Leader | may 2| 2007

INTER-COUNTY

‘Follow the Leader’

May 2, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 36 8,000 copies

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Hangar owners file suit against county

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SpongeBob a hit

Owners claim that lease problems are creating value loss

by Carl Heidel SIREN - A long-standing dispute at the Burnett County airport in Siren is headed to the courts for resolution.

The Burnett County Hangar Owners Association is filing suit against Burnett County to enjoin the county from evicting hangar tenants, and also to determine ten-

ants’ rights under the existing hangar lease, the proposed lease and the law.

The owners also claim that actions of the county’s board of supervisors’ property committee and Lloyd Arnold, the airport manager, have led to a “loss of value in the hangars.”

See Hangar owners, page 4

Emergency fire regulations take effect Thursday Burnett, Washburn counties included in order issued by the DNR Page 3

Roy Ward is Citizen of the Year

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER - Webster Chamber of Commerce had their spring banquet at Voyager Village Country Club on Thursday, April 26. Prior to the banquet, Chamber members submitted their choice for Citizen of the Year among a field of six candidates. This year the winner is Roy Ward, and he has won a $50 gift card and a certificate.

Ward was nominated because of his willingness to be involved in projects even if it is at the expense of his own personal time. He was successful in developing and raising funds for a school-based industry, Tiger Express, that benefits the students and the community. He was a previous board member of Habitat for Humanity, involved with battle bots and was instrumental in the restoration of the athletic bleachers at Webster school.

How much he means to the community is apparent when talking with people about Ward.

See Citizen page 2

Deb Benson of the Webster Area Chamber of Commerce presents Roy Ward with the Citizen of the Year Award. Ward, a teacher and track coach, was unable to be at the chamber’s banquet where the award was announced because he was at a track meet. - Photo submitted

Vigils against child abuse

59 years on the job Currents section

Page 14

S E R V I N G

Frederic fifth-grader Hunter Dodds had some fun playing SpongeBob Squarepants in the musical “Lights! Camera! Action!” presented last Thursday evening by students in grades four, five and six. Alyssa Backlin, shown in background, found the scene amusing, as did audience members. Also performing were the fifthand sixth-grade bands and bell choirs. More photos inside - Photo

by Gary King

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

Homicide suspect arrested for bond violations

Baby blue

The smallest participant in Saturday’s Blue Ribbon Walk against child abuse was Bryan Utgard, who is shown receiving a blue ribbon mark on his forehead. The event raised nearly $5,000 for the fight against child abuse. More photos elsewhere in this section. - Photo by Sandy King NOTICE: CenturyTel, our Internet Service Provider has informed us it is having issues with upgrading its e-mail system. Some items e-mailed to us this week may not have been received. We apologize for the inconvenience. - Editor

POLK COUNTY - A Luck man out on a $50,000 bond and facing Polk County felony homicide charges was arrested Monday at the Turtle Lake Casino for bond violations.

The St. Croix Tribal Police and Turtle Lake Police arrested Derek Mosay, 21, around 12:30 a.m. in a Turtle Lake St. Croix Casino hotel room. Mosay was found with Christy Merrill, 23, Siren, in the hotel room with empty bottles of beer.

Some of the conditions of the bond were no drinking of alcohol and no contact with Merrill.

Merrill was also arrested on a Polk County misdemeanor bail-jumping charge.

Mosay is accused of backing a van over Mike Ellis, a 45-year-old from the Round Lake community who was found dead last fall at his home.

Ellis died after Mosay allegedly backed Ellis’ van over his body following a fight at Ellis’ home on 211 60th Street.

Witnesses told Polk County investigators in September that Ellis had intervened in a fight between Mosay and Merrill, Mosay’s girlfriend at that time.

Mosay pled not guilty last November on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and second-degree reckless homicide. Each felony count carries a possible maximum sentence of 25 years in

Plane crashes in Amery, family survives AMERY - A family from Hibbing, Minn., survived their plane crashing at the Amery Municipal Airport on Sunday afternoon.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Amery Police Department, Amery Fire Department and Municipal Ambulance Service all responded to the scene around 4:30 p.m.

Located at the scene were the pilot Lawrence Stoffel, 64, his wife Rowena Stoffel, 28, and their 6-year-old child.

All three were transported to Amery Regional Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Stoffel was piloting the Cesna 150J single engine aircraft from Hibbing and landing in Amery.

According the Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore, it appears that the Stoffel was trying to land the plane, but somehow lost control. Moore said it appeared that the wind might have lifted the small plane and that the pilot might have used full throttle in an attempt to miss the trees adjacent to the south end of the airport’s hangars.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash.

No one else at the scene was injured and there was no substantial leakage of fuel. – Julie Holmquist INTER-COUNTY

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prison, a fine of $100,000, or both.

Mosay also pled not guilty to misdemeanor battery charges. A charge of resisting an officer was dismissed at that time.

On Monday, authorities said a preliminary test indicated Mosay had an alcohol level of .144, and Merrill had an alcohol level of .180, which is above the legal limit.

Mosay was out of jail on a $50,000 bond after paying a cash amount of $15,000. – Julie Holmquist

Webster woman seriously injured POLK COUNTY – A 50-year-old Webster woman was seriously injured when she apparently lost control of the vehicle she was driving southbound April 21 on Hwy. 65 in the town of Alden.

According to authorities, Laurie C. Ament’s vehicle went into the ditch, colliding with the CTH K signpost, then traveled south across K and entered the south ditch. The vehicle came to stop southbound in a field.

Ament was wearing a seat belt and was transported by EMS to a hospital.

She was cited for failure to keep vehicle under control. The accident occurred at 3:08 p.m. – with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Citizen/from page 1

A family from Hibbing, Minn., survived their plane crashing at the Amery Municipal Airport on Sunday afternoon. - Photo from Polk County Sheriff’s Department

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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Ward helps his elderly neighbor Ruth Rock. He was instrumental in making handicap ramps for Barry Heyer and Paul and Deloris Meier.

In fact, Ward met a great friend while still in Siren High School because he was working on a project for the community.

He was building a display case for the American Legion, and he needed a jointer to straighten a board. He borrowed one from Dave Wegner from Wegner Cabinetry. Soon he was working summers for Wegner Cabinetry.

When Wegner lost his home in the Siren tornado, Ward worked very hard to get a house ready for the Wegner family.

Although Ward, not Wegner, eventually moved into the house, the gesture was very much appreciated.

Wegner took time out from his job to describe his friend.

“Once he gets it in his head to do something, he gets it accomplished,” he said of Ward.

Wegner said he believes that Ward is spending nights and weekends working on projects, but he takes the time for others because he genuinely cares for people. Wegner also added that Ward does a good job with whatever he does or he doesn't start.

Ward teaches tech ed at Webster.

Under his guidance, his students are working on project within the community and learning to do a good job while doing it. With the help of fellow tech ed teacher, Jerry Olson, students have restored the athletic bleachers at the school, made benches for downtown Webster, made handicap ramps, made great computer workstations for the classroom and make cabinets for people’s homes.

And the list goes on.

When asked about winning citizen of the year, he made a point of saying that there are so many that could have won.

Perhaps next year, but for this year, Roy Ward is Webster’s Citizen of the Year.

www.the-leader.net

Briefly...

BURNETT & POLK COUNTIES Where else but in Wisconsin can you get winter and summer temperatures in one month’s time...? The temp soared into the 80s on Sunday. Now, with the fishing opener this Saturday comes the potential danger of wildfire.

(See story elsewhere on this page about fire regulations). The DNR has issued an emergency order to restrict outdoor burning and that includes cigars, cigarettes and pipes.

••• FREDERIC - A small wildfire Monday burned less than an acre of wooded land out on Clam Falls Drive, according to Frederic Fire Chief Brian Daeffler. Firefighters had the fire under control quickly.

••• TAYLORS FALLS - The city of Taylors Falls will hold its annual spring cleanup day this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Waste management equipment will be available in the lower parking lot at city hall from 9 a.m. to noon.

Fees are as follows: Scrap metal (no charge), car tires ($5), truck tires ($15/$17), appliances ($20), air conditioners ($45), TVs ($10/$15), mattresses ($7), misc. garbage and const. material ($2 bag/$14 cubic yard). The compost site will be open for use by residents from 8 a.m. to noon. - from city of Taylors Falls •••

Police find pot, infant in car POLK COUNTY - A Balsam Lake man was arrested April 25 on charges of marijuana possession while driving in a vehicle with his 8-month-old son.

Matthew Vance, 20, was arrested on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle under the influence.

Wisconsin State Patrol stopped Vance after noticing a broken tail lamp. Vance was also cited for not wearing a seat belt and operating after suspension. – Julie Holmquist

Inspection clears Wal-Mart of mold rumors

by Julie Holmquist ST. CROIX FALLS - An anonymous complaint about mold in the Wal-Mart building in St. Croix Falls was unfounded, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Division received an anonymous complaint early in April about what appeared to be mold on walls at the Wal-Mart store, according to Donna Gilson of the department of agriculture.

An inspector was sent to the store on April 12 and then followed up with another inspection on April 24.

“The inspector found that the complaint was unfounded,” Gilson said. “It wasn’t mold and it wasn’t a sanitation problem,” Gilson said Tuesday.

The department of agriculture has the authority to license grocery stores and inspects for safety and sanitation of food.

As a precaution, the department of agriculture notified the Polk County Department of Health, which would have authority over any complaints concerning a “sick” building and employee health.

No Wal-Mart employee has submitted complaints about their health and workplace to the Polk County Health Department, said public health Director Gretchen Sampson.

The department of agriculture will be sending another inspector to Wal-Mart in May, but that inspection is part of the routine inspections conducted by the department, Gilson explained.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Fire destroys home in Voyager Village

A house owned by James and Sarah Graber, on Kilkare Road across from the golf course, caught fire on April 27.

The fire was first reported at 7:04 p.m. with fire departments from Jackson, Scott, St. Croix Tribal - Hertel, Webb Lake and Spooner DNR responding to the fire. Despite the dry conditions, the fire was contained to the home and garage, sparing many nearby area homes and the golf course. The owners were reported to be golfing in Spooner at the time of the fire and were not home. A dog was, however, in the house at the time of the fire and was found deceased.

– Photo by Sherill Summer

Emergency fire regulations imposed

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN — Emergency Forest Fire Regulations will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning, May 3.

These regulations are in effect in the following counties: Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron.

Under this emergency order, burning any combustible materials outdoors is prohibited.

This includes burning debris piles and burning in barrels, all campfires unless in a developed campground, smoking any cigars, cigarettes, or pipes except in a vehicle or building.

Also prohibited is the disposal of any matches, ashes, charcoal briquettes, or any burning materials into the outdoors, and all fireworks, legal or other-

wise.

Charcoal grills may be used only in the immediate vicinity of a residential dwelling on a non-combustible surface, such as concrete.

These regulations will remain in effect until significant rain is received.

For further information contact your local DNR Ranger Station.

Fire prevention paid off with no forest fires in Washburn or Burnett counties on Sunday, April 29, during the Red Flag warning. “Thanks to all the folks who educated their friends, neighbors and visitors of the dangers of forest fires in northern Wisconsin.

The fire prevention was a community effort and it worked,” praised Jay Riewestahl, DNR firefighter.

Firefighters battled 60 fires in north-

ern Wisconsin. Some fires include the Pioneer Fire near Cable, which burned 1,140 acres and one hunting trailer. The fire was contained as of Tuesday, May 1. The Foxboro fire in Douglas County burned 600 acres and was started by a train. Dry Town Fire near Hayward burned 53 acres.

DNR and the local fire departments responded to eight fires in Burnett, Washburn and northern Barron and Polk counties. The eight fires burned less than 20 acres.

With little to no rain, fire conditions are still critical. The current fire danger is very high, and with an increase in wind, the fire danger will increase.

— from Wisconsin DNR

Man on “no drink” court order arrested at bar POLK COUNTY - A man arrested three times in one week was arrested again last week for bail jumping. Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Mark Derrick on Friday around 3 p.m. at Ward’s Bar in Dresser.

Deputies reported finding the man sitting at the bar with a half-full glass of beer next to him. His bond conditions

were that he did not drink.

Derrick, 56, was also arrested on April 18, 19 and 21, after allegedly causing disturbances at the Osceola Medical Center and outside the Osceola Inn, at the Cascade Bar in Osceola and the Valley Motel in Dresser. He was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, trespassing and for repeatedly calling

911 for no apparent reason. He had been released from the Polk County Jail on bond.

On Friday, Derrick was transported to Cumberland Hospital for a psychological evaluation after causing a disturbance at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center and threatening to harm himself. – Julie Holmquist

44,000 pounds of food distributed

Ruby’s Pantry gave 44,000 pounds of food to 284 families at Webster’s old high school last Thursday, April 26.

Wayne’s Foods Plus supplied volunteers for Ruby’s Pantry’s visit. Ruby’s Pantry plans regular stops in Burnett and Polk counties. They will be at the Frederic Fire Hall on May 15, and Danbury Fire Hall on May 24. They are scheduled to rotate between Luck and Frederic on the third Tuesday of each month, and rotate between Siren, Webster and Danbury on the fourth Thursday of each month. Named after Ruby Flodin, Ruby’s Pantry gives away millions of pounds of surplus food in mainly rural counties in northwestern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota.

For more information on Ruby’s Pantry, visit homeandawayministries.org. – Photo by Sherill Summer

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

Hangar owners/from page 1 In response, the county is filing for a summary and declarative judgment against the BCHOA. A filing of this nature asks the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the BCHOA has no basis for filing the suit or has no legal standing to file such a suit.

The hangar owners are willing to discuss the matter with the press, but county personnel involved in the matter have either been unavailable or have refused comment on the advice of legal counsel. Phone calls to Arnold were not answered, and both Candace Fitzgerald, county administrator, and Carsten Endresen, chairperson of the county’s property committee, indicated they would not discuss the problem or its consequences. Counsel for the county in this dispute, Charles Bohl of Whyte, Hirschboeck & Dudek of Milwaukee, did not return phone calls placed to him.

According to Ken Kreutzmann, president of the BCHOA, the property committee has taken several steps that have resulted in the situation of value loss faced by the hangar owners. In an informal complaint to the FAA, Kreutzmann claimed the county had not operated the airport in a safe manner; it had engaged in discriminatory practices in leasing hangar space; and it had not negotiated with the hangar owners in good faith.

Two economic issues appear to be at stake here. First, if any of these claims can be substantiated, current and future federal grant monies could be in jeopardy, and the airport could lose this funding.

Second, together or alone these issues could discourage other potential tenants from establishing a hangar at the airport. This may already have happened in two cases. According to Kreutzmann, both an air ambulance service and a flight school had considered operating out of the county airport, but both canceled plans, apparently because of the problems cited by the BCHOA. Attempts by The Leader to confirm this failed when phone calls were not returned.

All of this taken together, according to Kreutzmann, has created a situation in which the value of the hangars at the airport is decreasing.

A letter dated April 12, 2007, to Arnold from Sandra DePottey, program manager of the Airports District Office in Minneapolis, with input from the FAA in Washington, supports some of Kreutzmann’s claims about airport and lease conditions, but not all of them.

DePottey was responding to communication from Arnold with regard to an informal complaint by Kreutzmann alleging discriminatory practices by the county in its treatment of airport tenants.

DePottey notes that a preliminary finding shows that the airport has been operated in a safe manner. She comments, “Continued vigilance in maintaining the airport is appreciated.” She further notes that an air show “was properly run.”

With regard to the charge of discriminatory practices DePottey writes Arnold, “We would like you to provide justification as to why the DNR lease, which was newly imposed, contains different terms and conditions from the proposed lease being submitted to the hangar tenants.”

DePottey also takes issue with several items in the lease proposed by the county. For example, the lease period of 10 years proposed by the county is too short; and the county’s requirement for a lien on a hangar is an “unreasonable requirement and could affect the tenant’s ability to gain financing.” This would appear to substantiate the hangar owners’ claim of loss of value.

The dispute between the hangar owners and the county dates back to the spring of 2004. At that time the county published a proposed three-party hangar lease that would replace the

According to a member of the BCHOA, the Burnett County Airport has elected not to renew the lease on hanger 22 (pictured) with no reason given, and the county is trying to cancel that lease “while attempting to maintain the county argument that the existing lease is not valid.” The hanger owners have cited such actions by the county as factors in their lawsuit against the county. - Photo by Carl Heidel review the intent of the lease. The minlease agreement then in effect between standard lease as soon as possible.”

Apparently the county responded by utes note, “Chairman Endresen agreed the county and the hangar owners.

In a letter to Congressman Dave Obey removing some of the most problematic and tabled the issue until after such a March 30, 2007, Tom White, a member items in their lease proposal, and then meeting could be arranged.”

When The Leader contacted Endresen of the BCHOA, states, “This proposed attempted to issue this lease to the lease was so illogical that it precipitated hangar owners in the fall of 2005. The on April 24, 2007, to determine whether the formation of the Burnett County hangar owners claim that this attempt this meeting was held, he first said that Hangar Owners Association.” Most of did not conform to amendment provi- he didn’t know, then that he couldn’t the hangar owners at the airport are sions of the existing lease and was not remember. Then he refused to discuss the matter and answer any further quesmembers of this group. timely.

A hangar lease is a land lease. The Throughout the fall and into the win- tions.

White claims that Whitley made county leases a parcel of land to an indi- ter of that year, contacts between the vidual who then constructs a building two sides continued in the form of an repeated attempts to obtain a copy of on the land. Hangar owners bear the exchange of letters and public com- Hoeft’s lease proposal as amended by costs of this construction. ments in property committee sessions. the property committee and to schedule When the county withdrew the new Then in January of 2006, the committee a meeting with Hoeft. In a letter to the lease proposal, both the BCHOA and agreed to hear the owners’ attorney, property committee April 6, 2006, the county submitted new proposals for Jason Whitley of Novitzke, Gust, Sempf Kreutzmann claimed that Whitley had made two requests to Arnold for a consideration. These proposals were & Whitley located in Amery.

Whitley was not able to be present at working copy of the proposed lease of discussed into the fall of 2004, and then in the spring of 2005 the county issued that meeting, but he submitted his com- Sept. 29, 2005, with changes that were ments in a letter several days prior to approved by the committee after the another lease proposal.

This proposal was drafted by Donald the meeting. In that letter he said that proposal was mailed to the hangar tenHoeft of the St. Paul, Minn., law firm of the hangar owners’ persistence in the ants. According to Kreutzmann, Arnold LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. discussion was “based solely upon our responded with incomplete documentaAccording to White, the county present- good faith desire to avoid the conse- tion.

Whitley then apparently attempted to ed this new proposal as a finished prod- quences of having this minor dispute uct, not as a proposal that would serve compound into significant, costly and arrange the meeting with Hoeft that was agreed upon in the January property as the basis for negotiations between the public litigation.”

According to According to Whitley, his clients were committee meeting. two parties.

Then in May, 2005, Hoeft was present simply requesting that the county “com- White, Hoeft responded in a letter in at a property committee meeting to ply with its legal obligations and con- April 2006 that the county had no wish explain the new lease. The property tractual obligations and establish a new to negotiate further “and the hangar committee is responsible for the admin- lease, if it desires, in accordance with the owners must sign the proposed lease or istration and operation of the county’s terms of the existing lease and in accor- face eviction.” (White’s words.)

According to White, the BCHOA legal airport, and it invited the BCHOA to dance with federal and state law.” He also asked that the lease be fair to both action is the direct result of the threat in this meeting.

Hoeft’s letter.

But according to Kreutzmann, since parties.

In the letter to Obey, White claims that The position of the BCHOA articulatthere was no possibility for negotiation on the new lease, the hangar owners’ ed in this letter is that the lease that had the county continues to act in a “capriresponses and comments were confined been in effect when the dispute began is cious and arbitrary” way with the to the public comment portion of the still in effect. According to Kreutzmann, hangar owners. He claims that the meeting. So Kreutzmann presented and the county’s Corporation Counsel, county has elected not to renew the read into the committee minutes the David Grindell of Grindell Law Offices lease on hanger 22 with no reason given, BCHOA’s position statement regarding in Frederic, told the hangar owners the and that the county is trying to cancel same thing. According to Kreutzmann, that lease “while attempting to maintain Hoeft’s lease.

In that statement Kreutzmann out- Grindell told the owners that the origi- the county argument that the existing lined the hangar owners’ understanding nal lease was in effect and the owners lease is not valid.”

At the same time, according to White, of the terms of the lease, and stated that should continue to make their rent paythey found “the proposed lease dramat- ments. Grindell did not respond to con- the new owner of hangar 11 had his ically out of step with lease agreements tacts from The Leader attempting to lease check to the county returned when he submitted it as a member of the in use at similar airports.” According to confirm this claim.

With his letter, Whitley renewed a BCHOA. But then Arnold privately his statement, “Nearly every airport comparable to Burnett County uses the requested motion originally made to the asked for and accepted the check and state of Wisconsin lease format with rel- property committee at its regularly renewed the owner’s contract “for the atively minor changes. It is short, con- scheduled Dec. 8, 2005, meeting. The next year under the existing lease using motion asked the committee to require the existing rates.” cise and approved by the state.”

“The BCHOA position remains the On the basis of that prototype, the airport manager, Arnold, and a legal Kreutzmann described the county pro- representative of the county‘s choosing same,” says White to Obey. “It is unreaposal as “atypical and onerous for the to arrange a meeting with members of sonable to let the county impose a new tenant.” These problems, according to the BCHOA and their representative to document that is not an amendment to the statement, would create a condition “conduct a good faith negotiation con- the current lease, still containing onerous sections that are needlessly complex that would make it difficult to keep cerning the terms of a new lease.”

According to the minutes of the and punitive, while refusing to negotiexisting hangar tenants and attract new business to the airport, and that in the January 11, 2006, meeting where all this ate further.”

If the hangar owners’ suit survives the long term they would reduce activity at took place, Grindell, who was also present, suggested that the committee table county’s legal challenge, it will go the airport.

At the same time, the BCHOA state- the lease issue and arrange for a meet- before the Hon. Eugene D. Harrington, ment offered to continue discussions of ing between Hoeft, Arnold, members of Justice of the Circuit Court in Washburn a new lease in order to institute “a new the property committee and Whitley to County.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Siren School Board elects new president

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – After five years under the leadership of Sid Sherstad, the Siren School Board has a new president.

Dayton Daniels was elected as the new president at the board’s April 23 meeting, and thanked Sherstad for his years of service.

Two board members were nominated for vice president, Sherstad and Jeff Howe. By a vote of 4-3, Sherstad was elected to that position. Dave McGrane was the unanimous choice for board treasurer; Bill Ellis for the position of clerk.

McGrane agreed to represent the district at the CESA #11 annual convention in Turtle Lake. Howe and Doug Coyour, both having graduating children, will represent the board at graduation May 18.

Action after closed session Following closed-session discussion after the meeting, the board took action to authorize the district administrator to establish a remedial program for atrisk students. This program is to be in effect during the remainder of this school year and will go into a summer remedial program, if necessary.

The purpose of the program is to improve student grades and increase grade promotions. Students in danger of not being promoted to the next level will be pulled out to receive special help in a resource room. If the students’ grades have not come up by the end of the school year, they will attend mandatory summer school classes to help them go on to the next grade level with their classes.

Meeting actions Retired board member Loretta Nelson expressed her appreciation to the K-4 classes who dedicated their spring musical program to her in honor of her 24 years of service on the board.

Nelson was ill and unable to be at the April 18 program.

“You will never, never know what this means to me. My heart is so full of joy I have been going around with a Chessie Cat grin. You have pleased me very much. I will never forget it,” Nelson said.

Retired teacher Howard Kopecky was on hand to talk about the effort made by many people in renovating the S pond, a wildlife/picnic area on the north side of school property. Help was received from a jail inmate workthrough Burnett County ing Restorative Justice Response. One-onone supervision for that person was provided at a time when students were not on the property.

An agreement has been reached between Kopecky, District Administrator Scott Johnson and science teacher Brad Morris to keep up the area as a part of the district’s environmental education studies. Kopecky would also like to expand the nature trail that, at one time, wound for a mile around the area.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next school board meeting will be held on the last Tuesday of May, May 29, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the media center.

The retirement requests from two longtime staff members were accepted, effective at the end of this school year.

Georgian Borchsenius, the Title I and at-risk coordinator, has been with the district for 17 years. Librarian and IMC

Newly elected Siren School Board members Bill Ellis and Michelle Renberg took their oaths of office at the April 23 school board meeting.

Ellis, a longtime board member, was re-elected to his position. Renberg replaces Loretta Nelson, who retired after 24 years on the school board.

Update on Siren Main Street Project SIREN – Curbs and gutters are to be poured on Siren’s Main Street Thursday and Friday, May 3 and 4.

The concrete subcontractor will stay on site to start work on the sidewalks right after that.

Parts of Main Street will be closed during curb and gutter construction.

Before the concrete sidewalk is put in, the sidewalk areas must be graded.

This means that some of the gravel walkways will be unavailable for foot traffic.

Walkways will be left in front of the Main Street Café and the Siren Post Office until just before the sidewalk is poured. Access will be maintained by one route or another at all times. Most of Main Street should be open to traffic and parking over the weekend of May 5-6. - Randy Surbaugh, village administrator/engineer

coordinator Sheila Staples has been with the district for a little over 29 years.

“Both of these educators are outstanding people. They deserve special recognition for everything they have done over the years. Thank you to them on behalf of everybody,” Johnson said.

The school board ratified the 20062008 collective bargaining agreement with support staff. This agreement calls for 2-percent increases July 1, 2006, Jan. 1, 2007 and July 1, 2007, and a 1-percent increase Jan. 1, 2008. The board cancelled an agenda item calling for ratification of the two-year contract with the teaching staff, saying that agreement was not yet ready for ratification.

The board accepted the second reading of a virtual online policy that will offer a greater selection of courses than are possible in a regularly scheduled day within the high school, and set the conditions for taking virtual and online courses.

Johnson promised to have a recommendation on the number of SAGE positions that will be needed for 20072008 ready for the May school board meeting. He also set Wednesday, May 23, at 6 p.m. as a SAGE meeting for interested parents/persons.

Dayton Daniels was elected president of the Siren School Board at the board’s April 23 meeting.

Sid Sherstad was elected vice president, Dave McGrane treasurer and Bill Ellis clerk. – Photos by Nancy Jappe Dates to remember: Thursday, May 3 – Senior Awards Night in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 – fifth- and sixth-grade concert at 2 p.m.

Friday, May 18 – outdoor graduation to begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6: Last day of school for students.

Thursday, June 7: Last day of school for teachers. June 11-29 – summer school.

Retired agriculture/environmental teacher Howard Kopecky (L) was the moving force for the renovation of Siren School’s S pond on the northeast part of the school property as part of the school’s 2007 Earth Day observance. Kopecky was instrumental in setting up the pond in 1972 with his classes. In this photo, he is showing school board member Doug Coyour information about that pond and an agreement signed between Administrator Scott Johnson, science teacher Brad Morris and himself for upkeep of the area from now on.

Golf course lease signed

Local group plans May opening

by Gregg Westigard GRANTSBURG - A lease agreement for the operation of the Grantsburg Golf Course was signed Tuesday. Under the agreement, a new corporation will lease the course for an initial three-year period. Grantsburg Golf Course LLC and the Grantsburg Village Council reached final agreement on terms at a special council meeting Monday morning. The nine-hole golf course is now scheduled to open in early May. Five local residents, Dave Huff, Craig Selander, Dana Olson, Stan Peer and Patricia Kutz, formed the new corporation that will operate the course. Terms of the lease call for the lessee to pay the village one dollar a year in rent and half of any revenues in excess of expenses. The initial

lease period is through 2009. The agreement ends a period of negotiations that involved at least four other interested parties.The new operator will now hire staff to run the clubhouse and maintain the course, and will start selling memberships for the coming season. It will also start work on rebuilding the number three and nine holes that have been cut by construction of a new addition and entrance for the Burnett Medical Center. Those holes were on land owned by BMC and leased to the course for many years. BMC has offered $50,000 for the reconstruction. Plans announced at a council meeting April 20 say the course operators will increase marketing and promotion of the course to raise revenues. Expenses will be reduced by lowering personnel and administration expenses. A fundraising drive will be started to raise money for long-term course reno-

vations. The village-owned golf course had operated at a profit for many years after it expanded to nine holes in 1967.

The course started to lose money in 2001, in part due to the opening of the 18-hole Siren National Course.

Revenues decreased in every category including greens fees and memberships. At the same time expenses remained flat. A $14,000 income in 2000 became a $37,000 loss in 2005. Those losses were initially covered by drawing down the golf course reserves.

Those reserves were depleted by 2005, the first year the village needed to use general revenues to cover course expenses. The $26,257 expense for 2005 was expected to rise to over $50,000 in 2007. Rather than use tax dollars to cover losses, the village council decided to lease the course or close it.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Department of Corrections puts up new building in Siren Location: The east side of Hwy. 35 just north of the government center

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Five gold shovels, five hard hats and five involved people – perfect for the groundbreaking of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections new building on the east side of Hwy. 35 north of the Burnett County Government Center.

The groundbreaking was set up by Anne Cartman, department supervisor since Jan. 22 of the DOC offices in Burnett and Polk counties. Cartman, a probation agent for the past 14 years in Hudson, took on the supervisor responsibilities when the districts were split.

Up to that time, Burnett County had been supervised from Superior, and Polk County was aligned with Dunn County. Now, Superior and Spooner form one district, Polk and Burnett another.

Burnett County Judge Mike Gableman, Sheriff Dean Roland, County Board Chair Larry Main, County Administrator Candace Fitzgerald and Cartman were on hand for the symbolic groundbreaking of the building Monday, April 30. Actually, construction was going on in the background, having started Wednesday, April 25, with the clearing of trees.

Contractor Jerry Thompson from Spooner and his men were hard at work.

“Burnett County is one of the quickest-growing

Groundbreaking for the new Wisconsin Department of Corrections building in Burnett County was held Monday, April 30, with (L to R) DOC Supervisor Anne Cartman, Judge Mike Gableman, County Board Chairman Larry Main, Sheriff Dean Roland and County Administrator Candace Fitzgerald digging out the symbolic scoops of dirt.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Candace Fitzgerald (L), Burnett County administrator, looked over the plans for the new Department of Corrections building, construction for which started Wednesday, April 25, and is expected to be completed by October.

Anne Cartman, supervisor of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections office in Burnett County, looked over plans for the department’s new building to go up on Hwy. 35 just north and east of the Burnett County Government Center.

offices (in the state),” Cartman commented, as she explained the need for more room for the local agents to operate. The office, located in the basement of the government center, has five agents assigned to space with only four offices. One of the agents functions without an office of his own. On top of that, there is no room for Cartman to use on her weekly supervisory visits to the office.

“The new building is big enough for seven agents

and the supervisor, plus two program assistants,” Cartman said, adding that it is big enough for expansion beyond that. Building dimensions are 50 feet by 64 feet, providing 3,200 square feet of usable space.

“There’s room for equipment and a conference room for running groups,” Cartman went on. “It’s a luxury (we) don’t have now.”

Cartman works out of the Polk County office in Balsam Lake. She is excited about the progress of construction in Burnett County, saying that the planned Polk County expansion of its building hasn’t even started yet.

“We’re hoping to have the (Burnett County) operation up and running by October,” Cartman commented, adding that with the space offered in the new building, she will be able to come up here more often than once a week.

“There are great agents here,” she went on to say. “I have worked with them before, and know they are doing a good job.” The agents she referred to are: Senior Agent Rudy Ritger, Thomas Dinkel, Dave Hatch, Darin Gleason and Bill Lennox. Lennox, the latest addition to the office, was at first on a job share between Superior and Siren. He is now full time in Siren. Each agent is assigned 85 clients to supervise.

Linda Isaacson is the program assistant in the office right now.

“It’s a trade-off,” Judge Mike Gableman commented, referring to the loss of not having the probation department in the government center building but close by, across the highway.

“The agents will have more room to do their work,” the judge continued. “The extra space will help both the agents in doing their jobs and the offenders. We are blessed with very good probation officers who are working hard to rehabilitate offenders and bring them back to healthy relationships in the community. I have been very impressed with what they do and try to do, and wish them good luck in what is no doubt going to be a beautiful new building.”

Cartman referred to the uniqueness in having a probation department in a rural community, an area people don’t think of as having such resources. “This is grass-roots stuff,” she said. She went on to paraphrase a common statement: “It takes a community to supervise an offender,” and added, “I think people have really tapped into that here.”

An open house will be held when the building has been completed and the agents have had time to settle in to give the community a chance to see the expansion of the unique resource that is available here in Burnett County.

(L to R) Burnett County Judge Mike Gableman, contractor Jerry Thompson from Spooner and DOC Supervisor Anne Cartman visited at the site of the new DOC building Monday, April 30.

Clearing of trees at the site started Wednesday, April 25, and the building is to be completed sometime in October.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

S T .

C R O I X V A L L E Y H E A D L I N E S

SCF resident to advocate Lance Armstrong Foundation in Washington ST. CROIX FALLS–Diane Chapman, St. Croix Falls, will be in Washington, D.C., on May 16 to meet with legislators and advocate for more resources, treatment and services for people affected by cancer.

Chapman is a cancer survivor and will be joining the Lance Armstrong Foundation on Livestrong Day on Capitol Hill as an advocate. She was selected as one of 200 advocates to participate in Livestrong Day. “I am honored to join the LAF for Livestrong Day and look forward to the opportunity to talk with memebrs of Congress about supporting legislation that expands access to screening, treatment, and care to emphasize the importance of making cancer a national priority,” Chapman said. “Participating in Livestrong Day is important to me because I feel compelled to raise awareness of cancer issues nationwide in an effort to educate everyone on the affects cancer has on the family unit and communities in which we live.”

Chapman is a participant in Polk County’s Relay for Life which raises money for Cancer Research. She said that while she watched other families hug, cry and rejoice, at being alive she had no idea that her own family would

be doing the same thing a year later.

“The total impact isn’t truly felt until it hits someone close to you,” Chapman said. “Making connections through the Lance Armstrong Foundation will hopefully enable me to share issues, concerns and awareness nationwide.”

About the LAF The Lance Armstrong Foundation unites people to fight cancer. The LAF believes that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. The LAF provides the practical information and tools people battling cancer need to live life on their own terms. The LAF also takes aim at the gaps between what is known and what is done to prevent death and suffering sue to ancer. They engage with and advocate for the public at large to pursue an agenda focused on prevention, ensuring access to screening and care, investment and research, and improving the quality of life for people affected by cancer. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist: Lance Armstrong, the LAF is located in Austin, Texas. To learn more about the Lance Armstrong Foundation, visit livestrong.org. –submitted

Butterfly House opens

Many members of the community toured the Butterfly House on Saturday during its open house. Volunteers worked long hours painting, repairing, cleaning and outfitting the house on Washington Street in St. Croix Falls. The sober house helps women in recovery from drug or alcohol dependency to have a successful transition to sober living. Its first residents arrived this week. (L to R) Lourie Keen, a Butterfly House Advisory Board member, and Doreen Rivard of the Butterfly House celebrate the home’s opening. – Photo

by Julie Holmquist

Follow the Leader.

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s question: As a parent, do you trust your school and local law enforcement officials to determine when parents should be alerted to issues of safety at the school?

1. Yes 34 (49 percent) 2. No 35 (51 percent This week’s question: Your favorite form of exercise?

1. Walking 2. Running 3. Dancing 4. Swimming 5. Recreational sports

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Editor’s NOTEBOOK

T

Not your grandmother’s teacher

here is a good vibe coming out of local public schools - certainly for the school year and perhaps all year long - and it’s due to the people who work there.

Teachers are taking their jobs seriously and the community is better for it something we often take for granted. Somewhat different images may come to mind for all of us when we think about our school days. Certainly there are one or more teachers who stand out in our lives as having an impact - and usually - in the end-more positive one than not.

The hours and the conditions for school marms of decades ago seems to hold some romantic value for us now, perhaps because life was so much simpler then - or so we think. It was certainly a challenge for someone trying to educate one or two rooms full of different-aged children under what we would consider barbaric conditions by today’s standards.

But while the physical environment may have improved, there’s nothing simplistic about teaching in today’s world. It takes specially funded programs to achieve a classroom size that is conducive to learning. Federal programs mandate test scores in exchange for funds, teachers are keeping up with psychology trends, Internet monitoring and lock-down drills. All the while shadowed by high-tech, interactive systems that allows one teacher to be shared by a handful of classrooms at one time - all miles away from each other. Wonderful technology - but stressful nonetheless.

Musical and theatre productions, pageants and concerts, sporting events and art shows produced in our schools are on par with national and professional talent. Band trips to Florida, learning expeditions to the nation’s Capitol. Community service coordination. Teachers are at the heart of it all, providing an experience that surpasses earlier generations, although all of it not necessarily a recipe for a better citizen.

That’s where the parent/guardian element enters into the picture.

There’s justified concern over raising the bar for teachers and students as we compare our test scores with those of other countries and neighboring states and welcome open enrollment and home schooling. After all, it’s all in the effort to give children the best possible start in life.

But consider the quality we have in our public education, down to the smallest enrollment facility. Appreciate the dedication that’s shown. And respect the outstanding job that is being done overall in the midst of an unforgiving world. And as National Teacher Appreciation Week arrives next week, just remember: We expect a lot from our teachers these days - and we get alot.

The new “letters page”

A tip ‘O the Hat Tip of the Hat this week goes to Howard Kopecky, Siren, retired agriculture/environmental education teacher at Siren High School. Kopecky was responsible for organizing the cleanup effort at the S pond on the school property, an artificial pond that Kopecky's classes created back in 1972. The cleanup effort was a big part of the school's Earth Day observation. Students removed debris, built picnic tables to put down there and ended up with a quiet area that will be conducive to wildlife health and growth and the health of the students who make use of the area for picnics and other quiet times. Kopecky was right in there working with the students till the very end, providing equipment, materials and all that was required to make the project a success.

