one should instead count one’s interests. Keep young trying never to lose a childhood sense of wonderment. Have a vivid curiosity about the world you live in. Old age happens when actions creak louder than words.

Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Jeanne Thomforda in first place, JoAnn Gehrman in second place, Cliff Qualle in third place, John Brown in fourth place.

Have a great day.

Darlene and Pete Merimonte attended the funeral of her sister-in-law, Mary Schulte, in Annandale recently. Mary was 73 years old and died following surgery.

Darlene spent Tuesday with her mom, Susan Francis, 102, in St. John’s Hospital, while she had three blood transfusions.

It was a very pleasant weekend awhile back when the son and son-in-law of Dave and Sandi Drake came up to help dad work on the hunting shack at the end of the Drake land. Son Tim brought his daughters Alex, 15, and Liz, 12, and their friend, Ellen. Sandi cooked up a big kettle of goulash and made a mandarin orange cake for dessert.

Esther and Jim Vink had a delicious meal and good visit with son Darryl and his wife, Sandy, in Bruno recently. Granddaughter Lanna was busy working at the Sandstone Nursing Home while on spring break from East Central High School where she is a senior.

Henrietta, the pet turkey of Shirley and Jerry Blokzyl that has been mentioned before, now has a mate. He is strutting, fluffing and fanning all around their yard.

Shirley reports that the mallards and wood ducks have returned to their pond.

On the weekend, the Blokzyls’ took daughter Tracy to the Khan Mongolian BBQ restaurant to celebrate her 35th birthday. Cake and ice cream followed at the home of Tracy’s sister, Lynn, and her husband, Mike Bolvin.

On two different days, Emma and Peter Fornengo had the pleasure of visits from

Bernice Abrahamzon time is 1 p.m. in the community room, Sunrise Apts., Frederic. Welcome.

Birthdays piled up since January at Scrabble club so six birthdays were celebrated April 2 with a noon potluck. Honored were Doris Lindquist, Minnie Grimh, Joan Jendro, Eva Hansen, Florence White and Bernice Abrahamzon. Quite a party!

Arlene and LeRoy Jones were among the many who went to Burnett Dairy last Wednesday for meeting and greeting, the good lunch, etc.

Mickey Lenz volunteered to help at the Frederic food shelf last Thursday. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact LaVonne Boyer if interested.

Mary Klar thoughts and prayers also go out to the family of Florence Pardun in her recent passing.

Several years ago, a friend of mine took in a young cat that desperately needed a home, as it had lived its life up to that point in a place that had been apparently quite abusive. This young kitty would even cringe if you wanted to pet her, like she was expecting to be hit instead. She soon realized that she had found a home where she felt safe and loved. Well, this cat soon turned from being a “scaredy-cat into a “attack-cat” seriously guarding her new owner’s whole outdoor property limits from any animal invader, whether it be dogs, cats, rabbits or deer. Size didn’t matter.

How could these larger animals be afraid of a little kitty? What were they thinking?

How even more absurd are our own thoughts of fear and worry when we consider that we have a powerful and good God who cares for us. Our heavenly father knows our needs and is perfectly willing and able to meet them. “When fear and worry test your faith, and anxious thoughts assail; remember God is in control, and he will never fail.”-David Sper.

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”-Matthew 6:25 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.-Psalm 23:1. “Worry is a burden God never meant for us to bear.”

See you at the center!

Fran Levings grandchildren bringing great-grandchildren. Julie came one day with Wyatt and Brooke, while Peter III came another day with Luke and Emma.

Karon Mishler, sister-in-law of Marlene and Don, is recuperating nicely after having surgery at United Hospital recently.

Former Markville residents, Linda Olson and Anna Mae Nelson, spent an afternoon reminiscing at the Schaaf home one day.

On Tuesday, Mary and Frank really enjoyed the service at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Some shopping followed in anticipation of inside home painting this week.

The Chris Morgan concert at the Grand Casino was thoroughly enjoyed by Evelyn Johnson and a friend recently.

Deloris Schirmer claims that the big event in her week was hauling her shopvac out to the garage and cleaning the mess left by last fall’s mice.

Bob Brewster saw some trumpeter swans fly over his home last week while he was putting in posts in his garden.

On the home front, I love reporting that I really enjoyed the Amtrak ride to Milwaukee. I had never taken a train before and found it a delightful way to travel. My time with my brother, Charlie, and his son, Alex, was filled with good conversation, lots of home movies, good food and a car tour of Milwaukee.

Keep your boots handy, wherever you are.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Engagement Tretsven/Dagestad Bonnie Trumble, St. Croix Falls, and Steve Tretsven, Cushing, would like to announce the engagement of their daughter, Tiffanie Tretsven, to Jeremy Dagestad, son of Darryl and June Dagestad.

An April 21 wedding is planned at First Lutheran Church in Cushing. A reception will be held at the Cushing Community Center following the ceremony.

Weslander/Blakeslee Mark and Cindy Weslander are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Rachel Sarha Weslander to Thomas R. Blakeslee Jr., son of Thomas and Marjie Blakeslee of Siren.

Rachel is a 2006 graduate of Chisago Lakes High School and Thomas is a 2002 graduate of Siren High School.

A June 16 wedding is being planned at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund, Minn.

The couple will reside in Shafer, Minn.

Births

Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center:

A girl, Mollie Evelyn McKenzie, born March 27, 2007, to Jonathan and Rebecca McKenzie, Osceola. Mollie weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Whitney Louise Myers, born March 26, 2007, to Mike and Lucy Myers, Grantsburg. Whitney weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz.

••• A boy, Isaac Stuart McKeen, born March 27, 2007, to Heather and Alan McKeen, Chetek. Isaac weighed 8 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A girl, Aubree Violet Hill, born March 27, 2007, to Jennifer and Matthew Hill, Danbury. Aubree weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz.

Aubree has a big brother, Xander.

••• A girl, Addison Leigh McDowell, born March 21, 2007, to Doug and Elizabeth McDowell, Webster. Addison weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A girl, Jerrika Lynn Shipley, born March 21, 2007, to Katherine Palmer and David Shipley, Osceola. Jerrika weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A girl, Chloe Antionette Thayer, born March 22, 2007, to Moria and Shaun Thayer, Centuria. Chloe weighed 6 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A boy, Danner John Campbell, born March 22, 2007, to Danielle Shogren and Kolbjorn Campbell, North Branch, Minn. Danner weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz.

••• A girl, Rosalie Ruth Anderson, born March 23, 2007, to Janel and Matthew Anderson, St. Croix Falls. Rosalie weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz.

•••

Fran Krause

Orange

LaVonne O’Brien

Harmony HCE Club met at Cedarwood Manor Tuesday morning with Nancy O’Brien and Diane Madeglia as hostesses.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Florence Pardun whose funeral was Monday.

The Mark Freeborn family spent a couple of days with Marvel Merriam and attended the funeral for Florence Pardun.

Lavonne O’Brien attended the final performance of the N.W. Figure Skating Club at Spooner on Saturday. Granddaughter, Tylyn O’Brien was in it.

Bud Flagstad spent the weekend with the Neinstadts. On Saturday night John and Reeny were supper guests at Ron and Sharon Proffit’s.

Last week the Webster Lions Club bowling team participated in the state tournament at Marshfield. They had their banquet at the 10th Hole on Wednesday evening.

Jack and Jeri Witzany had lunch on Sunday with Chris and Melody Witzany.

Spencer Peterson, Kathryn and Bryan Krause are with the Webster High School Band and Choir in Orlando, Fla., this week.

Dean Peterson, Clear Lake, Iowa, is spending the week with Maxine Stone. Fran Krause visited with her on Sunday.

Abby is a 1-year-old, female Australian shepherd mix. She has a deep, golden medium-length coat with black tipping.

Abby is a loving soul with four legs. She enjoys her walks on leash and all of the love and belly rubs she can get. Abby has the natural instinct to herd and so would do best in a family with older children. She will make an excellent family pet.

Arnell Over the past 20 years, dog, horse and animal training in general has taken a turn for Humane the positive. Positive training, that is. It Society is based on compliance rather than dominance. It is achieved through positive training methods using treats and praise t h e y for the desired behavior. This progressive train- see the ing method replaced the dominance-submission q u i c k methods used after World War II. It uses natural change pet behavior and positive rewards to teach our pets in dog behaviors on his show. Concerns have been to live with us, without using punishment. raised about his dangerous methods being taught Then along came Cesar Millan a.k.a. The Dog to pet owners. “Don’t try this at home” messages Whisperer, with his charisma and a television se- are flashed throughout his televised show and in ries that displays his dog training methods, September, the American Humane Association reloosely based on the idea of the pack, dogs as quested that the National Geographic Channel stop wolves theory. Millan touts the need for domi- the show immediately, citing Millan’s training tacnance by pet owners to dictate a “calm submis- tics as “inhumane, outdated and improper.” sion.” Included in his technique is a snappy touch Though Millan’s methods get results, most people he claims mimics a corrective response by pack don’t have Millan’s skill, strength or knowledge of leaders, “alpha rollovers” (forcing a dog to take a dog behaviors to use them. submissive position, showing its belly).

Live with and love your pet dog, by offering a Top dog trainers nationwide have expressed dis- partnership in life. Dominance breeds resentment may of Millan’s training methods. Dr. Patricia Mc- in humans as well as our pets. When looking for Connell, animal behaviorist on Animal Planet’s dog training tips, look for Patricia McConnell, Ian “Petline” says that Millan has put dog training back Dunbar or trainers with a positive message for in20 years. World-renown dog trainer and scholar, spiration. As Dunbar says, “You can instill fear in Ian Dunbar says generations of evolution separate your kids and get them to mind, but they won’t wolves and dogs. “Learning from wolves to inter- function better in the world and your relationship act with pet dogs makes about as much sense as im- will suffer greatly.” proving parenting skills by watching chimps. The Mary Bruckner for Arnell Memorial Humane Soreturn to dominance training such as Millan’s is a ciety, 715-268-7387 or visit online: disservice to dogs more than anything else.” www.amhs.petfinder.com.

People are drawn to Millan’s methods because

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT

waiting to adopt them. Honey is glad her pups Hello, Fritz here! Happy Easter! I hope have good homes lined up already, and glad too, everyone has an enjoyable Easter with that now she is ready for a furever family. their family. We have a full house here at Two strays were brought into the shelter this the shelter, so I’ll have lots of friends to week. Ursula is a pretty yellow Lab about 1 year celebrate with. old, and Tanner is a bassett mix, red in color and I don’t think anyone went to new wearing a rhinestone collar. Anyone missing homes this past week, but the angels say their wandering, four-legged companions? Riley Madison (one of Abigail’s pups), Lion the Fritz is a 5-month-old Chesapeake mix, he was surrenmalamute mix and Bobo the Lab mix will dered because his family didn’t have time for go home in time for Easter! They are so excited, if I hear “how much longer?” NEWS FROM him. Oliver, Perky and Rags are Lab-mix pups that were surrendered. And poor Hammy was one more time I’ll start howling! adopted once from the shelter and returned. His Travis, the winsome terrier, is still owners didn’t have enough time to take good waiting for a good home, as are Honkey care of him.

Tonk, Lightning and Abigail. Honkey That’s the update from the shelter here. If you Tonk is a Lab mix and rrruff, does he howl! I’ve never heard a dog sing like he can, I haven’t already, don’t forget to call or write your guess that’s why the angels named him Honkey township board and encourage them to add HSBC Tonk, although Wailing Jennings might have been into their yearly budget. Have a barking good Easter! even more appropriate.

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time.

Honey’s seven puppies are now 6 weeks old. The angels say they will stay a couple more weeks at the www.hsburnettcty.org shelter, and that most of them already have families

YOUR SHELTER

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 349-2964

Siren

Even though last weekend was wet and miserable, the rain we got was very much needed. It lessened the threats for grass and brush fires. Did you notice it didn’t take the grass long to start greening up in places, even though it is the first part of April? Mother Nature is bringing an early spring this year. Thoughts of gardening, I’m sure, are in everyone’s minds these days, but don’t be in too much of a hurry to put things in the ground. We all know there can be lots of frosty days and nights yet.

Why not skip the cooking and take the opportunity to enjoy a great breakfast out this Friday with no cleanup. The Siren seniors are putting on their annual Good Friday breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the senior center, so come and enjoy. Adults are $5 and kids under 12 are $3.

Congratulations to elementary student Connor Crain, middle school student Luke Raska and high school student Sarah Howe, for being chosen Siren schools students of the week.

468-2520

Bev Beckmark

Best wishes go out to Pastor Mike Ascher for a speedy recovery on his surgery this week.

Many of the Siren High School students are busy with their upcoming junior prom.

This year’s theme is “Enchantment a Masquerade Ball.” Prom night is set for Saturday, April 21, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Sympathy to the family of Ira Lynne Matrious who passed away March 22.

Why not take your little ones out for some Easter fun at the Burnett County Moose Lodge north of Siren, Sat., April 7, for their annual Easter egg hunt? There are treats of candy, toys and eggs for kids ages 2 to 10, and everyone is welcome.

Alayna Zuech, of Eau Claire, spent Sunday afternoon at the home of her grandparents, Art and Bev Beckmark. They took her out to eat for her 21st birthday. She turned 21 on Saturday, March 31. Many more happy birthdays Alayna.

Dewey - LaFollette

Sympathy is extended to the family of Kathy Peterson, who passed away Friday.

Judy Albee visited Beverly Brunclik Monday evening.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen called on Dick and Shirley Quinton Monday afternoon.

Thursday evening Judy Albee visited Cheryl Gozdzialski.

Karen Mangelsen was a Friday visitor of Marlene Swearingen.

Beverly Brunclik and Judy Albee went to the talent show at the Ceska Opera House

Karen Mangelsen

Friday evening.

Saturday visitors of Donna and Gerry Hines were Mark and Sue Hines and Nina and Lawrence Hines.

Don and Lida Nordquist went to La Crosse for the weekend to visit their grandson, Rick Fund.

Jean, Terry, Brea, Brinn and Bryce Williamson, Carl and Cheryl Mangelsen and Hank and Karen Mangelsen all visited Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen Saturday.

Judy Albee called on Don, Charlene and Charlie Strabel Saturday.

Siren Senior Center

349-7249

Barb Munger

Remember to be sure and put Friday, April 6, on your agenda this week and come to the center for our annual Good Friday breakfast. We will start serving at 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and the cost is only $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12.

