Leader | May 16| 2007

‘Follow the Leader’

May 16, 2007

INTER-COUNTY

2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 38 8,000 copies - 3 sections

GRAD SECTION INSIDE the-leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin Diggin’ it Siblings airlifted following head-on collision Since 1933

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Accident Tuesday involves county board supervisor Jeff Peterson Page 2

Polaris seeks dismissal of lawsuit Women charge company with “stifling” porn investigation Page 3

Not so happy Mother’s Day Mom, daughter arrested on charges of battery on Mother’s Day Page 3

Siren’s first female president Janet Hunter takes oath of office as Siren’s first female village president Page 16

Thanks to you...

DNR ranger thanks the public for helping to reduce the number of wildfires thus far in the season but restrictions are still in force

by Gary King NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – Despite the most dangerous fire conditions possible – low humidity and high winds – the past few weeks have seen relatively few wildfires.

DNR Ranger Renae Paulson would like to thank the public for that.

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s been following the laws, not burning and being safe with all things hot and combustible outside,” she noted. “It is a good reflection

See Fire danger, page 2

An eager participant in the Habitat ground-breaking ceremony, Kylie Blakeslee digs in as the local Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity chapter dedicated its 15th home. See story and photo elsewhere in this issue. - Photo submitted

EMS Week is May 21-28 “Only you can prevent forest fires” is a motto that applied to our area’s wildfire season this year, according to DNR ranger Renae Paulson.

North Land salutes people whose dedication makes local emergency medical services work

Bringing faith to life

Tigers are top cats in conference

Currents feature

SPORTS • INSIDE

S E R V I N G

B U R N E T T

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P O L K

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Siblings airlifted following head-on crash

BALSAM LAKE - Two Osceola teens were airlifted to a Twin Cities hospital Tuesday afternoon following a head-on crash on Hwy. 46 just north of the Unity High School.

Maria A. Morales, 17. and her younger brother, Nicolas R. Morales, 14, were taken to Regions Hospital but their condition as of press time Wednesday morning was still unknown.

According to the Polk County Department, authorities Sheriff's received a report of a 2 vehicle head-on crash on Hwy. 46 north of Unity High School at approximately 3:45 p.m. The actual crash location was found to be on Hwy. 46 north of 200th Avenue in Milltown Township.

The investigation of the crash scene indicated that a 2005 Dodge Neon being operated by Maria A. Morales was northbound on Hwy. 46 when the driver failed to notice that the vehicles in front of her were slowing, and when she did recognize this, she braked causing her vehicle to veer into the oncoming

traffic lane where her vehicle was struck head-on by a southbound 2002 Nissan pickup being driven by Jeffrey L. Peterson, 55, of Luck.

After impact, the Peterson truck overturned in the west ditch of Hwy. 46.

The Morales vehicle began to travel in a southeasterly direction at which time Nicolas Morales was ejected from the vehicle and came to rest in the roadway.

The Morales vehicle came to rest in the middle of the roadway. Peterson and Maria Morales were extricated from their vehicles with the Jaws of Life, and all three people were transported to St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

From the hospital, Maria and Nicolas Morales were transported by air ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for further treatment of their injuries.

The Polk County Sheriff's Department was assisted by units of Balsam Lake Police and First Responders, Unity Area Ambulance and Milltown Fire Department. - with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Fire danger/from page 1 on the people of this area when we can go through the last few weeks with high to extreme fire weather and come out pretty much unscathed.”

Paulson said last week that the combination of prevention efforts, canceling burning permits, early on, followed by the implementation of emergency burning regulations, have also made a difference.

Since May 1 there have been just three fires in all of Burnett and northern Polk counties. A half-acre fire near Little Yellow Lake, caused when someone dumped out hot ashes; a tenth-acre treeon-fire-line fire in Roosevelt township and a two-acre fire in the Amsterdam Sloughs, the cause of which is undetermined.

Two the east, a wildfire northwest of Spooner last week was contained by firefighters from the Spooner department and the DNR. There has still been very little precipitation as of Tuesday of this week, Paulson noted, even though brief showers occurred that afternoon. More rain could fall this weekend, she said, noting forecasts.

According to the DNR’s fire danger Web site, twice as much acreage was lost to wildfire last year at this time.

Emergency fire regulations which went into effect May 3 remain in effect until further notice in Burnett and Washburn counties and all permits have been suspended in Polk and Barron counties until further notice.

INTER-COUNTY

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

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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.

A head-on crash Tuesday afternoon on Hwy. 46 north of Unity School resulted in three people being transported to a hospital with two of them being airlifed to a hospital in the Twin Cities. Jeff Peterson of Luck was driving the pickup shown below. Peterson, a member of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, was scheduled to appear at the board’s monthly meeting that evening. Maria Morales, 17, and her brother, Nicolas, 14, were in the car shown above when the accident occurred. - Photos from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Scenes like this one - of a fire northwest of Spooner this past week - have been less common this fire season. - Photo courtesy DNR Burning any combustible materials outdoors is prohibited in Burnett and Washburn counties at this time. That includes campfires, burning piles and barrels, smoking cigars, cigarettes or pipes - and all fireworks.

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

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Woman finds stranger passed out on her couch POLK COUNTY - A woman waking at 4 a.m. Saturday in her house on Wanderoos Road in Garfield Township was surprised to find a strange man “passed out” on her couch.

Polk County Sheriff deputies arrested Tymen Fialo, 19, of Osceola, for disorderly conduct after he responded aggressively to authorities.

Fialo did not answer questions of why he was in the house when no one there knew who he was.

The woman and the deputy attempted to wake him several times with no response, but police said he “came to” after about five attempts.

Fialo has a record of several convictions for disorderly conduct, battery and criminal damage to property. – Julie Holmquist

www.the-leader.net

Briefly...

POLK COUNTY - A traveling museum will be coming to Frederic and Milltown in early June, featuring an exhibit on German civilians and how they were interred locally during World War II. See complete story elsewhere in this issue. submitted ••• FREDERIC - The banquet honoring Frederic’s citizen of the year, Phil and Marlyn Knuf; volunteer of the year, Kevin Weinzierl, and the business of the year, Mary Ellen’s Hair Styling, will be held at Hacker’s on Friday, May 18. The dinner will start at 6 p.m. followed by the program. Tickets are $10 and are now available at Bremer Bank, U.S. Bank and Harlander and Tesch Dental office in Frederic. - submitted

Robbery case moves forward POLK COUNTY - A 19-year-old man charged with armed robbery and theft was in Polk County Court Monday for the preliminary hearing on the case.

Judge Robert Rasmussen bound Andres Cruz over for trial, and Cruz was retained in Polk County jail on the $25,000 cash bond set on May 4.

Cruz is accused of robbing the J & L Market gas station and convenience store on CTH M in Nye with a black air pistol on the evening of May 3.

The attorney for Cruz, Joseph R. Canton, asked the court to modify the $25,000 cash bond and allow Cruz’s parents to post $5,000 in cash.

Polk County District Attorney Daniel Steffen objected, noting that the family lives in the U.S. on an extended work permit, and Cruz is not established as an American citizen, even though he has lived here for 18 years.

Rasmussen denied the request to modify the bond, and the $25,000 cash bond continued.

Arraignment in the case is scheduled for June 4. – Julie Holmquist

Siren man released on bond BURNETT COUNTY - Douglas K. Nyren, 25, Siren, was released on a $5,000 signature bond this week following his initial court appearance.

Nyren is charged with repeated first-degree sexual assault of same child, a Felony B charge.

The charges stem from numerous alleged assaults, possibly 50 to 100, between May 1, Nyren 2003 and March 3, 2007.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the district attorney’s office, most of the alleged assaults occurred at Nyren’s house.

Over the course of their involvement, the defendant did give electronic gifts to the victim. Every once in awhile they would go places together.

Nyren was ordered to have no contact with minors except for employment. He has a preliminary hearing on June 6 at the Burnett courthouse. - Sherill Summer

Hung jury SIREN – The trial of a 41-year-old Minnesota man, charged with seconddegree sexual assault of a child, ended in a hung jury, Tuesday.

Donald R. Osborne of Bethel, Minn. was charged in connection with alleged incidents dating back to 2001 and occurring in Burnett County.

The 12-person jury in Judge Michael Gableman’s courtroom deliberated into the night Tuesday before coming back with a mixed verdict.

A followup on the case will appear in next week’s Leader. - submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Polaris seeks dismissal of employee lawsuit Women charge company with “stifling” porn investigation

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - Polaris Industries of Osceola requested in a court hearing on May 4 that it be dismissed from a lawsuit filed by three employees last August.

The company is one of three defendants in the St. Croix County civil case scheduled for trial on Dec. 17, 18 and 19.

The suit was filed nine months after three female Polaris employees were told that a security guard working at

Police make six OWI arrests Friday POLK COUNTY - The Polk County Sheriff’s Department arrested 11 people on charges related to driving under the influence from May 9 to May 13, with six arrests on Friday.

Only one of the arrests warranted a felony charge. Deputies arrested Steven Peterson, New Richmond, who faces charges on his fourth OWI offense.

Peterson was arrested Friday at 1:24 p.m. on Mid Pine Court, near Pine Lake in Alden Township.

According to police reports, the arresting officer had already warned Peterson not to drive that evening.

Peterson was a passenger in a car driven by Lucas McDermott, who was arrested on an OWI charge on CTH M, south of X. A sober person then drove the 1989 Ford, and the officer warned Peterson not to drive. Later, the same officer saw the vehicle on West Church Road, and Peterson was driving it.

Peterson had a revoked driver’s license due to three past OWI offenses.

– Julie Holmquist

Polaris had scanned their identification photos into a computer, attached them to pornography and posted the photos on Internet sites.

Lori Maypark, Mary Pat Geddes and Marcia L. See, all of Osceola, filed suit against Polaris Industries, Troy C. Schmidt of New Richmond, and Securitas Security Services USA, Madison.

According to the lawsuit, Schmidt provided a statement to Osceola Police on Nov. 2, 2005 that he posted various photos on Internet sites over the course of a couple years using photos of Polaris employees.

The women allege in the suit that Polaris attempted to protect its corporate reputation by discouraging criminal prosecution and “deliberately stifling” a police investigation.

The lawsuit also alleges that Polaris did not take “appropriate action to mitigate damages” to its employees, and that Securitas took no responsibility for its employee.

At the May 4 hearing, St. Croix County Judge Eric Lundell requested more information from attorneys before making a decision on the dismissal request.

“I’m hoping that the judge will not be dismissing Polaris out of the case,” said the women’s attorney, Warren Brandt of Prescott.

Brandt said that Polaris is making a case that it’s not liable because of workers compensation coverage.

“But workers compensation doesn’t include intentional, wrongful acts,” Brandt said. “You can’t hide behind

that shield. We are alleging that they acted horribly. We’re concerned about what the employer did: that they revictimized the women, quieting things down for their corporate interest. The employer tried to cover it up.”

Polaris’ attorney, Joel Aberg of Weld, Riley, Prenn and Ricci of Eau Claire, said he would not comment on the case, except to say that the “company is vigorously defending the lawsuit.”

Geddes worked as an administrative assistant and See and Maypark worked as welders at Polaris. All three women said they sought medical help for sleep disorders, anxiety, and panic attacks as a result of Schmidt’s actions and the failure of Polaris and Securitas to take responsibility for the problem.

All three women got restraining orders against Schmidt.

Schmidt was fired by Securitas Security USA, Inc. for violating company policy. Polaris also obtained a restraining order in Nov. 2005 against Schmidt, barring him from its property.

Maypark, Geddes and See are asking for compensatory and punitive damages.

Seven other women employed by Polaris also filed a lawsuit in October 2006 against Troy C. Schmidt and Securitas Security USA, Inc. and their insurance company. Polaris Industries is not named in that lawsuit. A trial in that St. Croix County case is scheduled for March 2008.

No criminal charges have been filed against Schmidt in regard to posting the employees’ photos on the Internet.

The fundamentals

Mom, daughter arrested for battery on Mother’s Day POLK COUNTY - A mother and daughter were both arrested on charges of battery on Mother’s Day after neighbors tried to break up their fight in an alley.

Lorraine Lundgren, 44, Amery, and Keshia Lundgren, 26, also of Amery, were arrested by Amery Police around 9 p.m.

According to the police, an officer responded to a report of a fight in an alley next to Amery Express. A witness told the officer that the mother had left in a red pickup and that the daughter was in her house nearby.

According to witnesses, the daughter was outside punching the mother, but the daughter said her mother was also punching her.

Police made contact with Lorraine Lundgren, who had multiple bruises on her arms and a red mark on her left cheek. Lundgren told police she did not remember how everything happened and said she was defending herself.

The daughter told police that her mother first grabbed her by the throat and pushed her.

Witnesses said that Lorraine Lundgren pushed and attempted to “headbutt” a neighbor who was trying to break up the fight.

Police reported that Lorraine Lundgren appeared intoxicated and a preliminary test indicated that she was over the legal limit. – Julie Holmquist

More than 200 Luck students, grades kindergarten through fifth, participated in the Reading Is Fundamental book distribution Thursday, May 10.

Parent volunteers read books to the youth and helped each choose a book of their own to keep. They discussed the summer reading program at the Luck Public Library, which will be on Thursdays at 7 p.m. July 12 through August 16. Above, eager students in Mrs. Shirlee Erickson’s second-grade class each selected their free RIF book. — Photo submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

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Centuria Village to hold board of review on May 21

by Matt Blumkin CENTURIA – The Centuria Village Board will host a board of review for Centuria homeowners on Monday, May 21 from 6-8 p.m.

The board of review is for homeowners to seek changes to their property tax, which can be changed by the village board. Homeowners can visit with assessor Lisa Meyer regarding their property tax during the Open Book from 4-6 p.m. beforehand. This will be the one opportunity in 2007 for Centuria residents to seek changes to their property tax.

Taxes and housing became an issue of heated discussion at the village board meeting on Monday, May 14. Residents present complained to representatives of Impact Seven at the meeting about what they see as a lack of progress by the nonprofit.

Impact Seven works with villages to boost their economic base. They helped start a TIF District in Centuria, which has not brought the results the village residents have hoped for. Impact Seven may now put up houses, which residents at the meeting also expressed concern over. The houses would be put up to draw people with middle management work experience to the village.

Impact Seven would pay property taxes for the houses.

Discussion regarding Impact Seven’s work with Centurion Estates had to be tabled for another meeting. The pendulum of arguing at the meeting then swung over to the police force.

Mary Jo Tucker, owner of Centuria’s Harvest Moon Saloon, expressed her concerns about the police’s job of patrolling the area. She claimed their patrolling frequency drives away her

customers. The discussion lagged with others piping in with their complaints.

Village President Cheryl Lehman redirected the discussion back to business eventually. The board resumed handling the garbage contract situation.

Residents had appeared at the previous meeting complaining about a letter sent by the village regarding the use of canisters, which weren’t with the village’s garbage contractor. The village has a contract with BFI/Allied.

The board amended their garbage contract and will allow canisters, but residents will have to contact BFI/Allied to obtain use of canisters and pay a fee.

In other business: The village board decided not to have village hall as a storm shelter for safety reasons. Randy Stone, pastor of New

Wine Ministries Church, the former Freistad Church, will open his church building to people in the event of storms. The board suggested this location though it will not be officially designated the village’s storm shelter.

Harvest Moon Saloon’s basement will be an option too.

The board approved having Lakeland Telecom as their cable/Internet/broadband supplier for the next five years with their revised franchise agreement.

Lakeland has been supplying the service to the village for the past 10 years The board approved park board members Joe Kreft and Ron Smith each to another three-year term All village board committees were approved by the board for 2007-08.

Fourth-graders visit D.D. Kennedy Education Center POLK COUNTY - The Frederic fourth grade, along with fourthgraders from Clayton, had the privilege to be one of the first schools to visit the new D.D. Kennedy Education Center located in Balsam Lake.

Rosalie Kittelson of the Polk County Museum and a founding member of Friends of D.D. Kennedy, has been organizing school visits surrounding not only the use of this environmental education center, but also the touring of the Rural Lanesdale One-room School and the Polk County Museum.

Leona Cummings was the guest presenter at the school, and tribal chief Dan Mosay gave a presentation at Pine Park on the history of the Native Americans in Balsam Lake and the surrounding areas. Inside the new education center, the students learned about the lives of the animals that live at D.D. Kennedy and how important their habitat is.

The afternoon was spent on some of the many D. D. Kennedy’s trails, with Rosalie and Darryl Kittelson as guides.

The students enjoyed many displays of nature while hiking the blacktop paths, including an otter swimming, an eagle flying overhead, many turtles sunning themselves, and what appeared to be an alligator crawling on shore (an unusually shaped log).

Gratitude is extended to the Kittelsons for this wonderful, culminating experience of both history and science! - submitted

The Frederic fourth grade, along with fourth-graders from Clayton, had the privilege to be one of the first schools to visit the new D.D. Kennedy Education Center located in Balsam Lake. - Photos submitted

Local historian Leona Cummings of Frederic gave today’s students a taste of what it was like in the old days, including the “hands on” version of discipline (photo at left). - Photos submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

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Candidates for tribal council share views Picnic provides public forum

by Carl Heidel SIREN - Six of the more than 20 possible candidates running for a seat on the tribal council of the St. Croix Tribe of Chippewa Indians talked about their visions for the tribe last Thursday in Siren. The forum, led by Elder Jim Mosay, gave members of the tribe an opportunity to question the candidates in advance of the June 9 tribal election.

Some of the candidates talked about why they were running.

Francis Songetay of Sand Lake, who is challenging incumbents Leo Butler and Lewis Taylor and former council member Jay Emery, said he wants to implement a new tribal constitution. The last constitutional revision was 22 years ago and “we need to change with the times.” He added, “We lack leaders that can bring change.”

Jerry Lowe, candidate from Round Lake who is challenging incumbent council chairman David Merrill, said he wants to “give government back to the people.” “Let the majority have a say, help the council make decisions. It’s their money. They’re entitled to their say.”

Judy Cutler, also a candidate from Sand Lake, pointed to her experience as a community worker, business person and a consultant in community development. She is running because she feels the council needs persons with her expertise.

She indicated that that expertise could be put to use to improve communication within the tribe and between the tribe and outside agencies, and it could also facilitate economic development and job training.

One of the first questions Mosay posed was what each of the candidates regarded as a priority issue for the tribal council to address. Songetay said he would work to improve living conditions for tribal members by expanding health care and insurance coverage.

Mike Decorah, from Sand Lake, agreed with the importance of health care, but he saw the present lack of adequate care as a treaty matter. “Health care is supposed to be provided under treaty,” he said. “Why isn’t it happen-

Judy Cutler...We need expertise.

Mike Decorah...Make treaties work.

ing?”

Putting committees to work was Lowe’s priority. “Use committees of the people, not just five individuals,” he said. Under the current tribal structure, the five members of the tribal council handle the tribe’s business.

Cutler answered the question of priorities with another question. “How is the money generated by the casino being handled?” she asked.

Patti Edwards, candidate from Danbury who is challenging incumbent Gloria Benjamin, said she wants to go after federal housing dollars from the HUD agency. “There are over 100 waiting for housing on the reservation,” she said.

Incumbent Hazel Hindsley from Maple Plain supported Edwards’ focus on housing. She said the council needs to plan for housing. “Departments are not working well together,” she said.

She continued, “We need more planners and grant writers.”

Songetay continued on the housing problem. “Houses are not being maintained,” he commented. He cited problems with mold in homes and drainage that is going into houses. He suggested three solutions: first, creation of maintenance crews to maintain tribal homes; second, an education program to train tribe members for home maintenance; and third, zoning codes on the reservation that would prevent substandard housing.

Decorah commented that this was “a touchy subject.” He said that some people had been waiting to get housing on

Patti Edwards...Get HUD dollars.

Hazel Hindsley...Planners and grant writers.

the reservation for years. According to him, 70 percent of the tribe is not living on the reservation.

Then he sounded a theme raised by other candidates, “We cannot leave it to five people (the council).”

He continued by asking why there was no primary system for electing representatives to the Jerry Lowe...Give govFrancis Songetay...A new council. “A primary ernment back to the peo- constitution. is sorely needed,” ple. he said. “We need to get the votes unrest on the reservation because the together to get ‘that element’ out of committee that supervises elections is there, to have the voice of the people appointed by the council. He alleged heard.” that three members of the present comReacting to Decorah’s comments, mittee are “just out of jail,” and tribe Cutler said, “We have needed a primary. members “do not feel that these people The political interest is here.” She said should be on the committee.” He called she’s concerned with the way ordi- for a constitutional change that would nances are created. “It’s not in an open change the election process. way,” she said. “The ordinances affect The final question was “What qualithe entire membership,” she said, “and ties should a council member have?” they should be created by the entire Cutler said council members should be membership, gatherings like these.” capable of “bringing the community Both Hindsley and Songetay added together.” She said council members their support to the proposal for must be able to develop leadership, to changes in the election process in the empower people to make decisions and tribe. Hindsley backed the primary pro- to make things happen. Council memposal because “the community should bers should have “honesty and integridecide who they want to represent ty” she concluded. them, not the rest of the reservation.”

Photos by Carl Heidel Songetay said there is a great deal of

Tribal elders host picnic

by Carl Heidel SIREN - Elders from the St. Croix Tribe of Chippewa Indians held a picnic for tribal members at the park at Crooked Lake in Siren last Thursday.

The food was plentiful and tasty.

Following the meal, six of the candidates vying for a position on the tribal council in the June 9 election shared their views and positions with the crowd in a forum led by elder Jim Mosay.

“Satisfied” would be a good word to describe the way everyone felt after enjoying the picnic food.

Council candidates answered questions from the crowd read by elder Jim Mosay. Pictured (L-R) are Mosay, incumbent Hazel Hindsley, Patti Edwards, Judy Cutler, Jerry Lowe, Mike Decorah and Francis Songetay. - Photos by Carl Heidel

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

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Wilderness Fellowship Ministries on Spirit Lake make plans FREDERIC – Larry Guthrie, director of educational ministries at Camp Forest Springs in Westboro, will be on hand for the first Wilderness Family Fun Weekend at The Wilderness Fellowship on Spirit Lake near Frederic.

The weekend is scheduled for Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28.

Guthrie’s theme for the weekend is Hitting the Mark.

“The five lessons will center around archery and lessons from the bow and arrow that illustrate what it means to hit the mark,” Guthrie said. “During the final session I’ll attempt to shoot an apple off someone’s head. If I hit it, everyone will rejoice. If I miss it, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Guthrie is the former director of the

Children’s Institute that offers character training and instruction in basis biblical principles to children ages 6-12. During the past 10 years, these weeklong children’s seminars have reached over 175,000 children in 50 cities and eight foreign countries.

Greg and Diane Olson, owners of Critters & Company, will bring some of the animals they use in Critters & Company performances. They use live animals and storytelling to bring messages for success in life. Working with a base of over 30 exotic birds, reptiles and other wildlife, Greg Olson weaves stories that inspire people to do their best.

Blacksmith Gene Diekmann and his wife, Linda, will bring their forge to demonstrate how to make rod-iron

items. The Wilderness’s own Daniel Boone, Marvin Collier, dressed in homemade buckskins, will demonstrate his black-powder rifle and storytelling.

Steve and Joan Petznick, coordinators for most of the activities during the weekend, have planned even more interesting and fun events. Special activities include: Taking a bird hike, cutting, pulling and destroying the invasive species of buckthorn; creating a birch-bark picture frame; learning how to lace a snowshoe; having oldtime fun with pioneer toys; creating a Wilderness T-shirt using a T-shirt brought from home; picking a turtle from the pond to enter the turtle races and taking part in a through-the-woods family treasure hunt.

All of the group cabins at Wilderness Fellowship are filled for the weekend, but plenty of space is available for camping. Preregistration is requested so the fellowship can provide enough supplies for the planned activities.

Volunteers are needed. The number to call with questions regarding the Hitting the Mark weekend is 715-3278564 or e-mail at wilderness@centurytel.net.

“Our goal is to provide a fun time for your family to enjoy God’s creation, each other, other members of his body, and know him better after the weekend,” the staff of Wilderness Fellowship state in the events section of their Web site at www.wildernessfellowship.com.

– Information from the Web site.

Legislators team up to increase state aid to Wisconsin county fairs

Bipartisan budget motion adds $200,000 in additional state assistance to keep county fair youth education initiatives moving forward

MADISON — The Joint Finance Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan budget motion today cosponsored by state Rep. Scott Suder, RAbbotsford, and state Sens. Russ Decker, D-Weston, and Bob Jauch, DPoplar, that will extend $200,000 in additional state aid to Wisconsin’s county fairs. The lawmakers said this much needed funding increase will help coun-

ty and district fairs continue to provide educational opportunities for Wisconsin’s youth.

“Wisconsin’s county fairs have a long tradition of providing valuable educational opportunities to youth exhibitors and fair-goers throughout the state, and without this additional funding, those opportunities may have been placed in jeopardy,” said Suder. “I am grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support that this budget motion received in the Joint Finance Committee.”

“County fairs are a wonderful opportunity to bring families and communities together,” said Decker. “This funding will help keep the competitions

going at county and district fairs for youth exhibits.”

State aid for county and district fairs has been in place on a continuous basis since 1856. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture provides $250,000 in state assistance annually to reimburse county and district fairs for up to 50 percent of junior premiums awarded with a maximum payment of $10,000 per fair. Over the past several years, the eligible reimbursement claims have exceeded the amount of state aid available. The Suder-Decker-Jauch budget motion will provide county and district fairs with an additional $100,000 per year in state aid to help cover those

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costs.

“County fairs are one of the defining elements of life and culture in Wisconsin,” said Jauch. “They bring together young and old in an atmosphere that is both educational and entertaining. This modest funding increase is critical towards maintaining that tradition, and I am pleased for the bipartisan support it received.”

The lawmakers anticipate continued bipartisan support for the increased aid for county and district fairs as the state budget process moves forward. — from the office of Sen. Jauch

B U R N E T T C O U N T Y H E A D L I N E S

Does anybody really know what time it is?

Now they do, thanks to local electrician

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER - The clock outside the library was fixed this past month – for free.

After many months of not having a working clock on Main Street, the village called Lee Jensen from Daystar Lighting in for advice as to options.

When Jensen looked at the clock, he found that a wire had simply had come loose from a connection. He quickly fixed the problem.

That news was presented at this month’s meeting of the Webster Village Board, last Wednesday.

Other maintenance topics were also discussed.

A citizen that lives near the skateboard park asked the village to reconsider at what time the bright lights that light up the park at night are shut off.

The lights were on until 11 p.m. each night. The board decided to turn the lights off one hour earlier, at 10 p.m. each night. It was also decided to change the closing hour to 10 p.m. as well. A sign will be put up posting the hours the park is open.

The board considered drafting more rules for the park, but since there have been few problems, it was decided to leave the park without other formal rules at this time. A request to keep the park clean seemed reasonable, and that will also be added to the new hours sign.

The village plans to get the public bathrooms at the fairground open for the summer. There are some minor tasks that need to be done, but if all goes well the bathrooms will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily except during the fair. The fair board normally requests that the village bathrooms be locked during the fair since there will be numerous portable toilets brought in for the fair. The bathrooms need a new coat of paint and since the Restorative Justice / community service workers have been doing such a good job, it was felt that they should get the task.

Survey Mark Krause from Wagner Surveying surveyed the area where the new eye clinic is being built on Main Street.

There were some minor adjustments to the lot lines that need to be made, it was noted. It was discovered that there is another area of the village where lot lines and easement rights needs attention.

The village was informed by legal counsel that an easement for water and sewer lines that were tentatively planned to go behind Hardware Hank was not vacated when the water and sewer lines where actually put in further back from Hwy. 35. This needs to be done so that Hardware Hank can change hands.

Before the village vacates this easement, however, it will determined if the village has easement where it needs it, along the water and sewer lines.

The village revisited burning ordinances for the village. It was decided to ban burning barrels in the village.

Leaves may still be burned after 6 p.m. as long as there are no DNR burning restrictions in place.

Lift station The four village lift stations will undergo annual maintenance this next month. The water tower will have cleaning and light maintenance done as well by a company called Lane Tank.

They will replace an expansion joint that was found to be leaking earlier this year. The village crew stopped the leak with a quick fix allowing the problem to wait until the weather warmed. The village water will be available during the repair.

The village has applied for two vestsof-life for the village through the vestof-life grant program. If the application is accepted, the village will have to match the grant money. Another village officer has applied for the grant; however, the matching money would come from the employee, not the village. The vest would then be his property, not the village’s.

The Smith Pine lots will be advertised in the Advertiser and the St. Paul Pioneer Press Sunday paper. The lots will list for $19,900.

Nordstrom makes nationals in dance Webster ninth-grader, Mackenzie Nordstrom, makes nationals in dance. She dances with Madill Dance Studio. She has been dancing for nine years. Last weekend they competed at Star Power Talent Competition at the Minneapolis Convention Center. They took first place in Entertainment, Line, received Platinum and Gold Elite status. They received a scholarship and invitation to perform at Disney World and qualified to compete at the National Championship Competition to be held in Orlando this summer.

There are hundreds of competitors from several states at this regional competition, and their group received the highest honor overall. Photo submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s question: Will you take part in a gas boycott next Tuesday?

1. Yes 73 votes (65 percent) 2. No 39 votes (35 percent) This week’s question: Have you ever used your local emergency medical service (ambulance, First Responder, etc.)?

1. Yes 2. No

You can take part in our weekly Web poll by logging on to www.the-leader.net and scrolling to the lower left hand portion of the home page

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Editor’s NOTEBOOK EMS quality is our quality

Q

uality of life in our rural communities hinges on individual efforts, more than anything.

Volunteers who coach our children and fight our fires and save our lives deserve a lot of gratitude and often it’s an unspoken gratitude until a special week comes along allowing us to be a little more public with our thanks.

National EMS Week (May 21-28) reminds us - although it shouldn’t have to - how important emergency medical services are to our communities and those across the state and nation. If you were to spend several hours in the Leader’s archives, you could see how far we’ve come in a relatively short time.

Aside from the helicopter ambulances which revolutionized EMS services in our neck of the woods, there has been an unbelievable amount of progress in training for local EMS volunteers and professionals. Features that have been taken for granted for years in larger cities - such as defibrillator use - are now integrated into our local ambulance services.

Dedication by local citizens to be trained and be on call 24-7 has increased the quality of all our lives. The Golden Hour - the first 60 minutes following a major trauma - remains the definitive basis for emergency care. How fast a person can receive that care often determines whether he or she will survive their injuries.

While a helicopter can make it here from the Twin Cities within an hour, flight paramedics will be the first to tell you that it’s the care by those first at the scene that makes their efforts successful or not.

That why issues can surface when it comes to plotting service areas for local ambulance services - and rightly so. It should be an issue and it should be carefully scrutinized. Persons are free to choose their emergency service but when 911 is called, the decision on what ambulance responds is often already dictated by pre-determined territories - planned usually on the basis of expediency.

The excitement generated by the first local ambulance services in the 1970s and 1980s remains evident today in the dedication of today’s volunteers, some of whom have witnesses the incredible revolution in local EMS care firsthand.

That enthusiam is - and will contine to be - the catalyst for a successful EMS service. Hats off to local EMS workers - your dedication improves the quality of life here in Burnett and Polk counties.

W

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

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

Snack ‘n chat

ell, the headline is a bit cheezy - “School board chastised for snack ‘n chat” - but the moral of the story is easily digestable.

Local board members and administrators could all use a refresher course in open meetings law.

The headline - in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel - served as another reminder for school board and other board members that there are rules as to how your board meets and what it can do legally.

The issue has gone a long time without any real notice locally - and then a few issues surfaced this past year dealing with protocol and secret ballots and just guidelines in general.

The MSJ article focused on the Osceola School Board where there’s apparently a half-century tradition of following school board meetings with a smorgasbord of snacks, soft drinks and desserts where school board members can discuss the latest news of the day - and, apparently, school issues.

That’s a no-no under state law. The newspaper publisher in Osceola filed a complaint with the Polk County District Attorney after walking in on one of the post-meeting snack ‘n chats. A decision on whether the boad will be prosecuted is expected soon.

The state open meetings law requires meeting agendas to be advertised and that all business be conducted in public except under very narrow circumstances. The law does not apply to "any social or chance gathering or conference which is not intended to avoid the open meetings law."

But the law does apply whenever government officials "meet to engage in government business, be it discussion, decision or information gathering" and where at least half of the governmental body's membership is present.

If the school board members are found to have violated the open meetings law, they each could be fined $25 to $300 for each violation, state statutes say.

In Siren recently, teacher Becky Walsh called the school board on the carpet after an apparent diversion from the agenda when reconvening into open session from a closed session. While there was no apparent violation of the open meetings law according to one opinion rendered by a Wisconsin Newspaper Association legal counsel contacted by the Leader, awareness of the law was generated.

Walsh deserves credit for bringing it to light - and the Siren School Board and administration deserves credit for responding positively - seeking out education on the state’s open meetings laws.

That’s all anyone can expect - ongoing education for school boards which often see new members every few years.

The open meetings law is a good law - and deserves diligence in its defense

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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

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MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r Views from across the

State

Let competition rule at the pump Why does the state pile on punishment for consumers?

I

diotic laws are as predictable as government overreaching, as full-time legislators assume they ought to have a finger in every pie. But Wisconsin's long-standing minimum mark-up law is more idiotic than most.

News item: “Merrill (AP) - A service station that offered discounted gas to senior citizens and people supporting youth sports has been ordered by the state to raise its prices.”

The station had been giving a 2-cent-agallon discount to seniors, and knocking off 3 cents for local sports boosters. But state regulators spanked station owner Raj Bhandari for violating the Unfair Sales Act. The law requires gas stations to charge at least 9.2 percent above the wholesale price.

Here’s what the Federal Trade Commission had to say about Wisconsin's law, in response to a 2003 legislative inquiry: “Minimum mark-up laws likely deter pro-competitive pricing and can ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers ... The act exacerbates problems by employing one of the steepest minimum mark-ups on retail fuel sales in the country.”

Like we said ... idiotic.

With no sign of fuel prices easing any time soon, legislators ought to get rid of this dumb law.

Raj Bhandari would appreciate it. So would his customers (and others across Wisconsin). - Beloit Daily News

S

Anyone have a slow-down button?

cientist Albert Einstein was a person who reportedly carried a notebook everywhere he went, guarding against having a few spare moments with nothing to do. Whenever this happened, Einstein would grab the notebook, and keep his mind active by writing notes on various projects he had going on.

When I was young, I thought this was a great attribute to follow – to be the kind of person who always keeps doing something. Time is short, you know. We only have so many days, hours, minutes to live, and we just can’t waste them.

Wow – the wisdom of youth? Granted youth have more energy, but to think about trying to fill every minute with something concrete and useful boggles my mind.

What about the fun you can have sitting quietly and watching people, at the shopping center, an airport, or anywhere for that matter. So many things can be learned by watching. You can see how people dress in a particular area, who gets married to who (is it true that opposites attract?) what hairstyles are in, that sort of thing. What fun that can be.

Or looking out the window to see the types of birds that are flying around, the flowers that are poking their heads up through the ground or the turtles coming up from the lake to lay their eggs.

I was sitting at my computer, hard at work one day, when I spotted a porcupine waddling slowly across the grass into my yard. I’d never seen a live porcupine before, only pictures in a book. What fun to stop working and watch for awhile, till the fear that the porcupine and my cat might have a run-in caused me to head for the back door to check

Letters to the editor The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less.

Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number. Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments regarding a group’s or individual’s ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race; other incendiary language, poetry or personal attacks.

on the whereabouts of the cat.

Or stopping to rest and think awhile.

Or doing nothing, and being glad for the opportunity.

In a TV segment on breakfast habits the other day, a commentator said that one out of four people eat breakfast prepared at fast-food places. Meals on the go, the egg and sausage in a biscuit on the way to work or errands, is very popular, especially in bigger cities.

Nancy I tried eating in my car back when I Jappe was going down to the newspaper office every day. I didn’t want to waste time by stopping somewhere to eat. I would call ahead to a restaurant to have a hamburger ready for pick up. Because it is 11 miles from my house to the office, I’d have plenty of time to down that burger.

On the way out of town, I took the first bite. No burger, only bun. Same thing with the second bite. That was when I pulled over to take a better look. The hurried cook at the restaurant had forgotten to put the hamburger patty into the bun! No time saving that day as I had to head back to retrieve the forgotten meat.

Too many things going on all the time. No white spaces on the calendar. Lots of projects to get involved in. Please understand that I am not knocking all the worthwhile ways in which we can spend our time. Being involved in those things is what makes life worthwhile and meaningful.

I’m only regretting that our lives are so hectic and busy.

The world is on fast pace right now. TVs and computers are hurrying up our lives. Does anyone know where the slowdown button is? If so, give me a call.

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

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

The Leader is a cooperativeowned newspaper

F O R U M

The guidelines for letters to the editor in the Leader say: “Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language; poor taste; disrespectful comments...; other incendiary language, poetry or personal attacks.”

Some of my best friends are poets.

I am much too respectful to speak my mind on their poetry, so I appreciate the leadership in placing poetry with its common bedfellows.

Russ Hanson Cushing

Your EMS volunteers

Emergency Medical Services Week is May 20-26. There will be pictures in the newspapers showing some of the EMS workers. Take a close look at those pictures. You will see your neighbors, your family and friends, your co-workers, and fellow church members. There are more of us out there than your realize. Most of us are volunteers. We are first responders, rescue, firefighters and EMTs. (Our local law officers and deputies are trained to be first responders, too.) There are few full-time EMS persons out here. Our municipalities could not afford to pay for full-time employees.

Many EMS men and women have multiple volunteer jobs - some are firefighters, EMT’s, first responders and drivers for the ambulances. Ages vary from late teens to past retirement.

We’ve spent hours of our own time studying and training for our jobs.

We know when we respond that this event might be minor – a fender-bender with no injuries, a twisted ankle, a nosebleed, or someone who feels ill and can’t drive to the clinic or hospital. But

we also know that this could be the worst thing we will ever see – a major accident with horrific injuries and death, a heart attack patient that we can’t bring back or keep alive, a child in critical condition with frantic parents that need our help almost as much as the child does. And these may be people we know, which makes it even more challenging for many reasons. We are trained to protect ourselves, and our team, to make sure the scene is safe, to avoid becoming another patient, but sometimes it’s hard to not jump in and do all we can to save someone else.

That’s who we are.

“So,” you may ask, “why would you volunteer to do those jobs? Why risk your own neck for strangers? Why not let someone else go?“ The answers are many and vary from one individual to another. Some of us love the adventure and the challanges. Some of us enjoy using our skills. Some of us feel that it’s something that God built in to us. And some of us ask, “How can we not go?”

(And there are some of us that know that it helps to be “a little bit crazy” to want to be involved.) All of us want to be there to help family, friends, neighbors and strangers.

We are driven by a desire to do what we can to make a difference when someone needs help. It’s this drive that makes us stop whatever we are doing, leaving family, meals, picnics, church, sports events, even our warm beds, and respond to that emergency. If you are interested in becoming one of these volunteers, contact your local ambulance service or fire department. We can use more help.