Our letters to the editor policy doesn’t allow unsigned letters.

We tried that once, and it turned into a very short-lived experiment.

While anonymity allows for the airing of brutally honest statements, it also sets the stage for some very unfair circumstances. The accused unable to “face” his or her accuser, for one.

The modern version of the letters to the editor page - blogs and Internet chat rooms - allow free-for-all discussions and debates where sometimes more anger is expressed than wisdom. What these forums can provide that we can’t - or won’t - is a candid expression of thoughts without ownership.

Topix.net is a clearinghouse for local news. It’s a page that does a great job of gathering stories from local news Web sites across the country. Type in your zip code and you’re likely to see stories from your local newspaper’s online home. Leader content runs amuk on this site. And, strangely enough, there are stories about our stories. “Go see Butler in the middle of nowhere,” reads one headline, referring to the appearance by Packer Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler at Siren last weekend. A Packer Web site had posted the story after someone had noticed our promo article about the event.

Pardon us, but we’re to the left of nowhere, thank you very much.

And there is also some feedback from visitors to Topix.net - on various stories. A total of 17 entries on a story about bad weather playing a factor in a fatal accident involving two young people.

Our story about a man, apparently intoxicated, who rolled his truck with a toddler inside, drew this response from Nicole, a woman in Greenville.: “I feel that no one should ever drive after they have been drinking. I mean people should plan not to drive after they plan to have a night of drinking. I think people in Polk County should think about the lives that they could be taking when they drink and drive...”

Well, people in Polk County may argue this isn’t their problem alone.

Michelle from Haugen responded to Nicole’s comments: “Tell me about it. So sick of hearing about drunk drivers!!! Judges are not tough enough.”

Is this the new town forum? Probably.

A form of voyeurism of our psyches? Perhaps.

But can these comments be taken as serious as a signed letter?

Only the reader can be the judge.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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

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

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MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r

F O R U M C o m m u n i t y

Where are there other potential flash points where American commitments to defend our interests in concert with allies and leave it solely in the exist? North and South Korea, hands of people like Jenson China and Taiwan, the Balkans, and Miles and Rasouli, and Afghanistan and the Taliban, yes, even David Obey—as and many countries in Europe sincere and honorable as and Central Asia newly freed undoubtedly are. they from the yoke of Soviet rule.

Someone in this community Boyd Without the probability that who understands the world Sutton America will stand up to local as it is, instead as we wish it bullying, what’s to become of were, needs to respond. those people?

First, I agree with those But the most important issue by far is who argue that we never should have gotten into Iraq in the first place. I don’t what confronting radical Islam means know what really possessed President for the future of Western civilization.

Bush and his national security advisors And, make no mistake, the war in Iraq to go to war against Iraq. It was pretty has become the centerpiece of that conclear to me as a private citizen, several frontation.

Herbert Meyer, founder and presiyears out of government service, that the weapons of mass destruction case dent of Real-World Intelligence, Inc., a was weak, at best. And, the same must world leader in business intelligence, be said of the claim that Iraq and Al sees the war in Iraq as one of four major transformations that are shaping our Qaida were in cahoots.

But, however we stumbled into Iraq, political, economic, and social future. we must not now run away. Former His argument is that terrorism is radiChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff cal Islam’s latest attack on Western civand Secretary of State Colin Powell ilization. (The last one was by the cited what he called “the Pottery Barn Ottoman Empire and it was barely rule: You break it, you own it.” To cut stopped at the gates of Vienna in 1683, and run now would be immoral with which, incidentally, took place on crockery all over the floor. Many September 11 of that year). Meyer responsible analysts, representing all states, “To deal with terrorism, the U.S. spectra of political belief, acknowledge is doing two things. First, units of our that there would be a horrible blood- armed forces are in 30 countries around letting should the Americans simply the world hunting down terrorist pull out before some semblance of an groups and dealing with them. This Iraqi government was firmly gets very little publicity. Second we are entrenched and able to protect its peo- taking military action in Afghanistan and Iraq. These are covered relentlessly ple.

Even worse, America’s credibility by the media. People can argue about throughout the world—as poor as it whether the war in Iraq is right or has become under President Bush— wrong. However, the underlying stratwould be shattered. No one could seri- egy behind the war is to use our miliously look upon us as a reliable ally if it tary to remove the radicals from power can be shown that American politicians and give the moderates a chance. Our and the American people have no hope is that, over time, the moderates stomach for even the relatively low will find a way to bring Islam forward casualties of the Iraq war—2730 com- into the 21st century. That’s what our bat deaths (as of April 26) since the war involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan is all about.” began on March 19, 2003.

Iraq and America’s future

M

uch has been and will continue to be said about America’s ill-advised war in Iraq. I read Andrew Jensen’s eloquently written column in this space (April 11, Of Obey and Obedience) and thought hard about whether to add my two bits.

Nothing that I or anyone else writes or says is going to change the minds of those who are so committed to ending this war. There is a segment of the American population—and I suspect that Jensen and Miles are among them—who believe that all wars are bad and that America should never engage in one unless invaded, and possibly not even then. After all, if we are just nice to everyone, everyone will be nice to us. It’s the politics of wishful thinking. Appeasement has never worked.

As one who has fought in a war— two unpleasant tours in Vietnam—I understand it’s horrors better than most. And, as someone who spent his entire professional career on the front lines of the Cold War, always in fear that some misunderstanding or miscalculation might lead to Armageddon, I abhor war. I would love to see swords beaten into plowshares—all swords, not just American swords.

But I also understand the importance of confronting those who would kill us without any thought at all. Those who believe so fanatically in their vision for the future of this world that they are willing to sacrifice themselves by flying airplanes into buildings and murdering thousands of innocents who were doing no more than making a living for their families. Those who are willing to slaughter their own women and children in indiscriminate bombings.

Those who use children as shields to protect themselves while firing on our soldiers.

No, I won’t change any minds, but I can not abandon the field of discussion

Herbert Meyer, served in the 1980s as the vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council, the organization that provides estimates on future developments to the president and other top leaders. He is widely credited as being the first senior intelligence officer to forecast the demise of the Soviet Union, an act for which he was awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the intelligence community’s highest distinction. He is one of the most distinguished and successful analysts in the business. And he has a track record of being right.

Meyer argues, “The lesson of 9/11 is that we live in a world where a small number of people can kill a large number of people very quickly. They can use airplanes, bombs, anthrax, chemical weapons, or dirty bombs. Even with a first-rate intelligence service (which the U.S. does not have), you can’t stop every attack. That means our tolerance ‘for political horseplay’ has dropped to zero. No longer will we play games with terrorists or weapons of mass destruction. Most of the instability and horseplay is coming from the Middle East. That’s why we have thought that if we could knock out the radicals and give the moderates a chance to hold power, they might find a way to reconcile Islam with the modern world. So when looking at Afghanistan or Iraq, it’s important to look for any signs that they are modernizing.”

What the United States is hoping to achieve in the Middle East is to allow moderate Islam to hang on in the face of the onslaught from the radicals represented by the likes of Al Qaida, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and the spawn of the venomous Wahabi madrasas that abound in the region.

There is some good news. Both Iraq and Afghanistan have the beginnings of a more representative government and some modern freedoms. A lot more that’s good is happening in both places

See Voices, page 10

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

S t a f f

C O R N E R

takes. I had a lot to learn.

Now I’m the parent of older teenagers. New phase. New Add to that a continually problems. I was dealing with sick infant who hardly ever one this morning as I left for slept except when I held him work. It’s not easy. across my shoulder and No matter what stage of parwalked the floor. enting we’re in, learning from We hadn’t found a church others helps. I’ve received help yet. I felt alone. I was exhaustfrom plenty of books and from ed. I was used to working in a Early Childhood Family Julie nice office with adult human Education in Minnesota when beings who didn’t cry (most Holmquist my kids were babies. of the time, that is). It was a I’ve learned about parenting recipe for burnout. from classes offered at my It was hard. I made mistakes. I had a church, from plenty of other parents, lot to learn. from family and from even more books.

Flash forward: in 2003 my husband One that helped me a couple years and I adopted two preteens from a ago is called “Parenting with Love and Russian orphanage. They’d had a Logic.” rough life up to that point, and we had I’m also learning from a book about to earn their trust. They had issues teenagers and a portion of the brain we’d never dealt with before. We had to called the prefrontal lobe. Physicians learn to parent in new way. We had to now know that the prefrontal lobe is figure out how to love and discipline not completely developed in teenagers. older children we hadn’t birthed.

The biological facts give insight on It was hard, very hard. I made mis-

Confessions of an imperfect parent The beauty of “spacing” children many years apart lies in the fact that parents have time to learn the mistakes that were made with the older ones - which permits them to make exactly the opposite mistakes with the younger ones. ~Sydney J. Harris ••• arenting is tough work.

So when Kay Confer of Polk County Child Protection Department says this county needs more parenting education and support classes, I say bring it on.

I confess: I am not a perfect parent, and I need all the help I can get.

Eighteen years ago I quit my job to stay home with two babies in diapers.

My husband and I didn’t have a lot of money and we lived in an old house without air conditioning. (I remember an especially scorching summer there.)

We had just moved far from family and friends and I washed cloth diapers in the basement to save money.

P

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

teenagers and some of their behaviors and tendencies.

But like I said, I’m not perfect. I once purchased a book that had “imperfect parent” in the title. But life got busy. I never read it.

Somehow, my kids seem to be surviving my parenting. But like I said, bring on the parenting support groups and classes. We all need support at one time or another.

If you’re a stressed-out parent today, I can’t help much with this column except to say, “I’ve been there.”

Don’t feel bad if you have to send yourself to your room for a time out.

Just go there, take a deep breath, and say a prayer. If you need help, ask for it. It’s the smart thing to do.

••• The trouble with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed. ~Author Unknown

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

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

Let s embrace peace The April 28, 2004, editorial page of the Inter-County Leader contained my response to the question, “what can be done to make our world a better place, how to combat terrorism. . . what our country should do. . . after the savage attacks of 9/11.”

When are we going to listen to the reasons Osama bin Laden has given for ordering terrorists acts on the United States? Here are the two main ones: The United States has continually helped Israel oppress the Palestinians and other weak neighbors, and the United States has large military bases in Saudi Arabia.

He said, “Armed infidels in the holy land were a desecration of Islam.”1 Have we helped solve the problem by sending more troops to the mid-East? I end this exactly the same as I did three years ago.

“What do we do now?”

We, the West, say that we are sorry for our part in past injustices. We reach out to them and say, “How can we help you reclaim your culture?” We cannot force change on others. We cannot kill all the others. We can only change ourselves and look for our similarities. Let us embrace peace and humility.

Judy L. Wester Centuria

GAM

Over the last several years, the residents, staff and management of Golden Age Manor has had to deal with many rumors and news stories that have caused great anxiety to all. A great deal of the information for these stories comes from an attempt by the Polk County Board to lessen the deficit in the financial operation of the Golden Age Manor. GAM has, for many years, been operating with a surplus in revenue over expenses and those dollars flowed back to Polk County Government’s General Fund. It’s been only recently that GAM has had a shortfall in revenue over expense. The last five years have shown an average deficit of $175,000.

The main reason that has occurred is that the state of Wisconsin does not pay the entire cost of Medicaid for those residents needing Medicaid. The shortfall lately has had to come from Polk County. The state of Wisconsin receives $80 million from the federal government yet has only given back to nursing homes $37 million. Is it any wonder that there is a shortfall? Many studies have been done to lessen expenses at GAM, and more than $400,000 has been saved.

Still the pressure is there to find more savings. Recently the GAM governing committee hired a consulting company to study ways to improve the financial picture. Ecumen was hired and has completed the study with recommendations for training of staff to close any holes in reporting services rendered to residents that would be reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid. One recommendation was to stop the contract GAM has with the Amery Housing Authority (Evergreen Village) to provide assisted living services to those persons needing the service and help. GAM was the first to provide assisted living in Amery and it was a needed service. It has been a profitable venture for GAM, however, the governing committee saw fit to take the recommendation of Ecumen and stop the contract. The mission to begin with was to lessen the deficit of GAM and to opposite occurred. Now there is one less available service for the Amery area, worse, it makes it more difficult for GAM to lessen the shortfall in revenue over expense. It doesn’t appear that GAM is getting much help from Ecumen solving the problem.

The county board, in its wisdom, built Golden Age Manor 50 years ago because there was a need for nursing home services. Basically there wasn’t much available in Polk County before GAM. The county board again not long ago, saw a need for a memory care unit in Polk County and built Mary’s Cottage. As years have passed, more services and homes have become available. In spite of what some people report, the need for these services still exists and will into the future for this area of Wisconsin. Studies done by the County Nursing Homes Association has shown that. With the aging population in the U.S. and here at home, not to mention the help veterans are going to need after serving in Iraq and other places, we need to make sure those persons are well-cared for. They sacrificed for us, now we must step up and help as needed. Pressure must be put on the federal government and the state of Wisconsin to take care of our veterans and elderly.

Eugene Sollman Clear Lake

Confirmation

This is a confirmation of Karen Carpenter’s letter to the editor.

I was president of the CRA Board of Directors when we brought Karen in as interim director, and she helped us through a hard transition and did it very professionally.

I left the board at the end of my term but just wanted to reiterate her evaluation of the employees that where there during my term. These employees were very compassionate, well trained, who loved to help people and children who were going through the worst time of their lives.

They were never whiners or complainers and were very flexible and respectful.

These women also changed my life for the better and I also consider them Friends for Life.

David McGrane Siren

Clarifications

I would like to respond to some of the recent letters regarding the town of Daniels and correct some misinformation. The golf course owner wants the township to establish a TIF District for the development to help pay for hooking up to Siren’s new wastewater treatment plant. (It would be the taxpayers within the TIF District that would pay for the development, not the residents outside of the district.) The township would not be “purchasing part ownership in Siren’s wastewater plant.” The development would purchase capacity or the right to send sewage to the plant for treatment. Also, a township TIF has a maximum span of five to 16 years and by statute cannot be extended.

I would like to address the concern about extra costs associated with the development such as ambulance, fire and police protection. Ambulance service is provided by contract and is based on the number of year-round residents multiplied by $19.50. This amount is included in the town budget and is paid for by all taxpayers in Daniels Township, including the non-yearround residents. Adding more taxpayers in a development would lower the cost to everyone. Fire protection is based on land value and would also be lowered with more taxpayers. The township voted down village powers so we can’t establish a police department, and I don’t think the county will add a deputy to patrol the golf course and new development.

A long-range plan was prepared about five years ago for the town.

However, without zoning, nothing in that plan is enforceable. In 1971, the then-town board turned down county zoning, in effect saying, “We don’t want you to tell us what to do with our land.”

But if you want to tell somebody else what to do with their land, you need zoning. Like it or not, the development will go forward. From what the owner has said, it sounds like it will be tastefully done, the property will be screened, and the houses will be in one area, not spread all over the township.

The added assessed value of the development will result in lower taxes for all.

As far as a new town hall, at the 2006 annual meeting, Vernon Peterson called for a referendum on whether or not to build one. I checked with the attorneys from the Wisconsin Towns Association and found out that the only way a town board can be given such authority is by a vote of the electors at the annual meeting, (Statute 60.10). So anyone could

have just made a motion either way to vote on it that night at the annual meeting. There are issues with the town hall that have yet to be resolved, and a committee was formed to look into those issues. I hope the committee will continue to address them.

From the time I was appointed to the board, I vowed to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Wisconsin, and that is what I did. I read the statutes, and when I needed more clarification, I called the Wisconsin Towns Association attorneys and consulted with them. I believe we made decisions according to the law and in the best interests of the entire town.

And I thank you all for the opportunity I had to serve you.

Sincerely, Edward Bitler Siren

Voices/from page 9 that’s good is happening in both places than the press is interested in reporting. Their only interest, it seems, is the latest car bombing resulting in mass slaughter of innocent civilians.

And somehow this gets twisted into America’s fault. It’s not America’s fault.

It’s the fault of radical Islamists who know full well that American TV and news will focus on the slaughter and that most Americans lack the stomach for it.

But, if U.S. and Iraqi forces can dampen the efforts of the terrorists and radical elements among Sunni and Shiite sects and the remnants of the Taliban to undermine modernism, their people stand a good chance of emerging from darkness. And if short-sighted Americans and the politicians that pander to them don’t abandon them.

As Meyer points out, “Women joining the workforce and entering colleges in Afghanistan is good. The Iraqis stumbling toward a constitution is good.

People can argue about what the U.S. is doing and how we’re doing it, but anything that suggests Islam is finding its way forward is good.” But it needs time.

Congressman Obey and other Democrats’ move to play “bad cop,” as he put it when he came to Burnett County a month ago, is—at least at face value—well-intentioned.

Obey explained that the Democrats want to give General Petraeus political ammunition to move the Iraqi politicians to make the compromises necessary to give all parties to the conflict a stake in stability. This simply can’t happen in the cut-and-run scenario that Jensen and Miles and so many anti-war pacifists support.

Clearly, the Bush Administration’s handling of the Iraq war and broader diplomacy has been abominable.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Richard Sinnreich, who served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the staff of the National Security Council, states, “The war has been so badly mismanaged that even our allies doubt our competence.”

Andrew Krepinevich, executive director of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments and distinguished visiting professor of public policy at George Mason University, says, “The Bush administration has magnified the problems of Iraq by neglecting public diplomacy in the Muslim world and by not developing an energy policy to reduce the significance of Middle Eastern oil.”

But mismanagement is not an excuse to cut and run. The stakes are far too

high. Any withdrawal short of leaving Iraq’s nascent democratic movement in a position to defend itself risks disaster for the region and for the United States.

As former defense secretary William S. Cohen said, “The geopolitical consequences are … potentially global in scope.” Not only would Iraq descend into utter chaos and blood-letting on a far greater scale than we see now, but there is a better-than-even chance that Turkey would feel compelled to invade the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq to protect Turkomen ethnic groups there and to counter the PKK—Kurdish terrorists who have their own territorial ambitions. This would, in turn, likely lead the European Union to reject Turkey’s bid to join the European community and push Turkey inexorably into the Islamist camp. It is teetering between secularism and an Islamist government even now.

Relatively moderate Islamic countries from North Africa to Jordan would face emboldened radical Islamists and their governments, now somewhat friendly to the United States, could fall. The radicals’ position in Saudi Arabia, with that country’s one-quarter of the world’s known oil reserves, would be strengthened and U.S. access to Saudi oil would be jeopardized. The U.S. economy would tank. Pakistan’s radicals might take over the country—and its nuclear weapons. Iran’s radicals would become firmly entrenched and their efforts to acquire nuclear weapons would proceed unchecked.

The United States is confronting radical Islam now, and it must continue to do so in Iraq. If not, the radicals will win and they will come back to confront the U.S. again—but this time armed with nuclear weapons and the belief that their religion demands their use against the “Great Satan,” America. The cutand-run strategy virtually guarantees such a future. It’s not a legacy I want to leave for my grandchildren.

Editor’s note: Boyd Sutton spent his youth moving from one country to another in Europe and the Middle East as his father served in military and foreign service posts.

He served nearly 11 years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam and 26 years in the Central Intelligence Agency.

He is a graduate of Widener University, the National War College, and the Program for Senior Executives in Government at Harvard University. He has lived near Siren for the past nine years. Sutton is editor of The Wisconsin Regional Writer, journal of the state writers’ association.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Lyme disease

Thank you W. Jensen for writing from Trade River about the seriousness and severity of Lyme disease infection and the exploding incidence of the disease in Polk and Burnett counties.

Very few people and doctors know the failure of short-term antibiotic treatment actually helps lasting Lyme disease infection take up residence in the brain. A study in the Czech Republic found markers for Lyme disease in one third of psychiatric ward patients. Even without mental confusion and dementia like your doctor mentioned, the pain and the degree of debility caused by Lyme disease drives people to suicide.

I’m glad you welcome the proliferation of tick-eating wild turkeys on your acreage and the resultant drop in the tick population you noticed. I, too, worry about hunters destroying natural Lyme disease prevention predators like turkeys and not enough large hosts like deer. The year before last, Wisconsin hunters wanted to kill feral cats that keep tick populations down by eating white-footed mice, an important host for Lyme disease. Luckily, there was not enough support for this folly. Now I’ve heard the DNR has plans to destroy turkey eggs by importing rattlesnakes that eat the eggs. I hope that’s silly rumor, more turkeys would be great for all of us!

To find out how to protect yourself and your property, a Lyme Disease Prevention information table will be set up at the May 5 Minnesota Lyme Disease Action Group’s 5k Walk, for

L e a d e r F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r A re a n e w s someone who can’t/run for research in Forest Lake, Minn. (8 a.m. registration/9 a.m. walk/run start.) visit www.minnesotalymeactiongroup.com for more information.

Air your thoughts and grievances on Lyme disease with other concerned citizens at Lyme Action Wisconsin group meetings in Amery. Our next meeting will be Thursday, May 10, in the Bremer Bank downstairs meeting room at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Marina Andrews Luck

Meltdown and me This is about meltdown and me. I had gained 10 pounds over a few years, so I thought, here it goes. I’ll see if I can lose 10 pounds. I did exactly what I was to do – drink 64 ounces of water (I wasn’t a water drinker), but drink I did. Now I keep doing it as I like it, and that way I don’t eat so much. But it was the sweets that I ate too much of so really one don’t need many of those either, but exercise is a must. Not just now and then, but every day. That’s where Curves is such a great help. You get the routine exercise for all parts of your body. Do them just the way they are set up for you to do them. I feel great, really thrilled that I was on this program. Yes, and I was a winner too, never thinking I would win, but thanks Nora, I did. God’s blessings. You’re great.

Vera Amundsen Frederic

Truck driver found not guilty in bus accident that killed five HUDSON - An Indiana truck driver has been found not guilty of negligent homicide in an accident in October 2005 that killed five people aboard a bus near Osseo.

Michael Kozlowski was also found not guilty for the injuries to 28 others on the bus, which was carrying the Chippewa Falls High School band.

The case was moved to St. Croix County because of pretrial publicity.

Prosecutors had argued that Kozlowski got behind the wheel of the semi

despite having been at a party the night before in Indiana, and getting very little sleep. His truck briefly went off I-94 in Eau Claire County before coming back onto the highway and overturning. The bus hit it shortly after.

Kozlowski’s attorney says his client made a mistake in trying to pull off the road, but called the resulting accident bad judgment, rather than criminal negligence. - Wisconsin Public Radio (Michael Leland)

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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

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 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

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 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 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

Dies while cleaning firearm CAMERON - A Cameron man who was cleaning his firearms died Friday afternoon when one of the weapons accidentally discharged. At approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, a woman called 911 and said that she found her husband dead from a gunshot wound in their home. She told dispatchers that she had just spoken with him about four hours earlier, and he was fine then. When officers arrived they found Douglas A. Nauman, 57, dead in the lower level of the home. A subsequent investigation determined that he had been cleaning and oiling his firearms when one accidentally went off, fatally wounding him. – Barron News-Shield Threatening graffiti prompts letter RICE LAKE - There are no leads on who wrote the threatening graffiti found after school April 13 in a Rice Lake High School boys bathroom. “The graffiti indicated potential harm to two students,” said school principal Larry Zeman. Police records stated that the message said, “— — and — — are going to die 4-20-07” and “—— should — die.” Friday was the eighth anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. “We were in close communication with the [threatened] students and their families and developed a plan to ensure their safety,” Zeman said. Students in all district schools went home Thursday with a letter that asked for the support and understanding of parents and guardians, encouraged them to call with their questions and included the following press release issued that day by the school district and the police department: “Rice Lake High School staff discovered graffiti on a bathroom stall that indicated potential harm to two students. We have been in communication with the appropriate people, including the Rice Lake Police Department. A reward is being offered by the Rice Lake School District and the Rice Lake Police Department in the amount of $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

The school district and the police department take all safety concerns very seriously. Be assured we are investigating this matter and are confident we will continue to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff.” – Rice Lake Chronotype Wildfire threatens homes HAYWARD - An advancing forest fire threatened dozens of homes in the Drytown community on the Lac Courte Oreilles reservation Sunday afternoon, but the flames were stopped before they did any structural damage through the quick efforts of dozens of local firefighters working with Department of Natural Resources fire crews. Smoke from the fire was spotted by DNR fire tower personnel around 1:30 p.m. in a grassy, pine-dotted field north of Water Tower Lane approximately two miles south of CTH B, about nine miles east of Hayward. Pushed by winds gusting to 30 mph, the fire headed east through a pine plantation and mixed woodland toward residences on Drytown Lane.

Flames could be seen up to 30 feet high in the woods. LCO police and Sawyer County Sheriff’s deputies evacuated a number of residences and blocked off the area. DNR fire crews out of

Hayward, along with the LCO and town of Hayward Fire departments, were paged to the scene. Eventually, more than 50 firefighters from eight local fire departments were involved in suppressing the fire. Local fire crews protected structures and put water on the flanks of the fire. DNR tractor plows plowed furrows around the edges of the fire to stop its advance. During the height of the fire, DNR tanker airplanes flew low over the blaze and dumped three loads of fire retardant to snuff out the leading edge of the flames. The fire covered more than 20 acres of woods.

No injuries were reported. The origin of the fire is under investigation. The fire occurred on a day in which the entire region was under a Red Flag warning for extreme wildfire danger due to very dry woodlands, sunny warm weather, low humidity and high winds. – Sawyer County Record Discouraging news for school, city BARRON - More than $3 million in interest-free bonds that were to be used for installing a second wood boiler for the Barron Area School District and for installing an absorption chiller climate control system for the schools and the Barron Area Community Center are now unlikely to be awarded, city and school officials recently learned. The school district and BACC had originally received word from the IRS back in December that they had been given approval for Clean and Renewable Energy Bonds. CREBs are part of a federal program that gives incentives to develop clean and renewable energy by providing low-cost or interest-free capital. Plans for these funds included installing a wood boiler at Riverview Middle School, connecting the BACC to the school district’s steam line and installing high-efficiency absorption chillers for climate control purposes at school buildings and at the community center. Superintendent Monti Hallberg said that the next step was to get a legal opinion in order to confirm that the projects the school district and community center had outlined in their application to the IRS would actually qualify for the funds intended purpose.

Although it seemed very likely that the projects would pass muster with legal counsel, since the IRS had approved the application to begin with, that did not turn out to be the case, he said. Don Peterson, who sits on the BACC Board of Directors, said city officials were told that their projects didn’t qualify for the interest-free bonds because most of the projects fell into bio-mass and other energy categories, rather than the solar energy category that their application indicated they were pursuing. The solar projects that did qualify aren’t cost effective for the city, so they won’t be moving forward either, he said. Making the news especially bitter was the fact that the BACC needed the funds so badly, Peterson said. The hope of interest-free bonds came at a time when the facility was facing high maintenance costs with its rooftop heating and cooling units, which are the originals that went up with the building and are in need of replacement. Now, in order to get them replaced, general bonds would have to be used, which will incur interest and count against the city’s debt load. – Barron News-Shield

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

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Revolving loan approved

New owners for J&D building

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – The city council approved a $30,000 revolving loan fund Monday night after the recommendation from the revolving loan fund committee had been made.

The revolving loan is to three new owners for the J&D Clothiers building downtown. The owners are Anne Rolling, president, Jacqueline Alexander, vice president, and Brenda VanBrocklen, secretary/treasurer, each owning 33.33 percent of the building.

J&D Clothiers is closing the business because the owners, Don and Jean Deemer, are retiring. The business has been sold to the three partners mentioned for the revolving loan fund and those individuals are renovating the business to have individual businesses and retail space within.

The building is going to be divided into four retail spaces to include Simpler Times Ceramics, operated

by Rolling and VanBrocklen, and Once in a Blue Moon Gifts, operated by Alexander. The three are renters in other buildings downtown, but have exercised the option to own their own retail space as partners.

A small space will keep the tuxedo rental in place that was housed by J&D. A space for a retail office will also be available. The two businesses will take up two

places, and a third business, a used bookstore and coffee shop will take another space. The fourth space is open, but it was mentioned a chocolate shop is interested in that space. The council approved the loan with all in favor.

In other business, the city approved the purchase of sewer line televising equipment at a cost of $6,805.56.

The council also approved hiring Chad Amundson as a full-time public works employee. The city received 12 applications for the position, and the public works director, Scott Brust, recommend Amundson who has been working with the department on a part-time basis for the position.

• Also approved was the hiring of a full-time police officer for the police department. The city council approved the recommendation by Police Chief Jack Rydeen to hire Dan Peters as a full-time officer. The council also approved Rydeen to seek a new sergeant for the department to replace his former position before he became police chief. Rydeen said that a sergeant is needed because he can not be there at all times and people need someone in charge to report to.

Rydeen will come back with a nomination for sergeant to the council and says that by July, the department should be back up to full staff, just in time for Wannigan Days.

• A report from Jeff Nusbaum of Cedar Corp was

given to the council that construction on Louisiana Street started that day, April 30, and that they have been in contact with Xcel Energy for the portion of work they are having done to bury the powerline. It was reported that everything is moving along well in that construction and communication.

• LifeLink III Wisconsin regional manager/ambulance director, Joe Covelli, presented the council with a six-month update on the ambulance operation. He indicated that when LifeLink took over the ambulance service that the goal was to have some EMTs become paramedic certified. He reported that there are 13 basic EMTs and 10 paramedic EMTs. He added that response time from getting the call to being enroute has decreased from 5-10 minutes to 1-3 minutes. The closing of the Milltown Ambulance location also provided another ambulance and Covelli noted that there are two 24-7 and one backup ambulance now in St. Croix Falls. He also noted that because there are paramedic EMTs, pain medication such as morphine can be administered to patients now, where before they could not treat the pain with that form of medication. The council took no action and invited Covelli back for an update in another six months.

SCRMC groundbreaking May 3 ST. CROIX FALLS–The St. Croix Regional Medical Center surgical suite expansion will be breaking ground May 3.

The Surgery Center will be constructed where the current emergency entrance is located facing State Street in St. Croix Falls.

The Surgery Center will provide three up-to-date

emergency rooms with the capability of adding a fourth in the future.

It will be named te Lloyd Olson Surgery Center in honor of Dr. Lloyd Olson. The expansion project also includes making the face of that building the main entrance to the medical center. Currently, the entrance is on Adams Street in the Riegel Building.

The project will cost $5 million to complete. The city is reconstructing State Street which will enhance the new entrance of the medical center. State Street will have the same theme as the downtown with sidewalks and pavers, as another artery to Main Street. The ground-breaking ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. –submitted

Obey plans to keep up pressure on president to end U.S. involvement in Iraq MARSHFIELD — U.S. Congressman Dave Obey, DWis., told Democrats gathered in Marshfield for the 7th District Democratic Convention that he plans to keep up the pressure on the president for a change in policy towards Iraq.

“The America people understand that our troops won the war, but they don’t have the capacity to force

the diplomatic and political compromises that are necessary to end the civil war in Iraq. That’s what the president must be made to understand,” Obey said.

Obey noted that there are only three ways to change course in Iraq. “The president could change his mind, but that isn’t likely to happen. Congress could pass legislation with at least two thirds of both the House

and Senate, which would allow us to override a presidential veto. But at this point, we simply don’t have the votes. We only have 218 of the 290 we’d need in the House and 51 of the 67 we’d need in the Senate. That means that the only avenue open to those of us who want a change in direction is to create enough pressure on Republican members of Congress so that enough of them change their vote so that the president understands that there must be a compromise between the Congress and the administration that ends our participation in the Iraqi civil war. Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of the president’s mission accomplished speech on the aircraft carrier.

That’s long enough.”

With that in mind, Obey added that, “the important thing at this point is not the exact wording of every proposal that passes the House and the Senate. The important thing is that we maintain enough unity to create that pressure.”

Obey also said that, as important as Iraq is, it can not be allowed to push everything else off of Congress’s agenda. “We still need to pursue efforts to expand access to affordable health care, to put quality education within the reach of every American family, to make college education more affordable for working families, and to take the actions necessary to strengthen energy research and conservation,” Obey concluded. — from the office of Congressman Obey

Stronger restrictions aim at controlling destructive wild pigs

MADISON - A Wisconsin lawmaker wants to make owning, stocking, or releasing feral pigs a crime. If passed, the bill would officially classify the wild pigs as “harmful wild animals.”

Assembly Republican Lee Nerison says feral pigs are rampant in southwestern Wisconsin. He says that in 2004, 13 counties reported problems with wild boars.

But last year, that number jumped to 33 counties.

The bill follows a recent outbreak of pseudorabies in a Clark County pig herd, which some agriculture officials think could’ve been introduced by feral pigs.

Wild swine are also nocturnal, shy, resilient, and can have up to three litters a year, which make them hard to track and control. Some are either farm pigs that got loose, or are descendants of escaped pigs. Nerison says the animals are such a nuisance that there’s a yearround open hunting season on them. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Brian Bull)

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

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Librarian asks for another month

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–At the May library board meeting, the library board decided to purchase the Holiday building for the new location of the city of St. Croix Falls Public Library. While this change from building a building on River Street to the purchase of the Holiday building was a bit of a surprise, when the matter to discuss the library option and consider offer to purchase came up on the city council agenda, April 30, more surprises were in store.

Sarah Adams, librarian, said she didn’t want to shock anyone by what she had to say, but indicated more options have become available since the library board met and backed the Holiday building as the location. It was noted that the River Street location was not to be considered as an option, because of accessibility concerns.

“We’ve had some interesting options put in front of us, and I think it would be beneficial given the legacy this building will be when we’re done, to take one more month and examine the new things and then come forward again,” she said. “I think if we focus on the June council meeting. Things are worth looking at one more time.”

Councilman Arne Carlson asked the library board to step back, take another look, and come back to the council with three of their top choices, then pick one of those as the best bet – then bring some dollar signs with it.

“So we can sit back and say we’re the ones spending the money, let’s figure out where to spend the money,” Carlson said.

Adams said there is an evolving partnership, because while the city is providing a bulk of the dollars for the library, there are persons on the committee that will be going to the public to fundraise and the partnership is defining itself as things move along.

Carlson added the following comments, “We’ve got a lot of other financial commitments on the table to balance, and we need to know clearly where we are.”

Council President Lori Erickson is the council appointment to the library board. She offered the following information, “We have looked at a lot of buildings on Main Street and what was out there and available, and Holiday was the best bet at that time, and we did vote unanimously that Holiday was where our energies and our direction was going. I just wanted the public to know that we are looking Holiday, the board. So, for us to look at other options…”

“How do we do that?” asked Carole Martens, library board member. “How do we renege a vote?”

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Library options change

Mayor Brad Foss agreed saying that while Carlson’s concerns are prudent to his position on the council, it was his, Foss’, thinking that the library board say to the council, “let’s buy the building and let’s go,” and that he was ready for a vote.

“That’s what I thought we were here for today,” added Martens.

It was noted by another member of the library board, Virginia ZonckiBunker, since the last meeting, more options became available. Adams is only suggesting those options be considered. Then, the board can come to the council with a final decision. The library board has been looking at the situation for the past 22 months.

The questions then came about Holiday: if the city could still exercise the option to purchase. The city had that option, and it has since expired. The city attorney said he contacted Holiday. The owners state they have offers on the building, and that they would be willing to work with the city, but would prefer things moved quickly and the building is available for the same price.

Councilman Darrell Anderson stated he would keep everyone in the dark a little more. “I’m working on plan I think it would be worth the wait of four weeks. I think you’ll like what maybe could transpire. It might be brought up a little later on the agenda.”

Martens asked how the board could vote on an invisible plan, as their meeting is coming up and they don’t know what this plan is. She pointed out that it is hard to get a quorum all the time in the summer, with people on vacations.

She felt things would slow down or the crunch would be put on.

“It’s nothing invisible, it’s just an option to me that came up, that to me for us not to consider…it’s something that the other council members aren’t even aware of and I think it would be conducive to wait, myself,” Anderson added. “I’m in no hurry to get a new library.”

Carlson addressed the library board saying, “With all due respect and recognizing you have been working on it for many, many months, I would ask you to also recognize the council is faced with a $1.5 million expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, about a half-amillion dollars worth of well work that has to be done, potentially a new water tower at a quarter-of-a-million dollars, streets at $1.5, and it goes on. I don’t know where we’re going to get all that money, and now you’re asking us for $400,000 for a building? And, I know you’re going to raise some money and I understand that, thank God, but we still gotta come up with some of that money.”

“The library has been waiting 85 years or more for a library,” commented Martens. “We have never had our own building. I think it’s our turn.”

“Right, but our priorities are infrastructure, which is sewer and water and police protection, and things like that,” Carlson stated. “Libraries are important but, I’m sorry folks, libraries fall somewhere below number two on my list.”

City Administrator Ed Emerson said the city could authorize the city attorney to offer a purchase agreement with Holiday, the only stipulation from Holiday was a June 25 closing. That doesn’t commit the city, they can always back out and the city attorney, when drawing up paperwork, should make sure it is $400,000 during those discussions. Emerson said that would still allow the city to proceed on a dual track (offer an option to purchase on Holiday, while exploring the other options in the meantime).

Anderson stated, “With that being said, we get the purchase agreement, we figured it was going to end up $1.9 million for the purchase, remodeling. What if you don’t raise that money? Who is on the hook? Say you guys, the best you can do is $1 million, who’s on the hook for the other point nine? The taxpayers?”

“Traditionally, historically, what happens is the municipalities fund for the place and the group of citizens fundraise until they get the money. Our fundraising could last three years,” said Adams. “Hopefully it would go much faster than that, but it is a matter of time.”

Foss said his proposal is the city front the money for the building, $400,000, then release another $350,000 when the committee acquires another $750,000. If the committee does not raise that money within a time frame of 18-24 months, the city reneges the commitment to the Holiday, and looks at exercising the option of another building. So they building and cash ($350,000) would be released once the fundraising totaled $750,000.