Monday, March 26, Rep. Ann Hraychuck and Sen. Bob Jauch stopped at the center to discuss our Wisconsin SeniorCare, which is in jeopardy. It is very important to all of the seniors in our community and the State of Wisconsin to continue this program. It is imperative that everyone contact the Washington White House and express your desire that President Bush continue this program. Apparently it is out of our hands here in the state, and Bush is threatening to cancel SeniorCare. Forms are available at the center with the telephone number for the president and also call Secretary Mike Levitt 877-696-6775, Washington D.C. Our fourth-grade friends also visited us on Monday afternoon. We had a chance to show our artistic abilities by decorating a large egg on paper with a concoction of Karo Syrup, water and food coloring mixed by their teacher, Donna Tjader. The kids had attached magnets to the back of the paper so when we were finished decorating we got a chance to take them home to display them on our refrigerators.

Dining at Five will be served on April 12.

Shirley is serving ham loaf, salad bar, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies and Pista-

F o l l o w

chio pudding. The sign-up sheet is out at the center or you may call 349-2845 to make your reservation.

The Moose Lodge will be hosting their annual Easter egg hunt for all of the children ages 2 to 10 in the community, including your grandchildren if they are visiting.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7.

On Tuesday the center had a good crowd that came out for dime bingo. Remember we play every Tuesday beginning at 1 p.m.

Wednesday 500 winners were, Don Antiel, Theresa Meier, Jeanette Olson and Millie Hartshorn. Myrna Thomas shared some Rice Krispie bars and Shirley Holmes had Jell-O for all of the players.

Friday Spade winners were Dwaine Bentley, Jim Bly, Joyce McKinney and Marlys Borchert. One of our regulars, Herb Cederlund of Lewis, showed off his culinary skills by treating us to two kinds of cookies and cake. Dwaine Bentley shared some sausage with the group, and Marjorie Nyberg brought some bars. So you can see we do eat well while we are playing cards.

Our center is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday; so stop in for coffee or just to visit. We have a great cook/manager that prepares really good food also and if you would like to come to dine, just call a day ahead at 3492845.

t h e

L e a d e r

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

“Another Work in Progress” at OHS

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. In the sequel, music critic Trapper and pop star Shannon are happily married and living in the Von Trappe family estate with Trappers eccentric aunts, Gladdie and Hattie.

While Shannon is taking a sabbatical from touring and recording, her best friend and backup singer (Amy) is ready to release her own recording and is preparing to go out on tour. The pressure is on Trapper’s best friend Tracy, who is doing everything in his power to muster the courage to “pop the question” to his soul mate, Amy. Comic misunderstandings, and the trademark device of watch-

students are helping with the technical aspects of the show.

“Another Work in Progress” will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 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

ing the play unfold as it is being written, contribute to an evening of madcap adventures.

Osceola High School’s production of “Another Work in Progress” will feature: Russell Pedersen as Tracy, Hannah Carlson as Amy, Jake Nelson as Trapper/Mark, Vanessa Roberts as Shannon/Marcia, Anna Holmquist as Hattie, Kelly Wynveen as Gladdie, Kevin Fehlen as Bernard, Jaclyn Houston as Cassandra and Adam Johnson as Murphy.

Rounding out the cast in various supporting roles are Justin Hall, Brett Nelson, Alli Langer, Jake Knutson, Jasmine Mederich, Hannah Fiedler, Kelli Peterson, Melissa Deaner, Laura Rassier, Erin Gallagher, Catrin Thorman, Brady Langer, Jordan McDonald, Jeremy Richter, Garret Johnson, Mike Mickelson, J.R. Switalla, Christina Rausch, Joseph Elmquist, Beka Kendrick, Dan Devine, Cole Johnson, Jordyn Haley, Nicole Koehler and Ben Holmquist. Many other

Hannah Carlson and Russell Pedersen rehearsing for “Another Work in Progress.” - submitted by Vanessa Roberts, a student at Osceola High School

Cow-calf seminar at Alpha April 12

ALPHA — The University of Wisconsin Extension Livestock Team is pleased to announce a beef cow-calf seminar to be held at the Joe and Virginia Hennessey Hidden Pond Farm at Alpha in Burnett County on Thursday evening, April 12, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The farm is located at 11658 Hwy. 70 across from the Burnett Dairy Cooperative, five miles east of Grantsburg or 10 miles west of Siren. Look for the farm signs.

The Hennesseys raise 25 Buelingo beef

OSCEOLA - Start your summer running and walking season with the Healthy Heart 5K Run/Walk in Osceola.

The event is April 21.

The Healthy Heart Run/Walk will wind through the community of Osceola starting at the high school. Individuals, families and teams are invited to participate.

“This event will be a fun and healthy way to get your spring fitness program

cows plus youngstock. Buelingo is a 50year-old breed developed in the Western U.S. from crosses of Belted Galloway, Black Angus and milking shorthorn.

Buelingos are noted for good finishing efficiency on marginal pasture and little or no grain.

The picturesque 156-acre farm features a licensed bed and breakfast called Smoland Prairie, a farm store and a number of grazing paddocks. The Hennesseys have a state-inspected bakery

and walk-in freezer. They sell beef cuts, bread and eggs at the farm. Virginia occasionally caters meals for smaller events at the farm. For a bit history, the Siren tornado of 2001 began its 40-mile path of destruction on the west end of this farm, destroying the barn and outbuildings and killing eight cattle and a horse before moving on.

The cow-calf program will begin with a tour of the farmstead at 4:30 p.m. followed by a meal at 5:15 p.m., introduc-

OMC hosts 5K run/walk

in gear,” according to Rob Dybvig, MD, medical director at Osceola Medical Center. “Whether you’re a runner or walker, this event is a great milestone leading into your spring and summer seasons.”

The run/walk is hosted by Osceola Medical Center, a critical care hospital and clinic along the St. Croix River in Osceola. It is sponsored by HealthPartners, St. Croix Orthopaedics, St. Croix Valley Surgical, St. Paul Radiology and

SCF/Taylors Falls rotary student

Osceola Medical Center health care providers.

Registration starts at 7 a.m.; the race starts at 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at about 9:30 a.m. Entry fees are $15 by April 6 and $18 after April 6 and on race day.

Proceeds of the event will go to the Osceola Medical Center Capital Campaign, which is raising money for a new health care facility. The facility will be

tions at 5:45 p.m. and three seminars.

The topics this year will be cost of production, lost-cost handling systems and disease prevention. Brief updates on animal ID and predator issues will also be covered.

Preregistration is required by Monday, April 9. The cost is $10. For registration or more information, contact UW-Extension Ag Agents Otto Wiegand or Kevin Schoessow at Spooner, 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914. — from UW-Extension

part of a health care campus that will include a hospital, clinic, senior living and a future YMCA facility. Expanded plans also call for hiking trails and sports fields. Groundbreaking on this new campus is this spring.

More information and registration material for the Healthy Heart Run/Walk is available at www.osceolamedicalcenter.com or by calling 715-294-5736. - submitted

4-H Club donates quillows

Eric Paulson was selected by students as outstanding St. Croix Falls High School faculty mentor and Dustin Raygor was chosen as student of the month by the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club. – Photo submitted ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Falls Rotary Club recognizes outstanding students and faculty each month during the school year. Students from the Osceola High School and from the St. Croix Falls High School attend a Rotary meeting where the student and the faculty/mentor of their choice are introduced.

March St. Croix Falls Student of the Month is Dustin Raygor, son of Jerry and Marie Raygor. Raygor has gone to state in wrestling the past three years setting the school win record this year.

He is a captain of the basketball team.

His favorite class is advanced placement literature, because they study all different forms of literature. He hopes to attend the University of WisconsinMadison.

The mentor he selected as outstanding faculty is Eric Paulson. Paulson has been previously selected by students as an outstanding St. Croix High School faculty mentor. Paulson teaches mathematics. - submitted

The Wood Creek 4-H Club proudly presented quillows, fleece blankets (quilts) that fold into themselves to make pillows, to Michelle Bailey from the Burnett County Department of Health and Human Services and to their three new friends, Kyleigh, Jolena and Angel. The Wood Creek 4-H Club members spent some time on March 24 making 10 quillows to donate. 4-H members shown are Dolan and Derek Highstrom, Emily Stiemann, Allie Webster, Alexi Gloodt, Jacob Stiemann, Rachel Gloodt, Mathew Wampfler and Lucas Stiemann. – Photo submitted

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Amery Public Library The following new nonfiction books have been added to the collection at the Amery Public Library: “Simple Stunning Wedding Flowers,”

by Karen Bussen “After Sputnik,” by Martin Collins “Alice Waters and Chez Panisse,” by Thomas McNamee “Linneaus: The Compleat Naturalist,”

by Wilfred Blunt “Maxed Out,” by James Spurlock “True Grace,” by Wendy Leigh “Handbook of U.S. Coins 2007,” by R.S. Yoeman “Dog Years,” by Mark Doty “Let’s Face It,” by Kirk Douglas “Saving For Retirement,” by Gail Marksjarvis “Great Food Fast,” by Martha Stewart Living “Money,” by Liz Perle “Grace Under Fir,” by Andrew Carroll “In an Instant,” by Bob and Lee Woodruff “The Secret,” by Rhonda Byrne “Women and Money,” by Suze Orman “Scam Proof Your Life,” by Sid Kircheimer “To Catch a Predator,” by Chris Hansen “Grace,” by Anne Lamott “The New American Story,” by Bill Bradley Library notes National Library Week is coming up from April 15 to April 21. This year’s theme is Come Together at Your Library.

To celebrate we will be having a special story time program on April 11, with the Wonder Weavers Storytellers. Please come and enjoy these fine performers at 10:30 a.m. on that day. We have story time every Wed. at 10:30 a.m., so stop in and enjoy songs and stories with your

little ones.

The history group had its first meeting and will meet again on April 23, at 7 p.m. to discuss “A Land as God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America,”

by James Horn. Led by Herb Cederberg, there will be discussion and snacks.

The Friends of the Library make an appearance at the Home Show on April 14 and April 15 with a raffle, so stop by and check them out and sign up to be a Friend of the Library.

Otaku Club meets every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. for teens who like manga and anime. Stop in and check this out if you are a teen. New mangas are arriving frequently.

The Friends of the Library Book Group meets on the third Monday of the month, April 16, to discuss “The Poisonwood Bible,” by Barbara Kingsolver at 7 p.m.

Great Stories Club meets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 16 to discuss “Make Lemonade,” by Virginia Ewer Wolff.

Teens Read Book Group meets on April 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “House of the Scorpian,” by Nancy Farmer. Pick up a book at the circulation desk if you are a teen and would like to join this group. We have a light snack and exciting book talk.

Remember that the Amery Public Library is a great source for tax forms. Stop in and pick up your state, federal or Minnesota forms.

Closed from noon to 3 p.m. on Good Friday, April 6.

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

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.

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 to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

New adult books A variety of new books will be arriving during the month of April. New DVDs will be ready for circulation this week. Our rotation collection from Polk County Library Federation includes great adult fiction, books on CD for adults and teens, and the very popular

titles in the Young Adult collection. Stop in and check us out!

Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts!

Focus on: Internet Computer No. 1 is now equipped with the Zoom Text Magnifier, Version 9.0 complete with new xFont. This adaptive software gives complete low-vision access to all applications-including word processing, email and the Internet. An easy-to-use mouse accompanies the software. This equipment is part of a LSTA Grant through the Indianhead Federated Library System in Eau Claire.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Croix Falls Public Library story hour!

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.

Balsam Lake Public Library

Clear Lake Public Library April is National Gardening Month.

On April 14 from 9-11 a.m. at the Clear Lake Area Community Center, the library is sponsoring a flower and vegetable gardening seminar presented by the Polk County Master Gardeners.

Please preregister by calling the library at 715-263-2802. There is a $5 fee, which will help fund future gardener projects.

All levels of gardeners are welcome, and you do not need to live in Polk County to attend.

Our kickoff activity for National Library Week, April 15-21, will be hosting Ken Anderson, author of “Mayberry Reflections: The Early Years.” This book features The Taylor Home Inn, bed and breakfast, which is located in Clear Lake and owned and operated by Dave and Marsha Scheuermann. Join us Monday

evening, April 16, at 6:30 p.m.

During National Library Week we will also be having a book sale.

The fourth week in April 22-28 is National TV Turnoff 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 library during National Library Week or National TV Turnoff Weekl and we will supply everything you need to plant some seeds.

The Knitting and Crocheting Group will meet April 11 and April 25 at 4:30 p.m. Come join us! Free lessons and materials are provided.

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.

April is also National Poetry Month.

Polk County Federated Library is holding a poetry contest for school children and teens. You can pick up information about the contest and drop off entries at any Polk County Library.

The frost is officially out of the ground, and the rain is beginning to green things up. Now is the time to start planning this summer’s gardening, yard and outdoor projects. We have some great new titles offering interesting ideas for container gardens, raised beds and organic gardening. Give the gift of a preplanted container garden to that special someone this spring.

Thinking of something different for dinner tonight? Come in and browse

our new selection of cookbooks. With titles such as: “ Japanese Light,” “India’s Vegetarian Cooking,” “Rachel Ray’s 365 No Repeats” and “Recipes From a Greek Island,” how could you go wrong? Or maybe the chickens have really started laying and you are in need of some really good egg recipes. Check out the book “Eggs” by master chef Michael Roux. Eggs aren’t just for breakfast anymore.

Our next homeschool meeting is set for Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. We will be talking about integrating learning styles into your lessons. Are you having a difficult time getting your child 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.

Preschool story hour is held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. We focus on early literacy skills and emergent readers. All are welcome.

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. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – noon.

Centuria Public Library Spring into gardening The long-awaited spring has arrived, and many people are anxious to get out into their gardens. In April, many libraries received their April issue of the This Old House magazine. If you are a gardener and bothered by deer, you need to check out this issue. In the article titled “Bye-bye, Bambi” writer Max Alexander has many practical and efficient suggestions for keeping the deer at bay. The This Old House magazine can be found in the following Polk County Libraries: 1. Centuria Public Library 2. Clear Lake Public Library 3. Frederic Public Library 4. Milltown Public Library 5. St. Croix Falls Public Library Helping your child If you have a child in the first grade, your child should be developing a sense of place value and our 10-based number system. The best way to help your child understand place value is to lay the groundwork with concrete activities that promote the understanding of the regrouping process. How is my firstgrader doing in school? “What to Expect

Frederic Public Library

and How to Help,” by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is a resource available at the Centuria Public Library and can assist a parent with many fun and useful ideas on promoting the understanding of place value. A fun game to enhance the understanding of place value is called One Hundred Beans. You will need a deck of cards with the face cards removed, small paper cups for each player, and a bag of dried beans. Each player takes a turn choosing a card and counting out the number of beans indicated on the card. When the player can, they make a group of 10 beans and place them in the cup. The remaining beans stay on the table in front of the player.