If you think you couldn’t do these jobs, there are things that you can do to help yourself and your family and neighbors until the ambulance can get to you. What you do in that time can

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

make the difference between life and death. The American Red Cross offers first aid and CPR classes regularly in our area. The classes are geared toward the average person, and help you to be prepared for emergencies. Contact the Red Cross through Terry Anderson in Balsam Lake for information : 485-3025.

And please, please, please! Make sure your address or fire number is visible from the road, so if you ask for our help, we will easily be able to find you.

Just a couple of the many EMS workers in Polk County Sue Ames-Lillie, EMT, and Sherman Lillie, First Responder/Driver North Land Municipal Ambulance Luck

Bad laws

The founding fathers of our nation secured for us the right to use four boxes in maintaining the freedom we enjoy as American citizens.

Our first box is the ballot box. I would guess that is used by less than half of the eligible voters at most elections. At this last presidential election, when they chose a winner, they got the loser picked for them by the Supreme Court by a five to four vote.

The second box is the soapbox. That is used by some of the people all the time and all of the people some of the time. They are generally considered as the unwashed or the great unwashed, unless they are politicians.

The third box is the jury box. From the box a common, ordinary informed citizen can negate any bad law devised by man. As a citizen summoned for jury duty, I tried to discuss bad law and

See Letters, next page

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 9, 2007

injustice with Judge Gableman. Being the officer and a gentleman that he is, he refused to go down that road with me.

Even a high school dropout should know better than to discuss law with a judge, but being a dumb Swede and stubborn German, I’ll try most anything once, and if I am wrong, I hope he will correct me.

First of all, I believe we have the best government money can buy. Lobbyists are practically permitted to draft laws for members of Congress to pass for the banking, big oil, credit card and insurance industries to name a few that have a license to rob us. We can thank big money and the groups associated with it, that became a majority on our Supreme Court in the late 1800s, for the decision that permits judges to keep the power of nullification from juries to this day. The courtroom expects the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Why, as potential jurors, should we not have the right to expect the same from the judge in our search for justice?

Bad law is bad law! It goes back a long way, and is with us to this day. I believe enough laws have been passed to make a criminal out of anybody. How about law that forced an escaped slave to be returned to its owner? How about law that removed Native Americans from their land? How about law that denied women the right to vote? How about a law that requires you to get a permit to cut and sell logs from your own property? How about laws that permitted the county to steal the land of a disabled veteran for unpaid taxes while he was in the hospital were he received no notice?

Honest people would be satisfied if they received just what they had coming, but the county takes it all. How about law that permitted the state to steal a grade A permit even though a producer has award-winning quality milk? (I brought justice on that one, and it was declared unconstitutional.)

About 175 years ago, a great American, Henry David Thoreau, said a few words about law. “It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. Law never made men a whit more just; and, by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice. How does it become a man to behave toward this American government today? I answer, that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it.”

I once received a letter from our current district attorney informing me I could be charged with a felony for accepting a calf my neighbor hauled over. After being informed he was welcome to further my education by putting me in jail if I lost, and that would spare my family the cost of a nursing home, common sense must have hit him right between the eyes, as I heard no more about the matter. Come to think about it, I am almost surprised he didn’t charge me with assault.

There is supposed to be a war on drugs. In the 4/28/07 daily paper a prison guard was charged with smuggling marijuana into the prison for a prisoner. If law enforcement cannot keep drugs out of a prison, what chance do they have keeping drugs from the public?

Law enforcement did not work when alcohol was prohibited, and the time has come to admit defeat on the war on drugs and start making money by legalization, instead of pouring it down a rat hole. Instead of the drug traffickers getting rich, they will go broke, crime will be reduced, the state and federal government’s financial woes will be solved and the taxpayers will be happy.

Ken Kutz informed me long ago that I would never be a jury member on any

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

case where he was the prosecutor, and I would imagine after this letter Judge Gableman will say good riddance. If that be the situation, and I cannot dispense justice as a juror, the founders of our constitution gave us one more box to use when all else fails. It is the box that was used to secure the rights we hold dear as American citizens - the cartridge box. That’s not to advocate violence but to remind us that governments showing little respect to its citizens were overthrown by its citizenry.

Anybody who is inclined to be a boat rocker, a person who really believes it is their government, one who believes public servants are there to serve the public instead of themselves, and is willing to challenge authority for what they believe is right should call 1-800TEL-JURY or go to www.fija.org. You will never get that information in a courtroom from the judge.

A member of the great unwashed, Walter Lundeen Frederic

No dust here

I’m responding to the Staff Corner article written by Julie Holmquist in last week’s Leader entitled “Left in the dust.” Along with Julie, I’m grieved to hear of her plight.

In a nutshell, the message was about her parent-child relationship and how it has changed over time. We were left with the chilling impression that her mother-daughter relationship had completely dried up and gone south, so to speak, now that her daughter is near the end of her high school years. But is that really the way it goes – do parents have to become a peripheral piece of pie as our children become young adults? I read the article out loud to my 17-yearold daughter and she responded soberly by saying, “Julie sounds so sad.” As we reflected on her story, neither of us could relate to the situation which she described. We were perplexed by the whole article because that hasn’t been our experience. We’re closer now and more intricately connected than ever before. The teen years have been sweet and harmonious in every way. A child’s focus doesn’t have to turn outward and away from the family as they grow into adulthood. In fact, the opposite should transpire. Adulthood should bring similarities to our lives, not vast differences and chasms. Thankfully, there’s no dust in sight for us.

What is conveyed as a normal and acceptable pulling away process isn’t as inevitable as proclaimed. I don’t believe it has to be that way, and I’m thankful it isn’t mandatory for everyone. It is possible for young adults to mature and grow into individuals of excellent character and integrity without having to cut strings and be replaced by the world…only to be left in the dust. We can and should be tight with our children for always, not just in the early years. It’s all related to the sowing and reaping principle. As we invest in sowing good seed into the lives of our children throughout their whole life, the time of harvest will be rewarding for everyone.

Here’s a post-Mother’s Day word of encouragement to all moms regarding their children: Hold fast to that which is good, even when it’s not popular according to the general public’s standards; purpose to keep your children’s hearts by investing your love and time into their everyday lives; and be committed to fostering strong, close-knit relationships that never lose their intimacy regardless of age or life changes.

This generation needs parents who are purposefully connected to them with eternal vision.

Dust? I don’t see any dust…it’s clear, sunny and bright from my point of view. Indeed, it was a very happy Mother’s Day! Wendy Jensen, Frederic

Inside the box thinking Giving due respect to Boyd Sutton, with his impressive credentials and government service background, I take exception to his assertion (see Leader Forum, “Iraq and America’s Future: 5/2/07 issue, page 9) that he is (quote) “Someone in this community who understands the world as it is, instead as we wish it were…”

That implies all the rest of us out here are pretty ignorant.

While my fundamental disagreement with his well-crafted, albeit skewed thesis, is the primary purpose here, what disturbs me is the writer’s apparent elitist, condescending tone suggesting his perception of reality is superior to that of others. I’ve found this attitude quite common among establishment career functionaries and it’s at the heart of what has gotten America into the current mess in the Middle East.

Nevertheless, I’m surprised anyone who claims Sutton’s education and vast life experience would stoop to such indulgence publicly in his home community.

Sutton’s point of view as expressed in his Forum piece reflects a philosophical state of denial and pontification that obfuscates the ultimate truth of the situation and its inevitable tragic outcome.

This is the same collective, institutionalized rationalization that got us into Vietnam and, today, in the Middle East.

The careerists have convinced themselves they know more about what is best for America than the rest of us.

And, if we don’t buy into their concept of reality, the world will fall apart. It is an addictive mindset, a herding, lockstep rigidity characterized by knee-jerk inside-the-box thinking, and a moral bankruptcy which can be best described as the end justifying the means. I left the military and the CIA as a young officer in protest of the intellectual dishonesty and ignorance of religious cultural and geo-political history that has, as with Cuba, Vietnam and other comparable debacles, drawn our country into the present political-military quagmire in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A good intelligence analyst must readily conclude the insurgents and international terrorists have maneuvered us into their killing zone, exploiting our collective inside-the-box thinking. A paramount example is what takes place every day in Iraq and Afghanisan.

Basically unprotected troops are sent out on patrol over the same exposed routes day after day without point, flank or rear security; and they’re forced to engage the fight on the enemy’s terms and ground. Unit commanders know full well their soldiers are being sent on virtual suicide missions. Military and intelligence officers who are allowing this to happen must be morally bankrupt or psychologically compromised or impaired.

This goes on to the development of an ever-steepening chaotic spiral. It takes courage to break the cycle. An example is Sutton’s doomsday prognostication.

As a Vietnam veteran, CIA officer and war college graduate, Sutton should understand the fundamental cause of our continuing strategic and tactical failures. It is quite apparent our political and military leaders have successively

ignored the principals of war in these illconceived ventures, thus virtually guaranteeing tragic consequences. Some of us could see this coming like a freight train in a tunnel.

What confounds me, is why experienced people like Sutton, schooled in critical thinking and analysis, with their lofty view of history and the modern world, apparently did not recognize and actively protest the mortally flawed course we were on with the Bush administration. If I, as a lowly former company-grade special operations officer could see the current tragedy unfolding, and anticipate the consequences, why could not those far-better suited by background and experience see what was at hand and act accordingly to try to prevent our country from following Bush and his idealogues over the cliff?

I’m dismayed that so many out there with extraordinary educations and years of exposure to the events of the past 50 years seemed to have learned so little from their experience. Where were the enlightened who now profess the war in Iraq was a mistake when the justification for the invasion was so transparently false? Those who have served in government for as many years as Sutton surely were aware of the institutionalized thought process were actively manipulating the situation. And now, to exercise a tongue-in-cheek form of intimidation to retroactively excuse and justify the need to stay the course is disingenuous to say the least.

Let’s face it and deal with it.

America’s military engagement in the Middle East is a colossal blunder. There is no good outcome on the horizon, no matter how one may try to project the broad, long-term ramifications of retreat. There is no glory, only shame and international ridicule. And with that, the American people will wake up to the reality the current undertaking was an absolute waste of lives and the flagrant squandering of precious resources and capital. Further, we will have to cope with the legacy of our stupidity, the destabilization and alienation of countries we desperately need as allies in the real battle against international terrorism for decades to come. It is time America accepts the reality and consequences of failure in the Middle East, and hope to God we have learned to ignore the political and military false prophets who have led us into the quicksand with their perverted thought process.

Bradley E. Ayers Clam Falls – Frederic Editor’s note: This letter was edited for length. The full version can be found online @ www.the-leader.net

Woman bites deputy POLK COUNTY - A 34-year-old woman is facing felony battery charges after allegedly biting a relative and a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy.

Tracy Boyd, New Richmond, was arrested in Balsam Lake on Saturday morning after an argument about how to operate a boat allegedly led to her biting her relative’s arm.

When the deputy located Boyd and tried to arrest her, he said she attempted to bite him and was combative. The deputy reported being bitten twice on the right forearm; one of the bites drew blood, and the deputy was tested for Aids and hepatitis.

The relative told authorities that the woman has mental health issues. – Julie Holmquist

C o m m u nity n ews...Co mmu ni ty vi e w s

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L e a d e r A re a n e w s Truck was stolen while man onboard BARRON - Judge James Babler set a $5,000 signature bond in the case of a Minneapolis, Minn., man accused of stealing a work truck in Barron while its rightful operator was in the vehicle's cargo area. Fahad M. Nur, 23, was charged Monday with operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent. The felony offense carries a maximum penalty of six years of imprisonment and $10,000 in fines. According to dispatch records, Dale Solheim called the sheriff's department from East River Avenue at approximately 9:12 last Friday morning to report that a Somali male had entered his truck and tried to steal it. Solheim had been in the back portion of the truck when the vehicle began to move, the criminal complaint stated. At first, Solheim thought a coworker was moving the truck, but he became suspicious after the vehicle began to speed up and turned a corner.

During the incident, ladders fell out of the back of the work truck. The vehicle finally came to a stop on River Avenue near the municipal pool, the complaint continued. As the driver got out of the vehicle and came toward the rear of the truck, Solheim jumped out of the cargo area with a hammer in his hand to defend himself. Although Solheim tried to grab the subject, the suspect-dressed in a tan sweatshirt-fled. Minutes later, an officer spotted someone matching the suspect's description running around homes in the area. The suspect was then arrested and identified as Fahad M. Nur. After the arrest had been made, law enforcement received a call from a Barron resident who alleged that the same subject had tried to steal cars at Park Lawn Apartments, but the man had been scared away. - Barron NewsShield Driver runs stop sign, four killed TOWN OF BARRON - A 16-year-old Barron boy seriously injured in a twovehicle crash that killed four people was released from Luther Hospital in Eau Claire Tuesday, May 8. Corbin Dirks, who was one of the drivers, underwent surgery on his jaw, and surgery is pending on his arm, said Corbin’s father, Don Dirks. Killed were the second driver, Tammie R. Feldman, 33, of Barron and her passengers, daughter Champagne M. Feldman, 15, of Barron, son Steven R. Aasen, 11, of Wheeler and boyfriend Derrick D. Roberts, 28, of Barron. The crash occurred in the town of Barron on Friday at about 3:35 p.m. A Barron County Sheriff’s Department deputy reports that Feldman was driving east on 14-1/2 Avenue when she failed to stop at a stop sign at the 17th Street intersection. Feldman’s 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier was struck at an angle by a northbound 2000 Chevrolet Blazer on 17th Street driven by Dirks, stated the accident report. Both vehicles went off the road and rolled. Tammie and Champagne were partially ejected from the car. Aasen was totally ejected as was Dirks from the Blazer. The estimated travel speed of both vehicles was 55 mph, the accident report stated. No one was wearing a seat belt. Tammie’s, Roberts’ and Dirks’ airbags were deployed. The accident report indicated that Feldman’s driver factors were not observed. Dirks’ driving factors appeared normal. No alcohol or drug tests were given. Both vehicles were severely damaged. Tammie was the mother of 4-year-old Masen Feldman, who died from a May 9, 2005, fire in their apartment on Rice Lake’s Main Street. Tammie’s then boyfriend, Daniel Matthews, 27, also died from injuries

suffered in the fire. - Rice Lake Chronotype High school golfer gets hole-in-one LADYSMITH - Turtle Lake High School golfer Chad Breault stepped onto the tee of the 291-yard No. 7 at the TeeA-Way Golf Course in Ladysmith knowing he had to make amends for bogeying No. 6 and three-putting No. 5.

Playing last Friday in the Lakeland Conference golf tournament against Bruce, Birchwood, Cameron, Clear Lake, Flambeau and Winter, the 18-yearold left-hander teed up a Titlest 2 NXT and hit it soundly with his Callaway titanium “Big Bertha” driver. Ladysmith News Vang denied appeal HAYWARD - The hunter convicted of fatally shooting six and wounding two others in Sawyer County in November 2004 has been denied an appeal by Wisconsin’s 3rd District Court of Appeals this week, which decided Chai Soua Vang, 38, had no grounds on which to challenge his sentence. Despite Vang’s arguments that his incriminating statements to police and a reporter should have been suppressed during his trial, the appeals court in reviewing the case found that on two occasions Vang was read his rights, once upon his arrest and yet again before his questioning.

The court also stated that Vang knew his calls were being recorded when speaking with the reporter and therefore could not find cause to dismiss these statements; Vang spoke with the Chicago Tribune reporter against the wishes of his attorneys. Vang’s attorneys also stated to the court that he had no grounds for an appeal, even as Vang himself sent eight handwritten letters to the appeals court arguing once again against his attorneys’ statements. In these letters, Vang challenged the evidence in the case as to whether it warranted a guilty verdict. The appeals court responded by claiming that Vang’s own testimony at trial proved his intentions to commit the killings and could not question this evidence as presented. Vang was sentenced in Sawyer County court in September 2005 to six consecutive life terms, including an additional 165 years in prison. - Sawyer County Record Mayor fights recall BLOOMER - On Friday, Mayor Randy Summerfield filed an affidavit challenging the recall petition that was filed against him April 26. The affidavit, signed by Randy L. Summerfield on May 4, alleges that 28 specific names on the petition sheets were not obtained by the certified circulator of the sheet.

Every sheet of a recall petition must be certified by the circulator of that sheet.

The affidavit also states that it is believed that one person did not personally sign the petition but that her husband signed for her. The organizers of the recall petition have five days to provide a written rebuttal to the mayor's challenges. Summerfield's firing of police officer Chris King sparked a recall effort of Summerfield. The fired officer responded to a January incident at a tavern in Bloomer owned by Summerfield. Bloomer's off-duty police chief, Mike Bungartz, who was at the tavern at the time of the incident, got involved in the situation involving the enforcement of a restraining order and was subsequently charged with two counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. - Barron NewsShield

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F O R U M Harsdorf votes for public disclosure of “issue” ads MADISON – State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R – River Falls, joined in a bipartisan vote to require full public disclosure of “issue” ads that are aired before an election. The Wisconsin State Senate passed on a 26 to 7 vote legislation that would require special interest groups engaged in paid media advertising 60 days prior to an election to register as campaign committees.

“When people see an ad on television, hear an ad on the radio, or see an ad in the newspaper, they should be able to know who is behind it,” said Harsdorf. “If special interest groups do not have to play by the rules during campaigns, we can expect even more unaccountable commercials that distort and debase our democratic process.”

The legislation, 2007 Senate Bill 77, would require organizations that accept contributions and make expenditures for the purpose of influencing an election to adhere to the same rules applied

to campaign committees. This includes public disclosure of funding sources and regulations on contributions.

Communications by companies or organizations with their membership, shareholders, or subscribers would continue to be exempt.

“Ads that are anonymously backed with millions of dollars by unions and corporations are overwhelming political discourse,” said Harsdorf. “As they participate, they should not be able to circumvent public disclosure requirements.”

In other Senate action, Harsdorf voted to support a “cooling-off” period for lawmakers before becoming a registered state lobbyist. The bill would prohibit lawmakers from lobbying the State Legislature for a 12-month period following their departure from the Legislature. – from the office of Sen. Harsdorf

WisconsinCare to replace SeniorCare as drug plan MADISON — In response to the Bush administration’s refusal to allow Wisconsin to continue SeniorCare – the state’s successful prescription drug program for seniors – Gov. Jim Doyle, alongside state Sen. Bob Jauch, DPoplar, and other democratic lawmakers, announced the creation of WisconsinCare, a new affordable prescription drug program for seniors.

“Gov. Doyle has devised a plan that addresses the prescription drug needs of our seniors in a responsible, compassionate way, despite having to contend with the president’s political posturing,” said Jauch. “With this plan, seniors will be allowed to remain on SeniorCare until the end of the year and will not experience any disruption in their prescription drug coverage.”

Like SeniorCare, WisconsinCare will provide seniors and people with disabilities access to affordable prescription drugs without the complications and “donut hole” in coverage associated with Medicare Part D. Though WisconsinCare will act as a “wraparound” to Part D, it will have just a one-page application form and no annual fee. The program will be launched on Jan. 1, 2008, the scheduled end date for SeniorCare.

“In addition to the program’s superiority to Part D, under WisconsinCare, many seniors will be better off than they were on SeniorCare,” explained the northern lawmaker. “In fact, once

fully implemented, 86,000 individuals with the lowest incomes will actually see an increase of $93.50 on their Social Security check under WisconsinCare.”

Despite an estimated savings of $400 million compared to other states prescription drug programs, the Bush repeated administration rejected attempts by Gov. Doyle and other state lawmakers to save SeniorCare.

Instead, they required the state to create a Part D supplemental program, which led to the creation of WisconsinCare. While WisconsinCare will be cost-neutral for the state to operate, it will cost the federal government $100 to $120 million more than SeniorCare to administer.

“I am delighted that Gov. Doyle has created such a financially rewarding prescription drug program for Wisconsin’s seniors, but I will admit that I am perplexed as to why the federal government prefers this more expensive alternative,” said Jauch.

“Still, just as SeniorCare was the best prescription drug plan in the country, so too will WisconsinCare be the best Medicare Part D program in the country.”

Seniors wishing to learn more about WisconsinCare should call the SeniorCare Customer Service Hotline at 800-657-2038 or visit www.WisconsinCare.wi.gov. — from the office of Sen. Jauch

Tusk art

Student artwork was on display at the Frederic Festival of the Arts held May 3 at the Frederic Schools performance center at the high school. Photo by Gary King

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St. Croix Falls prom

Juniors Jo Luttinen and Gabby DuBois hit the refreshments. — Photos submitted

The St. Croix Falls prom court includes, front row, junior royalty Willie Radinzel and Mercedes Duncanson. Second row, Jacob Larcom, Greg Kadrmas, Trygve Chinander, Travis Pomeroy, Kaelie Ward, Breanna Larson, Marissa Williamson and Kelsey Douglass-White. Last row, Woo Jin Lee and Leah Konecny.

Eagle Scout honor presented to Maxwell Morley

Eagle Scout Maxwell Morley stands below the picnic shelter at D. D. Kennedy where an Eagle Painting by Richard “Slick” Johnson of Dresser was placed. Morley achieved his Eagle Rank by doing maintenance work at D.D. Kennedy Park.

Maxwell Morley, 18, Dresser, celebrated his Eagle Scout Rank at the court of honor May 10 at D.D. Kennedy Park where he did the work for his service project. Morley is a senior at St. Croix Falls High School.

Morley stands by the foot bridge near the creek at D.D. Kennedy. He put steps in to get to the foot bridge and made a rope handrail.

All the signs along the walking path at D.D. Kennedy are redone and laminated. Morely did this as part of his service project as well as the other repairs and improvements to the park. Morley said all the signs had been vandalized and that he asked for projects from D.D. Kennedy and decided to do them all to allow everyone else to enjoy the park. He also placed a dedication sign for the gardeners at the prairie garden in the park. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

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SCF students get Reality Check

Students signed up for a career at these booths and were given their salaries in order to go around to other areas and buy and pay for things.

As students made their way through the reality check booths and continued working with their checkbooks and budgets, an unexpected event would damage their finances. St. Croix Falls Police Chief Jack Rydeen issued random tickets to students, and Candy Murphy helped them through the municipal court process for the offenses.

A grocery list and a budget was something students had to sort out at the booth

by MarketPlace Foods. Several booths including fitness, and restaurants were also set up and students had to make choices when it came to mortgages, vehicles, entertainment and bare necessities with their paycheck and their checkbooks.

Volunteers from the RiverBank were on hand at St. Croix Falls reality check for high school students. The event was made possible through a grant filed by Tracie Crowley, business ed teacher, to show students what it is like to have a career and financial obligations in the real world. Things like writing out checks, borrowing money and balancing a checkbook were part of the reality check.

–Photos by Tammi Milberg

SCF students visit Madison

Some students who gave to charity wrote out checks and had to determine how much of their budget they could devote to charitable organizations.

Eighth-grade students from the St. Croix Falls Middle School recently visited the state capitol on their annual class trip to Madison. Seventy-six students, along with their teachers and parent chaperones, enjoyed two days of learning about state government and cultural history. – Photo submitted

Children and expenses for their care were also given to students to figure into their budget. This day care booth from Big Hugs Day Care was on hand to assist the students in that department.

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Council establishes goals and objectives

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The St. Croix Falls City Council met Monday and the first thing on the agenda was for the council to divulge their goals and objectives.

However, that was the second item the council talked about, after it was requested to move an item regarding barking dogs and wild cats to the top of the agenda for discussion.

The issue of barking dogs and cats, who appear to have no owners, wandering around the city was brought to the table for discussion. Mayor Brad Foss stated that his wife caught three wild cats and the cost to have them spayed/neutered was approximately $300 if he chose to do so. That would put the wild cats back on the street, but they would not be able to reproduce.

Foss said he thought that was a pretty large amount to pay not only out-ofpocket, but in general and wasn’t sure that was the best solution. Concerns of barking dogs were also raised in which councilman Brian Blesi stated that there is a training collar you can have dogs wear for weeks so they learn not to bark, and then the collar can then be removed. Blesi and Foss discussed the possibility of giving the Police Chief Jack Rydeen the authority to exercise an option of “your dog barks, you pay, ” which is what the ordinance allows for presently, or the option to test out a training collar at no charge, as long as the collar is returned after use to the city.

During the discussion, councilman Darrell Anderson asked Foss if the fact that of where and how long his garbage sits out has anything to do with the wild cats in his neighborhood. Anderson said he has heard complaints about the garbage in front of the mayor’s house, and wondered if that had anything to do with it. Foss jokingly said it builds healthy cats, adding he would address the garbage issue at his residence.

Anderson further said he had no problems with cats, but there are some barking dogs in his neighborhood who have been like that for years. Foss joked that because there were “good barkers” in his neighborhood, they probably scare

the cats away. It was discussed that the cats could be reported to animal control or taken to a shelter but the question of determining if the cat is just being outside and is someone’s pet, or if it is a stray was raised.

The idea presented about the barking dog training collar will be considered. It was mentioned that cats in the city, if they are owned by someone, should have a collar on when they are let outdoors, so persons know that animal belongs to someone and isn’t a stray.

The council then moved on to their goals for the city. First on deck was Lori Erickson, council president. Erickson is a member of the library committee and roads committee, public safety committee and cemetery board. She said she will be working with the library committee and community to help promote the downtown location as well and work on fundraising.

She also said in addition to the committees she serves on, she is concerned about the water. “Where is it and how are we going to get it?” she posed. The wastewater treatment plant, Festival Theatre fundraising, and promoting the downtown art and culture district development were her priorities.

Councilman Brian Blesi went next and stated most of his goals were similar to Erickson’s. Blesi serves on the parks and recreation committee. He said that collaboration across committees, and council members establishing priorities, with moving some projects ahead, like the library project and some parks and recreation projects, would be his number one priority.

“I think there’s a lot of passion on improving our Lions Park and playground there,” he said, referring to the parks and recreation committee.

Erickson asked about the trails in the city, and the continuation of the trail beyond the Overlook Deck, stating she was concerned the trail doesn’t just stop at the overlook. Blesi said that trail development and continuation is part of the master plan and see how that flows into development of design build.

Councilman Arne Carlson gave his

APC gets approval Theatre gets backing

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–It was a good night for the arts Monday, May 14, at the city council level. After some controversial comments when the request for the Amateur Psychologist Convention was requested for approval at the March 26 council meeting, the council approved the event for June 30 this year.

Councilman Darrell Anderson made some negative comments he heard about the event on March 26 which led to the council tabling the matter for consideration at another time.

At the April 30 meeting, Anderson apologized for the comments indicating he was misinformed during the public comments at the end of the meeting.

At the May 14 council meeting, Woody McBride, organizer of the music event, spoke to the council and the request for the event to be held was approved and the motion carried unanimously.

The event will be held June 30 from noon to midnight at the overlook deck with a silent film festival until 2 a.m., as it has been done in the past. The event

is free and open to the public to audience music, poetry, silent films. Organic food will be available for sale during the event.

In related news, Festival Theatre presented a master plan to the council for consideration including their updating and renovating plans for the 100th anniversary, 10 years from now. Meg Luhrs gave the presentation.

In approving the plan, the council also approved funding up to $55,000 with money coming from interest earned on city reserves so nontax dollars will be allocated to the Festival Theatre project.

The Festival Theatre hopes to have an overall plan developed that will identify needed improvements as well as expansion into a regional center for the creative arts with programming to expand, over time, to 300 days out of the year.

In other news, work continues on Louisiana Street reconstruction, and the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk portion for the River Spirit Sculpture that will be unveiled during Wannigan Days by the overlook deck is moving along as well.

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list next. He said improving and bringing into the 21st Century the current Web site, and to do something to attract high tech businesses into the area.

“Whether it’s one person or 100, doesn’t make a difference,” he said. “I think we need to explore what do we have to offer in that area, and what other routes do we use to advertise ourselves?”

Carlson also mentioned he is on the city/town boundary committee. He said finalizing the agreement within the calendar year is a priority, as well as working with the township for future growth of Hwy. 8, including roads and getting a full picture of what the boundaries will look like.

Carlson gave a list of other priorities beyond those listed, including refurbishing the wastewater treatment plant as number one, getting well No. 11 up and running, refurbishing other wells including No. three, exploring the places for test wells in the town, looking at adding another new well down the road a year or two from now and establishing a well maintenance plan to avoid water problems in the future. He also indicated the Gaylord Nelson walkway completion and seeing it extended all the way to the state park is a priority.

Establishing a bi-annual tax evaluation with the assessor so the valuations are increased gradually, instead of a big jump all at once, to help residents be better prepared for that expense is a priority. He also added that the half-a-cent sales tax proposal enacted would help the city financially and that is a priority.

Another priority is to be sure the city is doing the right thing and headed in the right direction with the library before spending the money. He indicated other priorities are a new water tower; another police officer once a potential commercial development comes through; money put into a city marketing fund for promotional material for the city, tied in with something like Festival Theatre’s marketing; and encouraging green building by perhaps giving a break on building permits for those who are doing a green design. He also said simplifying the alternative energy ordi-

nance from 17 pages of outlawing a windmill is a little overkill, and that’s a priority as well.

Councilman Darrell Anderson prefaced his goal with the fact that he has 11 months left on the city council and this will be his last 11 months. He said he would like to see the water problems tied up and the sewer will take time to get done. He said he would like to see a time frame on buildings when they are left empty. He said the city “screwed up royally” on the firehall building. The city should have some clause where if a developer does not develop it after so long, it is out its money and the building reverts back to the city.

“We have other buildings that will be sitting vacant here and it would be nice to force people to either do something with them. I don’t know how we’d do that. It’s not going to get done in the next 11 months,” he said. “[I’m] Looking forward to getting the Louisiana Street project done, they are making tremendous strides within the first couple of weeks.”

Anderson said he echoed Carlson’s priorities of water and sewer at the top of the list and that everything else will have its place and time.

Following the council’s comments, mayor Foss added his own thoughts saying he hopes to have the area behind Clayton’s Hardware on River Street developed into a residential/retail space. He explained that it wouldn’t be any cost to the city and the property could be turned from a holding ground for pieces of concrete to a tax-generating property. He also indicated he would like to see property on the south side of the Xcel Energy gate to go to the river connected in with the Riverwalk to open it up for the community to get intimate with the river. He added to his list of priorities with sales tax, freshwater, road plans, boundary agreement, coordination for big box retailer growth, design standards for energy efficiency, tech jobs, and community forums to make sure everyone has an opportunity to dialogue and share.

Hraychuck meets with students

Rep. Ann Hraychuck, D-Balsam Lake, spoke to St. Croix Falls High School students in Dan Olson’s class about government May 14. Also on the agenda to speak that day was Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, who was unable to attend. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

Button design contest begins ST. CROIX FALLS–Calling all artists: the search is on for the 2007 Wannigan Days button design.

The button is a standard 2-1/2-inch size, and is printed in three colors.

Several special events are taking place during Wannigan Days, which may be included in the design ideas: The unveiling of the River Spirit sculpture, the dedication of the new Riverwalk

trails in both SCF and TF and the 100th birthday of the hydroelectric dam. The deadline for design submissions is June 1.

The Wannigan Days Parade will be held on July 21, call or e-mail the chamber office for an application 715-4833580 or info@scfwi.com. –from the St. Croix Falls Chamber

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TF council denies SCF fireworks request

by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS, MINN. - The City of Taylors Falls denied a request Monday night from the St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce to use Heritage Park for the Wannigan Days fireworks display.

Paul Lindholm, a member of the St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce board, approached the Taylors Falls City Council with the request.

Lindholm said the Chamber is trying to find a better location for the July 21 fireworks display.

“The first couple of years we had it at Lions Park (St. Croix Falls), but people downtown couldn’t see the display very well,” Lindholm told the council.

The city of St. Croix Falls used its scenic overlook for the display during the last few years, Lindholm said, but it now wants that spot open for other activities.

The new Gaylord Park in St. Croix Falls did not meet the safety requirements for a fireworks display.

Lindholm said the school campus was considered, but that site also was not considered safe. A 400-foot setback is needed for a fireworks display, he noted.

Taylors Falls’ Heritage Park sits high

on the bluff north of the city.

“Your overlook would be a great site,” Lindholm said.

While Taylors Falls council members seemed sympathetic to the problem, Vice Mayor Ross Rivard said using Heritage Park would require a “huge logistical effort.”

“I’m personally not in favor of it. It’s one of the best places in town to see fireworks.”

Rivard said city maintenance workers were not in favor of using the site, since they already have a long workday on July 21.

“I’m concerned about the pines to the north,” said council member John Tangen, “ and the logistics seem tough, because that’s where people want to watch. There’s a residence directly below. And there are also questions about closing the park all day.”

To set up the fireworks, the park would need to be closed during the day.

Everyone agreed that parking would also be a problem, and Lindholm and council members discussed the possibilities of closing Hwy. 95 or CTH 16 for parking.

In an e-mail to Taylors Falls City clerk Jo Everson, Bill Malin, Chisago County Public Works director, recommended

that CTH 16 be closed during the event and suggested a detour.

“We can shut CTH 16 down if that’s a concern, but you can’t park along Hwy. 95,” said Cpl. Shane Carroll, of the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department.

“I can’t imagine that because it’s not well lit.”

“Closing 95 would be a horrendous issue,” Tangen said. “I don’t know if the state would allow that.”

The council voted to deny the request.

Lindholm said the chamber would consider other sites and will keep the city of Taylors Falls updated on the issue.

In another matter related to St. Croix Falls, the Taylors Falls City Council voted to make a small donation of $100 from the charitable gambling fund to the St. Croix Hydro Dam Centennial Celebration which will be held during Wannigan Days.

The St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce requested a donation from the city for special events to commemorate the dam’s 100th anniversary.

Taylors Falls City Council member Larry Julik-Heine noted that the grand opening of Taylors Falls’ Riverwalk Project takes place the same day.

Because the city will also receive a

request to donate to the Riverwalk celebration, Julik-Heine suggested making a small donation to the Hydro Dam Celebration and a more sizable one to the Taylors Falls event.

The city council denied a donation request from the Rush City Chamber of Commerce to support the Chisago County Fair parade held on July 14.

“I think we can more effectively serve the people of our town by supporting the Wannigan Days Parade,” said Council member Julik-Heine.

In other business, the board approved a one dollar an hour pay increase to $19 an hour for Larry Phillips, the new zoning administrator–coordinator. The raise follows the end of his probationary period.

“He’s a true asset to the city,” Tangen said.

“I think Larry’s doing a great job,” said Rivard, who is also on the planning commission. The commission, along with Phillips and the city planner, are working on completing the new zoning ordinances. Rivard said the commission hopes to complete the ordinances by July.

New assisted living home opens in TF

by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS - A new assisted living home for senior citizens opened April 1 in Taylors Falls and has scheduled an open house for Friday, May 18, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“We do have a lot of fun here,” said the home’s first resident, Evelyn McCracken, 93.

Home to Home Assisted Living, 446 Center Street, is a residential home tucked off a quiet street and overlooking the bluff.

“Our goal is to make people feel comfortable and have them feel they are in their own home,” said Mary Matz, the home’s director.

Matz has been caring for elderly people for 12 years and has managed Bethany Home in Centuria and worked at Comforts of Home facilities. Required travel to help new Comforts of Home sites prompted her to open her own facility.

Working with the elderly, she said, “is my passion. It’s more fun than work.”

Junie Dale, the house manager of Home to Home Assisted Living, also has 12 years of experience in caring for the elderly, most recently caring for elderly people in their homes.

Dale and Matz have known each other for 15 years.

Junie Dale and Mary Matz (standing) operate the new Home to Home Assisted Living in a Taylors Falls home with a spectacular view of the bluff.

Evelyn McCracken is their first resident. – Photo by Julie Holmquist “This had to be God’s plan because Mary called me on the very day I knew

The home provides 24-hour care, private rooms, homemade meals, medication management and monthly health monitoring, as well as assistance with activities of life as needed.

Dale lives in the lower-level apartment in the home.

Activities are provided at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the home, and one field trip is provided each week for residents who choose to participate.

Dale takes McCracken to her Bible study, to concerts, or out for a meal. And Dale and McCracken have discovered a common hobby: watching Twins games.

“You get the same consideration as in a family,” Matz said. “We have a close relationship with our people. It takes a lot of worry off the family.”

The house sits on five lots and has two full bathrooms, a deck, a porch that allows a private seating area for family visits, and a garden area where staff and residents can grow their own produce and enjoy flowers.

Matz said family and friends of residents are welcome anytime.

There are currently three openings at the home. For more information, call Matz at 651-329-1612.

I would need something else,” Dale said.

Council revisits committee appointments Mayor breaks council tie

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–Many in St. Croix Falls are familiar with a term dubbed “Foss Policy” from the city council’s annual meeting in April. Mayor Brad Foss termed the policy himself after indicating during committee appointments that any decisions involving taxpayer dollars should be made by residents only, not out-of-town persons serving on the various committees.

The appointments were to be made at the May 14 meeting for committees and before that, it was indicated the state statute allows the library committee to have two members that do not live in

the city to serve on the committee as voting members.

While this policy change proposed by Foss received some flack, some persons agreed with the idea of residents only making financial decisions for the city.

Foss did comment that the BID district can be persons who own a business in town, but are not necessarily residents, which was a change from his prior stance that BID members should be residents and business owners.

The council passed a motion to rescind the prior motion to make committee appointments residents only based on the community census, that if people are willing to serve, the city should be more than happy to have

them serve on a committee.

The next motion regarding committees was not a unanimous one, however.

Foss suggested after the water study by Gil Gabanski to form a water committee to work with Mike Bryant, who heads the water and sewer operations for the city. Councilman Brian Blesi stated he did not feel the water committee was necessary.

Councilman Darrell Anderson agreed with that, adding that when more and more committees are being added it is too much like micromanagement.

Anderson said that the city should trust the experts hired by the city to do their jobs, without establishing a committee.

Foss explained that while the city has

a roads committee, they still allow Scott Brust, public works director, to go ahead and carry out his responsibilities. Foss said this proposed water committee would basically be the same for Bryant, and he added, Bryant was in favor of having a committee.

When the roll call motion came to establish a water supply committee and said appointments, with a six-month review, councilman Lori Erickson and councilman Arne Carlson were in favor.

Councilman Blesi and councilman Anderson were opposed. With a tie vote, the mayor voted in favor of the committee and the motion carried.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Hunter takes over as Siren’s first female village president

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Janet Hunter’s picture is now in place along with male village presidents on the wall in the meeting room at the Siren Village Hall.

Longtime board member Hunter was the only candidate for the position vacated by Rick Engstrom. She was elected April 3, and ran her first village board meeting as president Thursday, May 10.

The main item on the agenda for this meeting was approval of a written resolution providing for the issuance, sale and delivery of $1,500,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds.

The money that comes through this bond sale will enable the village to go ahead with projects in 2007 and 2008.

These projects include Main Street reconstruction, the Hwy. 35 sidewalk project, improvements on Third and Fourth avenues and storm sewer and storm water improvements.