“That’s not enough to do the job,” Anderson said. The discussion about the estimated cost, high end was $1.9 million, low-end was $1.5. Anderson added that even if the city could have it for $1.5 million today, the cost in three years to do it would be $1.9 million.

Emerson stated Anderson’s point was a valid one because the city could look at $400,000 for the purchase, another $1.295 million to remodel the building and do something with the half that the city will retain. Emerson said at that, the cost is $1.7 million and there is still half the building left to do something with.

The $1.9 cost would be all the above, and just putting drywall up on the remaining 800 square feet ($300,000 to $400,000).

“If you wanted to do a 10,000 squarefoot library, you’re at $1.8 million already just for that space alone,” Emerson added.

Emerson stated the River Street

option saved some of that cost because the property was city-owned and the fundraising could go on and on without a building cost. Foss agreed with Emerson, stating that is why the River Street option was presented.

Foss also commented that the city survey question about purchasing Holiday downtown for a library showed 62 percent of residents preferred it. Anderson said he was concerned about two major fundraisers in the city going on at the same time. The library fundraiser and renovations for Festival Theatre conincide.

The council took a vote to table the matter until May 29, and all voted in favor of tabling except Lori Erickson, who was opposed.

Some enlightenment on the “invisible” plan came later in the meeting when the Festival Theatre talked about their master plan. The Festival Theatre Master Plan process has proposed a campus approach to include enhancements to Festival Theatre and partnering with the library. This could create a cultural center: the library, Festival Theatre, and elements of the existing movie theater for film and classrooms.

The Holiday Store is the stated preferred location. More will be discussed when the library board comes back to the council May 29.

Library board Information from state statutes indicate for a fourth class city, not more than two members of the library committee may be residents of other municipalities. The council voted to have nonresident members removed from all committees at the annual council meeting.

The council will be revisiting the issue and confirming appointments to committees May 14.

Park plan approved The council approved a park plan for a four-acre site near the fairgrounds, across from Riegel Park. The property was secured by the Ice-Age Park and Trail Foundation.

Amy Klien, parks and recreation, is working with St. Croix Falls fourthgraders on the development of an environmental classroom at the site. Kids can access it from the school by hiking the Ice-Age Trail through Riegel Park.

The kids will design the park including a trail extension and recommending a name for the park. They can then adopt the park through the years by studying various environmental elements. The city will also create a wet area for storm water management to further alleviate flooding at Good Samaritan Center.

This will further enhance the environmental learning opportunities for students, helping them to become stewards of the environment.

City passes downtown district ordinance

Creates arts, culture and historic downtown

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS - After months of hashing and rehashing, the city council approved an ordinance creating a downtown arts, culture and historic district for the downtown, recreating the ordinance of general commercial district for the downtown.

The council approved the ordinance Monday night at the regular meeting.

The ordinance’s intent is to create livework areas downtown that promote culture and mix-use development to give the downtown a variety of develop-

ment.

The ordinance has permitted uses for professional service centers such as hospitals, banks, professional offices, etc. It also includes an arts, culture and historic overlay district including permitted uses for art galleries and studios, cafes and bistros, sound and vision production studios, certified alternative health care practitioners, photo studios, performance spaces, schools with a focus on instruction of the arts, antique shops, jewelers, craft persons, art-related retail, etc.

Conditional uses in the district include the city’s wastewater treatment plant, patio seating for the on-street bistros, so long as use is terminated by

10 p.m., ground floor residential when associated with an arts-related use and tattoo parlors.

Restrictions of having the business on the street level and the residence on the second floor, and the proposed livework space conforms to all state and local building and safety standards.

It also includes provisions for new construction to incorporate design elements of the older architectural style of the community and seek to blend stateof-the-art conservation technologies and designs into the existing storefront streetscape.

In other business The council approved conservancy

zoning for city-owned property. The proposed zoning change was presented at the last meeting in the form of a public hearing. The lands included are Ice Age Trail, Zilmer Park, White Pine Park, Simonson Woods, city property west of Day Road, the retention pond of Fox Hills Estates, Tower Park, Maple Drive Bluffland, Wheel Park (skateboard park), city property on Roosevelt Street, and Croixwood outlots. The following were also included in the ordinance for rezoning as R-1 single-family residential zoning wastewater treatment plant site; and R-2, single-family residential cityowned land east of Maple Drive and Lincoln Street.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Fighting child abuse

About 30 people turned out at the St. Croix Falls Middle School last Wednesday for the candlelight vigil against child abuse. Kay Confer, Polk County Child Protection supervisor, thanked the schools and law enforcement for all they do on behalf of abused children.

Awareness, education key to combating county problems

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - Thirty to 70 people at each school district in Polk County turned out last week to support a candlelight vigil fighting child abuse and neglect.

Kay Confer, child protection supervisor for Polk County, hopes to build awareness of the problem, and this firstever countywide vigil was a good start, she said.

“In each community, a great seed was planted in raising awareness.”

In an interview, Confer spoke about the county’s child abuse problems, and ways the community can help combat them.

“There appears to be an increasing escalation of sexual abuse of children in Polk County in the last three years,” Confer said. “A lot of it is incestuous.

That has to stop.”

Incest can be from caregiver to child, child to child or from noncaregivers (such as aunts or uncles or other relatives) to children, she said.

Confer said that she also sees a correlation between children being exposed in the home to sexual content and an increase in children acting out in a sexual or aggressive way.

“Whether that exposure was repeated exposure or intermittent, there seems to be a quasi-correlation,” she said.

“I’m not saying that if a parent watches porn, he will perpetrate on his kids, but it seems we’re seeing a correlation to

Michelle Francis, a St. Croix Falls eighth-grader and vice president of the student council, welcomed the crowd. Marissa Haroldson, left, looks on. – Photos by Julie Holmquist heightened exposure to sexual content – on TV, the internet, videos - and an increase in children sexually or aggressively acting out,” she said.

There have also been cases in Polk County, she said, where children have been in Internet chat rooms and Internet predators have tried to make connections with children here.

“It’s not just happening in Los Angeles or Chicago,” she said.

But sexual abuse is not the only problem.

“There seems to be a relatively high level of neglected kids in Polk County, where parents are not providing supervision, structure, food, hygiene or medical and dental care,” Confer said.

Schools in the county have stepped in to help with these needs, she noted.

How does the community combat the problem?

Confer said the first step is to build community awareness.

Relatives accused of bilking elderly siblings POLK COUNTY - Four people from Osceola and New Richmond have been accused of taking advantage of elderly relatives by obtaining real estate and checking account funds without their consent.

Chippewa Family Services, Inc., the guardian for Irene Springer, Matilda Scholl and Carl Springer, of Osceola, filed a civil lawsuit in Polk County Court last week against Larry and Sheila Rixmann of Osceola and Hazel Schaar and Kelly Rammer of New Richmond.

Irene and Carl Springer and Scholl are siblings.

According to the complaint, Chippewa Family Services contend that the siblings have degenerative brain disorder caused by infirmities of aging and that they are impaired in their ability to manage their money and property.

Chippewa Family Services accuse Larry and Sheila Rixmann of “exerting undue influence” to obtain the siblings’ real estate property worth approximately $300,000, “for no consideration.”

Sheila Rixmann is a niece of Irene and

Carl Springer and Matilda Scholl.

Chippewa Family Services, Inc. of Chippewa Falls also filed a civil suit against Hazel Schaar and Kelly Rammer of New Richmond. The siblings’ guardians allege that both of them withdrew money from the siblings’ checking accounts without their consent.

The complaint alleged that Schaar withdrew $10,000 from Irene Springer’s account, and later withdrew $3,000 from the account without her knowledge. The complaint also alleges that Schaar also withdrew $10,000 from Matilda Scholl’s account, and $5,000 from Carl Springer’s checking account without their consent.

The complaint also alleges that Rammer withdrew $2,000 from Irene Springer’s checking account without her consent.

According to the complaint, Hazel Schaar is a sister of Irene and Carl Springer and Matilda Scholl, and Kelly Rammer is Schaar’s grandaughter.

The defendants could not be reached for comment. – Julie Holmquist

“When meth hit this county, law enforcement, the county board meth committee, public health and human services did really incredible work bringing awareness to the schools and the public,” Confer said.

“They laid the foundation of community awareness, so that everyone was talking about meth. That awareness trickled down to the users, so they had a heightened awareness that this was bad, and that helps our work.”

Confer would like the child abuse and neglect problem to become a public

issue on the same level as meth abuse.

“We can heighten the awareness of it: that it’s alarming, it’s bad like meth, it damages kids, and it’s expensive to fix.”

Other ways to fight the problem include more parenting education and support groups provided by the community, Confer said.

“Schools and churches providing parenting groups can be helpful: the more the merrier,” she said.

Some type of parenting education or support provided by community education at school districts once or twice a year “would be fabulous,” she said.

She would like to provide a new DVD on shaken baby syndrome to hospitals in the county, so new parents could voluntarily view it before leaving the hospital with their newborn.

Confer also would like to work with area therapists on implementing the latest strategies to work with parents who have borderline personality disorders and the latest strategies to work with sex offenders and victims.

A public awareness of the problem, Confer said, “will trickle down to parents having problems,” helping them to understand that “neglect is not acceptable.”

Child abuse statistics ST. CROIX FALLS - At the St. Croix Falls candlelight vigil, Kay Confer thanked students in the middle school SOS group that provides peer counseling at the school. Eighth-grade SOS members helped organize the St. Croix Falls vigil. Marissa Haroldson, a St. Croix Falls eighth-grader, spoke at the event, providing some statistics about child abuse: • The percentage of proven child

abuse in the U.S. is rising and has grown 18 percent since 1996.

• Abuse can be physical, sexual, mental or neglect.

• A 1992 study showed that an abused child is 53 percent more likely to be arrested as a juvenile and 38 percent more likely to be arrested as an adult. – Julie Holmquist

In unprecedented hearing, families grievances heard MADISON - Some families of prisoners seeking parole are speaking out against what they call arbitrary decisions by the newly appointed chair of the state parole commission.

In an unprecedented hearing called by the chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Corrections, about 20 relatives of potential parolees lined up to complain about Alfonso Graham’s decisions to delay or deny paroles for their husbands, sons or fathers. They urged the committee to vote against confirming Graham’s appointment as parole commission chair.

Sarah Freeman, of Milwaukee, summed up the sentiments of many families who feel the system is biased against them. She says the people affected are those who have worked to complete everything required of them by the judge, yet will still be constantly told no.

She says they’d like to know if there will ever be a fair parole board and if so,

when?

There was strong support for Graham at the hearing from members of the Milwaukee police union and staff from the state’s Office of Crime Victim Services. But Sen. Lena Taylor told Graham she’ll postpone a vote on his confirmation until she sees changes in the way that he handles complaints. She says she would hope, for the safety of the officers in the institutions, that he would not “destroy the hope of individuals” who participate in programming and work in rehabilitative services.

For his part, Graham called the hearing an eye-opener and promised to try to open up better lines of communication with inmates families. But he insisted that any paroles he’s denied were based on a concern for protecting the public from people who might commit new crimes. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Gil Halsted)

Down in the dumps

by Diane Dryden SARONA – Whatever else you did on Saturday, April 21, you should really have made time to attend the Earth Day festivities held in Spooner at the National Guard Armory.

Not only were there tables of information on recycling that would convince the laziest person you know to finally separate their recycle stuff from their garbage, but there was lots of interactive things for kids to do, like making fish prints. If you would have been there you could have created a fish print too, thanks to Branda Thwaits from the National Park Scenic Riverway.

But the most interesting part of the entire day, besides the homemade chocolate chip cookies that were soft and oozing with chocolate, was the bus trip to the dump. Or should I say more accurately, the Lake Area Landfill. It was an amazing adventure to an incredible operation that takes responsible care of garbage from as far as the Twin Cities down to the Eau Claire area.

The tour guides were Jim Johnson, sales representative for Allied Waste, and Jason Shatley, the Sarona site manager. Between the two of them they answered all the questions that the people who filled the bus had and related some facts along the way that were staggering.

One of the interesting pieces of information was that each “cell” that held garbage was carefully engineered and monitored for safety, both physically and ecologically. The construction of each huge cell starts with 4 feet of clay on the bottom of the huge hole, and then a layer of 60-ml. plastic covered by a fabric sheet.

One foot of rock tops that with leaching pipes buried in them to facilitate the liquids that collect on the bottom in order to recycle them into a 240,000-gallon tank used for wastewater treatment and From 4-month-olds, sometimes even recycled like little Theron Barton, to back into the fill. grandmas like Lynda After the garbage goes Barton, the Earth Day cel- in and is tightly comebration was attended by pacted, and the cell is at people of all ages. its capacity, it’s then covered with another sheet of plastic, this time a 40-ml. thick sheet, a thick layer of sand and then topsoil to support the grass that’s planted.

There are 72 monitoring wells throughout the system, and all the methane each cell produces is captured and then sent to one site to be burned off.

According to Shatley, by this time next year the methane will be captured and recycled into electricity to be sold to Dairyland Power and used to power 1,850 area homes. It’s called the Gas-to-Renewable Energy Project, and Dairyland will distribute it to its 25 member cooperatives for their residential and business customers. This electricity will provide reliable renewable energy, and by incorporating it into the power supply, it helps to expand the co-op’s use of renewable sources and conserves the use of traditional fuel sources.

There are 365 acres designated for the Sarona landfill, and there will only be 28 acres used for cells. The rest will be left as buffers, woods and wetlands.

Now comes the tragic part. There would be up to 40percent less garbage every day in the landfill if everyone used their recycle bins and if festivals would make user-friendly bins for recycled items. Allied Waste already recycles enough paper to save 17 million trees, conserve 8.5 billion gallons of water and save 5 billion kilowatt hours of energy each year. In the past 35 years, more than 16 million tons of aluminum cans have been recycled, that’s 786 billion soda cans. Placed end-to-end, they would stretch to the moon nearly 250

There are 700-800 trucks per day that come from a wide area to unload their garbage at the Lake Area Landfill in Sarona.

Jim Johnson, sales representative for Allied Waste, and Jason Shatley, landfill site manager, were the tour guides for a busload of people at the landfill during Earth Day activities.

Jason Wittwer got pretty good making fish prints, with the help of National Park Scenic Riverway representative, Branda Thwaits (not pictured).

times. As it is, there are from three to five semis daily that travel into the Cities taking recycled materials that will return as polar fleece fabric, shoes and paper.

There are lists of things that you can and you can’t recycle. Some of the yes items include newspapers and newspaper inserts, magazine and catalogs and junk mail and envelopes. Office and school papers, even the colored ones, box board like the packaging for cereal, brown paper bags and aluminum cans. Tin and steel cans - rinsed, glass jars and bottles, plastic milk jugs and phone books.

No-nos include plastic bags of any sort, yard waste, no food-tainted items like used paper plates, paper towels or pizza boxes. No egg cartons or ice cream cartons and no waxy milk cartons. No aluminum foil and no plastic cups or silverware. Definitely no aerosol cans or plastic fruit boxes from the store like the ones from your purchase of strawberries.

Even if you missed the Earth Day celebration at the National Guard Armory, right now is the time to make an even better effort to do your part to be kinder to the planet that houses us.

A familiar sign on CTH D between Shell Lake and Sarona directs individuals and companies as to where they can turn to take their trash.

Funds available for prospective business owners LADYSMITH — The Business Program of the Indianhead Community Action Agency has funds available to provide small loans to prospective business owners. The business program is partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant.

Interested applicants should submit a business plan with the application for consideration of financing. Technical assistance will be provided to any individual that wants to develop a business plan. The

program is aimed at for-profit businesses and the funds cannot be used to refinance old debt.

The Rural Business Enterprise Grant revolving loan fund is available to residents in a 10-county area in northwestern Wisconsin, including Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Rusk, Taylor, Clark, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron and Price counties.

Anyone interested in starting or expanding a small business, or for further information, call the business program at 715-532-5594. — from ICAA

A new cell is in the process of getting ready to start.

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

L O C A L

H E A D L I N E S

Judge sentences 19-year-old to 60 days in jail SIREN – Greg Schwartzbauer, 19, Grantsburg, plead no contest to misdemeanor bail jumping and misdemeanor sex with a child age 16 or older at the Burnett County courthouse on Monday, April 30.

Schwartzbauer was charged with misdemeanor sex with a child after a March 2006 incident in Grantsburg with a girl who was not yet 18. Soon after his release on a bond with the restriction not to be unsupervised with any girl under 18, it was discovered that he had been alone with a 15-year-old. It was then that Schwartzbauer was charged with the felony bail jumping. Although the felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor bail jumping in a plea bar-

gain, this second charge played a big part of Schwartzbauer’s sentence.

Before sentencing, Schwartzbauer’s lawyer, Owen Williams, described the charges against his client as sins that were that of youth. He described Schwartzbauer as laid-back, pointing out that there were no indications of physical violence in these charges.

In sentencing, Judge Michael Gableman agreed that there was no indication of violence, but picked up on the laid-back description by telling Schwartzbauer not to be laid-back to the point of indifference, adding “You must not be indifferent to the laws governing your conduct.” Judge Gableman added that he was put on notice at the time of

bail that this type of behavior is against the law and that he should have stayed clear from certain situations. Judge Gableman described the sentence he gave as far from the lower end for these type of charges, and he warned Schwartzbauer that the sentences would only get harsher unless he stays out of trouble.

Schwartzbauer will serve 60 days in jail. He will then be on a two-year probation. He is ordered to complete sex offender evaluation and register as a sex offender during the term of his two-year probation, although a review of his sex offender registration requirement may be made after one year. The court orders no contact with victims or family of the

victims, and the state has 30 days to obtain a restitution figure from one of the victims. After Schwartzbauer’s probation term is up, he may request an expunction of his charges, meaning that these misdemeanor charges will be erased from his record.

Schwarzbauer still has one felony third-degree sexual assault open against him. The state has agreed to defer prosecution on this charge for now in a plea bargain. The state will reopen the case at a later date, and the sentence will depend on Schwartzbauer’s probation conduct. – Sherill Summer.

Tourist information center to stay where it is

At least until end of year

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – By motion of Ro Endresen, the Siren Tourism Commission voted to extend the contract with the Best Western Northwoods Lodge that will keep the tourist information center where it is, at least until the end of the year. That motion was made at the commission’s April 26 meeting.

Being prudent in its responsibility to the local tourism effort, the commission sent out requests for proposal to 19 possible information center locations.

Response came back from only two of them, the Best Western Northwoods Lodge and The Lodge at Crooked Lake.

“We were trying to give an opportunity for others to apply, in case there is something better, not only just by price

County building changes residents again

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The building east of the Polk County Government Center will have another change in residents soon. The one-story structure, built in 1978 to serve residents with special needs, is losing the last of its original tenants and may open up that space to serve the growing needs of another community service.?The Special Education Building was constructed to be the home of two services, the Adult Development Center and the Polk County Special Education School .

Construction was paid for by outside

but continuity that would retain visitors at a high-visibility spot,” commented commission president Sid Sherstad. He added that if a better option came along, the money saved could be used for band shells, ball parks and other projects.

The tourist information center was set up at the Best Western Northwoods Lodge eight years ago. “We came to the county with a proposal,” said owner Keith Hobbie. “We came up to their standards, which we have maintained.”

Hobbie said his staff would be willing to make any changes that were required of them.

“We know we are not perfect,” said lodge manager Lisa Hobbie, “but we always are open to criticism. We are teaching our employees to wear two hats, for the motel and all the businesses. We have been criticized by people

saying there is a conflict of interest.”

There was a big difference in the two proposals that were submitted to the commission. The Lodge at Crooked Lake bid $13,800 to operate the center per year. Eagle Management, operator of the Best Western Northwoods Lodge, bid $22,000 per year. Other than price, there were no other substantial differences between the two bids.

The big concern now for the commission is that the contract for provision of the information center runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. This would create a problem, if a change was made during the area’s biggest influx of tourists.

“We were concerned about the continuity in the middle of summer,” Chris Sybers, a member of the county’s parks, recreation and tourism committee, commented. “In the future we should

change the time of renewal, not (having it come) right in the middle of the summer season.” The county funds roughly half of the money for the center contract, and has already paid its share for 2007.

Rather than make a decision now, in keeping with the midyear deadline, the commission chose to continue the contract as it is through the end of the year, and again talk about the possibility of making changes in the contract at that time.

NOTE: Doug Rhode, one of the five members of the Siren Tourism Commission and the owner of The Lodge at Crooked Lake, abstained from the entire consideration process. He did not look at the proposals, enter into any discussion about them or vote on the decision to wait until the end of the year for further discussion.

Head Start may expand funds with the building owned by Polk County. The ADC, facing expanding needs to provide services, moved into a new home southwest of the government center a few years ago. There it provides jobs and skills training for a growing number of county residents. Its space was taken by the Polk County Library, the central library service for the local libraries around Polk County. The library had been located in the Center Building in downtown Balsam Lake , a county office building that has been sold. The Special Education School , the other original tenant, was established to be a school for youngsters from the county’s school districts with special needs. It was operated by CESA, a support service for area schools. Over the

years, many of those school districts set up their own programs and the enrollment at Balsam Lake declined to the point where the central service was no longer needed. The special education school will close this spring. As that enrollment dropped, school space opened up in the building. At the same time, the county’s Head Start Program, set up to provide education and enrichment opportunities for pre-school youth was looking for a new home. Two years ago, Head Start moved into part of the special ed space. Now it is requesting use of the half of the building not used by the library. The Balsam Lake Head Start program, together with a companion program in the Frederic school system, serves all of Polk County. At pres-

ent there are 57 young people in two programs at the building, with a growing need for next year. Head Start provides early learning opportunities but also involves the entire families in nutrition, health, and other programs. Staff say the location, in a building that includes a gym and playground, is next to a library, and is near other county services, is ideal for their needs. The property committee of the county board is considering the Head Start request for use of the space and may make a decision at its meeting in June. If the request is approved, the building will continue to serve the educational needs of county residents.

You are cordially invited to hear the bad news

by Diane Dryden SPOONER – Like it or not, it’s not only death and taxes that are a sure thing, but there’s always the postal rates. The United States Postal Service wants you to know that there are two important pieces of information that you’ll need if you ship small packages or things going economy class overseas, and it’s simply that the rules will change, starting May 14.

First the good news. The Forever Stamp will be issued that day. It’s an attractive stamp with a picture of the Liberty Bell on it, and it’s valid for firstclass mail, 1-ounce letters…indefinitely, regardless of future price increases.

That’s right, indefinitely. You will always be able to send a letter with it only. They will be available by individual stamps or sheets, but no coils.

The bad news is that on the same day, mail rates will be charged on shape and not on weight or destination. This is where it gets confusing. Now mail that isn’t in the standard business size enve-

lope or the personal-sized envelope will be rated according to its characteristics.

Small boxes that are used by businesses to mail filled prescriptions or glasses will see a raise in price. The new rating will mainly affect business parcels that weigh under 1 pound.

Visit www.usps.com for the tools that make it easy to calculate pricing based on shape.

This all came to be because of automation. Letters are sorted by machines time and time again. Packages are sorted by people, time and time again. So what the post office is saying is that the rise in price has to do with processing costs. Even international mail is eliminating its economy class, so packages sent overseas will cost more to mail.

First-class letters are going up to 41 cents each, and large envelopes will start at 80 cents for the first ounce.

A small piece of good news is that 2ounce letters, like wedding invitations, have gone down in price from 63 cents each to 58 cents.

Joanne Jacobs, postmaster in Spooner, has good news and bad news; rates are going up for packages, stamps are going up for first-class mail, but the Forever Stamp will be available starting May 14 that you can use, well, forever. – Photo by Diane Dryden

Joanne Jacobs, postmaster in Spooner, says that it’s a bit complicated, and there are classes that will be held to cover all the ins and outs of the new system. She encourages everyone to attend, especially businesses that do a lot of small package mailing. There will be a class in Spooner at the Ag. Research Center on Monday, May 7, from 1-3 p.m. Additional sessions may be scheduled based on need, and due to space limitations, it would be wise to reserve space. To attend the meeting, contact the Minneapolis Mailing Requirements at 612-349-4739. If you can’t make the class, you can go to www.usps.comrates/ratecase/ for more information.

It might be mass confusion for awhile, but as you stand in line waiting to mail something, just remember that it’s as confusing for the post office as it is for us. It’s small comfort, but it’s what it is.

S

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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

P O R T

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

Big inning lifts Saints past Cardinals!

Lumsden came in to relieve Vold, and Werner finished the game. The Cards managed to scatter four more runs in the final pair of innings, but Werner struck out three in the sixth, and the defense held in the seventh.

“Our pitchers were more than adequate today, just a couple rough innings in the middle there,” said Randolph.

Randolph and Lindholm have the pitchers and catchers practice extra from 6:15 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. before school every day.

“That has made a tremendous difference in our team this year,” said Randolph.

He also sees his entire team working well together as a whole this year.

“People are filling the bucket instead of pulling it out all of the time,” said Randolph. “We’re pouring in here instead of pulling the water out.”

They’ll pour on runs when needed too.

SCF uses 10-run fourth inning to turn around game against Cardinals St. Croix Falls 11, Luck 7

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – The brand-new blue coverings for the St. Croix Falls High School baseball field fence looked like see-through floodgates on April 26.

A 10-run fourth inning flooded by RBIs from Saints batters gave it that feeling. Six different batters drove in runs and eight different ones scored runs as the Saints turned a 30 Luck lead into an 11-7 home win.

“I like how we can put together a really big inning in a really different way, running, hitting the ball,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph.

M i c h a e l Lamirande led off with a double, and Jake Larcom hit a sac fly to bring home Lamirande and open the floodgates. Jack Werner, Dustin Raygor, Gus Koecher, Matt Vold, Trygve Chinander, Cory Gebhard and Dustin Lumsden all proceeded to drive in runs during the inning.

“That inning was just everybody doing what they were supposed to do everybody hitting, everybody running the bases right, nobody trying to extend a single into a double for themselves,” said Saints pitcher Jack Werner. “It’s all about 90-feet at time.”

“I think everybody’s confident in everybody behind them to get them through,” Werner added. “And if we need something, we’ll steal all the way around, but if we’re hitting, we’ll just rely on our bats pretty much.”

While it sealed the game for the Saints, it also proved to be an example of what they’ve already been doing this season as they moved into first place.

“It’s nobody playing individually

Extra Points

St. Croix Falls third baseman Michael Lamirande dropping his bat to run off to first against Luck on Thursday, April 26. The Saints put together a 10-run fourth inning to topple the Cards 11-7. Area track athletes occasionally looked in on the game the during their meet at the SCF track. – Photos by Matt Blumkin

Cory Gebhard of St. Croix Falls sliding in for home as Luck’s Harry Severson can’t get there in time.

anymore,” said Werner. “With this (team), we’ve got everybody cheering each other on, and we’ve got everybody playing as hard as they can for the team and not for themselves because you’ll play a lot harder for everybody around you than you will for yourself.”

Playing as a team and young players stepping up has been key for the Saints rise to conference title contention this season. Their five freshmen, known as the Fab Five, have made an immediate impact for the Saints.

“It’s just the most athletic class I’ve ever seen,” said Werner.

They have grown up together, played competitive baseball since the fourth grade and they’re friends away from the diamond. The nickname Saints coach Scott Lindholm borrowed from Michigan’s Fab Five basketball goes over well with the players.

“It’s a pretty sweet nickname I think,” said Saints freshman Matt Vold.

Vold pitched the Saints through the first three innings, and he allowed three runs on four hits in that time. Dustin

••• SUPERIOR – Former Grantsburg Pirate softball player, Shelby Durand has been playing for the UW-Superior Yellow Jackets softball team. In her freshmen season, Durand has seen playing time as an outfielder, second baseman and flex player. She recently spent two weeks in Fort Meyers, Fla., where the team played 18 games.

Durand and her teammates will play at the 2007 WIAC women’s tournament in Eau Claire starting Friday, May 4. Durand graduated from Grantsburg High School in 2006 and is the sister of current Pirate Amanda Durand, and parents Tony and Dawn.

She is studying to be an elementary teacher and is trying for a double minor in childhood education and coaching. – Marty Seeger ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – A pair of former area baseball players faced off in a battle between rivals University of St. Thomas and St. Olaf College. Bryan Johnson, a one-time Grantsburg baseball player, and UST outfielder helped the Tommies beat St. Olaf in a twogame series on Sunday, April 29.

Johnson hit a home run to win the second game, 4-3. Former Frederic baseball player John Sopiwnik of St. Olaf took the loss on the pitching mound.

The Tommies beat the Oles in the first game, 5-4. – Matt Blumkin with information from Jesse Sopiwnik ••• MENOMONIE – One-time Frederic student Bryan Vilstrup helped the UW-Stout baseball team past UWStevens Point 12-8 on Wednesday, April 25. Vilstrup batted 1-5 with a RBI and a run score. He has been batting .200 this season in 25 at-bats, and he has a 2-3 pitching record. – Matt Blumkin ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – Char Edwards, a former Webster athlete, took eighth for UW-Stout in the 100-meter hurdles at the Macalester College Invitational on April 28. She posted a time of 16.74 seconds. Edwards also took fifth in the high jump with a 5-foot, 1-inch jump. – Matt Blumkin •••

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Area teams gearing up for big schools April 30, however, with seven event wins. That included their 4x4 relay grabbing another win at 4:25.75, but Eagles coach Mike Bielmeier said they hope to drop their time down to 4:20 eventually.

The boys’ team won their side of the home invite with 159 points, beating Spooner by 17 points. Despite winning only two individual events, the Eagles garnered 13 more second and thirdplace finishes to win.

Devon Hoyt took second in the pole vault and third in the 800. Brandon Kahl earned second in the high jump at 5-6 for the Eagles among their other topthree finishes.

They will get a taste of larger school competition on Friday, May 4, when they race at the New Richmond Relays.

St. Croix Falls 4x1 shines at home invite and at Amery

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS/AMERY – Coaches form relay teams of athletes who are strong competitors individually.

SCF’s 4x1 relay team demonstrated that point with a win collectively and individually at their home invitational on April 26.

“It was a very impressive night out of the four guys who participated in the 4x1 relay, not only that relay capturing first there, but every one of them had a strong showing in their other events,” said Saints coach Jason Sinz.

Chase Walters, one of the 4x1 runners, captured another first-place finish in the 200. He has been strong in the event all season. Walters ran only relays last season.

Allastandt Nuckles captured sprint win in the 100 with a time of 12.02 seconds. Sinz noted that he has never had a pair of sprinters sweep the 100 and 200 at their home invite.

“That’s a big deal, those guys should be proud of that,” said Sinz.

Nuckles didn’t stop there either with a win in the long jump at 18-feet, 1.5 inches.

Freshman Joe Carpenter took a win in the 300-meter hurdles, and Tom Colombo earned a fifth-place finish in the 200.

As a team, they finished fifth overall while the girl’s team ended in a tie for fourth. Annie Lindstrom took a secondplace finish in the 400 and a third-place finish in the 200. Sasha Bryant threw her way to second in the shot put with a throw of 28 feet, six inches.

Saints hold own in Unity, Amery St. Croix Falls’ success from their home invite carried over to their meets at Unity and Amery on April 30 and May 1.

At Unity, Chase Walters took third in the 200 with a time of 24.19, but he improved that time at Amery with a 23.8 clip for fifth against larger school sprinters. Walters, Allastandt Nuckles, Tom Colombo and Joe Carpenter continued to be competitive in the 4x1 with a third-place finish at Unity and fourth at Amery.

Annie Lindstrom had a strong showing at the Amery invite with fifth-place showing in the 400 and a sixth-place finish in the 200. She scored points in all of her events.

Frederic’s Anna Tesch taking a handoff in a relay at Unity.

A 200 trio. Unity’s Chad Strilzuk beating out Frederic’s Tyler Calabria and St. Croix Falls’ Chase Walters in the 200-meter dash at the Unity Invitational on April 30. Unity, Frederic and Grantsburg will be facing larger schools at the New Richmond Relays and Chisago Lakes, Minn., Invitational on Friday, May 4. – Photos by Matt Blumkin “Overall, we saw many times drop at the Amery Invite,” said Saints coach Sam Malm Eagles step up Unity’s boys’ squad captured the SCF invite with six different Eagles winnings events.

Dan Livingston won both the 110 hurdles and the 300 hurdles. Brand Kahl picked up win in the pole vault, and

Shane Rucks tossed a 42-foot, five-inch shot for the shot put win. Derek D’Jock of Siren came the next closest at 42-3 1/2. The Eagles also had a win from Tim Reed in the 3200 with a time of 11:40.02.

The Eagles’ girls squad took second behind Clear Lake as the Warriors had racked up seven event wins. Unity posted only three event wins including a win in the 4x4 relay.

They did win their home invite on

Vikings look strong in Amery, Unity Frederic’s boys team posted eight topthree finishes at the Amery Invitational on Tuesday, May 1.

Ben R. Anderson continued his strong running in the 100 with a second-place finish at 11.3. He had just come off a win over Spooner sprinter at Unity, who had beat Anderson in the Spooner Relays earlier.

Peter Carlson improved his pole vault from 12 to 12-6 at Amery, which gave him a second-place finish. Carlson won the pole vault at Unity with his 12. River Karl saw his placing the 800 changed the same with first at Unity and second at Amery.

In addition, Zach Anderson captured third-place finishes on Tuesday in the triple jump and 300-meter hurdles.

Tyler Calabria took third in the 200, and he helped the 4x1 make the three spot.

The girls’ team followed up a fourthplace finish as team at Unity with some top-five individual performances at Amery.

Kelly Wondra won the triple jump at 33-4, and she took sixth in the long jump. She also helped the Vikes’ 4x1 relay team come shy of fifth at 56.8.

Prescott edged them for fifth at 56. In addition, Megan Anderson had a fourth-place finish in the 1600, and Candace Buck took fifth in the long jump.

They’ll be competing against large schools at Chisago Lakes, Minn., on Friday May 4.

Track cont. page 21

The lighter side of track

Tail of the tape. Unity’s Samantha Ince leading off the 4x400-meter relay, which the Eagles won. She had tape for dealing with shin splints.

Siren thrower Chris Engstrand brought along the barbeque along with his shot and discus throwing to the St. Criox Falls Invite. He also enjoys the open 200.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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Eagles land first win over Cardinals Unity holds strong with solid pitching and stellar defense Unity 4, Luck 2

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE — The Eagles ended their long stretch of losses with a win over the Cardinals last Thursday evening.

Luck threatened two runs in the first inning on a walk and an error on the Eagles, but Unity center fielder Brittany Peters ran in on a tough fly ball to save the inning. It was like that all night for the Eagles, as Luck hit the ball hard but key plays kept the Cardinals from scoring key runs.

Unity stopped Luck in the second inning as well after Eagle third baseman Becca Milligan snagged a hard line

Luck’s Melissa Jenssen fires the ball to a Unity batter in last Thursday night’s game.

Grantsburg first baseman Lindsey Hedlund has been a big part of the Pirates hitting success this season.

In the two games against Barron and Shell Lake, Hedlund totaled five RBIs on five hits.

CLEAR LAKE — The Tigers exploded with nine runs in the first inning against Clear Lake last Thursday, April 26. But the Warriors slowly chipped away at the lead in the first and second inning with seven runs of their own.

Webster held a 13-12 lead after five innings of play, and that was all the closer they allowed the Warriors to get.

Tiger pitcher Amy French pitched 41/3 innings, striking out six and walking only two batters, while Ashley Robinson and Katie Thill pitched in the last two innings. Thill, Mandie Ramstrom and Samantha Hogle contributed two RBIs apiece. – Marty Seeger Webster 5, T.L-Clayton 2 WEBSTER — Webster’s Amy French continued to pitch well last Friday against T.L-Clayton. French allowed only four hits, walked one and struck out 16 of 29 batters to give Webster their

Luck’s Krystal Stage waits for the ball as Unity’s Brittney Peters slides safely into second base. Backing up Stage is Luck shortstop Ali Lehmann. Photos by Marty Seeger drive and Cola Hickethier made a nice play at short with a hard throw to first baseman Megan Johnson. Peters would get the third out in the inning with another nice catch in centerfield.

Luck would respond in the third with two runs, but the Eagles again had help from the defense, one being a tough catch that required quick legs and a long arm just before the ball hit the grass in left field.

“That’s probably the best I’ve seen in the outfield all year,” said Eagles coach Lynn Steinmetz who was pleased with the all-around play of her team Thursday night.

“Giving up only two runs was a success for us even though they hit the ball hard at times, our defense really did a great job of stopping balls,” Steinmetz said.

The Eagles final two runs came in the fifth inning off an RBI single from Unity’s Megan Johnson puts a tag on Luck’s Ali Lehmann in Last Milligan and another RBI from with the Thursday night’s game at the Unity High School. help of a walk from Kim May. “I think they had a really competitive Thursday night, but their seven errors fourth-straight win of the season. edge and just really wanted to win allowed the Lakers the edge they needEllie Isaacson led the team with two because after you lose a couple of ed to win in eight innings. hits and two RBIs, while Shannon Frederic pitcher Chrissy Chenal games, you either get used to it or say Steiner, Mandie Ramstrom and Jessie ‘I’m sick of this and get ‘er going,”’ said allowed only three hits in the game to Petrangelo had one hit with one RBI go along with nine strikeouts. Rachel Steinmetz. apiece. – Marty Seeger Meanwhile Luck continues to try for O’Brien led the team with three hits and their first win of the season. Despite one RBI. With the game tied in the eighth St. Croix Falls 6, Frederic 4 their rocky start, coach Aimie Jorgenson ST. CROIX FALLS — The Saints inning, Frederic’s Ann Nelson notched a is still pleased with her teams effort. slipped by the Vikings on Monday single to put two on base, but the “Overall the girls played well,” said evening to help their conference standJorgenson. We only had a few errors Vikings ended the inning without runs. ings. Saints centerfielder Laurana throughout the game. When we needed In the bottom of the inning, two consec- Sveback had an outstanding game with to get runs, Unity came up with great utive walks led to an RBI double to end two triples. She led the bottom of the defense. I’m very proud of the girls for the game. It was only the second loss for second inning off with her first triple of holding Unity to four points and play- Frederic this season. – Marty Seeger the game, which eventually led to three Webster 15, Clear Lake 13 ing hard.” runs. Nicole Cuddy-Katzmark had a big single following Sveback in the third, as Grantsburg 10, Barron 0 well as a game-changing double to lead GRANTSBURG — The Pirates off the fourth inning. allowed only two hits last Thursday, Frederic had the game tied in the April 26, to the Bears in five innings of third, but the Saints added a run in the play. fourth and a pair in the fifth to hold the Lindsey Hedlund led the Pirates with win. – Marty Seeger three hits and three RBIs, while sisters Michelle and Jamie Lund picked up two Frederic 11, Luck 7 hits apiece to go with two RBIs. Alyssa LUCK — The Vikings jumped out to a Ryan also had a pair of hits in the game 9-0 lead in the first three innings but the and the team totaled 12 hits. – Marty Cardinals had other plans in the fourth Seeger on Tuesday night.