The game continues with the players making groups of 10 beans and putting them in the cup. The first player to reach 100 beans is the winner.

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.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

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, available now. 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.

Open House We will be hosting an open house at the library Wednesday, April 18, to celebrate National Library Week. Coffee and cookies will be served all day. Then at 6:30 p.m. we will have a walking tour of the gardens just outside the library and village office hosted by Peter Nelton. We will meet after the tour at the library for a question and answer session and refreshments.

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 Monday, April 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Beginners encouraged and welcome, lessons will be given. Bring a project or start a project here. Good conversation and helpful hints are guaranteed.

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.

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 on Wednesday, April 25, at 1:30 pm.

Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake.

Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Milltown Public Library

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 15. 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!

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make it in the morning? We will repeat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and 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.

Top 10 reasons to support libraries by the American Library Association 1. Public libraries are partners for vibrant and educated communities.

2. Libraries are places of opportunity.

3. Libraries are essential for a free people.

4. Libraries preserve our past, inform our present and inspire our future.

5. Libraries support lifelong learning.

6. Libraries are a great American bargain.

7. Libraries level the playing field.

8. Libraries are great places for kids.

9. Libraries support a community of readers.

10. Libraries have librarians.

This year during National Library Week April 16-21 visit all 10 public libraries to meet the librarians of our county; check out the wonderful libraries our county has and participate in the Library Road Trip sponsored by the Friends of the Polk County Libraries.

Check for more details and the entry form in the upcoming weeks.

Open house The Polk County Library Federation is having open house on April 17, from 1-

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.

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.

5 p.m. to celebrate National Library week. Stop in for coffee, treats and conversation. Register for door prizes.

Bring your library card and receive a free gift. Sale items offered by the Friends of the Polk County Libraries.

Teen poetry contest April is National Poetry Month. The Polk County Library Federation together with the teen advisory board are proud to announce that the Polk County Library Federation’s Teen Advisory Board will hold a countywide poetry contest for teens during the month of April. Check with your local library for details and entry form.

Friends of the Polk County Libraries Friends of the Polk County Libraries will be meeting April 9, from 4:30-6 p.m.

Brown bag library lecture Join us on April 18, noon- 1 p.m. for a presentation on travel tips offered by the Amery Travel Service. This program is free of charge, please call to reserve your space 485-8680.

Frederic Public Library The library will be closed Saturday, April 7 Please mark your calendars – the library will be closed Saturday, April 7.

We will be open regular hours Monday, April 9, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Teen Poetry Contest deadline April 18 The Polk County Library Federation is sponsoring the Third-annual Teen Poetry Contest with an April 18 deadline to receive entries. The contest is open to all students in grades 6-12, and Polk County libraries have copies of the entry forms and rules. Show us your talent – enter the contest!

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 Make your April food donations book club discussions. Refreshments will count be served.

Be sure to bring some food items when you visit us in April – you will feed peoSummer reading program ple in need, and the weight of your items Mark your calendars! The summer will help our local food shelf receive a reading program at Milltown Library larger monetary donation from the Feinkicks off on Saturday, May 26, with enter- stein Foundation, a group dedicated to tainment, games, art projects, and prizes alleviating hunger. If you’d rather write for kids and adults. This summer we will a check, the library will make certain it offer Readers’ Rewards to people of all is also delivered to the food shelf. ages. If you can’t make it to the kick off on May 26, you can register for Reading Story hour Wednesday morning Rewards anytime afterward. Exciting Preschoolers and their caregivers are workshops and performers for this sum- invited to story hour at 10:30 a.m. mer are already being planned – check Wednesday, April 11, when we will share out www.milltownpubliclibrary.org for stories and activities all about “imaginamore information. tion.”

Osceola Public Library Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from

Polk County Library Federation

Join our reading groups The Thursday morning reading group will meet Thursday, April 19, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “A Lesson Before Dying”

by Ernest Gaines, a novel of the relationship between a young black man on death row and his teacher in 1940s Louisiana. The evening book group will meet Thursday, April 19, (same date) at 7 p.m. to talk about Anne Tyler’s “A Patchwork Planet,” the story of 30-something Barnaby Gaitlin, a character apparently unable to keep his finger off the autoself-destruct button every time his life improves. Books are available at the library, and new members are always welcome.

Tax forms are still available The deadline is approaching, and the basic federal and Wisconsin tax forms are here, including the homestead credit and rent certificate schedules. We will also be glad to download other tax forms from the Web for you.

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 St. 715-327-4979.

West. fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

Good news at Good Sam’s Center gets top marks from state; adds CNA training, assisted living

by Julie Holmquist ST. CROIX FALLS - The St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Center recently received rave reviews following its annual state inspection.

“It’s so unusual to go without citations,” said administrator Wade Reddy. “When I first came here, we’d have 10 to 15 deficiencies. They’ve lessened over the years. That says a lot about our staff.”

While the typical inspection of a nursing home results in a list of deficiencies and pages of ways to improve specific practices likes hand washing or care plans, Good Sam’s recent report was only one page long. Last year, the center received only one citation.

For 2006, only 8 percent of all Wisconsin nursing homes received no citations. Nursing homes are cited for violations of federal and state nursing home regulations and safety code regulations, according to Claire Smith of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services.

Instead of listing deficiencies at Good Sam’s, state inA few members of the Good Samaritan Center team gather in the center’s new activity room. Back row spectors praised it for: (L to R): Diane Bussewitz, RN / assistant director of nurses, Shantel Rivard, CNA, administrator Wade • good team work Reddy, and (front row) Judy Sigsworth, human resources. - Photo by Julie Holmquist • staff wanting to do what is right for residents • staff being respectful of others Reddy said Good Samaritan is committed to remod- when they sense that death may be soon in coming.

• staff taking ownership of work Since it was created, many other Good Samaritan eling the hall in that wing at a cost of $30,000.

• care plans being very good Changes mean white linoleum will give way to wood Centers have added a Dove Room to their facilities.

• staff interaction with residents that is good and gen- flooring; updated colors and wallpaper will replace Activity room uine Two weeks ago, the center began using a brand-new white block wall, and new curtains will match forest Residents also praised the center, telling inspectors green, blue or cranberry color schemes for the rooms. activity room. The room sports a full kitchen, a row of that the food is excellent, problems are brought up and A homey atmosphere can already be felt in The cabinets, wood flooring and a digital piano. The large dealt with reasonably, and that “whoever hires the staff Lodge, a living room area for residents and visitors. room is used for residents who may wish to have a famdoes a good job.”

With the lower half of The Lodge’s walls covered in ily gathering and for community groups. TOPS, youth “They can see we’re focused on the resident,” Reddy stone to match the stone hearth around the gas fire- hockey and other groups meet in the new room. Mainsaid. “And that’s our mission, putting the resident in place, snowshoe lights, a deer mounted on the wall and tenance director Don Anderson and staff did the labor, the center of the wheel hub… and the rubber on the a canoe bookshelf full of puzzles and games, the room keeping the cost low. wheel is Christ’s love.”

Parking lot plans looks like a cabin.

But a perfect inspection score is only the beginning New doors were just added to the front of Good “Our hope is that people or businesses will help us of the good news happening at the Good Samaritan redo a room, for at least the product costs,” Reddy said. Samaritan Center, thanks to community donations, and Center.

Reddy also hopes to eventually convert double rooms by August the nursing home will have a new parking For example, 10 years ago, the Good Samaritan Cen- at the center into single rooms. lot and a way to drain run-off water to the street. ter showed a negative equity of more than $447,000.

The run-off water from the Polk County Fairgrounds Creating rooms that provide dignity and a home-like At the end of February, Good Sam’s equity was in the atmosphere has a history at Good Samaritan. In 2000, has been an annual problem at the center. black by $53,220.

The city of St. Croix Falls will be working on Reddy’s vision to provide a private room for residents “The Lord is blessing us beyond what I can imagine,” near death became a reality, thanks to donations.

Louisiana Street this summer, and Reddy said the city said Reddy.

The Dove Room is an apartment-like room where res- has been wonderful about working with the center on idents may live for a few days with a family member a drainage plan.

CNA training At the end of March, Good Samaritan received its approval by the state to begin training certified nursing assistants.

“We’re stepping forward and filling a need for the area,” Reddy said.

People interested in the training are already calling the center, even though there has been no advertising, said Michelle Fontanille, director of the training program.

Good Sam’s will train eight people at time, in an 80hour day course.

The $12,000 to $15,000 invested so far into the training program will not only provide a community service, Fontanille said, but will help keep the nursing home afloat.

“We have to branch out in the future to survive as a long-term care center,” she noted.

A new nursing lab area will soon be created for CNA training and for training purposes for other staff.

Assisted living In November 2006 the state approved Good Samaritan Center for as a residential care apartment complex.

That means people living in the attached senior independent housing could choose to receive services from the nursing home.

“We know there’s a great need for assisted living,” Reddy said.

Assisted living helps seniors by bringing meals to their apartments, providing transportation, setting up appointments or helping with self-care, such as teaching someone to inject his own insulin.

In January, the Center welcomed its first resident as an assisted living client in the apartment complex.

Good Sam makeover Reddy has a vision to remake the nursing home into a place where the décor is more home-like, less hospital-like.

Interior design samples hanging on a wall give a vision of the future. The designer color schemes will soon change the look of two resident rooms “adopted” by private citizens who are donating funds for the makeovers.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

“The Fighting Littles” Frederic students bring the 1940s to life in adaptation of Booth Tarkington novel FREDERIC - Frederic students took their audiences back to the 1940s with their production of “The Fighting Littles,” in three performances this past weekend. Booth Tarkington's story of the squabbles, misunderstandings and reconciliations of the Little family and their close friends, was adapted for the stage by Caroline Franck.

Directors Kathy Lexen and Julie Bever led students through several weeks of practice in order to produce the comedy which ran two hours in length.

- Photos by Gary King

Antoinette and Filmer Little, played by Holly Stoner and Joel Knauber, discover they like one another in the first act of “The Fighting Littles.”

LEFT: Guests at a party hosted by the Little Family included Miss Pologa, a dancer immersed in her “Egyptian phase,” center, played by Candace Buck, Baylee Helmstra as Screaball at left and Sarah Lexen as Cuckoo, at right.

RIGHT: Playing the flirtatious southern friend Henriette, Anne Lexen keeps Mr. Little, played by Bryan Knauber, company prior to the arrival of guests at the Little home.

“Bad boy” Dicky (L), played by Chad Chenal, creates a last-minute change in plans for Antoinette and Filmer, played by Holly Stoner and Joel Knauber.

After fainting, Filmer Little, played by Joel Knauber, is taken to the couch where he’s tended to by Cousin Olita (L) played by Alex Puetz, Almatina, played by Yuting Wang and his mother, Mrs. Little (R), played by Emily Didlo.

Dawn Harlander as the Little’s teenage daughter, Goody, and Bryan Meyer as Norman Peale, get acquainted in the Little family’s living room during Frederic High School’s production of “The Fighting Littles.”

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

“The Show 007” leaves ‘em laughing

by Carl Heidel LUCK — They loved it!

The audience last weekend at the Luck High School production of “The Show 007” spent all of the time just having fun. It was like a two-hour long laugh that ended with sustained applause for the cast at the final curtain call.

Written by Judy Wickland, high school teacher and drama coach, the play is a spoof with a James Bond 007 theme. Actually, with student help in the creation of the play, it becomes a spoof of just about everything from what happens in corporate board rooms to Miss Universe/America/USA/ Whatever to TV morning shows to loan applications, and on and on.

Pictured here is just a sampling of the zany madness that passed for a high school play. Certain professional drama critics were heard muttering that the whole thing was really subversive since it was obviously only a disguised version of a cross between “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and TV’s old “Laugh In.”

Photos by Carl Heidel

Wally Rich, a line budger, meets his comeuppance in the Jupinksu Master. Players (L to R) were Dan Nentwich, Felicia Lane, Ben Panek, Iqra Mian, Kristi Clarke and Ali Lehmann.

Megan Hacker and Chris Valentine (L to R), as Suze and Stan in the “Morning Show,” interview anthropologist Felicia Lane.

Chelsea Rasmussen, as Miss USA, culminates a series of apologies as she reminisces over “one wild year!”

Felicia Lane (L) is a customer who finds herself glued to bartender Nate Nelson (R) in “The Velvet Clam.”

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Indian Creek cubs These two bear cubs were found out playing in the spring weather on Sunday in the Indian Creek area. – Photos courtesy Larry Root

Emily Smith (L) relays a terrifying experience with squirrels to OHNO reporter Iqra Mian (R) in “Paranoid Alarmist News.”

Natalie Gubrud, as Babs Baxter, reveals her plan for world domination via a “real strong glue” to James Bond, played by Josh Bazey.

Frederic Acorn Bakery honored

Britta Giller (L) and Jessica Antonson (R) try to protect themselves from Megan Hacker (C) who reveals that she is not accident prone but, rather, enjoys clobbering people.

Ed and Kelly Fisher, owners of the Frederic Acorn Bakery, are shown with Ray Thompson, volunteer driver for the Polk County Aging Program. Volunteer drivers and riders from the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital and Clinic honor the Fishers with a plaque thanking them for their generosity in donating rolls and doughnuts for the driver’s lounge at the VA. The baked goods and coffee are made available to veterans who are there for medical appointments. – Photo submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

“Let’s Go to the Movies!”

Sammi Schullo and Bree Dietmeier performed to the music of “Grease Lightening.” Schullo is a seventh-grader from Spooner Middle School. Dietmeier is a junior from Luck and she has been a member of NFSC, competing for the last five years.

at the Northwoods Figure Skating Club’s annual performance at the Northwoods Sports Complex at Spooner this past weekend. The theme of the show was “Let’s Go to the Movies” and included more than 100 local skaters including youth from Burnett, Washburn and Polk counties.- Photo by Regan Kohler

The Siren Beginners is made up by Bayzhia Heather Taylor, Struck, Brittany Dohm and Alaura Lemieux.

Sadie Kettula, a freshman, from Frederic High School, who has been skating with NFSC for eight years, helped out with the younger skaters.

Photos by Larry Samson except where noted

Courtney Fischer and Sydni Schultz put on the ritz in their performance in the Northwoods Figure Skating Club’s 18th-annual Festival on Ice “Lets Go To the Movies.”