Bids on the bonds were opened May 10 by Ehlers & Associates, the village’s financial advisor. Eight bids were submitted, considered to be a very good number for a nonrated issue, with interest rates ranging from 4.22 to 4.36 percent. Bremer Bank was the winning bidder with an interest rate of 4.22 percent, a savings of $22,000 for the village over the life of the issue.

LaWonda McMonagle came to the meeting to find out what is being done about the vacant lot on Fourth Avenue, across from her house. “I have written letters for three years and been to two meetings, and nothing has been done,” McMonagle said.

“The property owner refused to do anything more,” answered village Randy administrator/engineer Surbaugh. “The village has given them notice that (the cleanup job) will be put

Janet Hunter (L) took her oath of office as Siren’s new village board president from village clerk/treasurer Doris Kosloski Thursday, May 10. Paul Riemer was appointed by Hunter to serve as the board’s new vice president.

– Photos by Nancy Jappe out on bids, the property cleaned up and (the cost) put on the tax roll.”

Joan O’Fallon offered to talk to T & T Logging, the firm that has been clearing out behind the airport, to see if they would undertake the job in exchange for the wood. The DNR, however, is to be contacted first. Hunter was directed to make a final decision on the job, as the board is in favor of getting this done right away.

“A lot of other properties around town are fire hazards,” McMonagle cautioned.

Kimberly Johnson was approved as the temporary police department secretary, filling in for Tania McKnight, who

is out on maternity leave for 12 weeks.

Amanda Chell has been filling in for McKnight, but Chell now has a fulltime job.

When Johnson was working for her father’s firm, she set up the original sewer and water records for the village.

She has been working in the county clerk’s office, and is familiar with department of motor vehicle records.

The board approved the addition of Aaron Bentley to the roster of part-time officers who will work shifts for the village. Six names are now on that roster, giving Chief Chris Sybers flexibility in scheduling. The addition of Bentley is not adding any more hours to the vil-

Siren clerk/treasurer Doris Kosloski administered the oath of office to Siren Village Board members, (L to R) Joan O’Fallon, Herb Howe and Dave Alden at the start of the village board meeting Thursday, May 10.

LaWonda McMonagle, who lives with her husband, Dan, on the corner of Fourth Avenue and South Shore Drive, had comments to make during the Siren Village Board meeting Thursday, May 10. For the past three years, McMonagle has been trying to get something done about the vacant property across from her house, a property she said is “still a fire hazard, a rat’s nest and a garbage dump.” She was told that the board has contacted the property owner, who is not going to do anything with cleanup. The village will have the property cleaned up, with the expense to go on the tax roll. lage police schedule.

The board approved a resolution needed to apply for a 50/50 DNR grant to replace the Clear Lake boat ramp.

The village crew has repaired the ramp so it is now in usable condition, but the grant would allow the ramp to be completely replaced.

Village board committee assignments include: roads, streets and utilities – Dave Alden chair, Paul Riemer and Janet Hunter. Buildings, grounds and parks – Luanne Swanson chair, O’Fallon and Herb Howe. Public safety – O’Fallon chair, Alden and Rudy Mothes. Personnel & Finance – Hunter, Riemer and Swanson.

Alden is the village board’s representative on the Siren Plan Commission.

Engstrom and Rick Anderson will represent the village on the board of appeals. Anderson is the village’s representative on the Burnett County Development Association, Howe represents the village on the Siren Ball Park Committee, and O’Fallon is the village weed commissioner.

Law enforcement committee talks about loss of a position

by Nancy Jappe BURNETT COUNTY – “Effective last night, we no longer have a forestry/recreation officer,” Burnett County Chief Deputy Don Taylor told members of the county’s law enforcement committee at their May 10 meeting. Taylor explained that the full-time position has been moved back to a patrol position.

The committee discussed the problem of finding someone who would work temporary, limited-term employment on weekends and holidays, the times when patrolling on the trails and in

recreation areas is needed. The position has to be filled by a deputized person.

Jail Administrator Terry Nesvold reported on the visit of the state jail inspector. Sheriff Dean Roland commented that the report from the inspector was outstanding. The inspector was impressed because the jail has a sergeant on duty every night when Nesvold is not there.

Nesvold also mentioned the increase in medical costs, mostly for inmates who are in the Polk County Jail. He reported the increase in the female population in the jail, saying that one day

there were 12 female inmates in the jail, in their 30s, from all over the county.

Two jail positions need to be filled, the positions held by Mark Emerson (as of May 25), and Brian Byrnes. The jail census is down compared to this time in 2006, when the average daily number of inmates was 67.867 compared to 60.3 now.

Since the committee’s April meeting, Veteran Service Officer Doug Stubbe assisted 19 veterans in completing forms and applying for benefits. He talked about several veterans who have received military ratings since he has

been working with them and one for whom he is still fighting for unemployability.

Burnett County Emergency Manager Bobbi Sichta talked about payment due to the emergency communications board, Madison, that used to be provided for free. The county is being asked to pay ECB $50 a month, money Sichta said is not in her budget. She will take the issue to the property committee, as there is no money in the budget to pay this charge. Sichta is also working on a grant for the Danbury tower through Homeland Security.

Siren’s Main Street update

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – The binder (bottom) covering of asphalt is down on Main Street, and most of the street was closed to vehicles Tuesday, May 15. After that day, sections of Main Street will be open, depending on what work is going on, until the concrete crosswalks are poured. When this happens, Main Street from Lake Street to Hwy. 35/70

will be closed for several weeks.

First Avenue will also be closed to through traffic during this time. The roadway will be available for parking on the north or south sides of Main Street. Final asphalt paving cannot take place for at least several weeks after the crosswalks go in.

Sidewalk construction continued Monday, May 14, but may stop for a day

or two because, by this time, most of the sidewalk will be in. The exception is the colored impressed concrete sections.

The concrete subcontractor poured a second test section of colored impressed concrete Monday, May 14, for review by the village. The first color did not turn out as expected. The test section needs to set for several days before review.

After that, the concrete subcontractor

will start pouring the colored concrete around the light poles and at the sidewalk sections at the intersections. That subcontractor will start to construct the concrete crosswalks.

The patience of people during the roadway disruption has been appreciated, noted Randy Surbaugh, village administrator/engineer

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Webster leaps into first at conference!

Top-three finishers help Tigers to the top

By Matt Blumkin FREDERIC – Sometimes it takes every little bit to come out on top.

Webster’s Seth Pardun had been stuck at the seven-foot plateau in the pole vault, but he found a way to hit nine feet even when it seemed bleak.

“At his second attempt at nine feet, he landed on the crossbar and broke it,” said Tigers coach Roy Ward. “They didn’t know where another crossbar was and the high jump bars were too short, so they started to fix the crossbar.”

Seth’s father made his son’s next opportunity come quicker than that. He put a piece of poplar from a nearby poplar tree into the broken crossbar.

Ward recalled, “We pounded it in and then I said to Seth, ‘you got to make this height!’ Your dad just fixed the crossbar, this would be a great memory.”

Pardun hit nine feet, breaking his obstacle in the pole vault figuratively that time around. The Tigers had that kind of day at the West Lakeland Conference Meet on Tuesday, May 15, in Frederic.

“All across the board though, they performed their season best,” said Tigers coach Roy Ward of the team’s performance.

They won a three-way battle with

Tigers coach Roy Ward tackling Webster pole vaulter Seth Pardun after he cleared nine-feet at the conference meet. Pardun had never gone past seven feet before the meet. Ward is known by his colleagues to show a lot of enthusiasm for his athletes’ success. He remarked, “sometimes it is a high five or a hug, but this one deserves a tackle!” – Photo by Larry Samson

Extra Points

Webster’s Peter Walsh running for second in the 3200-meter run. Walsh’s finish helped the Tigers to the conference title as did many other top-three finishes by Tigers athletes. – Photo by Matt Blumkin Frederic and Unity, edging Unity by two points, 138.5-136.5. Frederic came in third at 129.5.

“We missed several opportunities to pick up the 2-3 points that were need to put us on top,” said Unity coach Mike Morris.

He had personal best performances

by Chad Strilzuk, Michael Carlson and Ryan Flaherty. The Eagles’4x800-meter relay and 4x400 also posted season-best times, but the Tigers got the best of the Eagles in the 4x4.

The Tigers capped their conference title with a victory in the 4x400-meter relay in a time of three minutes, 37.23 seconds, just shy of the conference meet record. They beat Grantsburg (3:40.95) by about three seconds.

“I thought we were going to be close, but didn’t expect to win really,” said Brian Thill.

The Tigers had top three-finishes in every kind of event. Peter Walsh took second in the 800-meter run and third in the 1600. Nolan Kriegel earned a thirdplace finish in the 100-meter hurdles, and Ryan Brickle earned fourth in the

300 hurdles. Thill had second-place finishes in the 400-meter dash and triple jump. Josh Johnson took second in the discus.

“I didn’t know if we could pull it off,” said Tigers coach Jeff Postler.

Postler and Tigers track coaches Ward, Doug Quenzer, Dee Krause and Jim Muus have been instrumental in the Webster’s rise to the top.

“It’s a team coaching staff,” said Postler, who focuses on throwing events.

Quenzer coaches the sprints, Krause works with the hurdlers, Muus coaches the distance runners and Ward takes on the jumpers. They all coached athletes in the top three of their respective events on Tuesday.

“You want to know the nice thing – no seniors,” said Postler.

These young Tigers could be right back at it again in 2008. Yet, they surprised the West Lakeland and themselves.

“In all honesty, we hoped it’d be this year, but we thought next year would be the year,” said Ward.

The Webster track team with their conference trophy. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

••• WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Brian Vilstrup wrapped up his season for UW-Stout baseball with a couple pitching appearances in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament on May 11-12. The former Frederic baseball player allowed one earned run on two hits in three innings of work during Stout’s 9-7 win over UW-Oshkosh on May 11. Yet, Oshkosh put Stout to flight on May 12 in an 11-2 win, which eliminated Stout. Vilstrup pitched part of one inning allowing an earned run on two hits. The Stout junior pitcher went 2-3 in eight starts during the season, and he struck out 31 batters. – Matt Blumkin ••• DUNDAS, Minn. – Bryan Johnson, a former Grantsburg baseball player, contributed to St. Thomas’ conference playoff rollercoaster on May 11-12.

Johnson had a run and RBI in the Tommies’ 14-3 win over St. Olaf on May 12, a day after the Oles had put the Tommies on the brink of elimination in a 4-2 win. St. Thomas rebounded from that loss to go on to win the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament title with a second win over St. Olaf on May 13.

Johnson scored one run in one of their loser’s bracket playoff games in an 188 win over St. John’s on May 11. The Tommies earned an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III tournament, set to begin on Wedensday, May 16, in Wisconsin Rapids. They will play UW-Oshkosh first. – Matt Blumkin ••• COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – One-time Webster student Ben Treichel helped Gustvaus Adolphus College’s 4x400meter relay team take sixth at the MIAC conference track meet on May 11. The Gusties finished third overall at the meet. – Matt Blumkin ••• DULUTH, Minn. – Matt Throngard scored four runs and drove in one as Minnesota-Morris advanced to the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference championship game on May 11. The one-time Grantsburg athlete had stepped up in the lineup all season as freshman with the Cougars. The Cougars fell though to St. Scholastica, 8-2, in their first-ever UMAC title game. Throngard also helped the Cougars football team to a UMAC title in the fall. – Matt Blumkin ••• TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Former Grantsburg track star and Mississippi State distance runner Pad Judd had a disappointing showing at the Southeastern Conference Championships on May 10-13. A runner had spiked him in the 5000-meter run on May 13, which hurt his time.

He also missed making the cut for the finals of the 1500. – Matt Blumkin with information from Jean Judd ••• LEADER LAND – Deadlines: results from Wednesday through Mondy must be in at 1 p.m. the following business day. Tuesday results must be in by 10 p.m. Thank you. – Matt Blumkin and Marty Seeger

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A look at conference track in Frederic

Frederic’s Zach Anderson on the high jump. He took fifth, but he had a big day with wins in the 300-meter hurdles and triple jump – Photo by Larry Samson

Aimee Rinnman of Webster taking second in the 3200-meter run.

Rinnman helped the Tigers finish fourth in the girls’ conference meet. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Grantsburg’s Pad Judd in the lead on the 3200-meter run. Judd won the event, and he also won the 1600 after Frederic’s River Karl had rallied to take the lead. Judd caught up and beat out Karl for the win. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

West Lakeland Conference Meet - Girls Team Results Team Points Clear Lake 131 Shell Lake 110 Unity 96 Frederic 91 Webster 76 Siren 69 St. Croix Falls 50 30 Turtle Lake-Clayton 25 Grantsburg Luck 12

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West Lakeland Conference Meet - Boys Team Results Team Points Webster 138.5 Unity 136.5 Frederic 129.5 Grantsburg 96 Shell Lake 48 Clear Lake 37 Turtle Lake-Clayton 35 34 Siren St. Croix Falls 34 Luck 11.5

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West Lakeland Conference Meet - Boys Individual Results (top three area finishers) 100 METER DASH - 1. Ben R. Anderson, F, 12.0; 2.

Chad Strilzuk, U, 12.32; 4. Allastant Nuckles, SCF, 12.5.

200 METER DASH - 1. Lukas Olson, G, 23.59; 2. Tyler Calabria, F, 23.93; 3. Chase Walters, SCF, 24.12.

400 METER DASH - 1. Chad Strilzuk, U, 52.9; 2. Brian Thill, W, 53.7; 3. Michael Carlson, U, 54.2.

800 METER RUN - 1. River Karl, F, 2:04.1; 2. Peter Walsh, W, 2:07.1; 3. Peter Rozamalski, L, 2:07.5.

1600 METER RUN - 1. Sean Kutz, G, 4:26.95; 2. River Karl, F, 4:27.28; 3. Peter Walsh, W, 4:42.86.

3200 METER RUN - 1. Sean Kutz, G, 10:03.91; 2.

Peter Walsh, W, 10:16.07. 3. Ben Nelson, F, 10:49.23.

110 METER HURDLES - 2. Zach Anderson, F, 17.4; 3.

Dan Livingston, U, 18.0; 4. Nolan Kriegel, W, 19.0.

300 METER HURDLES - 1. Zach Anderson, F, 44.5; 3.

Shawn Pavlik, G, 45.9; 4. Ryan Brickle, W, 46.2.

4x100 METER RELAY - 1. Frederic (Peter Carlson, Ben R. Anderson, Tyler Calabria, Andrew Kurkowski), 46.45; 2. St. Croix Falls (Tom Colombo, Allastant Nuckles, Chase Walters, Joe Carpentar) 47.58; 5.

Grantsburg (Phil Goldman, Zach Phillipps, Brandon Mogel, Aaron Simmons), 49.05.

4x200 METER RELAY - 1. Grantsburg (Lukas Olson, Robert Hansen, Aaron Simmons, Brandon Mogel), 1:39.11; 3. St. Croix Falls (Tom Colombo, Allastant Nuckles, Chase Walters, Joe Carpentar), 1:40.54; 5.

Unity (Devin Hoyt, Zach Lehmann, Mike Schmidt, Cory Tunheim), 1:41.78.

4x400 METER RELAY - 1. Webster (Quinton Johnson, Chaz Heinz, Brian Gibbs, Brian Thill), 3:37.23; 2.

Grantsburg (Lukas Olson, Robert Hansen, Jason Jensen, Tony Larson), 3:40.95; 3. Unity (Mike Carlson, Zach Lehmann, Mike Schmidt, Ryan Flaherty); 3:41.46.

4x800 METER RELAY - 1. Webster (Brian Gibbs, Asa Olson, Quinton Johnson, Bryan Krause), 8:57.5; 3.

Unity (Zach Lehmann, Dustin Turnquist, James Zahler, Tim Reed), 9:08.7; 4. Frederic (Ben G. Anderson, Matt Alden, Ben Nelson, Joel Anderson), 9:35.1.

HIGH JUMP - 1. Brian Thill, W, 6-2.0; 2. Mike Schmidt, U, 5-8.0; 3. Perry Anderson, F, 5-7.0.

POLE VAULT - 1. Peter Carlson, F, 13-0; 3. Brandon Kahl, U, 9-6. 4. Seth Pardun, W, 9-0.

LONG JUMP - 1. Mike Schmidt, U, 18-11.5; 2. Chad Strilzuk, U, 18-11; 3. Tyler Calabria, F, 18-6.0.

TRIPLE JUMP - 1. Zach Anderson, F, 40-0.0; 2. Brian Thill, W, 38-9.5; 3. Jason Jensen, G, 38-9.0.

SHOT PUT - 1. John Anderson, S, 43-7.50; 2. Shane Rucks, U, 42-0; 3. Derek D’Jock, S, 40-8.25.

DISCUS - 1. Derek D’Jock, S, 129-09; 2. Josh Johnson, W, 126-05; 3. Shane Rucks, U, 125-03.

Unity’s Brittany Bernier on the pole vault. – Photo by Larry Samson

Siren freshman distance runner Sarah Howe ran away with the competition in the girls’ 3200-meter run.

She also had a victory in the 1600. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Frederic’s Peter Carlson cleared 13 feet at conference. – Photo by Larry Samson

West Lakeland Conference Meet - Girls Individual Results (top three area finishers) 100 METER DASH - 4. Candace Buck, F, 14.3; 6.

Charity Moore, U, 14.6; 7. Samantha Ince, U, 14.8.

200 METER DASH - 5. Annabel Lindstrom, SCF, 29.72; 6. Charity Moore, U, 30.13.

400 METER DASH - 1. Brianna Schmid, U, 1:04.0; 2.

Annabel Lindstrom, SCF, 1:05.3; 6. Lisa Muller, U, 1:09.2.

800 METER RUN - 1. Kathryn Krause, W, 2:35.9; 2.

Taylor Larson, U, 2:45.9; 3. Cassie Andrewson, SCF, 2:47.7.

1600 METER RUN - 1. Sarah Howe, S, 5:53.65; 2.

Megan Anderson, F, 5:59.02; 3. Cassie Andrewson, SCF, 6:00.49.

3200 METER RUN - 1. Sarah Howe, S, 13:05.04; 2.

Aimee Rinnman, W, 13:20.86; 3. Mackenzie Swenson, S, 13:46.98.

110 METER HURDLES - 3. Alex Puetz, F, 19.10; 4.

Beth Rice, U, 19.9; 5. Jessica Ahles, SCF, 20.0.

300 METER HURDLES - 1. Chelsie Benson, W, 52.4; 2. Kim Lindberg, S, 53.4; 5. Jessica Ahles, SCF, 54.2.

4x100 METER RELAY - 3. Frederic (Kelly Wondra, Candace Buck, Samantha Thompson, Anna Tesch), 55.63; 4. Grantsburg (Megan Finch, Katty Peterson, Jessica Banks, Niki Davis); 5. Unity (Kelli Montpetit, Cadi Harper, Samantha Hill, Brittany Bernier), 58.1.

4x200 METER RELAY - 3. Unity (Cadi Harper, Samantha Ince, Beth Rice, Tina Edgell), 1:58.43; 4. St. Croix Falls, (Jessica Ahles, Gabby Knuckles, Sharanda Whittacker, Cassondra Hoyt), 2:00.4; 6. Webster (Rachel Larson, Kendra Spurgeon, Danielle Stanton, Torah Pope), 2:07.23.

4x400 METER RELAY - 1. Webster (Debbie Faught, Kathryn Krause, Beth Baer, Chelsie Benson), 4:27.42; 2. Unity (Samantha Ince, Raya McKenzie, Brianna Schmid, Briana Bielmeier), 4:29.91; 4. Siren (Caitlin Flanigan, Kim LIndberg, Jennifer Mitchell, Courtney Daniels).

4x800 METER RELAY - 1. Unity (Briana Schmid, Briana Bielmeier, Lisa Muller, Taylor Larson), 10:38.3; 2. Webster (Aimee Rinnman, Kathryn Krause, Debbie Faught, Chelsie Benson), 10:44.9; 3. Siren (Jamie Fishbach, Lauren Howe, Kim Lindberg, Sarah Howe), 10:50.5.

HIGH JUMP - 1. Megan Finch, G, 4-11; 4. Sarah Petersen, L, 4-5; 5. Beth Baer, W, 4-4.

POLE VAULT - 2. Brittany Bernier, U, 7-5; 3. Shila Meyer, U, 6-6; 5. Becca Anderson, F, 5-6.

LONG JUMP - 2. Kelly Wondra, F, 14-10.75; 3. Charity Moore, U, 14-10; 5. Candace Buck, F, 14-3.5.

TRIPLE JUMP - 1. Kelly Wondra, F, 33-1.5; 2. Chelsie Benson, W, 32-0; 4. Candace Buck, F, 30-5.5.

SHOT PUT - 2. Trisha Nelson, F, 27-9.25; 3. Lauara Skifstad, G, 27-5.25; 4. Sasha Bryant, SCF, 26-9.

DISCUS - 2. Kendra Jones, S, 98-01; 3. Rebecca Smallwood, W, 95-06; 4. Anna Tesch, F, 85-11.

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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A wild one in Webster!

Vikings and Tigers split second place in an exciting conference battle

Team Frederic Webster

Webster 12, Frederic 11

by Marty Seeger WEBSTER — It didn’t start out as quick as it ended, but those who stayed for the chilly weather got an exciting game Tuesday night. With a win, Frederic would stand alone as a secondplace conference finisher. With a loss, they would have to share that spot with Webster.

After a week of solid hitting for Frederic, the Tigers held the Vikes to only two hits in the first three innings.

Webster’s bats made due early with hits from Mandie Ramstrom and Shannon Steiner to help give the Tigers a 2-0 lead after one inning. Webster held a 4-1 lead after four innings, but the Vikings closed it to one in the fifth off hits by Chrissy Chenal and Melanie Chenal.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers capitalized on two Frederic errors. After a single by Shannon Steiner loaded the bases, Jamie Kopecky put down a perfect bunt to score the first run of the inning. With two on and only one out, Webster’s Nikki Roedl hit a long homer to right, which gave the Tigers a 9-3 lead heading into the sixth inning.

The top of the sixth would bring Frederic three runs closer with smart base running off Webster walks and wild throws. Solid defense in the bottom of the sixth kept Frederic in the game, as did the seventh inning when Frederic put two runners on board, setting up Rachel O’Brien’s single to center to load the bases. Michelle Owens would notch two RBIs on a single, and a Chrissy Chenal single would tie the game 9-9. Julia Haas would eventually send a ball to left center field to give Frederic a 10-9 lead, and when the inning was finally over, Frederic held a two-run margin.

Two singles to right field from Steiner and Kopecky gave the Tigers the runners they needed in the bottom of the seventh. A sac fly from Roedl and an error on Frederic after a chopped hit from Ellie Isaacson gave the Tigers a tie to send the game in to extra innings.

After a solid defensive inning, Webster didn’t take long to end the game when pitcher and centerfielder Amy French blasted the game-winning homer to left center field to give Webster a tie for second place alongside the Vikings. French also hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the fourth to give the Tigers a 5-1 lead.

“She’s been struggling a little bit this year, so that’s probably one of her better

Jamie Lund at the bat for the Grantsburg Pirates.

Tiffani Quigley stretches for a wild throw as Frederic’s Chrissy Chenal slides into third. Chenal would score on the wild throw and bring the Vikings to within three runs in the top of the sixth. - Photos by Marty Seeger hits she’s had all year,” said Webster gap. The Vikings capitalized on Saints coach Scott Hoefs, who was equally errors to get on base, and Rachel happy about the team’s hitting earlier in O’Brien singled, as did Alex Lonetti for the game. an inning total of four runs. On becom“I give a lot of credit to our girls too. ing hitters coach Jensen said, “I feel like They battle, and they know that they’re that’s what they’ve become, and I’ve never going to be out of a game,” Hoefs really stressed hitting this year, but the said. defense has killed us a few times,” said The Tigers will battle it out with Unity Jensen. – Marty Seeger on Thursday, which will be played at Webster at 5 p.m. The winner of that Northwood 5, Frederic 3 game will face the winner of FREDERIC — The Vikings played a Cumberland and Luck on the following close game against Northwood on Tuesday.

Friday evening, but couldn’t hold on to “It was good to have Frederic on the win.

Tuesday night, because we needed a The teams played a scoreless two tough opponent going into Thursday’s innings before Melanie Chenal cracked game so we can stay focused,” said the silence with a lead-off single in the Hoefs. third inning. Chenal would score on a Julia Haas grounder to short, and Erin Schmidt singled to give the Vikings a 20 lead.

“It’s probably the best game they played all year, but unfortunately they lost,” said Vikings coach Erin Jensen.

In the bottom of the fifth, Northwood regained the lead scoring five runs.

Despite Lynnea Chelmo’s diving catch in right field for the second out of the inning, Northwood logged four singles Frederic’s Lynnea Chelmo at right to give them the three-run lead. field earlier this year.

“It’s hard to play defense when your hitting the holes so it was just a big hitFrederic 11, SCF 4 ting battle, but both teams were just on FREDERIC — Frederic fought that night,” Jensen said. through the Saints with some heavy hitChenal led off the top of the seventh ting last Thursday night, and according inning with a double to deep left field, to Frederic coach Erin Jensen the game and Julia Haas got her home on a sacriwas simply “Excellent.” fice fly, but the rally ended quickly in Melanie Chenal led the first inning off the Vikings nonconference loss. Frederic by drilling a homer over the third base- could face Northwood again in the line, and Julia Haas followed with an Division 4 sectional final slated May 31, infield single. Next up was Erin but both teams will need to beat three Schmidt, who powered through with a teams in order to get to that point. – two-run homer to put the Vikings up by Marty Seeger two.

The Saints runs came in the first, third Webster 11, T.L.-Clayton 4 and seventh innings. Dani Petty singled TURTLE LAKE — The Tigers took in the first and Laurana Sveback Turtle Lake-Clayton last Friday evening reached base on a single that sent Petty with the help of a big fifth-inning rally. home for the Saints first run of the T.L-Clayton picked up three runs in game. Sveback led the Saints with two the third inning on two hits, but Webster hits and two RBIs, and Jackie Jerrick rebounded quickly with two runs in the picked up the Saints other hit in the sev- fourth with a hit from Tiffany Quigley enth on a bunt. and a sacrifice fly from Samantha Haas singled again for the Vikings in Hogle. the third inning, and Schmidt hit her The fifth-inning rally started with a first of two line-drive doubles in the walk drawn by Mandie Ramstrom, folgame, which scored Haas. Michelle lowed by an RBI grounder to short by Owens singled in the inning, which Katie Thill. Shannon Steiner reached helped the Vikings gain a 6-3 advantage. first on an error by the T.L.-Clayton Chenal hit her second homer of the third baseman, and with bases loaded, game at the start of the fourth inning, Jamie Kopecky picked up an RBI off a and Schmidt’s second double of the walk. game came in the fourth as well.

Quigley drove in two runs in the same Frederic scored the most runs in the inning and Mandie Ramstrom hit an sixth when Chenal sparked the inning RBI single to give the Tigers their eighth off big with a triple in the left-center run of the inning. – Marty Seeger

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total 0 0 0 1 2 3 5 0 11 2 0 1 2 4 0 2 1 12 Individual Statistics Frederic AB H R BB RBI Melanie Chenal 5 1 0 0 2 Julia Haas 4 2 0 0 1 Erin Schmidt 4 1 1 1 1 Lisa Chelmo 3 0 1 2 1 Alex Lonetti 4 0 1 0 0 4 2 2 1 1 Rachel O’Brien Michelle Owens 5 3 0 0 2 Lynnea Chelmo 2 0 3 3 0 Chrissy Chenal 5 3 3 0 1 Totals 36 12 11 7 9 AB H R BB RBI Webster 2 2 0 3 Amy French 5 Mandie Ramstrom 4 1 2 0 0 3 1 2 1 0 Katie Thill 4 1 0 0 2 Jesse Petrangelo 0 0 1 0 0 Ashley Robinson 4 3 2 0 1 Shannon Steiner 3 1 1 1 1 Jamie Kopecky Nikki Roedl 3 1 1 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 Tiffani Quigley 1 0 0 0 0 Ellie Isaacson 3 0 1 0 0 Samantha Hogle Totals 33 11 12 2 11 Pitching Statistics Frederic W/L INN AB K BB H R 7 32 8 3 11 12 Chrissy Chenal L W/L INN AB K BB H R Webster Amy French W 51/3 21 3 4 5 5 x 2/3 3 0 1 1 3 Katie Thill Amy French x 2 11 1 2 4 3

Webster’s Amy French makes a nice catch in center field.

Grantsburg 11, Osceola 1 GRANTSBURG — The Pirates dominated Osceola last Saturday with 12 hits.

Leading the batting category was Michelle Davidsavor with three singles.

Jade Johnson led with two RBIs and had two hits, including a double in the first inning.

Mollie Bjelland pitched a complete game giving up only four hits and two walks. Osceola got on board early in the first inning with a single and an error with two out in the inning. After that, it was all Grantsburg as they scored at least one run in all six innings.– Marty Seeger Grantsburg 10, Cumberland 0 GRANTSBURG — Michelle Davidsavor continued her barrage of hits against Cumberland at the Grantsburg tournament last Saturday going three for three.

Jamie Lund pitched a one hitter and allowed only one walk in five consecutive 1,2,3 innings, while Emily Prazak and Davidsavor each doubled in the fifth inning. Ashley Larsen and Lindsey Hedlund piled on two RBIs in the win.

The Pirates received a first-round bye in the regional tournament, which begins this Thursday, and will play the winner of St. Croix Falls and T.L.Clayton Tuesday, May 22 at 5 p.m.– Marty Seeger

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

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Ball bounces wrong direction for Saints catcher Jake Larcomm drove in Lumsden with a two-out single.

Larcomm stole second, which set up Michael Lamirande at the plate to make more scoring happen, but the game ended on a pop fly.

SCF loses to Lakers on fielding errors Shell Lake 9, St. Croix Falls 6

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – The ball not bouncing someone’s way can be quite literal sometimes.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph referring to some of the unusual hops, which balls took in the outfield when the Saints defended. “Our field did provide some unusual bounces.”

Hit balls had bounce in unexpected directions on several occasions, which led to fielding errors by the Saints and more bases for the Lakers. The Lakers earned a sweep of the Saints with a 9-6 win on May 10. Shell Lake especially capitalized in the fifth inning with four runs, which put them ahead 6-3.

Saints senior pitcher Jack Werner had been holding his own with two scoreless innings before surrendering two in the third. Randolph liked his effort overall. The fielding had aided him early on with ground outs and pop flies.

Yet, the door to disaster opened in the third inning on an error to third base allowing the first Lakers run of the game. Then, they added another on a RBI single.

SCF had opened the game strong with Gus Koecher and Dustin Lumsden both scoring runs in the first inning. Werner then drove in Cory Gebhard during the second inning for a 3-0 Saints lead.

“I felt despite to the loss, we still improved,” said Randolph, whose team had been taking their lumps as of late with a six-game conference losing

Gus Koecher and Michael Lamriande high-fiving each other after Koecher scored a run for SCF against Shell Lake in their second game of the day. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Shell Lake 10, St. Croix Falls 8 ST. CROIX FALLS – The two conference foes also completed a suspended game from April 19 due to a scheduling conflict for SCF. The Lakers held on to their 10-8 lead from the April 19 contest as the Saints could not reach base in their remaining action. A fourth inning of four hits and two errors allowed by the Saints swung the pendulum since the Lakers capitalized with five runs.

Gus Koecher, Trygve Chinander and Cory Gebhard each had driven in runs during the second inning to give the Saints at 5-2 lead. Steve Gebhrd pitched 1-2/3 innings allowing no hits and striking out two in place of Chinander who started the game.

“There were some sparkling performances,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph.

St. Croix Falls’ Dustin Raygor looking to make a stop at second base against Shell Lake on Thursday, May 10. The Saints fell short of the Lakers twice 10-8 in completing an unfinished game and 9-6 in their second game.

– Photo by Larry Samson streak.

He especially liked seeing his team hit with two outs. The Saints scored two runs right away in the sixth to trim the

Lakers lead to 8-5, and Werner moved a base runner to third on his two-out single. Yet, the Lakers ended the inning on a play at first during the following atbat.

Trailing 8-5 in the seventh, Saints Team Shell Lake St. Croix Falls Shell Lake Fogelberg Campbell S. Gronning L. Gronning Schmidt McQuade Pederson Knoop Vanderhoof Totals

Close, but not quite. Jack Werner of St. Croix Falls slides into home against Shell Lake on Thursday, May 10. He got tagged out on this play as several bad breaks for the Saints left them with a 9-6 loss to the Lakers. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 0 1 2 0 4 1 1 9 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 6 Individual Statistics AB H R BB RBI 4 1 1 0 0 4 3 2 0 1 3 2 2 0 0 4 2 1 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 4 4 3 0 3 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 4 4 0 0 2 0 36 11 9 4 8

St. Croix Falls AB H Dustin Lumsden 4 2 1 3 Cory Gebhard Matt Vold 3 1 Jake Larcom 4 2 2 4 Gus Koecher Michael Lamriande 4 1 Jack Werner 3 3 3 1 Trygve Chinander Dustin Raygor 2 0 David Lund 1 0 28 8 Totals Pitching Statistics Shell Lake W/L INN AB W 7 31 S. Gronning St. Croix Falls W/L INN AB Cory Gebhard L 7 36

R 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 8 K 4 K 4

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 BB 0 BB 2

H 13 H 16

RBI 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 5 R 6 R 9

SCF’s Michael Lamirande attempting a stop at third. Several passed balls came his way during the game and allowed the Lakers to add runs in their 9-6 win. – Photo by Larry Samson Team Shell Lake St. Croix Falls Shell Lake McQuade Fogelberg S. Gronning Pederson Schmidt L. Gronning Vanderhoof Knoop Johnson Campbell Totals

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2 2 1 5 0 0 x 0 5 2 0 1 0 0 Individual Statistics R AB H 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 0 1 4 0 0 3 1 1 3 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 29 11 10

St. Croix Falls Dustin Lumsden Cory Gebhard Matt Vold Jake Larcom Gus Koecher Michael Lamriande Jack Werner Dustin Raygor Steve Gebhard Trygve Chinander Totals Shell Lake Fogelberg Schmidt St. Croix Falls Trygve Chinander Steve Gebhard Cory Gebhard

AB 4 3 4 3 4 4 2 2 1 4 31

H 2 1 1 0 2 2 2 1 0 2 13

Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB W 4 23 10 4 x W/L INN AB L 4 25 1.6 7 x 0.3 1 x

R 2 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 8 K 2 3 K 4 2 0

Total 10 8 BB 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 x

BB 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

RBI 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 1 7

BB 0 1 BB 3 2 0

H R 12 7 1 1 H R 10 10 0 1 0 0

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Golfing gets serious as conference nears best tournament of the year took place at the Rice Lake Invite last Thursday night with a team score of 322. They placed 11th out of 22 teams, and according to coach Rick Giller the timing is just about right.

“We seem to be peaking at the right time as a team,” said Giller.

Area teams starting to peak at just the right time

by Marty Seeger LEADER LAND — Turtleback Golf Course in Rice Lake is set to host the conference tournament this Thursday, and area teams have been steadily improving throughout the course of the season. Turtleback is a fairly long course that extends over 6,400 yards. Since conference was held at Turtleback last season, golfers will have an edge with familiarity on Saturday.

St. Croix Falls Saints The Saints will be ready to compete this Thursday. Last week at Turtleback in Rice Lake, the team shot its best team tournament of the season with a 341, but coach Todd Voss is still looking to improve with a fourth golfer.

“If we can get that fourth score in the mid-80s we could be competitive,” Voss said. The Saints placed 13th overall among 20 of the top teams in the upper division.

If the Saints don’t move further as a team, they still have individual hopefuls with Blake Yunker, and Josh Yunker as well as Kyle Christiansen, who finished in the low 80s at Turtleback last week.

“Next week at regionals in Amery we could sneak in there if we have a day like we did at Rice Lake, or Josh, Kyle or Blake could qualify as individuals.

There is added nerves at tournaments, and we just have to play relaxed,” said Voss.

Webster Tigers Although teams are feeling the crunch in competing against tough teams like Luck and Grantsburg, there is still fighting room for that third spot.

Coach Jeromie Voeltz is confident that his team can push further into the tournaments in the upcoming weeks.

“I know our kids have it in them, but it will be a matter of putting together 18 consistent holes,” Voeltz said.

Grantsburg’s Keith Friese has been doing well for the Pirates over the past two weeks. Friese shot a 45 at the Frederic Invite on Monday. -Photos by Marty Seeger The Webster team is in the low to mid-40s, which has made familiar with the decisions tough for coach Rick Giller on golf Turtleback who to choose on the varsity squad this course, since three of season. its team members Lately the Cardinals core of golfers golfed it last year durhas included Kody Erickson, who coning conference. tinues to dominate at the local invites.

Although the team Erickson was the medalist in Monday struggled last year, night’s Frederic Invitational where he they will know what shot a 37. Carson Gilller shot a 38, while Mike Curtis to expect this season Noah Thatcher shot a 42, and Travis and be able to use it to their advantage. Close shot a 43. Dylan Fultz is another Members doing well this season include Cardinal that has been producing good Mitchell Elliot, Paul Olesen and Mike numbers this season. He shot a 45 at the Curtis, who has been dominant the past Frederic Invite. couple of weeks.

Luck has a promising chance to go “Mike has done a great job for us this much further into the tournament. Their year. He has been our best golfer week in and week out. Mike should have a legitimate opportunity to play beyond regionals if he continues to shoot as well as he has,” said Voeltz.

Frederic Vikings The Vikings low numbers have been tough on the team this season, but those who have stuck it out continue to compete and work well.

David Harlander has continued to produce in the low 40s and currently sits 7th in all conference according to coach Kelly Steen. Nolan Neumann is sitting 15th and is working to produce better scores.

“David needs to keep getting points, and Nolan needs to make a charge here to get into the top 12. They both have been playing well and need to stay steady,” said Steen.

Coach Steen is also hopeful that the younger core of golfers can continue to improve this season, including Lucas Anderson, Ethan Surbaugh and Ian Anderson.

Luck Cardinals There’s no debate about the great quality and depth of this year’s golf team in Luck. All five of its starters, including a handful of its junior varsity squad, are capable of producing scores 5th-Annual Siren Invitational May 9 Out of 66 golfers

Webster’s Mitchell Elliot hits from the fringe at the Frederic Invite Monday night.

Birchwood Invitational May 11, Siren takes third place Out of seven teams Individual Statistics Name Blake Hall Adam Daniels Ryan Clemmons Keith Cremin Ben Clasen

School Siren Siren Siren Siren Siren

Total 82 92 100 103 125

Individual Statistics Place, name 3. Dave Faulhaber 8. Brad Berner 8. Mike Curtis 17. Derek Sando 21. Adam Daniels 23. Paul Olesen 28. Karl Weber 32. Keith Friese 38. Jacob Wilhelm 44. Blake Hall 48. Keith Cremin 52. Mitchell Elliot 52. Scott Stromberg 63. Jordan Potvin

School Grantsburg Grantsburg Luck Grantsburg Siren Webster Webster Grantsburg Grantsburg Siren Siren Webster Webster Siren

Total 79 81 81 85 88 89 91 92 94 96 98 99 99 111

Grantsburg Pirates The Pirates have a great chance to do some damage as the conference invite approaches at Turtleback on Thursday.