“We had a very rough start to the Grantsburg 10, Shell Lake 0 game and I really thought it would end GRANTSBURG — After rolling early, but my girls had other ideas and through Barron Thursday night, the I’m proud of them for trying hard to Pirates pounded the Lakers of Shell come back,” said Luck coach Aimie Lake the following Friday.

Jorgenson.

Jamie Lund and Lindsey Hedlund The Cards scored five runs in the had a pair of RBIs in the game, and fourth inning and another two in the Lund pitched for the Pirates, allowing seventh, but Frederic kept pace. Erin three hits. – Marty Seeger Schmidt led the Vikings with four hits and three RBIs. Julia Haas also had Frederic’s Anne Lexen puts some three RBIs with one hit. – Marty Seeger Shell Lake 7, Frederic 6 SHELL LAKE — Frederic continued metal on the ball in the fourth inning to hit well against Shell Lake last of Tuesday’s game against Luck.

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Webster dusts St. Croix Falls in two with three-run innings in the fifth and sixth, and they held of a late rally by the Saints in the seventh.

“We kept it pretty steady throughout…,” Webster player Tiffani Quigley said of her team’s poise.

They had to deal with the Saints battling back in the first game too. The Saints responded to a 4-0 Tigers lead with two runs by Dani Petty and Laurana Sveback in the third and another run in the fourth. Yet, the Tigers built some cushion with Samantha Hogle’s second run of the game as they won 5-3.

The Tigers have become accustomed to close games.

“We’ve done the same thing in the other way where we’ve never been out of any games this year,” said Hoefs.

Tiger players play through pain to pull off sweep Webster 5, St. Croix Falls 3 Webster 10, St. Croix Falls 8

by Matt Blumkin SIREN – A few missing teeth didn’t stop Webster’s Jessie Petrangelo from playing first base in the Tigers’ sweep on Tuesday, May 1.

“I was out of it, kind of…,” said Petrangelo who had her wisdom teeth removed on Monday after their game against Luck.

She didn’t let it slow her down either as she stopped runners at first on several occasions, and she batted 2-4 with two RBIs in game one. Petrangelo even connected better in game two with 3-4 hitting and three RBIs. She did know if she’d be playing either.

“When I got home last night, I really didn’t want to play,” said Petrangelo. “I just took Advil, came to school, drank some Gatorade and I was good to go.”

Mandie Ramstrom also played feeling less than 100 percent with a pulled groin from the Luck game. She made stops as the catcher at home plate including the final out of game two against the Saints.

“That’s a lot of courage,” said Tigers coach Scott Hoefs.

Katie Thill pitched the second game despite dealing with a pulled thigh muscle. She allowed three hits over seven innings and struck out six. Nikki Roedl scored a pair of runs in the second game and drove in one, though she had a sprained hand and ankle.

In game two, St. Croix Falls rallied from a 4-0 hole in the third with three runs. The Tigers pulled ahead more

Webster first baseman Jessie Petrangelo making a play at first. She played in spite of having her wisdom teeth removed the day before, and she helped the Tigers sweep the Saints in a doubleheader. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Grantsburg 10, Unity 0 Grantsburg 8, Unity 0 BALSAM LAKE – One might say the past and the future dwelt in Unity on May Day. Grantsburg pitcher Mollie Bjelland smoked the Eagles with a five-inning perfect game as the Pirates rolled 10-0 in the first game of their doubleheader. Then freshman Michelle Lund finished off the Eagles in the second game, and she picked up her first varsity win in her first varsity game pitching.

Lund only allowed two hits in the game, which her sister, Jamie, closed out in the fifth inning for the 8-0 win.

Softball cont. page 21

Siren steps up at Webster Invite “We’re up and down this year because we’re young,” said Holicky.

With only one senior on the team, and a handful of freshmen starters, it makes it tough to compete. The strongest golfer on the team is Sam Bengston. At the Grantsburg Invite Bengston shot a 42, and followed up with a 50 at the Webster Invite on Monday afternoon.

D.J. Larson shot a 59 at Grantsburg but improved the following Monday with a 48. Derek Jorgenson shot a 54 and then a 51 in Webster, and Tyler Hall also shot a 51 in Webster, and a 53 in Grantsburg.

The Eagles improved with a fourth place finish at the Luck Invite on Tuesday. Tim Lehner finished with a 42 and Bengston finished with a 44.

Highs and lows as area golfers continue to take advantage of the great weather

by Marty Seeger SIREN — The Dragons golf team had a great outing at the Webster Invitational on Monday, May 1.

Although three of their four top golfers shot season lows, the team is steadily improving.

“The goal was to improve this year,” said coach Brian Webster. “We started out shooting poorly, but have shown steady improvement.”

The team played at the Grantsburg Invite last Thursday, April 26 and finished fifth out of six teams. Adam Daniels finished in the top spot with a 42, while Blake Hall and Jordon Potvin shot 48. Keith Cremin picked up the fourth spot with a 53.

Then on the following Monday the Dragons picked up the pace with their best finish of the season. The team took third place behind Luck and Grantsburg despite having three of the four golfers finishing with their season lows. Daniels finished with a 42 and Potvin shot a 45. Ryan Clemmons finished with a 47 and Blake Hall took the fourth spot with a 50.

At the Luck Invite on Tuesday, Potvin led the team with a 47 and Hall was two strokes behind with a 49. As a team ,the Dragons placed sixth out of seven teams.

St. Croix Falls golfer Blake Yunker hits from the sand trap on hole eight of the Luck Golf Course on Tuesday night. Yunker shot a 46, and the Saints took third place.

Unity Eagles golf BALSAM LAKE — Despite having great numbers this season so far, the Eagles are struggling to finish strong at most of the meets this season.

Coach Chuck Holicky says that much of the team is out to learn this season, but he still sees some good things in his team.

Grantsburg Pirates golf GRANTSBURG — The Pirates are slowly chipping away at the season with good scores, but according to senior golfer David Faulhaber, the team is still capable of improvement. Faulhaber admitted that his scores aren’t where he would like them to be, but has good things to say about his teammates.

He mentioned the consistency of Keith Friese who has been consistent with Brad Berner. Both shot 48 at the Grantsburg Invite. Friese shot even better in Webster with a 38 and Berner landed a 47. Derek Sando has been another Pirate golfing consistently. He shot a 43 at the Grantsburg Invite and a 47 in Webster.

At the Luck Invite Tuesday night Faulhaber improved considerably from his last two meets, leading the team with a 38. The Pirates finished in second place, with Friese shooting a 41, Berner

42, Sando 43 and Meyers with a 47.

Frederic Vikings golf FREDERIC — David Harlander has remained consistent in the past two golf outings with a 43 in Webster and Grantsburg.

Nolan Neumann and Lucas Anderson each shot 51 in Grantsburg and 52 at the Webster Invite on Monday.

Ian Anderson filled a fourth spot at the Webster Invite with a 58. At the Luck Invite on Tuesday night Neumann shot well with a 42, Harlander shot a 50, Lucas Anderson ended with a 55 and Ian Anderson finished with a 58.

Luck Cardinals golf LUCK — The Cardinals continue to dominate the competition with scores in the high 30s and low 40s. At the Grantsburg Invite last Thursday, the team had three team members shooting 39s including Noah Thatcher, Travis Close and Kody Erickson.

On the following Monday the team had three golfers shoot 41 including Thatcher, Erickson and Carson Giller.

The top spot on the evening however, belonged to Close, who was the medalist of the day with a 36. Erickson, Close and Thatcher were all medalists at the Grantsburg Invite.

At the Luck Invite on Tuesday Erickson shared the medalist honors with Grantsburg’s David Faulhaber with a 38. The team took first place again, with Thatcher finishing second on the team with a 39, Giller 40, and Dylan Fultz with a 43.

Golf cont. page 24

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Webster relays prowl at Amery Two Tigers boys relay teams placed second in relays at Amery on Tuesday, May 1.

A team of Brian Gibbs, Chaz Heinz, Asa Olson and Brian Thill earned second in the 4x2 with a time of 3:40. They

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Dragons go third at SCF Siren’s girls’ track team took third at St. Croix Falls amidst some of the competition they’ll face at conference.

They finished behind Unity and Clear Lake, two teams hoping to contend at the conference meet. The Dragons did so with six event innings including three by the Howes.

Lauren Howe won the 1600 and 800 while her sister, Sarah took the 3200.

The Dragons also won the 4x8 relay.

The boys’ team had some success in field events with Kyle Phernetton winning the triple jump and Derrick D’Jock winning the discus.

Zac Rintoul of St. Croix Falls pole vaulting at the Unity Invite. Rintoul had a personal best of nine feet a day later at Amery. came 5.2 seconds shy of Somerset. Their 4x8 came even closer to victory with an 8:38.4 time, under a second behind Durand’s 8:37.8. Gibbs, Heinz, Quinton Johnson and Peter Walsh run the 4x8.

Walsh also made big strides individually beating Sean Kutz of Grantsburg in the 3200. Walsh finished at 9:59.3, and Kutz followed at 10:10.2. The Tigers distance runner also took second in the 1600 at 4:42.

On the girls’ side, Webster’s 4x8 also had success with a third-place showing.

Debbie Faught, Kathryn Krause, Aimee Rinnman and Chelsie Benson ran a 10:46.4 together.

Rinnman also took fourth in the 3200, and the Tigers had a fifth-place finish in the 4x4.

Siren’s Tom Chosa running a relay for the Dragons at Unity’s previous invite in mid April. – Photos by Matt Blumkin Finch goes second at Amery Grantsburg’s Megan Finch jumped a 4-10 for the high jump, which earned second at Amery.

Laura Skifstad also gave the Pirates some points with a 30-10.5 in the shot put for fourth place.

On the boys’ side, their 4x2 team of Aaron Simmons, Robert Hansen, Shawn Pavlik and Lukas Olson earned third.

They posted a time of 1:41.2.

Two Cards win at SCF A couple of Luck Cardinals won events at St. Croix Falls on April 26.

Nick Morgan beat out Grantsburg’s Jason Jensen in the 400 for a win, and Peter Rozumalski edged a Turtle LakeClayton runner for the 1600.

Against larger schools, Sarah Peterson posted top-ten finishes for the Cards at Amery in the triple and long jumps.

Ryan Flaherty on the run for Unity.

Softball/from previous page “We were not very tight in our play at all, but it was a good learning experience for us,” said Jorgenson.

St. Croix Falls 3, Cameron 2 CAMERON – Sixth-inning Runs by Abby Swenson and Laurana Sveback propelled St. Croix Falls past Cameron 3-2.

They trailed 2-1 after the second when the Comets scored a pair of runs. Katie Jacobson scored the first Saints run of the game, and two Saints base runners got thrown out at home during the course of the game.

Luck 11, Webster 9 LUCK – The Cardinals beat the Tigers and got rid of their goose egg in the win column on April 30.

“The girls came ready to play and ready to win tonight,” said Cardinals coach Aimie Jorgenson.

Taryn Pilz hit a three-run double in the fourth inning, which helped the Cards stave off the Tigers. Luck had first taken the lead 3-0 in the first, but the Tigers grabbed the lead over the second and third innings with seven runs.

Pilz’s double tied the game at 7-7.

“We had a few set backs in the game and were able to get past them, which I am way proud of the girls for doing,” said Jorgenson.

They came up with three more runs in the sixth to seal up their first win of the season.

Jorgenson said, “…the girls buckled down and played very well until the end.”

St. Croix Falls catcher Abby Swenson going for the out as Webster’s Amy French hurries home. The Tigers swep the Saints in a double header on Tuesday, May 1, at the Siren Ball Park. They played part of the second game under the lights. – Photo by Matt Blumkin Amery 12, Luck 2 AMERY – A short-handed Luck team ran into the Amery Warriors’ bats on April 27.

“We didn’t have a good start with our

third-string pitcher, but she is getting good experience,” said Cardinals coach Aimie Jorgenson whose team fell behind 6-0 over the first two innings alone.

Webster’s Nikki Roedl hitting in game one.

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Luck swipes win from Turtle Lake-Clayton Conference win keeps Cards in good shape at midway point

Luck 17, Plum City 3 PLUM CITY – The Cardinals turned a close game against Plum City into a blowout to obtain their fourth win of the season on April 27.

Casey “Wheels” Hatten scored three runs, and six players each scored two runs as the Cards cruised. Jordan Gross, Mitchell Klatt and Travis Pilz all drove in three runs apiece.

Gross’ two-RBI single in the first inning helped the Cards to a 3-0 lead, but Plum City kept it close with two runs in the bottom of the first. They stayed neck-and-neck through six innings. Yet, the Cardinals bats went on turbo in the final inning with 14 runs. – Matt Blumkin

Luck 4, T.L-Clayton 2

by Marty Seeger LUCK – After a tough loss to the Saints last Thursday, the Cardinals took their last two battles over Plum City (173), and another over T.L-Clayton Monday night. Luck has been thrown a couple of curveballs lately with at least one starting pitcher, Travis Pilz, out for another week or two due to shoulder problems.

“I’ve only pitched a couple of games because I got hurt right away, so we’ll see,” said Pilz.

In Monday’s game it was Harry Severson who took the mound to pitch a complete game with seven strikeouts and two walks.

T.L.-Clayton got on board first with two singles from Nic Klingelhoets and Trent Nyhus. Mike Wanner picked up a sac fly RBI before Pilz ended the inning

Jordan Gross of Luck rounding third as Brett Holdt drove him home for the first run of the game off a single in the second inning. The Cards won 4-2 over Turtle Lake-Clayton. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Casey “Wheels” Hatten of Luck taking a swing against SCF on April 26. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

scooping a grounder at short.

The Cards bounced back in the second after Jordan Gross drew a walk and a stole second base. Brett Holdt followed with an RBI single to left to tie the game at one. T.L-Clayton picked up only one run in the third off of a double and single. Luck tied it back up in the fourth with help from a Harlan Opitz triple. The Cardinals didn’t allow any more runs to T.L.-Clayton.

In the fifth, Cody Richert picked up a single to lead the inning. After stealing second, Richert was driven home off an RBI single from Pilz, who would later score on two stolen bases and a wild throw by the T.L.-Clayton catcher Dan Gross.

Luck will face Prairie Farm (6-1) on Thursday, May 3. The Panthers lead the conference, with their only loss coming from Luck earlier in the season.

Harlan Opitz scoring a run against SCF. – Photo by Matt Blumkin

Comets lay eight runs on Saints Offensively, Michael Lamirande had a big game with 2-4 batting, one run scored and two driven in. Cory Gebhard hit 1-3 with two runs, and five different Saints all scored runs.

They’ll get another crack at the West Lakeland leaders on Thursday, May 3.

SCF gives up eight runs to Cameron in third inning Cameron 9, St. Croix Falls 6

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – “What comes up, must come down.”

St. Croix Falls delivered a 10-run blow in one inning to Luck on April 26, and they had a similar blow delivered back to them by Cameron on May 1.

“Other than the third and sixth, we were able to shut down a formidable offensive attack,” said Saints coach Paul Randolph.

Conference-leading Cameron scored eight runs on the Saints in the third inning alone, and they scored their only other run in the sixth for a 9-6 win. A 20 lead by the Saints crumbled quickly with errors in the field.

“To their credit, they took advantage of this and turned this into an eight-run inning,” said Randolph.

Jack Werner went all seven innings with six strikeouts and six earned runs.

Werner also batted 1-2 and scored a run at the plate.

“I thought our pitching was really good tonight,” said Randolph who also said it was, “…maybe his best performance of the year.”

Gus Koecher of St. Croix Falls getting ready to run against Luck on Thursday, April 26. The Saints held first place in the conference following their win over Luck, but they fell to Cameron on May 1, which dropped them to second. They meet Cameron again on May 3. – Photos by Matt Blumkin

Safe! Dustin Raygor slides into second base against Luck on April 26.

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Here come the Honkers The defending c h a m p i o n Grantsburg Honkers will face stiff competition from the fishing opener, as well as from the Bayside Vipers and St. Croix Ravens as they open their 2007 season at home, noon on Sunday. Player/ manager Ted Gerber’s squad may be a bit shorthanded with several regular team members still involved with other commitments.

One of those missing players will be Bryan Johnson, who will be off performing his diamond heroics for perennial MIAC champion St. Thomas when they meet Carleton College (see Extra Points section elsewhere on these pages). St. Thomas, incidentally, is where the above-mentioned Gerber played his college baseball.

J o h n R y a n

THE SPORTS

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Another Grantsburg slugger makes his mark His team was struggling with a 4-18 record when this column went to press, but not through any fault of exPirate Matt Throngard. At last report the 6’2” 185-pound freshman was batting .306 with three home runs and 15 RBIs for the University of MinnesotaMorris.

Update on ex-Unity little league star The Florida State baseball Web site shows that Mark Hallberg is batting .360 with 51 runs scored and 44 RBIsfor the 39-7 Seminoles.

Additionally, his flashy play at shortstop is drawing rave reviews. Florida State is averaging well over 3,000 fans per game, a far cry from attendance figures when Hallberg used to ply the diamonds in Balsam Lake, St. Croix Falls, Frederic and Grantsburg.

Osceola to host state tourney Last weekend, Oakey Park of Osceola was officially named as the host site for the 2007 state amateur baseball tourney. According to ace Osceola Sun sports reporter Garth Olson, the Braves’ home venue won out over Menomonie despite that city’s reputation as a bastion of academia, not to mention it’s fast-paced night life and myriad of cultural offerings. Olson also noted that 2007 University of Minnesota women’s athlete of the year, Meredith Nelson, will be throwing out the first pitch at an upcoming Braves game as will Chieftain basketball coaching legend Dave Rusham. “Osceola sure knows how to make the proper production out of town team baseball,” said one

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Braves’ fan while struggling to maintain his balance as he sat upon a stool in a popular downtown-Osceola bistro.

Son of Frederic icon to play for Air Force Spies out in Colorado report that 6’,2”, 240-pound Wylie Wikstrom, the offspring of 1980 FHS grad and multisport Viking star Jon Wikstrom has inked a letter of intent to matriculate and play football for the Air Force Academy. Wikstrom, the elder, also graduated from the AFA. Wikstrom, the younger, played his high school football for Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minn.

Blazing speed in the middle school Frederic eighth-grade girls trackster Sage Karl was clocked at 13.0 seconds in the 100-meter dash at a recent junior high meet. Karl is a member of Leader Land’s undisputed “First Family of Running Sports.” Up until now, the Karl clan has been best known for its prowess in the realm of distance running, with four of Sage’s older siblings excelling at the high school level in both track and cross country.

Brains and brawn; Blumkin pedals for charity North Dakota State alum and Leader sports scribe Matt “Hello Country” Blumkin was spotted bicycling against the strong headwinds near Fargo, N.D., last weekend.

Blumkin was among the hardy throng who completed a 40-mile ride which raised over $60,000 for the Newman Centers at both the University of North Dakota and NDSU. Don’t forget next month’s local bike races Mark your calendars for Osceola’s Cascade Classic on June 2 and the Frederic Lions Classic the following Saturday.

Disappointed Packer fans Local cheeseheads were miffed when the spinach and mustard’s brain trust used their number one pick to choose Tennessee defensive lineman Justin Harrell while at the same time failing to pull off the longrumored trade for future hall-offamer Randy Moss. “Apparently Ted Thompson and company have a lot more faith in Brett’s (Favre) heirapparent Aaron Rodgers than I do,” said one disgruntled fan who had his eyes on quarterbacks John Beck of BYU and Brady Quinn of Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Moss wound up with the New England Patriots.

Next week: Trivia, fishing tales, quips, news, barbs and yarns.

John Ryan can jmr202@yahoo.com

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Webster Tigers golf WEBSTER — The Tigers had been showing a little spark over the course of the last week, but slipped a bit at the Webster Invite on Monday. At the Grantsburg Invite the team placed fourth overall with Mike Curtis leading the team with a 43. Mitchell Elliot took the second spot with a 46 and A.J. Holmquist had a 47, while Paul Olesen notched a 48.

At the Webster Invite on Monday the team placed lower in fifth place. Curtis scored well again with a 42 and Elliot shot a 46.

Curtis led the Tigers at the Luck Invite on Tuesday

night with a 46. Others included Elliot with a 47, Olesen 48, and Scott Stromberg with a 48 as well.

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West Lakeland Conference Standings (through April 23)

Team Cameron Prairie Farm St. Croix Falls Northwood Luck Shell Lake Turtle Lake-Clayton

Conf.

5-1 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-3 1-3 1-5

Overall 6-3 6-1 5-5 5-7 4-4 3-4 1-5

Scores

Thursday, April 26 St. Croix Falls 11, Luck 7 Friday, April 27 Luck 17, Plum City 3 Saturday, April 28 St. Croix Falls at Prescott, TBA Monday, April 30 Turtle Lake-Clayton 7, Luck 4 Cameron 14, Shell Lake 7 Tuesday, May 1 Cameron 9, St. Croix Falls 6

Tuesday, May 8 Unity Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster)

SOFTBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings Conf.

5-0 3-2 2-1 2-3 1-2 1-5

Team Grantsburg Frederic St. Croix Falls Webster Unity Luck

Overall 11-0 4-3 5-7 4-3 1-6 1-8

Scores

Thursday, April 26 Unity 4, Luck 2 Shell Lake 7, Frederic 6 Grantsburg 10, Barron 0 Webster 13, Clear Lake 12 Friday, April 27 Webster 5, Turtle Lake 2 Amery 12, Luck 2 Grantsburg 10, Shell Lake 0 St. Croix Falls 3, Cameron 2 Monday, April 30 Grantsburg 10, Clear Lake 0 St. Croix Falls 6, Frederic 4 Luck 11, Webster 8 Tuesday, May 1 Grantsburg at Unity, 5 p.m.

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

Frederic at Luck, 4:30 p.m.

Coming Up

Thursday, May 3 Luck at Prairie Farm, 4 p.m.

Luck at Turtle Lake-Clayton, 7 p.m.

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

Monday, May 7 Northwood at Luck, 5 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Turtle Lake-Clayton, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8 Cameron at Luck, 5 p.m.

Prairie Farm at St. Croix Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Coming Up

Thursday, May 3 Unity at Luck, 4:30 p.m.

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

Friday, May 4 Grantsburg at Amery, 4:30 p.m.

Shell Lake at Unity, 5 p.m.

Monday, May 7 Unity at Turtle Lake, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 8 Webster at Unity, 5 p.m.

Frederic at Grantsburg, 4:30 p.m.

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

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Thursday, May 3 Clear Lake Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity) Friday, May 4 New Richmond Relays, 3:30 p.m.

(Unity) Chisago Lakes, Minn., Invitational, 3:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg) Tuesday, May 1 Siren Invitational, 4:15 p.m.

(Grantsburg, Siren, Unity, Webster) Shell Lake Invitational, 4:15 p.m.

(Frederic, St. Croix Falls) Colfax Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Luck)

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

BOYS GOLF Coming Up

Friday, May 4 Hayward Invitational, all day (Frederic, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Unity) Saturday, May 5 Hayward Invitational, all day (Frederic, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Unity) Monday, May 7 Siren Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, St. Croix Falls, Siren, Unity, Webster)

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A career game for Jarrod Washburn

by Matt Blumkin OAKLAND – Webster native and Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn ironically brought his ‘A’ game against Oakland.

“I’ve had some great games against the A’s and they always give me a tough time,” Washburn told reporter Rick Eymer, a contributor to MLB.com. “This is one of the best games I’ve ever pitched, but I was by no means dominating. I was able to make them mishit the ball.”

Washburn pitched his first shut out of the season with a stellar performance.

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St. Croix Falls Saints golf ST. CROIX FALLS — The Saints finished third at the Grantsburg Invite, but slipped a bit at the Webster Invite, with a fourth-place finish.

Kyle Christiansen finished both courses as the team leader with a 41 in Grantsburg and 43 in Webster.

Thursday, May 3 Clear Lake Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity) Friday, May 4 New Richmond Relays, 3:30 p.m.

(Unity) Chisago Lakes, Minn., Invitational, 3:30 p.m.

(Frederic, Grantsburg) Tuesday, May 1 Siren Invitational, 4:15 p.m.

(Grantsburg, Siren, Unity, Webster) Shell Lake Invitational, 4:15 p.m.

(Frederic, St. Croix Falls) Colfax Invitational, 4 p.m.

(Luck)

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He pitched nine innings, and he allowed only three hits and two walks.

Te a m m a t e s Kenji Johjima and Jose Guillen also helped Washburn Jarrod Washburn in the winning cause with home runs.

With the 2-0 win over the A’s, Washburn improve to 1-2 on the season, and he improved his season ERA to 2.96.

It had been a somewhat rocky start for Washburn this season with two losses and missing a start due to snow. – with information from MLB.com

JARROD WASHBURN STATS: L ERA IP H R 0 14 2 73

2.96 4.67 2.96 4.01

. . .

9.0 187.0 27.1 1367.2

3 198 21 1341

0 103 10 644

ER

HR

BB

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0 97 9 610

0 25 2 177

2 55 8 411

2 103 13 815

Blake Yunker shot a 44 in Grantsburg and a 48 Monday night in Webster. Josh Yunker had a good outing at the Webster Invite with a 45.

The Saints took third place in Luck on Tuesday night with Josh Yunker leading the team with 42. Not far behind were teammates Christiansen 43, Blake Yunker 46 and Charles Schmidt with a 48.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

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Luck’s jr. varsity boys golf team members Christian McCabe, Chris Aldrich, Tyler Petersen, Dylan Fultz, Adam Anderson and coach Rick Giller, pose with the first-place plaque they earned for winning the Hayward Jr. Varsity Invitational Tournament. The team competed with 12 other teams and defeated second-place finisher, Osseo-Fairchild by 10 strokes. - Photo submitted

The Wisconsin Wrestling Club (R) wrestled at the kids state tournament in Madison on March 24. Pictured back row (L to R): Kyle Larson, Jared Nelson (second place), Alex Lennartson and Chad Bartchenfeld (sixth place). Front row (L to R): Michael Dahlke and Drew Wheeler.– photo submitted

PREPS

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NAME: Cailin Turner SCHOOL: Unity YEAR: Sophomore COMMENTS: Unity notched their first win of the season over Luck last Thursday, and Cailin Turner was a big help in the process. She had three catches in left field, and according to coach Lynn Steinmetz, it was Cailin Turner the most outstanding catch the team has seen all year. Turner also went 1 for 3 at the plate and scored later in the second inning off of a hit by senior Megan Johnson. – Marty Seeger

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NAME: Ben Nelson SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Sophomore COMMENTS: Only the gnats at the Unity Invite on April 30 could have flown under radar against Frederic’s Ben Nelson as he won the 3200-meter run by 38.22 seconds. He posted a time of 11 minutes, 2.88 Ben Nelson seconds, and the next runner came in at 11:4066. His season-best time was 10:55.5 for fourth in Grantsburg on April 24. “His goal coming in was to get under 11...,” said Vikes coach Troy Wink who added, “...now it is to be under 10:50. He works extremely hard and is very easy to coach.” –

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Next: vs. Pirates, vs. Nationals At press time, the Brewers were well on their way to defeating the defending world champion Cardinals. After eight innings Milwaukee had a commanding 12-2 lead courtesy of a Bill Hall double that scored two runs, and sparked a massive rally. The day before was equally impressive with their 7-1 win, which was played on ESPN for the first time since I can remember. Perhaps it wasn’t the Brewers who were able to land the prime time coverage anyway. The Cardinals seemed to get more than enough credit from the announcers at the end of the game who said that the Cardinals loss meant nothing to the team, and that it was forgettable. I wonder what they’re saying now. It will definitely take awhile for the Crew to earn any respect from the mainstream, but after leading the N.L. Central handily for nearly 20 games alone, its time they give credit where credit is due. We have a long season ahead of us, and a lot can happen between now and October, but with their next home series against the Pirates and Nationals, Milwaukee has a huge chance to put large gap between them and the second-place Pirates. – Marty

Seeger Next: @ Rays, vs. Red Sox One month into the season, and it appears the Twins will indeed be involved in a neckand-neck division race this season. The Twins trail the Indians by a 1.5 games through April 30 with Chicago and Detroit not far behind. The Tribe took two from the Twins recently in the middle of a four-game slide, but the Twins bounced back to take two of three games in Detroit April 27-29. Joe Mauer has continued his impressive hitting with a .369 average, which is better than his .319 after April 2006. Tori Hunter, Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau all have driven in 15 or more runs so far, which the Twins will continued to need. The pitching continues to look wobbley after Johan Santana.

Sidney Ponson and Boof Bonser have struggled with ERAs above five runs. Ramon Ortiz has looked promising though with a 3-1 start, and Joe Nathan has closed games for seven saves this season including three against division foes. The division has been tough on the defending champs so far as they’ve posted a 5-7 record while going 9-4 outside the division. A good first lap for a riv-

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Draft nothing to brag about It’s exciting to think that the NFL draft will bring dramatic changes to the upcoming season, which does not kick off until July 28.

Crazy Packer fans that showed up for the draft last weekend weren’t exactly happy about Green Bay’s first-round choice.

Defensive tackle Justin Harrell of Tennessee might bring strength to an already strong side to the Packers. It probably wasn’t very exciting for Harrell to get booed by Packer fans before he’s even had a chance to prove himself. Fans were probably hopeful that Ted Thompson would go for some offense to help Brett Favre where he needs it most. Brandon Jackson might provide an extra boost for the departure of Ahman Green, and the third-round pick of San Jose State’s James Jones could help out in the recieving core behind Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. WIth those top three picks, the Packers might have made the best possible choices available to them. With their first choice coming in the 16th round, fans shouldn’t expect big changes – Marty Seeger

Next: Camps, camps and more camps The Minnesota Vikings got practical at the NFL Draft on April 28-29. They worked on their biggest problem - scoring touchdowns.

Adding running back Adrian Peterson from Oklahoma with the seventh pick should help them in that area. He is a big-play back, and he should compliment Chester Taylor very well. Hopefully, his history of injuries doesn’t follow him from Oklahoma to Minnesota. He had a fractured right collarbone last season, and he missed 11 games during his sophomore and junior years. Yet, he did rush for a whopping 1,925 yards in his freshmen season. He will be at the Vikes rookie camp The Vikes also added three recievers, and anticipate Sidney Rice of South Carolina being one who will make an early impact. At 6’ 4” he has height and jumping ability to use.

Chandler Williams and Aundrae Allison, who came in later rounds, might give the Vikes some depth at wide receiver. – Matt Blumkin

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

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

DNR seeks public help for CWD testing This year, Northern Wisconsin is part of the states ongoing CWD surveillance

by Marty Seeger NORTHERN WISCONSIN — Citizens in northern Wisconsin are being asked to help in the effort to keep a healthy deer herd. Officials are asking that anyone who sees or knows of a recently killed deer along the highway to call their local sheriff’s department.

Since the first of the year, the DNR has been testing deer heads from car-killed deer and deer harvested with agricultural damage tags in order to check for chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis. According to Gary

Dunsmore, Wildlife Biologist out of Spooner, Burnett, Polk and some of the surrounding counties have close to around 100 deer so far. By fall, the DNR hopes to have at least 500 samples from each county. If that goal is not met, the DNR will need to rely on early bowkilled deer and deer from the gun deer season. Wildlife officials, including Dunsmore are hopeful that it is taken care of before that.

“We’re trying to get as many of the heads earlier in the year so we don’t have to do a lot of this during the fall hunting seasons,” said Dunsmore.

Even with the warmer weather, Dunsmore said that samples can still be tested within two or three days. Just the head of the deer is taken in for sampling, after which the lymph nodes of the deer are extracted.

“The lymph nodes are a little more

resilient, so you can actually extract them and test them even though the animals have been dead a few days,” says Dunsmore.

When a car-killed deer is reported, volunteers or wildlife officials will do their best to respond, but Dunsmore said that it is impossible to get to every animal since the road-killed deer have been getting more frequent over the past couple of weeks. Despite the difficulty to get to every animal, Dunsmore says that they highly appreciate any people that report a deer and its location so the animals can be tested.

Included in this year’s testing are Ashland, Barron, Rusk, Taylor, Washburn, Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Sawyer, Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Polk, Price, Burnett, Forest, Florence and Langlade counties.

This isn’t the first time the DNR has

collected samples in the northern region. When CWD was first detected in 2002, the DNR tested approximately 500 deer in every county and were successful in reaching its goals.

Dunsmore says that the DNR will do another similar test in the northern region in another five years. Last year the DNR collected heads from the western Wisconsin region. In the 18 counties, no CWD infected deer were found.

With the effort from the public, the DNR hopes to collect as many samples as they can before the fall deer hunting seasons. Dunsmore said that it takes a large amount of time, effort and money to compile all of the samples for testing, so it makes sense to try and get as much of the sampling done early.

“We’d rather do what we normally and routinely do during the gun deer seasons rather than collect deer heads,”

Bird festival held at Crex Meadows May 12 GRANTSBURG — One of the Midwest’s premier bird-viewing areas is holding a bird festival on Saturday, May 12. The Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of Crex are hosting the event at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The festival coincides with International Migratory Bird Day and is open to the public. Visitors will also take part in the grand opening of the new wildlife exhibits.

Wildlife enthusiasts can see up to 270 kinds of birds including many rare and endangered species on the 30,000-acre wildlife area.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about birds and bird management,”

says Crex Interpretive Naturalist, Jim Hoefler, “and visitors will see a variety of birds including trumpeter swans, loons, eagles, osprey and sandhill cranes.”

Guided bus tours of Crex are one of the main attractions. Buses leave the visitor center at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. for a 90-minute bird-watching tour. Bus tickets are available at the visitor center the day of the event with a nominal donation requested to cover the costs of bus rental.

Hoefler said there’s also an early-bird tour geared toward the more advanced/intense birder. This tour bus leaves at 6:30 a.m. and spends two hours searching the out-of-the-way

Simonson gobbler

places on Crex for those uncommon, less conspicuous species. Reservations are required for this tour, and the cost is $5.

People who want to get away from the crowds and enjoy being on the water can sign up for a guided canoe/kayak tour. These tours are scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.

Kayaks and canoes are available for a nominal fee or visitors can bring their own.

In addition, there are guided hikes and various birding programs scheduled throughout the day. Visitors can tag along with bird bander, Bruce Bacon, as he tends the mist nets and bands songbirds. Attendees can also

Hunter/bow safety scheduled for Danbury DANBURY — A hunter and bow safety education class has been scheduled at the Swiss Town Hall in Danbury.

Classes will be held on weeknights from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 and June 1 and 2. On June 2 the class will run from 10 a.m. to finish.

The class size is 25 maximum on a first-come, firstserved basis. You are asked not to preregister unless you intend to participate.

Full attendance is required, along with a $20 fee. Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, age, address and telephone number. For more information or to register call 715-656-4121. – submitted

On track...

Kim Simonson harvested her turkey last Thursday, April 26. This is Simonson’s largest bird to date, which weighed 22 pounds and sported a 10-inch beard. She says that she enjoys turkey hunting because it gives her time to spend with her husband, and a chance to break from the busy times in their life. – Photo submit-

The fishing opener is set to kick off this weekeknd, and those who plan on taking their kids fishing will want to take note of the cathable-sized trout that have been recently stocked in the areas of Polk and Burnett counties.

In Polk County Ice House Lake was stocked with 600 rainbows, Crescent was stocked with 2,500 rainbows, Clarey Lake has 2,000 rainbows and Lower Pine was stocked with 2,250 browns.

In Burnett County the north fork of the Clam River was stocked with 1,250 browns, Clam River Springs had 1,250 brookies stocked, Banach Lake has 500 rainbows and 1,000 brook trout, and Culbertson Springs was filled with 600 brook trout. With low bugs and great weather, this is a great time of year to take a kid out for trout. -– Marty Seeger with information from the DNR

join local birders for a leisurely stroll around the visitor center grounds to identify some of the common bird residents, or take in programs including: Wisconsin Raptors (with live birds) and Birds of Crex Meadows.

As part of the grand opening, there will be guided tours of the exhibits.

Some of the exhibit creators will be on hand to answer questions and explain how these unique displays were made.

Refreshments and food are available at the Friends of Crex food stand and birding books, equipment and other items offered at the center’s Bog Shoe Store.

For more information, or to reserve a spot on the early-bird tour, call 715-463-

Polk County Sport, Home and Garden Show is successful POLK COUNTY — The Polk County Sportsmen’s Club held its annual Sport, Home and Garden Show at the Polk County fairgrounds April 28 and 29. Nearly 4,000 people attended this event. Over 160 vendors and exhibitors displayed their wares, entertaining both young and old alike. The majority of the food vendors were nonprofit and youth organizations from around the county. Events included a trout fishing pond, a corn pile filled with fishing lures, radio-controlled boat races and casting contests. Archers of all ages tried their skills on life-sized animal targets. Some of the prizes for the kids included tackle boxes, fishing rods and reels, and other fishing equipment, some of which were donated by local businesses.