O’Brien, Tylyn Stephanie Miklya and Whitney Yamrick were in the group Siren Advanced Beginners.

From rags to riches

by Diane Dryden RICE LAKE – The keynote speaker for the fifth-annual leadership conference held last week on Friday at WITC in Rice Lake was Minong’s favorite son, Jack Link.

Link now runs what back in the 1800s was a small butcher shop and general store that was owned by his German grandfather. The business passed to sons, and when Link, a third-generation kid, was only a little guy, he joined other family members working in the business.

Back in the ‘50s, the dad and uncle were in the business of meat and farm machinery. In the ‘60s there was furniture, building material, mobile homes and deep freezers available by retail financing. They sold over 100 freezers a week. They also sold meat by the halves and quarters.

In the ‘70s boats, furniture and meat were the main focuses of the business. A contract with McDonalds put the slaughter house business in the black, and things were going well until the Carter administration took over.

Recognizable the world Interest rates went sky around is the original beef high, which made it steak stick along with the new tough for business.

Lil’ Chub.

Soon the packing plant closed.

Photos by Diane Dryden On a hunting trip with one of his sons, Link bought some jerky as a snack. He wasn’t impressed with the product, but it was the start of an idea that would eventually make him a millionaire.

The plant started making what they called kippered

Jack Link, founder of Link Snacks, Inc. was the keynote speaker for the fifth-annual leadership conference held in Rice Lake last week at the WITC campus. jerky. It was moist, tender and tasty. The nation had started the beef buyout program, and there were lots of cows available. Then the bottom fell out again, and when the dairy buyout was over, Jack Link went bankrupt for five months. Because of the enthusiastic selling of independent distributors, the Link Snack, Inc. was up and running again. They still operate in the little town of Minong, population of 540, and they also have a plant in Alpena, S.D., population of 140. Add to that mixture a distribution center with a quarter-milelong building in Laurens, Iowa, plants in South Dakota, New Glarus, Idaho Falls, New Zealand and Brazil, and you have almost a whole picture of where the company is now. To complete the picture, you have to add offices in Japan, England, Germany and Australia.

Not bad for a business that got its start as an 1800s meat market and now has over 2,000 employees.

Link told the 100 attendees of the conference that in business it is always important to do the right thing. To believe in soap and water, to keep yourself clean, your car clean, your shirt clean, your business clean. He also said, like England’s Winston Churchill during the Second World War, “Never, never, never give up.”

He said that a positive attitude goes a long way in business. It changes how you look at things and how you treat people, both your customers and your employees. He then took the audience on a virtual tour of the four plants, two in Wisconsin, one in Iowa and the other in South Dakota, where efficient machines were tended by workers in white smocks, hair nets and hats.

He even showed a hand wash sink designed by his crew that has an alcohol rinse as the last step for extrasanitary hands.

Link takes great pride in his company and in the people with whom he deals every day.

Those that had never met him before mentioned that if he decided to quit his day job he could always go into comedy; his hour-long presentation flew by, laced liberally with humor. The mounds of jerky, kippered snacks, jerky, cheese and the new sausage chubs on the tables for those attending to take and eat didn’t hurt either.

Link’s presentation was a great way to start the conference that pulled people from Ashland, Hayward, Ladysmith and all points in between, and the $150 conference fee not only made many great speakers available and the chance to taste the WITC chef’s lunch and coffee-break food, but it is also contributed to the foundation that helps with WITC scholarships.

If you would like more information about Link Snacks, Inc. their Web site is www.JackLinksJerky.com.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Barrel racing coming to JJ Arena BALSAM LAKE - JJ Arena on CTH I east of Balsam Lake will be stop number 2 of the Second-Annual United Barrel Racing Association Tour May 26 – 28.

The event will include local vendors, free pony rides for the children, tack swap, volleyball tournament, 4-H Fun Day, Memorial Day WSCA Game Show and a silent auction.

Barrel racers will be competing for $1,000 in prize money and over $720 in awards for this show alone for the UBRA Tour. Prizes will also be awarded to 4-H

Fun Show winners and WSCA Game Show winners. All events are open to every one of all ages and skill levels. No memberships required.

The UBRA was organized to promote barrel racing for all ages and skill levels to compete and win prizes on series, state and world levels. The 4D format is similar to a handicap in other sports. The divisional format allows riders of all skill levels a chance to win money and prizes in barrel racing competition. The divisional format encourages riders to im-

prove their skills and work toward the higher divisions, while still having a chance to be competitive.

Last year the UBRA awarded over $50,000 in awards and added money!

Events are currently held throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Iowa and Canada. There are hundreds of contestants, vendors and spectators at each event. The UBRA produces familyoriented barrel races and invite the community to view the events and community businesses to take advantage

of to the advertising opportunities. Admission is always free.

To sign up a team up for the volleyball tournament, a complete schedule, vendor or advertising opportunities contact Jessica Beauvais 715-857-6343 or visit www.UBRA.org Visit www.JJArena.com for directions and other activities. JJ Arena is a boarding and training facility that also offers riding lessons, trail rides and horse camps. Call Julie at 715-554-3460 for more information. - submitted

Retired educators to host retirement planning seminar LUCK – The Polk-Burnett Retired Educators' Association will host a free seminar Planning for Retirement – Are you Ready? on Thursday, April 19, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Luck High School, 810 South 7th Street, Luck.

The focus will be on the Wisconsin Re-

tirement System and pension benefits.

This seminar is for all members of the Wisconsin Retirement System including teachers, administrators and school personnel who are planning to retire within the next five years. The presenter from the Wisconsin Retired Educators' Associ-

ation will be Berland Meyer.

WREA, which was organized in 1951, is a statewide association of over 12,000 members. It is recognized for protecting the public pension fund and promoting public education. With a central office in Middleton, WREA maintains a strong

lobbying presence by representing the views of retired educators.

Please RSVP by Thursday, April 12, to Muriel Pfeifer at 715-268-6578, John Gehrman at 715-472-2153, ext. 154, or Clayton Jorgensen at 715-463-5725. - submitted

4-H Cultural Arts Festival held Michael Wampfler-3; Allie Webster-1

SIREN – Burnett County 4-H held a Cultural Arts Festival in Siren on March 24. 4-H members could enter in communications contests including speech, prose and poetry. They could also be involved in drama, storytelling or demonstrations. Many supplied entries to the arts and crafts contest and the photography contest. Following are the members placement in their respective age categories:

Drama Mini Drama Wood Creek 4-H Club-1; Orange 4-H Club-3; Wood River Beavers 4-H Club-1 Choral Reading Jacob Stiemann and Rachel Gloodt-1; Dianne Olson and Jillian Schinzing-2; Lucas Stiemann and Jessica Strabel-1; Emily Stiemann, Allie Webster and Alexi Gloodt-1; Jaden Cook and Majel Schmaltz-2 Extemporaneous Storytelling Jaden Cook-1

Arts and Crafts Category I – Holiday Decoration Dani Fernandez-1; Bryten Heller-2; Stephanie Miklya-2; Josh Moretter-1; Nicole Moretter-1; Josie Schinzing-2; Majel Schmaltz-1; Emily Stiemann-1 Category II – Weaving Mackenna Johnson-1 Category III – Textiles Anneka Johnson-1; Richard Schneider1 4-H members Lucas Stiemann and Jessica Strabel perform a choral reading at the Cultural Arts Festival. – Photos submitted Category IX – Sculpture Jared Anderson-2; Tavish Heller-2; Anneka Johnson-1; Chelsey Nichols-1; Julia Summer-3 Category X – Cement Craft Jamie Fernandez-2; Jessica Glover-1 Category XI – Candle Deanna Olson-1 Category XII – Jewelry Olivia Kopecky-2; Cerenity Louis-2; Jillian Schinzing-1; Skyler Winkler-1 Category XIII – Metal Art Lauren Jewell-1 Category XV – Stained Glass Joshua Glover-1; Jessica Glover-1 Category XVI – Computer Generated – Nonoriginal Lucas Stiemann-2 Category XIX – Hand Made Card Mackenna Johnson-1; Emily Stiemann2; Lucas Stiemann-3; Jessica Strabel-2; Allie Webster-1 Category XX – Cut Paper The Orange 4-H Club’s handprinted Quwynten Heller-2; Mikel Louis-1; quilt received a first place at the CulJacob Stiemann-1 tural Arts Festival.

Category XXI – Original Cartoon Leah Heller-2 Category XXII – Drawing Category IV – Fancywork Kaylynn Anderson-1; Gabrielle BanksJaden Cook-1; Leah Heller-2; Jillian 1; Jeanna Colombo-3; Sunny Cone-1; Schinzing-1 Tavish Heller-2; Jade Johnson-2; Chelsea Category V – Quilts Larson-1; Melinda Linke-1; Micheal Jared Anderson-2; Austin Otis-1 Linke-2; Kaela Lunden-2; Chelsey Category VI – Pillows Nichols-2; Deanna Olson-1; Corey SandAustin Otis-1 berg-2; Mitchell Sandberg-2; Jessica StraCategory VII – Ceramics/Pottery bel-1 Richard Schneider-2; John Schneider-1 Category XXIII – Painting Category VIII – Pottery/Hand Sunny Cone-3; Bryten Heller-1; Jaden Cook-2; Rachel Larson-2; Lori Quwynten Heller-2; Cody Isaacson-3; Linke-1; Mikel Louis-2; Nicole Moretter- Jade Johnson-1; Olivia Kopecky-2; 1; Melanie Schultz-1; Alan Strabel-2; Chelsea Larson-1; Kaela Lunden-2; Josh Nathan Swenson-2; Michael Wampfler-1 Moretter-2; Majel Schmaltz-3; Alan Strabel-3; Kerik Stubbe-2; Synclare Stubbe-2;

Skyler Winkler-1 Category XXIV – Collage Anthony Otis-Grand Champion Category XXVII-Fine Woodworking Michael Wampfler-1 Category XXVIII – Models; nonkit Cortland Summer-1 Category XXIX – Models; kit Matthew Louis-3; Anthony Otis-1; Kerik Stubbe-1; Mathew Wampfler-1 Category XXX – Recycled Craft Dani Fernandez-1; Jamie Fernandez-2; Joshua Glover-1; Matthew Louis-3; Synclare Stubbe-2; Nathan Swenson-3 Category XXXI – Educational Display Lane Johnson-1; Taylor Larson-2; Matthew Louis-2; Jorden Otis-1 Category XXXIII – Group Craft Two Rivers 4-H Club-2 Category XXXIV – Group Art Orange 4-H Club-1 Photography Single Print Jaden Cook-1; Dani Fernandez-2; Joshua Glover-2; Jessica Glover-3; Chelsey Nichols-4; Majel Schmaltz-2; Emily Stiemann-1; Jacob StiemannGrand Champion; Lucas Stiemann-3 Two or More Series Jaden Cook-2; Jade Johnson-2; Chelsey Nichols-2; Majel Schmaltz-2; Emily Stiemann-1; Jacob Stiemann-2 Digital Kaylynn Anderson-2; Jeanna Colombo-1; Dani Fernandez-2; Jamie Fernandez-4; Joshua Glover-1; Jessica Glover-2; Arik Hochstetler-2; Jade Johnson-3; Mackenna Johnson-1; Chelsey Nichols-1; Dianna Olson-3; Rebecca Olson-2; Austin Otis-1; Emily Stiemann2; Jacob Stiemann-1; Lucas Stiemann-2; Kelley Wampfler-Grand Champion;

Communication Category I – Memorized 4-H Pledge Matthew Louis-2 Category II – Prepared Speech Jacob Stiemann-1; Jillian Schinzing-1; Stephanie Miklya-1; Lucas Stiemann-1; Jessica Strabel-1 Category IV – Prose Original (Oral) Jillian Schinzing-1 Category V – Prose Nonoriginal (Oral) Arik Hochstetler-2; Emily Stiemann-2; Lucas Stiemann-1; Majel Schmaltz-3; Allie Webster-1; Jaden Cook-2; Jacob Stiemann-1; Jillian Schinzing-1 Category VI – Poetry Original (Oral) Austin Otis-1; Jillian Schinzing-1 Category VII – Poetry Nonoriginal (Oral) Lucas Stiemann-1; Emily Stiemann-1; Allie Webster-1; Jaden Cook-2; Majel Schmaltz-2; Jacob Stiemann-1; Olivia Kopecky-2; Austin Otis-2; Jillian Schinzing-1; Alan Strabel-1; Cody Isaacson-2 Category VIII – Short Story (Written) Kaylynn Anderson-2; Joshua Glover-1; Taylor Larson-1; Stephanie Miklya-1; Chelsey Nichols-2; Dianna Olson-1; Rebecca Olson-1; Jorden Otis-1; Emily Stiemann-1; Jacob Stiemann-1; Lucas Stiemann-1; Alan Strabel-2; Jessica Strabel-1; Mathew Wampfler-1; Michael Wampfler-1; Allie Webster-1 Category IX – Poetry (Written) Kaylynn Anderson-2; Jessica Glover-1; Rachel Larson-1; Chelsey Nichols-2; Dianna Olson-1; Rebecca Olson-1; Jorden Otis-1; Jillian Schinzing-1; Emily Stiemann-1; Jacob Stiemann-1; Lucas Stiemann-1; Allie Webster-1 Demonstration Class B Individual Jorden Otis-1; Anthony Otis-2; Jessica Strabel-1 Class C Individual Jillian Schinzing-1; Alan Strabel-2; Austin Otis-1 Class D Individual Ellie Isaacson-1 Class G – Team Austin Otis and Jessica Glover-1 For more information on the 4-H program in Burnett County, contact Mary at 715-349-2151 or Pardee mary.pardee@ces.uwex.edu. - submitted

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

Knights of Columbus recognize winners

Carley Emery

Brent Myers

FREDERIC – The Frederic council of KCs is proud to recognize the winners of the Diocesan Competition in Ladysmith on March 17.

These students can now move on to state competition in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, April 14.

Emily Swenson

I) Knowledge Contest A) Spelling Eighth grade - Emily Swenson [Grantsburg] Fifth grade - Gus Johnson [Grantsburg] B) Math Eighth grade - Jake Lee [Grantsburg]

Gus Johnson

Jake Lee

Sixth grade - Cayel Wesenberg [Luck} C) Free Throws Age 12 - Carley Emery [Siren] Age 14 - Brent Myers [Grantsburg] Age 13 - Rush Hicketheir [Unity] No Picture The follwing students placed third and will go if either No. 1 or No. 2 cannot.