Keith Friese has continued to lead the team with scores in the low to mid-40s.

But not far behind is David Faulhaber, who placed third among 67 golfers at the Siren Invitational last Wednesday.

The team has remained consistent in team scoring over the past couple of weeks, but there has definitely been a fluctuation in individual results over the past two weeks.

Brad Berner placed eighth at the Siren Invite and then shot a respectable 46 at the Frederic Invite on Monday night.

Derek Sando has also been producing some capable scores among the team, as he placed second among his peers with a 45 at the Frederic Invite.

The Pirates definitely have the talent and the team to make it far into the tournament as long as they can remain consistent.

Unity Eagles The Eagles have remained consistent over the past couple of weeks, but with many of their golfers in their first years, the team has been using the season as a learning experience.

Leading the Eagles this season has been Sam Bengston and D.J. Larson.

Both have stayed near the mid-40s but are capable of producing even better numbers.

Derek Jorgensen has also improved over the season, as has Tyler Hall.

Siren Dragons The Dragons slipped a bit at the Frederic Invitational on Monday night, but have shown some great potential with various golfers over the course of the season.

At the Birchwood Invitational last Friday, the team placed third among seven teams. Blake Hall had a great afternoon shooting an 82 and received medal honors.

Adam Daniels has also golfed well over the past two weeks, and led the team with a 44 at the Frederic Invite on Monday.

Frederic Invitational May 14 at the Frederic Golf Course golfing the back 9

Blake Hall took third at the Birchwood Invite last week with an 82.

Rice Lake Invitational May 10 at Turtleback Out of 20 teams Place 11. Luck 13. St. Croix Falls 19. Unity 20. Frederic Individual Statistics Name Travis Close Kody Erickson Noah Thatcher Carson Giller D.J. Fultz Kyle Christiansen Josh Yunker Blake Yunker Dan Roach John Mikl David Harlander Nolan Neumann Lucas Anderson Ian Anderson Sam Bengston Derek Jorgenson Alec Carlson Tyler Hall

Totals 322 341 404 430 School Luck Luck Luck Luck Luck SCF SCF SCF SCF SCF Frederic Frederic Frederic Frederic Unity Unity Unity Unity

Total 77 78 83 84 88 80 81 83 97 97 99 101 112 118 89 97 104 114

Place 1. Luck 2. St. Croix Falls 3. Grantsburg 4. Unity 5. Frederic 6. Webster 7. Siren Individual Statistics Name Kody Erickson Carson Giller Noah Thatcher Travis Close Blake Yunker Kyle Christiansen Josh Yunker John Mikl Keith Freise Derek Sando Brad Berner David Faulhaber D.J. Larson Sam Bengston Derek Jorgensen Tyler Hall Nolan Neumann David Harlander Lucas Anderson Ian Anderson Mitchell Elliot Mike Kurkowski Paul Olesen A.J. Holmquist

Totals 160 171 184 191 192 194 197 School Luck Luck Luck Luck SCF SCF SCF SCF Grantsburg Grantsburg Grantsburg Grantsburg Unity Unity Unity Unity Frederic Frederic Frederic Frederic Webster Webster Webster Webster

Total 37 38 42 43 39 39 42 51 45 45 46 48 43 44 49 55 41 43 52 56 46 48 49 55

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

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Bandits to invade Eastern Minnesota Area amateur teams warming up for the first pitch

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – A day of going out ice fishing can be a time to discuss ideas and plans for the future.

Deciding to form a local town baseball team could be one of those ideas or plans. Scott Lindholm, the coach of the new St. Croix River Bandits amateur baseball team, and Trevor Todd did just that when they were at Sand Lake for ice fishing during the winter.

“We had been talking about this for years and finally decided we have the ability to make something happen and here we are…,” said Lindholm. “Brian Jacobson was very influential as well.

He has always told us to get a team going and we are so glad he is a part of this.”

Jacobson, a former St. Croix Falls High School Saints baseball coach, will be among the players taking the field for the Bandits.

Lindholm will also be playing for the Bandits along with Scott Lindholm fellow former Saints players including Kyle Kahl, Curtis Roebuck, Jim Rochford and Sean Weinberg. Steve Siqueiros, another former Saint, will be playing double since he will also play for the Osceola Braves.

They will have some amateur baseball experience taking the field with several former members of the Siren Steelers joining the squad. Siren had SCF players last summer, but they can’t play Curtis Roebuck there this summer because of Independent League rules.

Players have to be from within a 25-mile radius of the town. Those players include Roebuck, Todd, Lindholm, Weinberg, Kahl, Jesse Hartel, Michael Chelberg, Chad Allram, Brandon Jensen and Bob Todd.

“The experience will no doubt help us,” said Lindholm. “We all get along well and can’t wait to play with some high-quality teammates and knowledgeable men.”

The Bandits will play in the Eastern Minny League this year, and Lindholm expects them to be winning soon. The league includes teams in Braham, Chisago Lakes and Pine City of Minnesota, but they will also play Wisconsin clubs in Siren, Osceola and Cumberland.

He said, “…I firmly believe we can

St. Croix River Bandits player Michael Chelberg pitching for the St. Croix Falls Saints in 2006. Chelberg will be among the many SCF alumni playing for SCF’s new amateur baseball team, the St. Croix River Bandits, this summer. – Leader file photo by Matt Blumkin win 20-plus games this year out of the 35 or so we are scheduled to play.”

Lindholm also hopes his team will be winning fans in the SCF area.

“Our goal is to have a large fan base that gradually expands and grows throughout the season,” said Lindholm.

Area fans can get their first look at the Bandits at their home opener on Sunday, May 20, when they host the Braham, Minn., Stars. The Bandits will also immerse themselves as part of Wannagan Days in July when they host the Osceola Braves.

“Considering we had just hoped to get this going, we are amazed at how successful this has gone already,” said Lindholm. “We are all anxiously awaiting the start of this new, rich, strong, friendly and fun tradition in SCF.” Grantsburg Honkers Coach: Ted Gerber 2006: (20-7, 13-3) Independent League champions, state runner-up Outlook: Another big run by the Honkers could be in store as they return the majority of their team, which made the state title game in 2006.

They’ll be adding former Grantsburg Pirates standouts Aaron Berner and Justin Sando. Berner is on the Minnesota State-Mankato baseball roster this spring.

The Honkers will be without catcher Brad Jones, but Berner can fill the hole.

They will have a strong pitching rotation and strong defense, but they’ll be short on pitching depth.

“We caught a lot of breaks last year

and won a lot of close games, so hopefully we can continue to do the little things to win games again this year,” said Pirates coach Ted Gerber.

Osceola Braves General Manager: Roland Grant 2006: 7-6 in St. Croix Valley League, North Division Outlook: The Braves have a veteran team and will be looking to contend for division title.

Steve Zintle and Brett Maxwell will help them out with fielding, and they’ll have David Leske pitching again this season. Rick Forest and Derek Anderson will also be looked to for providing leadership.

The pitching will be young aside from Leske. They lost pitcher and infielder Mark Bahem from last year’s team.

Osceola will also have the privilege of hosting the state tournament this year.

“It should be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to welcome everyone to Osceola and try to put on the best state tournament to date,” said Braves general manager Roland Grant.

The Honkers dropped a pair of exhibition games on May 6 to the Bayside Vipers 12-1 and the St. Croix Ravens 32. They resume their season against the Proctor, Minn., Padres on May 19 and the Spooner Cardinals on May 20.

Siren Steelers Coach: Bill Schmidt Outlook: The Siren Steelers begin their second full season of amateur baseball this summer, and they will be

members of the Independent League this year.

“Hopefully, we can keep the games interesting,” said Schmidt who knows his team will have their work cut out for them. Returning players Jason Johnson, Ryan Schmidt, Kevin Schmidt, Josh Engstrad, Troy Daniels, Jeremy C. Littlepipe and Joe Oustigoff can help the Steelers face the new challenges that await them. In addition to being in the Independent League, the Steelers cannot have St. Croix Falls players out for the team as they did last summer. The league requires the players to be from a 25-mile radius of the team’s town.

Steelers manager Schmidt indicated he would miss those players and like their talent.

“Those 3-4 St. Croix Falls players where better than average,” said Schmidt.

Yet, ex-Frederic Viking players “Big” Ben Chenal will be out for the team.

Schmidt also hopes former Vikings Mario Battisti and Adam Memmer will come on board. Those three helped the Vikings take third in the Summer Lakeland during the 2006 season. Wes Wegner, a 2006 Siren grad and star athlete, will be out for the team along with Josh Johnson, Chris Olson, Terry Larson, Joe Hoffman, Scott Johnson and Nate Lund.

The Steelers open the season at Webster on May 20.

Webster Orioles Coach: Greg Sears 2006: 13-9, 9-7, WIBA State Qualifier Outlook: First-year Orioles coach Greg Sears will be getting double the diamond action this summer as he also coaches the Webster Tigers varsity baseball team.

Yet, he says, “…it won’t be hard, the Orioles ship kind of sails itself.”

The Orioles will be looking to sail back to state with an experienced team.

Sears will just have to dot the I’s and cross the T’s along the way with scheduling and organizing.

“With the majority of our team returning, we should be solid,” said Sears. “With only 13 league games this year that plays favor to our pitching staff.”

Matt Helland and Mike Ryan will be looked to pitch a load of innings again for the Orioles.

The Orioles will also have Dan Ries, D.J. Henderson, Chad Carlson, Seth Pearson and Josh Jensen among others.

Sears will also be playing for the Orioles.

They have a key early-season game against the Haugen Knights on May 27, and they play the Grantsburg Honkers on July 22. Sears hopes to see the team finish in the top six of the league.

Sears said, “…we have the ability to play with anybody in the league.”

River Bandits get 15 hits in inaugural game Cubs edge Bandits in season opener Quamba, Minn. 8, St. Croix 6

by Matt Blumkin QUAMBA, Minn. – The St. Croix River Bandits made themselves at home in the batter’s box for their inaugural game at Quamba, Minn., on Friday, May 11.

They scattered 15 hits and scored six runs but came up shy against the Cubs 8-6. Every starter for the Bandits con-

nected for a hit in the game. While they had the bats going, the defense didn’t always.

“Our defense let us down in the later innings, but the errors were not because we were not Steve Siqueiros training, they were just over-anxious errors where we were trying to do too much,” said Bandits coach Scott Lindholm.

The Cubs made the most of those errors with four runs in the sixth and

seventh innings. The Bandits meanwhile had a 6-4 going into the bottom of the sixth.

Troy DeSmet led off a four-run fourth with a single for the Bandits. He, Steve Siqueiros, Brian Jacobson and Kyle Kahl all reached base and scored. Jesse Hartel batted in a two-run single to help the cause, and Jordan Martell drove in one on a single. Martell also had the first hit for the Bandits during the first inning.

Sean Weinberg scored the first Bandits run during the third inning when Michael Chelberg drove him in on a single.

The Bandits open at home on Sunday,

May 20, against the Braham, Minn., Bombers.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 2 0 Individual Statistics St. Croix AB H R 0 3 5 Jordan Marell 0 1 4 Michael Chelberg Scott Lindholm 4 1 0 1 1 4 Troy DeSmet 2 2 3 Steve Siqueiros Brian Jacobson 4 2 1 0 2 4 Jesse Hartel 1 1 4 Kyle Kahl Sean Weinberg 3 2 1 6 15 35 Totals Pitching Statistics St. Croix W/L INN AB K 3 4.1 x x Jim Rochford 3 3.2 x L Mike Leahy Team St. Croix Quamba, Minn.

9 0 x

Totals 6 8 BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2

BB H 6 6 1 5

RBI 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 5 R 4 4

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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Saints dwell in unity despite changes SCF rebounded from 0-3 start to be competitive with new lineup

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – This team could have two different team pictures – one at the start of the season and one at the end.

It would also look like two different varsity teams. The Saints underwent a lineup overhaul during the season due to injuries, but that has not stopped them from having success.

“I have been extremely impressed with how they have stepped into a varsity position without a problem,” said Saints coach Melissa Peterson of her freshmen players. “You could see the nerves the first couple of games, but now people cannot tell which players

The Saints have battled their way through an injury-riddled season with a mix of predominantly seniors and freshman working together.– Photo by Matt Blumkin are even our freshmen.”

Freshman players have come up from junior varsity to fill the spots, and the seniors have embraced them wholeheartedly. They have helped the fresh-

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OAPBOX

Next: @ Phillies, vs. Twins The Brewers finally met their match against the Mets last weekend. It was Milwaukee’s first series loss since early April when they lost two of three to the Cubs.

Despite losing the series, they played exceptionally well. J.J. Hardy is slowly becoming one of the most outstanding players in the majors this season as a hitter and shortstop. He has doubled nearly every stat since last season, and shows no signs of stopping. When down 2-0 last night in their game against the Phillies, Hardy slammed a three-run homer to put the Brewers ahead.

Unfortunately, it was one of the most heartbreaking losses of the season for the Crew, who lost 8-6 after giving up six runs on six hits in the eighth to the Phillies. Derek Turnbow was unable to save the game and was taken out after giving up three of those runs. The comeback killer was the first time this season that the Crew was defeated when they led after seven innings. While impressive, it will be interesting to see how the Brewers can bounce back from the loss.

So far, the Phillies have been dominating, and the Brewers have suffered three straight losses.– Marty Seeger

Next: @ Indians, Brewers, Rangers Keep those pink bats! The Twins rocked Detroit on Mother’s Day with a big day by Torii Hunter. He smacked a couple home runs and drove in seven as the Twins won 16-4. MLB had a special promotion of breast cancer awareness on Mother’s Day, so teams had pink bats to use along with pink ribbons on their uniforms and wrist bands.

The Twins obviously didn’t want those bats to look pink after they were done with them.

They were still pink at the end of the night, so more work needs to be done. After a hitting drought without Joe Mauer, it was a relief to see the Twins swinging again. Mike Redmond got in on the act too with a homer.

As much as the Twins are missing Mauer, Redmond can adequately fill the catcher role, and he is capable of being an effective hitter.

Boof Bonser picked up the win, but his four earned runs in five innings does give cause for concern. He looked sharp, however against the White Sox on May 8 when he went seven innings allowing just one earned run. They at least took one each from the Sox and Tigers, and they’ll get a chance to improve their divisional position against Cleveland this week. The question is, will the pink bats show up? – Matt Blumkin

Read Leader Sports w w w. t h e - l e a d e r. n e t Team Frederic Northwood Frederic Melanie Chenal Julia Haas Erin Schmidt Lisa Chelmo Rachel O’Brien Alex Lonetti Michelle Owens Chrissy Chenal Whitney Ellison Totals Northwood Wehmoefer Alicia Block Balcsik Blegan Fellbaum Okonek Sohn Ericson Amber Block Barbee Totals Frederic Chrissy Chenal Erin Schmidt Northwood Ashley Ericson

man succeed at the varsity level.

Peterson noted seniors would go help a freshman when she had to work with someone else in practice.

“I have walked over to the batting cage to hear seniors giving advice on how to improve/adjust a swing to make that player a better batter,” said Peterson. “Age didn’t matter. It has also been amazing to see the acceptance on the field.”

That has been key as she has had to put freshmen in games on last-minute’s notice. The Saints have still played .500 softball for much of the season after starting out 0-3.

“It’s the seniors accepting the freshman and the freshman stepping up and wanting the positions,” said Peterson.

They’ve come into key positions too.

Freshman first baseman Rachel Hanson has been one of those players. With her height, she will stretch and reach for the ball, which gives her an edge against base runners.

1 2 3 4 5 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 Individual Statistics AB H R 4 2 2 2 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 3 3 0 0 3 6 27 R H AB 4 0 0 1 1 4 0 1 3 2 0 1 1 2 3 3 0 3 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 3 1 1 6 8 28 Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K 28 6 5 L 1 x 1 x W/L INN AB K 27 3 W 6

7 1 0

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BB 1 0 BB 0

H 8 0 H 6

RBI 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 RBI 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 R 5 0 R 3

Team St. Croix Falls Frederic

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 4 3 0 3 1 0 4 0 11 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls AB H R BB RBI Jackie Jerrick 4 1 2 0 0 Emily Thayer 4 0 1 0 0 Dani Petty 4 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 0 2 Laura Sveback Abby Swenson 1 0 0 1 0 Nicole Cuddy-Katzmark 2 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 Katie Jacobson Amanda Larson 3 0 0 1 0 Rachel Hansen 2 0 0 0 0 Melinda Beyer 1 0 0 0 0 Sara Palmer 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 28 3 4 3 2 Frederic AB H R BB RBI Melanie Chenal 4 3 3 0 3 Julia Haas 4 2 3 0 0 Erin Schmidt 4 3 2 0 2 Lisa Chelmo 3 0 1 1 0 Rachel O’Brien 4 0 1 0 0 Alex Lonetti 4 2 0 0 0 Michelle Owens 4 1 0 0 1 Chrissy Chenal 3 0 0 0 1 Lynnea Chelmo 3 0 1 0 0 Totals 33 11 11 1 7 Pitching Statistics St. Croix Falls W/L INN AB K BB H R Sara Palmer L 6 x 2 1 11 11 Frederic W/L INN AB K BB H R Erin Schmidt W 3 x 5 3 2 3 Chrissy Chenal x 4 x 2 2 1 1

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by Matt Blumkin SEATTLE – A second time can be a charm too.

Webster native and Seattle Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn dropped a 5-0 loss to the New York Yankees in his last appearance against the Bronx Bombers on May 6. He didn’t let up a second time around against the formidable squad.

“It’s a good lineup, but you don’t take on the whole Yankee mystique,” Washburn told reporter Bob Sherwin.

“You just prepare for each guy in the lineupand make your game plan.”

DATE

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Yankees May 11 2006 Mariners 2007 Mariners CAREER TOTALS

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1 31 7 221

1 8 3 86

Originally, Peterson had her there because of another player being ill the day of one game. She earned her keep.

“She wants to be there and not only plays well enough to have earned the position, but also continues to work hard in practice,” said Peterson.

Hanson and the other freshman are also strongly connected, as is the rest of the team.

“We’ve actually made it really fun,” said Saints senior Emily Thayer. “We try to make it so there’s not a big difference.”

One team-bonding activity they’ve been doing is sharing a camera and taking random pictures on game days. The results go on a wall at the school.

“They also understand that everyone one of them is a St. Croix Falls Saint, representing our school,” said Peterson.

“I have even heard seniors make statements about the fact that these are the girls that take over for them, they want them to look good in years to come.”

A R R O D

Washburn took one batter at a time as he shut out the Yanks, and he allowed six hits and struck out six over eight innings. He also walked only one Jarrod Washburn batter.

The Mariners pitcher also received some run support from Kenji Johjima with a two-run blast for a 3-0 Mariners victory on May 11.

Despite his previous outing, Washburn has had success against the Yanks with a 2.47 career ERA. – with information from MLB.com

JARROD WASHBURN STATS: L ERA IP H R 0 14 3 74

2.64 4.67 2.64 3.99

. . .

8.0 187.0 47.2 1388.3

6 198 38 1358

0 103 15 649

ER

HR

BB

SO

0 97 14 615

0 25 4 179

1 55 12 415

6 103 26 828

Chelsey Bereiter (far left) Sam Hogle (R) and Shannon Steiner scramble for the ball in an earlier game this season. - Photo by Marty Seeger 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 0 4 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Individual Statistics AB H R Grantsburg Mollie Bjelland 3 0 1 Alyssa Ryan 2 0 1 4 2 1 Jamie Lund Lindsey Hedlund 3 1 2 Sasha Chell 2 0 0 Michelle Davidsavor 3 3 2 Melissa Burton 2 1 0 Emily Prazak 2 1 0 Amanda Durand 0 0 0 Holly Knoepke 0 0 0 Michelle Lund 3 1 2 Ashley Larson 1 1 0 Lauren Amundson 1 0 0 Jade Johnson 1 1 0 Totals 27 11 9 Cumberland AB H R Ronallo 3 0 0 Carlson 2 0 0 Lindquist 1 0 0 Perry 2 1 0 Safert 2 0 0 Mann 2 0 0 Johnson 2 0 0 Blume 2 0 0 Blechinger 2 0 0 Totals 18 1 0 Pitching Statistics Grantsburg W/L INN AB K Jamie Lund W 6 18 x Cumberland W/L INN AB K Ronallo L 6 x x

Team (6 inn.)

Grantsburg Cumberland

7 0 0

Total 10 0 BB 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 BB 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

BB 1 BB x

H 1 H x

RBI 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 9 RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 R 0 R x

Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 3 1 3 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Individual Statistics AB H R BB RBI Grantsburg Mollie Bjelland 3 2 2 0 1 Alyssa Ryan 3 1 0 0 1 3 1 1 0 1 Jamie Lund Lindsey Hedlund 3 2 3 1 0 Sasha Chell 1 0 0 0 1 Michelle Davidsavor 3 3 2 0 0 Melissa Burton 2 0 0 0 0 Emily Prazak 2 0 0 0 0 Amanda Durand 0 0 0 0 0 Holly Knoepke 0 0 0 0 0 Michelle Lund 3 1 1 1 0 Ashley Larson 1 0 0 0 0 Lauren Amundson 2 0 1 1 1 Jade Johnson 2 2 0 0 2 Totals 28 12 10 3 7 Cumberland AB H R BB RBI Claassen 3 1 1 0 0 Lewis 2 0 0 0 0 Jasperson 3 1 0 1 0 Felling 3 1 0 0 0 Gibbs 3 0 0 0 0 Rudeen 3 1 0 0 0 Schjenkol 2 0 0 0 0 Zais 2 0 0 0 0 Traynor 2 0 0 0 0 Totals 23 4 1 1 0 Pitching Statistics Grantsburg W/L INN AB K BB H R Mollie Bjelland W 6 23 x 0 4 1 Cumberland W/L INN AB K BB H R Traynor L 6 28 x 5 12 x Team (6 inn.)

Grantsburg Osceola

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

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Pepsi pitch, hit and run contest

Ages 9-10 winners (L to R): Kyle Matrious, Danbury, hitting; Brett Nelson, Centuria, hitting; Paul Sargent, Danbury, and Trent Strapon, Luck, pitching.

Ages 11-12 all-around champions (L to R): Evan Armour, Luck, third; Karsten Petersen, Luck, first; Shay Johnson, Frederic, second.

Ages 9-10 all-around champions: Ages 11-12 winners (L to R): Paul Sargent, Danbury, second; Brett Karsten Petersen, Luck, hitting and Nelson, Centuria, third. Not pictured: running; Jacob Sargent, Webster, Trent Strapton, Luck, first. pitching.

Ages 13-14 (L to R): Karl Matrious Jr., Danbury, second, all-around champion and pitching champion.

Brady Flaherty, Centuria, first, allaround champion.

Ages 8-and-under all-around champion: Andrew Ruiz, Webster.

8-and-under all-around Ages champions (L to R): Andrew Ruiz, Webster; Riley Richison, Siren, tied for second. Not pictured: Megan and Michael Schmidt, Frederic.

Frederic Paintball to host annual Big Woods Game FREDERIC – Sunday, May 20, Frederic Paintball will be hosting its annual Big Woods Game celebrating the end of the school year. Again, same as last year, there will be no entry fee for middle/high school students and college students with a current ID. For everyone else the fee of $20 includes air.

They are open for the season every weekend from now until the end of October. Ending the year will be the annual Border Battle where the Packer Fans have won for the past two years.

During Frederic Family Days they will be hosting a three-man tournament with their regular divisions of local pro, open class and young guns. New for just this tournament they have added a

new class called Newbie. To play Newbie it must be your first time playing in a tournament or playing at all.

Rentals will be available for that class.

Entry for young guns and Newbie will be $45 with a payback of $40. For the local pro and open class, entry will be $65 and payback is over a $100. If interested, stop by and join in the fun!

For more information please check out Frederic Paintball’s Web site at www.fredericpaintball.com or call Devin at 715-205-9775. – submitted This paintballer is enjoying a perfect day in the woods. - photo submitted

W a t e r c r o s s The second week of practice brought out more ideas from the closet for the watercross drivers at Coen’s pond. Some of these worked and some did not do anything at all. You never know what you will get when you take a machine that is built to run on frozen water and then defy gravity by running it on the open water during the warm weather. A person can be an expert on setting a snowmobile up for the trails in the winter, but try doing it for the water and you will find out that it is a skill to learn.

This last weekend had Larry Lange #181 from the Clear Lake area and Eric Peterson #444 of Frederic working hard to fine tune the changes they

T h o u g h t s

A group effort helping Larry Lange #181 work on his sled to make it faster and smoother.- Photos submitted have made. For Lang it was a Polaris. For Peterson, he is major change going from a running his Ski-doo Rev again stock Ski-doo to a modified this year, but with a new mod-

ified motor with 20 more horses than last year. Some of these modified motors like Peterson’s and Lange’s are at 180 to 200 in total horsepower compared to the stock motors at 125 to 140 horsepower.

Be sure and mark your calendars for June 30 and July 1 to come down to the Coon Lake Park in Frederic to watch the sixth-annual race put on by the SNOWS Snowmobile club.

For more information about this wild and crazy sport you can go to any of the following three Web sites to see photos, information and a short video about watercross racing: www.iwausa.org w w w. s n o w c l u b . c o m www.kmaracing.org.

Eric Peterson #444 on his 2004 Ski-doo showing that snowmobiles do float on water when going 80 mph on water.

See you all at the races, Arlen Peterson #449 Retired

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Burnett baseball battle slated for Sunday Town team baseball continues to grow in popularity with the local edition of the Siren Steelers slated to take the field Sunday at Webster versus the Orioles.

Webster reached the playoffs last year in only their second year of existence.

Greg Sears again mans the helm for the Orioles, while longtime 4-H softball coach William “Billy” Schmidt will skipper the Siren nine. Two of Schmidt’s grandsons, Ryan Schmidt and Kevin Schmidt will play for Siren.

Meanwhile, some fans are calling Webster one of “the most disciplined teams in history.”

Included on the Oriole roster are no-nonsense law enforcement officer Trevor Thiex, hardnosed high school principal Tim Widiker, and security officer D.J. Henderson.

Not only that, but Webster’s stern municipal judge Brian Sears is one of the team’s main boosters and benefactors. Fans would do well to be on their best behavior when they show up at the Webster ballpark. By the way: Sunday’s game time is 1p.m.

And now you’ll know the rest of the story A former Luck football star was reminiscing about Cardinal gridiron history at last Thursday’s Bob Pilz benefit gala and he brought up an interesting tidbit.

Of course, most Leader Land grid fans are well-aware of the legacy of former head coach Don Kendzior, as well as the high-octane start to the career of current coach Josh Hetfeld who in just his fourth year at the helm led his team to the 2006 conference crown. And of course, oldtimers still speak of legendary sideline mentor Roger Steen. But not many are aware that the football coach with the highest winning percentage in Luck history is none other than girls basketball coaching legend Marty Messar.

It seems that one autumn night back in 1978, Messar was pressed into service when then-coach Tom Goulet had to temporarily relinquish his coaching duties due to an out-of-town family emergency.

On short notice, Messar, (who in those days was not yet known as “The Wausaukee Wizard”) designed a defensive scheme that held Turtle Lake scoreless, and then in the second half scripted a play that sprung Ron Steen loose for a 60-yard touchdown run around right end which gave the Cards a thrilling 6-0 shutout victory. So began and ended the head football coaching career of one Mr. Messar, the coach who can lay claim to the best winning percentage in Luck football coaching history.

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Local connections down at Osceola Brad Schmidt, the son of Clam Falls native, Frederic grad, and legendary local fast pitch hurler Bruce Schmidt, is a star baseball player for the Osceola High School Chieftains.

Joby Davidsavor, ex-Amery High School standout with family roots in the

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Dog man strangely silent A close relative who is part of our annual South Dakota pheasant hunting ensemble was on pins and needles last week as he talked about preparing his bird dog for the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association’s “Natural Abilities Test” over in Minnesota last weekend. Pass the test and the female would be eligible to procreate while, conversely, a failure would mean it was ineligible to produce highpriced, purebred pups. Since the dog man has been strangely silent over the past couple of days, one can only assume that his mutt failed the test. “He’s like a Packer fan,” said a neighbor. “When the Packers are winning, that’s all they want to talk about, but when they go 4-12 or 88, their fans don’t have much to say.”

Favre upset with Packer management.

This columnist counts himself among many who were hoping the Packers could’ve pulled off the trade that would have had Randy Moss wearing the spinach and mustard this fall.

And according to an Associated Press report printed in Monday’s St. Paul Pioneer Press, Brett Favre was furious that team general manager Ted Thompson failed to pull off the Moss deal, even going so far as to demand a trade after draft day.

Luckily for Packer fans, Brett eventually calmed down and he, like the Pack, will be back in 2007.

Change up the fish fry routine. Impress your friends This easy-to-make recipe is a variant of one for Chesapeake Bay area crab cakes and a great way to enjoy some of those fillets that you have in your freezer.

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Team Cameron Northwood Luck Prairie Farm Shell Lake Turtle Lake-Clayton St. Croix Falls

Conf.

10-1 6-5 5-5 5-6 5-6 4-7 3-8

Overall 11-4 9-9 7-7 11-6 8-9 4-8 5-11

Scores

Thursday, May 10 Shell Lake 10, St. Croix Falls 8 Shell Lake 9, St. Croix Falls 6 Turtle Lake-Clayton 7, Prairie Farm 2 Friday, May 11 Solon Springs at Luck, not reported Bruce 6, Cameron 3 Saturday, May 12 Shell Lake 11, Flambeau 1 Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran 19, Shell Lake 9 Tuesday, May 15 Birchwood at Luck, not reported Northwood 12, St. Criox Falls 3

Coming Up

Thursday, May 17 Luck at Shell Lake, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 15 St. Croix Falls at Luck, 4:30 p.m.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Thursday, May 17 Glenwood City Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls) Monday, May 21 Division 2 Regionals at Park Falls, 3:30 p.m.

(Grantsburg) Division 2 Regionals at Amery, 3:30 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity) Division 3 Regionals at Webster, 3 p.m.

(Frederic, Luck, Siren, Webster)

BOYS GOLF Coming Up

John Ryan can jmr202@yahoo.com

Saturday, May 19 Grantsburg at Proctor, Minn., 1 p.m.

Sunday, May 20 Siren at Webster, 1 p.m.

Grantsburg at Spooner, 1 p.m.

Braham, Minn. at St. Croix River Bandits, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, May 23 Princeton, Minn. at St. Croix River Bandits, 7:30 p.m.

e-mailed

at

WEEK

NAME: Zach Anderson SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Sophomore COMMENTS: Zach Anderson had a huge day at the West Lakeland Conference Meet on Tuesday, May 15, with wins in the triple jump and the 300-meter hurdles. He Zach Anderson had a 40-foot triple jump to beat out Webster’s Brian Thill for the win.

Anderson also took second in the 110 hurdles, and he finished fifth in the high jump. Vikings coach Troy Wink described him as a very coachable athlete. Anderson has been a key athlete for the Vikes all season. – Matt Blumkin

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Thursday, May 17 Conference at Turtleback, 9 a.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster) Tuesday, May 22 Division 2 Regionals at Amery, 9:30 a.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity) Division 3 Regionals at Frederic, 9:30 a.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, Siren, Webster)

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Fish Cakes 8 oz. Wisconsin freshwater fish fillets ? cup finely chopped celery ? cup finely chopped onion ? clove garlic, finely minced 1 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper 1 egg 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 cup soft bread crumbs 1-? tsp Creole/Cajun seasoning 4 tbsp butter (Recipe can be doubled or quadrupled, of course, depending on amount of fillets) Preparation: Heat butter in large skillet over low heat then slowly sauté onion, celery, red pepper and garlic until tender. Flash-boil fish fillets for 1-? minutes, then drain. Whisk egg in bowl, then add mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and Creole/Cajun seasoning. Add sautéed vegetables and bread crumbs.

Mix well. Mince fish into small pieces with fork. Add fish to other ingredients and stir in. Form mixture into patties and place on waxed paper-lined plate.

Refrigerate for an hour until firm. Fry in butter, 4-5 minutes per side. Serve with tartar sauce or remoulade, plain or in toasted bun. Remember: Many of the greatest chefs in the world are men.

Next week: Trivia returns.

OF THE

NAME: Amy French SCHOOL: Webster YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Webster centerfielder and pitcher Amy French had been struggling this season in the hitting department according to coach Scott Hoefs. That is, until the Amy French Tigers game against Frederic on Tuesday night. French’s two run homer in the bottom of the fourth and her game winning solo shot in the eighth inning had game changing impacts in Webster’s win. The Tigers tied for second place in the conference with the win and will play Unity this Thursday in regional action. – Marty Seeger

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Eastern Minny League Standings North

Team Mora, Minn.

Hinckley, Minn.

Quamba, Minn.

Isle, Minn.

West

Team Princeton, Minn.

Milaca, Minn.

Nowthen, Minn.

Isanti, Minn.

Team Pine City, Minn.

Braham, Minn.

Chisago Lakes, Minn.

St. Croix River Bandits

Central

League. Overall 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0

League. Overall 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 League. Overall 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

Scores

Friday, May 11 Quamba, Minn. 8, St. Croix River Bandits 6 Sunday, May 13 Pine City, Minn. 5, Milaca, Minn. 4 Milaca, Minn. 6, Pine City, Minn. 3 Mora, Minn. 12, Quamba, Minn. 2 Hinckley, Minn. 11, Princeton, Minn. 4

Coming Up

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Grantsburg-x Webster Frederic St. Croix Falls Luck Unity x-conference champion

Conf.

10-0 6-4 6-4 5-5 2-8 1-9

Overall 17-0 9-4 6-6 9-8 1-13 1-10

Scores

Thursday, May 10 Luck 6, Unity 4 Grantsburg 10, Webster 0 Frederi 11, St. Croix Falls 4 Friday, May 11 Webster 11, Turtle Lake 3 Northwood 5, Frederic 4 Solon Springs 15, Luck, 0 Amery at St. Croix Falls, not reported Saturday, May 12 Luck Tournament Spring Valley 11, Luck 1 Hayward 7, Luck 6 Hinckley, Minn. 11, Luck 8 Grantsburg Tournament Grantsburg 10, Cumberland 0 Grantsburg 11, Osceola 1 Monday, May 14 Webster 17, Winter 7 Frederic 7, Turtle Lake-Clayton 6 Tuesday, May 15 Grantsburg 18, Luck 0 Webster 12, Frederic 11 Unity at St. Croix Falls, not reported

Coming Up

Thursday, May 17 Division 3 Regionals (#5) St. Croix Falls at (#4) Turtle Lake-Clayton, 5 p.m. (#6) Unity at (#3) Webster, 5 p.m. (#7) Luck at (#2) Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.

Division 4 Regionals (#6) New Auburn at (#3) Frederic, 4:30 p.m. (#5) Clear Lake at (#4) Birchwood, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, May 22 Division 3 Regionals St. Croix Falls/TL-Clayton at (#1) Grantsburg, 5 p.m.

Webster/Unity vs. Luck/Cumberland, TBA Division 4 Regionals Frederic/New Auburn at (#2) Shell Lake, 4:30 p.m.

Clear Lake/Birchwood at (#1) Elmwood, 5 p.m.

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Thursday, May 17 Glenwood City Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls) Monday, May 21 Division 2 Regionals at Park Falls, 3:30 p.m.

(Grantsburg) Division 2 Regionals at Amery, 3:30 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity) Division 3 Regionals at Webster, 3 p.m.

(Frederic, Luck, Siren, Webster)

MEN’S SLOWPITCH Scores

Wednesday, May 9 Games at Siren Ball Parl Pour House 24, GJonnes Construction 9 Jedis 25, T&J 0 Century 21 12, Hole in Wall 9 Sundown 22, Hap’s Landing 8

WOMEN’S SLOWPITCH Scores

Monday, May 14 Games at Siren Ball Parl Coyland 16, Mauer Construction 12 Skol Bar 31, Hightown Girls 5 Chell Trucking 42, Hightown Girls 0

Leader Sports: What other sports section covers seven hometown schools?

Luck wins over Unity Cards nab second win Luck 6, Unity 4

by Matt Blumkin LUCK – In a clash between two struggling squads, the Cardinals picked up their second win of the season on May 10.

“The ladies played hard tonight, and stuck with it through the whole game,” said Cardinals coach Aimie Jorgenson.

“We had a few rough spots but their

determination saw them through to the win.”

Britta Giller led the team iwth a couple runs and a sacrifice fly. That included one of the Cards’ two runs in the bottom of the seventh to break a 4-4 tie.

The Eagles had tied the game in the top of the seventh after trailing 4-1 at one point.

Both teams will hit the road for the regional tournament on Thursday, May 17. Luck will play at Cumberland and Unity will go to Webster.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

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

Getting a start on toothy fish

It seemed like a done deal before we hit the water last Friday evening. It was an evening to fish, catch, fillet, fry and eat. My friend Willy called the night Marty had before and was lookSeeger ing for a place to fish in the Balsam Lake area, and since the The watercraft is elseBottom Line where at the moment, I haven’t been able to make it out to the lake yet. And since the other friend Brad had a great boat with all the trimmings, it didn’t take much convincing.

From the minute he called I could only think of fishing for one kind of fish.

I didn’t want crappie, bluegill or bass. I wanted arm-busting action. Something that could zip drag and have the potential to bloody my fingers when I tried to remove the hook. After fishing for trout and traversing streams over the past

month, it was time to catch something bigger.

Catching northern is not the type of fish you need to finesse into the boat like a walleye, even though they’re just as much fun to catch. Quite frankly, I’d rather eat a good northern fillet over walleye any day. Especially since I learned to fillet out about 80-percent of those pesky Y bones. I’m planning on making 100 percent by the end of the summer. That is, if a northern actually lands in the boat in the near future.

Which brings me back to where I started.

I was pumped to go fishing, especially on Long Lake, which is just west of Balsam Lake and known for “trophyclass pike” according to my lake book. I had fished it during the winter and was pleased with the numbers but not the size of the fish. The lake is weedy, which is good for northern and best fished earlier in the spring and summer, but exceptionally clear from what I could tell.

Even though I’ve only been living in the area for about a year, my buddies tend to think I know all the secret lakes to find the fish. Since that isn’t the case, I stick with the lake maps and local advice. I’ve only been really successful once. That was the time I didn’t refer-

ence any advice, just the contours of the lake map.

When we arrived at the lake, all three of us had different ideas on how we were going to fish. The most effective method I’ve found for pike is the bobber and sucker minnow. It’s exactly the same as a set-up for ice fishing minus the tip-up. All it takes is a number 8-to 4-sized treble hook (one large enough to hold about 4-inch sucker), a 4-to 8-inch leader, bell sinker and a heavy rod. Set the depth of a large bobber 2-4 feet. for easy casting, chuck it in the lake and wait for it to sink.