All profits from this two-day event stay in Polk County and help fund the Polk County Sportsmen’s Club’s community-based acitivites, which include the Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities, the Neil Mckenzie Youth Fishing Contest, the Food Plot Program, the Tree and Shrub Program, and the Lake Aerators Project.

The club would like to extend an invitation to all area sportsmen and their families to join the Polk County Sportsmen’s Club. The membership fee is $2 for a lifetime membership, and the next meeting will be held Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the Ellis Hagler American Legion Hall, in Balsam Lake. For further information, contact club president Dave Hraychuck, at 715-485-3362, hraychucks@centurytel.net. - submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

Frederic salutatorian and valedictorian announced

Traci Lundeen

Julia Haas

Counties work together to collect unwanted medication MADISON - Organized efforts to get rid of unwanted medication in Wisconsin used to be few and far between. That appears to be changing, as communities become more aware that what they throw away may later turn up where they don’t want it to.

This year, more than a dozen cities or counties around Wisconsin will hold special collections for prescription drugs used by humans or pets. For the first time, the counties of Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca and Winnebago are uniting for this purpose.

Joining pharmacists at the collection sites will be law enforcement so narcotics don’t get in the wrong hands.

Waupaca County’s Solid Waste Director Roger Holman says they need people who can identify what drugs are collect-

The Frederic School District has announced their valedictorian and salutatorian for the class of 2007. The valedictorian of the class of 2007 is Traci Lundeen, the daughter of Lisa and Tony Lundeen Brooks and Vaughn Chute of the rural Frederic area. LUndeen’s future plans include attending UW-Eau Claire and will be majoring in pre-pharmacy. The salutatorian for the class of 2007 is Julia Haas, the daughter of John and June Haas of Frederic. Haas plans on attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus and is going to be enrolled in pre-medicine with an undergraduate emphasis in biology. Lundeen and Haas will be recognized during graduation ceremonies scheduled for Sunday afternoon, May 27, at the high school. - submitted

Unity’s 2007 Prom Court

ed. He says quite often, medication will come in without a label, so a pharmacist is the best resource.

Surveys done at past collections indicate many people are flushing unwanted prescription drugs down the toilet or drain, something the state advises people not to do because it can get into ground or surface water. Joanie Burns oversees hazardous waste for the state Department of Natural Resources. She says the activity has been linked to effects on fish or other aquatic organisms.

Organized collection efforts are designed not only to keep water clean, but to prevent thieves from going through trash looking for medication or the identity of the person who used it. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shamane Mills)

Harsdorf opposes doubling of home transfer tax MADISON - State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, River Falls, has stated her opposition to a proposed doubling of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. This fee is charged to sellers for filing records related to the transfer of property.

Property owners would see an increase in the fee for such a transfer from $3 per $1,000 in value to $6 per $1,000 in value under Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget proposal. The increased cost of buying or selling an average home valued at about $160,000 in Wisconsin would be $492.

“Housing affordability is important,” said Harsdorf. “Raising the cost of buying or selling an average home by nearly $500 will hurt our state’s economy

and make home ownership more difficult.”

“We have already seen home sales sag and the housing market plummet to a record low in over a decade,” said Harsdorf. “Now is a horrible time to hit hardworking families in the real estate market with additional government fees.”

“Growing government at the expense of Wisconsin middle-class families is the wrong way to build a better state economy,” said Harsdorf. “We need to reverse direction and figure out what we can afford first, and then prioritize spending.” - from the office of Sen. Harsdorf

Halonie chosen for Bush Leadership Fellowship Heather Halonie of Webster has been selected as one of 19 individuals to receive a Bush Leadership Fellowship for 2007. The fellowships support full-time study in academic or self-designed educational programs. The program’s goal is to help individuals at midcareer prepare for greater leadership responsibilities and enhanced contributions to their communities. The Bush Foundation was established in 1953 by 3M executive Archibald Bush and his wife, Edyth. It supports the work of leaders and organizations to improve their communities and provides opportunities for those who lack them. Halonie is the daughter of Charles and Sherry Cadotte. She graduated from Webster High School in 1994, and went on to earn her bachelor of science degree from UW-Eau Claire. Halonie has been working in the field of child welfare since graduating from college and is currently the training manager for the Intertribal Child Welfare Training Partnership sponsored by UW-Green Bay. Halonie intends to pursue her master of social work degree at the University of Minnesota—Duluth. – photo/information submitted

Unity’s 2007 Prom Court included front: Brianna Schmid, Amy VanDeBrake and Brittany Vollrath. Middle: King Ethan Schmidt and Queen Lisa Muller. Back: Alex Peper, Justin Bader, 2006 King Derek Hougdahl, 2006 Queen Rachael Schmid and Ryan Flaherty. – Photo submitted

Republicans back Doyle for more lottery ads MADISON - Wisconsin’s lottery advertising budget would get a more than 60-percent boost under a measure that cleared the Legislature’s finance committee last week.

The idea behind spending more on advertising the lottery is that the state can potentially get a great return on its investment. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle proposed a nearly $3 million a year advertising increase in his budget.

Doyle’s administration estimates that would boost lottery sales by $15 miilion a year.

The peculiar thing about this debate is that it was Republicans who took up the governor’s cause. Racine Republican Assemblyman Robin Vos wondered why anyone would oppose the idea. He says it’s voluntary and “nobody forces you to walk into that convenience store and buy a lottery ticket: it’s totally

Services for Glenn Hunter this Friday SIREN - Services for Glenn Hunter of Siren will be held this Friday at 11 a.m. at Siren United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the SwedbergTaylor Funeral Home in Siren.

optional.” Vos says what makes lottery revenue more appealing is that it gets used to reduce the property tax burden for homeowners.

But Poplar Democrat Bob Jauch told committee members he thinks the state should get out of the lottery business altogether. He says more advertising only encourages more residents to throw their money away. He says the state is actually expending more state resources to encourage people to lose.

He says that’s an illogical position for a government to have.

Wisconsin hasn’t increased lottery advertising for more than 15 years.

Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson tried to do so on three occasions during the 1990s, but the Legislature stopped him each time. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

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C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Nilsestuen announces new agriculture research on energy crops MADISON – This week Rod Nilsestuen, Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, announced the formation of the North Central Bio-economy Consortium, a 12-state collaborative effort of the directors of the Departments of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Services and University Agricultural Experiment Station. Secretary Nilsestuen, the newly elected president of NCBEC, made the announcement at an Earth Day event at the University of Wisconsin - Nelson titled “Sustaining the Institute Wisconsin Landscape.

Biofuels Challenges and Opportunities.”

Together the institutions from the NCBEC states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin aim to help guide the transition to greater use of bio-based fuels and products.

Wisconsin, along with the 11 other states, has the potential to produce half to two-thirds of the nation’s perennial bioenergy crops and crop residues, casting the region into the national spotlight as the U.S. Congress considers federal farm policy.

“We are excited that under Gov. Jim

Doyle’s leadership of the Midwest Governor’s Association that this new consortium will provide policy guidance for the Midwest Governor’s Energy Summit, planned for this fall, that Gov. Doyle announced just last week,” Nilsestuen said.

The North Central Bio-economy Consortium recently elected its leadership team for the first two years. The president is Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, vice president is Forrest Chumley of Kansas State University and secretary is Dennis Campion of the University of Illinois.

“Gov. Jim Doyle’s renewable energy agenda and his budget initiatives provide the avenue to achieve the policy goals for this consortium right here in Wisconsin. Our state joining with this 12-state North Central Bio-economy Consortium stands ready to help Wisconsin and the U.S. reach, and possibly exceed the 25 X 25 renewable energy goals,” Nilsestuen said.

Wisconsin has almost 15 million tons of potential excess biomass that could produce 1.3 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year and could displace half of the 2.6 billion gallons of gasoline Wisconsin consumed last year. This is in addition to Wisconsin’s 252 million gal-

lons of current corn ethanol production.

If burned, this excess biomass could replace 15 million tons of coal, equivalent to 56 percent of Wisconsin’s total coal use, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

“These numbers demonstrate the diversity of Wisconsin biomass opportunities and would be the envy of any other state in the U.S.,” said Nilsestuen.

The NCBEC recently submitted summary work to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and Agriculture Committee House Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., documenting the 12-state North Central region’s achievements and potential in leading the transition to greater use of bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts.

The report also shows that Wisconsin ranks the highest in the region for potentially using biomass to energy from mill waste, second behind Michigan in forest residues and fourth in methane of landfills.

“This shows the diversity of opportunites for Wisconsin in new renewable biomass conversion to biopower and biofuels,” Secretary Nilsestuen. “The Wisconsin competitive advantage in agriculture and the bioeconomy has always been our diversity of products

and feedstocks.”

Cellulosic biomass sources like switchgrass, wood and crop residues, and manure are great potential biofuels and biopower sources. Twelve Midwest states have up to 231 million tons of potential excess biomass each year. If converted to ethanol, this could yield 13.9 billion gallons, more than doubling current ethanol production. This excess biomass could also be burned replacing 154 million tons of coal, one-third (37 percent) of the coal burned in the 12 Midwest states each year. These states have half of the nation’s 466 million tons of excess biomass. These states also have three-quarters of the nation’s switchgrass and crop residue reserves.

“Excess biomass like switchgrass, corn stover, wood waste, and manure are the convenient solutions to the ‘Inconvenient Truth’ of global warming.

If we invest in 10 pilot plants, more biofuel chases, research and funding, biomass could meet half our electricity or half our gasoline needs, and reduce the largest sources of greenhouse air pollutants in Wisconsin and America,” said Brett Hulsey, president Better Environmental Solutions and author of the report. - submitted

Polk County civil court Berg Precision, Inc., Clayton, plaintiff.

Encompass Machine, Inc., Rock Hill, S.C., defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of payment for machinery for a total of $35,470.43.

Netbank, Westlake, Texas, plantiff. Lisa Danielowski, Osceola, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of

$111,241.74.

CitiMortgage, Inc., Coppell, Texas, plaintiff.

Brenda and Kevin Hargrave, Osceola, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $103,445.87.

Discount Steel, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., plaintiff. Lunde, Inc., St. Croix Falls, defendant.

Polk County criminal court Leonard Korth, 39, Clayton, misappropriate identify information, obtain money; identity theft.

Signature bond set of $5,000. Preliminary hearing set for June 6.

Daniel Klitgard, 46, Clear Lake, OWI, operating with PAC .08 or more. Court review June 26.

Patrick Tourville, 41, Clayton, disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting or obstructing officer. Adjourned initial hearing set for Nov. 13.

Steven Sellman, 45, Wyoming, Minn., violate harassment/ restraining order; unlawful phone use – harassment. Not to be on Sunshine Street in St. Croix Falls. Adjourned initial hearing set for June 4.

Steven Bruns III, 19, St. Croix Falls, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana. Court review set for June 29.

Sandra Keeney,35, Osceola, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct, battery. Signature bond set of $1,500 with 10-percent cash component.

Kenneth Paulson, 44, St. Croix Falls, disorderly conduct. Adjourned initial hearing set for July 23.

Robert J. Johnson, 24, St. Croix Falls, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for June 29.

Paul Spoentgen, 37, Clear Lake, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, bail jumping. Review June 29.

Nicholas Carlson, 26, Osceola, pled not guilty

to battery. Court review set for June 8.

Dustin Graf, 19, Amery, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Review set for June 8.

Sophie McBain, 20, Clayton, disorderly conduct. Signature bond set of $500. Review set for June 29.

Kristopher Gerbasich, 22, Deer Park, disorderly conduct. Not in court. Arrest warrant issued.

Ambrosia Martin, 31, Deer Park, disorderly conduct. Not in court. Arrest warrant issued.

Aaron C. Rivard, 20, pled not guilty to criminal damage to property, theft. Signature bond set of $5,000. Review June 8. Not to be on premises of Gary’s Scrapmetals.

Charles Potting, 63, Milltown, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Review set for June 8.

Sean Kelly, 37, St. Croix Falls, pled not guilty to fraud/innkeeper-intent fraud. Review set for June 29.

Bruce Gravelle, 49, St. Croix Falls, violate harassment/restraining order. Adjourned initial hearing set for May 7.

Bradley Quinn, 22, Osceola, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct, bail jumping.

Jared Lange, 21, Clayton, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Court review set for June 29.

Joseph Wise, 20, New Richmond, pled not guilty to fail to report to county jail. Review set for July 6.

Siren police report April 20: An iPOD belonging to a student at Siren School was taken. The two students alleged to have removed the iPOD from the location where the owner left it have been referred to social services and will be charged with theft, according to the report. The iPOD was found, and returned to its owner.

April 23: A letter asking for the return of three movies was sent to a Danbury resident. The movies must be returned to Lightning Video by May 2, or the letter recipient will be charged with theft.

April 24: Lawrence James Johnson, 32, Hertel, was picked up on a probation no-drink violation at 1:35 a.m. Johnson was walking north on Hwy. 35/70 near North Shore Drive when he was arrested.

A student disorderly conduct complaint at Siren School was investigated. The complaint came into the officer on duty at 8:15 a.m.

At 9:40 p.m., Thomas M. Raska, 38, Somerset, was arrested on a warrant out of St. Croix County.

The warrant was issued for failure to pay court fees. Raska paid the fee to the jailer, and the Siren officer took him back to his arrest location.

April 27: Ruth Ann Johnson, 63, Siren, was arrested at her home at 11 p.m. on a charge of vio-

lating a no-drink bond.

April 28: At 6:50 p.m., Sascha B. Bailey, 18, Hudson, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35 and Clear Lake Street.

At 9:15 p.m., a motorcycle driven by Jonathon M. Holmes, 22, Grantsburg, was stopped in the alley behind Siren Auto Stop. Holmes was cited for operating while intoxicated and not having a motorcycle license.

April 29: At 2:58 a.m., Amanda Ellen Mansfield, 24, New Hope, Minn., was cited for operating while intoxicated during a stop in a driveway on Ellis Avenue.

At 12:25 p.m., Peggy Stager reported that a police scanner had been stolen from the living room at her home between 11 a.m. April 28 and 7:30 a.m. April 20. Nothing else was missing from the home.

At 12:30 p.m., Brian D. Kult, Siren, reported that three fishing poles had been taken off his porch between February and now. Two of the poles were maroon; the third was white.

At 7:21 p.m., the Siren officer on duty was dispatched to the wayside on Hwy. 35 for a rollover/vehicle in ditch. All the information the officer collected was turned over to the Burnett County deputy on scene to include in his report.

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

Plaintiff alleges nonpayment for goods supplied to defendant and seeks money judgement of $21,686.69.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., West Palm Beach, Fla., plaintiff. Keith and Nancy Bader, Amery. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $128,477.06.

Aurora Loan Services, LLC, Scottsbluff, Neb., plaintiff. David and Faye Whitlock, Amery.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $184,065.09.

James Rushfeldt, Dresser, plaintiff. Joseph McCullough, Laredo, Texas, defendant. Plaintiff alleges nonpayment of credit extended.

Bremer Bank, Lake Elmo, Minn., plaintiff.

Brian McMenimen, Dresser, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $89,800.

Beneficial Wisconsin, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., plaintiff. Dan Jasperson, Dresser, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges default of loan payments and seeks money judgment of $15,670.84.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff. Warren and Louise Gross, Turtle Lake, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $145,341.72.

Wells Fargo, N.A., Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff.

Allan and Penny Kangas, Luck, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $166,549.89.

S & C Bank, New Richmond, plaintiff.

Christopher Gehrke, Luck, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $129,179.25.

Bank of New York Trust Co., N.A., Richfield, Minn., plaintiff. Rita Moose, Luck, plaintiff.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $88,612.04.

Citi Mortgage, Inc., O’Fallon, Mo., plaintiff.

Jason White and Magda Baumeltova, Minneapolis, Minn., defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $79,942.03.

GMAC Mortgage LLC, Horsham, Pa., plaintiff.

Thomas and Sherry Rudd, Ridgeland. Plaintiff seeks th mortgage foreclosure for property at 190 55 St. in Clear Lake for payments of $98,933.57.

Estate of Zachary Wolfe, by Melissa Horky, Luck, plaintiff. Estate of Jeffrey Scott Wagner, personal representative of estate, David J. Wagner, Edgerton, defendant. Plaintiff seeks damages and punitive damages for medical, funeral and burial plot expenses for death of Zachary Wolfe.

Polk County divorces Divorces filed Kathryn and Kevin Moe, New Richmond.

Married 2000. One child.

Sharon and Terence Sweeney, Amery.

Married 1994. No children.

Carolyn Puariea, Cushing, and Richard Puariea, Rush City, Minn. Married 1995. Two children.

Heather and Cory Haasnoot, Luck. Married 1995. Four children.

Allen Roder, Osceola, and Barbara

Blanchard, Osceola. Married 1996. Three children.

Richard and Brenda Mathews, Luck. Married 1989. Two children.

Tori Kittelson, Clear Lake, and Theodore Kittelson, III, Barron. Married 2006. One child.

Divorces granted Steven and Lynn Berg. Married 1989. Two children.

Lewis and Janice Decker. Married 1982. No children.

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents April 20, 3:47 p.m., Laketown Twp., CTH B, 100’ N. of 275th Ave., Jade K. Radle, 19, Rice Lake, was traveling southbound on CTH B, attempting to negotiate an eastbound curve into 275th Ave. (CTH B). The vehicle drifted to the right side shoulder, left the roadway, struck the traffic sign (curve), rolled and came to rest off the roadway, upside down, north of 27th Avenue, east of 210th Street.

Driver and passenger (Michael D. Roatch, 19, Cushing) received serious injuries (not wearing safety equipment/transported by ambulance).

April 21, 9:30 a.m., Alden Twp., CTH M/200th Street at CTH K 60th Avenue; #1 – Lowell M. Norlander, 84, Osceola; #2 – Robert E. Ullman, 76, Star Prairie. Unit 1 was stopped at a stop sign on CTH K, pulled into the intersection with CTH M, westbound. Unit 2 traveled southbound on CTH M, colliding with unit at the intersection with CTH K. Unit 1 struck the street sign post and came to rest in the ditch of the southwest corner of the intersection. Unit 2 came to rest, also, in the southwest corner of the intersection, partially in the ditch and partially on 60th Avenue. Witnesses indicate that unit 1 failed to yield the right of way to unit 2. Driver Norlander was seriously infjured (wearing seat belt/transported by EMS).

April 21, 7:30 p.m., Balsam Lake Twp., CTH I, .74 mi. E. of 160th Street, Karen E. Leis, 49, Centuria, was westbound on CTH I. Unit 1 crossed over the centerline into the opposite lane. Driver of

unit 1 overcorrected, causing the vehicle to begin skidding sideways. Unit 1 entered the westbound lake. Drive of unit 1 again overcorrected. Unit 1 then began skidding sideways across the eastbound lane. Unit 1 entered the south ditch, facing southeast. Unit 1’s right tires dug into the grass, causing it to overturn. Unit 1 rolled over completely, landing on a fence and coming to rest on all four tires. Driver cited for inattentive driving and OWI. Driver sustained injuries (wearing safety equipment/transported by EMS).

April 23, 6:11 p.m., Garfield Twp., 172nd Street at 85th Avenue, Andrew T. Fowler, 17, Amery, was westbound on 85th Avenue. As #1 approached the curve at 192nd Street, the passenger side tires made contact with gravel on the shoulder of the road. The rear of the unit began to turn counterclockwise. Vehicle entered the ditch and rolled 1-1/2 times, coming to rest in the field.

Unit 1 was on its roof, facing east. Driver sustained serious injuries (wearing seat belt/transported by EMS).

April 27, 10:25 p.m., Sterling Twp., Hwy. 87, 1/4 mi. S. of 250th Avenue, #1 – Aaron C. Rivard, 20, Star Prairie; #2 – Barbara J. Hanvelt, 34, Grantsburg; driver of unit 2 was southbound on Hwy. 87 when the vehicle went left of center and struck southbound on Hwy. 87. Driver of unit 1 said there was a problem with his steering system.

Driver of #2 received a minor injury (restraint use unknown), no transportation by EMS.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

Burnett County circuit court Corey S. Aadalen, Red Wing, Minn., ATV – operation adjacent to roadway, $186.00.

Janice M. Allen, Anoka, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Lisa M. Allen, Siren, operate with controlled substance, operating left of center line, not guilty pleas.

Allison M. Alseth, Pine City, Minn., speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Mahmood Ameli, Burnsville, speeding, $160.80.

Arlu L. Ames, Grantsburg, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Bruce D. Andersen, Hinckley, Minn., speeding, $160.00.

James O. Anderson, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Laura E. Anderson, Danbury, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Arnold A. Angeloni, White Bear Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

David E. Arnold, Superior, speeding, $160.80.

Mary K. Bakke, Webster, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle – driver, $249.00.

Brian D. Bakken, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

John B. Balogh, Wayzata, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Richard R. Barton, River Falls, speeding, $211.20.

Kyle S. Baver, Webster, violate GDL restrictions, curfew, $186.00.

Melissa A. Bearhart, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Tracee R. Belisle, Webster, operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month revocation and order for assessment; operating while revoked, $249.00; operating while revoked, $249.00.

Peggy D. Belknap, Siren, reckless driving – endanger safety, not guilty plea.

Kevin C. Belland, Danbury, speeding, not guilty plea.

NFN Bemosaakwe, Shell Lake, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Leah J. Benjamin, Webster, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

David J. Bennett, Trego, speeding, nonregistration of auto., not guilty pleas.

Carl J. Berg, White Bear Lake, Minn., speeding, $236.40, 15-day license suspension.

Daniel J. Blair, Hayward, speeding, $211.20.

Jerome J. Blatt, Webster, driving too fast for conditions, $198.60.

Dennis K. Boyd, Webster, passing in no-passing zone, not guilty plea.

Christine M. Bremer, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Cowan J. Bruss, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kendra R. Bryant, Spooner, speeding, seat belt violation, operating while suspended, not guilty pleas.

Jamie L. Budeau, Zimmerman, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Mark A. Burgett, Webster, operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Don K. Button, Webster, obstruct navigable water, $186.00.

James D. Carlson, Mounds View, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Samuel J. Carlson, Grantsburg, snowmobiler fail to carry registration, $160.80.

Joyce L. Carpenter, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Michael J. Chapuran, Edina, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jose M. Chavarria, Siren, speeding, $211.20.

Teresa M. Christensen, Osceola, speeding, $186.00.

Robin L. Christianson, Maplewood, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Carl J. Christner, Spooner, driving too fast for conditions, not guilty plea.

Liela L. Clover, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

Dorothy J. Cooper, Hayward, speeding, $160.80.

Jenna R. Daeffler, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Sharon J. Dahlke, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Robert P. DenHartog, Minong, operating while suspended, $186.00; operator violate green traffic signal, $160.80.

John P. Dettloff, Couderay, speeding, not guilty plea.

Robert E. Doane, Little Canada, Minn., public nuisance, not guilty plea.

Joshua R. Drouillard, Cloquet, Minn., interstate record of duty status, $257.00.

Anthony R. Duevel, Royalton, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Gary D. Dunst, Gordon, speeding, $160.80.

Richard L. Ehrenstrom, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Gregory A. Eiffler, Isanti, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Pamela J. Engen, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

Christopher Engstrom, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Michael B. Ferraro, Eagan, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Roger F. Fontaine, Danbury, burning without a permit, not guilty plea.

Antony M. Forster, Milltown, speeding, $160.80.

Jeffery V. Fox, Dresser, speeding, $160.80.

Michael E. Frazee, Danbury, operating without valid license, $186.00.

Freida M. Friske, Gordon, speeding, not guilty plea.

Billy Jo Garbow, Danbury, speeding, $211.20.

Christa L. Gelking, Frederic, underage drinking, $249.00, and order for assessment.

Sheri D. Giesel, Chetek, speeding, $160.80.

Robyn L. Gorkiewicz, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Amy E. Goveronski, Shell Lake, seat belt violation – passenger, $10.00; seat belt violation – driver, $10.00.

Thomas A. Griffith, Lakeville, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Jorge E. Guiral, Eagan, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Derek L. Gunderson, Siren,

Iowa, speeding, $186.00.

Kelsey E. Gustafson, Webster, nonregistration of auto., $160.80; violation of child safety restraint requirements, $160.80.

Duane C. Halverson, Webster, speeding, not guilty plea.

Scott R. Hamilton, St. Louis Park, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Luke A. Hansen, Grantsburg, nonregistration of vehicle, $249.00.

Mark E. Hansen, Forest Lake, Minn., operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Bradley W. Hanson, Webster, nonregistration of auto., $160.80.

Curtis J. Heim, Spooner, ped./bicyclist, failure to yield right of way, $135.60.

Cari A. HillSondrall, Sauk Rapids, Minn., fail to display snowmobile registration, $148.20.

Martha P. Hippe, Elk River, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Jonathan M. Holmes, Grantsburg, possess marijuana on state land, operate while revoked, not guilty pleas.

William J. Holmes, Danbury, unsafe lane deviation, operating without valid license, not guilty pleas.

Glen E. Hughes, Dairyland, speeding, $160.80.

Kyle P. Irestone, Minneapolis, Minn., operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Susan I. Jennings, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Christopher L. Johnson, Frederic, underage drinking, possess, $249.00 and order for assessment.

Faith A. Johnson, Siren, operate without valid license, nonregistration of auto., improper display of license plates/tags, not guilty pleas.

John T. Johnson, Minong, speeding, $165.00.

Warren E. Johnson, Gaithersburg, Md., speeding, $160.80.

Larry E. Judd, Spooner, ATV – intoxicated operation, $438.00.

Travis D. Karrow, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Patrice R. Kaye, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Kathryn M. Kelley, Siren, snowmobiler fail to carry registration, $160.80.

Thomas C. Kemp, Siren, hunt/trap bobcat, otter, fisher without a tag, $329.00.

Mary Jane Kester, Hinckley, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Joseph G. Kilmer, Hayward, speeding, $160.80.

Paul W. Klabunde, Shell Lake, operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Ricky R. Kletschka, Siren, operating left of center line, $200.00.

Jeff J. Kludt, Spooner, speeding, $211.20.

Jon L. Knoepke, Siren, speeding, $186.00.

Dwight M. Kraemer, Danbury, seat belt violation,

OAR, not guilty pleas.

Melody Ann Krattenmaker, Andover, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dean G. Kuechle, Oakdale, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Thomas L. Laboda, Luck, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Mary L. Langevin, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Jack A. Ledbetter, Cumberland, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, not guilty pleas.

Jesse W. Lieder, Frederic, operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Michael F. Livingston, Siren, operating without valid license, $186.00.

Fu H Lu, Hayward, nonregistration of auto., $160.80.

Jordan S. Lubich, Webster, speeding, $211.20.

Robert T. Lucas, Victoria, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Christine E. Lussier, Lac Du Flambeau, speeding, $186.00.

Webster B. Macomber, Webster, speeding, not guilty plea.

Michael J. Macone, Spooner, speeding, $186.00.

Timothy Majewski, Brooklyn Park, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jennifer L. Mangelsen, Shell Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Heather C. Marth, Siren, speeding, $186.00.

Edward L. Mazel, Rice Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Joseph R. McGeshick, Siren, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Craig A. Mehtala, Spooner, speeding, $186.00; operating while suspended, $186.00.

Greg R. Meland, Wayzata, Minn., speeding, $160.00.

Amber R. Merrill, Stillwater, Minn., OAR, inattentive driving, not guilty pleas.

Thomas A. Miller, Hermantown, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Thelma L. Mitchell, Danbury, speeding, not guilty plea.

Darryl R. Moose, Webster, operate without valid license, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle – driver, speeding, not guilty pleas.

Laura M. Moose, Webster, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, OAR, not guilty pleas.

Stuart A. Morris, Columbia Heights, Minn., operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Michael J. Mueller, Lake Elmo, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Scott G. Murray, Minneapolis, Minn., operate snowmobile on highway, $186.00.

Jeffrey A. Nelson, Webster, operating ATV without valid registration, $186.00.

Justin K. Nelson, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Michael L. Nelson, Grantsburg, fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Trisha M. Nelson, Frederic,

underage drinking, possess, $249.00 and order for assessment.

Gordon W. Nielsen, Jordan, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Gerald E. Oachs, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

G. Scott Ohlsen, Maplewood, Minn., unsafe cutting in when passing, not guilty plea.

Thomas R. Ohm, Shoreview, Minn., speeding, $156.20.

Louis R. Oiyotte, Webster, operating while suspended, $186.00; display unauthorized vehicle registration plate, $223.80; fail to obey traffic officer signal, $160.80.

Natasha A. Olson, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Phillip G. Otoole, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Lonnie L. Patzner, North Branch, Minn., hit and run, unattended vehicle, $255.00.

Franklin D. Pedersen, Hammond, La., speeding, $160.80.

Michael Peterson, Grantsburg, improper display of license plates, $135.60.

Heather L. Pint, Chanhassen, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dale R. Polaski, Webster, snowmobiler refuse breathalyzer, not guilty plea.

John P. Polski, Webster, operating while suspended, $186.00.

John P. Prachar, Willow River, Minn., speeding, $280.50 and 15-day license suspension.

Julie A. Prindle, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Dwayne R. Rasmussen, Dresser, speeding, $186.00.

Jeffrey S. Redberg, Coon Rapids, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Jeffrey Reinke, Whitewater, speeding, $160.80.

Erika J. Reynolds, Webster, underage drinking, possess, $375.00, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Jeffrey W. Rickford, Siren, fail to display vehicle license plates, $135.60.

Jeffrey S. Riordan, Delano, Minn., operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Eric D. Rockow, Chetek, speeding, $160.80.

Alicia M. Roper, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Daniel T. Sampson, Osceola, speeding, $160.80.

Carley J. Samuelson, Plymouth, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jody A. Sandahl, Grantsburg, operating while suspended, $186.00; nonregistration of auto., $160.80.

Jeramy S. Schadow, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Suzanne J. Schlomka, Hinckley, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Michael J. Schueller, Becker, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Melinda M. Sells, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Seymour, Michael P. Andover, Minn., speeding,

$160.80.

Amanda K. Shipley, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Arlen M. Smestad, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Thomas W. Snyder, Sandstone, Minn., operate without valid license, not guilty plea.

Jennifer M. Sondral, Golden Valley, Minn., fail to display snowmobile registration, $148.20.

Roxanne Songetay, Danbury, speeding, $211.20; fail to yield for emergency vehicle, $312.00; seat belt violation, $10.00; operating while suspended, $186.00.

Atlen L. Sova, Eagan, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Kevin A. Spanbauer, Eden Prairie, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Donald L. Spafford, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Michael K. Sperry, Webster, burning without a permit, $160.80.

Paul R. Stermer, Edina, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Wanda L. Stevens, Webster, unsafe lane deviation, $160.80.

Conrad E. St. John, Webster, reckless driving, $375.00.

Vickyann Strain, So. St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Scott R. Studer, Clontarf, Minn., speeding, $168.80.

Ernest E. Swenson, Minong, failure to notify police of accident, not guilty plea.

Randall C. Tacheny, Milltown, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty pleas.

Louis P. Taylor, Hayward, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kenneth W. Thoreson, Barnes, speeding, $160.80.

Allen R. Tift, Cumberland, speeding, $211.20.

Kurt G. Torbenson, Lakeville, Minn., ATV – operation without headgear, $135.60.

Mary J. Vanderhoff, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Joseph A. Vendela, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct on school property, not guilty plea.

John F. Vix, Webster, nonregistration of auto., not guilty plea.

Nicole E. Waite, Braham, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Lisa M. Wald, Burnsville, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Jason G. Walton, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Katherine J. Wheaton, Grantsburg, barking dog/dog at large, $185.00.

James R. Widder, Minneapolis, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Brandon K. Winkler, Webster, unreasonable and imprudent speed, not guilty plea.

Joshua A. Wohlers, Vadnais Heights, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Joshua R. Woller, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Hannah B. Worthington, Edina, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Nicholas G. Zentic, Webster, inattentive driving, not guilty plea.

Burnett County criminal court Gary M. Thomas, 46, Danbury, bail jumping, $250.00; disorderly conduct, $250.00.

Amanda Goepfert, 22, Grantsburg, issue worthless checks, one-year probation, $354.67 – restitution, not less than $72.00 per month, $77.00.

James E. Pettis Jr., 25, Colfax, issue worthless checks, $249.00.

LaVonne K. Myrvold, 48, Webster, issue worthless check, $248.00.

Carrie A. Jonas, Maplewood, Minn., issue worthless check, $249.00.

Robert A. Carlson, 46, Frederic, issue worthless checks, 44 days’ jail time, $62.50 – restitution, not less than $25.00 per month, $77.00.

Joseph T. Long, 25, Cumberland, issue worthless check, $119.18 – restitution, $149.00.

Myron L. Mansfield, 31, Webster, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Georgiana J. Carson, 24, Shell Lake, criminal damage to property, one-year probation, six months’ jail time, no contact with victim, $88.00.

Craig C. Emerson, 41, Markesan, criminal damage to property, $249.00.

Blaise M. Villaume, 18, South St. Paul, Minn., disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Joshua J. Netzel, 21, Danbury, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

David E. Mackenburg, 39, Grantsburg, disor-

derly conduct, $324.00.

Cheri L. Baker, 39, Danbury, obstructing an officer, $249.00.

Anthony S. Lowe, 27, Luck, manufacture and falsely present non-drug as drug, six months’ jail time, Huber granted, license suspended for six months, $88.00.

Joshua D. Wilson, 26, Siren, possession of marijuana, $249.00.

Kathryn J. Halverson, 46, Siren, possession of THC, license suspended six months, $273.00.

Joshua D. Louis, 26, Stone Lake, possession of cocaine, one-year probation, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Christopher P. Hronoski, 25, Ramsey, Minn., possession of amphetamine/LSD/Psilocin, six months’ jail time, license suspended six months, community service at the availability of need, $77.00.

Patricia A. Hopkins, theft – false representation, two-years’ probation, restitution TBD, restricted from premises that serve alcohol, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Christy R. Merrill, 23, Siren, operate vehicle without consent – passenger, three-year probation, 40 days’ jail time; operate vehicle without consent – passenger, three-year probation, $589.32 – restitution, $176.00.

Aaron Douglas, 26, Webster, battery, $400.00.

Pamela J. Marcyan, 49, Frederic, battery, twoyear probation, comply with after care treatment program and recommendations from Infinity House, $163.00.

George D. Reynolds, 39, Siren, battery, oneyear probation, restitution - TBD, slcohol assessment, $88.00.

Neal A. Quagon, 38, Stone Lake, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10 days’ jail time, license revoked 24 months.

Joel B. Finch, 41, Grantsburg, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10 days’ jail time, license revoked 12 months.

Gregory A. Schiefelbein, 52, Grantsburg, OWI, $1,209.00, alcohol assessment, 60 days’ jail time, license revoked 24 months.

Terrence E. Boswell, 35, Webster, OWI, $1,259.00, alcohol assessment, three-year probation, license revoked three years, six months’ jail time, no consumption of alcohol, not allowed to operate a motor vehicle, submit to random drug testing, provide DNA sample, attend minimum five AA meetings per week after discharge, maintain full-time employment.

Paul S. Stimets, 32, Mazeppa, Minn., fail to display ATV registration decals, $113.00.

Thomas R. Brown, 29, Shell Lake, operate with loaded firearm in ATV, $56.40 – restitution, 198.60.

Kelly J. Hicks, 41, Siren, nonregistration of vehicle, $160.50; operate while suspended, $185.50.

Dean L. Boyington, 20, Siren, operate without a valid license, $186.00; speeding, $211.20.

Louis R. Oiyotte, 23, Webster, possession of drug paraphernalia, $249.00.

Kenneth H. Gale, 41, speeding, $186.00.

Ashley M. Garrity, 17, Webster, speeding, $211.20.

Richard C. Hopkins, 38, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Michael F. Livingston, 48, Siren, speeding, $186.00.

Ethan A. Hayes, 18, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Kathryn J. Halverson, 46, Siren, operating center lane in three-lane highway, $249.00.

Tiphany A. Day, 16, Spooner, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $249.00.

Yuri A. Walczak, 20, Shell Lake, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $113.00.

Reed M. Lechnier, 19, Spooner, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, $113.00.

Lawrence W. Wachewicz, 46, Siren, OWI, $665.50, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Daniels, April 21: Derick J. Leffelman, 24, Grantsburg, was southbound on Carlson Road when he lost control, striking a road sign and some trees. The driver and the owner of the vehicle fled the scene.

Town of Scott, April 25: Benjamin C. Davis, 27, Danbury, was northbound on CTH A when he swerved to miss a deer, hitting a rock embankment for a driveway. At one point, the vehicle was airborne.

Surprisingly there were no reported injuries, although the vehicle was severely damaged.

Town of Oakland, April 27 : Patty Carpenter, 50, Danbury, was northbound on French road when she lost control of her motorcycle in loose sand near the recycling center. Witnesses said she went end over end before coming to rest. The driv-

Burnett Co. civil court Bayfield Financial, L.L.C. vs. Nicholas A. Seeger, Grantsburg, $3,133.70.

Cottenwood Financial Ltd. vs. Wendy J. Cunningham, Siren, $619.72.

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Donald W. Ferguson, Rusk, and Sandra D. Christner, Rusk, April 23.

Barry R. Zubrod, Meenon, and Kimberly K. Bambery, Meenon, April 26.

Burnett Co. deaths Robert L. Frost, 72, Grantsburg Village, April 14.

James B. Sine, 65, Siren, April 1.

James K. Jordan, 66, Ironwood, Mich., April 7.

er was flown out by helicopter to North Memorial.

Town of Grantsburg, April 27: Luke A. Hansen, 21, Grantsburg, reported hitting a deer on Hwy 70. No injuries were reported. The truck sustained minor damage only.

Town of Rusk, April 29: James A. Ilko, 45, Eagan, Minn., was southbound on CTY H when he hit a deer. No injuries were reported.

Town of Siren, April 29: Cynthia L. Person, 53, Luck, was heading north on Hwy 35 when she rolled her vehicle.