Cayel Wesenberg

A) Free Throws Age 14 - Ashley Guevara [Siren] Age 10 - Jenni Holdt [Luck] They are wished good luck, and gratitude is extended to all students, teachers, administrators and KCs who make this possible. - submitted

Curves donates to food shelf Siren Lioness installation SIREN – The Siren Lioness Club is proud to welcome new Lioness, Carol Tietz, who was installed at the February Valentine’s Dinner Meeting held at Bob-

bie’s World. Gratitude is extended to Bobby and staff for the Italian cuisine, the decorations and the warm hospitality! - submitted

Pictured (foregroud L to R): Past Club President Lioness Joan Chapman, Sponsoring Lioness Mary Jo Bierman and New Lioness Carol Tietz.

The members of Frederic Curves donated 282 pounds of food for the Food for Friends drive in March. Representing the Food for Friends drive are volunteer Pictured (L to R): Sponsoring Lioness Mary Jo Bierman, Installing Lioness Nancy Jorgenson (L) and Curves member Abbie Larsen (R). – Photo by Marty Jeanette Olson and New Lioness Carol Tietz. – Photos submitted Seeger

Luck area ACS Run/Walk Finish Line May 12 LUCK – Now is the time to get teams organized or plan to run/walk as an individual for the Luck Area one-, three- or five-mile Finish Line event. There are no set numbers to have a team. Registration and pledge forms are available at Rural American Bank and Wayne’s Foods Plus. Preregistration is $5 and should be sent to Jean Tucker, 2735 State Rd. 35, Luck, WI 54853, or dropped off at Rural American Bank before May 7. You

may also register on the day of the run/walk for $10 at Luck High School from 8-9 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., honorary cochairmen, Cheryl Langness and Carol Giller, will lead the way.

Each participant that raises $60 will receive a T-shirt the day of the event.

Prizes for individual top money raisers include two one-night stays and dinner for two at St. Croix Casino, Turtle Lake, $50 gift certificate at Van Meters Meats,

Luck, and $50 gift certificate to Calderwood Lodge, Bone Lake.

Many businesses in Luck have “Foot A Buck” footprints available for $1. Consider purchasing one when in town.

Tribute flags may be purchased for a $10 minimum donation. Contact Marcia Anderson, 1512 Lake Ave., Luck, WI 54853 or call her at 715-472-8478. These flags will line the beginning of the run/walk route with the names of the

cancer victim or survivor.

With continued support from members of our community, the ACS is working to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. By 2015, they hope to prevent nearly 5 million cancer-related deaths, avert 6 million new cancer diagnoses and to continue to improve the quality of life for people with cancer. - submitted

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month SPOONER — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In an effort to bring awareness and education to the community of Washburn County, there will be a complimentary family supper and informative presentation Tuesday, April 10, at the United Methodist Church, 312 Elm St., Spooner.

The evening begins with supper from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Internet Predators, a PowerPoint presentation facili-

tated by Christine Nash, Washburn County advocate, will focus on securing safe Internet use in your home with your families. This information is valuable for parents and caregivers with any school-aged children. Joan Wilson, family services supervisor, will also speak on Preventing Child Abuse: Why Support is Critical.

Child care and activities are provided during the parent/caregivers sessions. Preregistration is appreciated

and can be made by contacting Lakeland Family Resource Center at 635-4669. There are no fees for this program. In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this evening is sponsored by Time-Out Abuse Shelter Inc., Washburn County Health and Human Services Department and Lakeland Family Resource Center. — from LFRC

Bremer Foundation announces grants AMERY - The Amery Regional Medical Center received $100,000 and Lac Courte Oreilles Public Broadcasting Corporation, WOJB, received $25,000 from the Otto Bremer Foundation. The grants were two of four

grants to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations and 80 grants to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Montana. The mission of the foundation is to assist people in achieving full eco-

nomic, civic and social participation and for the betterment of their communities. - submitted

Do you know anyone in this photo?

Earth Day celebration ST. CROIX FALLS – Polk County Recycling Center invites you to join them in celebrating Earth Day on Friday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Help save our beautiful world . . . make every day Earth Day! As part of the Earth Day celebration, Polk County Solid Waste and Recycling wishes to invite you to their facility (1302 208th Street, St. Croix Falls) for a tour and refreshments. Learn how to lower your taxes by encouraging recycling by all residents of Polk County. Open house will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Vendors/presenters of area businesses will also be on hand to talk about environmental issues.

Dispose of your dry-cell batteries (limit 5 pounds per family) for free only on April 20.

Remember, disposing of your ink jet and toner cartridges and cell phones is always free at the Polk County Recycling Center.

Schools and the public are encouraged to tour the recycling facility from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20.

SCF Easter egg hunt set

This is an old Shell Lake School photograph that was recently found by Phyllis Shipman. Shipman is looking for any information that someone may have as to what year this was, what class it is, and who the students and teacher are. You may call Shipman with your information at 715-468-7827. – Photo submitted

ST. CROIX FALLS - The St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce will once again host an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7, at Lions Park on the north end of Main Street in St. Croix Falls.

The hunt begins at 10 a.m. sharp with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself. – from SCF Chamber

Circus is coming to Webster

X

WEBSTER – The Jose Cole Circus is coming to the Webster High School gym on Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for children 12 and under and $9 for adults and are available at Wayne’s Foods Plus in Webster, Log Cabin Store in Danbury, the Good Ol’ Drive Inn in Frederic and the Main Store in Webb Lake until 5p.m., April 19. Tickets will also be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Webster girls softball program. - submitted

X

Academic News SUPERIOR - The University of Wisconsin-Superior has named Christine Byerly and Jesse Sopiwnik of Frederic and Adam Nockels of Luck to the Superior Achievements Program for the 2006-2007 academic year.

To be named to the Superior Achievements Program, a student must have achieved a grade-point average of 3.40 or above (on a 4.0 scale) and have completed 67 or more semester credits.

UW-Superior is Wisconsin’s Leading Public Liberal Arts College, preparing students for lifelong learning and offering solid career preparation. A member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, UW-Superior offers more than 30 undergraduate academic programs as well as graduate, continuing education and distance learning programs. – from UW-Superior ••• Jacqueline Helland has earned an applied science paralegal degree from the Minnesota School of BusinessPlymouth. Helland is a 1997 graduate of Siren High School. – submitted

X

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

Girl Scouts participate in Celie’s Sixth-Annual Bunny Drive Members of Girl Scout Troop 1608, (L to R) Sarah Shaffer, Abby Kosloski, Courtney Coy, Nicole Dalsveen and Leigha PriskeOlson, gathered outside the Siren Elementary School office Monday, April 2, for a picture with the 72 stuffed animals (including mostly bunnies but a chicken and several dogs, too) they collected for Celie’s Sixth-Annual Bunny Drive. Three members of the troop are not included in the picture – Kendra Benjamin, Josie Taylor and Mandy Trenter. Celie Mangelsen, Abby’s cousin, had heart surgery at about three months, was in the hospital over Easter and got a stuffed bunny, starting the idea for the drive. Bethany Lutheran Church and the school donated to the project. The bunnies will be distributed to children in Twin City area hospitals over Easter to give those children a smile. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Smokey Bear visits Siren Elementary students

Siren Elementary students in grades kindergarten, first and third, enjoyed a special guest on March 27. Smokey Bear talked to the students about fire prevention. The students were also given information about fire prevention from Smokey Bear to read. The students had a great time! Gratitude is extended for visiting the school, Smokey! – Photos submitted

Humane Society receives donatioin

Humane Society of Burnett County director Lore Quinn accepts a check for $500 from Susan Hanninen and Marlene Kufalk of the Webster Lioness Club. The Webster Lioness Club recently held a “doggie shower” for the humane society. A large assortment of items such as dog food, toys and cleaning supplies were also donated to the shelter from this event.

– HSBC

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Destination ImagiNation

The Unity High School DestiNation ImagiNation competed in the CSI–CI Challenge at the St. Croix Valley Imagination DestiNation Regional Tournament. Pictured (L to R): Coach Randy Krueger, Brianna Kothe, Savannah Stone, Shay Nelson, Kayla Johnson and Hailey Olson.

The Unity Middle School team took a third place at the St. Croix Valley Regional Tournament for Destination ImagiNation at Hudson Saturday, March 31. Front row (L to R): Mercedes Kobs and Shauna Jorgenson. Back row (L to R): Brandon McKenzie, Anna Ebensprger, Sarah Bader, Morgan Hoehne and Kayla Johnson.

The Frederic solo ensemble performed at Webster on March 27, and out of 14 events, 39 students advanced to the State Music Festival which was held at Eau Claire on March 31.

Front row (L to R): April Halverson, Allison Martin, Alli Anderson, Isabel Lexen, Sam Nelson, Cori Schmidt and Chris Hopp. Second row (L to R): Megan Neumann, Bobbi O’Brien, Brady McWilliams, Joe Draxler, Kathleen Jerry, Candace Buck, Rachel O’Brien, Cathryn McConnell, Erik Stoner, Michael Tesch and Savanna Pearson. Third row (L to R): Kendra Wells, Haley Kurkowski, Anna Tesch, Becca Anderson, Adrianna Otte, Megan Anderson, Amy Soppeland, Ashley Heine, Holly Stoner and Anne Lexen.

Back row (L to R) Bryan Knauber, Bryan Meyer, Ben G. Anderson, Zach Anderson, Jake Schmidt, Elliot Lund and Emily Didlo. Missing from photo are: Marissa Nelson, Calla Karl, Will Primm and Kim Runnels. Teachers not pictured include Greg Heine, Patti Burns and Pat Anderson. – Photo by Marty Seeger

The Luck Naïve Geniues competed at the St. Croix Valley Regional Tournament for Destination ImagiNation at Hudson Saturday, March 31. The category they competed in was the CSI-DI. Front row (L to R): Whitney Pedersen, Jillian Klatt, Tessa Clemenson and Conner McGinnity. Back row (L to R): Karste Peterson, Taylor Webb, Camille Marsten and Coach Greg Marsten. — Photos submitted

Frederic music students in State Music Festival

Pinewood Derby FREDERIC – The Frederic Cub Scouts Pack #128 had their annual Pinewood Derby event on March 24. The Scouts look forward to designing and racing their cars. They receive awards for fastest and best design. This year the Cub Scouts invited the Frederic Girl and Boy Scouts to compete in the

race along with the open class. The winning Cub Scout cars will go on to compete in the district competition.

The Cub Scouts express gratitude to all the people it takes to have this special event. - submitted

The Cub Scout winners shown are, back row (L to R): David Lindberg, Zach Peterson and Jaryd Braden. Front: Carter Simon, Jonah Tinman, Jesse Beam and Hunter Schmidt.

The Cub, Boy, Girl Scouts and Open Class winners are. Back row, (L to R): David Lindberg, Jaryd Braden, Charlie Lindberg, Brad Peterson and Roy White. Middle Row: Jori Braden, Carter Simon, Jonah Tinman, Jesse Beam, Zach Peterson, Samantha Penberthy and Hunter Schmidt.

Front Row: Carson Simon, Andrew Tinman and Jennifer Hill. – Photos submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

CHURCH NEWS Girl Scouts collect Easter bunnies at Bethany Girl Scouts from Troop 1608, (L to R:) Abby Kosloski, Nicole Dalsveen and Courtney Coy, collected 48 toy Easter bunnies from congregation members of Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren on April 1, Passion-Palm Sunday. The soft, cuddly bunnies will be donated to children in Twin Cities’ hospitals throughout the Easter season. Also on Sunday, the congregation read together the Passion of our Lord, according to Luke. The story shares the final days of Jesus, from the Last Supper, to his betrayal by Judas, his arrest, crucifixion and burial. Next week, Bethany will hold Maundy Thursday services at 7 p.m.

April 5, and Good Friday prayer service at 7 p.m. April 6. A breakfast will be held between Easter Sunday services. Bethany holds worship services every Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 715-349-5280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

Special Olympians take to the field

OBITUARIES Katherine C. Peterson

For these Special Olympians, track and field started March 17 at the Amery school track, but was completed indoors due to weather conditions.

Pictured are back row (L to R): Laura Richter, Jarvis Warwas, Ben Olson, Brianna Paulson, Leon Helgeson and Coach Carol Fougner. Front row: Angie White, Crystal Fougner, Joe Stauner. Not pictured: Thomas Cadotte, Nikolaus Schrantz, Liz Wrensch, Makinzie Miller, John Enspamer and Mike Fyle. – Photo submitted

Katherine C. Peterson, Shell Lake, died March 31, 2007, at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake. She was 63 years old.

Kathy was born Nov. 8, 1943, in New Orleans, La., to John and Florence (Sexton) Forrestal. Kathy was married in Shell Lake on Oct. 2, 1982, to Jack Peterson who preceded her in death on June 5, 2006. She was also preceded in death by a young son, Michael, and sister Mary Gruenhagen.

Kathy received her GED and then her BA in elementary education. She later received an MA in mental health counseling and worked in AODA and adult basic education. She loved gardening and singing, and she took pride in teaching and helping people achieving their goals. Kathy was full of life, interests and hobbies. She liked painting, woodworking, quilting and crocheting. Kathy loved to read and cherished her book club. She kept a large yard and several flower gardens. Kathy enjoyed her children and grandchildren, by taking walks in her garden showing them her new projects and attending their school events. She was very young at heart, helped many people and touched many lives too numerous to mention.

She is survived by children Martin Hile, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Kathryn (Phil) Spexet, Andover, Minn., Joseph (Gina) Hile, River Falls, Karen Hile (Edward Rivera), Barronett, Charles (Heidi) Hile, Haugen and Jon (Nicole) Hile, Cumberland; stepdaughters Kelly Baldwin, Woodbury, Minn., and Sherri Tuttle and Paula Tinnel, both of Monticello, Minn.; 24 grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; brothers John Forrestal, Shell Lake, and Bill (Sherry) Forrestal, Grantsburg and sisters Margaret (Jim) Butterfield, Sarona, and Ella Jo (Steve) Friendt, Maplewood, Minn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at Salem Lutheran Church, Shell Lake, with the Rev. Laurie Engesser officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Hertel.

Pallbearers are Lee Thomas, Dave Thomas, Steve Jacobson, LeRoy Butterfield, Phil Spexet and John Gajewski.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday at the Pockat Funeral Home, Shell Lake, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

The Pockat Funeral Home, Shell Lake, was entrusted with arrangements.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

OBITUARIES Robert John Anderson

Helen E. Rood

Richard Sherman Swenson

Robert John Anderson, 89, Amery, died March 23, 2007, at Amery Regional Medical Center.