The method is almost too simple, and it can be a blast if the pike are hitting, but in our case Friday evening the fishing wasn’t what we hoped.

We only had a couple of short hours to fish, but Brad used the first 10 minutes to jet around the lake in his tournament walleye boat, and another hour to set up planer boards. In the meantime, Willy and I fought wind and cold temperatures, while I used my method and Willy threw a stick bait.

At one point I looked up to find the bobber missing. Feeling a fish on the other end, I let the fish run for a few seconds before tightening the line and hauling back on the rod. I missed the fish, and it took my minnow, but the

excitement of seeing a large bobber sink was thrilling enough.

Willy boated a couple of small bass after that, and we both boated a couple of small crappie, but still no pike. We all agreed that we should have brought crappie minnows, and that the bass were really hitting, but since we were there for pike, we better keep trying.

Brad finally got the planer boards set, and we were soon trolling. If you’ve never seen someone trolling with boards, it’s probably because the lakes are a bit smaller than Lake Michigan around here. Although the method can be very effective, neither Willy, nor I knew exactly how to use them. For the most part we just sat back and laughed when Brad turned the boat too sharp and caught one of the docks. It was one of those moments that really make a night of bad fishing go right.

By the time we figured everything out, Willy was too cold to fish and the evening was nearly over. There would be no northern on the first lake outing of the season, but we’ve worked out the kinks and are ready to hit the water again soon. I just hope we leave the planer boards out this time.

Rural homeowners, campers should be aware of bears SPOONER — This spring with the dry conditions hindering growth of new grass and shrubs they depend on for natural food, hungry bears may start seeking easy meals around human habitat. Birdseed, suet and garbage draw bears close to residences and campgrounds.

Recently in Vilas County, a bear had to be destroyed after it had been fed and became habituated to people. Last year the same bear ripped screens on a house. This unfortunate situation didn’t have to happen if the landowner had simply removed the food source as directed by local wildlife biologists.

Black bears are generally shy and avoid humans. Even though it is illegal, some people feed bears to see them up close. A fed bear loses its fear of people and can become aggressive, sometimes entering or damaging buildings.

In some situations a nuisance bear is trapped and relocated to remote areas where they’re less likely to cause problems. In cases where the bear becomes a repeat offender or a threat to human safety, the bear must be destroyed.

Campers, homeowners, and other visitors can avoid problems with these animals by taking care to limit situations that attract bears. The best way to avoid trouble with bears is to follow these steps: Around home: • Do not knowingly feed a bear; • Reduce garbage odors by rinsing food cans before putting in recycling containers or garbage cans; • Compost vegetable scraps; • Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage day and garbage cans in a closed building until pickup; • Remove bird feeders in the spring;

Boater safety class scheduled for Balsam Lake BALSAM LAKE – A Wisconsin DNR boater safety class will be held in Balsam Lake on Friday, May 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m.-noon and Sunday, May 20, 9 a.m.-noon, at the Balsam Lake Fire Hall. The fee for the class is $10.

All youth, 12 years of age, or turning 12 years of age

by Sept. 1, are encouraged to attend. A parent must attend Friday, May 18 for registration, signing of permission slips and payment of registration fee. Parents are encouraged to attend the class with their children.

If you have any questions, please call the Balsam Lake Police Department at 715-485-3544. -submitted

Read Leader Outdoors www.the-leader.net

if you do feed during the summer, remove suet and hummingbird feeders at night or put them high out of reach of a bear; • Keep pet food inside or do not feed in the evening; • Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean; • Use an electric fence to keep bears from beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches; While in the woods: • Clear food off picnic tables and grills; • Do not have any food and candy in your tent; • If you encounter a bear while in the woods, don’t panic, don’t shoot the bear and don’t approach it. Give it space, walk away and watch from a distance. Do not approach sows with cubs.

Finally, if a bear is near your home or

ATV safety clinic scheduled WEBB LAKE – The Main Store will be sponsoring an ATV Safety Clinic on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Webb Lake Town Hall.

At this time, youngsters ages 12 and up are encouraged to attend the safety seminar, where after successful completion of this course they will graduate as a Certified Wisconsin DNR ATV rider. A parent must be there to register their child and sign off. (The cost of this certification will be very minimal to only cover the materials.)

Most ATV enthusiasts know that their ATV needs an annual preseason inspection each year, before hitting the trails. Certain mechanical components need to be inspected or adjusted to ensure a safe and trouble-free riding season.

The Main Store will provide an ATV to use for the safety class.

For additional information please contact: Larry at 259-7888. RSVP is necessary and limited to the first 20 registered only. Or visit the Wisconsin DNR Web site for more information. - submitted

campsite, wave your arms and make some noise to scare the bear away. Then back away slowly or go inside and wait for the bear to leave. If the bear found food such as bird feed or garbage one or more times, it will return once or twice to see if it can again find food. When food is no longer available, the visits will stop.

The DNR has a publication entitled “Living with bears in Wisconsin” and is available at DNR Service Centers and online at: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlif e/hunt/bear/bearpractice.PDF. If, after taking all the above measures and bear troubles continue and additional assistance is needed, call USDA Wildlife Services 24-hour hotline at 800-2281368. — from WisDNR

On track...

Individuals and groups looking to help protect Wisconsin’ s State Trail System all year long should consider joining the Wisconsin Adopt-ATrail Program.

The system works similar to the Adopt-AHighway program and it was established to allow sponsors, groups or individuals the opportunity to adopt a trail in one of the 95 properties in the Wisconsin Park System. Volunteer labor includes helping control invasive species, minor trail maintenance and collect litter.

Sponsors apply to adopt the trail of their choice for a $20 fee that will cover the cost of two sponsorship signs and other costs. National Trails day is set for June 2, so now would be a great time to get a head start on celebrating the day, and continue it throughout the year.

Anyone interested in adopting a trail should contact the property manager at the park, forest, trail or recreation area where they would like to adopt a trail. More info is available online at the DNR Parks Web pages, or they can contact Joe Warren at 608-267-7487 -– Marty Seeger with information from DNR

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Save the Pool hires a consultant

FREDERIC - The Save the Pool Committee has hired Water Technologies from Beaver Dam, to do a feasibility and facility study for the pool, located on the school property. This study is being done to determine what upgrades should be done to make sure that the pool is up to code and help gain perspective as to how much more money should or should not be put into keeping the pool. When Water Technologies is done with this

study, which will take a month or more, the Save the Pool Committee will have the answers to a lot of their questions. Some of which are, is it financially sound to put more money into the upkeep of the pool, should the pool be replaced with a newer one, what are the long-range plans for the pool?

When the results are received, the Save the Pool Committee would like to inform the public as to the

results so sound decisions can be made on the way to continue. The committee believes this is a community pool that happens to be on school property, but the public needs to be involved in the financial decisions of keeping the pool open. - submitted

Man charged with stalking, sending teen obscene text messages

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - A Glenwood City man accused of stalking a 17-year-old Clear Lake girl and sending her sexually explicit text messages faces felony charges in Polk County.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for July 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Sean C. Cowen, 43, is accused of harassing the girl first in a New Richmond store on Jan. 31, then sending her 50 explicit and threatening text messages.

According to the criminal complaint, the girl said a dirty, unshaven man with thick glasses and a limp approached her in the store and asked her if she wanted to join in a sex act.

She told Clear Lake Police Chief Tim Strohbusch that she later learned that New Richmond police had

stopped this man’s vehicle because he was allegedly trying to “pick up” two young girls.

Around that same date, the girl said she found a letter in her locker at Clear Lake High School that stated, “I know where you live, I know where you sleep, tonight is the night when I creep through your window. In the morning you will be dead.”

The girl told police that she also received about 50 text messages on that date. Some said, “I love you, Hey lover,” and others were sexually explicit messages.

The girl also reported receiving another message from Cowen on Feb. 27 that said, “Death has come to take its next victim.”

Strohbusch obtained a subpoena for the records of the phone number sending the text messages, and the number was listed to Cowen.

According to the criminal complaint, Cowen apparently got the girl’s telephone number from one of the girl’s cousins. The cousin was living with Cowen between July and Nov. 2006, and told police he saw Cowen text messaging the girl. The cousin also told police he found pornography on Cowen’s computer in his room.

Charges were filed against Cowen in Polk County Circuit Court on April 13. He faces charges of misdemeanor telephone harassment and felony stalking of a victim under the age of 18.

The harassment charge carries a maximum sentence of a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail; the stalking charge carries a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine and six years in prison.

History exhibit coming to Frederic, Milltown Traveling exhibit tells unknown story of GermanAmerican civilian internment in the United States during World War II POLK COUNTY - Some disappeared under the cover of night, while others were taken during raids on their place of employment. About a third were kidnapped by U.S. agents in other countries and brought here by force. None had a lawyer, or were charged with, tried for or convicted of a war-related crime.

Many were imprisoned for the duration of that global war, and for years after it ended.

Suspected terrorists? Inmates at Guantanamo Bay ?

No. 15,000 German-American civilians the U.S. Government interned between 1941 and 1948.

Using ten narrative panels, an NBC “Dateline” documentary and a 1945 U.S. Government color film about this story, TRACES’ mobile museum—a retrofitted school bus called the BUS-eum 2—will be on display in two local communities: Frederic and Milltown.

Barring unforeseen difficulties, the BUS-eum 2 will be parked at the Community Pride shelter east of the Frederic Depot from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, and on Friday, June 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. it will be parked in front of the Milltown Public Library.

TRACES Center for History and Culture is a

Midwest/WWII-history museum in downtown St. Paul’s historical Landmark Center (former 1896 Federal Courts Building ). Each of it’s more than two dozen exhibits about Midwesterners’ encounters with Germans or Austrians between 1933 and 1948 forms part of a larger mosaic, a fuller image of a war that is often misunderstood or seen in clichés. At TRACES, WWII is a case study to learn from for today’s and future generations.

The main goals of this mobile exhibit include presenting an unknown history to a wide audience, stimulating penetrating questions on the part of visitors to the exhibit and then leading them to open discussion.

It explores a virtually unknown yet significant historical event—possibly one of the U.S. ’s least-known WWII sub-chapters. [The Midwest was the site of 18 internment camps or detention centers, including: Camp (now Ft.) McCoy near Sparta/WI; Home of the Good Shepherd Convents in Milwaukee/WI, Chicago/IL and Cleveland/OH; county or city jails in Milwaukee/WI and St. Louis/MO; detention centers in Kansas City/MO, Chicago, Detroit/MI; and Hotel Gibson and the Hamilton County Workhouse in Cincinnati/OH—as well as numerous others.]

This display gives local residents across the region an opportunity—in most cases for the first time—to discuss the legacy as well as implications of the U.S. Government’s WWII “enemy alien” internment program.

Through this project, Midwesterners will see WWII history in a new way, and “re-visit” an event and a

Click It or Ticket campaign to begin BURNETT COUNTY - To save lives and prevent serious injuries in traffic crashes, the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department and the Grantsburg, Siren, Webster and Webb Lake police departments will enforce the national Click It or Ticket safety belt campaign from May 21 through June 3.

With hundreds of agencies participating, Click It or Ticket will be one of the largest coordinated law enforcement mobilizations ever in Wisconsin, according to Sheriff Dean Roland, Burnett County Sheriff’s Department. “Our goal during the mobilization is not to write more tickets but to save lives through voluntary compliance with Wisconsin’s mandatory safety belt law,” said Chief Chris Sybers, Siren Police Department. “However, if you are stopped by an officer and are not buckled up, you will get a ticket whether you’re driving or just a passenger. We won’t

During the BUS-eum stops, both libraries will also offer a multi-media presentation about German POWs held in camps in Midwest towns like Milltown and Frederic.

(Early arrival is encouraged, as the tour is tightly scheduled and showings will begin and end promptly at the times indicated. TRACES seeks volunteers in each community along the route, to help make each stop as effective as possible: would-be volunteers should contact the local hosts in a given town, or TRACES directly.)

To confirm the BUS-eum’s itinerary or learn more this exhibit, see www.TRACES.org . The exhibit’s texts and photos of the exhibit can be previewed at that web site; reading the narrative in advance facilitates speedier visitor flow in the BUS. Educators are welcome to utilize the teaching materials also posted on the same web site.

This exhibit is supported, in part, by grants from Humanities Councils in Illinois , Iowa , Minnesota , Missouri and Wisconsin , with additional local supporters across the entire 8-state region.

For more information about the event at Frederic, contact Chris Byerly at 715-327-4979 or fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. For more information about the event at Milltown, contact Matt Rosendahl at 715825-2313 or milltownpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Five generations

accept excuses, and you won’t get a warning or a second chance.”

Previous Click It or Ticket campaigns have helped increase the safety belt use rate in Wisconsin to an alltime high of 75 percent in 2006. But Wisconsin still has a long way to go to achieve the 81-percent national average for safety belt use and to match neighboring states, such as Michigan with 93 percent, Illinois with 86 percent, Iowa with 86 percent and Minnesota with 84 percent.

Every 1-percent increase in safety belt use in Wisconsin saves six lives per year, according to Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety estimates. Please join the Burnett County Law Enforcement Agencies in making Burnett County a safe place to travel, and remember to always buckle up. - submitted

VFW Post 1256 elections held BURNETT COUNTY – Burnett County VFW Post 1256 held elections on Tuesday, April 3. New officers commander, Peggy Moore; sr. vice are: commander/chaplain, Dale Halonie; jr. vice com-

period often overly-simplified and obscured by bravado.

mander, Vernon Buskirk; quartermaster, Larry McAuley; adjutant, Kris Beebe. All members are reminded that meetings are scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. – submitted

Five generations. Back row - Shirley Schultz, from Grantsburg and Betty M. Johnson, Siren.Front row - Shannon Andren, Balsam Lake, Heather Larson and baby Leo Larson, Centuria.

—Photo submitted

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Cindy’s School of Dance holds last recital WEBSTER –Cindy Beales of Siren said thank you and farewell to students and all who came to watch the 2007 recital at the Webster School on Saturday, May 12. Beales is retiring from Cindy’s School of Dance. Andrea Fox helped teach some students this year and she plans to teach again next year.

The young dancers captured hearts during Cindy’s School of Dance 2007 recital.

A young dancer concentrates to create a graceful line .

At right: Kristine Watral, Carly Good and Casey Sperling danced in Cindy’s Dance recital.

All photos by Sherill Summer

Andrea Fox is shown here dancing. Fox also taught the two youngest classes and ballet to the oldest class. Next year she plans to take over Cindy’s students.

Taola Swenson, Desirea Rasmussen, Carolyn Peterson, Marissa Jensen and Hallie Jensen all dancing to “Black Horse” and the “Cherry Tree.”

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

Ruby’s Pantry comes to Frederic

People were lined up Tuesday in Frederic to take part in a food distribution by Ruby’s Pantry, a ministry started by Lyn Sahr, formerly of Siren, which gives away tons of food each year. The food is gathered from corporation surplus in the Twin Cities. “Burnett County is the most underserved county and Polk County is along side of it,” Sahr told the Leader last fall. “The need (for getting food to food shelves and the needy) has gotten crazy.” Ruby’s Pantry is part of Home and Away Ministries of North Branch, Minn. It provides foods and goods without cost and sreves rural communities in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. - Photos by Matt Blumkin

This summer take an education vacation Experience college life, stay in university dorms, and attend seminars taught

by UW-Madison and UW-Extension faculty. The 2007 College Days conference (June 5-7) promises to be very good.

The opening speaker is Bassam Shakhashiri, who is famous for his chemistry demonstrations.

Entertainment is Jan Wheaton, a wellknown Madison jazz singer who does a great job on the old standards that

attendees are sure to remember.

Interesting and timely seminars this year include climate change, stem cells, the obesity epidemic, as well as some fun ones like vintage jewelry, backstage at the theater and Victorian fashion.

For more information, access the Web site at www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/college or call Gail Peavey at the UW-Extension Office at 485-8600 for registration information.

Eagle pair

Heather Elfers from Milltown came upon this nesting pair of Eagles west of Milltown on a county road last week. The pair was successful in hatching a brood of young eagles as le ones can be seen in the nest this week. – Photo by Heather Elfers

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Siren Elementary Volunteer recognition

Teachers held up letters in the word volunteer, as they read poetry starting with those letters, that fit the spirit of the volunteerism that was recognized at Siren Elementary School Monday afternoon, May 14.

LEFT: The staff at Siren Elementary School put on a recognition party Monday, May 14, for the volunteers who work with the students throughout the school year. Thirty-eight volunteers were sent invitations.

Members of the staff and some of the students joined in expressing their appreciation with popcorn, candy, coffee, punch and cake.

RIGHT: Siren School Administrator Scott Johnson told volunteers that the school is so dependent on them to step in and help out. Johnson called the volunteers the “most underrecognized group of people in the community.”

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Siren Elementary School staff member Diane Lund joined a group of the school’s volunteers during the volunteer recognition held Monday, May 14.

Shown here are (L to R) Marge Bryant, Ethel Daniels, Katie Hedlund, Lund and Connie Hunt.

Polk County divorces Divorces filed Denny and Corina Relf, Clear Lake. Married 2003. Two children.

Divorces granted John B. and Kathy A. Erickson. Married 1993. Two children.

Monte and Dawn Gourley.

Married 2001. One child.

Polk County criminal court Felony Steven D. Stewart, 55, Amery, possession with intent, marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Adjourned initial hearing set for July 9.

John Siebenthal, 59, Frederic, disorderly conduct, endangering safety, reckless use of firearm, criminal damage to property. Preliminary hearing set for July 9.

Misdemeanor Mary Maske, 41, Grantsburg, obtain prescription drug with fraud. Adjourned initial hearing set for July 9.

Eric Hamer, 19, Shell Lake, pled not guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia. Court review set for June 15.

Consuela Hansen, 41, Amery, pled not guilty to endangering safety, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and operating a firearm while intoxicated.

Nathan Satterlund, 28, Star Prairie, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.

Janelle Lundmark, 26, Amery, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, posses-

sion of drug paraphernalia.

Fredrick Porter, 45, Minneapolis, Minn., possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Adjourned initial hearing set for July 9.

Jonathon Berhow, 17, Osceola, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct.

Sarah Sessions, 35, Star Prairie, fraudulent use of credit card. Not in court. Arrest warrant issued.

Kody Koch, 18, Amery.

Retail theft. Not in court. Arrest warrant issued.

Samantha Gillis, 23, River Falls. Court entered not guilty plea on defendant’s behalf.

Signature bond set at $1,000.

Christopher Eggers, 19, Landfall, Minn. Credit card fraud. In jail in Minnesota. Court enters not guilty plea.

Kenneth Molgard, 30, Amery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, battery.

Not in court. Arrest warrant issued.

Mitchell Martini, 21, Osceola, disorderly conduct.

Bradley Adolphson, 30, Grantsburg, pled not guilty to battery and disorderly conduct.

Michelle Mosay, Luck, battery and disorderly conduct. Not in court. Adjourned initial hearing set for May 21.

Traffic David Finn, 46, Clear Lake, OAR. Arrest warrant issued.

Donna Taylor, 46, Frederic, OAR. Arrest warrant issued.

Rex Goodrich, 50, Balsam Lake, pled not guilty to OWI, operating with a prohibited blood concentration of .08 or more.

Donald Lieffring, 25, Dresser, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, OWI, operating with a prohibited blood concentration of .08 or more. Court review set for June 15.

Randall Arndt, 23, Somerset, pled not guilty to OWI, disorderly conduct, operating with PAC .08 or more.

Eamonn Smith, 40, Frederic, OWI, bail jumping. Hearing set for July 9.

James K. Taylor, 35, Maple Grove, Minn., possession of marijuana, operating while revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Siren police report May 9: A backing-up accident at Russ’ Meats on Hwy. 35/70 involved vehicles driven

by JoAnn Treichel, 50, Webster, and Blanca I. Johnson, 57, Grantsburg. The accident took place at 4:45 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

May 10: Kathy Howe reported that her black MTD Yard Machine high-wheel mower with mulching mower had been stolen from her home.

May 11: Richard William Cook, 44, Lino Lakes, Minn., was cited at 8:07 p.m. for operating while intoxicated, operating with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher

and not having a valid driver’s license. Cook was stopped on Hwy. 35 by the Pine Wood Motel.

May 12: Harassment was reported to the police department at 11:06 p.m. The person who reported the harassment was advised to use a notebook to document any harassment incidents.

May 13: At 1 p.m., harassment incidents involving a Siren resident were reported to the Siren Police Department.

At 2 p.m., a repossessed vehicle was taken from a driveway across the Pine Wood Motel on Hwy. 35 by Suburban

Towing Company, Hastings, Minn. The vehicle belonged to Kelly Hicks, 41, Siren. At 6:03 p.m. that day, an officer from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department called the Siren Police with a listing of items that were found in the vehicle. The officer was directed to send those items to the Siren Police Department.

At 6:55 p.m., an out-of-control resident at Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Center was transported to Lutheran Hospital, Eau Claire, where a bed was available.

Polk County civil court Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff. David and Jilenne Ciotta, Frederic, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $105,961.76.

Wells Fargo Bank, Ft. Worth, Texas, plaintiff. Jason and Jennifer Wobbema, Buhl, Minn., defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $251,716.18.

Security Bank, New Auburn, plaintiff. Paul and Diana Larson, Turtle Lake. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $147,287.43 with interest.

Deutsche Bank National

Trust Co., Ft. Worth, Texas, plaintiff. Kevin Belisle and Liza Knutson, Osceola, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $338,396.99.

Citibank N.A., Sioux Falls, S.D., plaintiff.

Michele Goossen, Centuria, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges default on credit card payments in amount of $6,813.67.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Ft. Mill, S.C., plaintiff. Sandra Danielowski, Osceola, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $146,487.75.

Lisa Ouellette, Amery, plain-

tiff. Leah Podlewski, Amery, and State Farm Mutual Automobile, Bloomington, Ill., defendants. Plaintiff alleges negligence of Podlewski in automobile accident and seeks damages for injuries that were a result of the accident.

Bryan Otte, Amery, plaintiff.

Tracy J. Anderson, Amery and Secura Insurance Mutual Co., Appleton, defendants. Plaintiff alleges negligence of Anderson in automobile accident and seeks damages for injuries that resulted from the 2004 accident

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Burnett Co. sheriff’s report Accidents Webster Village, May 10: Catherine C. Schmidt, 59, Webster, was on Hwy. 35 when she hit a deer. There were no reported injuries.

Arrests Town of Oakland, May 7: Randi L. Songetay, 24, Webster, was arrested on a warrant.

Town of Oakland, May 10: Bradley R. Rogers, 23, Turtle Lake, was arrested on Polk and Washburn counties warrants.

Other incidents Town of Rusk, May 7: ReMax reported an 8x8 shed removed

from a property. The incident is under investigation.

Town of West Marshland, May 7: Megan L. Pierce, Hayward, reported a vehicle and all her possessions taken from a parking lot. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Swiss, May 8: James A. Reed, Danbury, reported a utility trailer taken from his property. The incident is under investigation.

Check out The Advertiser online: yellowpaperads.com

Town of Grantsburg, May 9: Clarence D. Allen, Grantsburg, reported a van taken from his residence. The keys were in the ignition. There were tools in the back. The van was found in Ramsey County on May 14.

The incident is under investigation.

Town of Swiss, May 9: A 14ft. Alumacraft boat was taken from the residence of Steve Nelson, Danbury. The incident is under investigation.

Real Estate / Garage Sales

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Burnett Co. criminal court John F. Vix, 32, Webster, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Earnest E. Swenson, 47, Minong, failure to notify police of accident, $160.80.

Joeseph C. Kehborn Jr., 28, Hastings Minn., inattentive driving, $113.00.

Amber R. Merrill, 18, Stillwater, Minn., inattentive driving, $173.40.

Dennis K. Boyd, 22, Webster, passing in no-passing zone, $113.00.

Thelma L. Mitchell, 37, Danbury, speedometer violations, $160.80.

Duane C. Halverson, 57, Webster, speeding, $211.20.

Webster B. Macomber Jr., 49, Webster, speeding, $113.00.

Michael J. Schueller, 37, Becker, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Kevin C. Belland, 45, Danbury, speeding, $186.00.

John P. Dettloff, 45, Couderay, speeding, $211.20.

Minnie A. Cunningham, 41, Spooner, speeding, $160.80.

Justin E. Paulson, 22, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Douglas J. Lien, 48, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Keith W. Reynolds, 20, Onamia, Minn., obstructing/resisting an officer, $249.00.

John V. Rusk, 57, Hayward, possession of drug paraphernalia, $249.00.

Carol A. Mohs, 59, Menomonie, OWI, $1,078.00, alcohol assessment, 60 days’ jail time, license revoked 18 months.

Employment

Burnett County warrants Brandon L. Jones, 27, Grantsburg, arrest warrant – complaint, May 8.

James W. Moravec, 22, Sarona, arrest warrant – complaint, May 7.

Bradley J. Mackyol, 23, Webster, warrant – failure to

appear, May 9.

Linda A. Lovegren, Siren, warrant – failure to appear, May 7.

Sage L. Aggerholm, 32, Cadott, arrest warrant – complaint, May 11.

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Chad A. Brown, Minneapolis, Minn., and Sarah A. Larson, Trade Lake, May 9.

Timothy H. Aintey, Grantsburg, and Rachel L. Hess, Grantsburg, May 11.

Ralph H.L. Britton, Grantsburg, and Lisa A. Chute, Grantsburg, May 11.

Burnett County deaths John A. Taborshak, 48, Union, April 23.

Katherine V. Johnson, 90, Webster, April 22.

Allen N. Engberg, 67, Grantsburg Township, May 2.

Glenn L. Hunter, 95, Siren, April 30.

Clarence R. Sexton, 92, La Follette, May 2.

Notices

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Notices www.the-leader.net

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Notices

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Mock crash at SCF High School

Students watched while rescue workers participated in the mock crash. The impact can be seen on some of the faces in the crowd.

Some of the scenes were graphic but students got a realistic image of what happens when you drink, drive and crash into another vehicle. A mock crash was set up at the St. Croix Falls High School May 10, to show students the impact of bad choices. Following the crash was a speaker from Chisago County MADD.

–Photos by Tammi Milberg

Michelle Anderson, Chisago County MADD, was the speaker following the mock crash.

Anderson spoke about her son, 2, who was killed by a drunk snowmobiler Jan 21, 2002. Anderson said the 17-year-old fled the scene and was later caught. She said he decided to go down the community sledding hill as fast as he could and she had just pushed her sons’ sled down the hill.

Anderson said it doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle you drive, if you are drunk there is always a danger. Many students and faculty listening to Anderson’s story were in tears.

EMS workers use the jaws of life to extricate this student actor, Isaac Bont, in the mock crash. Student actors were selected to be in on the crash and LifeLink III, St. Croix Falls Police and St. Croix Falls Fire and Rescue and Edling Funeral Home participated in the event which included police arresting the underage drunk driver, medical transport of three victims after extrication and the coroner picking up the body of one DOA.

Once the mock crash outside was over, students walked single-file through the high school gym in which an ER room was set up to continue the chain of events beyond the crash.

Another station for students in the gym, was the funeral of the victim in the crash who was ejected partially from the vehicle. This made the full circle of what happens before during and after a drunk-driving accident for the mock crash.

RIGHT: The coroner and fire and rescue members load a victim of the mock crash drunk driving accident into a hearse.

Rescue workers extricate this female mock crash actor, Paige Gutzmer, from the vehicle and get her ready for medical transport.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 16, 2007

Everyone was royalty at Unity Busy Bugs prom

Lydia Milberg wore white to the Busy Bugs prom held on Thursday, May 10.

Myah Nelson and no-nonsense princess Carly Nelson attended the prom.

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net Luke Flaherty seemed to feel the weight of the crown he wore at the Unity 4K Busy Bugs prom.

Taylor Lehner and Julia Frendt danced at the prom until they were all danced out.

Photos by Michelle Flaherty

‘Follow the Leader’

May 16, 2007 • 2nd Se c t i on B• Inter-Co unty Le a de r

Currents N O R T H E R N

THE LEADER’S COMMUNITY NEWS

Holy Land tour brings faith to life JERUSALEM — Imagine a Sunday, the day Christians traditionally set aside for God, spent in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus awaited his betrayal and arrest, and at the crest of the Mount of Olives, from which Jesus ascended into heaven.

Imagine walking the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried his cross on the way to Golgatha, where he was crucified.

Imagine being baptized in the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and brought numerous people to an understanding of how sin separates them from God. A group of 24 people led by two couples from the Frederic Evangelical Free Church were able to experience these things and many more on a nine-day trip to the Holy Land in March. Photos and a description of the trip were presented at the church April 29.

Flying from Chicago to Tel Aviv March 12 and 13, the next seven days were spent visiting prominent sites from both the Old and New Testaments.

Early in the trip, the group toured the port of Jaffa (Joppa), from which Jonah fled God’s instruction by taking a ship across the Mediterranean Sea, and Megiddo, which overlooks the plains of Armageddon where the final battle of

From the Mount of Olives, with Temple Mount and the city Jerusalem in the background, are back row (L to R) Brian Johnson, Pastor Greg Lund, Laurie Randolph, Janet Peterson, Larry Randolph, Renee Marek, Joe Marek, Mike Calvert, Rich Hess, Twyla Ramsdell and Joe Ramsdell. In front are Andie Ramsdell, Enid Johnson, Jill Lund, Joy Friberg, Marilyn Huskamp, Myron Gilbertson, Kate Gilbertson, Andrea Friberg, Kathryn Calvert, Nancy Hess, Rosellen Reese, Jackie Moody and Rodney Moody. Kneeling are tour guide, Gadi, and bus driver, Jacob. – Photos submitted good against evil is to take place. They also visited Nazareth, where Jesus spent his early years, and Cana, where he performed his first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast. At the church in Cana, several couples renewed their wedding vows.

The Roman aqueduct system stretching from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea was another stop. The apostle Peter was held prisoner in Caesarea, a location where Jesus taught performed miracles.

A day spent at the Sea of Galilee included a boat ride on the sea that Jesus calmed in a storm and walked on to reach his disciples, where he first called his disciples and where he appeared to them after his resurrection. The group also saw a recently discovered fishing boat that is very similar to what would have been like that used by fishermen in Jesus’ time.

The first several nights were spent in a kibbutz, where the group enjoyed great accommodations and delicious food while experiencing a unique way of life.

At several sites, including the Golan Heights, security forces were in evidence.

Before heading to Jerusalem the evening of March 17, 10 members of the group were baptized in the Jordan River, where John the Baptist preached repentance for sin and baptized Jesus. They also had the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, which is so filled with minerals that only floating is possible.

On the way to Jerusalem a stop was made at Qumram to view the cave where, in 1947, a Bedouin boy looking for his lost goats found what came to be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The See Holy Tour, next page

Visiting the crowded, narrow streets of the marketplace in Jerusalem is like a step back in time.

Joe Ramsdell, with Pastor Greg Lund, (L), and Brian Johnson, was one of 10 tour party members to be baptized at the Yardenit Baptismal site on the Jordan River.

A time of worship was held in the Upper Room, where Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples and instituted the practice of communion.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

Holy tour, from page 1 scrolls had been hidden in clay jars in a cave for nearly 2,000 years, preserved by the arid climate. Fragments of all the Old Testament books except the book of Esther were found in the cave.

Sunday, the first day in Jerusalem, was spent in the places associated with Jesus in the last hours before his arrest. The site Western Wall, or Wailing Wall, was visited, and a time of worship was held in the Upper Room where Jesus had his

Young Israeli soldiers stand watch at a historic site.

A typical tomb from the time of Jesus. The Bible states that on the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, the stone was rolled away from the sealed tomb and Jesus was risen from the dead.

An array of spices scent the air and provide a colorful scene in the marketplace.

Last Supper with his disciples. A Palestinian guide took the group to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

On the more modern side, the Knesset, or Israeli Parliament, was visited, along with Yad Vashem, a memorial to the six

million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

Leaving the horrific events memorialized at Yad Vashem, the group went to Golgatha, where the Bible says Jesus was crucified as punishment for all the sins of the world, then to a communion service at the Garden Tomb to celebrate his victory over sin.

The final day was spent completing the walk along the Via Dolorosa, along which Jesus carried his cross to Golgatha, and visiting the crowded marketplace where the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Old Jerusalem were experienced.

The trip was a life-changing experience, bringing to life the places of the Bible. The Johnsons and Lunds worked with Heavenly Tours to conduct the tour, through which a March 2008 tour is being planned. For more information call 715-327-5579 or visit Heavenly Tours at www.heavenlytours.com. — Mary Stirrat, with information from Frederic Evangelical Free Church

Bet Shean, one of King Solomon’s fortress cities, lies in ruins. It contains at The “Golden Gate” of Old Jerusalem, a city that is central to the faith of Chris- least 18 levels of ancient settlements. tians, Jews, and Muslims.

First-Annual Jane Wisse Wellness Walk scheduled SIREN – Jane Wisse was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her.

As a physical education teacher for over 32 years, she impacted the lives of untold numbers of students with her commitment to lifelong wellness. She joyfully taught and lived her values of good nutrition and daily exercise. She loved walking, skiing, swimming, waterskiing, dancing, kayaking, gymnastics, golf, and all life sports. Her confidence in herself and others was a shining example for her students, her colleagues, and her friends.

Siren School, where she spent the final years of her teaching career, has established a scholarship in her honor and memory. Money raised from the FirstAnnual Jane Wisse Wellness Walk will be used to fund this scholarship. The walk will take place on the route of one of her favorite walks, one she did often with a group of fellow teachers.

The walk will be on Saturday, June 2,

starting and ending at Crooked Lake Park in Siren.

Registration will be at 9:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 a.m., rain or shine. (Jane walked in all kinds of weather, including a day Jane Wisse that was 14 below zero!)

The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for 12 to 17 years old, and free for 11 and under. Any donations will be happily accepted, please send them to Siren School District, c/o Pam Daniels, 24022 North 4th Ave., Box 29, Siren, WI 54872. Make checks payable to Siren Schools. – submitted

Qumram, where in 1947 a goatherd found Old Testament scrolls that came to be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

E-mail us @ the-leader @centurytel.net

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Fish Tales

by Alberta Hanson Fishing is a favorite pastime for me, but it doesn’t always give me the calm relaxing day that I may have hoped for. I often take my grandchildren fishing with me, sometimes with mixed results.

One sunny day my 5-year-old grandson helped me dig earthworms so we could go fishing by the Atlas Dam. When we arrived, several people were already there fishing in the best spots along the lakeshore. So we fished off the bridge over the dam. It was very windy so our lines continually got tangled together.

Once untangled, the bridge railing was another obstacle for our fishing lines.

A game warden soon came by and asked me for my fishing license. “I’m retired, I don’t need a fishing license,” I stated. The game warden then asked me for my driver’s license as it would show that I was old enough for free fishing. I told him it was in the car, so he asked if I’d get it while he checked out the licenses of the other people fishing.

Later when the warden came back and checked my

license, he asked, “Where are your fish?”

I responded with a question, “Have you ever taken a 5-year-old fishing?” A smile came to his face as he walked off.

Another time I was fishing at Orr Lake, when I noticed a small black otter swimming swiftly toward me. It made a barking noise which really scared me. I was about to abandon fishing until the otter turned and swam off.

Immediately a large fish jumped out of the water in front of me, grabbed a sunfish, and bit it in half. Now only half a fish was observed as it floated away on the surface of the lake.

I finally had enough excitement for the day and went home.

Writer’s Corner

A Fish Story

by Norma (Carlson) Maurer Many years ago I lived on a 120-acre farm just one mile south of the Clam River. At that time the crossing became known as the Ice House Bridge. It is still known by many as such. During winter the men sawed and hauled large chunks of ice from the Clam River at that spot to keep anything cold in the summer months.

When I was about 12, I went to the river to fish using a bamboo pole. I had thrown the line out many times with no results. Disgusted, I poked the pole end into the river from my spot on the bridge, then decided to pull up the line and go home. But I had a large fish, a northern pike about 22-inches long, fighting me. It must have been asleep and I riled it up. That was an exciting early evening, and I ran that mile home in nothing flat. Guess it weighed about 3 pounds.

It was the biggest fish I had ever caught. After cleaning it, scales etc., it was so good. Even have a picture of it 81 years later.

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

Yours, mine and ours A friend dropped by the other evening eager to debate the merits of public education. I’ve been a cardcarrying member of the National Education Association for the past 31 years, so I suppose I was fair game. There is new momentum in the drive to privatize our nation’s schools. Some experts predict the demise of the public schools in the next decade. At the very least, big changes may be afoot, and my buddy’s challenge forced me to re-examine my own attitudes about that which has paid the bills here most of my adult life.

It turns out that I’m bullish on public education. It is, in my mind, the glue that holds this diverse society of ours together. The alternative is a kind of balkanized system where most of us go to our own little private schools that reflect our particular narrow slice of opinion, and the have-nots go to some underfunded remnant of what remains. Doing so would leave us further divided than we already are in this age of red and blue states. As it is, the “public” in public education means our kids are socialized with kids they might not normally come into contact with.

I know that argument cuts both ways. And it’s true that when my own kids reached kindergarten age, I contemplated the home schooling option. The fear of “bad influences” is strong when you’ve carefully nurtured your kids through the first five years of their lives. But in retrospect, my kids, everyone’s kids are stronger, more capable and better socialized by the op-

portunity to interact with and learn alongside kids from a wide variety of backgrounds.

As our media become more diffuse and specialized, the possibility of societal fragmentation increases. We no longer watch the same evening news together or read the same newspapers and magazines. We spend more time in little enclaves, having little or Steve no contact with those we disPearson agree with. The depth and breadth of our common experience continues to shrink. But THE every day, the majority of young people in our country have a vastly different experience. They go to school with children of different races and religions, from homes whose values may not mirror their own. In doing so, they broaden their experience and increase their capacity to accommodate and assimilate a variety of perspectives.

The public school teachers I’ve had the privilege of working alongside these past three years as a firstgrade teacher are some of the most dedicated professionals I’ve ever met. Day in and day out, they give all they have to their students everyday. But I’m not naive enough to believe that’s always the case in every school every day. And I do think a case can be

VIEW

FROM

HERE

made for tweaking the system to allow for some kind of culling of poor teachers.

The NEA has gotten a bad rap over the last few years from those who would like to see wholesale changes in the way we teach our kids.

Not that I’m a big teacher’s union guy - oops, did I say union, we prefer association - but the NEA has made it possible for teachers to earn a decent wage for the work they do. It’s also made it possible for bad teachers to keep their jobs. I’m all for examining the issue of tenure, and I’m open to the concept of merit pay if we can devise a system that doesn’t merely reward for raising test scores but somehow also incorporates some of the intangibles of teaching young people.

In my classroom, we say the Pledge of Allegiance every Monday to meet the requirement set forth by the state (Minn.) legislature in a kind of knee-jerk response to 9/11. Believing that patriotism, at least the forced or phony kind, is the last refuge of a scoundrel, I emphasized the “voluntary participation” clause early on.