The driver was transported by ambulance for a possible injury.

The vehicle sustained moderate damage and was towed. The driver was issued three citations.

Arrests Town of Swiss, April 26: Kara Tomaszewski, 29, Danbury, was arrested on a probation warrant.

Follow the Leader

Burnett County Warrants Lora J. Clontz, 30, St. Croix Falls, arrest warrant – complaint, April 25.

James W. Moravec, 22, Sarona, warrant – failure to appear, April 26.

Steven R. St. John, 46, Sandstone, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, April 27.

Carmen L. Taylor, 21, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, April 23.

Other incidents Town of Meenon, April 23: The mailbox of Harry F. Ferris, 91, Siren, was struck by a vehicle and found 25 feet down the road. The incident remains under investigation.

Town of Siren, April 26: Robin A. Marlow, 44, Siren, reported an air compressor taken from his residence. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Anderson, April 27: ReMax reported vandalism to a

home they are representing.

The incident is under investigation.

Town of West Marshland, April 29: John K. Lee, 38, Grantsburg, reported a burglary to his home. A TV with remote and bait casting rods were reported missing. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Oakland, April 29: Justin A. Elkins, 18, Danbury, reported a car stereo, speakers and assorted CDs taken from his residence. The incident is under investigation.

Notices / Real Estate

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Notices / Employment Opportunities

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

Notices

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Notices

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Luck library/museum receives $100,000 grant Public invited to become involved

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — The Luck library/museum building project has been awarded a $100,000 community development block grant from the state of Wisconsin.

This puts the fundraising total near the $750,000 mark, the amount needed for the 6,000-square-foot building that will be located on Luck's Main Street.

An additional $250,000 will be raised to establish an endowment fund to help offset operating expenses once the facility is up and running.

As the proposed fall groundbreaking draws near, the project steering committee is asking for in-kind help for the project, including materials, labor, and equipment for either the construction phase or for furnishing the building.

A meeting for anyone interested in becoming part of the project through in-kind contributions has been set for Wednesday, May 9, 8 p.m. at the Luck Village Hall.

"We'd like to welcome anyone from the area who would like to be part of this," said steering committee chair Tam Howie.

Anyone interested in the project is invited to attend the monthly meetings, held the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the village hall.

With 90 days left in the fundraising phase of the project, said Howie, property owners in the library's use area, as well as Luck High School alumni, will be receiving letters inviting them to become involved in the project through a cash contribution.

"We'd appreciate any contribution anyone would like to make," said Howie, adding that donations are tax-deductible.

"If you watch your mail, you'll be getting an invitation to be part of this exciting opportunity."

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net

An artist's rendition of the new museum and library museum building in Luck. Fundraising for the $1 million project, which includes an endowment fund of $250,000, is set to end in 90 days.

Girl Scout bake/garage sale set WEBSTER - A Girl Scout bake/garage sale will be held Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Webster Community Center.

There is something for everyone: baby strollers, car seats, baby swings, crib, clothes of all sizes and more. People from Webster to St. Croix Falls donated items for the sale. Sponsors are Girl Scout Troop 190 who are working towards a Gold Award Project. Proceeds will benefit the CRA women’s shelter in Milltown. – submitted.

Citizen banquet approaches 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 Hairstyling, will be held at Hacker’s Lanes 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

Not good...fantastic mileage

National Day of Prayer event May 6 Frederic Area Ministerial Association to host event FREDERIC - People from all across the nation are preparing to celebrate their freedom to gather, worship and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 3 in observance of the 56thannual National Day of Prayer.

Organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where intercession will be made for our nation, government leaders, media, schools, churches, and families.

To avoid a conflict with the Frederic High School concert on May 3, the Frederic area National Day of Prayer event is planned for Sunday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at Frederic Evangelical Free Church, 505 Old CTH W. The service is being hosted by the Frederic Area Ministerial Association. Everyone is invited to attend.

This year's theme, "America, Unite in Prayer," is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

National Day of Prayer Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson said, "At this crucial time in history…we encourage all people of faith to set aside their differences and publicly seek God's wisdom and direction for those in harm's way and for our homes, communities and country.

Our founding fathers recognized the power of prayer and gathered regularly to ask for God's blessing. We can do no less."

About the National Day of Prayer Proclamations from President George W. Bush and all 50 governors support the 56th-annual National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress' proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. - submitted

Matt Lester, one of the Siren High School seniors who worked all year on this year’s high-mileage vehicle, showed the vehicle during the Encore fine arts program at the school Tuesday, April 24. The vehicle will be entered into competition May 4 and 5 at Fox Valley. Last year’s vehicle recorded 155 miles per gallon. “It’s all their design,” said tech-ed teacher Ron Dorn. “I hand them the rule book and say, ‘You guys build to specs.’ The kids get more out of it when I am not saying, ‘This is the way to do it.’” More photos of Encore in Currents section. - Photo by Nancy Jappe

Blue Ribbon Walk

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 2, 2007

Community gathers to raise funds for the fight against child abuse

Polk County Circuit Court Judge Molly GaleWyrick (red shirt) took part in Saturday’s Blue Ribbon event at Milltown, walking with friends to raise funds to fight child abuse.

Former Kinship of Polk County board member Pat Anderson of Amery (far left) and Karalee Tollakson of Kinship of Polk County (behind Anderson) are shown along with two unidentified friends at right.

The Blue Ribbon Walk, held Saturday at Milltown and coordinated by the CRA Welcome Home Shelter and Kinship of Polk County, raised nearly $5,000 for the fight against child abuse locally, with matching funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans up to $2,000. People collected pledges and took part in a walk/run/bike event.

Photos by Sandy King

Speakers at Saturday’s Blue Ribbon Walk included (L to R), Shabana Mishler, who represented Luck School seventh-graders who raised $111; Ann Krisik, volunteer for the organizing committee; State Rep. and former Polk County Sheriff Ann Hraychuck, who spoke about the need for the CRA shelter and Kinship; and Kay Confer, child protection supervisor for Polk County, who cited statistics of child abuse locally and called for dedicating more resources to fighting child abuse.

Roberta Carlson of Somerset (L) raised $1,614 and Alyssa Teppen of Balsam Lake (R) raised $81 through pledges for the Blue Ribbon Walk to fight child abuse.

‘Follow the Leader’

May 25, 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

New life for vacant building

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – The sound of voices, laughter and activities going on have brought life back to a long-vacant building.

For the past three years, the former Forgotten Tymes Bed and Breakfast on the southeast end of Siren, off on a dirt path in a quiet spot all its own, has been empty. Now, under the new ownership of Angie Berger from Edina, Minn., that building is revitalized. People are using its space, heating up food in its kitchen, enjoying the luxury of its Jacuzzi bath and going to sleep to the sound of loons on the nearby lake.

Berger, the mother of 4-year-old twins, quit her full-time job at a Twin Cities bank last November to spend more time with her children. She still wanted a part-time job, but was having trouble finding just the right one. Berger and her husband, Jason, have had rental property. Berger had gone to a scrapbook re-

treat two or three years ago. Scrapbooking plus rental experience came together into the idea for that right job – setting up a place for scrapbook retreats.

Jason urged his wife to look for a retreat place in western Wisconsin. The Forgotten Tymes building fit the bill.

Most of the furnishings, even a pool table, were provided. Berger took over the building in March, and the first scrapbook retreat was held April 27-29.

Eight women were on hand, four of them scrapbookers, four of them Berger’s family members, and a friend.

Berger spends every Tuesday and Friday in Siren. She is on hand Fridays when the scrapbookers arrive, gets them acclimated to the building, provides a snack and leaves for home by 4 or 5 p.m.

The scrapbookers have the building to themselves, with plenty of room to lay out their photographs, scrapbooks and supplies, get out the food that is to heat

This two-level building on the southeast edge of Siren was once a bed and breakfast.

New owner Angie Berger is offering it as a scrapbooking retreat, vacation or event rental.

Angie Berger, owner of Forgotten Times Retreat in Siren, plans the menus for retreat weekends ahead of time, and posts them on the refrigerator. The food is prepackaged for easy heating. Berger has owned the retreat since March.

Her first scrapbooking retreat was held there the weekend of April 27-29. in the oven according to a menu on the door of the refrigerator, and face a schedule that is theirs to fill.

Berger did a survey, finding that there are 30 retreat places like hers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Only four or five of them provide food, making her place unique in that regard.

A lot of scrapbookers are working moms. Not having children to worry

Angie Berger’s family from Merrill, (L to R) Roselin Hagedorn, Sharon Zipperer, Bonnie Huth, and her mother, Polly Hagedorn, came to spend the first retreat weekend at Forgotten Times in Siren. The four had a great time shopping Saturday morning, and Zipperer put on her bathing suit to get a start on a tan in the early afternoon.

about or to interrupt them is a huge plus for retreat-goers. They can work until midnight or 1 a.m., sleep, and get going again by 7 or 8 a.m. Their time is their own for the whole weekend.

Scrapbookers are pretty hard-core enthusiasts, said Berger, and provision is made for them to come on Thursday or stay until Monday, if they so choose.

Berger provides a wide variety of tools and different punches for them for use.

Most of the people will bring their own supplies but that, plus their clothing and personal items, is all they have to worry about bringing with them.

Scrapbooking, sitting at a wide table, another person doing the same thing nearby, can be a real social experience.

Even if you don’t know the person next to you, you can still talk about some of the same issues and tell stories about the pictures you are arranging in your scrapbooks.

Space is available for sleeping 10 people, but Berger will rent to as small a group as five. There’s one price for the weekend that can be shared among the people who are there. If the weather is warm, and they get tired of scrapbooking, there’s plenty of space for sunbathing, a fire pit to sit around and wide-open spaces to explore.

Scrapbooking isn’t the only choice for filling the building that once was home to a bed and breakfast. The building, now called Forgotten Times, with an i rather than a y, can be rented for showers, family retreats, wedding nights, etc.

Angie Berger can be reached by calling 612-296-2482. She can fill you in on the rental details and answer any questions that may arise. There’s a Web site at www.forgottentimes.com that states: “Forgotten Times can be rented for scrapbook retreats, vacation or event rental. A scrapbooker’s paradise with amenities you won’t find anywhere else.

See Forgotten Times, next page

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Forgotten Times, from page 1 Amenities like quietness, relaxation, peacefulness – all that a retreat should, and this one does, provide.�

Bonnie Huth, Merrill, makes greeting cards, an activity she was hard at work on when this photo was taken.

Angie Berger (L) and Amy Rocheford (R) helped Roselin Hagedorn (M), lay out fleece fabric she found in the Siren Ben Franklin Store. The pool table was the perfect size on which to lay out the fabric, which will be used for quilts to be given away to people in need.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Besides the dining table, this smaller table by a window provides a quiet area Forgotten Times even has a fire pit where retreat visitors can sit and enjoy for conversation or just sitting doing nothing during a retreat at Forgotten the out-of-doors during the nice evenings of the year.

Times, Siren.

A television and couches in the living room on the upper level provide a space for entertainment or quiet conversation.

(L to R) Amy Rocheford, Zimmerman, Minn.; Brenda Haase, Shoreview, Minn.; Sharon Zipperer, Merrill; and Jennifer Lee, St. Francis, Minn.; set up their scrapbooking supplies and photos on the big table in the lower level of the Forgotten Times building. Tools and other equipment were provided for them to use, and their time was their own.

Rocheford and Lee are mothers of 1-year-olds. For them to be without children clamboring for their attention makes the scrapbooking retreat a huge attraction.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

First Place

The Fish That Didn't Get Away

by Donald C. Hawk Sr. Many years ago, my uncle, Clyde Morrow, and his son-in-law, Horace Mason, came from Illinois to the North Country to fish for the mighty northern pike. While they were fishing on Whiskey Lake, a small but very deep lake, Clyde hooked onto a very large northern. After about 15 minutes of an exhausting human versus fish battle, Clyde managed to pull the northern alongside the boat.

When he realized how large the fish was and not having a gaff or net, and being extremely excited about his catch, he reached down and thrust his hand and arm down the fish’s throat, lifting it out of the water. Once he had landed

the fish in the boat, he started to feel the pain of the fish’s teeth on his arm. With a little twisting and turning he finally removed his arm from the fish’s mouth.

What a great catch! The pike weighted almost 28 pounds. Two days later, Clyde felt extreme pain in his arm and noticed red streaks from his wrist to his shoulder. Realizing something wasn't right, he went to the local doctor and found he had blood poisoning caused by the fish’s teeth. The doctor prescribed some antibiotics and Clyde recovered from his exciting, up-north fishing trip.

The moral of this story is: keep your arm out of a fish’s mouth.

Second Place

Fishing Tails?

by Bruce Muehlhauser When speaking about fishing or

hunting trips to my friends, or any who will listen for that matter, my sons and I have perfected a technique of telling the absolute truth but making it sound like a lie.

One thing you must not tell, though, is the location or name of the lake where you caught the big one. So, I will take literary license and call the waters "Forbidden Lake." My youngest son, "the little fella," and I launched the boat on the east side of Forbidden Lake, and I proceeded to row. No motors for this stealth fisherman. Besides, it gives me a sense of

Writer’s Corner

being in charge and I need the exercise.

We were using our favorite antique wooden plugs with teeth marks and scars from hitting hard objects due to bad casts.

Over halfway around Forbidden Lake, I finally had a strike. When the line finally went past the back of the boat, the Little Fella, all 6 ft. 5 inches of him, hollered, "My gosh, Dad!" Seconds later, "I've got one too."

The two lines finally converged in one spot. This big, toothy critter had taken both plugs. With a lot of excitement, we finally got the big pike in the boat.

You may ask how much it weighed.

The answer will be, "I don't know, but it took two of us to land it."

This trophy fish now hangs on the wall in a cabin on Big Trade Lake. It may be seen by appointment only. A magnificent fish from Forbidden Lake

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

Alice Peacock to perform matinee for children atre is best described as a music appreciation performance event. While most of the concert is music, the performing artists will also talk about their childhood experiences with music, their training, and what inspires them to write new songs.

Tickets for the Alice Peacock Children’s Concert are $7.50 for youth and $12.50 for adults. Reserved seating is available by calling 888-887-6002 or 715-483-3387.

Check out the Festival Theatre Web site at www.festivaltheatre.org. - submitted

ST. CROIX FALLS – Alice Peacock will perform a onehour children’s concert at Festival Theatre on Saturday, May 5, starting at 2 p.m. This concert is for ages 3 through adult, with special music choices for 3- to 8year-olds.

“The addition of children’s concerts within our performance calendar is an indicator of the future at Festival Theatre,” said Danette Olsen, director. “Our board of directors is committed to year-round programming and to arts education, so as we increase the number of concerts hosted each season, we will always be looking to performers who have something special to say to children.”

The format of the children’s concerts at Festival TheAlice Peacock at the Piano. – Photo submitted

Polk-Burnett awards $8,500 to local programs through Operation Round-Up® CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up board of directors awarded $8,500 to 10 community organizations at its meeting April 12. Grant recipients are: 1. Burnett County Sheriff’s Department, $750, to purchase speed board to slow traffic in Siren area 2. Webb Lake Area First Responders, $1,000, to replace defibrillator and vaccinate for hepatitis 3. Polk County Historical Society, $800, to digitally record historical artifacts film for use as teaching tool 4. Amery Regional Medical Center Volunteer Partners, $450, to provide items for patient comfort and education at new hospital 5. Polk County Kinship, $1,000, to assist school mentoring program 6. St. Croix Falls Public Library, $1,000, to update computer equipment for Internet access 7. Moms and Dads Against Meth, Inc., $1,000, to purchase materials for Butterfly House, a sober transition facility 8. Webster School District School Forest, $1,000, to construct rest rooms at school forest 9. St. Croix Valley Destination ImagiNation, $500, to help with tournament expenses and supplies 10. Polk County Agricultural Educators Association, $1,000, to purchase textbooks for youth tractor safety program.

Funding for Operation Round-Up is donated by members of Polk-Burnett who volunteer to round their monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. The monies are combined and

(L to R): Janet McInroy, a director on Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up board, presented a check for $1,000 to Lee McMahon, treasurer, and Carol Johnson, chair, of the Webb Lake Area First Responders. The grant was awarded to replace lifesaving defibrillator equipment and provide hepatitis vaccinations to first responders. – Photo submitted grants are awarded quarterly to nonprofit organizations that improve the local quality of life.

The next application deadline is June 1. Organizations interested in applying for a grant or co-op members who’d like

to round their bill up in support of Operation Round-Up may call 800-421-0283.

– from Polk-Burnett

PBREA to meet DRESSER – The Polk-Burnett Retired Educators cordially invite all retired school personnel to their spring meeting Thursday, May 10. It will be held at the

Village Pizzeria at noon in Dresser. Entertainment will be provided by Leona Cummings of Frederic. Ione Meixner is in charge of arrangements. Please con-

tact her at 483-3547. Please make reservations with your contact person by Monday, May 7. - submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Historical

by Stanley Selin Gust Beyer was born in Sweden in 1867 and came to Trade Lake in 1882.

He lived near Little Trade Lake. Marlin Sundquist, who owned a store on the west side of Trade Lake in the late 1940s, tells about Gust Beyer in his memoirs: “About twice a month, I’d hear a wheelbarrow rumbling on the highway at 6 a.m. I knew this was Gust Beyer, a sort of a hermit who didn’t wish to see people, so he came early in the morning to buy his two-week supply of necessities and take them back to his home on the road leading toward Herman and Minnie Peterson’s farm on the northwest side of Little Trade Lake. He would buy many loaves of bread and other perishable items. He said he stored them in a hole in the ground to keep them from spoiling as he had no ice or refrigeration. He was a tall man, probably six feet, eight inches tall, and had a moustache, which protruded six inches away from his nose. It was said that he was a candidate for sheriff in Burnett County at one time. If you’d never met him, and happened to see him in the dark, he’d be enough to scare you.” Gust Beyer died on April 23, 1953.

••• New Book Arrives!

The “Stories of the Trade River Valley” books have arrived! There are 210 pages with over 300 pictures of Trade

Gust Beyer

All of the men in this picture except Leander Johnson lived near Four Corners. They are sharply dressed, suggesting that this was an occasion worthy of a photo. However, the reason as well as the location of the picture are unknown.

August Dahlberg - Graduated from Gustavus Adolphus Academy in 1911, with a major in music. He taught a class of 60 students at Round Lake School. He was a choir director in the Zion Lutheran Church at Four Corners.

Erick H. Johnson - He had a store at Four Corners, was town clerk, justice of peace, township assessor, and wrote poetry. He was the Trade Lake correspondent for the Grantsburg and Frederic newspapers and wrote political commentaries. He was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature for two terms.

Carl Holmberg - He was a community handyman and early electrician. He built a radio in 1920 that received foreign broadcasts. He did the electrical work on the pipe organ for the Zion Lutheran Church.

Axel Melin - He served on the Trade Lake Creamery Board and the Trade Lake Town Board. His son Irvine was a WW II fighter pilot in the Pacific war zone, also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Irvine is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Leander Johnson - A brother of Erick, he held many township and school offices. He was clerk of the Trade Lake No. 3 School District for 34 years. Served the town board first as chairman, then treasurer, then supervisior. He was clerk for Trade Lake Mutual Fire Insurance Co., secretary for the Atlas Creamery for 12 years, director for Peoples Oil Co. of Milltown and deacon for the Zion Lutheran Church at Four Corners.

Peter Schyttner - Musician and leader of the Trade Lake Cornet Band. Taught music lessons and sold musical insruments at Four Corners. Performed at community events and celebrations.

Lake, Trade River, Round Lake, Atlas, Alabama and the surrounding area.

SELHS sells them for $15 each at the Trade Lake Valley Store, the Atlas Store or Vern’s Country Market on Main Street in Cushing.

You can mail order them by writing a check for $17 (includes postage) to SELHS, Box 731, Cushing, WI 54006, or better yet, stop into one of the three sales sites. The Atlas Store is well over 100 years old and right on the lake. It was the former Atlas creamery. It is a convenience store with just about anything you might need. The Trade Lake Store is about 80 years old and is right on Hwy. 48 in Trade Lake. The Trade Lake and Atlas stores sell groceries, live bait, fishing/camping supplies, rent videos, snacks, beer, liquor and miscellaneous items. Trade Lake sells gasoline, too. The Cushing store is 80 years old and specializes as a full-service meat market along with groceries and miscellaneous items.

Ask to go upstairs and browse the antiques in the old vaudeville dance hall.

When you stop to buy the new book, be sure and buy something else from our storekeeper friends who are selling the books! It is hard to exist as a rural store if your neighbors don’t stop in. The

Marlin Sundquist owned and operated this store from about 1946 through 1950. It is now called the Trade Lake Valley Store.

Sterling Eureka and Laketown Historical Society makes a small profit off the books to help us collect and preserve

local history. We are very grateful to have these great local stores carrying our books for your convenience!

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Top 10 lessons learned in my first year of teaching

by Vicki Quinn Here are my Top 10 lessons learned during my first year of teaching high school language arts and drama: 10. Don’t take it personally. They’ll love you one day and hate you the next.

9. Try not to be too friendly. Some students get confused about the fine line between teacher/mentor and buddy.

8. At the same time, be friendly. Get to know the students. They’re less likely to act out if you have a bond.

7. Try to include a “fun factor” and real-world application. It’s amazing how much it helps students understand.

6. Be enthusiastic. It is catching.

5. Let it go. Leave school issues at school.

4. Remain flexible. Real lessons are not always defined on paper.

3. Admit when you’re wrong or when you don’t know the answer. The students respond to honesty.

2. Be yourself. That way, students will realize it’s OK to be who they are.

1. Encourage lifelong learners, risk-takers, journeyseekers, kindness, openness and humbleness. It’s a small way to improve tomorrow.

- NEA Journal (Note: I chose the above list, remembering my first year of teaching. I am told that teaching today bears no resemblance to teaching in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Perhaps some of the above ideas are still applicable.)

Here on the farm I am impatiently waiting for the rhubarb to be big enough for our first sauce or pie.

Fresh rhubarb and freshly caught trout are gourmet eating in spring. We can barely wait!

It won’t be long before the woods and waysides are laced with white.

A long time ago I wrote the following: Haiku Three blooms in a vase…

One is Heaven … One is Earth With man caught between ••• Lilacs in bloom bring Beauty to an ugly house That stands deserted ••• Large mandrake leaves make Emerald umbrellas for Children in the woods ••• Books and things Sometimes I reach for an older book from one of our bookcases here at home. This past week I’ve been reading “Hotel” written by Arthur Hailey, published in 1965.

We are often so eager to embrace the new that we ignore some of the excellent novels from the past.

“Hotel” has suspense, fine details, well-developed characters and a good plot. Also, nice dark print; no light type here. It is set in New Orleans.

When my late husband was in the service, he was stationed there for a while. He knew about dinner at Antoine’s, etc.

He said it rained every day somewhere in New Orleans. I wish I’d married him sooner so I could have been there, too. (I don’t mind the rain!)

Bernice Yard sale shoppers were out Abrahamzon in droves last Friday when we had our church rummage sale.

Everyone was out making the rounds. Many generous people donated many wonderful items including clothing, new fabric for quilters, hand-crafted birdhouses, brand-new books from a Bible store in Hayward called God’s Country, furniture, etc. All very much appreciated. Buyers are appreciated, too.

And I’ll tell you something about quilters. They are as enthusiastic about their artistry and craft as writers are about writing.

I challenge anyone to write a pen dry faster than I can. Throw-away pens are ready to be thrown away in a day or two in our house. Show me a blank pieces of paper and I’m happy! My sons cannot believe the number of yellow legal pads completely filled with my scribblings.

Someday they will bury me with a pen in my hand because I fully expect to take notes in heaven. (They’re called “grace notes”).

Meanwhile, lets get outside and enjoy springtime. It always goes much too fast.

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Making a choice An old tom cat who had died and gone to heaven stood before St. Peter awaiting his assignment.

“There are two rooms from which you can choose, said St. Peter. “Check them out and let me know your decision.”

The first room the old cat came to was full of beautiful, sleek felines anxiously awaiting him. Well Tom thought that looked pretty nice, but having (of course) the curiosity of a cat, he thought he had better check out the second room.

Upon opening the door to room #2, Tom discovered it to be full of mice on roller skates! ‘Round and ‘round they staked as the old cat pondered his decision.

Back to heaven’s gate he went to find St. Peter.

“Well,” said St. Peter, “Have you made up your mind?”

“Yes,” said Tom, “Yes, I have. The first room was awfully nice but I’d better go for Room #2 – I’d better take the ‘Meals on Wheels!’“ Until next week, Bernice

Frederic Area Finish Line run/walk May 12 FREDERIC – The American Cancer Society Frederic Area Run/Walk is almost ready; are you? May 12, lace up your shoes for a lap at the ACS Run/Walk, a noncompetitive pledge-based event to raise money to fight cancer and fund research to find a cure.

The American Cancer Society Run/Walk is an awareness event where everyone, including cancer survivors, their families and friends can celebrate the reality that cancer can be beaten. The event attracts teams and individuals from the community and beyond; participants pay an entry fee and collect pledges to walk or run along a course traveling through the village of Frederic. Participants are able to begin the walk at the same time with a designated start and finish line.

The cancer walk has been in our community for 11 years and is now called the American Cancer Society Run/Walk. The format is the same; there is still a start/finish line and participants may walk 2-3 or 5 miles. The Run/Walk will begin and end at the Birch Street Elementary School this year. Registration is from 8-9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9:15 a.m.

Team pictures will be taken prior to 9:15 a.m.

Businesses have the opportunity to purchase Signs of Hope, which are placed along the walk route. Tribute flags can be purchased for $5 in honor or in memory of a loved one. There is a quilt raffle and tickets are available at the U.S. and Bremer Banks, Curves and from committee members. The tickets are $1 each of

six for $5. Marilyn Knuf is again donating a teddy bear for a drawing to be held the morning of the race.

“The ACS Frederic Area Run/Walk is a terrific event,” says event chair, Elvira Schmidt. “This event allows everyone in the community to participate in the fight cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society in their lifesaving mission.”

Funds raised from Run/Walk help the American Cancer Society save lives through expanding research, providing greater access to cancer information, passing legislation to protect public health and providing access to health care, and offering programs and services to cancer patients and their families.

For more information about Frederic Area Run/Walk, and how to participate or volunteer for the event, contact Elvira at 715-653-2684 or 1-800-ACS2345.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. – from ACS Frederic

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Ground was broken for the addition to the Frederic Plastics Plant. Olson Bros. shovel started the excavation, and Noble Young and his crew would rush the building to completion.-The basement for the new Carl Thomson residence on Lake Avenue was dug by Martin T. Peterson power shovel and Erv Wikstrom and his crew moved in to make the forms and pour the footings.-Roger Miller and Rodney Wittstock received 4-H awards.-Meetings were held for discussion on jack pine budworm control.-Karl Skold, Siren, won the “Lizzie” contest. The car went through the ice April 17 at 5:25 p.m. and Karl’s guess was April 17 at 5:45 p.m.-Pure maple syrup at Bud’s Sugar Bush, rural Frederic, was $5 at gal., $2.50 for half gal., $1.50 for a qt. and 85¢ pt.-The newly remodeled Frederic Farmers Co-op Store had specials on bananas at 2 lbs. for 25¢, new cabbage at 10¢ lb. and sliced bacon at 45¢ lb.A plowing demonstration was held April 30 at the Edgar Getschel farm located south of Osceola. Visitors could drive five new Farmalls, drive and operate the I-350 tractor with backhoe and loader.-Over 2,200 smelt were cleaned Saturday night by a few of Frederic Legion and auxiliary members including Marie Rich, Frank Rich, Willard West, Willis Williams, Gothard Early, Lil Early, Irene Williams and Ray Moats.

40 Years Ago A public meeting at Siren concerned city water.-The Webster FHA girls entertained their mothers at the annual banquet held at Anchor Inn on April 13.-The Pratts Café was the location of classes in waitress training.-Demonstrations on shrub pruning were held in Burnett County under the direction of Bill Taubman, agricultural agent.-The Siren junior-senior prom was held April 29. Reigning royalty were Dirk Benzer and Sandra Johnson.-Owners of the Pine Wood Motel, Siren, were adding four more units, bringing the total to 14 units.-The junior class three-act play was “Grandad Steps Out” and the cast included Randy Clonkey, Carol Lund, Carolyn Marlow, Laurel Simonson, Brian McBroom, Dan Czekalski, Penny Anderson, Dirk Benzer, Linda Shrider, Elton Morse, Ann Tewalt, Sharon Hutton and Donna Finch. A matinee was given April21, and an evening performance was given April 22.-A movie “What’s Become of our Lakeshores” was shown at the April 20 meeting of the Siren Chamber of Commerce held at the Fish Bowl, Siren. John Donlin was the newly elected president of the chamber of commerce.-The garage at the Clifford Halverson place was destroyed by fire, north of Falun.-Specials at the Frederic Clover Farm Store included big bologna at 39¢ lb., ground beef was 49¢ lbs. and bacon was 69¢ lb.

20 Years Ago Roger Peterson was the new Burnett County Highway Commissioner.-The Siren ambulance was transferred to the Danbury crew.-The community of Frederic raised $1,287.75 for the American Heart Ass’n.-Marvel Merriam retired after more than 22 years as bookkeeper with the Burnett County Highway Department.-The Trendsetters Family Hair Care Center was now open on Hwy. 35 (behind Olsen’s Drugs) Siren, according to an announcement by Rick Nelson and Deanna Krause.-Bonnie Peterson was the reporter for the Wood Creek 4-H Club.-The future use of the abandoned Soo rail line was explored.-Jose Cole’s circus drew a big crowd at Webster.-Jenneman’s Hardware Hank Store at Siren was showcased as a Business of the Week.-The Webster School Board approved bus purchases.-Dan Valentine was the new administrator at the United Pioneer Home at Luck, replacing Steven Rice who accepted a position in the Twin Cities.-Jack Lundgren, Cushing, lost 52 pigs and the buildings where they were raised, in an earlymorning fire.-Robert A. Blake was running for the Frederic Board of Education.-The first Tuesday night men’s dinner was held April 7 at the Frederic Country Club with a roast beef dinner served at a charge of $5.Members and friends celebrated the breaking of ground for a new church on March 29, 1987

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

New youth pastor joins Alliance Church in SCF

by Julie Holmquist ST. CROIX FALLS - A young pastor from Minnesota has suddenly found himself in the land of Packers football and cheese.

Chris Folkstad, 25, is the new youth pastor at Alliance Church of the Valley in St. Croix Falls.

The church’s youth group made sure Folkstad knew he was in Wisconsin at his first youth group, which meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays nights and is open to any seventh- to 12th-grader in the area.

“I got two cheese heads, some green and gold beads and a bunch of cheese,” Folkstad said with a laugh about his welcome presents.

Folkstad and his wife, Katie, moved here from central Minnesota. Both were raised in Wadena, Minn., and both graduated from Crown College in Minnesota in 2004.

Folkstad served as a youth pastor at a church in the Menahga / Sebeka area before starting his new position two weeks ago.

He was drawn into youth ministry, he said, because he wants to provide the same support he received as a teen from two youth pastors.

“I have a desire and a passion to connect with students and to see them for who they are,” he said. “We’re often quick to judge and rule out kids. I value acceptance and giving a kid a chance. For me, it’s important to empower students.”

Chris and Katie are renting an apartment in Dresser and expecting their first child in May. Folkstad enjoys sports, especially baseball, as well as computers, video editing and photography. He wanted to thank the adult youth workers who filled in the leadership role while

Twistin’ Back in Time

The St. Croix Casino & Hotel is Twistin’ Back in Time to the ‘50s for its 15th anniversary celebration May 12 - 16. Anniversary festivities will include popular annual events - the two-day anniversary polkathon, the Turtle Lake Area Business Expo and Chris Folkstad is the new youth pastor at the Althe Health, Wellness and Beauty Fair. But this year, liance Church of the Valley in St. Croix Falls. the Turtle Lake casino is adding a whole new twist to the celebration. On the last day of the anniverthe church was without a youth pastor. sary celebration, Wednesday, May 16, the casino “They made the transition easy,” he said. will be Twistin’ Back in Time with a ‘50s-style dress“Katie and I are excited to be a part of the commu- up day, $15,000 in cash drawings, ‘50s food spenity,” he added. “We’re excited to get to know the peo- cials - and two big concerts by Chubby Checker ple in the church and the community.” and the Wildcats. – syubmitted

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER St. Croix Valley Dottie Senior Center Adams We had no dominos or cards this past week, because we were setting up for the garage sale. The sale was Friday and Saturday at the center. We had beautiful weather for a sale.

We did very well on the sale too. Our gratitude goes out to everyone who donated items for the sale, and also those who put in their time to help set it up and help for the two days of the sale.

Beautifully stated. As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn’t supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once, and it’s harder every time. You’ll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You’ll fight with your best friend. You’ll blame a new love for things an old one did. You’ll cry because time is passing too fast, and you’ll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much and love like you’ve never been hurt, because every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you’ll never get back. Don’t be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

Our May birthdays are: Clarence Johnson, Darryl Nelson, William Hanner, Gene Krull, Owen Mobley, Pat Dahl, Harriet Peterson, Lloyd Knutson, Carrie Halmquist, Ardis Swenson, Marcella Frokjer, Doug Morgan, Henry Oliva, Beulah Samo, Donna Kadrmas, Emma Klawitter, John Brown, Eleanor Morley, Pat Willits, James M. Lunde and Marion Edler. Happy birthday to you all! Have a great day.

Dewey - LaFollette 468-2520

Karen Mangelsen

Amy, Maynard, Ronda, Karen and Hank Mangelsen and Matt Lester attended the Encore presentation at Siren High School Tuesday evening. Several featured projects were a log headboard and footboard built by Matt and a high-efficiency car that he helped to build.

Judy Albee visited Beverly Brunlik Wednesday evening.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen called on Sue and Roger Mroszak Wednesday evening.

Beth Crosby and Judy Albee were Thursday evening visitors of Jerry and Robin Denver.

Lida and Don Nordquist visited Donna and Gerry Hines Friday evening. Saturday morning callers there were Rod and Ann Moser and Karen and Hank Mangelsen.

Friday evening, Harold Owens and Judy Albee enjoyed playing cards with Dean and Virginia Elken at their home.

Roger and Sue Mroszak went to Afton, Minn., Saturday to attend the first communion ceremony of their niece, Rylee Doroff.

Don and Lida Nordquist visited Roy and Dee Nordquist, and Dora Sutherland Saturday afternoon.

Judy Albee called on Don, Charlene and Charlie Strabel Saturday evening. Charlene’s birthday was celebrated.

Noah Christian Mangelsen, infant son of Chris and Jenny Mangelsen, was baptized Sunday morning at Lakeview United Methodist Church. Sponsors are Melanie Imme and Myron Mansfield.

Beth Crosby, Judy Albee and Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Sue and Roger Mroszak Sunday evening to help Roger celebrate his birthday. Judy brought a cake and ice cream.

Luck Senior Center 472-8285

Shirley Lund

Hi there from the Luck Senior Citizen Center!

We had 20 people at our monthly potluck last Friday, and a good time was had by all. Dan Beal was our guest speaker.

Dan is a rockologist. He showed us many interesting rocks and some jewelry he made with rocks. We even got to hold dinosaur poop! The rock club meets the first Monday night of the month at our center, so if you would be interested in finding out more about rocks, please come on down.

Speaking of coming on down, why don’t you come on down to the center for coffee, goodies and conversation. We try to be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

We want to keep our center open on those three days, but we can’t if we don’t have servers. Please consider helping us out and sign up for at least once a month, more than once would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you aren’t sure if we are open, please call before you come, 715-472-8285. Also a reminder, you don’t need to be a member or a senior citizen to come have coffee and conversation. All ages are welcome!

The foot clinic will be at the center on Friday, May 4, and Friday, May 18. Hours are 1-2:45 p.m. Come in and sign up or you can call 715-472-8285 to make an appointment.

Hope to see you all real soon!

Frederic Senior Center A nice group of players turned out to play spades and the winners were: 1. Lola Hinschberger, 2. Lloyd Nelson, 3. Joyce McKinney and 4. Willis Williams.

The Wednesday Pokeno players enjoyed their game.

Thursday night 500 cards had the following winners: 1.

Jean Bristad, 2. Arnie Borchert, 3. Marlys Borchert, 4. Tim Abrahamzon and 5. Don Wick.

Friday Pokeno is always enjoyed by the group.

Our executive and trustee meeting was held at 9:30 am. on Friday.

Saturday was Share-A-Lunch.

Our monthly meeting will be held Friday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. All members are urged to attend.

Spades will be played at 1 p.m. for the month of May because of fourth-graders to be helping us and we really

349-7249

349-2964

Bev Beckmark

see all their new spring plants and register for their door prizes.

Congratulations to elementary student Dakota LaSarge, middle schooler Jacob Stiermann and high schooler Emily Muus for being chosen Siren School’s students of the week.

Congratulations to king Kyle Malm and queen Jennifer Mitchell and all the Siren prom royalty. With the coming of prom week one realizes another school year is coming to a close.

The area has once again increased its population as most of our snowbirds have returned from their winter homes. Nice to have them back looking fit as a fiddle and ready to visit once again.

Art and Bev Beckmark attended the lasagna dinner fundraiser Saturday evening at the Pheasant Inn for Lisa Robbin.

Orange

Harmony HCE Club met at Cedarwood Manor on Tuesday, with Sandy Trano and Carole Neuman as hostesses.

Lavonne O’Brien and daughters Mary and Theresa entertained at a bridal shower for Kelly O’Brien on Saturday.

Reemy Neinstadt spent a few days with the Lamar Johnson family at Cadott to help Sandy get ready for a garage sale.

Chandler Witzany spent the weekend with his grandparents, Jack and Jeri Witzany’s home.

Visitors with Maxine Stone at the Brad Peterson home this week were John, Joe and Sherry Nagy, Iola Rach-

Barb Munger

turnout with 30 people attending. The winners were, Dwaine Bentley, Clara Palomaki, Inez Pearson, Sue Newberger and Don Antiel.