Robert was born on Feb. 20, 1918, in Clam Falls. He was the son of John Robert and Elsie Elizabeth (Ulbrich) Anderson. He attended the Indian Creek School. He farmed near Clam Falls for a short time before purchasing the family farm in Lorain.

On August 21, 1944, he was united in marriage to Esther Arelyne Cooan and to this union seven children were born. In 1979, they moved to a home off the farm, but he continued farming until 1999. He worked as a bouncer at Spencer Lake for a number of years when Esther worked there. He was a member of the EIO snowmobile club where he groomed trails. When time allowed, dancing, rollerskating, card playing, fishing and boating were also enjoyed. After Esther’s death, Robert lived with his daughter, Roberta Hansen, for 15 months and spent the days with Teressa Jensen before moving in December to Golden Age Manor in Amery.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Esther; brother, George E. Anderson.

He is survived by his children, Teresa (Dale) Jensen, Dennis (Penny) Anderson, Roberta (Steven) Hansen, Johnny Anderson, James (Nancy) Anderson, Daryl (Sharon) Anderson and Jeannette Anderson. He also leaves a brother, Donald D. Anderson; sisters, Ella Brunclik, Grace Imme and Mary Lou (Warren) Peterson; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 30, at the American Legion Hall in Indian Creek. Pastor Arveda “Freddie” Kirk officiated the services. Special music was provided by Sherry Doornink and Shelly Hermansen. Casket bearers were Kevin Root, Larry Root, Bruce Imme, Jody Imme, Clifford Anderson and Roger Owens. Interment was at the Lorain-Union Cemetery.

The Williamson Funeral Home, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

Helen E. Rood, Osceola, died Thursday, March 29, 2007, at her home at the age of 85.

Helen was born Oct. 2, 1921, in St. Paul, Minn., to Arthur and Clara Werket. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1939. She graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn., in 1943. On Dec. 25, 1943, she married Ellsworth “Ole” Rood at State College, Pa. She was a homemaker and mother for 63 years. Helen enjoyed singing, organ, piano, sewing, crocheting, crosswords and reading.

Helen was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Michel Rood; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Ethel Larson.

She is survived by her husband, Ellsworth “Ole”; son, Kim (Laura); daughters, Kitty (Karl) Foord and Kristin Larson; grandchildren, Kelly Rood, Karen (Jeremy) Hansen, Katie (Matt) Frederickson, Andrew (Karolina) Dawson, Adam (Jessica) Dawson and Peter (Elizabeth) Larson; great-grandchildren, Parker Dawson and Anthony Larson; brother, John (Vesla) Werket; nephews, John (Jackie) Werket and Jim (Carol) Werket.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 12, 11 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

Richard (Dick) Sherman Swenson, 79, Centuria, died March 21, 2007, at Bethesda Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.

He was born June 1, 1927, in Westby, son of Nordahl and Stella Swenson.

In 1931, Dick moved with his family to Prairie Farm where he attended school and was confirmed at United Lutheran Church. He was very active in sports and other extracurricular activities and graduated from high school in 1945 with top honors.

Dick attended River Falls Teachers College and graduated in 1949 with a degree in secondary education.

His first teaching job was in Richland Center, where he taught and coached for only a year before being drafted. He served in the United States Army until 1953. He spent one year as a cook in the Special Services Division at the United Nations Command Advance Truce Camp in Munsan-Ni, Korea, where the final Korean truce was signed.

In 1953, Dick resumed his teaching career at Mindoro High School, then returned to his hometown of Prairie Farm where he taught and coached from 1955-1963. He taught one year at Stanley-Boyd High School before finding a home at Unity High School where he remained for 23 years, retiring in 1987 as the head of the Unity history department.

He coached basketball for 41 years, track for 16, football for eight, baseball for eight and cross-country for five years. He also was a sportswriter for the Ledger Newspaper for a few years in the 1960s. Dick was one of the founders of the Unity Education Scholarship Foundation, awarding thousands of dollars to students for the post-secondary education.

When Swensons built their home in Centuria, they became active members of the community. He served on the Centuria Planning Commission, was a member of the Unity Lions Club, and was actively involved in the life of Fristad Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council for 12 years. He loved flowers and spent many years tending the gardens at the church. In 2006, he and Ardie had the distinction of being honored as the Grand Marshals of Centuria Memory Days. From 1977-1987, the Swensons were co-owners of Calderwood Lodge on Bone Lake, building it into a premier dining establishment in northern Wisconsin.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Harlan and Eleanora Swenson.

Dick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ardie (Pierson Bloom); one daughter, Kelley (Tim) Chrouser; five stepchildren, Tom (Mary) Bloom, Doug (Vickie) Bloom, Wendy (Chris) Austin, Nancy (Mike) Miller and Kathy (Allen Bernard) Bloom; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and niece Shirley (Bill) Hopp.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 14, at Fristad Lutheran Church in Centuria at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at 1 p.m. Pastor Mel Rau will officiate. A private burial will be at Chisago Lutheran Hilltop Cemetery in Center City, Minn.

Memorials preferred to Unity Scholarship Foundation or Fristad Lutheran Church Foundation.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Timothy M. Lehman Timothy Mark Lehman, 33, of Luck, died March 20, 2007, in Eureka Township.

Timothy was born Nov. 16, 1973, at the St. Croix Falls Hospital, the son of A. Roger and Victoria Lehman.

He graduated from Unity Public School, Balsam Lake, in 1992.

He started working in construction with his father in his late teens and became an accomplished finish carpenter working on many nice homes in Polk County. Timothy loved music and cinema and spent many hours discussing both.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his parents, Roger and Victoria; brother, Chad (Michelle); and nephew, Drew; 29 aunts and uncles and over 90 cousins; plus many great-aunts and great-uncles; special friends, Jolene Nieman and Colin Mueller.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held April 9, 1 p.m., at the Cushing Lutheran Church. The Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, was entrusted with arrangements.

Marion H. MacDonald Marion H. MacDonald, 93, a resident of Webb Lake, died March 29, 2007, at Spooner Health System. Private family services were held.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Florence L. Pardun Florence L. Pardun, age 96, a resident of Danbury, died March 30, 2007, at Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg.

Florence was born on May 16, 1910, in Bluff Lake, Union Township, to Silas and Clara (Valley) Broeffle.

Florence married Guy Pardun in Webster on April 27, 1935. Florence worked at the Danbury Schools as a part-time cook. She enjoyed gardening, bird-watching, hunting, and knitting and crocheting afghans and socks. Florence was active in four Bible studies, a charter member of the Church of Nazarene in Danbury and a member of the Women’s Glow.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Guy, in 1976; sisters, Edith, Grace and Letha; brothers, Myron, Leo, Arthur and Manuel.

Florence is survived by her children, Dorothy (Ray) Freeborn of Panama City, Fla., Jerry (Lois) Pardun of Danbury, Ron (Phylis) Pardun of Danbury and Roland (Carol) Pardun of Cochrane; sisters-in-law, Nellie Pardun, Irene (Joe) Fornengo, Bonnie (Doug) Smiley, Donna Richardson and Janice (Monte) Chapman; brothers-in-law, Harold Pardun and Lyle Pardun; sister-in-laws, Sylvia Pardun and Helen Pardun; 12 grandand five children, 22 great-grandchildren great-great-grandchildren, her relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 2, 2007, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Boeselager officiating. Music was provided by organist Margel Ruck, and soloist Courtney Daniels.

Interment followed at Danbury Cemetery. Casket bearers were Guy Pardun, Brent Pardun, Josh Pardun, Andrew Pardun, Wes Hedrick, Seth Pardun, Brian Pardun, Mark Freeborn, Josh O’Mally, Travis McDowell and Doug McDowell.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, with was entrusted 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

Dennis Fellman Dennis Dean Leon Fellman, 65, died March 29, 2007, at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

He was born July 21, 1941, in Red Wing, Minn. He graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1960, and after discharge from the United States Navy, worked as a drywall taper in the Twin Cities area. During this time, they lived and had a hobby farm in Centuria, Minn., and raised goats, which he called his kids.

He and his wife took in foster children for a few years, and Dennis was also loved by many of his nieces and nephews. He moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in about 1985 and then moved back to Wisconsin in the early 1990s.

Dennis’s main interest and entertainment was enjoying playing games and cards with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Loralee; parents, Harry and Evelyn Fellman; and infant sister, Diane Kay Fellman.

He is survived by brothers, Curtis Fellman and Lyle Fellman; and sister, LaVonne Audette.

A memorial service will be conducted at Kolstad Family Funeral Home, April 5, at 11a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home, Centuria, was entrusted with arrangements.

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS

Holy Week schedules set Holy Trinity and Faith Lutheran Church Good Friday, April 6, Ecumenical Services will be held in Balsam Lake at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church and at 7:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church.

Bone Lake Lutheran Church Palm Sunday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. worship services with holy communion and the children sing. Maundy Thursday, April 5, 6 p.m. potluck supper, 6:45 p.m. worship service with first communion. Good Friday, April 6, 6:45 p.m. worship service. Easter vigil, Saturday, April 7, 6:45 p.m. worship service. Easter Sunday, April 8, 6:30 a.m. sunrise worship service with holy communion; 7:30 – 9:15 a.m. pancake breakfast (freewill offering fundraiser. Served by senior high youth); 10 a.m. worship service with holy communion. Everyone is welcomed at Bone Lake Lutheran Church. It is located five miles east of Luck and one-half-mile south on CTH I at 1101 255th Ave. Call 715-472-2535 with questions.

Fristad Lutheran Church Good Friday services will be a joint service with the congregation of North Valley Lutheran of Milltown.

Times are 1 and 7 p.m., April 6. These services will be held at North Valley Lutheran on Hwy. G, just outside of Milltown. Easter will be celebrated with a sunrise service at 7 a.m. Easter breakfast will be served from 8 to 9:15 a.m., with another service to follow at 9:30 a.m.

Milltown Lutheran Church Milltown Lutheran Church will celebrate Holy Week with the following services: Palm Sunday, April 1, services 9 a.m., prayer and praise with Holy Communion; 10:40 a.m., worship with Holy Communion; Thursday, April 5, Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. service; Friday, April 6, Good Friday, 4 p.m. service and 7 p.m. Tenebrae service; Sunday, April 8, Easter, 6:30 a.m., sunrise service followed by Easter brunch and 10 a.m. Easter worship.

First Evan. Lutheran Church First Evan. Lutheran Church will celebrate Holy Week at the following services: Palm Sunday, April 1, services at 9 a.m.; Thursday, April 5, Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday, April 8, sunrise at the Lookout, 6 a.m.; traditional worship, 8:30 a.m. and contemporary worship, 10:30 a.m.

Pilgrim Lutheran Church Pilgrim Lutheran Church has announced its Holy Week services. Palm Sunday: 10 a.m. (one worship service with Holy Communion); Maundy Thursday: 6:30 p.m. service; Good Friday: 7 p.m. Ecumenical Service at St. Luke’s Methodist Church; Easter: 8:30 a.m. breakfast in the Fellowship Hall; 10 a.m. one worship service with Holy Communion.

Wolf Creek United Methodist Church Join the Wolf Creek United Methodist Church for Palm Sunday service, 8:15 a.m. sharp, and stay for breakfast and fellowship following the service.

Peace Lutheran Church Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser will be celebrating Maundy Thursday with a soup supper at 5:30 p.m., and worship at 7 p.m. Good Friday worship service will be at noon. Easter Sunday worship services are at 6:30, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Easter Breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and ham, served by the youth will be at 7:30 & 9:30 a.m. There will be no Sunday School.

Osceola United Methodist Church Osceola United Methodist Church will celebrate the power of the cross and a risen Lord with the following Holy Week worship schedule: Maundy Thursday, April 5, worship in the setting of the Last Supper at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, April 6, vigil and Tenebrae service at 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday, April 8, sunrise service at 7 a.m., breakfast at 8 a.m., Easter egg hunt at 8:30 a.m. coffee fellowship at 9 a.m. and worship with communion at 10 a.m.

St. Joseph Church and Lady of the Lakes St. Joseph Church and Lady of the Lakes Catholic churches will celebrate Holy Week with the following services: Thursday, April 5, Our Lady of the Lakes, 7 p.m. Mass with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to follow until 10 p.m. and St. Joseph’s 8-10 p.m., Mass with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; Friday, April 6, Our Lady of the Lakes, noon service and St. Joseph’s, 3 p.m. service and 7 p.m. devotions; Saturday, April 7, St. Joseph’s, 8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass; Sunday, April 8, Our Lady of the Lakes 8:30 a.m. Easter Mass and St. Joseph’s 10:30 a.m., Easter Mass.

Siren Covenant Church There are many activities planned for Holy Week at Siren Covenant Church. First of all, the men will be serving breakfast from 8:00–9:30 a.m. on Palm Sunday, April 1, the worship service will begin at 10 a.m. On Maundy Thursday, April 5, there will be a light supper at 5:30 p.m. with a Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Service will begin at 7 p.m. in the worship center. On Easter Sunday there will be an egg hunt for the children at 9 a.m. and a Festival Worship Service beginning at 10 a.m. Siren Covenant is located just off of Hwy. 35 on the south side of Siren, 7686 Lofty Pines Drive. We invite you to come and share as we reflect on the life and death of our Saviour.

Our Redeemer Lutheran The congregations of Our Redeemer Lutheran of Webster and Trinity Lutheran of Danbury will be celebrating Holy Week as scheduled: April 1, Palm Sunday with communion, 8 a.m. at Trinity and 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer. April 4, Lenten Service, 7 p.m. at Our Redeemer. April 5, Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. at Our Redeemer. April 6, Good Friday, Chancel Drama, 7 p.m. at Our Redeemer. April 8, Easter Sunday, sunrise service with communion, 6 a.m. at Our Redeemer. Easter Sunday service with communion, 8 a.m. at Trinity and 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer. Everyone is welcome to join, as we journey through Holy Week to arrive at a very joyous time on Easter Sunday. “He Is Risen” “He Is Risen Indeed.”

First Baptist Easter Sunday at First Baptist of Webster will begin with breakfast served from 9-10 a.m. by the senior high SIGN group. Donations will go toward their missions trip to Mexico Aug. 3-12. This will be followed with a festive Easter service at 10:45 a.m. Pastor Merrill Olson invites the public to First Baptist to celebrate the risen Lord Jesus.