But lately I’ve found myself embracing the concepts expressed in that pledge and trumpeting them to my students. If we are to remain “one nation. . . indivisible with liberty and justice for all” it is essential that we come together on some level to acknowledge our commonality as expressed in the wisdom of our founders. This happens on a daily basis in the public schools, the great meeting place for people of all faiths, races and ideologies. It is surely something to be celebrated and preserved.

Webster fundraisers a huge success WEBSTER – Students from the Webster Elementary School would like to express their appreciation to everyone for their support of the chili supper, cake walk, and plant sale held last Friday, May 11.

Special gratitude is extended to the Webster Lions for sponsoring the chili supper to help students raise money for the their trip to Madison. This trip will take

Area parents, teachers and residents attended the annual chili supper to help students raise money for their school trip to Madison.

54 fourth-grade students to the state capitol, the Geology, Veterans, and Art museums, and Henry Vilas Zoo on May 31-June 1. Other volunteers who helped sell tickets, serve, and our patrons are also appreciated.

The Cake Walk was made possible with the help of Wayne’s Foods Plus and many teachers who provided the cakes and their time. Volunteers also donated the

plants for the plant sale. These two fundraisers brought in $542.50 of a $6,000 project goal for the Webster School Forest bathroom facilities. Total money raised for the project now stands at $4,552.50. That leaves $1,447.50 to be raised before the bathroom facility ground breaking in the fall. - submitted

Shown are some of the Webster Lions who helped the Webster students by sponsoring the chili supper at Webster on Friday, May 11. – Photo submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

First high school bus from Trade Lake to Grantsburg

by Stanley Selin This was the first high school bus in the area which transported students daily between their homes and the high school at Grantsburg. Until this time, students from the rural areas had to stay in town during the week, coming home

Andrew Swanberg only on weekends. The idea of using a bus originated with Andrew Swanberg, Trade Lake buttermaker and farmer, who wished to have his children live at home while attending high school.

Swanberg financed and oversaw the project, obtaining a 1928 Dodge truck chassis on which the bus was built. Albert Peterson, a farmer, handyman, and

Trade Lake school bus and student riders in 1932. L to R: Agnes Peterson, Edith Peterson, Shirley Melin, Bernice Berglund, Mable Baker, Margaret Bergman, Ardis Lindquist, Marlette Gustafson, Lillian Neuman, Vernice Berglund, Arlene Peterson, Helen Berglund, Ruby Swanberg, Geraldine Melin, Maxine Ortendahl, Della Gerber, Hazel Swanberg, Gunnard Swanson, Lee Kingsley, Edwin Neuman and Carl Gerber, driver. carpenter, had previous experience building cars for the Minneapolis Streetcar Company. He was hired to build the body of the bus on the truck chassis.

Seats for the bus were obtained from the Greyhound Bus Company in Minneapolis. Daily bus service began in the fall of 1931, with a fee of 25 cents being charged each pupil per day. Insurance was carried for accident protection. The passenger load increased as time went

on, up to the capacity of 30 students.

The route in the fall of 1931 started near the corner of Leander Johnson’s south of Big Trade Lake, traveling east to Four Corners, north through Trade Lake, and then following Hwy. 48 to Grantsburg.

Some students who were drivers were Forrest Strand, Carl Gerber, Gunnard Swanson and Lee Kingsley. The pictures below identify students who rode the bus in the years 1932 and 1935.

Trade Lake school bus and student riders in 1935. L to R: Irvine Melin, Lee Kingsley, Edward Berglund, Hank Runberg, Mark Kingsley, not identified, Leona Lindberg, not identified, Ardys Oberg, Muriel Johnson, Lucille Gabrielson, Della Gerber, Dorothy Gerber, Iris Davidson, Arlene Wedell, Clare Melin, Leona Ziemer, Eleanor Volberg, Shirley Melin, Marlin Sundquist, Walden Christianson, not identified, and Paul Johnson.

Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m., SELHS program. Loretta Pederson from Blackberry Hills farm near Eureka will talk about shearing, dyeing, spinning and weaving wool while talking about raising llamas, sheep and milking goats (and making goat cheese!). Business meeting at 5:45 p.m., at the Cushing Community Center. Free and open to the public!

Albert Peterson

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Do you remember?

Autograph books were very popular in the 1800s when people wrote sentimental lines in each other’s books. We had them floating around in schools in the first half of the Bernice 1900s and then they seemed to fade away in the 60s.

Abrahamzon Somewhere along the line I lost my autograph book in one of our many moves around the country.

I remember what my mother wrote in my book, however.

Be honest and true Girl of mine, And happiness Will always be thine.

Readers sometimes wonder why I don’t write much about my mother. She died in her 40s, much too young, after years of illness. She died on Mother’s Day in 1946, before her first grandson was born in August that year. She said, “I want to see that baby” and Ken told her, “You will be the very first.”

We missed so much! We never went to a motherdaughter banquet together, we seldom shopped together on account of the Depression, we had very few grown-up talks over the teacups.

I didn’t have much money to buy her pretty things.

I was just graduated from college and cancelled my teaching contract at Shawano in order to stay home with her. She was often confined to bed with terrible migraine headaches. My father and I would go out to the greenhouses to cry where she wouldn’t hear us.

She had once been so happy-go-lucky, laughing all the time. When we went to church, I’d whisper to her, “Mother, don’t sing so loud.” Young girls are easily embarrassed.

And now, when I sing in church, with more enthusiasm than talent, I really love some of those old songs. My goodness, I am turning into my mother!

When my mother died, I picked lilies of the valley in the woods, and put them in her poor, dead hands.

So, I tiptoe around the subject of my mother. She was shortchanged in years – not in our love for her.

But I digress, something I do quite often now in my own senior years. I was talking about autograph books. Since I lost mine, I borrowed one belonging to a good friend.

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Do you remember?

When you see a monkey Climb a tree Pull his tail And think of me First comes love Then comes marriage Then comes ___________ (girls name) With a baby carriage When you get married And have twins Don’t come to me For safety pins.

Do you remember ?

I wish I was a bunny With a tail of fluff I’d crawl up on your dresser And be your powder puff

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago

2 Ys U R 2 Ys U B ICUR 2 Ys 4 Me On a hill There is a rock And on it printed Forget-me-not Remember me now Remember me ever Remember the fun We had together Your life may be like arithmetic Friends added Enemies subtracted Joys multiplied And sorrows divided May the hinges of friendship never grow rusty.

(Note: Each one was signed, of course. This is the time of year when we faced eighth-grade graduation and knew high school would be really different. So we signed our autograph books, cleaned out our desks and said goodbye to our teachers.)

Around the Corner

by Henson Towne Around the corner I have a friend In this great city that has no end Yet days go by and weeks rush on And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friend’s face For life is a swift and terrible race He knows I like him just as well As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine – we were younger then And now we are busy, tired men Tired with playing a foolish game Tired with trying to make a name.

Tomorrow I say I will call on Jim Just to show that I’m thinking of him But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes And the distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away Here’s a telegram, sir Jim died today And that’s what we get And deserve in the end Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Until next week Bernice

Flowers may wither Friends may die The world may forget you But never shall I

Faithful bookkeeper recognized

by Wayne M. Anderson GRANTSBURG—Dolores Johnson kept the books and kept the record straight at Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg for 62 years. She retired last winter as treasurer and was honored this spring with a commemorative plaque and necklace for her years of faithful service.

The plaque, which will be hung in a place of honor in the church vestibule, reads: “In appreciation of 62 years of dedicated service as treasurer of Bethany Lutheran Church.” “I did it for the love of God,” she said. “God blessed me.”

Besides her work as church treasurer, she also used her God-given talents as a Sunday school teacher for 64 years. She achieved perfect attendance for 60 years, never missing a day of service in six decades. Besides keeping the books at church, she worked as bookkeeper at Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company for 47 years.

Kathy Anderson, of Grantsburg, is now the church treasurer.

Dolores Johnson holds commemorative plaque and adorns a special necklace given by the congregation of Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg. – Photo by Mike Java

Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included bacon at 49¢ lb., lettuce at 2 heads for 35¢ and Hunt’s catsup at 19¢ for a 14 oz. bottle.-Royalty at the Frederic prom included king, Roger Anderson and queen, Ivahmarie Friberg.-The Lewis mixed bowling group was treated to cake and coffee Sunday evening by Mr. and Mrs. Scheid, proprietors of the Siren bowling alley. Team members included the captain, Ernest Andersen, Ray Hanson, Louis Moline, Janet Nichols and Naomi Ahlgren.-The “Bum Band” of the Siren Naa Yaa Cumigs Club was invited to appear at the state 4-H Club week at Madison, June 17.The Burnett Red Cross drive netted $1,688.-Ground was broken for the new house for Harvey Nelson’s at Clear Lake south of Siren.-The play, “Billie’s First Date,” was given May 14 at the Pleasant Valley School at 8:30 p.m. Admission was 25¢ for adults, 15¢ for children.-The Alice in Dairyland contest was held May 18 at Woodville.-The film, “Boy on a Dolphin,” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, starring Alan Ladd, Clifton Webb and Sophia Loren.-The film, “The Teahouse of the August Moon,” was playing at the Frederic Theatre, starring Marlon Brando.-A wedding dance was given by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Knechel on May 11 at the Indian Creek hall with music by Vince Nahkala.-Donny Orgeman broke his collarbone when he ran into a school bus just arriving at school.

40 Years Ago The Best ‘O Luck Drive Inn opened Sunday, April 30, under new management of Audrey Hanson and Eilean Thompson.-Specials at the Dairy Queen, Frederic, included 13 Dilly Bars for $1.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included Hormel Bacon Ends at 2 1-lb. packages for 69¢, cube steak at 69¢ lb. and oranges at 3 doz. For $1.-Zenneth G. Brooker, St. Paul, Minn., was the new butcher at Nelson’s Store, Siren.Open house was held April 23 at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Sun, Siren, for the baptism of their son, Jeffery.Obituaries included Rose Klotz, Kenneth Enger and Bert Brenizer.-The Frederic Drug Store would soon acquire a new look.-The Indianhead Dairy Co-op voted to discontinue the plant at Dresser.-A Frederic school girl lost her life while crossing the county highway at the Pleasant Dale School.-Mr. and Mrs. Richard Olson held an open house for their 25th wedding anniversary on May 7 at their home in Cushing.A lone robber held up the bank at Milltown and the loss was $5,800.-Gus Hoffran retired from the PolkBurnett Electric Co-op board.-An all-day meeting was held at Whispering Pines Camp on Spirit Lake for women’s groups.-The Siren Chamber of Commerce sponsored a flower hunt for children at Siren park on Crooked Lake.

20 Years Ago Breast cancer was the focus of the 1987 Cancer Crusade.-Drunks were responsible for over a third of the highway deaths.-Wayne’s IGA opened a new store at Grantsburg.-The business of the week zeroed in on Virginia Ryan and her Sew-Easy Shop in Grantsburg.-Burning permits were cancelled as the fire danger was high.-Dr. Brad Harlander won a place on the Frederic School Board.-West Sweden voters returned incumbents, Wayne Lundquist, Kenneth Ruhn, Merle Brekke, Lori Lundquist and Helen Bengtson. Most of the voters favored pari-mutuel betting and a state lottery.-Mary Hayman wrote news for the Indian Creek 4-H Club.-Free cholesterol tests were given at the Health Fair at the Luck High School.-There was no change in officials in Bone Lake Township including Harry Johnson, Wilmer Pautsch, Bill Schilling, Darrell Frandsen and Rita Frandsen, plus two constables, Earl Erickson and Eugene Richter.-Bone Lake voters voted against pari-mutuel and a lottery.-Dirt bikers were blamed for pouring sand and dirt into the fuel tank of a log skidder owned by Goepfert Bros. while it was parked in Andersen Township.-Obituaries included J.H. “Hank” Carlson and Pearl Olson.-The dedication date was set for the new Lakeside Community Lutheran Church at the intersection of A & H. The date was Sunday, May 31.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

November 2, 1933 First issue of the Inter-County Leader It has long been felt that a weekly paper of a county or even inter-county circulation is desirable, in order that we may better co-ordinate our endeavors for mutual benefit. A political subdivision that is more than eighty percent liberal or progressive deserves a mouthpiece that will be favorable to its aims and wishes. It is unfortunate that our contemporary editors are compelled to hold in abeyance their personal sense of justice to the masses of our people. We cannot blame individual editors for their indifference to economic injustice; they are only human, and will take the course of least resistance in their struggle to live. Newspapers are supported in the main from revenue obtained through advertising; hence, it is only natural that editors speak for those who make their living possible.

The Inter-County Leader enters the newspaper field with no sense of animosity toward our present weekly papers. The Leader is owned by men and women in all walks of life; farmers, business and professional men from all parts within our county and without.

Being thus variedly owned, it is the wish that mission shall be mutual cooperative for the best interests of all of us. The Inter-County Leader speaks for no special privilege. It will be an organ through which any or all of us may voice our opinions; in other words, a free press.

The original plans for the establishment of this paper were to purchase the Polk County Ledger at Balsam Lake.

After considerable dickering and numerous meetings over a period of several months, it was found that the purchase of the Ledger was not practical.

The complaint from the beginning was the price was too high. Talk for an entirely new paper was encouraged by

the discovery that good used equipment could be bought at low prices. It was found that excellent equipment could be installed and paid for in full for about onethird of the money reBetty quired to buy the Fenton two-thirds interest in the Ledger.

HISTORICAL The next thing was to make a canvas and VIGNETTES see all who had bought stock to find out if it was OK with them to apply their share on the new paper instead on the Ledger. No difficulty was experienced.

Location was the next thing to consider. Centuria was picked because it is centrally located, but perhaps more for the reason that it is really one of our hometowns, as we started a paper here once before.

First stockholders meeting was held on Monday, Oct. 9, Centuria was readily decided on as the location. The committee of seven who had worked so faithfully on the paper deal from the start should be elected as the first board of directors. The election was unanimous.

They were: J.W. Hanson, Luck; P. T. Petersen, Johnstown; Chas. Eckels, Wolf Creek; Amil Markee, Apple River; O.A. Bloom, Osceola; H.A. Mittelsdorf, Farmington and Carl Linden, Burnett County.

The above committee worked hard and tirelessly toward the goal of a cooperatively owned and operated paper.

It would be imposible to know where to place the most credit. Then there were dozens of others throughout the townships of the county who worked hard to sell the necessary stock. While the shares were only $5 (nonassessable) yet it is hardly necessary to comment on the scarcity of $5 bills. But the job is done and the new paper is a reality and will be for some time, if we live through getting out this first issue of 8,500 16-page

Mabel Chandler and Manley Hinshaw, editor, age 16 papers.

Five of the seven members of the board of directors are union members, but a rough checkup shows that more stock has been bought by nonunion members than by members. Stock has been bought by Union Holiday and Equity members, by people belonging to none of these organizations, by business and professional men. Non lines have been drawn, but all stock has been sold with the understanding that this is to be a cooperative paper, serving the best interest of the common people, whether they be farmers, professional men or business men. The welfare of the group should mean the welfare of the other groups. The principal was in which we expect to make this paper is that we are

in business for service, and not for profit, intend to carry, the truth to the public regardless of whose goes get pinched. In other words, our policy will be shaped by devotion to the greatest good for the greatest number, and not by what is or what is not apparently best for the immediate swelling of the cash box. We must have the necessary income to keep the plant running, but we have faith that it is possible to stay in business and adhere to the above policyi. We’re going to give it a good try, anyhow. – from Betty Fenton, Director of Public Relations, Frederic Area Historical Society

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER St. Croix Valley Dottie Senior Center Adams

Frederic Senior Center

Our president, Joyce Nelson, was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma breast cancer and uterine cancer and doing chemo every other week. They have a site on Caring Bridge for people to keep track of what is going on. The address is www.caringbridge.org/visit/joycenelson. On Monday, May 7, a lot of friends from the senior center had a work day at Joyce’s home to do the gardens and flowerpots and they all brought something for lunch and lawn chairs so they could sit around to visit too. Darryl and Joyce want to send their gratitude and love to each and everyone who came.

Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: George Meixner in first place, Ione Meixner in second place, Donna Schlosser in third place. 500 card winners were: Leone Montgomery in first place, Rita Boyle in second place, Jeanne Thomfohrda in third place and Muriel Randelin in fourth place.

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. It is great to have friends when one is young, but indeed it is still more so when you are getting old. When we are young, friends are, like everything else, a matter of course. In the old days we know what it means to have them.

Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Jeanette Berguam in first place, Phil Mevissen in second place, Lonnie Jones in third place and Jack Lund in fourth place.

Dewey - LaFollette 468-2520

Karen Mangelsen

Congratulations to Andrea and Robb Williamson on the birth of their son, Michael Todd. He was born May 10 at St. Croix Falls. Maternal grandparents are Melba and Donnie Denotter.

Several ladies from Clam River Tuesday Club worked on a quilt Wednesday at the home of Judy Albee.

Clam River Tuesday Club led a sing-a-long at Capeside Cove Thursday. They then served ice cream and cookies with afternoon coffee.

Thursday evening visitors of Hank and Karen Mangelsen were Mike, Mandi and Matthew Bytnar of Green Bay, and Jake, Holly, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen.

Nina and Lawrence Hines traveled to the Twin Cities Saturday and were guests at the home of their daughter, Nancy and Steve Hagen. Other family members were there also to celebrate Mother’s Day. Brian and Bryton Hines, and Mark, Sue and Dianne Hines, were breakfast guests of Donna and Gerry Hines Saturday morning. They visited for the day, stayed overnight and returned home to the Twin Cities Sunday morning.

Sue Mroszak, Judy Albee, Beverly Brunclik and Jeanne Taczala attended the Mitford Tea at Faith Lutheran Church in Spooner Saturday. Eighty-three ladies and girls were there.

Hank, Karen, Jake, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen went to Grantsburg Saturday to attend the graduation open house for Hank’s cousin, Penny Doskey. She has completed the LPN course at Pine Tech.

Judy Albee visited Cheryl Gozdzialski Saturday evening.

Visitors of Lida and Don Nordquist Sunday were Jan, Jim, Caleb and Hannah Schott, and Joleen, Richard, Rick, Robb and Randi Funk.

Guests at the home of Nina and Lawrence Hines Sunday were Gerry and Donna Hines and Dorothy Hines.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen were lunch and supper guests at the home of Jake and Holly Mangelsen Sunday.

April and Dave Close and family were there also.

Beth and Garry Crosby hosted a number of people for supper Sunday for Mother’s Day. Guests were Lorraine and Glen Crosby, Jack Denver, Gene and Donna Crosby, Kathy and Mike Spears, Shorty, Melissa, Tyler and Katie Crosby, Tom, Sunshine and Isaac Crosby, Patty and Preston Haglin, Sue and Roger Mroszak, Judy Albee, Beverly Brunclik and Irvin Peterson.

Vern Catlin visited at the Gene Doster home on Thursday afternoon and he fell and broke his left hip. He is down in Eau Claire Luther Hospital and they haven’t repaired his hip yet.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn had suppeer at the Gene Doster home on Saturday.

Well folks, here we go again, no servers for this coming Thursday or Friday. There is a server signed up for Wednesday, so please drop in for a cup of coffee, goodies and conversation. Although there is no server for Friday, we will be open from 1-3 p.m. The foot lady will be at the center to take care of your foot needs. We have two people signed up so far. Please call the center at 715-472-

349-7249

The May birthdays to be celebrated on the 19th are: Lucille Soderberg, Calvin King, Irene Chasensky, Christine Akerlind and Ray Magnuson.

Wednesday pokeno was enjoyed by our happy group of players.

Thursday 500 players with the following winners: Don Antill in first place, Mickey Kilmer in second place, Tim Abrahamzon in third place and Arnie Borchert in fourth place.

Friday pokeno players always have a good time.

Saturday share-a-lunch celebrated Mother’s Day. We had a luscious buffet dinner and a big lunch after bingo and cards.

We wish Dorothea Jensen a quick recovery from her surgery and several hospitalizations.

Joy is not in things, it is in us.

Siren Senior Center

The big event to put on your calendar this week is that the farmers market will have their produce for sale in our parking lot on Saturday, May 19, from 1 – 3 p.m. In conjunction with the Lilacfest, the seniors will have a bake sale the same hours as the market. When you are out and about on Saturday be sure to stop in and check out the all the goodies.

On Monday, May 21, our fourth-grade friends will be visiting us for the last time this school year. Let’s make sure all of their senior friends are on hand to wish them a great summer. We have had a great time with the kids this past school year. Thanks guys, you are really special kids and we loved every single one of you.

The foot clinic will be at the center on June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. They usually take walk-ins, but it is more convenient for everyone if you call or stop in and make a reservation for a time that is convenient for you.

We want to extend gratitude to everyone who has been so generous with the donations of their books, cards and also many items for the craft shop.

We are working at simplifying our books to make it easier for you who have preferences in your reading material. It is taking a little time, but we are slowly getting it completed.

Winners at 500 this week were, Millie Hartshorn, Arvid Pearson, Lloyd Nelson, Clara Palomaki and Lucille Chelmo. Thanks to Marge Nyberg - the card players en-

349-2964

Happy Corners

472-8285

Monday spades had a good group of players and the winners were: Carmen Marek in first place, Maeve Lurek in second place, Sylvia Heavey in third place and Arnie Borchert in fourth place.

The fourth-grade students of Melinda Sorenson came to our center at 3:30 p.m. and stayed until 5:30 p.m. We have shiny windows inside and out, patio furniture cleaned and other cleaning tasks. They made beautiful flower bouquets in pots for our tables, which we enjoyed for Mother’s Day. This group of 15 are such mannerly, hardworking youngsters and will make a generation of good citizens. They will visit us again on May 21. We urge our members and spade players to stay and they are going to entertain us and serve us strawberry shortcake.

The Polk County United Aging Group met Tuesday, May 15, at the 3rd Avenue apartments in Osceola.

Luck Senior Center 8285 or 715-472-2803 if you would like to sign up or need more information. Also call the center Thursday or Friday morning, we might have servers. We will be open then.

On to other things. Our monthly potluck with birthday cake will be Friday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Mark this date and time on your calendar! We will have guest speakers Betty and Richard Benjamin, talking about bus tours. This

Barb Munger

joyed her cookies. We had a little complaint from a few card players that by the time that they were through playing, the cookies were all gone. We apologize that they were all gobbled down by that time, so I suggest if you are gung-ho on having something,g you should probably stash a couple away for later.

Winners at Spades on Friday were Sue Newberger, Marie Bentley, Dwaine Bentley and Jim Bly. Virginia Martin treated the players to her rhubarb bars; Marge Nyberg, brownies and Shirley provided the players with cake. No complaints on Friday, everyone was well fed.

Remember we play cards every Wednesday and Friday beginning at 1 p.m. We have had some really good turnouts, so come and join us for an afternoon of fun.

Our dime-bingo has become a very popular Tuesday event and we begin calling at 1 p.m.

Stop in for coffee and goodies anytime during the day, the pot is always on. Shirley Holmes serves a delicious, nutritious meal Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.

The only rule that applies is that you should call in a day in advance to let her know so she can accommodate everyone.

The senior center’s telephone number is 349-7810 and the nutrition site’s number is 349-2845. Hope to see you at the center. Make sure you are all out and about this weekend (Thursday through Sunday) to enjoy all the Lilacfest activities.

Siren

I guess I’m not as observant as I used to be as I was told this year the tiny hummingbirds arrived about the same time, as did the Baltimore orioles. The little blue indigo buntings came back shortly after that. It’s hard to believe another school year is coming to an end and with summer vacation coming soon, let’s take extra caution on our roads as small and, for that matter, big kids will be out and about doing their things and not watching as they cross roads or ride their bikes. So let’s be more observant and make this a safe summer for all.

Friday night, May 18, is set for the graduation of Siren seniors taking their walk down the aisle, ending one episode of their lives and the start of a new one. The best the future has to offer you is my wish for you all. Live life to its fullest and enjoy each day.

Sympathy to the family of Clarence R. Sexton who passed away May 2.

Sympathy to the family of Viola Macho who passed away last week.

Sympathy to Candy Ascher in the loss of her father.

Syren Lilacfest sponsored by Siren Chamber of Commerce this year is May 17 through May 20 with a toast to hockey, wine and beer tasting event on Thursday at the Lodge at Crooked Lake, an introduction of 12 new lilacs and all-day-long sales at many Siren businesses on Friday, an art show at the Lodge, a bake sale by B.A.A.G., a raffle by the Siren Garden Club and a farmers market at the senior center on Saturday. On Sunday, more sales, a 4 p.m. concert, “Pickin’ Up Steam,” at the school audi-

Ardyce Knauber

Bev Beckmark

torium, tickets available at several area businesses or at the door.

Congratulations to Judy Johnson for being chosen Siren’s Volunteer of the Year.

Congratulations to elementary student Keisha Roy and middle schooler Todd Oachs for being chosen Siren schools students of the week.

Mike and Lori Kortug of New Brighton, Minn., stopped in on Saturday afternoon for a visit at the Art and Bev Beckmarks while they were in the Siren area.

Those of you who enjoy taking summer vacations but don’t want to spend a lot of money on gas this year, why not take a bus trip and let them do all the driving. The Siren United Methodist Church has a great trip to Georgia this coming Sept. from the 22nd to the 30th, a great nine-day trip all for the incredible price of $679 per person. Enjoy Savannah, Jekyll Island and Beaufort, plus much more. A down payment of $75 is due when you sign up and the rest by Sept. 15. For more info call Shirley Bloom at 715-349-2204.

The Siren Methodist men will be holding a yard sale in the church parking lot and the parsonage garage on Sat., May 26.

Art and Bev Beckmark attended the 50th wedding anniversary party for Jim and Donis Taylor Sunday afternoon.

Those of you give blood, the American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Webster Community Center on Tuesday, May 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Shirley Lund should be an interesting evening.

Many thanks to Kathy Mueller for helping me with last week’s senior center news.

Keep on reading the Luck Senior Center news to see if the center will be open or closed.

Until next week, keep smiling, remember a smile is a frown turned upside down!

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Lewis

653-4281

A memorial service will be held for Merlin Nelson at 7 p.m. on May 22 at the Masonic Lodge in Frederic. He passed away several weeks ago in California.

Mother’s Day services at the Lewis church drew a good crowd. Each woman received a handmade flower crafted by the Sunday school teachers and pupils. They were handed out by Nicole Nelson. Very pretty corsage complete with pin to use putting it on plus a gift box. We see your hand in this, LouAnn Gackle.

There were 17 bouquets of lilacs in the sanctuary Sunday morning, and the fragrance was lovely. Hope no one is allergic. St. Lukes UM Church has observed Lilac Sunday for many years, and now it’s contagious. This year’s lilacs are especially beautiful, mounds and mounds of them, despite the lack of rain.

A quartet sang an old favorite, “Count Your Blessings.”

Singers included Carol Bohn, Gloria Chell, Sylvia Sohaetzel and LaVonne Boyer. It was not only Mother’s Day but Pastor Mike said it could also be called festival of the Christian home.

Reports were given by JoAnn Gibbs on the Walk for Life, and a report on the church yard sale held in John Golckzin’s garage by LaVonne Boyer.

Thirteen members attended the meeting of the NW Regional Writers on Friday at Sunrise Apts. Russ Hanson

Bernice Abrahamzon

had his latest book with him, published at the Inter-County Leader. It’s title is “Stories of the Trade River Valley,” collected by Russ Hanson and Stanley Selin. Bright, eyecatching cover and enhanced photographs. Available at the Leader office in Frederic, as is the first one. So many wonderful families and stories in that area. It’s remarkable!

Glad to tell you about it.

The morning book club will meet this Thursday at 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Frederic Public Library. This month’s book was hard reading. “American Pastoral” by Philip Roth. Long sentences packed with long words. Several times your correspondent was ready to reach for a dictionary to look up words! Several times she was tempted to abandon the book but didn’t. Not light summer reading, but it’s a book selected by the group.

No one has accepted the challenge to come play Scrabble on Mondays at 1 p.m. at Sunrise Apts. We’ve got some new words for you such as gi, ka and pe.

Hope for rain or we’ll have dust storms out in those fields. Did you smell the smoke from the boundary waters fires last week? All these years it was a fire just waiting to happen.

Asparagus and rhubarb are ready to pick. Celebrate spring! Catch some fresh fish to go with them.

Orange

Fran Krause

Thursday Kent and Nancy Krause held an open house for Nancy’s daughter, Leslie, who graduated from Northern Michigan at Marquette. Nancy’s son, Andy, from Florida also spent a few days.

Naomi and Cheryl Glover and Fran Krause were Mother’s Day guests of the Mark Krauses.

Orange 4-H met Wednesday at the Webster Elementary School.

Reeny Neinstadt returned after spending a week in Cadott with her grandchildren.

Jack and LaVonne O’Brien, Mike and Tylyn and Teresa Childers attended the graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis on Friday, where Tim O’Brien received his Ph.D. Guests at an open house for

320-242-3933

Births Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Luke James Porter, born May 5, 2007, to Bethany Teeselink and Jeremy Porter, Forest Lake, Minn.

Luke weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz.

••• A girl, Ava Joyce Jacobson, born May 5, 2007, to Rachael and Mike Jacobson, St. Croix Falls. Ava weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A boy, Noah Thomas Chenal, born May 4, 2007, to Jessica Ferguson and Brian Chenal, Shafer, Minn. Noah weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Stevie Carol Siebenthal, born May 3, 2007, to Eddie and Lona Siebenthal, Grantsburg. Stevie weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A boy, Timothy Ray Rockensock, born May 4, 2007, to Todd and Sara Rockensock, Sunrise, Minn. Timothy weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

•••

LaVonne O’Brien

Tim on Sunday at Jack and LaVonne O’Brien’s were Pat and Nancy O’Brien, Anita Kathlee and Sharon O’Brien, Bob Burford, Tom and Becky O’Brien, Mike and Tylyn O’Brien, Bob, Heather and Rylie O’Brien and the Mark Dumas family.

Guests at Maxine Stone’s this week were Jim and Donis Taylor, Jill Olson, Melissa Mabry from Mississippi, Darlene Nelson, Iola Rachner and Pastor Cindy.

A large crowd attended the 50th-wedding anniversary of Jim and Donis Taylor Sunday, at the Experience.

Maxine Stone had lunch at Iola Rachner’s on Thursday.

Friday Ethel Daniels brought a Mother’s Day dinner to Maxine.

Cloverton - Markville

With marsh marigolds and trillium peeking up in the woods and people doing garden and yard work, spring has come to the little townships of Arna and New Dosey.

Beverly Carlin does a lot of container gardening, so she has been taking her pots in and outdoors depending on the temperatures. The Carlin rhubarb is way ahead of time this year as Bev had already made several jars of rhubarb jelly and desserts. Other than that, she and Ed have been busy fencing in the cows on their farm.

It has been a hectic time for Darlene and Pete Merimonte. The sadness of the death of her mom has been compounded by all of the work that needed to be done involving funeral, etc. They put over 2,000 miles on their car in 10 days with trips to the Cities and White Bear Lake handling everything. They, too, have been busy with yard and garden work.

Sunday was a busy day for Evelyn Johnson. It began with a 70th birthday party for longtime friend, John Shone, when 40 friends gathered at a golf course in Lindstrom, Minn., to celebrate. Shone owns a cabin in Kingsdale. On Sunday evening, Evelyn and some friends attended the Man-in-Black concert at the Grand Casino.

Jim Allen returned home from the annual hunting trip he makes to Montana each year with his son, Mark. The

Engagement

Peterson/Snodgrass Caroline Peterson, daughter of Gary and Cris Peterson, Grantsburg, will wed Edward Snodgrass, son of Tom and Sue Snodgrass, Menasha.

Caroline and Ed are both graduates of the UW – Madison. Caroline is a marketing communications specialist at CHS Inc. in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Ed is a chemical engineer at Ecolab in Eagan, Minn.

Their wedding is planned for Aug., 11 at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg. The couple will make their home in Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

Engagement

Fran Levings

two of them camp at a resort and enjoy the hunting of prairie dogs and hanging out together.

Eleanor Elliott spent two days in Milltown at the home of daughter, Julie, and especially enjoyed playing with the grandchildren. She spent Mother’s Day in Isanti with her mom, Mabel Burson.

Dian Long, Jan Strieff’s friend from Alaska, was down to visit her mom, Phyliss Keyport, for awhile, so Jan invited her out for dinner one evening.

The next day, Jan took Diane to the airport, then stopped for an oil change and a doctor’s appointment in the Cities.

Shirley Blokzyl reports that the orioles and hummingbirds have returned to their yard. On Friday, she and Jerry had an early Mother’s Day visit with her mom, Ann Boyland, in McGregor, Minn. It was especially nice because Shirley also got to see three of her sisters.

On the way home, they stopped to visit Clara Lilly at the Pine Medical Center in Sandstone, Minn., where she is undergoing therapy after a fall at her home. We’re all thinking of you Clara.

Two reminders: Markville Cemetery cleanup is Saturday, May 19, at 9 a.m. The senior citizen meeting is Wednesday, May 30, not May 23, as I may have announced at the April meeting.

Eleanor Elliott wasn’t the only grandmom who spent an overnight with grandchildren. I went to Ashland recently to stay with my son and his wife and spent an entire day with Tanner, who is 4 years old now. What larks!

Our good friend, Matt Kramer, visited with us on Thursday. He has returned from spending several months in Guatemala and had many interesting stories to tell.

Enjoy your spring wherever your are.

Roohr-Hyzer/Lang Gary and Gloria Roohr-Hyzer, Cushing, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Salina Rae Roohr-Hyzer, to David Thomas Lang, Milltown, son of Robert Lang, Forest Lake, Minn., and Mike and Mary Matz, St. Croix Falls.

Salina is a 2006 graduate of Minneapolis Business College with an associates degree in business management.

Dave has worked as a carpenter for nine years in the surrounding area.

A backyard wedding is planned for June 30, 2007, at the home of Gary and Gloria Roohr-Hyzer. A reception will be held at the Cushing Community Center following the ceremony.

You can subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Engagement Kern/Chell

Blayne and Lori Kern, Bessemer, announced the engagement of their daughter, Heidi Kern, Superior, to Joshua Chell, also of Superior and son of Bruce and Tammy Chell, Siren.

The future bride is a 1999 graduate of A.D. Johnston High School, Bessemer, and a 2005 graduate of the UW-Superior where she majored in mathematics and minored in business.

She works at the National Bank of Commerce in Superior as a commercial loan administrative assistant.

The groom-to-be graduated from Frederic High School in 1998 and attended the UW-Superior. He works at Superior Beverage in the route sales department.

A June 23 wedding is being planned.

Langdon/Wanless The parents of Brittany Langdon and Christopher Wanless wish to announce their engagement. Brittany, a 2004 graduate of Siren High School, is attending Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, where she is studying nuclear medicine. Christopher is from Jenks, Okla., and is a specialist in the U.S. Army. The couple will reside in Fort Campbell, Ky., where Christopher is currently stationed. Brittany and Christopher will be married June 16, 2007, in Siren.

Engagement

Life at the shelter is not ideal for any of the animals. It is the best we can do, to care for them while they are in between. In between their past life and a new one. We hope that it isn’t for long, but we know it is better than starving in a ditch or living in a home that no longer wants you around. It is hard for Arnell the animals to be without a family, a secure place to call home and not Humane know exactly what to expect from Society one day to the next.

A gentle rub of the neck or a reassuring tone can make all the difference in the world to our animals. The limited budget and staff at Arnell Humane Society does not enable the staff to give unlimited time and attention to each animal and yet that is what they need the most. We rely on adult volunteers to supply our pets with the attention they so desperately need during their stay with us.

Don Waldbillig, Sarah Carpenter and Ed Schouweiler (pictured L to R) volunteer their time and hearts to our animals each and every week.

Without fail, they arrive to give much-needed exercise and compassion to our dogs and cats. Don and Ed are strictly dog walkers. They both have soft hearts for the pooches and seem to know just what they need; a romp in the exercise pen or a quiet moment on the lawn in addition to a sometimes-raucous walk on the streets of Amery. Sarah loves them all; she spends time with the cats as well as provid-

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT

Don Waldbillig, Sarah Carpenter and Ed Schouweiler (pictured L to R) volunteer their time and hearts to our animals each and every week. Without fail, they arrive to give muchneeded exercise and compassion to our dogs and cats. – Photo submitted

Mattson/Olson Todd and Sheri Olson of Cushing, are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Naomi Sandra Olson to Matthew Allen Mattson, the son of Theresa Mattson and Dale and Robin Mattson of Luck.

Naomi is a 2004 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is currently employed at Rural American Bank, Luck.

Matthew is a 1996 graduate of Luck High School and the owner of Butternut Creek Crane Service.

The couple are planning a June 2 wedding at the First Lutheran Church in Cushing, with a dinner and dance to follow at The Lodge at Crooked Lake, Siren. The couple resides in Luck.

ing lengthy walks for the dogs that include puddle inspections, jogging and intense sniffing sessions.

This release from all of the fear and emotions they are feeling helps the animals remain sane and cope with a stay at the shelter.

The definition for “volunteer” in the dictionary is: A person who performs or offers to perform a service of his or her own free will. All volunteers are sent from heaven to the nonprofit organizations they support. To witness this selfless act is enough to restore your faith in the human race. When you add the bursting hearts and thankful licks of our animals, it is all too dear. Don, Sarah and Ed volunteer their time and love to the shelter animals multiple times each week and we can’t thank them enough.

When the usual reply is “I don’t have time,” these three retired or semi-retired souls make the time and give it freely without hesitation. You have heard of therapy pets for humans. Don, Sarah and Ed are therapy humans for pets. We want to thank them and all volunteers offering a helping hand to a needy cause.

Arnell is bursting at the seams with dogs, cats and kittens. If you don’t have time to volunteer, maybe you are looking for a pet of your own. Our kittens are all spayed and neutered, had shots, and are ready to volunteer their services to you. Our dogs would love to help you appreciate a walk in the country or park. Making time for others is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E., Amery 715-268-7387 or visit our pets online: www.amhs.petfinder.com.

Hello, Fritz here! We have a full house here at the shelter, and if I’m astute enough to notice a pattern or theme here among us hopefullyhomebound canines it’s that big is beautiful! That’s right, we have a shelter full of big and beautiful dogs; Lab and Lab mixes, hound Fritz types, a wire-hair something mix…Arooo! Lot’s of variety and all in the large to extra-large-size NEWS FROM category.

So for this week, here’s 10 good reasons why big is better!

10. We don’t yip and yap all the time.

9. In an emergency we’re more likely to be able to pull you to safety.

8. Big dogs can walk further and faster, so more exercise and weight loss for you.

7. In the winter, we’re better than a space heater to

YOUR SHELTER

keep you warm at night.

6. In the summer our tails make nice fans and can dust the furniture too!

5. Big dogs look cool riding around in the car or truck with you.

4. -And our extra weight provides better traction and a smoother ride!