Friday spades winners were, Inez Pearson, Virginia Martin and Millie Hartshorn. Virginia Martin and Herb Cederlund treated the spades players to some bars and a cake.

The farmers market will be in our parking lot beginning May 19 until October. This location is going to be handy for everyone this summer and I am sure they will have a good turnout every week being visible from both Hwy. 35 and 70.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nona Severson who had surgery at Abbott-Northwestern in Minneapolis on Monday. Get well soon, Nona, we need you at the center.

Our sympathy to the family of Ruth Doran who passed away this week. Ruth was a contributor to our craft room and dined with us occasionally, and she will be missed.

Remember the center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The coffee pot is always on, the pool table is waiting and we have a lot of new books in our library.

Poppy Day will be this coming Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Look for the Siren American Legion Auxiliary to be at most business places in Siren. Because of Main Street’s construction, they may be at the rear entrance or inside the businesses.

Salad luncheon Sunday, May 6, at the Siren Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Freewill offering. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

The Daniels Town board meeting has been changed to May 8, at 7:30.Monthly meetings will be every second Tuesday from now on.

Siren

Please take extra care with your outside burning right now. Rain has been sparse so far and it really wouldn’t take much to have a fire get out of control. There is a lot of dry grass and shrubs that can go up fast once it’s lit.

Mother Nature is trying to get things green, but with the temps cool over the past few weeks, it’s been a little slow.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 11. That’s when the Interfaith Caregivers are putting on their Big Band Dinner Dance Fundraiser at the Lodge on Crooked Lake. Starting time is 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar, 6 p.m. with a buffet and a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Call 715-8664970 or 715-349-5168 for more info.

Sympathy to the family of Timothy W. Swedberg who passed away April 16.

Sympathy to the family of Marjorie Vogel who passed away April 21.

This Saturday and Sunday is the spring open house for Wood River Nursery and Garden Store, so stop and

Fran Krause

look forward to them visiting with us. We made good friends with last year’s group, and I’m sure we will enjoy the teachers and their class this spring.

Seniors are concerned with the loss of our SeniorCare drug coverage. Shirley Sandquist and I have attended meetings on this crucial problem for our members and our members have responded by notifying our elected legislators of their concerns. I urged seniors in our community to keep informed on the issues, which will affect the health care of all of us seniors. Health care is the No. 1 problem of the citizens of Wisconsin in all ages, not just seniors.

Always remember: Would you live with ease, do what you ought, and not what you please.

Everyone is welcome to join us at the center.

Siren Senior Center

Well, we didn’t get our rain showers in the month of April, which our lawns and gardens are going to need in the upcoming months, but it looks like May will greet us with some nice warm weather.

We started off the week with our monthly visit from our friends from the fourth grade. Due to illness and other conflicts, we didn’t have all of our senior friends but everyone managed to make it from the school. The kids and seniors constructed some very nice butterflies, which the senior friends got to take home for their refrigerators. They are such a great bunch of kids. They will be visiting us a week early this month on the 21st of May, as their usual day would be Memorial Day. This will be our last visit for this school season and I understand that their parents will be invited also to come to the center, so everyone try to make this special occasion.

Our decorating crew, Marge Nyberg, Elna Wamboldt and Myrna Thomas gave up a Saturday afternoon last week and decorated the center with their May theme.

Just in time for the volunteer and Dining at Five dinner which will be held this Thursday, May 3, and the potluck dinner Sunday which was served at noon.

A lot of activities will be coming up in the next few months and we want to remind everyone that our center is available for rental for these events. To reserve your date, call Judy Johnson at 349-5316, as she is the one who handles all the details for this.

Dime-bingo had another good turnout on Tuesday afternoon with five tables. Remember we play every Tuesday beginning at 1 p.m., and everyone is welcome to come. It is a very simple game, and if you are not familiar with it there are a lot of people here that will assist you in playing.

Our Wednesday 500 card group had another great

Ardyce Knauber

LaVonne O’Brien

ner, Doris Schauer and Darlene Nelson. Pam Peterson spent the weekend in the Cities with Mallory to celebrate her birthday.

Brad Krause played in two soccer games at Unity on Saturday, which they won.

Fran Krause enjoyed the Webster High School play, “The Odd Couple,” on Friday night.

The Webster Lions Club will sponsor a chili supper for the Webster fourth-grade trip to Madison. The event will be Friday, May 11, 4:30-7 p.m. Adults $4, K-6 $2 and preschool free. The fourth-graders will also have a flower sale and cake walk.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 653-4281 Last Friday’s church rummage sale went very well. Lots of bargains, many volunteers helping, good weather. Sorry to disappoint some hungry diners, but the sloppy joes went fast and were sold out by noon.

That’s because some ate them for breakfast.

After the sale, Busy Bees cleared away all the remaining items and cleared the decks for serving refreshments after the funeral services and interment of Dorothy Glockzin the next day. Services were held at 1 p.m. at the Siren United Methodist Church as it is larger than the Lewis sanctuary. Sympathy is extended to John and family.

Graveside services were held Saturday at the Lewis Cemetery with the cremains of Danny Chapman interred with his mother, Margaret. He was the son of Margaret and Fred Chapman and grew up in this area. He lived most recently at Rice Lake.

At the Lewis Cemetery, stones are in place for Pat Melin and Delbert Melin. A double stone will be placed next week for Kenneth Nahkala and Violet.

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon went to Wheaton for a bird swap on Saturday.

Lewis Although it’s only spring, church members are already lining up Harvest Suppers for September and October. Planners prefer scheduling so there’s no interference with setting dates. It’s called cooperation.

Native American Awareness Week was observed last week at the Siren School so fry bread was on the menu for several days. Very tasty! It can be served with butter, syrup, jelly, even peanut butter.

Bright yellow forsythia is in bloom in some homeowners yards. Lovely!

It has been a good season for lambs at the Adolf Schmidt place. Some twins, some triplets.

Wood ticks are already out and active.

Do they have a place in the natural order of things? Would they be missed if they became endangered or extinct?

So good to have mourning doves back in the area! Not as many as before however. The hunting season on them – all for a small morsel of breast meat – has had its impact on the mourning dove population.

The late Dorothy Glockzin felt very much against the hunting season, too. The doves have something to mourn about! In earlier days, when the original Lewis Church was still standing, worshipers in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings could still hear the

doves in the outside church yard. Now, inside the new church building, you can’t hear them. Let’s hope no one gets the idea to have a hunting season on robins or orioles or heaven forbid, bluebirds.

Gary Lenz, son of Mickey and the late Charles Lenz, made many birdhouses for last week’s church rummage sale. Although, Gary resides in Cumberland with his wife, Marj, he remembers how interested his father was in establishing a bluebird trail. Every fence post held a birdhouse around the Lenz farm.

Sylvia Schaetzel assisted Pastor Mike in Sunday’s church service, and LouAnn Gackle read scripture. Sylvia also sang a special solo. Beautiful flowers from the Glockzin services graced the altar. Refreshments included glorious leftovers from the entire weekend activities.

Welcome back to Bob and Marie Nelson from Florida, and Glenna Hauger from California.

Bernice Abrahamzon provided the dessert to go with afternoon coffee on Monday at the Scrabble Club at Sunrise Apts. There are usually three or four boards in use, but more Scrabble players are welcome. Aren’t there any men out there who enjoy word games? The time is

Webster Senior Center Lily Gleason accompanied Gladys Packer to the Twin Cities on Monday as Gladys had a follow-up appointment with her doctor. They were thankful to have Gene Johnson drive them, and I know the feeling, because driving in the Cities in today’s time is like driving in rush hour that lasts all day long. Gladys Beers and Mert Kisselburg took over Lily’s home-delivered meal route in her absence.

The Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society ladies met for their monthly luncheon on Tuesday at White Tail Wilderness, Webster. Vice Queen Mother Jeanette Olson took charge in my absence as I was attending the funeral of Don Johnson. I will have details on the luncheon next week.

Sixteen dime bingo players met at the center on Wednesday afternoon and everyone had a good time as usual playing and enjoying the yummy refreshments.

Thursday was the combined Dining at Five and Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Lily Gleason was given the Volunteer of the Year Award with 1,159 hours of actual volunteer hours and 7,225 miles driven for the home-delivered meal program during 2006. Les Garbe drove 13,338 miles, Leon Mansfield 10,182 miles, and Gladys Beers 193 miles delivering meals. Gladys Packer had 157.5 hours, Mercelia Studeman 69.25 hours,

320-242-3933 The main agenda item for the April meeting of the East Pine County Wanderers was a discussion of our finances. A motion was approved to raise our annual dues to $5/year. Pam and Leon Berg brought the cake and door prize. April birthdays were Frank Schaaf, Dave Baker and Jim Vink.

Fran Levings won the door prize – two lovely American flags and a copy of Birds and Bloom magazine.

Sandi and Dave Drake picked up Clara Lilly and the three of them attended the dedication of the new Cloverdale Lutheran Church on Sunday. Following the dedication, they enjoyed lunch.

It was an overnight camping trip, which included a visit to the antique power swap meet that provided the entertainment for Pam and Leon Berg last weekend. For those of us not in the know here, antique power includes such items as farm equipment, old tractors, windmills, etc. The event was held in LeSeur, Minn.

Jim Allen saw a black bear on a section of his land that he refers to as his shooting

Harold Peterson 52.5, Myrtle Kisselburg 46.25, Thelma Klugow 35.25, Gladys Beers 34, Betty Trudeau 33, Gene Johnson 26.5, Mary Klar 24.75, Judy Behren 24.25, Margel Ruck 21.75, Bruce Behren 21, Eldora Brown 17.5, Fran Arnold 11, and 18 others with a total of 53 hours, with a grand total of 2,331.75 volunteer hours served for the nutrition program, with a total of 19,147 congregate meals and 29,056 home-delivered meals.

That means that Deb cooked 48,203 meals during 2006. “Whooee! That’s a lot of gooood cookin’!” Gene Johnson received an award for driving 12,639 volunteer miles for the 2006 Elderly and Handicapped Transportation program with over 127,000 miles since he started driving for them.

Greg and Linda Peterson also received an award for driving 9,531 in 2006 with over 79,000 miles since they started. A grand total of 195,022 miles were driven by volunteer drivers for the program during 2006.

That is a whole lot of giving of oneself in volunteerism! Door prize winners of the beautiful potted plants were Les and Mary Garbe, Eldora Brown, Jane and Dave Wardean, Harold Peterson, Flo Swanson, Berenice Quernemoen, Mary Klar and Gladys Beers.

After the dinner was over and cleanup finished, Berenice Quernemoen, Margel

Ruck, Mert Kisselburg, Joyce Smith, Jane Wardean, Gladys Beers, Theresa Gloege and I played golf cards while Harold Peterson, Pat O’Brien, Dave Wardean, Gene Johnson and Sam Williamson played pool.

We had so much fun and laughed so hard throughout the evening that after going home, I couldn’t sleep because my adrenaline level was too high.

Gratitude is extended to the unknown donor of a very large bag of aluminum cans. It soon will be time to have our buyer stop by and pick them up for sale as our flatbed trailer is piling up with them again.

We really appreciate having people save them for us.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Bill Arnold, Don Carlson, Norma Martin, Barry Heyer, Gordie Gardner, and Paul Poretti who is in BMC Continuing Care Center. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to Donna Lehman and family in the recent death of her brother Laverne Doud in Illinois, and to Jerry Vogel and family in the recent death of his mother.

An acquaintance in another city moved recently and was looking for a church to join. She said she has found just what she was looking for because she doesn’t have to change her lifestyle of partying. They don’t make her feel guilty or require any-

Cloverton - Markville lane recently. It only stayed in view for about 10-15 seconds, but long enough for Jim to appreciate the sighting.

Spring yard work has been taking up most of the time for Mel and Eleanor Elliott the past few days.

Tobies restaurant in Hinckley was the setting for a nice lunch enjoyed by the Allen Wolfs and good friends, Art and Naomi DeRau from South St. Paul, Minn. Allen and Art have been friends since childhood.

Two little trips took Ruth and Gary Ament out of the community for a while recently.

They spent five days in Mexico and the Gulf Coast, then, upon returning, went to Rosemount to baby-sit three of their grandchildren for a week while the parents of the kids got away for a while.

Jerry Blokzyl’s annual checkup at the clinic in Sandstone showed him to be in good health. Way to go Jerry! The turkeys that have graced the Blokzyl yard have changed the situation somewhat. Miss Turkey is back after a week’s absence, but Mr. Tom left for good after all of their squab-

bling.

Agnes Sexton’s brother, Les, his wife Wendy, along with Agnes, Maria Starowoitow, Jessie McGough and Barb Jensen all attended the Good Ol’ Country Jam at Midwest Country Theatre in Sandstone last weekend. Agnes is now looking forward to summer concerts by Ferlin Huskey and Bobby Bear.

A year or so ago, Jan Streiff got to thinking about a friend she had had over 30 years ago and wondering how she was doing. She looked her friend, Jeanne Schaaff, up on the Internet, got in touch with her, and learned that she now works for the National Park Service in Alaska.

They e-mailed for a year or so, and last week, met for lunch in the café of the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, Minn.

After their long lunch, they sat on the banks of the Mississippi River and continued to catch up on the past.

This past week, Nancy Bateman and her husband Dave Ray, came up from Dallas, Texas, for three days to help Jan with

Bernice Abrahamzon 1 p.m. on Mondays except if it’s a holiday.

The invitation and the challenge are out!

The Indianhead Rock and Mineral Society will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 7, at the Luck Senior Citizens Center. The program will feature flintknapping. Potluck lunch as usual. Welcome!

The NW Regional Writers will meet Friday, May 11, at 1 p.m. in the Community Room, Sunrise Apts., Frederic. The assignment is to write on an important moment in someone’s life. Use sensory details. Writers on any level are welcome.

Do you like to hear people reading aloud? Especially when it’s original material? Come to the Frederic Public Library on Thursday, May 10, from 7 – 9 p.m. to meet local writers. Light refreshments will be served. This is a relatively new event scheduled by the library staff. One such event was held last year. Come and listen and enjoy. It is a kind of writer’s showcase.

And last, but not least, a pancake breakfast is set for this coming Sunday at the Lewis church with serving starting at 9:45 a.m. Open to the public. Freewill offering.

Mary Klar thing of her, and she said she just feels good about herself when she’s there. In addition, when and if she still lives in the area when she dies, she will have a church to have her funeral at with a minister ready to have the service. Her idea of being a Christian is going to church on the weekend, Christmas and Easter, and doing good deeds. This is what a lot of other people think of also, as a “pleasant weekend diversion.” But this is not what Jesus wants us to do. No one can understand Christianity to its depths who comes to enjoy it as a pleasant weekend diversion.

Being a Christian means that we know Jesus personally. We have received him by faith as our savior from sin. And we deny our will and choose his instead. He transforms our thinking, our values, and our priorities to reflect what is acceptable to God. “I want to be more than a Sunday go-to-meeting Christian, I want a religion that serves me everyday; saying Amen to the preacher is fine, if all week I let my light shine - I want to be more than a Sunday go-to-meeting Christian.”-Anon. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”-Romans 12:2. See you at the center!

Fran Levings spring work around her place.

You may recall that I mentioned a few weeks ago that a young couple from the Cities and some of their friends had gotten a permit from the DNR to make maple syrup on the state forestland off Hay Creek. Erin Adams and Scogin Zimmerman, the leaders of the group, stopped at our home to visit after they had completed their operation last week. All in all, they camped on the land for eight weeks, put out 400 taps, had a crew as large as nine persons at one time and ended up with 57 gallons of syrup. They said it was a wonderful, productive experience and they hope to be back next spring.

Dave and I spent last weekend in the Cities visiting some of his art friends, touring some galleries, and having a birthday dinner for Dave and his daughter, Lieda, at the Black Forest Inn. Dave is now 64 years old. Thanks to the Mishlers for feeding our three cats, three dogs and 17 chickens.

Age well, wherever you are.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Ringo is a 4-year-old, neutered male greyhound Lab mix. He has a tall, slender frame and a shiny black coat with a freckled muzzle.

Ringo is a family pet that was surrendered to the shelter because his owners were moving. He is an indoor dog and knows many comArnell mands, always the gentleman.

Ringo is good with other dogs and Humane cats. He prefers an easygoing, Society quiet lifestyle with a chance to play outdoors and look elegant indoors.

The pet food recall continues to haunt all pet owners. Additional pet foods are added to the list daily.

How does a person know what is safe to feed their pet when foods with a name like Chicken Soup for Petlover’s Soul is added to the list?

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for the safety and content of pet food and they have an excellent Web site with a list of pet foods recalled.

It is updated daily. Pet foods may be looked up by description, container, best before date, size and UPC code. The recall list and updates can be found at: http://www.fda.gov, under “Hot Topics.”

Warmer spring temperatures are here, and that means the wood ticks are out! Remember to protect your outdoor pets with topical flea and tick products. The liquid solution is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades and can control fleas and

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT

Krueger/Kaylor Shirley Christiansen of Rice Lake, and David Krueger of Las Vegas, Nev., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Annalise Krueger, originally of Grantsburg, to Adam Kaylor, son of CeeCee Kaylor and John Kaylor, both of LaPorte, Ind. The couple reside in LaPorte, Ind., where Annalise works as a writer, and Adam is employed as a lead remodeling carpenter.

A Nov. 3 wedding is planned at All Nations Indian Church in Minneapolis, Minn., with a reception to follow.

Births Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Austin Joseph Bibeau, born April 18, 2007, to Megan Norlund and George Bibeau, Balsam Lake. Austin weighd 6 lbs., 11 oz.

••• A girl, Lauren Rose Hanson, born April 19, 2007, to Kathleen and Scott Hanson, Turtle Lake. Lauren weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A girl, Kylee Jane Knogness, born April 18, 2007, to Kevin and Tiffany Krogness, Taylors Falls, Minn. Kylee weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A girl, Chloe Rose Marie Vollrath, born April 27, 2007, to Emily and Jason Vollrath, Luck. Chloe weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Cameryn Lindaia Ritchey, born April 18, 2007, to David and Linda Ritchey, Siren. Cameryn weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A girl, Teaghan Marie Hansen, born April 24, 2007, to Brett and Krista Hansen, Balsam Lake. Teaghan weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A boy, Matthew James Wickstrom, born April 23, 2007, to Doug and Stephanie Wickstrom, Grantsburg. Matthew weighed 8 lbs., 13 oz.

•••

Hello, Fritz here! Sure is nice weather we’ve been having. I do love to lay out in the sun on these mild, not-too-hot days. The angels keep my water bowl full so I don’t have to worry about drying out if I do get warm.

It was a good thing the angels Fritz took some of my furry friends to the Twin Cities last week because we are full again! Ruff, is spring a NEWS FROM crazy time here at the shelter. The angels can barely keep up with all of us canines coming and going.

Harriet the wire-haired mix and Pearl the long-haired lab mix are still here and as bouncy as ever. Abigail is still patiently waiting for her furever family to come and

YOUR SHELTER

Ringo ticks for up to three months. This treatment is fast acting, waterproof and can stop the transmission of Lyme disease.

Our annual Spring Shelter Garage Sale will be held on June 9. This is an excellent chance for citizens to support the shelter by donating clean, lightly used items for our fundraising sale. The success of our sale depends on these donations and we will be happy to start receiving them at the shelter during business hours or by appointment beginning May 1.

Due to time and storage space limitations, we are unable to take clothing. Lawn furniture, pet supplies, boats, tools, household furniture and decorations are all welcomed donations. Arnell Memorial Humane Society 715-268-7387 or online: www.amhs.petfinder.com.

take her home. We have Joey, a lovable, huggable lab and we have the three little lap dogs Molly, Ziggy and Cocoa. It’s a good thing there are three of them so they can stick together and not get pushed around too much by the big dogs. They are cute, small to mid-sized dogs and would fit on a lap nicely with only a little bit of dog left over.

The angels ask me again to remind you that the ticks are out again. Ticks can spread several nasty diseases including Lymes. It’s pretty easy to put the medicine on us to keep them away. And also check your dogs after a walk. Don’t forget heartworm medicine too! Gack, nobody wants worms in their heart, it’ll kill us!

Enjoy the unfolding drama of spring, take your dog for a long walk!

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

2007 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism

Happy Corners Vern Catlin visited at the Gene Doster home on Monday and Thursday afternoon.

Marilyn Peers, Mary Kolstad and Mardel Barnette attended their VFW Almena Auxiliary meeting on Tuesday evening.

Vern Catlin visited at the Amanda Catlin home on Tuesday forenoon.

Mardel Barnette attended a Tupperware party in Cumberland on Tuesday afternoon.

Vern Catlin visited his granddaughter in Spooner on Sunday afternoon.

Sorry to hear that Chuck Thompson’s barn burnt down on Sunday afternoon.

NARFE to meet

Polk County was represented at the 2007 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism, March 68 in Appleton. The conference focused on ecotourism while providing educational tracts, keynote speakers and industry networking. Shown (L to R) are: Troy Chamberlin, owner Chateau St. Croix AMERY - The National Active and Retired Federal Em- Winery, Bill Hughes, Polk County Tourism Council, Danette Olsen, managing director, Festival Theployees Indianhead Chapter 1581 will hold a dinner meet- atre, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Sue Mathews, director, Polk County Information Center and Doug ing at noon on Thursday, May 10, at the Tac Nite Club, Johnson, Polk County Tourism Council. - submitted Amery.

All federal and retired federal employees are welcome.

Reservations may be made by calling 294-3185 by Monday noon, May 7. - submitted

You can subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library “Beware of the Cat and Other Encounters of a Letter Carrier,” by Vincent Wyckoff Postal patrons all take for granted that their mail will be delivered in a timely manner in spite of weather and other acts of nature. Vincent Wyckoff relates his experiences as a mail carrier in South Minneapolis over many years in this new memoir.

Vincent says that everyone knows about Beware of Dog signs, but he found a Beware of Cat sign that saved him from great unpleasantness. He tells tales of lost children, an elderly man looking for a lost bird he hadn’t owned for many years, snowstorms, and lessons learned from his Native American patrons. He tells about delivering a letter sent from Saigon in 1976 which took many years to arrive at its destination but was welcomed by a mother who had thought her son lost forever.

Wyckoff’s adventures make a light pleasurable read with some touching moments. Wyckoff is not Hemmingway, but sometimes a gentle read is what we need.

Library notes Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Everyone is welcome for songs and stories. Be alert for more information about the Summer Reading Program which will begin on June 11. The theme this year is Get a Clue at Your Library.

The Friends of the Library book

group meets on Monday, May 21, to discuss “A Million Little Pieces,” by James Frey, this controversial book was an Oprah selection about addiction. Joining the discussion will be a drug counselor.

Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. The group meets at 7 p.m.

The Great Stories Club meets on Monday, May 21, to discuss “Gingerbread,”

by Rachel Cohn from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Otaku Club meets every Tuesday at 5 p.m. for teens who like manga and anime. Stop in and check it out. New mangas are arriving frequently.

The History Group will meet again in May, led by Professor Herb Cederberg, to discuss “Undaunted Courage,” by Stephen Ambrose about the exploration

by Lewis and Clark. Call the library for the exact date.

The Friends of the Library board meets on Monday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m.

Congratulations to Bonnie Wilhelm and Joann Hallquist who were the winners of the Wisconsin books given away at the drawing at the home show. Congratulations to baby Isabelle who was the first baby born during National Library Week

Clear Lake Public Library The Clear Lake Public Library is offering many activities for you to participate in during the month of May. May 9 and 23, at 4:30 p.m.: Knitting and crocheting. All levels of expertise are welcome. Free materials are available.

May 9, at 6 p.m. and May 10, at 10 a.m.: Make a Mother’s Day card.

May 21, at 6 p.m.: Teen Movie Night.

Popcorn and lemonade will be served as we watch “Superman Returns” (Rated PG-13).

Milltown Public Library

Summer Reading Program Mark your calendars! The Summer Reading Program at Milltown Public Library kicks off Saturday, May 26, with entertainment, games, art projects, and prizes for kids and adults. This summer we will offer Readers’ Rewards to people of all ages. If you can’t make it to the kickoff on May 26, you can register for Readers’ Rewards anytime afterward, and start recording your reading to be entered into drawings for fabulous prizes and an awesome grand prize at the end of the summer. Exciting workshops and Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 performers for this summer are already a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 planned – check out www.milltownpubp.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday liclibrary.org for more information.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to Story hour 1 p.m.

Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make it in the morning? We will repeat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free Clue…at Your Library” will be required and are designed for children under 6 this year. Register at the library circula- and their caregivers. Each story time lasts tion desk beginning May 7. Summer 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to reading will be Tuesday mornings at 10- browse and check out books. There will 11 a.m., for children, 3 to first grade. be no story time on May 29, but story Children entering third grade this fall time will be offered throughout the sumand older, may participate in the inde- mer. pendent reading portion of summer reading.

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.

New adult books Our new rotation collection from Polk County Library Federation includes great adult fiction, books on CD for adults and teens, and very popular titles the young adult collection. Come in and look over the selection of gardening books on display. There are some great ideas in these books, as well as in our magazine section. Stop in and check us out! We have MORE for you!

Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday. Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more - through May 17. We will then take a break until summer reading begins June 12. Registration for “Get a

Focus on: Stop in at the library and learn how you can win a very special prize for Mother’s Day! Children up to age 18 may participate.

Thank you: Thank you to the parents and 18 children who participated in the Bike Safety Program on April 28. Each child who passed the safety course supervised by Officer Ryan Haas was presented a certificate and new bicycle helmet, donated by the Dresser Public Library. Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who donated money to the library in 2006. Your donation provided these children with new and safe helmets! The program concluded with refreshments for everyone.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

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

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

May 26 beginning at 9 a.m.: Needed: Dirty Hands to help plant the community garden.

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.

Knit and crochet Join the most exciting group in Milltown at the library on the first and third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Experts and beginners are invited! If you’re in the middle of a project and are looking for help or just fun conversation while you finish that sweater, hat, mitten or whatever, please join us for the next meeting on March 15. Beginners are also invited for free lessons from talented club members – just call the library at 715-8252313 to ensure that a teacher and materials will be ready for you.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our new, free, fast wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer! Surf the net from a comfortable chair! No time limits!

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

Saturday talk about the book club “Triangle” by Katharine Weber is the selection for the month of May. The following is a summary from the book: The last living survivor of a 1911 sweatshop fire, 106-year-old Esther Gottesfeld passes away leaving numerous questions about the fire, which is investigated by her granddaughter Rebecca and a feminist historian with a personal agenda.

The book club meets the second Saturday of the month, 9:30 am at Goochie Noochie’s in downtown St. Croix Falls.

Call if you have any questions 483-1777.

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 literacy skills and emergent readers. All are

Frederic Public Library

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 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library Story hour Wednesday morning Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to story hour at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 9, for stories and activities about bears, and children are encouraged to bring their favorite teddy bears with them. Story hour will continue through May 23, and will take a brief recess before resuming again in June.

What’s your favorite poem?

Do you recall a poem or reading that means something special to you? Join us Thursday, May 10, at 7 p.m. for Writers’ Night at the library, an evening with members of the Northwest Regional Writers who will read from their works and invite you to share your favorite poem or prose. This is a relaxing evening for everyone who enjoys listening to others read to them!

“America: Freedom to Fascism” Plan to see the film that is being talked about nationwide when the library hosts a viewing on Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. There will also be handout information available to help you learn more about this topic, or you can visit www.freedomtofascism.com.

Reading groups meet May 17 The Thursday morning reading group

will meet May 17 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “American Pastoral” by Philip Roth, a novel that takes a look at the most divisive of decades, the ‘60s. The evening book group will meet the same day at 7 p.m. to talk about “Three Cups of Tea”

by Greg Mortenson, a story about an injured mountain climber who was sheltered and cared for in a remote Pakistani village; in gratitude, he promised to return and build them a school.

New members are always welcome to come to either of these discussions.

Sign up for the container gardening program The library will host Container Gardening with master gardener Colleen Gifford, a make-and-take event Thursday evening, May 24, at the library from 6:30-8 p.m. Colleen will talk about the popularity of this type of gardening and guide us as we plant our own containers to take home. Plan to bring your own container, and the library will supply soil and plants for a $10 fee. Preregistration is necessary for this program.

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

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.

New arrivals 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.

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. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Polk County Library Federation The Polk County Library Federation ‘sannual teen poetry contest has ended, and the response has been overwhelmKatie Peterson, an eighth-grade Amery student won first place with her poem entitled “Geyser.”

Geyser I’m sorry I don’t speak in full sentences just clips of phrases, stutters and sputters or sometimes overblown exaggerations fall out of lips like rain on a tin roof in angles and slants weirdly accented in a never ending geyser of words!

Juliana Inlow, a ninth-grade Amery High School student won first place with her poem entitled “America, Do You Remember.”

America, Do You Remember Do you see those men, With their faces stern?

Ready to turn away, From the country they once called home.

To form a new country built on faith.

To form a new country free of restraints.

Taking up the quill, Signed an animal hide.

Just to free you, Just to free all.

Praying for help, Praying for strength.

Thanking God above, Four the courage he had given.

America!

Has the fog from your factories filled your vision?

Yes it has.

The smell of pain lay heavy in the air, While the touch of freedom

ing. Assistant director/youth services Molly Kessler has been busy with the entries.

pranced gaily about.

That solitary man, Praying by the stream, Praying for redemption, Praying for help, Thanking God above, For the gifts he was giving.

“Police!, They hollered.

While women sat praying, Praying for courage, Praying for equality, Thanking God above, For the faith she had.

America, Do you remember?

I think not.

America!

Why can you not remember?

Are you drunk with your riches?

Your power?

Your glory?

I know so.

Do you remember That cry for equality?

The colors weeping in pain?

Their songs rising to the heavens.

Do you see the young girl, Hiding by the woods?

Can you see the scars, Climbing on her back?

Praying for swift feet, Praying for a dark night, Thanking god above, For the courage in her heart.

America, Have your senses deadened?

Your family’s base is rotting!

What do you do?

Nothing.

Do you still feel, The terror in the air?

The bombs exploding or’ your head While your pearly harbor died?

Do you hear the mothers, Calling for their sons?

Can you see the wives Weeping for their spouses?

Can you picture the girl, Waiting a top her porch?

Waiting for that letter, From her father, or lover, or brother?

Do you remember the praying man, Kneeling by his cot?

Praying for help, Praying for hope, Thanking God above, For the gifts he had bestowed.

America, What happened to Liberty and Justice?

Have you locked them up?

Maybe.

Do you see the woman, Sitting on that bus?

No moving forward, No moving backward.

Do you see that man?

That man with the dream.

The dream of freedom for all kind.

Do you see him kneeling,

By Ole Abe’s’ feet.

Praying for light.

Praying for his dream.

Thanking God above, For his loving hand.

Weep America, weep!

Weep for all you’ve lost, Weep for all you’re losing, And weep for what you will lose.

Do you care?

I think not.

Do you see that boy, Lying by the road?

His bones and spirit crushed.

Do you see the oppressors?

Laughing at their deed?

Do you hear their souls, Crying out for love?

That small broken boy lays praying.

Praying for love, Praying for a helping hand.

Thanking God above, For the clothes on his back.

America, Do you remember those people?

Or are your ears plugged, By the noise of the workforce?

The fathers of our country Would weep and their heart would break, If ever they saw you now.

America, what will it take to wake you up?

How can we make you hear?

Wake and hear our cries!

Awake and remember!

Molly Kessler, Polk County Library Youth Services librarian, is pictured with the participants and one of the judges, poet Debbie Trantow. – Photo submit-

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Burnett County Moose install officers

ABOVE: Burnett County Women of the Moose Chapter 1819 installed its 20072008 officers and chairmen in an afternoon ceremony at the Lodge Sunday, April 29. Installed were (L to R) front row: Corrine Root, chaplain; Lorraine Haaf, star recorder; Carol Claude, argus; Phyllis Gideo, senior regent; Doris Bruner, guide; Eunice Larsen, Academy of Friendship; and Donna Mangelsen, community service.

Back row: Ellie Muellner, ritual director; Edna Schroeder, musician; Mary Reese, College of Regents; Anna Marie Bridges, secretary/treasurer; Karen Petranovich, recorder; Janice Bennett, membership; Audrey Barr, youth involvement; and Barb Nelvik, PEP. LEFT: Installation of officers for the coming year at the Burnett County Moose Lodge #1194 was held at the Lodge Sunday, April 29, followed by a potluck supper.

The following men were installed, (L to R) front row: Treasurer Jerry Fritz, Sergeant at Arms Marti Buskirk and Prelate Al Muellner. Back row: Trustees Jerry Bridges, Skip Nelvik and Dan Goranson and past Gov. Dave Goranson Sr. Not pictured: Administrator Gerry Vogel and Junior Gov.r Sonny Tyler. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

The March releases new album CD release party this Friday in St. Croix Falls ST. CROIX FALLS - The March’s new album, “Wit Whither Wander,” will be officially released to the public Friday, May 4, at Planet Supply in St. Croix Falls.

The debut album features all-original music and was recorded at Silver Ant Studio in Minneapolis.

The March is made up of four young

musicians who all spent their childhoods in the St. Croix River Valley. The March’s music is constructed between the borders of folk and punk, fast beats fall in with warm cello, and battle-hard bass lines collide with melodic vocals.

“They seem to want to lead some sort of rock revolution. Hey...I would find following them valuable time well spent for a good cause” wrote Michael Schaar in local magazine, What’s Playing.

The March will be playing at Planet Supply May 4 at 8 p.m. - submitted

The March’s new album, “Wit Whither Wander,” will be officially released to the public Friday, May 4, at Planet Supply in St. Croix Falls. - Photo submitted

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Motorists and motorcyclists need to share the road safely STATEWIDE — Gov. Jim Doyle has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

In his proclamation, the governor states, “motorcyclists have the right by law to the safe enjoyment of their vehicles, including the full and equal use of the roadway without encroachment by other vehicles whether it be on city streets or rural and urban highways.”

Motorcycles continue to increase in popularity both for recreation and basic transportation. More than 450,000 Wisconsin residents have motorcycle licenses or permits, and nearly 300,000 motorcycles are registered in the state.

“With warmer weather, motorcycles are rapidly returning to our streets and highways, so all motorists need to share the road and watch for motorcycles in traffic, especially at intersections and while making turns or lane changes,” said State Patrol Major Dan Lonsdorf, director of the Bureau of Transportation Safety. “On the other hand, to prevent crashes motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, such as speed limits, and must never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Riders also need to protect them-

selves by using the proper safety equipment and clothing.”

Efforts to improve motorcycle safety in Wisconsin are needed to prevent serious injuries and save lives. Last year, 93 motorcycle drivers and passengers were killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes, which was a slight increase from 2005 when 92 died. In addition, there have been more than 2,000 motorcycle crashes that caused injuries in each of the last two years, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety.

“Education and training continue to be our most important tools for improving motorcycle safety,” says Ron Thompson, manager of the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program. “Riding a motorcycle is vastly different than driving a car or truck. To improve their safe driving skills, motorcycle riders, especially those who have not ridden for many years, should consider taking a motorcycle safety course. The demand for these courses is high, but they are well worth the wait. We hope to train more riders than ever this year.”

The Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. In partnership with the state system of technical colleges, the program has graduated more than 93,000 motorcycle riders since 1982. — from the office of Gov. Doyle

Webster seeks plant donations for the school forest WEBSTER – Not sure what to do with all those extra plants you’ve divided up?

Consider donating them to the plant sale to raise money to build bathroom facilities at the school forest. The sale will be on Friday, May 11, from 4:30-7 p.m.

Please drop off your potted and labeled

donations at the Webster Elementary School after 3:45 p.m. the day of the sale.

This sale will be held in conjunction with the Lions Club Chili Supper, a fourthgrade Madison trip fundraiser, and a cakewalk for the school forest. – from the Webster Schools

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Teacher Appreciation Week 2007 MADISON – For the past 15 years, communities across the United States have set aside the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, with the first Tuesday being the National Teacher Appreciation Day. During this special week, students surprise their teachers with well-deserved thanks.

May 6 - May 12 will be Teacher Appreciation Week 2007. Take special care of your teachers this week, and surprise them with a gift on National Teacher Appreciation Day, May 8.

Teachers agree that good teaching is their own reward, but Teacher Appreciation Week 2007 is a great time to let teachers know how they have touched you or your kids’ lives.

There are many ways to show appreciation for your teachers, for example:

Find former students of your school and encourage them to say a few things about the teacher who made a particular difference.

Find someone in the local area willing to speak at your school about the history of education. You might check with historians or education professors at a nearby college. Have lecturers highlight the people whose contributions have meant the most to the teaching profession.

Give your teachers a little present every day during Teacher Appreciation Week, for example a chocolate, and add a little poem to make it extra special.

So don’t forget about National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 8, and make that extra effort for your special teacher! — submitted

Dresser student to perform in “Rapunzel” DRESSER – Tanner Burch, an eighth-grader from Dresser, is one of 60 kids that were chosen to be part of the newest play at the Phipps Center for the arts in Hudson. He went to an audition and two callbacks to get the final call to be in the play “Rapunzel.” He was rewarded the spot of Prince Lou, the scientific son of the king, that gets to save Rapunzel.

Burch has been in one other play in the last year, “Hans Brinker,” at Festival Theatre. – submitted

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 Walks on two Saturdays in May. Join Maercklein at Wisconsin Interstate Park from 7-9 a.m., Saturday, May 12, on the Silverbrook Trail, beginning at the Pines Group Camp. Or join her from 7-9 a.m.

Saturday, May 19, 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 715-483-3747. – from Interstate Park

Crex looking for little nature lovers GRANTSBURG - Looking for all the little nature lovers in the area!

The Friends of Crex is hosting a kids wildlife camp for ages 7-11 years old.

There will be oodles of hands-on, interactive activities about birds, mammals, wetlands and prairies.