Trade Lake Baptist Church The Trade Lake Baptist Church will be having their Good Friday Service at the Atlas Methodist Church on Friday, April 6, at 7 p.m., with other area churches. Pastor Charles Arndt of First Lutheran Church will be the speaker. On Easter Sunday, the morning will start with Easter breakfast at 9:15 a.m., followed by worship at 10:15 a.m., with a short children’s program in the beginning. Trade Lake Baptist Church is located at 20750 CTH Z, 7 miles west of Frederic on Hwy. 48 & CTH Z. Interim pastor is Ray Harrison. Everyone is welcome.

Church of St. Joseph Catholic Church Join us for the following services during Holy Week: Spy Wednesday, April 4, Reconciliation 5 p.m.; Holy Hour 5 p.m.; Benediction 5:55 p.m.; Mass 6 p.m.; Reconciliation 6:45 p.m.; Holy Thursday Mass at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, April 6, Stations of the Cross at 3 p.m., service at 7 p.m.; Easter Vigil 8 p.m. (no 5:30 p.m. Mass); Easter Mass 7:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, April 12, Reconciliation for Divine Mercy at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 13, Mass at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday Vigil April 14, Chaplet, Adoration, Benediction; Sunday, April 15, Mass at 7:30 a.m., Chaplet and Mass at 10:30 a.m., Chaplet, Adoration, Benediction.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Join us for the following services during Holy Week: Spy Wednesday, April 4, Soup Supper at 6 p.m., with Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.; Holy Thursday, Mass at 7 p.m.; Good Friday service at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Easter Vigil at 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday Mass at 9 a.m.; Tuesday, April 10, Reconciliation for Divine Mercy at 7 p.m. and Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15, Mass at 9 a.m., Chaplet.

Faith Lutheran Church Joint Maundy Thursday services with Bethany Lutheran of rural Grantsburg will be held at Faith Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. Good Friday worship will be at Bethany Lutheran at 7 p.m. All are invited to Sunrise Easter services at 7 a.m., Easter breakfast to follow the sunrise service, along with Easter worship at 9:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg.

Luck and St. Peter’s Lutheran Churches Luck and St. Peter’s Lutheran churches will hold special worship services for Holy Week. Maundy Thursday, April 5, “Our Lord’s Supper” 7 p.m. at Luck Lutheran. Good Friday, April 6, “Our Lord’s Sacrifice” 5 p.m. at Luck Lutheran. Easter Sunday, April 8. “Our Lord’s Resurrection” 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Luck Lutheran and 9 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran. Luck Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Fifth Street South and East Foster Avenue in Luck and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at the corner of Hwy. 35 and CTH B, north of Luck. The churches invite all from the community to join them in worship during this sacred week.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

CHURCH NEWS The barrier is removed

Thank you for asking

There is a dramatic Good Friday event that usually isn’t given as much attention as the details of Christ’s crucifixion. That event— the tearing of the temple veil—is significant to Christians. The Sally Bair heavy, woven, seamless veil used in the Hebrew temple ever since the time of Moses, divided the PERSPECTIVES Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place is where God dwelt during the Israelites’ trip to the Promised Land, and the veil signified a barrier between God and man.

Once a year, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat (where God’s glory rested) as a symbol of atonement for the sins of the people and himself. His yearly entry meant that the close association between God and his people was restored.

Centuries later, when Jesus cried out and breathed his last while hanging on the cross, the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom. There are spiritual lessons in this event.

The veil being torn symbolized Jesus’ body broken and torn for our sins. As a young seamstress, I learned the difference between a rip and a tear. A rip in fabric happened along a seam and could be fixed easily. A tear, however, tore away the actual threads of the fabric—a clear and disturbing picture of Christ’s punishment. God himself tore the temple veil at the moment of his son’s death so that we, by virtue of our belief in Christ as Savior, can enter the holy place of God’s presence. Only through Christ’s blood, shed for us on the cross, can we approach our Father God. Hebrews 10:19-22 says: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Lord, we thank you for your mercy that makes it possible for us to approach you freely and without fear. Help us remember the blessed reality that we are your dwelling place and your glory rests in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

Faith Lutheran celebrates Palm Sunday GRANTSBURG – Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg had a processional of children and choirs waving palm branches to begin the Palm Sunday service. The JAM crew performed a frama under the direction of Janelle Hermann, the elementary youth director, and the cherub choir participated in the drama as well as singing. The cherub choir is directed by Suzanne Vitale and Julie Erickson. The senior choir sang and was directed by Linda Pederson. Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to his death and resurrection. – submitted

writers.

My third reason comes from Luke 16:16; “The I have been asked why I refer to the Old Teslaw and the prophets were until John: (speaking tament and the Gospel Accounts for examples of John the Baptist) since that time the kingdom of how we should live our lives, since I profess of God is preached, and every man presseth into to be a New Testament Christian, and the it.” With the arrival of John came the beginning Church that Christ built did not begin until of the Good News. Though some of Jesus’ comActs 2. ments are directed only for Jews and pertain to My most powerful reason comes from the the Old Covenant, we must not conclude that Garret everything ministry of the Lord himself. Through out the Christ said before His death only apGospel Accounts He is noted for asking those Derouin plied to the Jews. Just as the O.T. is a shadow of around him; “Have you not read” or “It is the new covenant of Christianity (Hebrews 10:1), written.” In each of these instances the Lord so also does the recorded life of Christ. His minTHE was referring to the O.T. scriptures as a source istry and His teachings are the groundwork and of knowledge that He expected those around PREACHER’S foundation for His church, and all of His examHim to reference for knowledge. If the O.T. is ples and illustrations are applicable to N.T. important enough for Jesus to have referenced Christianity. and made numerous statements about, then it Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man should be important to me. love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love My second reason comes from 2 Timothy 3:14-17 him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode where Paul tells Timothy to “…continue thou in the with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspi- he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your ration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the 14:23-26) man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto If readers have questions or simply wish to know more all good works.” The only “scriptures” that Timothy about the Church of Christ, we invite you to call 715-866could have learned from, as a child, was the O.T. since 7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 W. Birch St. very little of the N.T. had been written, and little if any in Webster. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 had been assembled together as of yet. All Scripture a.m.-noon. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m., wormust then be referring to the O.T. and All that was ship is at 10:30 a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at “being” and “would be” written by the inspired N.T. 7 p.m.

PEN

Pilgrim Lutheran celebrates Palm Sunday FREDERIC - On Palm Sunday as the congregation of Pilgrim Lutheran Church sang the opening hymn “All Glory Laud and Honor” the little children marched around the church with each child waving their palm branches.

The children then played a song by ringing the small, colorcoded hand bells followed by singing a song with their strong voices “Look Now Your King is Coming.”

The Confirmation students participated by doing a fine job of reading “The Passion of Our Lord according to Matthew.”

Later in the service the new members (shown in photo) were welcomed to Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Each new New members at Pilgrim Lutheran. Back row, (L to R): Shirley Sandquist member was given a church di- and R. J. Severude. Middle row, (L to R): Pam and Troy Engen and their rectory as well as a copy of the daughter Makenna and son Cade. – Photo submitted church’s famous cookbook “Taste of Heaven.” service at 10 a.m. If you would like to attend for breakHoly Week continues with services on Maundy fast, please call the church to make a reservation 327Thursday, on Thursday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. The Ecu8012. menical Services for Good Friday are at 7 p.m. at St. For more information about Pilgrim Lutheran Luke’s Methodist Church in Frederic. Easter Sunday, Church, go to their Web site www.pilgrimlutheranfredApril 8, a breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. in the Feleric.com or call the church office. – from Pilgrim Lutheran lowship Hall of the church with worship of only one

Spring Sale at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church April 21 LUCK – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is holding their spring sale on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be many items of interest including a bake sale, craft items, white elephant sale, a special theme basket raffle and lunch.

The bake sale includes many ethnic items such as kolaches, krumkake, Danish pastries, Swedish coffee cakes, and many bars and cookies along with homemade breads. Craft items range from baby quilts, place mats and a large number of gift items. There will be a large selection of embroidered dishtowel sets. The white elephant sale will feature many next-to-new items.

Don’t miss the drawing that the ladies are holding.

This year’s items include a Green Bay Packer afghan and a rich-looking crocheted afghan.

For the appetite there will be barbecues, homemade baked beans, pies and ice cream, plus glazed donuts, still warm from Loretta’s kitchen.

Last, but not least, St. Peter’s will feature their theme basket raffle again this year with many baskets of great variety. Come and try your hand at winning your favorite basket.

St. Peter’s church is located at Hwy. 35 and CTH B, north of Luck. – from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

Spring Day of Renewal DRESSER – The women of the Apple River Conference, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will have their annual Spring Day of Renewal on Saturday, April 21, at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. All women are invited to attend. Registration and coffee begins at 8:30 a.m. The program will be “A Glimpse into Malawi” given by

Avalene Swanson from New Richmond. Malawi is their sister synod in Africa. Many women in the conference are making teddy bears and caps for the children in Africa. They will be collecting these items on April 21.

If interested in attending, sign up at your church or call Mary Nelson at 715-825-2239. The cost is $7, which includes morning coffee, lunch and program. – submitted

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

CHURCH NEWS Marital troubles outside bedroom harm sexual relationship Q: Would you say that most marital problems are caused by sexual difficulties?

DR. DOBSON: No, the opposite is more accurate.

Most sexual problems are caused by marital difficulties. Or stated another way, couples who have problems in bed often have bigger problems during the other 23-1/2 hours in the day.

••• Q: What would your recommendation be to a young wife and mother whose husband is extremely violent and frequently abuses her and their children?

DR. DOBSON: She should get herself and her kids out of the home immediately. Abuse of spouses and children must not be tolerated. It's against the law, and the law must be enforced. No one should have to live in an abusive environment today.

••• Q: Do you recommend premarital counseling for engaged couples? If so, why? My fiancee and I have spent hours getting to know each other over the past year, so why should we bother with the time and expense of counseling?

DR. DOBSON: Premarital counseling is a must and can literally be a marriage saver. Furthermore, these sessions can help young men and women overcome the cultural tendency to marry virtual strangers. Let me explain.

The typical couple spends much time talking, as you and your fiancee have done. Still, they don't know each other as well as they think they do. That is because a dating relationship is designed to conceal information, not reveal it. Each partner puts his or her best foot forward, hiding embarrassing facts, habits, flaws and temperaments.

Consequently, the bride and groom often enter into marriage with an array of private assumptions about

life after the wedding. Then major conflict occurs a few weeks later when they discover they have radically different views on non negotiable issues. The stage is set for arguments and hurt feelings that were never anticipated during the courtship period.

That's why I strongly believe in the Dr. James value of solid, biblical premarital Dobson counseling. Each engaged couple, even those who seem perfectly suited for each other, should participate in at least six meetings with someone who is trained to help them prepare for marriage. The primary purpose of these encounters is to identify the assumptions each partner holds and to work through the areas of potential conflict.

The following questions are typical of the issues that a competent counselor will help the couple address together.

• Where will you live after getting married?

• Will the bride work? For how long?

• Are children planned? How many? How soon?

How far apart?

• Will the wife return to work after babies arrive?

How quickly?

• How will the kids be disciplined? Fed? Trained?

• What church will you attend?

• Are there theological differences to be reckoned with?

• How will your roles be different?

• How will you respond to each set of in laws?

• Where will you spend the holidays?

• How will financial decisions be made?

• Who will write the checks?

• How do you feel about credit?

• Will a car be bought with borrowed money? How

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

soon? What kind?

• How far do you expect to go sexually before marriage?

• If the bride's friends differ from the groom's buddies, how will you relate to them?

• What are your greatest apprehensions about each other?

• What expectations do you have for each other?

This is only a partial list of questions to be discussed and considered. Then a battery of compatibility tests is administered to identify patterns of temperament and personality. Sometimes the findings are quite shocking. Indeed, some couples decide to postpone or call off the wedding after discovering areas of likely conflict. Others begin working through their differences and proceed toward marriage with increased confidence. In either case, men and women typically benefit from knowing each other better.

It has been said that the key to a healthy marriage is to keep your eyes wide open before you wed and half closed thereafter. I agree. Premarital counseling is designed to help engaged couples accomplish that.

Marriage is a lifetime adventure that rewards those who persevere.

••• 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:

First Baptist Church Webster

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

HELP WANTED $1,000 Sign On Bonus: Regional/OTR DRIVERS NEEDED — Seniority Transfer, excellent home time & benefits. Class - A CDL and 2 year experience required.

Contact Recruiting: 800-905TRAC (CNOW) COMPANY DRIVERS. Need more miles? Iowa based refrigerated carrier offers long miles to make you $! Midwest/West Coast operation keeps you running.

Benefits.

800-645-3748.

Burlington Hawk Eye. DRIVERS — ASAP! $1000+ Wkly & Bonus * 36-46 cpm/$1.20 pm * $0 Lease NEW Trucks CDL-A + 3 mos OTR 800-635-8669. Melton Truck Lines. (CNOW) IMMEDIATE CLASS A OPENING! $2,000 Sign-on, Weekly Direct Deposit, Mileage Pay + bonuses.

Health and Dental, 401k & AFLAC. Apply at 1-800-4776824 or www.martintrucking.com (CNOW) MYSTERY Shoppers! Get paid to shop! Retail/Dining establishments need undercover clients to judge quality/customer service. Earn up to $150 a day. Call 800695-7012. Secret Shopnet.

SECRET SHOPPERS NEEDED for Store Evaluations. Get Paid to Shop.

Local Stores, Restaurants, and Theaters. Training Provided, Flexible Hours, Email Required. 1-800-585-9024, ext 6682 Pro Shoppers Online (CNOW)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH CANDY ROUTE. Do you earn $800 in a day?

Your own local candy route.

Includes 30 machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 1888-745-3358 MultiVend, LLC (CNOW) EMBROIDERY, SCREEN PRINTING & PROMOPRODUCTS TIONAL FRANCHISE. Start your own business with the world’s largest embroidery franchise. For a FREE information packet call: (888)3058837. www.EmbroidMe.com (CNOW) JIMMY’S PIZZA FRANCHISE Opportunity available in Wisconsin. We are expanding and looking for great people & places! Call Jeff (320) 295-8389 or visit website: www.jimmyspizza.com.

MERCHANDISE FORESTRY EQUIPMENT: 3pt. PTO FARMI logging winches — 165’ cable, VALBY 3pt. PTO Woodchippers. Replacement bucket grapples, rotators, wood splitters & loader attachments. Three Rivers, Inc. 866-638-7885 www.threeriversforestry.com (CNOW) SAWMILLS FOR ONLY $2,990! Convert your logs to valuable lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodindustries.com — FREE information: 1-800-578-1363 Ext: 300-N (CNOW)

AUCTIONS DOLL AUCTION! Saturday, April 14th, 10 am. (608) 4374650. HawleyAuctions.com; Mt Horeb, WI. Cash/Check/Credit + 10% Buyer’s Fee + 5.5 sales tax.