3. Big dogs are more intimidating, so your in-laws will visit less.

2. We can sit on more than one lap at a time.

1. There’s more of us to love you!

I say miniature - phooey! Teacup – no thanks! Big dogs are the way to go! Come visit the shelter and take one of us home, you’ll be thankful that you did!

Two other notes, we still have six gray and white kittens that need a good home. And the angels say they need bleach and laundry detergent. Thanks to everyone for keeping our food bowls full!

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Amery Public Library ”Dead Madonna” by Victoria Houston” Having just heard author Victoria Houston speak at the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries in Eau Claire recently, I scurried right home to read her new mystery to review for this column.

The author lives in Rhinelander, was raised there, and then lived in other parts of the country. She returned when she began writing her Loon Lake fishing mysteries. I think there are about 11 books in the series, which is available at the Amery Public Library.

“Dead Madonna” is named for a trout fishing lure and the story is set in northern Wisconsin. Retired dentist Doc Osborne, the main squeeze of local lady police chief Lew Ferris, is called in when two bodies suddenly appear in this sleepy tourist town. Doc is deputy coroner pressed into service when the regular coroner is off playing his accordion at a polka fest.

Lovely DeeDee Kurlander has been found dead under a boat, and recently widowed Nora Loomis is found dead amid her antiques on the floor of her sunroom. On top of it all, the bank is reporting dozens of looted accounts which may tie into the murders. If you are a Wisconsinite, a fly fisherperson, or a mystery lover this lighthearted mystery adventure is for you.

Library notes A great time was had by all at story time last week with author Jackie Ur-

Clear Lake Public Library

banavic who read her book “Duck at the The Clear Lake Public Library is offerDoor.” She drew for us, read her book ing many activities for you to participate and told us there is a new Max book in during the month of May. coming out in December, which we will May 21, at 6 p.m.: Teen Movie Night. be watching for. Story time will be at Popcorn and lemonade will be served as 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. we watch “Superman Returns” (Rated Everyone is welcome for songs and sto- PG-13). ries.

May 23, at 4:30 p.m.: Knitting and croThe summer reading program will be cheting. All levels of expertise are welstarting on June 13, with a visit at story come. Free materials are available. time from Polk County Search and ResJune 6, at 6:30 p.m. and June 7 at 10 cue dogs. The theme this year is Get at a.m.: Story time. Pick a day and come Clue at Your Library. I will be talking to learn about the rainforest. We’ll read school children and sending home books, participate in activities, and have brochures the first week in June. a snack.

The Friends of the Library Book Needed: Dirty Hands. We need volGroup meets on May 21, at 7 p.m. to dis- unteers who don’t mind getting their cuss “A Million Little Pieces” by James hands dirty to help with the second-anFrey. Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us.

The Great Stories Club will meet at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on May 21 to discuss “Gingerbread” by Rachel Cohn.

The Teens Read Book Group is meet- Summer reading program Win gift certificates at local businesses, ing a week early because of Memorial Day from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on May 21, to cool T-shirts, and an iPod this summer.

How? By registering for the summer discuss “Make Lemonade” by Virginia reading program at Milltown Public LiEwer Wolff. brary and reading as many library books as possible! Join us at the library for a Library hours The Amery Public Library will be kickoff celebration on Saturday, May 26, closed on Memorial Day, May 28, have with clowns, games, art projects, and prizes for kids and adults. People of all a nice holiday. Library hours: Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 ages, kids and adults, can participate and a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 win prizes this summer. The kickoff celep.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday bration is your first chance to register for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to the program and begin recording your time spent reading. If you can’t make it 1 p.m. to the kickoff on May 26, you can register anytime afterward, and start recording your reading to be entered into drawings for fabulous prizes and an awesome grand prize, an iPod, at the end us for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts of the summer. Many exciting events are and more - through May 17. We will already planned for this summer – check then take a break until summer reading out www.milltownpubliclibrary.org for begins June 12. Registration for Get a more information.

Clue…at Your Library will be required this year. Register at the library circula- Story hour tion desk beginning May 7. Summer Milltown Public Library offers two reading will be Tuesday mornings at 10- story times every Tuesday. The morning 11 a.m., for children, 3 to first grade. story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make Children entering third grade this fall it in the morning? We will repeat the proand older, may participate in the inde- gram at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and pendent reading portion of summer are designed for children under 6 and reading.

Milltown Public Library

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. The library will be closed May 26 and 28, in observance of Memorial Day. 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.

Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday. Join

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresser pl@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.

Centuria Public Library 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.

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

nual planting of the community garden at the Clear Lake Area Community Center, on Saturday, May 26, beginning at 9 a.m. Also, if you grew too many vegetable plants, we will gladly take them for the community garden. For more information, please call Cricket at the Clear Lake Public Library at 715-2632802.

Story time is held every Thursday at 10 a.m. and then again at 11 a.m.

Library hours: Monday: Noon – 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 – 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Friday: noon – 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

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.

Balsam Lake Public Library

their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books. There will be no story time on May 29, but story time will be offered throughout the summer.

Knit and crochet The Milltown Book Club will discuss “Digging to America” on May 21 at 7 p.m. in the library. Refreshments are provided at the meetings of this free club.

New members and guests are always welcomed to this lively and informal discussion.

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!

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.

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!

Technology Wireless is back. After some policy discussions and budget adjusting, the St. Croix Falls Library is again offering free wireless access to people with laptops.

So stop in and launch onto the Web. Also, visit the library’s revamped Web site to find out what’s happening at the library www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Luck Public Library 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 liter-

Frederic Public Library

acy 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.

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library Reading groups meet Thursdays The Thursday morning reading group will meet May 17 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “American Pastoral” by Philip Roth, a novel that looks at the 60s, the most divisive of decades. The evening book group will meet the same day at 7 p.m. to talk about “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson, an injured mountain climber who was sheltered and cared for in a remote Pakistani village, and in gratitude he promised to build them a school. If you wonder what a reading group does, you are welcome to visit any session.

Story hour Wednesday morning Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to story hour at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 16, for stories and activities about “big and gray” – whatever does that mean? Story hour will continue through May 23, and will take a brief recess before resuming again in June.

Container gardening program May 24 Get a head start on your gardening projects by joining us Thursday evening, May 24 when Master Gardener Colleen Gifford will demonstrate container gardening and guide us as we plant our own containers in this makeand-take event. Bring your own container, and the library will supply soil and plants for a $10 fee. Preregistration

is necessary for this program.

Share the bounty If you like to grow vegetables, why not share your green thumb with those in need? Share the Bounty is a hunger prevention project that encourages gardeners to plant free seeds which are available at the library and then bring half the harvest to local food shelves, families at WIC clinics, and others in need. Stop in to pick up some seed packets and learn more about this program, or you can call 485-8520 for more information. Share the Bounty is a great family summer project!

We are accepting book sale items If you’re cleaning shelves and closets, please consider donating your gently used books and movies to the library’s annual Family Days bake/book sale.

Profits go to special library projects, and we welcome your donations anytime up to the day of the sale (June 15-16).

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West. 715-327-4979; e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Balsam Lake Public Library 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. We also have many new puppets that can be checked out for home use.

New books Some of our new books include “Back on Blossom Street” by Debbie MaComber, “Bad Luck and Trouble” by Lee Child, “Good Guy” by Dean Koontz, “Invisible Prey” by John Sandford, “Overlook” by Michael Connelly, “River Knows” by Amanda Quick, “6th Target” by James Patterson and “Simple Genius” by David Baldacci.

Book club This book group will meet again Wednesday, May 16, at 3 p.m. Everyone welcome. For May, “One Thousand White Women” by Jim Fergus. “In 1854 Cheyenne Chief Little Wolf asked for 1,000 white women as brides for his warriors in exchange for 1,000 horses.

Using this true incident, Fergus lets his imagination go wild and creates a journal of one of his ancestors who became one of those brides in 1875. Laura Hicks renders this imaginative work splendidly. She is vivacious and expressive as May Dodd, who tells the story of her family and her new life with the Cheyenne. Her vocal characterizations, especially of the various immigrant women Dodd encounters, are lively.”

Favorite book group This book group will meet again Wednesday, June 6, 3 p.m. This group is for people to get together to share their favorite books and authors with each other.

Knitting group Our knitting group will take the summer off and resume in the fall. Check paper for details later.

Friends group The Friends group will meet again on Wednesday, May 30, at 3 p.m. This is a change in time. Next project for the Friends group will be the annual book sale during Freedom Fest. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 30, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. here at the library.

Events Summer events will be starting in June and the library will be hosting programs twice a month throughout the summer. More details to follow.

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. Email: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

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Auditions for community roles at Festival Theatre ST. CROIX FALLS – Festival Theatre will hold open auditions on Saturday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 22, for community roles in the upcoming production of “Barefoot in the Park.”

“The roles are for a telephone installation person and a delivery person,” said Director Jeanette Abdo, “but we also have some special cameo appearance opportunities for the Santini Brothers Moving Company. So

we’ll be looking at teenagers through adults who have an interest in working alongside professional actors within the 2007 Theatre Series.”

This audition does not require a prepared monologue, however it would be helpful for community actors to bring along a recent photo and a list of past performance experiences (if applicable). Rehearsals will take place June 10 – 20 and the show opens on June

21 for 12 performances, including some matinees. It is possible that the roles will be double-cast to help accommodate busy summer schedules.

St. Croix Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls, at 210 North Washington Street. For more information or to register for auditions, call the Festival Theatre Box Office at 715-483-3387. – from Festival Theatre

Girl Scouts celebrate tomorrow’s women leaders

Silver and Gold Award recipients recognized at May 17 ceremony

ST. PAUL, Minn. – More than 225 Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award recipients will be honored by the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley for their leadership and dedication to the community at a ceremony on Thursday, May 17, at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium on the campus of the College of St. Catherine at 7 p.m.

This year, 58 girls from the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley have earned their Gold Award—the highest award a girl may earn in Girl Scouts. That’s 6.5 percent of the council’s eligible registered Girl Scouts in grades 10-12, which exceeds the 2006 national total of 5.4 percent. In addition, 183 girls have earned their Silver Award—the highest award that Girl Scouts in grades 7-9 may accomplish. Requirements of both awards promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, career exploration and leadership skills. For the Gold Award, Girl Scouts must

plan and implement a leadership project involving a minimum 65 hours of community service over four months.

“For many of these girls, the leadership, organizational skills, sense of community and commitment that come from earning the Silver and Gold Awards set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship,” said Kathleen H. Corley, chief executive office for the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley.

“We are extremely proud of all of our award recipients,” added Corley. “These awards represent the culmination of many years of learning skills and applying those skills to everyday life in order to discover, connect, and take action as they make our world a better place.”

For more information about the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award, please contact the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley at 651-227-8835 or visit www.girlscoutscv.org.

About the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley In partnership with 7,100 adult volunteers, the Girl

Historical Society to meet at Jensen farm CENTURIA - The Polk County Historical Society regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, May 22, at the Erling Jensen farm, 1733 180th Avenue, Centuria, at 7 p.m.

Come and browse through his filling station, ice-

cream parlor and car museum. Refreshments from the ice-cream parlor. The board will meet at 5:45 p.m. For questions, or directions contact Muriel Pfeifer at 715268-6578. - submitted

X

Scout Council of St. Croix Valley helps more than 17,000 girls grow strong in 11 counties of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization for girls, building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Local 2007 Gold Award recipients Jennifer Roberts, Luck Jordyn Hayley, Osceola Calli Bjornstad, Osceola Danielle Norlander, Osceola - submitted

Historical Society plans bus tour POLK COUNTY - The Polk County Historical Society is sponsoring an historical bus tour, Saturday, June 9. The tour begins in Amery at the senior center with refreshments at 8 a.m.

The group will travel to Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, and Frederic Historical Museum with stops along the way. The cost is $30 which includes the noon meal.

Contact Carl Johnson at 715-268-8353 for reservations. submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Vallee de Croix invites women to Guest Night POLK COUNTY – Do you love to sing? Are you looking for fun, friendship and harmony? The Vallee de Croix Chapter of Sweet Adelines International encourages women of all ages who like to sing, to attend a special Guest Night rehearsal on Monday, June 4. This award-winning performing chorus rehearses Monday evenings at St. Paul

Lutheran Church, 609 South 5th Street, Stillwater, Minn.

For the June 4 rehearsal, guests are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m., as a musical leader of the chorus will briefly listen to each visitor individually to discover their vocal range. They will then introduce the guest to a member who sings the same voice part they will be singing

Interstate Park news Morning bird walks at Polk County’s state parks ST. CROIX FALLS – Migrant songbirds are returning to northern Wisconsin!

Many species of birds will remain in Polk County while others are passing through on their way further north.

Don’t miss the opportunity to view and listen to these messengers of spring.

Join Robin Maercklein of the National

Park Service for Morning Bird Walk on Saturday, May 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Wisconsin’s newest state park, Straight Lake State Park, northeast of Luck. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Straight Lake State Park is located northeast of Luck on 120th Street.

For more information call Julie at 715483-3747. – from Interstate Park

that evening. Guests will have the opportunity to sing four-part a cappella music with the chorus, and following the rehearsal, social time will be held so that members may visit with guests as well as with each other.

Vallee de Croix is a performing and competing chorus with more than 50 active members with a membership spanning a 70-mile radius from Stillwater.

Visiting singers are invited to audition for membership in the chorus after attending several rehearsals. A recent new member of the chorus, Kristi Kelly from Woodbury, Minn., says, “This talented group of women far exceeds my expectations for an a cappella chorus. The women have high energy, warm hearts

and strong voices. I’m eager to learn all the songs.” Singing harmony without instrumental accompaniment is fun, challenging and unique. Women of all ages interested in finding out more about this opportunity are encouraged to come to Guest Night on June 4 to see if this performance genre is for you!

For more information regarding Vallee de Croix Chorus membership, call Kathy Lucken at 715-483-1061, or Gloria VanDemmeltraadt at 651-777-7598, or visit our Web site at www.valleedecroix.org.

To schedule performances or events with Vallee de Croix, call Jackie Patrick at 651439-0671. – submitted

Bloodmobile will be in Webster WEBSTER – The American Red Cross bloodmobile will be at the Webster Community Center on Tuesday, May 22, 11:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Blood is a vital tool in modern medicine. It is used every day to treat patients

with blood disorders, receiving organ transplants or being treated for burns to undergoing cancer treatment, just to name a few. Please give if you are able. – from the American Red Cross

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Chess in the Northwest!

LUCK - The second-annual Battle of the Kings chess tournament was held Saturday, April 14, at Luck School. Fifteen elementary, middle and high school students spent Saturday playing four rounds of competition chess. In between rounds, the chess players could be found on the football field, or the basketball court, enjoying the first nice day of spring.

“I think they enjoy the in-between rounds time as much as the chess.” commented one chess mom.

USCF member players played additional rated games, which are rated by the United States Chess Federation.

Parents joined the fun to play in a bughouse chess tournament after the awards ceremony.

“Bughouse is a team chess game, where you can give pieces you’ve captured to your partner to place on his chess board. It’s a fast game, with a G/5 time limit, and gets a little wild.” Says tournament director Lydia Rennicke.

“It’s a fun way to wrap up the day, and give the parents a chance to play chess too. Chess parents Al Nelson, Karl Pederson, Mike Rozumalski, Renee Marek and James Rennicke gave the students a run for their money.

Students spent the day spent attacking, defending, fianchettoeing, castling, maneuvering, capturing, strategizing, plotting, promoting, analyzing, advanc-

Sam Nelson received second place at the chess tournament.

Students playing chess during the Battle of the Kings chess tournament at the Luck School. – Photos submitted

Derek Rennick received a first-place ribbon and trophy for his efforts.

Place: Dylan Lemay, Third place: Gabe Hendrickson, Fourth place: Alex Richey, Fifth place: Jan Rozumalski K- 12 First place Adam Johnson Team First place: Luck , Second place: Amery, Third place: Home School, Fourth place: Frederic.

Frederic School District was well rep-

resented by the chess-playing family of MaryJane, Karl and Grant Pederson.

To all students who aspire to be combatants, kibitzers and woodpushers of the chess board, start planning for next year’s Battle of the Kings! - submitted

Alex Richey and Ryan Snow while playing chess during the tournament on April 14.

Jesse Rennick received a firstplace ribbon and trophy at the Battle of Kings chess tournament.

ing, retreating, forcing, psyching, vying, and challenging. When the dust settled, the winners were: K-5 First place: Derek Rennicke, Second place: Sam Nelson, Third place: Eli Marek, Fourth place: Amanda Richey, Fifth place: Isaac Williams.

K-8 First place: Jesse Rennicke, Second

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Fine Arts awards presented at Frederic

Anne Lexen, daughter of Kyle and Kathy Lexen (center), was honored at the annual Frederic Fine Arts Festival earlier this month by music instructors Greg Heine and Patti Burns. Lexen was presented the National School Choral Award and awards for her show choir and accompanist performances by Heine and the Most Valuable Player Concert Band Award and Marine Corps Award by Burns.

Elliot Lund, son of Greg and Jill Lund, (right) was honored for his job as an accompanist for the high school choir by director Greg Heine. He also received an Outstanding Show Choir Award.

Photos by Mary Hedlund

Rachel O’Brien, daughter of Robert O’Brien and Lori McCann, was honored with the John Philip Sousa Band Award by instructor Patti Burns, who noted O’Brien’s oustanding dedication as a member of the high school band during an emotional tribute to the senior flute player. O’Brien also received the Outstanding Show Choir Award.

Michelle Owens, daughter of Walter and Joyce Owens, was presented the Most Improved Player Concert Band Award by instructor Patti Burns at the Frederic Fine Arts Festival held earlier this month.

“Nott” Suwan, AFS student of Barry and Merry Berdal, was recognized as an Outstanding Show Choir member at the Fine Arts Festival by Greg Heine.

Frederic graduate retires from Air Force after 30 years FREDERIC – Chief Master Sgt. Donald A. Knauber ends his career as superintendent of the 390 Aircraft Maintenance Unit assigned to the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 366th Maintenance Group, 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

Knauber is a native of Frederic, and a top-10 graduate of Frederic High School, class of ‘77. He entered Air Force active duty under the delayed enlistment program on July 28, 1977.

Knauber’s first permanent assignment was Nellis AFB, Nev., as dedicated crew chief on the F-4D Phantom I where he earned his five-skill level.

He worked as transient alert/crash recovery technician and handled many different types of aircraft.

Knauber returned to the United States in July 1981 and again worked transient alert duties at Cannon AEB, N.M, and was awarded his seven-skill level. In October 1982 he was assigned to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and became a dedicated crew chief on the F-Il IA Aardvark.

In 1989 Knauber went to RAF Lakenheath, England, and was awarded his nine-skill level.

He transferred to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, in July 1993 and worked in the F-IS Development System Office as acquisition logistics superintendent. Knauber worked on major procurement programs including the sale of 72 F- aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He was promoted to chief master sergeant on Jan. 1, 2002, and finished his last year in Alaska as NCOIC of

the 962 AMU for the Air Force’s premier E-3C Sentry AWACS squadron. Knauber’s final base change was in 2004 when he returned to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

Knauber’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Koran Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Overseas Ribbon (Long and Short) the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Frame and oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters, the Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle) and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

Knauber has an associate degree in applied science in aircraft systems maintenance technology through the Community College of the Air Force and has a level-one certification in acquisition logistics, Officer Academy. Knauber is married to Michelle (Casler) of Grantsburg, and they have one daughter, Kristin.

Chief Master Sgt. Donald A. Knauber (L), a graduate of Frederic High School, retired from an honorable career with the Air Force recently and was honored in a special ceremony. - Photo courtesy the U.S. Air Force

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Frederic Finish Line Run/Walk is a success

by Nancy Jappe FREDERIC – A total of $21,476 came in from 189 registered participants, in 20 teams plus individuals, during the 12th-annual Frederic Area American Cancer Society Run/Walk Saturday, May 12. Jim and Gen Prodger were the top individual fundraisers, with Jim bringing in $913 and Gen $718. Hacker’s Lanes brought in the highest team total, $3,417.

Money also came in through the raffle of a quilt provided by Bob and Betty MacKean, Packer teddy bear made by Marilyn Knuf, the selling of paper athletic shoes (displayed in different businesses), signs of hope and tribute flags, hope rings and bracelets. Laureen Fisk won the teddy bear and Stephanie Fisk won the quilt.

For the first time this year, runners and walkers started their two-, three- or five-mile course at the Frederic Elementary School. The school was open, providing warmth for those waiting for the event to start, plenty of space to set up the registration tables, food area and drawing signup, in addition to the all-important bathrooms.

All ages of people were on hand to lend their support to the fight against cancer, from little ones in strollers to the senior-citizen set. Dogs were ready to keep pace with their owners, and several young people were on scooters.

Participating teams and their totals: Hacker’s Lanes

Cancer survivors lined up in a row to start the run/walk in Frederic Saturday, May 12. Each of them wore a corsage furnished by The Rose Garden. $3,417, Georgetown Lutheran Church $2,092, Hansen Family and Friends $1,952, Frederic Schools $1,176, Ash Street Gang $1,138, Thorsbakken Family and Friends $805, Good Cheer Club $640, Team Truhler $577, Schmidt Family $520, No Name Team $498, Beaudry Company $480, Pilgrim Lutheran Church $454, Skol Bar $391, Frederic Lioness $381, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church $320, Frederic Golf Course $220, Harlander/Tesch $185, Gene Johnson Construction $155, Indian Creek 4-H Club $130 and Frederic Evangelical Free Church $40. Individuals raised $229.

Top individual fundraisers included Jim and Gen Prodger, JoAnn Gibbs $525, Nancy Hardenbergh $505, Elvira Schmidt $495, Sylvia Hansen $462, Teressa Jensen $450, Shelia Hansen $430, Marilyn Knuf $321, Jerry Hansen $305 and Roberta Hansen $305.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Sarah Otto, representing the American Cancer Society, spoke to the Finish Line Run/Walk participants before the event got under way. The ACS is the voluntary largest health organization in the world that is devoted to fighting cancer. ACS has funded more than $2.5 billion in cancer research since 1946.

Sandy Hacker, the honorary chair of the Frederic Area American Cancer Society Finish Line Run/Walk, cut the ribbon to start the two-, threeor five-mile walk Saturday morning, May 12. When asked if she was able to go out on the walk, Hacker said, “I can maybe walk half a block. I might have done more if I hadn’t golfed nine holes yesterday.”

JoAnn Gibbs and Ben Kustelski, a cancer survivor, took charge of giving out 2007 Finish Line Run/Walk T-shirts to the May 12 Finish Line participants.

Participants registered for the Finish Line Run/Walk at the Frederic Elementary School Saturday morning, May 12.

Members of the Frederic Lioness team, (L to R) LaVonne Boyer, Phyllis Wilder, Marilyn and Phil Knuf, stopped for a photo outside of the Frederic Elementary School. Knuf made the Packer teddy bear that was raffled off as part of the fundraiser.

She was the event’s honorary chair in 2003.

Sylvia Hansen held up the Packer teddy bear made by Marilyn Knuf, and raffled off to raise additional money for cancer research.

The team from Hacker’s Lanes, Frederic, raised the highest team total - $3,417 - out of the 20 registered teams.

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Luck area run/walk Finish Line raises over $30,000 LUCK - The annual American Cancer Society Run/Walk Finish Line on Saturday, May 12, raised over $30,000, with additional funds to come in.

Before the event started, Carol Giller cut Peggy Schilling's hair for Locks of Love, a worthy cause to make wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. Donna Erickson coordinated the opening ceremony.

Stacey Yearous, American Cancer Society representative, spoke a few words, and Jaime Anderson read the names of cancer victims and survivors on the Tribute Flags. This year's honorary co-chairpersons, Cheryl Langness and Carol Giller, cut the ribbon, and lead the way, along with a Luck fire truck, on the one, three- or five-mile Tribute Flag-lined route.

Luck's police were also there to give any help if needed. Bob Kreutzian was available to give aid and water to any walkers or runners that needed it.

Shelia Berklund was first place individual fundraiser, bringing in $3,840. She bakes and sells cookies year-round for this event. Margie Nelson was in second place, baking and selling cinnamon rolls, raising $1,718.

Millie Erickson was third with $1,050 and Gary Dueholm with $745. Prizes for the top money raisers are two one-night stays and dinner for two at St. Croix Casino, Turtle Lake, $50 gift certificate to Calderwood Lodge, Bone Lake, and $50 gift certificate to Van Meter's Meats, Luck.

For the fifth year in a row, the top team fundraiser was Luck Lutheran Church with $4,186. House of Wood was second with $2,350, followed by St. Croix Valley Hardwoods with $2,147, Snociables (in memory of Cliff Trudeau) $1,832, Ackerly Team $1,660, Erickson Family $1,600, Rural American Bank $1,450, Laketown Lutheran Church $1,176, Bone Lake Lutheran Church $1,173, Luck Medical Clinic $1,023.15, Stevens Crew $595, Lakeland communications $455, Bone Lake Beavers $407, Stop-A-Sec/Holiday $311. Other monies raised included Tribute Flags $290 and Foot A Bucks $411 with more to be collected from local businesses.

The volunteers at the registration tables were Barb Dueholm, Denise Bazey, Jane Sample, Dorothy Roberts, Ami Cran, Katie Tolan, Lynn Stoklasa, Rae Perszyk, Sue Gilhoi, Paula Hischer, Donna Erickson and April Johnson. Sue Messer gave out T-shirts for participants bringing in $60 or more. Donna Erickson and Joan Chaffe acknowledged cancer survivors with ribbons.

Food and beverage donations from Wayne's Foods Plus, Bernick's Cos., Hills’ Super Value and Milltown Village Market were available before an after the walk.

This year's sponsors were St. Croix Valley Hardwoods, Luck Medical Clinic/ARMC and Larsen Auto Centers. Without the generous support of the community, the American Cancer Society could not fight this disease as effectively as it does. It is dedicated to a future where cancer no longer touches the ones we love. - submitted

Honorary co-chairpersons Carol Giller and and Cheryl Langeness cut the ribbon for the Luck ACS Finish Line Run/Walk Saturday, May 12.

Honorary chair of this year’s Finish Line Run/Walk at Luck, Carol Giller (L) cut Peggy Schilling’s hair prior to the event for the Locks of Love program. The program provides hair to make wigs for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Jaime Anderson read the names of cancer victims and survivors on the Tribute Flags at the Luck Finish Line Cancer Walk/Run on Saturday, prior to the race. Also shown is committee chair Donna Erickson (R), who coordinated the opening ceremony.

Photos by Sandy King

Stacey Yearous, American Cancer Society representative, spoke a few words prior to the beginning of Saturday’s event.

Participants in the annual ACS Finish Line Run/Walk at Luck left the high school Saturday morning, helping to raise more than $30,000 through pledges.

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Habitat ground breaking in Grantsburg GRANTSBURG – The ground breaking took place a week ago on Sunday, May 6, in Grantsburg. The selected family for this year is Tracy and Amber Blakeslee and their two children Kylie and Chloe.

The build this year will take place on North Park Street in Grantsburg. It will be Wild Rivers Habitat for

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity partner family for the 2007 build - Amber and Tracy Blakeslee holding their daughters Kylie and Amber.

Humanity’s 15th home. The site has been cleared and blueprints for the home have been drawn up. The organization welcomes volunteers to help with the build this summer. They will work with skilled and unskilled

individuals. Anyone interested in joining the fun can call Wild Rivers office - 715-349-7477 or volunteer coordinator Julie Hoel, 715-463-2894.

Habitat partner family with supportive parents and grandparents. (L to R) Gerald and Bonnie Schultz, Tom and Margie Blakeslee, Tracy Blakeslee with daughter Kylie, Amber Blakeslee with daughter Chloe, Terri and Joe Simon.

Pastor Jay Ticknor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Grantsburg reads the groundbreaking litany as Jeff Butler (Construction Supervisor) and Habitat partner family members Tracy, Kylie and Amber Blakeslee look on.

Interfaith Caregivers held fundraiser

Tom and Audrey Auer, Webster, were among the dancers who took to the floor during the Burnett County Interfaith Caregivers dinner/dance Friday, May 11, at The Lodge at Crooked Lake, Siren.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

ABOVE: Sounds from the Big Band Era were heard Friday, May 11, during a successful fundraiser for Burnett County Interfaith Caregivers held at The Lodge at Crooked Lake, Siren. The Nuto Band, (L to R) Rich Elliker, Cable, trombone; Jim Linder, Cumberland, bass; Elmer Burghardt, Cameron, clarinet and sax; Bruce King, Spooner, trumpet; Gerry Colbert, Rice Lake, drums; and Sid Johnson, Rice Lake, piano; provided the music for a floor full of dancers.

RIGHT: Eunice Early, Frederic, joined the Nuto Band in song during the The Interfaith Caregivers dinner/dance in Siren Friday, May 11. dinner/dance was a fundraiser for the organization that helps handicapped and elderly people continue living independently.

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Emergency Medical Services week observed POLK COUNTY – In honor of Emergency Medical Services week, North Land Municipal Ambulance Board of Directors, their manager and crew chiefs would like to extend gratitude to all of the following individuals for their hard work and dedication to our service and the villages of Frederic and Luck and the surrounding communities: Emergency Medical Technicians: RaeAnn Allen, Sue Ames-Lillie, Judy Anderson, James Baker, Chris Bertch, Lonna Coddington, Richard Cunningham, Mike Fralick, Deb Fredericks, Brent Hostrup, Lori Hostrup, Brent Johnson, Luke Knauber, Vern Knauber, Jeff Lanhart, Teresa Larson, Lisa Lehrke, Carissa Marsh, Jennifer Mikl, Cherrise Miller, Debbie Nahkala, Linda O’Donnell, Dawn Ogilvie, Tony Peterson, Kelly Pool, Anthony Potempa, Josh Rau, Leanne Richter, Sharon Riedman, Lisa Robbin, Tiffany Steele, Alissa Steiner, Brad Swenson, Jim Tinman, Kurt Vail and Tracy Vail.

Drivers: Will Bartlett, Mark Beidleman, Andy Chartrand, Wes Cockerham, Jordan Coddington, Dan Deiss, Michael Ellis, Ken Hackett, Kevin Jensen, Nick Kuechenmeister, Sherman Lillie, Jeremy Lindner, Stuart McWilliams, Brian Michael, Kirk Miller, Roger Miller, Todd Miller, Scott Nargis, Dennis O’Donnell, Shawn Patterson, D.J. Pedersen, Brian Randall, Ken Ruhn and Pete Runnels.

First Responders: Northland First Responder’s, Kristina Jensen, Leonard Knauber, Everette Marsh, Janet Marsh, Luck Rescue, Luck Police Department, Frederic Police Dept., Cushing First Responders and Milltown Rescue.

The individuals and groups mentioned above are, for the most part, volunteers. Volunteers who in this area, 24 hours a day, at the well-known sound of the dispatch tone, drop what they are doing and rush to the scene to offer assistance. In 2006, 974 –Luck ambulance and 975 –Frederic ambulance, responded to almost 600 calls. These ranged from motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies to someone who only needs to be assisted back to their chair. Many of the EMTs have lived in northern Polk County for many years, some their entire lives, and others for only a few months. Each year the 61 EMTs and drivers, making up the crews of both Frederic and Luck ambulance,

Back row (L to R): Will Bartlett, Judy Anderson, Brian Randall, Luke Knauber, Dawn Ogilvie, Kurt Vail, Vern Knauber, Sherman Lillie and Brent Hostrup. Middle row: Cherrise Miller, Deb Fredericks, Jennifer Mikl, Lisa Lehrke, Alissa Steiner, Mark Beidleman and RaeAnn Allen. Front row: Mike Fralick, Carissa Marsh, Lori Hostrup, Lonna Coddington, Tracy Vail and Sue Ames-Lillie. – Photo by Marty Seeger donate over 52,000 hours of their time to fully staff and operate the ambulances.

They staff two ambulances 24 hours a day with a crew of three - one driver and two EMTs to take care of the patient.

They are not just a transport service.

NLMA has the capability to start IV’s, give advanced medications and obtain EKGs. Some of the EMTs have taken courses that have helped to advance the level of care available to patients in our service area.

The volunteers have demonstrated their readiness to respond to any and all situations. The group has several first responders in the service area. They are usually members of the ambulance crew, but some are members of fire or police departments.

These individuals respond as quickly as possible and have been trained to provide emergency care on the scene, en route to the hospital, and in some cases at the hospital. This group represents the villages of Frederic and Luck, Bone Lake, Clam Falls, Georgetown, Laketown, Lorrain, Luck, McKinley, and West Sweden townships, as well as the Round Lake Community.

They are proud to belong to a service that is supported by the communities they serve.

NLMA also has two major fundraisers

each year. The hours spent to organize and operate fundraising events are not listed in the time donated by the volunteers. In the spring there is a smelt fry and auction held in Luck and in late summer, a chicken and corn dinner along with an auction or raffle is held in Frederic. These events are largely supported by generous donations from local businesses and individuals who donate money, products or services that are then auctioned or raffled off to raise money. The money obtained is used to purchase equipment for use on the ambulance. Along with their fundraisers and reimbursement from insurance companies, they receive $9 a year for each of the 7,000 people that have permanent residence in the service area.

Many people have the misconception that NLMA is a part of the local fire departments. Though at times they work closely with them, they are separate entities. There are many times they offer assistance at people’s homes or on the streets, where they do not transport any patient to the hospital. At times such as

this, NLMA does not charge for their services. They consider this to be a courtesy to those who are in the area, even those of you who are just traveling through or are at vacation homes.

Perhaps you know who some of them are, maybe they have met in the middle of the night. They may have shared an emotional moment and were there to reassure you that eventually things would be OK. Every day they are reminded as they drive by certain places or see the faces of you, the community members, why they do this job. All of them are dedicated and will be there when needed.

If any community members are interested in learning basic first aid and CPR or would like to find out more information on becoming an EMT or ambulance driver please contact the ambulance service. Please contact Lonna Coddington, Frederic crew chief at 327-5766 or Lori Hostrup, Luck crew chief at 4722175 to learn more.- submitted by Lonna Coddington

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

Mixed Sampler Quilt Guild unveils raffle quilts SIREN - The Mixed Sampler Quilt Guild of Siren unveiled the 2007 Raffle Quilts at their April meeting. Raffle tickets were distributed at the May meeting and are now available from guild members. The quilts will be displayed at various community events and area businesses during June, July, August and September.

The two quilts and one wool pillow will be raffled off at the annual quilt show to be held this year at the Siren High School Oct. 6 and 7. The drawing is Sunday afternoon, at approximately 3 p.m. Tickets are $1 each or a book of six for $5, and will be available for purchase at the show, provided they aren’t sold out before The quilts and pillow were pieced by guild members Janet Howie, Vickki Amundson, Pat Pope and Dawn Straub.

The two quilts were machine quilted by Betty and Mac MacKean of Christmas

Girl Scouts attend campshare

Valley Quilts. The first prize quilt is 90”x 90” and the second prize quilt is 80”x 80”.

The quilts will be displayed at the following events and locations: S&C Bank in Milltown the week of June 18.

Fishermen’s Party Celebration in Milltown on June 23.

Rural American Bank in Luck the week of July 16.

Lucky Days Celebration in Luck on July 21.

Siren Dental Clinic (across from the Dairy Queen) the months of July and August.

Summerfest in Siren on August 4.

Other venues than those listed above will be added as details are arranged. – submitted

Luck Girl Scouts of all ages, grades one through 12, attended their annual weekend campshare May 4-6 at Camp Northwoods. Fifty-two girls attended this year, with more than 20 adult leaders and chaperones to lead the girls in crafts, games, songs, skits, hikes, bonfires, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, and a horseback trail ride. Camp Northwoods, with 420 acres of woods, trails and water, is one of the many Girl Scout facilities and is located 40 miles north of Hayward. Many troops used their money earned from the cookie sales to help pay for this fun-filled weekend. – Photo submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

4-H members monitor stream quality SIREN — Eight members of Burnett County 4-H clubs learned how to monitor stream water quality on Saturday, May 12. The Jolly H’s, Wood River Beavers, and Wood Creek 4-H clubs will be measuring baseline data on county streams. Throughout the summer, they will gather data on dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, habitat and stream flow. They will also look at the insects that live in the streams, and use them as a biotic index to determine the health of the stream. Data gathered will be entered into a statewide database administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

These 4-H groups are taking part in a pilot project aimed at youth in the county being trained as citizen scientists. The stream monitoring project is a partnership between the Burnett County Land and Water Conservation Department and the Burnett County UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. To learn more about how your youth group can become citizen scientists on county streams, contact Mary Pardee, UWEX Youth Development Educator, at 715349-2151 or mary.pardee@ces.uwex.edu. – submitted

Jay Odegard of the Wood River Beavers 4-H Club shows Alexi Gloodt a caddis-fly larva, one of many insects found in the stream.

Craig and Bryce Highstrom of the Wood Creek 4-H Club use a kit to conduct a test to measure dissolved oxygen. – Photos submitted

Olympians participate Special Olympics track and field events were held on May 5, in Eau Claire. A parade of athletes started the events, giving their oaths and singing the national anthem. Awards were also given out. Pictured above, (L to R) are: Crystal Faugnar for best female athlete of 2006; Patti Garalsh, volunteer of 2006 and Leann Richter, district manager of 2006.

All three were given plaques for their achievements.

– submitted

Bocce ball has started again for these Special Olympians. Pictured back row (L to R): Coach Kelly Larson, Bill Lauth, Josh Frenning, Ben Olson, Jarves Warwas, Jordan Warwas, Mandy Ness, Brianna Paulson, Laura Richter, Heather Erickson and Coach Leanne Richter. Front row (L to R): Angie White, Dustin Knutson, Charlie Ganley, Ryan Johnson, Donneu Anderson, Julie Otto, Amy Pickard and Erin Anderson.

A Bocce Ball Invitational will be held at the Special Ed School in Balsam Lake on June 16, 2007. The public is invited. There will be a lunch served. – submitted

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

Solo and ensemble partipants go to state

Individual first ratings were awarded to five Frederic High School students at the state solo ensemble held in Eau Claire on Saturday, May 4. Pictured back row (L to R): Savanna Pearson (clarinet solo), Ben G. Anderson (vocal solo) and Anne Lexen (piano). Pictured front row (L to R): Amy Soppeland (vocal solo) and Rachel O’Brien (flute solo). – Photo by Marty Seeger

Frederic High School’s Wednesday bell choir performed at the state solo ensemble in Eau Claire on Saturday, May 4, and received a first rating. Pictured back row (L to R): Megan Anderson, William Primm, Bryan Meyer and Zach Anderson. Front row (L to R): Haley Kurkowski, Amy Soppeland, Becca Anderson, Megan Neumann, Ashley Heine and Holly Stoner. – Photo

by Marty Seeger

Shown are Unity’s vocal participants for state solo and ensemble held Saturday, May 5. (L to R): Brittney Peters, Beth Rice, Tyler Bublitz, Ashley Elfers, Katelynn Swiontek and Maddie Anderson. Not shown: Randy Krueger and Tiffany Hallin. – Photo submitted

The Frederic Junior High bell choir received a first rating at the state solo ensemble on Saturday, May 4, in Eau Claire. Pictured back row (L to R): Alli Anderson, Chris Hopp, Joe Draxler, Michael Tesch and Isabel Lexen. Front row (L to R): Eric Stoner, Samantha Nelson, Calla Karl, April Halverson, Corissa Schmidt and Brady McWilliam. Not pictured are Greg Heine (vocal instructor), Pat Anderson (bell choir instructor) and Patti Burns (instrumental instructor). – Photo by Marty Seeger Unity Vocal participants from solo and ensembles.