WI REG Auctioneer: A.G. Hawley #256 (CNOW) GIGANTIC ARCADE AUCTION — 500+ Arcade Games and Pinballs, Saturday, April 7, 10am. Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI. 714-535-7000, www.superauctions.com.

R.Storment WI #052-1964.

Registered WI Auctioneer.

Cash/Major Credit Cards.

13% Buyer’s Premium.

PETS A.K.C. PUPS: Bassets, Border Collies, Cockers, Labs, Lhasa, Pomeranians, Schipperkes, Schnauzers, Springers. Smooth and Wire Fox, Rat, Cairns, Westies and Scottish Terriers. Gerald Schulz (920)526-3512.

SERVICES IF YOU SOLD YOUR PROPERTY AND ARE RECEIVING PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE, I WILL BUY THAT MORTGAGE FOR CASH! Call Elaine at 920865-3729 or email: cash-fornotes@hotmail.com.

LOG HOME CARE! New Construction and Restoration. Corn Cob Blasting, Stripping, Cleaning, Staining, Sealing, Caulking, Chinking.

Pro WoodCare Since 1990.

1-800-238-1711 www.restorewood.com (CNOW)

WANT ADS

WE HAVE PARTS for tractors, combines, machinery, hay equipment and more.

Used, new, rebuilt, aftermarket. Downing Tractor Parts, Downing, Wis., 877-530www.asapagparts.

1010. com 32Ltfc

ANTIQUE DEALERS: Antique store opening in Siren under new ownership. Dealers interested in leasing space please call 763-2276845 or see Lance at Outpost Cycle. 32-33Lp

NEWER 2-BR TWIN HOME: Washer/dryer, dishwasher, 1-car heated garage, St. Croix Falls, 715-648-5267.

24Ltfc

MISCELLANEOUS

CA$H FOR OLD PAPER ITEMS. Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Photographs, Scrap Books, Catalogues, Letters, Documents, Post Cards, Comics, Posters, Bibles, etc. Call John toll free at 1-866-8600700 (CNOW)

UP-TOWN-RV Birchwood, WI Seasonal Only. Village Water, Sewer, Cable TV, 50 Amp. Tuscobia Trail. Golfing, Boating, Shopping, Dining, Casinos all close. Blue Gill Festival. 321-412-1086 FAST CASH FOR YOUR MORTGAGE NOTE! Email cash-for-notes@hotmail.com or phone Elaine at 920-8653729. Future Solutions, LLC.

OPEN HOUSE! Come See New Models, Like our Cedar Sided Sectional with Porch for only $45,900! April 13th, 14th, and 15th.

Factory Reps, Financing, Food and Refreshments.

Harrills Homes 1-800-236-4695 (CNOW)

APRIL 4, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Students of the Week FREDERIC

Andrew Hochstetler has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Ed and Rosie Hochstetler. Andrew works hard every day to give his best effort. After school he participates in LEAD and enjoys playing football and basketball. He helps out at home by feeding the dog and making his bed and cleaning his room. His favorite foods are pizza and ham.

Ashley Bergeron has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Larry and Mary Bergeron. Ashley has been on the honor roll throughout junior high; a very conscientious student. She is extremely positive and has a pleasant personality. Ashley is always willing to please and is respectful. She baby-sits and is in volleyball. Ashley enjoys playing with the computer and listening to music.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Justin Pyke has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Bob and Kris Pyke.

Justin is a good, hard-working student who accepts challenges and is respectful of teachers and peers. He is in band, choir, basketball and track. Justin enjoys making models, cars, paintball and snowmobiling. He plans on attending college in the future.

Kevin Cross has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Mike and Heidi Cross. Kevin enjoys recess, art and lunch. He likes to play soccer with his friends and finds it fun creating things in art class. He thinks he might like to be an artist someday. Kevin enjoys playing kickball with his brother and sister and working out. He collects rocks, yo-yos and family stuff. Kevin has a wonderful smile.

Brittany Buss has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daugther of Mike and Jill Buss. Brittany’s favorite pastimes are sports and relaxing.

Her extracurricular activities include track, cross-country and softball. Brittany’s favorite subject is all of them because she enjoys school. She has one sister, Becky and a dog, Molly.

GRANTSBURG

Cody Franklin has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Melissa Franklin. Cody has been working in the technology department as a part of the school service program and has been doing a wonderful job. He does an excellent job of completing the tasks that are given to him and shows responsibility by working alone in may situations. Cody enjoys skateboarding, computers and music.

LUCK WEBSTER

Kelly Stokes has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Lance and Melissa Stokes. Kelly is always polite and respectful to adults.

She is helpful to other students and always does her best on school work. Kelly is involved in softball, volleyball and soccer.

She enjoys training dogs, playing outside, watching TV, playing video games, hunting, fishing and ice fishing.

Aleah Lemieux has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Terry and Beth Lemieux. Aleah is on the honor roll and part of the CIA program. She is helful in the classroom to other students and the teacher. She has good study habits and a pleasant personality. Aleah is in student council, choir, solo & ensemble and is a class officer. She is also involved in softball, basketball and volleyball. She enjoys playing guitar and movies.

Caleb Pardun has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Rachel and Josh Pardun. Caleb has a positive attitude and is well liked by all of his classmates. Caleb enjoys reading Junie B. Jones books and working on projects.

SIREN

Carenna Berrisford has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is the granddaughter of Barbara Koshenina and Tom Schmitz.

Carenna is new to our district and we are very glad she has joined us. She is friendly, polite, respectful and quick with a smile.

Careena is in band and softball.

Her hobbies include running and playing video games. The greatest influence in her life is her grandma, Barbara.

Kara Woller has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Jill Woller.

Karen did a fine job as an office aide this past quarter. She has good attendance, is diligent, polite, friendly and respectful. Kara is involved in volleyball and enjoys reading. Her future plans include going to college. The greatest influence in his life is her grandma, Lu.

UNITY

Derek Highstrom has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten. Mrs. Plesums nominated Derek for being a great classroom helper. Derek loves school. He enjoys playing with his friends and his brother. His favorite sport is football.

Tayler Fredrickson has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Linda Pavelka and Mitchell Fredrickson. Taylor is an avid reader and writer who works very hard in class and is very mature in her academic and social endeavors.

Kyle Phernetton has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Randy Phernetton. Kyle is a very creative and talented individual. He has a good sense of humor and is a great addition to the publications class. He created the cover for this year’s yearbook.

Cody Ince has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Marty and Tammy Ince. Cody is a teacher’s dream. He shows respect, kindness and compassion to all around him. He is a hard worker and dedicated student.

Luck Boy Scouts learn about public safety Luck Boy Scout Pack 147, Wolf and Tiger Dens, recently had a visit from police Officer Monte Tretsven. Officer Tretsven talked to the boys about public safety inside and outside the home and bicycle safety on the street. The boys also got an up-close look at Tretsven’s squad car and watched as Isaiah Tretsven volunteered for an arrest demonstration. — Photos submitted

Kaina Zygowicz has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daugther of Laura Neve and Keith Zygowicz. Kaina was chosen by the exploratory team because she is a joy to be around.

She is always willing to help, takes her school work seriously and treats all people with respect.

Toya Johnson has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Wendy and Dan Miller of Balsam Lake. Toya was selected for her outstanding participation in business coursework and her work with the SADD group.

She has been a big contributor to the program. She plans to attend Mankato State University and major in social work.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- APRIL 4, 2007

MARCH

THURSDAY/5 Danbury

• Fundraiser for the Allen family, at the Fishbowl United Sportsman’s Club.

Frederic

Coming events Weather online

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

St. Croix Falls

• American Legion Post 143 monthly meeding, dinner at 7 p.m., meeting to follow.

• Smelt Fry, 4-8:30 p.m., at the Legion hall.

Call 715-986-4631 for more info.

• Large indoor craft show & flea market, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ann Center. Call 715-986-4977 for more info.

FRI. - SUN./6-8

SUNDAY/15

Osceola

Siren

• “Once Upon A Cross,” Easter musical presented by the St. Croix Valley Christian Community Choir and Orchestra, 7 p.m. at the ArtBarn.

• Burnett Community Library Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Moose Lodge on Hwy. 70.

FRIDAY/6

West Sweden

• 13th-annual Taste of West Sweden Brunch, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. At 10 a.m. there will be a Zion/Grace joint guitar service.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m. at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

MONDAY/16

Siren

• Good Friday breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m., at the senior center. Call 715-349-7810 for more info.

Amery

Dresser

• Free clothing event, 2-6 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church. Call 715-755-2515 for info.

Frederic

• Spades played, 1:30 p.m. at the senior cenRaindrops cling to clotheslines during a drizzly and damp Saturday. As temper- ter.

• Lyme disease meeting, 9:30 a.m. at the Bremer Bank, downstairs south side. Every- atures turned colder this week, an April snow fell, keeping the warmer weather of one welcome. Info call Tanya at 715-268- spring at bay. - Photo by Gary King 6228.

Grantsburg

• 23rd-annual Spring Craft and Gift Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Call 715-4632603 for more info.

Luck

port group meeting. For more info call Bruce Tanner at 715-268-8360 or Gary Alexander at 715-268-2724.

• Spades played, 1:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• Raffle benefit for Bone Lake Store, 6-11 p.m. at Wilkin’s Resort.

WEDNESDAY/11

New Richmond

• Pokeno, 1 p.m. at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

St. Croix Falls

THUR. - SUN./12-15

• Winter Flea Market Sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Heritage Center. For info, call 715-246-3276.

• Chamber’s Easter egg hunt, 10 a.m., at Lions Park.

Siren

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 1 p.m. at the Burnett County Moose Lodge. Treat bags for all area children age 2-10.

Webster

• Cancer Benefit for Brownie Sears at the Black and Orange from 2-6 p.m.

MON. - TUES./9 & 10 Amery

• Blood donations for the Red Cross at Our Savior’s Church, noon to 6 p.m.

Webster

• AARP 55 Alive classes, at the senior center.

Contact Jane Wardean 715-866-8602 or Com. Ed. office 715-349-7070 to reserve.

Frederic

Rice Lake

• RV Camper Show at Cedar Mall.

THURSDAY/12 Alpha

FRIDAY/13 Dresser

• Lincoln Day Dinner, social hour 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., at Trollhaugen Convention Center.

Sponsored by the Polk County Republican Party. Call 715-755-2644 for more info.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m. at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

• NW Regional Writers meet, 1 p.m., at the Community Room, Sunrise Apts. Assignment: If you could be invisible for one hour, where would you be and what would you be doing?

Grantsburg

• Cow-calf seminar, 4:30-8 p.m. at the Hennessey Hidden Pond Farm. Call 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914 for more info.

• Wildlife Food Plot Seminar, 7 p.m. at Burnett Dairy Co-op. Call 715-689-2467 or 800854-2716 for more info.

Balsam Lake

Milltown

• Intervening with Grace parenting workshop, 9 a.m. Call 715-485-8600 for more info.

• “Keep Your Child Safe on the Internet”, program at Unity High School auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Grantsburg

MONDAY/9

• Burnett County Garden Club meets, 7 p.m. at the high school. Presentation by Don Kaddatz on spring blooming wildflowers.

• DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar meets, 7 p.m., at Apple River Community Church. Topic is “Facing My Loneliness.” The 30-minute seminar will be followed by a sup-

Amery

Amery

• UKC Bench Show & Night Hunt, hosted by Central County Coonhunter Club at Clinton Town Hall. Bench 6 p.m., night hunt 8 p.m.

Call 715-822-8834 for more info.

Turtle Lake

Siren

• Public hearing on special assessments on Main Street, at the start of the monthly Siren Village Board meeting at 2 p.m. in the village hall.

SATURDAY/7

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.

FRI. - SUN./13-15 • 4-H annual Spring Home Show at the icehockey arena.

• Fish Dinner, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Lutheran church. Everyone welcome. Call 715-825-2453 for more info.

SATURDAY/14 Amery

• Wisconsin Wildlife Federation membership banquet, doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., at North Star Event Center. Call 715294-3854 for more info.

Osceola

• United Methodist Women’s annual Spring Brunch & Program, 10 a.m., at the church.

Call 715-755-2275 or 715-294-3408.

Poskin

TUESDAY/17 Clam Falls

• Coffee hour, 9 a.m. at the Lutheran church.

Everyone welcome.

WEDNESDAY/18 Balsam Lake

• Public library hosts open house to celebrate National Library Week. At 6:30 p.m there will be a walking tour of the gardens just outside the library and village office hosted by Peter Nelton. Question and answer session and refreshments to follow.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m. at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

Siren

• Northwestern Wisconsin Caregiver Conference, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Lodge. Call 715-934-2222 for more info.

THURSDAY/19 Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Luck

• Planning for Retirement - Are you ready?

7-8:30 p.m. at the high school. Hosted by PolkBurnett Retired Educators’ Assoc. Call 715268-6578 or 715-472-2153, ext. 154 for more info.

Siren

• Cholesterol & Diabetes Screening. Call 715-349-2140 for appointment. .

FRI. - SUN./20-22 Osceola

• “Another Work in Progress” at the high school. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday 2 &

Third-annual Blue Ribbon Walk plans under way BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - Neither rain, snow, high winds, or sleet— again this third year, will stop the Blue Ribbon Walk from carrying on. Saturday, April 28, is the day with the motive being “stop the tragedy of child abuse.”

Milltown Community Center is the opening gate with the Gandy Dancer being the trail. The walk begins at 8 a.m. with registration, 9 a.m. opening ceremonies followed by the walk or bike at

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Any mentors and mentees (school or traditional), clubs, groups, families, friends, businesses, organizations, and believers and supporters of stopping child abuse in Polk County are welcome to pick up pledge sheets from Kinship personnel or at polkkinship.org, or if need be, just start collecting money and writing down the names of the contributors.

All proceeds will go to the Polk County organizations that work so hard in the prevention of child abuse, Kinship of Polk County and CRA Welcome Home Shelter.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will again this year supplement funds raised for this event at the rate of 50 cents per dollar raised, up to $2,000. Please help raise $4,000 needed for a full match.

Free food will be served from 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m. Participants are asked to wear a blue or white shirt, and you will receive a blue ribbon. So, gather family and friends and empty the cookie jar—join the third-annual Blue Ribbon Walk.

For further information and/or to request pledge sheets, please call Kinship of Polk County at 715-268-7980 or check out the Kinship Web site at polkkinship.org. – from Kinship of Polk County

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net