The festival was held at Webster High School March 27. Back row (L to R): Tyler Bublitz, Brooke Gillespie, Katelynn Swiontek, Samantha Despiegelaere, Justin Anderson and Matt Picton. Middle: Julia Larson, Amber Springer Stephanie Lobert, Erin Owens, Maddie Anderson and Johnanna Alling. Front: Brittney Peters, Beth Rice, Lexi Kothlow, Samantha Hill and Jerie Milander. – Photo submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Grape growers gather in Trade Lake

by Wayne M. Anderson TRADE LAKE – A growing group of grape growers, professionals and hobbyists, gathered to share their passion, knowledge and economic outlook on growing cold-hardy grapes in this area.

The spring event was held last Saturday at the Trade River Winery in Trade Lake. About 25 people from Wisconsin and Minnesota attended the afternoon seminar, potluck and complimentary wine tasting.

Grape growing in this area “definitely has potential,” said Kevin Schoessow, area agricultural development agent with the UW-Extension in Spooner.

“I think we all have to learn together like any new niche enterprise or economic development,” Schoessow said. “That’s why we need to communicate with each other and have this network.”

The host of the seminar agreed.

“Networking is good,” said John Seeger, co-owner of Trade River Winery. “You learn a lot from the other folks about the grape-growing process.”

But is grape growing a viable crop in Northwest Wisconsin?

“I guess I’m interested to see where this all goes,” Seeger said. “You know—the quality level of the wine from the grapes grown up here.”

What happened in Vernon County years ago might be telling of what can happen here in the future.

“That’s a phenomenal story,” said Tom Martell, owner of Martell Vineyards & Orchard in Somerset.

Martell was the guest lecturer at the seminar.

He said the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped tobacco farmers in Vernon County convert to grapes as

(L to R) Deb Martell of Somerset, and Joe Hennessey of Alpha, discuss the finer points of coldhardy grape growing.

a cash crop about the same time he, and his wife Deb Martell, planted their vineyard in 1998.

“Now those folks have got significant number of grapes,” he said. “And now those folks are beginning to put wineries in. They’ve converted that whole industry into grapes and wineries.”

Martell, who farms about 3,000 vines, said farmers in Vernon County are making money.

“You know grapes are considered a high-value crop,” he said. “I think the number I’ve heard is between $4,000 to $6,000 per acre grown. And that’s considered a fair amount of money for the effort.”

Audience reaction to the grape-growing seminar was

Grape-growing professionals, hobbyists and enthusiasts all gather on the conference balcony at Trade River Winery in Trade Lake.

Kevin Schoessow, area agricultural development agent with UW-Extension in Spooner, prepares a media presentation on growing cold-hardy grapes in this area. positive.

“It exceeded any expectations that I had,” said Margaret Redfall, of Vernon County. “I was pleasantly surprised.”

A local businessman was also glad.

“I’m so glad I came,” said Joe Hennessey, of Alpha. “I had second thoughts at first. I’ve got so much to do. But

Art Benson, of Danbury, savors and analyzes a tasty white wine. with just his (Martell’s) presentation and seeing some of the stuff that he has…it can work for me.”

Hennessey, whose bed and breakfast and vineyard are across the highway from the Burnett Dairy Co-op, has more than 260 vines. After attending the seminar, he said “I’d like to maybe put in another 200 or so.”

For more information on growing grapes in this area call 715-327-5525.

Photos by Wayne M. Anderson

Area enthusiasts share their passion and knowledge of grape growing while sampling some fine wines sold at Trade River Winery.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Local Badger Alumni award inaugural scholarships BALSAM LAKE – The Wisconsin Alumni Association - Polk County Chapter announced the recipients of the chapter’s scholarships at its second-annual Founders’ Day Celebration on May 1.

Sam Eldred, an Amery High School graduate and UW-Madison freshman, and Erika Leadholm, an Amery High School graduate and UW-Madison sophomore, were chosen to receive the scholarships, each worth $700. Both were competitively selected from a number of talented Polk County UW-Madison students that applied to the chapter’s scholarship program.

Kimber Liedl, chapter co-leader and scholarship committee chair, noted the qualities of these individuals as she presented them to the chapter: “[Sam] hasn’t been

shying away from difficult classes his first year at school, taking calculus, chemistry, statistics, and third semester Spanish while also earning an impressive GPA. [Erika] has immersed herself in collegiate life, playing in the UW marching band, tutoring students at Midvale Elementary School, participating in the Big Brother, Big Sister program, and studying abroad in London this semester.”

Unfortunately, Eldred and Leadholm were not able to attend the event due to their academic schedules.

However, each recipient’s parents, Clark and Michelle Anderson along with Jim and Jonell Leadholm, accepted the awards on their child’s behalf.

The chapter is excited to have made the first step in

what will hopefully become a proud tradition of supporting our local Badger students. Applications for the 2008 scholarships will be available towards the end of the fall 2007 semester. The scholarships are awarded to UW-Madison students from Polk County. One scholarship is given to a first-year student, and the second is awarded to a second-year student with the money applied directly towards their tuition.

Interested students, parents and alumni can learn more about the scholarship program by visiting the chapter’s Web site www.uwalumni.com/polkcounty. submtted

Studies measure Wisconsin Technical College impact STATEWIDE — Two recent studies, a Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College survey measuring employment status of 2006 graduates and a Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance economic impact study, provide valuable information about the outcomes and benefits of technical college education in the state.

The Six-Month Graduate Follow-Up Study conducted by Wisconsins 16 technical colleges each fall measures the employment status and graduate satisfaction of those who complete a degree and diploma. Of the 1,553 WITC graduates who earned degrees in 2006, 1,353 or 87 percent responded to the mailed survey.

Findings show that an impressive 93 percent of those in the labor market were employed six months after graduation, and 75 percent of those employed were working in careers related to their area of study.

The follow-up study also provides information on the earning power of technical college graduates. Starting salaries for 2006 WITC graduates averaged $2,257 to $2,738 per month for one-year diploma and associate degree graduates respectively, and $28,851 per year for all programs. Programs with the highest salaries in-

cluded nursing, automated packaging systems technician, mechanical design, supervisory management, marine repair technician, telecommunication technician and welding.

Consistent with findings from previous follow-up studies, 78 percent of graduates were employed in Wisconsin, suggesting that technical college graduates play a significant role in meeting the labor market needs of the state.

In addition, an independent study, requested by Wisconsin Technical College System and conducted by Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance this past fall, was aimed at quantifying the impact of technical colleges on the states economy.

The study Growing Wisconsin’s Economy: The Economic Impact of Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges concluded that dollars invested in technical colleges to educate more than 409,000 citizens cycle through the economy, creating economic output, jobs and higher wages. Major findings of the study are: 1) the economic impact of Wisconsin Technical Colleges is roughly $6.91 billion a year; 2) there is a return of $4 for every $1 in tax

dollars invested; and 3) technical college graduates earn an additional $6 for every $1 of tax dollars invested.

WITC President Charles Levine says the impact of technical education on the communities and employers of Northwest Wisconsin has long been realized by college administration, the board of trustees and others closely associated with the college.

WITC research studies have consistently confirmed the success of graduates in entering and re-entering the labor market, said Levine. Because so many of graduates live and work in Wisconsin, we’ve always known that they contribute significantly to local economies. It’s satisfying to have an independent, respected organization like Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance validate the tremendous benefits of a technical college education and the return on investment for taxpayers and residents.

For more information on WITC’s Six-Month Graduate Follow-up and Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance Study, go to News and Events at www.witc.edu. — from WITC

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

Webster Elementary held Battle of the Books WEBSTER – Webster Elementary School held their first-annual Battle of the Books last Friday, May 11. Eight students who had completed reading all books on the A or B list were eligible to compete for trophies in a quiz bowl-type event. Only one student, Zach Koelz, completed the A list. He answered random questions about the plot of the books to prove to the audience that he indeed deserved the title of A List Champ.

The B List competition followed with three teams impressing the audience with their knowledge of the books. Students earned extra points for naming the authors of the books as well. After 20 minutes of questions, the Brain Buddies team consisting of Alec Gustafson, Jonah Mosher, and Samantha Kuhn won the trophy. The Gray Glacier team of Cassidy Formanek and Andrew Ruiz captured second place and the Pink Panthers, Nicole Moretter and Synclare

Brain Buddies: Sam Kuhn, Jonah Mosher and Alec Gustafson

Stubbe, finished close behind.

Student Jonah Mosher said the most difficult part of the competition was “remembering to write notes when I finished reading.” Most of the students felt that the most difficult thing was “getting all the books read on time.” When asked what her favorite book was, Sam Kuhn stated, “They were all great, but I liked ‘Double Fudge’ by Judy Bloom the best.”

“This is the first year we have tried this event,” said Julie Hoel, K-4 Gifted and Talented Coordinator. “The kids who completed the reading did a great job with the questions. The second- and third-graders who watched the event were very impressed and inspired to read some of the books on the list. Many are interested in participating next year.

Our goal was to encourage reading, so in that regard, the event was a thunderAndrew Ruiz (right before the coming success!” – submitted petition began).

Nicole Moretter and Synclare Stubbe

Trophy winners were back row: Synclare Stubbe, Nicole Moretter, Cassidy Formanek, Zach Koelz and Andrew Ruiz. Front row: Sam Kuhn, Jonah Mosher and Alec Gustafson. – Photos submitted

Unity band honors were presented

Unity choral seniors were recognized by choral director Dana Paulsen. Seniors included (L to R): Unity’s national choral award was presented to Liza Skalicky, Tiffany Hallin, Paige Andrews, Laura Roettger and Shila Meyer. The choir performed sev- Tiffany Hallin by choral director Dana Paulsen. – Phoeral songs including “Come to the Rain,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Circle of Life,” and stu- tos submitted dent director Laura Roettger conducted “Little Wheel A-Turnin’.”

Unity band honors were presented to (L), Lindsay Turner – the John Philip Sousa Award and (R) Cola Hickethier - the Patrick Gilmore Award by Unity Band Director Adam Bever.

The Unity concert band performed “Disney March Spectacular,” 3 Bach chorales and “The Cowboys.”

This was the seniors last band performance, so band director Adam Bever gave out special senior recognition to all of the seniors to include awards such as the Cruise Director, the Ghost Award, and the Ladies Man Award.

Bever recognized all 14 seniors with such distinguished honors.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

OBITUARIES Wesley Emmons Olson

Gordon Anderson

Viola Eleanora Macho

Wesley Emmons Olson, Amery, died April 22, 2007, at the Golden Age Manor in Amery, where he has resided since 2005. He was 83 years old.

Wes was born March 16, 1924, in Grantsburg to Charles and Emma Olson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Chrisitan faith at the English Lutheran Church in Grantsburg.

He graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1941.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served his country until the end of the European Conflict. He was a first lieutenant and command pilot who flew B-24s during World War II. He flew 54 combat missions with the 15th Air Force out of Panatelle, Italy. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to Grantsburg, where he met and married Beatrice Halstead on Oct. 23, 1946. Together they raised three children, Dale, Nancy and Roger.

They resided in Grantsburg, where Wes worked as register of deeds for Burnett County and then worked at First Bank of Grantsburg. They moved to Amery in 1972 when Wes was president at Union State Bank.

They moved to Franklin, Minn., and Wes worked at the Franklin State Bank. He retired from there and they moved to New Richmond. They moved several times after that to Milltown, and Baldwin until finally returning to Amery in 2003. Wes enjoyed being around his family and grandchildren. He liked hunting, fishing, fixing clocks and golfing with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Emma Olson; brother, Paul Olson and his wife of 60 years, Bea. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Dale (Susan) Olson of Amery, Nancy (Eric) Fennern of Baldwin and Roger (Terri) of Clayton; five grandchildren, Allison Fennern, Stephanie Olson, Hayley Olson, Dillan Olson and Aiden Olson; brother, Lowell (Marlys) Olson; sister-in-law, Lucille Olson and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held Monday, April 30, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Keith Ruehlow officiating. Music was provided by Helen Osborn. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg.

The Cremation Society of Wisconsin was entrusted with arrangements.

Gordon Edward Anderson, Willmar, Minn., died at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minn., at the age of 81 years.

He was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Frederic, to Edward and Violet (Johnson) Anderson. He grew up in Frederic, where he graduated from Frederic High School in 1944. He served his country in the United States Air Force. Upon completing his military career, he returned to Frederic and worked at various creameries in the area as well as near Chicago. He moved to St. Paul, Minn., where he worked at various jobs. On June 7, 1950, he was united in marriage to Frances Sluka in Hudson. The couple moved to Fargo, N.D., where he began working at a creamery. He returned to St. Paul, Minn., and worked as an appliance epairman and later owned and operated Home Repair Service. He retired in 1996 and they moved to Willmar, Minn.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Kandiyohi County Area YMCA where he was very faithful in weekly exercise. He enjoyed fishing, bird watching, gardening and being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Anderson of Willmar; two brothers, Irving Anderson of White Bear Lake, Minn., Milton (Renata) Anderson of Frederic and sisters-in-law, Shirley Anderson of Superior, Dorothy Drummond of Romayor, Texas, Lillian (Ervin) Reck of Willmar; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kermit and sister, Marion.

Viola Eleanora Macho, 86, of Siren, died at Burnett Medical Center C.C.C. in Grantsburg on May 8, 2007.

Viola was born on May 12, 1920, in Burnett County, to Emil and Vella Johnson. Vi enjoyed baking, buns and breads were her speciality. Viola was united in marriage to Richard Macho on Sept. 30, 1978, at the Siren United Methodist Church in Siren.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Bert; brothers, Louis, LeRoy, Floyd and Alec.

Vi is survived by her husband, Richard Macho of Siren; children, Patty (Ken) Burkhardt of Grantsburg, Mary (Andy) Schwarz of Pine City, Minn., and Charlene Johnson of Luck; brother, Donald H. Johnson of Grantsburg; grandchildren, Shaune Macho, Amber Martin, Travis Schwarz and Joshua Johnson; greatgrandchildren, Meaghan Macho, Heather Martin and Kenny Martin; plus Vi’s special neighbor, Brad Alden of Siren.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 11, at the Siren United Methodist Church in Siren with Pastor Mike Ascher officiating. Music was provided by organist, Carrie McConnell and soloist, Dayna Daniels. Casket bearers were Andy Schwarz, Shaune Macho, John Johnson, Ken Burkhardt, Joshua Johnson and Jim Johnson. Honorary casket bearers were Dair Stewart, Brad Alden, Leroy Beckmark, Stan Lueck, David Johnson, Arlan Pope and Dennis Johnson.

Interment was at the Lakeview Cemtery in Siren beside her first husband, Bert Strand.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Norman Schwartz Norm Schwartz, 78, of St. Croix Falls, died at Regions Hospital in St. Paul , Minn., on Sunday, May 13, 2007.

Norm was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army. Norm was a tavern owner and operator for several years. He recently worked at Angler’s Bar in Balsam Lake for many years.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17, at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria on Wednesday from 4 - 7 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at the Balsam Lake Cemetery.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrusted with arrangements.

Myrtle L. Durow Myrtle L. Durow, 96, died Monday, May 14, 2007.

Myrtle was born Oct. 31, 1910 to Gust and Anna Gudmunsen. She was the fourth of 11 children.

Myrtle completed school through the eighth grade.

Upon graduation, she worked for all the neighbors, taking care of the families when new babies were born.

When she was 18, she met Norman Durow. They were married July 30, 1930, and celebrated 61 years of marriage before Norman died in 1991.

During WWII, Myrtle worked at the Hy-Dry plant in Centuria and was very proud of the fact that she could do any of the jobs there and was the highest paid woman working there.

She and Norman were active in their children’s lives, participating in their activities, hosting parties and seeing they got to all school activities. She served as senior 4-H leader for many years and taught many girls to sew and bake.

Myrtle was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church for 77 years. She belonged to the Ladies Aid and, until she was 95, helped at all the

church dinners and funerals.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Harriet; daughter-in-law Karlene; son-in-law Sheldon; brothers Harold, Joseph, Willie, Howard and Clifford Gudmunsen; sisters Mildred Nelson; Thean Olson and Nina Olson.

She is survived by her son Robert Durow; daughter Barabara (Raymond) Christensen; sisters Evelyn (Fen) Kueffler and Olga Eriksen; 11 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Gratitude is extended to the staff at L.O. Simenstad Nursing Care Unit for the kind and loving care they gave her the last four months of her life.

The funeral will be Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m., at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Centuria. Visitation will be on Friday, May 18, 4-7 p.m., at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria and again one hour prior to the service. Pastor Mark Kock will officiate.

Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home, Centuria, was entrusted with the arrangements.

CHURCH NEWS West Immanuel Lutheran Church confirmation held

Shown are the following confirmands from West Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola. Back row (L to R): Tren Lyons, Calvin Rodke, Samuel Fiedler, Alan Bauermeister and Nathaniel Hildebrand. Front row: Joshua Swager, Ashley Johnson, Abigayle Thompson, Emma Ekstrand, Lance Hildebrand and Pastor Rex Brandt. – Photo submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS Tracks in the mud A bear and her cub visited my backyard one night, and the next morning their large tracks were unmistakably evident in the muddy perimeter of the yard. So plain were the prints that I bought some Sally Bair plaster of Paris to make a casting.

Being a lover of nature, I enjoy studying animal tracks. Some are more evident than others, depend- PERSPECTIVES ing on the surface on which the critters walk. Tracks on smooth pavement are usually harder to distinguish, but they are more accurate in size. Those found in the mud or other soft surfaces, however, are larger than the actual foot size. When we find such a print, it’s easy to think, “Aha! What a huge animal! I’d better spread the word so others can be on the lookout.”

Sometimes Christians leave muddy tracks, too— mistakes we make unintentionally, but visible enough to cause others to see—and talk about—what we’ve done. Too often, the sins of believers are held up by others for ridicule or criticism. Too often, cynics or unbelievers look for shortcomings—ready to say, “Aha! Look what So-and-so did. It’s no wonder I don’t go to church”—rather than praising the good deeds of that person. Good deeds performed by humble believers are done quietly, without fanfare— like walking on smooth pavement so they leave no mark.

I intend to keep checking out the muddy tracks of the critters that hang around my place in the woods.

But I don’t want to look for—wait for—the mistakes that my brothers and sisters in Christ make. I don’t want to exaggerate the size of their weaknesses by pointing them out to others. I would rather offer help instead.

“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Lord, help us not to look for the muddy tracks, the mistakes of other believers. Help us, rather, to see their goodness and to help them follow your example. In Jesus’ name, amen.

ETERNAL

Bethesda celebrates 135th anniversary Bethesda L u t h e r a n Church had a visitor from the past at their 135th-anniversary celebration last month when Parson Carl Collin stepped into the pulpit to deliver the sermon.

Parson CoLlin served Bethesda in 1922, when they celebrated their 50th anniverSeemsary. he ingly, “borrowed” Pastor Mark R i c h a r d s o n ’s body and spoke of the transition from services in Swedish to services in English. Other remembrances of their history included the choir singing a verse from “Children of the Heavenly Father” in Swedish (the “chosen” language, of course) and the choir singing “Thanks Be to God” which was written in honor of their 100th-anniversary by Marie Weinheart Pooler. The service was followed by a potluck lunch and a program when the mortgage was burned. The congregation of Bethesda would like to invite the community to the second half of their anniversary celebration on June 10 when they look forward to the future. The day will include worship at 10:30, a catered lunch, confirmation reunions and an afternoon program. Please call Bethesda 715-7552562 for reservations. - submitted

The meaning of words

alphabet, a vocabulary, semantics, grammar, and syntax. Each of these components are imYou have probably heard the story about portant to communication and is not left withthe church business meeting where one of out being referenced in scripture (Genesis 1:3; the men suggested that they purchase new Ezra 4:7; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rev. 1:8). chandeliers for the auditorium. Adamantly, Even Galatians 3:16 reminds the readers what one of the men objected saying, “I’m against a difference one letter will make in how we this purchase; first, we can’t afford it, secunderstand the definition of a word; “Now ond, we can’t even spell it, so we wouldn’t Garret the promises were spoken to Abraham and know how to order one, and third, I don’t seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” Derouin toas his know why we want these, what we really referring to many, but rather to one, “And need is more lighting.” to your seed,” that is, Christ.”

THE All jesting aside, the world suffers doctriTHIS is grammar; Grammar is the system of nal confusion and sometimes division be- PREACHER’S rules, which govern the use of words in any cause of how folks define words and in language. It stands to reason that if God has particular, Bible words. If we completely decommunicated His will to mankind through pend on the convenience of many modern His word (Col. 1:9; Eph. 5:17), those words Bible versions, we are subject to inconvenient, doctri- have heavy significance. We should consider the nally biased, and inaccurately defined words (i.e. sars meaning of the words that have been used, so that /flesh being translated “sinful nature”). If we depend when we are weighed in the balances we are not found only upon context to determine the meaning, we wanting (Dan. 5:27). “He that rejecteth me, and recould still falter and fail to understand correctly the ceiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the meaning of the word(s) especially if we are influenced word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in by an inaccurate doctrinal bias. the last day.” (John 12:48) (Article by Kris Groda) The Bible is God’s message (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

If readers have questions or simply wish to know The information has been recorded in human lan- more about the Church of Christ, we would like to inguage(s). Webster’s defines language as “a systematic vite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 having understood meanings.” Languages involve a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Ofthe use of several components, such as, the mind, an fice hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. - noon.

PEN

First Lutheran youth hold fundraising event On Sunday, May 6, the youth of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls, Minn., held their annual Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction fundraiser to help raise funds for youth attending summer Bible camp, and to also help with their activities next fall. A total of 24 youth grades six-11 helped to serve approximately 150 people and then they attended a fantastic Praise and Worship concert following the dinner by the church’s contemporary worship band, Lightshine. Just over $1,900 was raised and the youth would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all the individuals and businesses who generously donated to this cause. – Photo submitted

Webster Area After 5 May meeting set

Central United Methodist Church confirmation

WEBSTER – The Webster Area Christian Women’s Club After 5 dinner meeting will be held at the Channel House Restaurant beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 21, with the theme “Mothers’ Delights.”

Leona Cummings from Frederic will present the special feature on “My Mother’s Things,” and Sarah Kelby from Webster will provide special music. The special speaker will be Judith Ebert, who will be coming from Dubuque, Iowa. Judith, a para-professional at a high school, enjoys gardening and family time. She will talk about childhood abuse and poverty as well as finding true love and riches. All ladies are cordially invited to attend this meeting. Please call Jan at 866-8106 or Carol at 349-7006 to make reservations. - submitted

Grantsburg Christian Women to meet GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Christian Women will meet Tuesday, May 22, 9 a.m., at the Grantsburg Senior Center.

Music will be provided by Eunice Early. The feature is card making by Coke Scheider. The speaker will be Judith Ebert from Dubuque, Iowa. She will be speaking on “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” All are welcome.

Call Pam for reservations, 463-5953. – submitted

Three youth recently confirmed their faith in God at Central United Methodist Church of Grantsburg.

Pictured along with Pastor Cathy Hamblin are: Cory Niles, Matt Elmgren and Devan Christensen. – Photo submitted

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

CHURCH NEWS

Childhood trauma can inspire greatness Q: Do childhood traumas inevitably twist and warp a person in the adult years?

DR. DOBSON: No. It is well-known that difficult childhoods leave some people wounded and disadvantaged, but for others, they fuel great achievement and success. The difference appears to be a function of individual temperaments and resourcefulness.

In a classic study called "Cradles of Eminence," Victor and Mildred Goertzel investigated the home backgrounds of 700 highly successful people. The researchers sought to identify the early experiences that may have contributed to remarkable achievement.

All of the subjects were well-known for their accomplishments; they included Einstein, Freud, Churchill and many others.

The backgrounds of these people proved very interesting. Three-fourths of them came from troubled childhoods, enduring poverty, broken homes or parental abuse. One-fourth had physical handicaps.

Most of those who became writers and playwrights had watched their own parents embroiled in psychological dramas of one sort or another. The researchers concluded that the need to compensate for disadvantages was a major factor in the drive toward personal achievement.

One of the best illustrations of this phenomenon is seen in the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, the former first lady. Being orphaned at 10, she underwent a childhood of utter anguish. She was very homely and never felt she really belonged to anybody. According to Victor Wilson of the Newhouse News Service, "She was a rather humorless introvert, a young woman unbelievably shy, unable to overcome her personal insecurity

and with a conviction of her own inadequacy."

The world knows, however, that Mrs. Roosevelt rose above her emotional shackles. As Wilson said, "From some inner wellspring, Mrs. Roosevelt summoned a tough, unyielding courage, tempered by remarkable self-control and Dr. James self-discipline." That "inner wellDobson spring" has another appropriate name: compensation!

Obviously, one's attitude toward a handicap determines its impact on his or her life. It has become popular to blame adverse circumstances for irresponsible behavior; i.e., poverty causes crime, broken homes produce juvenile delinquents, a sick society imposes drug addiction on its youth. There is some truth in this assumption, since people in those difficult circumstances are more likely to behave in destructive ways.

But they are not forced to do so. To say that adverse conditions "cause" irresponsible behavior is to remove all responsibility from the shoulders of the individual.

The excuse is hollow. We must each decide what we will do with inner doubt or outer hardship.

The application to an individual family should be obvious. If a child has gone through a traumatic experience or is physically disadvantaged, the parents need not give up hope. They should identify the child's strengths and natural abilities so that they can be used to overcome the hurdle. The problem that seems so formidable today may become the inspiration for greatness tomorrow.

••• Q: You have described two extremes that are both harmful to kids, being too permissive and being too

Quakers to meet regularly BURNETT COUNTY – A Quaker group is planning regular meetings for worship every other Saturday at Webster.

The meeting will be held at the Northern Pines Friends Worship Group at 11

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

harsh. Which is the most common error in Western cultures today?

DR. DOBSON: Permissiveness is more common and has been since the 1950s. But harshness and severity still occur frequently as well. These dual dangers are equally harmful to children and were described by Marguerite and Willard Beecher in their book "Parents on the Run." This is how they saw the two extremes: "The adult-centered home of yesteryear made parents the masters and children their slaves. The child-centered home of today has made parents the slaves and children the masters. There is no true cooperation in any master-slave relationship, and therefore no democracy. Neither the restrictive authoritative technique of rearing children nor the newer 'anything goes' technique develop the genius within the individual, because neither trains him to be self-reliant. The way to raise healthy children is to find the safety of the middle ground between disciplinary extremes."

••• 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:

Webster Area Catholic Churches Webster

Taylors Falls Christian Women to meet

a.m. at 6020 Peterson Road. Persons may call 866-8802 or 866-7798 for further inST. CROIX FALLS – The Taylors Falls formation.

Christian Women’s Club will be meeting This listing will be included in the Monday, May 21, for lunch at 11:30 a.m. church listings in the future. – submitted at the St. Croix Falls Senior Center.

The special feature will be “Salad – Not just lettuce and dressing,” by Alice Nelson. The music will be by Dawn Tei-

gland, and the speaker will be Judith Ebert with “Looking for love in all the wrong places.”

The cost is $8 inclusive. For reservations call 651-257-1768 or 715-857-5573. – submitted

MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

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MAY 16, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Students of the Week FREDERIC

David MacKean has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Lori and Brad MacKean. David is a team player who is always positive and polite.

He is compassionate and considerate when he works and plays with others. David’s favorite subjects are math and phy. ed. He enjoys running and has very fast shoes! When asked about his future goals, David said he wants to be an Army man.

Nicole Coulter has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Harley Coulter and Tammy Baxter. Nicole contributes to class discussions and helps others in class. She is friendly, funny, kind, and gets along with others well. Nicole is involved in volleyball and enjoys playing with dogs, riding bike and going on walks. She wants to be a vet.

WEBSTER

Ben Nelson has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Ameer and Tom Nelson.

Ben is a good student with varied interests. Ben is personable, cooperative, has a good work ethic and works well with others. He works at Anderson Construction and is in choir and band. Ben is involved in cross country, track and basketball.

He enjoys running, cycling and skating.

Mallory Daniels has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is the daughter of Jim and Jeanne Daniels. Mallory has been a great member of the classroom. She is polite, a hard worker and always does her best. She goes beyond what is asked. Mallory is a super Webster Tiger student.

Chris Mooney has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Mike Mooney and Margaret Mooney. Chris is an intelligent young man who is willing to help others with their assignments. He is a pleasure to have in class. Chris enjoys reading and playing games along with RCs.

SIREN

Stephanie Taylor has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Greg and Normie Taylor. Stephanie is a quiet, sweet student who works diligently on her studies and turns in quality schoolwork. She is involved in choir, band, basketball and volleyball. She enjoys working with the hands-on projects that are assigned at school.

Stephanie enjoys riding her bike, drawing and painting.

Haily Mulroy has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Mark and LeeAnn Mulroy. Haily works extremely hard in science class. Her future plans include going to college, but she is unsure of her major at this time.

Dan Erickson has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Jim and Connie Erickson.

Dan has excellent attendance and has a 3.8 GPA. His teachers enjoy having him in class because he is attentive and works hard. Dan is in band, business club, football, basketball and golf. He enjoys video games, chatting with friends, shooting hoops and jet skiing. He plans to pursue a career in architecture.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Isaac Fultz has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Rebecca and Justin Fultz. Isaac is a delightful student.

He takes pride in all his work and always does his best. Isaac is also kind, considerate and friendly to all of his classmates.

Rachel Salas has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Kathy and Art Sandstrom. Rachel has excellent attendance and is earning all A’s and B’s in her classes. She is a very good student and her teachers enjoy having her in class.

Rachel is involved in band, choir, volleyball, basketball, track and soccer. Her hobbies are reading, sports and listening to music.

Sarah Olson has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Jeff and Martha Olson.

Sarah is a joy to have in class. She is polite, a hard worker and a perfectionist. Sarah is always trying to think of better ways to answer questions rather than just doing enough to get by. She is involved in forensics and NHS. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and reading.

Alyssa Paulson has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Linda Krings and Erik Paulson. Alyssa has a brother, Auggie, an older sister, Evelyn and a twin sister, Abby.

Alyssa likes phy. ed. because it is good exercise, but math is her favorite subject because she thinks adding and subtracting are fun. At home Alyssa likes to read, play with friends and visit her grandma. She collects bottlecaps.

Alora Breault has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daugher of Georgia Breault and Brian and Tammy Breault. Her favorite pastimes are playing softball, swimming, kneeboarding and going to the lake.

She is involved in Gretta’s dance classes and softball. Her favorite subject is math. Alora is an extremely talented individual who cares about everyone.

GRANTSBURG

UNITY

Tracey Nordrum has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Terry and Ike Nordrum. Tracey was an exchange student junior year. She is responsible, outgoing, determined and has high standards of quality.

Tracey is in swing choir, pep band, choir, jazz choir, band and in the school play. She enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures.

She plans to attend the University of Australia for a degree in peace & conflict studies.

Sam Bracht has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Dale and Candida Bracht. Sam is an outstanding young lady. Her kindness and respect for others brightens everyone’s day. She is positive and upbeat, and she works towards excellence in everything she does.

Teachers of the Year honored at Siren LEFT: Tina Erickson (R) honoring Renae Peterson, Siren High School business education teacher, as one of two teachers that Moms For Kids recognized as this year’s Teacher of the Year.

RIGHT: Tina Erickson (R) and Rebecca Plesums, Siren Elementary School kindergarten teacher, the other Moms For Kids Teacher of the Year. Each teacher received a hanging plant and a restaurant gift certificate. The whole staff at Siren schools received daily treats in their mailboxes in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-11. – Photos submitted

Logan Hilleshiem has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Steve and Kim Hilleshiem of Balsam Lake. Logan was selected for his academic efforts in general and his outstanding drafting performance in his technical education class. He enjoys snowboarding, hunting, fishing and sports. He plans to attend college in the construction field.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 16, 2007

MAY

WEDNESDAY/16 Dresser

• Baccalaureate, 7:30 p.m., at Peace Lutheran Church. St. Croix Falls, Dresser, Osceola and East Farmington schools will be represented.

Coming events

Coming event items are published as a public service. Items must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Mondays to be assured of publication in that week’s issue.

Danbury

• Hunter/bow safety classes begin, at Swiss Town Hall. Call 715-656-4121 for more info.

THURSDAY/17 Frederic

Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• Spades played, 1 p.m. at the senior center.

Everyone welcome/no charge.

Luck

• ALPHA Dinner, Video & Discussion, “What About the Church?” 6:30-8:45 p.m., Faith Fellowship. Call Maggie at 715-8253559 for more info.

• American Legion & Auxiliary #255 meets, 7 p.m., at the village hall.

Luck

• DBS meeting & potluck at new time, 5:30 p.m., at the hall.

Osceola

• Polk County Genealogical Society meets, 7 p.m. at the library. Call 715-294-3447.

Rice Lake

St. Croix Falls

• Open house for WITC’s wood technics house project, 5-8 p.m., at 903 Scharbillig Court. Call 800-243-WITC for more info.

• Taylors Falls Christian Women to meet, 11:30 a.m. at SCF Senior Center. Call 715857-5573 or 651-257-1768.

Siren

TUESDAY/22

• A Toast to Hockey, 6-9 p.m. at The Lodge at Crooked Lake. Call 715-653-2373 for more info.

• Siren American Legion Post 132 will meet, 7 p.m., at the community building.

Grantsburg

• Christian Women to meet, 9 a.m., at the senior center. Call 715-463-5853.

Centuria

FRI. & SAT./18 & 19

• Polk County Historical Society monthly meeting, 7 p.m., at the Erling Jensen farm.

Call 715-268-6578 for more info.

Amery

• Rummage Sale, at Balsam Lutheran Church. Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat. 8 to ?

Siren

Trilium (blood root) is one of the beautiful woodland plants that bloom in our • Burnett County Republican Party meets, area in early spring. – Photo by Orv Volkmann 7 p.m. in Room 162 at the Government Cen• Fundraiser for So. Milltown 4-H restora-

Milltown

tion project, held at the home of John & Olga Schwartz, 3-1/2 miles S. of Milltown on 170th St., Fire #1842, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Webb Lake

• Community Club rummage sale, 8:30 a.m.3 p.m. at the community hall.

FRI. - SUN./18 - 20 Balsam Lake

• DNR Boater Safety Class, at Balsam Lake Fire Hall, Fri. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.noon. Call 715-485-3544 for more info.

FRIDAY/18 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• Citizen of the Year banquet, at Hacker’s Lanes.

Luck

• High school graduation, slide show at 7:30 p.m., graduation at 8 p.m., in the gymnasium.

Siren

• High school graduation, 7:30 p.m.

SAT. & SUN./19 & 20 Lake Elmo, Minn.

• Washington County’s largest annual antique show & flea market, Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

ter.

Cushing

• Rummage & Bake Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at Laketown Lutheran Parish Hall.

Dresser

• Bethesda Lutheran Church’s 8th-annual Yard & Garden Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., selling bedding plants, annuals, perennials, shrubs & vegetables, bake sale and outdoor crafts.

Frederic

• Noon potluck lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass or a monetary donation. Birthday cake & ice cream served at 3 p.m.

Jackson

• 2nd-annual roadside cleanup, noon-3 p.m.

Call 715-866-4589 for more info.

Luck

• Birding Hike, Straight Lake Wilderness State Park, meet at 7 a.m. at the parking area at 120th St. & 270th Ave., just north of Hwy. 48.

St. Croix Falls

Frederic

• Jerry Baxter Band, at the 10 a.m. service at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Grantsburg

• High school graduation, 2 p.m.

Siren

• Pickin’ Up Steam bluegrass concert, 4 p.m., at the high school. Call 715-349-7070 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

• Sunday breakfast, at the American Legion Post 143. Serving 8 a.m.-noon. Everyone welcome.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Osceola

• Senior center meeting & potluck, at the Methodist Church. Potluck at noon, program at 1 p.m. Call 715-294-3670 for more info.

THURSDAY/24 Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

FRI. - SUN./25-27 Balsam Lake

• Second Stop of the 2nd-annual United Barrel Racing Assoc., tour at JJ Arena. Call 715857-6343 or 715-554-3460 for more info.

Siren

• Slow-pitch softball tournament, at the ball park. Call 715-349-2391 for more info.

FRIDAY/25 • Unity High School graduation, 7 p.m.

Siren

• Polk County Household Clean Sweep, at the recycling center. Mon. 3-5 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m.-noon. Call 715-483-1088 or 715-485-9294 for more info.

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• FHS Class of 2002 class reunion, 6 p.m., at Coon Lake Park.

• Polk County Historical Society Cemetery Walk, 9:30 a.m. at Bunyan Cemetery. Meet at East Balsam Baptist Church. Call 715-2686578 for more info.

• Lake Improvement Association meeting, 9 a.m. at the town hall.

Cumberland

Duluth, Minn.

• Webster band, The Misses, competes at High School Rocks at the DECC Arena. Doors open at 1 p.m, battle begins at 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/23

MON.& TUES./21 & 22

• Lilacfest Art Show, at the hockey arena, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 715-349-8448 for more info.

• Two pasture walks, sponsored by the Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network, 1-4 p.m.

Call 715-635-3506 or 715-485-8600 for more info.

Balsam Lake

• Youth .22 shoot, at the rifle range, 11 a.m.

Call 715-296-8959 or 715-554-0878 for more info.

Webster

• ARC bloodmobile, 11:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., at the community center.

• Morning bird walk, 7-9 a.m. at Wisconsin Interstate Park. Call Julie at 715-483-3747.

SATURDAY/19 Balsam Lake

SUNDAY/20

Trade Lake

Turtle Lake

• 2nd-annual Spring Market Day, Flea Market & Antique Show, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the village park. Call 715-986-3031 or 715-986-4855 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

MONDAY/21 Amery

• Arnell Memorial Humane Society annual meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the shelter. Public is welcome. Call 715-268-9249 for more info.

Balsam Lake

• Unity School District Athletic Booster Club open house, 16:30-7:30 p.m., at Unity High School library. Call 715-483-9823, ext. 209 for more info.

Balsam Lake Frederic

SATURDAY/26 Frederic

• Noon potluck lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass or a monetary donation.

Luck

• 1st-annual Women’s Expo, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Wilkin’s Bar. Call 715-857-5555 for more info.

Family Days button design winners announced Jolene Cooper (L) and Kyungho “Ariel” Chung (R) are the 2007 Family Days Button Design winners.

Cooper and Chung received $25 each for the two designs that they created.

Greg Heine (not pictured) is the art instructor at the Frederic High School. – Photo by Marty Seeger