The camp will be from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 25 - Thursday, June 28 at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area Visitor Education Center in Grantsburg. For further information and registration call Carly at 715-4632739. - submitted

X

APRIL 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

Melana Nelson, Mary Jane Pederson, Mya Rivera and Makayla Arthurs perform “Hot Chocolate” as part of the “Lights! Camera! Action!” musical which saluted the movies and watching movies during last Thursday’s spring concert at Frederic, presented by students in grades four, five and siix, under the direction of Pat Anderson with band performances under the direction of Patti Burns.

Frederic’s 4-5-6 Sprng Concert Photos by Gary King

Greg Peterson and Ben Richter play drums in the opening minutes of last Thursday’s spring concert at Frederic.

Ryan Rauchbauer not only played in the band but worked as part of the light crew for last Thursday’s production, along with Tristan Sheldon. Below, a young audience member opts for a better view.

Victoria Wood played “Fiona” in a scene from the movie “Shrek” during the Frederic spring program musical. At right, Irric Erickson holds up a sign telling one of the many reactions movie-goers have.

Two of the flute players in the band, Tylyn O’Brien and Lexi Domagala.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Prom 2007 • Luck Luck’s 2007 Prom royalty front row (L to R): crown bearers Annaleise Greener and Tanner Van Meter. Seated: 2006 Prom Queen Kristine Clarke, Megan Hacker, Sarah Petersen, Jessica Antonson, 2007 Junior Prom Queen Emily Smith, 2007 Junior Prom King Wally Rich, Chelsea Rasmussen and Senior Queen Natalie Gubrud. Back row: 2006 Prom King Alex McCabe, Casey Hatten, Kody Erickson, Nate Nelson, Harlan Opitz and Senior King Daniel Nentwich. – Photo

by Julie Holmquist

During Luck’s Prom, 2006 Queen Kristine Clarke and King Alex McCab crown the 2007 Senior Queen Natalie Gubrud and King Daniel Nentwich. – Photo submitted

After the grand march and coronation, Luck students headed to various locations for a meal before regrouping at Wild Mountain for hours of energetic dancing. The postprom party was held at McKenzie Lanes. – Photos submitted

2007 Junior Prom Queen Emily Smith and 2007 Junior Prom King Wally Rich dance. – Photo submitted

Post-Prom 2007 CENTURIA – This was the third-annual post-prom party that has become a larger success every year, 60 kids this year. All prizes were donated by area businesses and all of the pro sports teams from Minnesota and Wisconsin. Prizes for the students were achieved by winning prom bucks by either bowling, spinning wheel with paddles and blackjack. The students could use the prom bucks to put down on a silent auction for any of the prizes that they chose. The event was once again held at McKenzie Lanes from midnight to 3:30 a.m. All food and beverages were provided. Transportation was provided by Luck Schools.

It was an event to promote alternative choices to parties that was drug, tobacco and alcohol free.

Nick Skow, Nate Nelson, Cody Richert and Jesse Sorenson playing cards. Dealer is volunteer Brian Hacker.

Jerod Buck and Aleah Lemieux pose for a picture during the evening.

Tyler Petersen gets ready to bowl.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Encore!

Siren student Mackenzie Swenson is shown sitting by her painting of a wolf during this year’s Encore presentation at the school. Encore involved creative foods and stitchery, instrumental music, vocal music, art, high-mileage vehicle and photography, publications and forensics.

This bust of a man was created by Jacob Neurer, and shown as one of the Encore exhibits at Siren School Tuesday, April 24.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Students of art teacher Dave Smith displayed their projects in the showcase area of the Siren High School concourse during Encore, the school’s fine-arts presentation Tuesday, April 24.

Keith Cremin, a Siren High School student, sang “C’est Moi” from the musical “Camelot” during Encore at the school Tuesday, April 24. The musical portion of Encore included vocal and musical numbers, music by a brass quartet and forensic selections. Instrumental music instructor Bryn Anderson pointed out that all the students who performed had gone on to state competition.

Two sisters, Emily Muus on flute and Britteny Muus on clarinet, played a duet, “Rondino” by Paul Koepke, during Encore at Siren School Tuesday, April 24.

Siren High School student Bobby Smith presented two forensic selections related to the poem “Casey at the Bat,” and played a tuba solo, “Introduction and Dance” by J. E. Barat during the musical portion of Encore at the school.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

59 years on the job!

Les Lindquist retires from North States Industries

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – People kept coming into the meeting area at the back of the Pour House dining room long after 4 p.m.

Their reason for being there – honoring Les Lindquist on his retirement day, April 30, after 59 years working for the same company.

Lindquist started at North States Wood Products at their Lewis plant when he was 7 years old. Actually, some people at the retirement party thought it could have been even earlier, maybe at the age of 5. His dad, Lawrence, was responsible for sharpening the company’s saws.

Young Les cleaned the saws after they were shut off, getting the sawdust out of all the saws. The year was 1948.

According to his work history, Lindquist learned how to saw, make snow fence and become a millwright.

He went on to become an operator, foreman and manager.

The plant moved to its Siren location in 1952. In 1988, the year the company name changed to North States Industries, Inc., Lindquist moved to the plastic division. While there, he was an operator, material handler and sampler man.

While Lindquist was attending school,

Les Lindquist, Siren, retired April 30 after being associated with North States Industries for the past 59 years. He started when the operation was located in Lewis in 1948. At that time, he was 7 years old, going around cleaning sawdust out of all the company’s saws.

Longtime North States Industries employee Les Lindquist (center) is shown here with Dean Weisbeck, the company’s chief financial officer (L), and Pete Runyon, chief executive officer at his retirement party at the Pour House Monday, April 30. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

he worked in a pickle factory, set pins at a bowling alley, planted trees, cut and sold Christmas trees. While employed at North States, he spent 21 years off-thejob bartending and 44-years farming, something he is still doing.

Lindquist will be 66 years old in June.

His co-workers, friends and family were quick to wish him a long and happy retirement.

Les Lindquist watched as his sister, Judy Larson, presented him with the gift of a section of old fencing made by North States Wood Products, the company that is now North States Industries, Siren. Lindquist’s father, Lawrence, gave instructions to Larson that the fencing was to be presented to Lindquist on the day of his retirement.

Les Lindquist greeted Jerry Awe (L) and John Carlson (R), members of the Siren Area Lions Club, at his retirement party at the Pour House Monday, April 30.

SCF students to Washington D.C. Part of People to People program ST. CROIX FALLS - Brittany Whittier and Alexandra Lunde, students at St. Croix Falls Middle School, traveled with a group of students to Washington, D.C., April 9-15 with the People to People World Leadership Forum. There they earned high school credit while studying leadership and exploring some of the Unites States’ most prominent monuments and institutions.

From Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian Institute and from Colonial WIlliamsburg to the National Museum of American History, Whittier and Lunde examined the characteristics of American leadership during times of national challenge and prosperity.

Forum delegates also participated in small group discussions and exercises to experience firsthand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus and foster change.

Whittier and Lunde were nominated and accepted for the honor based on their outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

The program is coordinated by People to People Student Ambassador Programs to fulfill the vision Dwight D. Eisenhower had for fostering world citizenship when he founded People to People during his presidency in 1956. - submitted

Brittany Whittier and Alexandra Lunde recently took part in the People to People program, traveling to Washington, D.C. - Photo submitted

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Busting out all over We’ve gone from winter to spring to summer all in one month here.

The sudden transition from snow and cold to browmopping heat was a reminder of the fickle nature of April weather. Six inches of snow and sub-freezing temperatures early in the month gave way to a high of 87 this past Sunday. Seems all the warm weather woke some readers from a long winter’s slumber, and they had plenty to say about what they’ve read here recently as well as offering ideas for future columns.

Paul Hindsight of Centuria, the only reader who writes me with any regularity, offered his feedback about some recent columns. “Are you so desperate for ideas that we have to read about your family vacation?

Surely there are things of more interest to your readers, that is if you have any left, after that nasty exchange with the conservative fellow. If you want to write about traveling, talk to someone who actually goes someplace. Me, for example. I’m just back from a nice little jaunt to the south of Spain where I swam with the sharks and dined with Europe’s elite. Now that’s something worth writing about, surely more interesting than your little trip to that dying sin city.”

Martin Dearsdorf, the northernmost year-round resident of Burnett County, weighed in on last week’s column as well: “Ain’t we got enough problems around here? Why don’t you just stay put and help out some local folks. The wife’s been out trying to rototill the

garden, and it’s hard as a rock.

She could use some help. If we don’t get some rain soon, the whole darn county’s gonna go up in smoke. You oughta be putting your mind to that. I gotta get some fence in before I let the dog out for the summer or she’ll be running all over the county.

Could use a helping hand there.”

Steve Susan Polk of rural St. Croix Falls wrote in with some suggesPearson tions for future columns: “How about something a little more cheerful like gardening. People THE don’t want to read the doom and gloom stuff all the time. You could pass that on to Mr. Anderson, too. I’d be willing to give you some ideas, maybe once a month, telling people what they should be getting done in their gardens. Oh, dear, maybe that sounds a little too pushy. Well, at the very least, I could offer advice, and they could take it or leave it. I certainly hope your readers are turning over their gardens now. Too early to plant, though. We simply must get some rain or the seeds won’t germinate in this dry soil.”

Matt Kramden, who has been back and forth these past couple months between Central America and his

VIEW

FROM

HERE

orange storage container somewhere in Sterling Township, e-mailed using a Wi-Fi connection in Huehuetanango (known as “way-way” to the locals) in Guatemala. “Life is good though I’ve had a bad case of ‘Montezuma’s Revenge.’ Way too much temptation down here. Heard the weather has been nice up there.

I’ll be coming north soon to dry out, if you know what I mean, so hold the rain for now. Saw your New Orleans bit online - was that you in the photo? Put on a few pounds this winter, eh? Tell the ladies to make me a pallet on the floor, I’m coming home. Still out lookin’ for some good home cookin’ if you catch my drift. Maybe you’ll want to interview me and write about my travels.”

And, finally, Steve Clark, the former presidential candidate, was back in the Cushing area this past weekend and called in some comments. Clark, who has been spending weekdays in St. Paul, Minn., working in the mayor’s office, came up to check on the homeplace.

“Honestly, I feel like a fish out of water when I come up here,” he said. “When you spend all week rubbing shoulders with the muckity-mucks, it does something to your head. Can’t say as I feel at home here or there.

Strange deal. But it’s been a good experience and it can’t hurt hanging out with all the politicos in the mayor’s office. As for the future, I’m keeping my options open. I won’t be declaring early like that bunch of losers getting all the press now, but if I decide on another run for the top, you’ll get the story first.”

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Luck High School holds spring concert

Statebound double-quartet members Nick Emerson, Todd Anderson, Chris Valentine, Ryan Flodin, Ashley Valentine and Kayla Bubendorf sing “Harmony in Marriage” during the Luck High School Spring Concert. Not pictured are Grace Jenson and Felicia Lane.

Luck’s jazz band members, front row (L to R): David Franzel, Lindsey Stapel, Peter Langeness, Brett Larson and Kenny Sanford. Middle row: Peter Rozumalski and Peter Hall. Back row: Jenny Roberts, Wally Rich, Sam Hochstetler, Shane Buchholz, Jordan Hall and Kasey Ouellette play “Takin’ the Plunge” during the high school spring concert.

Senior Felicia Lane sings “Gial Sole De Gange” - the solo she will be performing during the state solo and ensemble contest this weekend.

Photos submitted

Pianist Ashley Valentine adds to the melody as the Luck jazz band plays “Gospel John” during the high school spring concert.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Infected swine euthanized

Louisiana construction

Construction began in St. Croix Falls on Louisiana Street Monday, April 30. The reconstruction of the street is also merged with the burial of powerlines by Xcel Energy for the Chisago Transmission Line Project. While Xcel is not ready to upgrade and install the new, larger voltage lines at this time, the conduit for the line burial is being placed below Louisiana Street, so that when they receive their permits, the lines can be fed through the conduit without disturbing the street.

– Photo by Tammi Milberg

MADISON - Officials at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture announced that two herds of pigs infected with the pseudorabies virus have been destroyed.

The disease was first detected back on April 1 and was tracked to two different farms in Clark County. Government regulations require that any herd of pigs infected with pseudorabies be euthanized and that all other swine within a five-mile radius be tested for the disease.

Donna Gilson is the spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She says that the virus is taken seriously, because it causes birth complications in swine and even more serious effects in other animals. She says it can also be transmitted to other animals, although other animals don’t transmit it amongst themselves, but they can get it.

She says it’s actually a much worse disease in cows, sheep, goats, cats and dogs in that it’s always fatal. She adds that the one species that it doesn’t affect is humans: it cannot make human beings sick. Gilson said that no cases of the disease were found in any of the herds in the area where psuedorabies was first detected.

Officials are still testing more than 30 herds of pigs from nearby the other farm. Some of them have been in contact with the infected herds. Any further spread of the disease could have an impact on Wisconsin’s $120 million pork industry. Michigan has already banned the import of swine from Wisconsin, and Kansas began requiring special import permits for the animals, citing concerns that the disease may spread to there. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Mike Ewing)

Ice Age Trail runner passes 800 miles on day 18 22-day trip from St. Croix River ends Sunday

by Gregg Westigard SOUTH OF MADISON – Jason Dorgan is on the home stretch. Monday night, Dorgan stopped in Whitewater, southeast of Madison, after walking/ running 52 miles during the day.

That was the close of day 17 of his journey along the Ice Age Trail, from its start

at the St. Croix River to its end in Door County. He had completed 797 miles of his 1,079 route, averaging 47 miles a day.

Dorgan decided to use his three-week vacation to raise awareness about the Ice Age Trail, a national trail that follows the edge of the last glacier to cover Wisconsin. His early journey took him through deep woods stretches like the route through McKenzie Creek in Polk County where we met him Sunday morning, April 15, as he started day two of his adventure. He traveled east to the Rhinelander area last week and headed

south, circling Madison and nearing the Illinois border. Dorgan now heads north toward his finish Sunday.

Traveling the Ice Age Trail is becoming a popular pursuit. While most people spread the trip out, covering the route in segments, Dorgan will join a growing number of hikers of all ages who have explored the varied terrain of the state.

That route includes 50 miles in Burnett and Polk counties from Timberland Hills near Cumberland to Interstate State Park. This section is maintained by a dedicated band of volunteers who are

members of the Indianhead Chapter of the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation.

Next Sunday, Dorgan should end his trip by setting foot in Lake Michigan at Potawatomi State Park, north of Sturgeon Bay. Then it’s back to work as a mechanical engineer in Madison. Dorgan’s journey can be traced daily on a Web site, iceagetrail1000.com.

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net Volunteer of the year

Horsemanship clinic set GRANTSBURG – A natural horsemanship clinic by Trusting Hands Clinic will be held May 12 beginning

Lily Gleason was honored as the volunteer of the year at Webster’s Volunteer Recognition dinner held at the senior center last Thursday, April 26. Gleason clocked in over 1,100 hours last year either delivering meals to the homebound or working as a kitchen aide. Aging Unit director, Lois Taylor, announced that no one in Webster was even close to volunteering as many hours as Gleason. – Sherill Summer

at 10 a.m.

For details call Cathy at 715-689-2692. – submitted

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Ribbon cutting at Siren Dollar

Dave Walters, president of the Siren Area Chamber of Commerce, brought the big black scissors and red ribbon to the Siren Dollar Store during the new owners’ open house Friday, April 27. The ribbon cutting that followed involved (L to R): Walters, Siren Dollar Store manager Denae Tolzman, coowners Julie Bjornstad and Jackie Nerby and Ani Home Accents manager Shonnah McIntyre. Bjornstad and Nerby took over the two stores in the Outpost Mall north of the village March 1. They plan be part of the art show at the mall over Memorial Day weekend, and urge Leader readers to be on the lookout for different specials that will be coming up at the stores. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Performance set

DRESSER - The 65-member Rocky Mountain College Choir and Orchestra from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, under the direction of Henric Idestrom, will present a concert at Hope Evangelical Free Church, located just north of Hwy. 35 (look for signs for the YWCA) on 248th Street, between Osceola and Dresser, on Wed., May 2, at 7 p.m.

Stephanie Mettler, daughter of Ken

and Barb Mettler, St. Croix Falls, is an accompanist and sings in the group.

Their inspirational music incorporates a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical and sacred to spirituals and contemporary Christian works. Admission to the concert is free, but a love offering will be received to help support their ministry. Everyone is welcome. - submitted

Fire department receives oxygen masks

Humane Society of Burnett County director Lore Quinn presented Webster Fire Department Chief Norm Bickford with a set of oxygen masks for use on dogs and cats. Each set has three sizes to fit small, medium and large-size pets. HSBC’s goal is to eventually provide each fire department in Burnett County with a set of these oxygen masks for use on pets. – Submitted by HSBC

Ongoing Events AA Meetings: United Methodist Church, Danbury, 1 block north of Main Street on 1st Street.

Thursdays, noon.

AA and Al-Anon Meetings: Every Monday night at Frederic Pilgrim Lutheran Church basement at 7 p.m.

Amateur (Ham) Radio, holds its monthly breakfast the second Saturday of every month, 8 a.m. at the Fox Den in Balsam Lake with a meeting at approx. 9 a.m. at the Polk County Government Center.

Amery - Truckload of food provided each month by Polk County Christians in Action on the second and fifth Saturdays at the Congregational Church in Amery at 201 Harriman Ave. N, 268-7390. Donation of $10 per family requested. Persons will receive fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and other food as available.

Amery - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar meets Monday at 7 p.m., for 13 weeks, at Apple River Community Church, located on Hwy. 8. Call Bruce Tanner for information at 715-268-8360 or Gary Alexander at 715-2682724.

Balsam Lake Community Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m., at Balsam Lake Village Hall.

Boy Scout Troop #128 is holding an ongoing aluminum can collection fundraiser. Contributions can be dropped off at the trailer parked at Great Northern Outdoors in Frederic.

Burnett County Adult Day Care meets every Tuesday at Birchwood Manor in Siren from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and every Thursday at Cedarwood Manor in Webster from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Burnett County Citizen Patrol, meets the 4th Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., government center.

Burnett Community Library Adult Craft Club, meets every Thursday, 10 a.m. - noon at the library in Webster.

Caregivers Support Group meets every third Wednesday at Capeside Cove, 4 p.m.

500 Cards at Cushing Community Center, every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dresser - Tot-Time, an hour of Bible stories, music, crafts and a snack, is held at the first and third Tuesdays, Sept. through May, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church. Please contact the church office to register at 755-2515.

Family Child Care Professionals Network, meets the third Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.

Call 715-483-1482 for info. Family child care providers welcome!

Frederic American Legion Post & Unit #249, meets the third Monday of every month at the Legion Hall, 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise announced.

Frederic Booster Club meets the first Sunday each month at 6 p.m. in the high school.

Frederic Historical Society to meet the fourth Thursday of every month at the Golden Oaks Apartments, 6:30 p.m.

Frederic Senior Center welcomes everyone.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily except Sundays. Mondays, Spades played at 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays Pokeno played at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 500 cards played at 6:30 p.m. Bingo at 1:30 p.m. and pool or other card games during the afternoon. Business meeting the first Friday of each month.

Frederic TOPS meets 5:30 p.m. on Wednes-

days at Comforts of Home community room, contact Nancy 715-327-8063 or tops.org.

Frederic Welcome Wagon, new residents who’d like community information, and businesses and organizations who’d like to offer coupons, discounts and promotions to new residents are invited to call 715-327-8972 or 715327-4271.

Gamblers Anonymous, every Monday, 5 p.m., New Beginnings Alano Club, 7707 Main Street, Siren, 715-349-2588.

Head Injury Support Group to meet every second Sunday at the Siren Covenant Church, 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Caregivers are welcome. For further information please call Jerry or Karen at 715-349-8985.

Humane Society of Burnett County meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at the Humane Society on Midtown Rd., Siren. We are collecting used printer ink cartridges and used digital cell phones. Call 715-866-4096.

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, open Tuesday & Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 400 Main St. So., Luck, go to back door.

Luck Senior Center, open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Fridays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for coffee and fellowship. Come in and play pool, cards or work on a jigsaw puzzle. Everyone welcome.

Milltown Senior Center, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 500 cards every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Obesity Surgery Support Group of the River Valley, meets every 2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m. at Adventures Restaurant, Hwy. 35, North Osceola. For more info call 715755-3474 or Jepsen@centurytel.net.

Osceola - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group meets at the First Baptist Church each Monday, 7 p.m. Sessions for adults and children. The church is located at 722 Seminole Avenue (Hwy. M). For information call 715-294-4222 or 651-214-5251 after 5 p.m.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center, open Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Regular meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. blood pressure checks; 12:30 potluck, followed by business meeting and entertainment. 500 cards and dominoes, and exercises by YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. Craft Making 1st, 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

Siren Alano Club: Tuesday noon, women’s group; Wednesday, 7 p.m. AA; Thursday, 7 p.m., NA; Sunday, 9 a.m., AA; Sunday, 7 p.m.

NA; First Saturday of the month, open meeting, 5:30 potluck, 7 p.m. speaker and pin night.

The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus practices every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level of the old courthouse in Balsam Lake, CTH I and Hwy. 46. Call 715-483-9202, 715463-5202 or 715-327-8091.

Webster Area Chamber of Commerce meets the first Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Webster chamber office.

Webster Tops, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

Wood River Christian Fellowship will be holding 12 Step Christ-Centered Recovery Programs. Thursday nights, 7 - 8 p.m. Main Meeting and 8 - 9 p.m. small groups.

Quakers. Northern Pines Friends Worship Group, 11 a.m. Every other Saturday, 6020 Peterson Rd., Webster, 866-8802 or 866-7798.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

So many books, so little time Luck Readers Group celebrates 10 years

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — Quot libros. Quam breve tempus. So many books. So little time.

That was the quote on the T-shirt worn by one member of the Luck Readers Group, but it was the sentiment of all those present at the group’s 10th anniversary gathering April 23.

“I can’t believe that what started out as Patti and I wanting to discuss good books together turned into something so fulfilling,” said Sue Mattson, who helped start the group in 1997. Since then, 116 books have been read and shared by the group.

The monthly meetings are a book lover’s dream.

“Our group is a very informal, comfortable group, made up currently of all women, but we have had men in the group and they are always welcome,” Mattson said. “We take turns choosing books with no particular criteria, just books we’d like to read or have read and want to discuss with other book lovers.”

Discussion revolves completely around the book selection, which this month was “My Dog Tulip” by J.R. Ackerley. Next month is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.

“When we come, we talk about books,” said Mattson, who has been with the group since its beginnings. “There’s no gossip. This isn’t a support group.”

The conversation was lively, with criticism given and accepted freely. Opinions about a book may vary, but there are some that were a hit with the whole group.

While eating the chocolate mousse-filled chocolate cake to mark the group’s 10th anniversary, members share favorites like they would share a best friend.

“I haven’t really ever been sorry about a book we’ve read,” said Janice Nelson, who is also a founding member. Thinking about it a little longer, Nelson corrected herself and said that a book they read on mad cows disease didn’t sit as well with her as most of the others. But, she added, she was glad she read it.

Members of the group agree that they are reading books and genres that they never thought they would enjoy. Books they might not otherwise have finished but for the upcoming meeting have proven enjoyable, they have found.

“You never know what you’re going to find in a book,” said Nelson.

The group meets at the school during the school year and at the library during the summer months.

“Having it held at the school and library truly commits to bringing community and lifelong learning together,” said Mattson.

After 10 years and 116 books you might think that there is not much new to discuss. But that’s not so, say the readers.

“Often after that length of time, things

“One Thousand White Women” – Jim Fergus “Peace Like A River” – Leif Enger “What A Woman Must Do” – Faith Sullivan “Enemy Women” – Paulette Jiles “How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents” – Julia Alvarez 2003 “Lovely Bones” – Alice Sebold “The Picture of Dorian Gray” – Oscar Wilde “Animal Farm” – George Orwell “The Color of Water” – James McBride “The Grapes of Wrath” – John Steinbeck “Atonement” – Ian McEwan “The Life of Pi” – Yann Martell “Silent Spring” – Rachel Carson “The Hobbit” – J.R.R. Tolkien “The Awakening” – Kate Chopin “The Bell Jar” – Sylvia Plath “Balzac & The Little Chinese Seamstress” – Dai Silje

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Luck Readers Group (L to R) in front are Patti Mattson and Janice Nelson. In back are Barb Kass, Mary Werran, Wilma Gra and Naomi Hall. — Photo by Mary Stirrat can get stale and lose their importance as we change and our lives change, but that is not the case for me with this group,” said Mattson. “I continue to look forward to each book and each meeting together.”

The comfortable atmosphere and “give and take” among the readers makes it easy for newcomers as well as for those who can only attend once in a while.

“I want to say thank you to Sue and Patti for sharing this book club with the community,” said Meg Atkins. “Not all reading groups are so welcoming. This is a great group of people.”

It’s a group of people that loves books.

There is no doubt about that. Celebrating the 10-year milestone seems to just make them look forward to another 10 years and 116 books.

“My favorite quote,” said Mattson, “is from a friend who had just read “Bel Canto.” She said, ‘The only sad thing about reading a great book is that you can’t read it again for the first time.’

“That’s how I feel too.”

Luck Readers Group April, 1997 “Deep Water Passage” – Ann Linnea “Alias Grace” – Margaret Atwood “The Education of Little Tree” – Forrest Carter “Deadly Feasts” – Richard Rhodes “All The Pretty Horses” – Cormac McCarthy “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn” – Betty Smith “The Fountainhead”-Ayn Rand “Stones From The River” – Ursula Hegi “Loving & Leaving the Good Life” – Helen Nearing 1998 “Great Expectations” – Charles Dickens “One True Thing” – Anna Quindlen “A Whole New Life” – Reynolds Price “Age Wave” – Ken Dychtwald “Cold Mountain” – Charles Frazier “Angela’s Ashes” – Frank McCourt “Primary Colors” – Anonymous “Rookery Blues” – Jon Hassler “Song of Solomon” – Toni Morrison “Prayer For Owen Meany” – John Irving

“Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil” – John Berendt 1999 “The Great Gatsby” – F. Scott Fitzgerald “Daughter of the Queen of Sheba” – Jackie Leyden “The Loop” – Nicholas Evans “A Walk In The Woods” – Bill Bryson “Brave New World” – Aldus Huxley “My Antonia” – Willa Cather “Body of Evidence” – Patricia Cornwell “The Catcher in the Rye” – J.D.Salinger “From Here to Eternity” – James Jones “Memoirs of a Geisha” – Arthur Golden “White Oleander” – Janet Fitch 2000 “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone” – J.K.Rowling “Mutant Message Down Under” – Marlo Morgan “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” – Carson McCullers “Poisonwood Bible” – Barbara Kingsolver “The Vision of Emma Blau” – Ursula Hegi “Snow Falling on Cedars” – David Guterson “A Girl in a Swing” – Richard Adams “Ciderhouse Rules” – John Irving “This Year It Will Be Different” – Maeve Binchey 2001 “Jane Eyre” – Charlotte Bronte “While I Was Gone” – Sue Miller “Three Women” – Marge Piercy “Prodigal Summer” – Barbara Kingsolver “Blind Assassin” – Margaret Atwood “Strange Fits of Passion” – Anita Shreve “Disobedience” – Jane Hamilton “The Red Tent” – Anita Diamant “Bonesetter’s Daughter” – Amy Tan “The Scarlet Feather” – Maeve Binchey “Hanna’s Daughters” – Marianne Fredriksson “Ishmael” – Daniel Quinn 2002 “The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz “A Simple Plan” – Scott Smith “House of Mirth” – Edith Wharton “Wish You Well” – David Baldacci “The Fourth Hand” – John Irving “While I Lay Dying” – William Faulkner “Bitter Ice” – Barbara Lawrence

2004 “Back When We Were Grownups” – Anne Tyler “The Tortilla Curtain” – T. Coraghessan Boyle “The Little Friend” – Donna Tartt “Bee Season” – Myla Goldberg “Five Smooth Stones” – Ann Fairbairn “Gulliver’s Travels” – Jonathan Swift “Lord Jim” – Joseph Conrad “The Time Traveler’s Wife” – Audrey Niffenegger “Blessings” – Anna Quindlen “Their Eyes Were Watching God” – Zora Hurston “Sons & Loves” – D.H.Lawrence “The God of Small Things” – Arundhati Roy 2005 “The Bean Trees” – Barbara Kingsolver “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” – Mark Haddon “Plainsong” – Kent Haruf “The Way the Crow Flies” – Ann-Marie MacDonald “Trans-Sister Radio” – Chris Bohjalian “Second Nature” – Alice Hoffman “Going After Cacciato” – Tim O’Brien “Postcards” – E. Annie Proulx “Bel Canto” – Ann Patchett “Five Quarters of The Orange” – Joanne Harris “The Mermaid Chair” – Sue Monk Kidd “Pope Joan” – Donna Cross 2006 “Shadow of the Wind” – Carlos Ruiz Zafon “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading” – Maureen Corrigan “The Librarian” – Larry Beinhart “The Maltese Falcon” – Dashielle Hammett “Persian Pickle Club” – Sandra Dallas “Prague” – Arthur Phillips “Neither Wolf nor Dog” “The Glass Castle” “The Dogs of Babel” “Rebecca” “The Stolen Child” “Water for Elephants” 2007 “The Historian” “Cry The Beloved Country” “Saving Fish From Drowning” “My Dog Tulip”

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Frederic 7-12 Schools to present spring concerts FREDERIC - On Thursday, May 3, the Frederic High School music department will present its annual Festival of the Arts program. This concert will feature the high school concert choir, band, show choir and bell choirs.

There will also be a presentation of the annual music awards. The high school art department will have their work on display for public viewing before and after the concert.

On Monday, May 7, the Frederic seventh- and eighth-grade students will present their annual spring concert. The concert features the M.S. choir, band and bell choirs.

The concert groups are under the direction of Greg Heine,

Patti Burns and Pat Anderson. Both concerts will be in the 7-12 performance center and will begin at 7 p.m. The concerts are free and open to public.- submitted

Academic news EAU CLAIRE – Shannon Vilstrup, a 2006 Frederic High School graduate, received the Tsai-Houang Scholarship from the Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire where she is in the marketing program. A luncheon was held April 24 in her honor. Vilstrup is the daughter of Tom and Lori Vilstrup. – submitted

Apple management workshops to be held SPOONER – Home gardeners and hobby apple orchards interested in learning more about growing apples are invited to attend a free apple management workshop at Smith’s Poquette Lake Apple Orchard on Wednesday, May 2, from 6 until 8 p.m. According to Kevin Schoessow, UW-Extension Area Ag Agent, successful apple production involves much more than selecting the proper variety. Proper planting, pruning, training and fertilizing are essential to getting trees off to a good start.

This outdoor hands-on workshop will demonstrate proper planting, staking and training techniques for newly planted trees. Other management such as pruning, fertilizing, and weed and insect control will also be discussed.

Smith and his wife, Lynn, have oper-

ated Smith’s Apple Orchard for over 17 years and will share their experiences growing apples in northwestern Wisconsin. Schoessow will also be on hand to help answer questions.

This outdoor hands-on demonstration will be held at the Smith’s Orchard located approximately nine miles west of Spooner on Oak Road. Oak Road is one mile south of Hwy. 70 and can be accessed from either Hwy. H or Poquette Lake Road. This workshop is free and open to the public. If weather is a concern, the workshop rain date will be May 3. Registration in not required; however, if you would like more information please contact the Spooner Area UW-Extension Office at 715-635-3506 or 1-800-528-1914. - submitted

OBITUARIES Donald E. Johnson Donald E. Johnson, age 79, a resident of Webster, died April 19, 2007, at his home.

Donald was born May 7, 1927, in Webster, to Olof G. and Martha C. (Engebretson) Johnson and moved to northern California his junior year of high school.

After graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps near the end of World War II. Following his Marine Corps service, he attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for two years and graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology during which time he married Frances Patterson in Chicago. He then went on to work for the TVA in Knoxville, Tenn., for a couple of years, followed by employment as a civil engineer with NALCO in the Chicago area for over 30 years, retiring in 1988. His wife, Frances, passed away in 1998. Don remained in the Chicago area until August of 2000 when he moved to Hayward, to be closer to his siblings. He married Marian Barber in August of 2001 in Webster, where he resided until his death.

Don was active in numerous community services and was serving as president of the Webster Lions Club.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Frances; brother, Harold; sister, Louise Wicklund and followed by sister, Katherine, on April 22, 2007.

Donald is survived by his wife, Marian Johnson of Webster; children, Theresa (Joseph) Moisan of Tinley Park, Ill., and William (Misa) Johnson of Naperville, Ill.; stepchildren, Janet (Richard) White of Lewisville, Texas, David Barber of Webster and Dennis (Alice) Barber of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren, Gregory Moisan and Brianne Moisan of Tinley Park, Ill., Christopher Johnson and Cynthia Johnson of Naperville, Ill.; step-grandchildren, Richard (Amy) White and Carrie (Bryan) Pogor of Austin, Texas, Douglas Barber and Lynette Barber of Tempe, Ariz.; step-great-grandchild, Kinsey White of Austin, Texas; brother, Ewald “Jerry” Johnson of Ashland and aunt, Palma “Polly” Miller of Bonita, Calif.; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 24, at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating. Music was provided by organist Dianne Gravesen and soloist Caroyl Long. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery, Webster. Honorary casket bearers were Gregory Moisan, Brianne Moisan, Christopher Johnson and Cynthia Johnson. Military honors were accorded by the Wisconsin State Honor Team, Spooner Detachment.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

OBITUARIES John A. Taborshak John A. Taborshak, age 48, a resident of Danbury, died April 23, 2007 at his residence in Danbury.

John was born Dec. 8, 1958, in Chicago, Ill., to Donna Jean Gaothier. He was a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

John was preceded in death by his birth mother, Donna Jean Gaothier; brothers, Joe Goethier and Mike Murphy.

John is survived by his significant other, Jackie Pardun, of Danbury; mother, Betty Jack of Webster; daughter, Amber R. Warrington of Green Bay; grandchildren, Samantha, Johnathan and Koda; brothers, Richard Jack and Chris Jack; sisters, Valerie Jack, Wyona Jack, Sue Ann Vanatter and Wyolanda St. Germaine; numerous nieces and nephews, numerous honored close relatives of the Ho-Chunk Nation, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 25, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Lucy Basler officiating. Music was provided by Sarah Cormell. Interment followed at John Stacy Native American Cemetery in Wittenberg. Casket bearers were Bill Jack, Chris Jack, Rick Jack, Cory Bearheart, Nick Melton and Dana Clark. Honorary casket bearers were Rick Bear, Bruce Jacobson, Buck Zehnet, Mike Decorah, Dan Maloney and Richard Martin.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Gary Paul DeNucci Gary P. DeNucci, Luck, died April 23, 2007, at the age of 61.

Gary was born on Dec. 14, 1945.

He was raised in the town of Cumberland. Gary was a very active youth, as he was in football, baseball, basketball, track, and was a very well-rounded wrestling star at Cumberland Schools. He went on to wrestle and play football at the University of Wisconsin - Superior.

Gary graduated from UW-Superior with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts/Communications. It was in Superior where he met his wife, Ione, of 24 years. While living there, he was a sportscaster for one of the TV stations and a well-known disc jockey.

In 1983, Gary and Ione moved to Luck and opened a bar and liquor store, DeNucci’s 35 Villa. They brought in big bands, large crowds and great times. They left unforgettable memories forever implanted in northern Wisconsin.

He wasn’t only running a business, he was also building a home in McKinley Township. It was here that he and Ione raised their three children. Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to spend time in the woods and on the lake with his family and friends of his deer camp.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Marty; and his brother, Terry.

He is survived by his children, Brandon “Bear” of Cumberland, Cody (Megan) of Osceola and Kasie DeNucci of Luck; his mother, Joy DeNucci, of Luck; brother, Barry DeNucci of Luck, many relatives and friends.

Services were held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cumberland on Friday, April 27. The pallbearers were Al “Touser” Dow, Arlen Petersen, Gaylon Tone, Richard Lingerfelt, Tony “Mike” Forster, Roger Smith, Robert Porter, Blaine Kutzler and Daunte DeNucci.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with the arrangements.

Dorothy Paine Dorothy Paine, Chisago City, Minn., died April 14, 2007. She was 81 years old.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister, Carol; and her brother, Jasper.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon; son, Kenneth (friend Judy), and daughter Barbara (Ralph) Anderson; brother, Bus Still; four grandchildren, Kyle, Grace, Luke and Nate; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held in the Cedar Room at Point Pleasant Heights, Chisago City, Minn., on Sunday, April 29. Interment will be held at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on Friday, May 25, 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to a charity of one’s choice.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Lindstrom, Minn., was entrusted with arrangements.

Dorothy Glockzin

Elmer Alexander Berg

Elmer Alexander Berg, 88, of Luck, died April 29, Dorothy Glockzin of Frederic 2007, at the United Pioneer Home after a sudden illdied April 22, 2007, at Regions ness.

Hospital in St. Paul, Minn. She He was born on Sept. 5, 1918, to Anna and Oscar was 89 years old.

Berg, also of Luck. He was the oldest of nine children.

She was born on June 22, 1917, Elmer was confirmed at Laketown Lutheran Church in Frederic. She attended Frederic and graduated from Luck High School, where he Grade School in the big white played basketball. In 1940, he married Inga Sorensen. building and Frederic High They were married for 58 years, until her death in School. She graduated from high 1999. Together they had six children, one of whom, school at the age of 17 and stayed Bonnie Lou, died at birth. Elmer and Inga farmed in at home a year to help her dad with the filling station, Laketown throughout their lives together, permawhich is now the Frederic Stop Station. Dorothy was nently retiring to Luck in 1998. born on the farm, which is where the new high school Elmer had many interests, including playing the is now. banjo and dancing, in his young adult years. He loved She attended Polk County Normal School in St. Croix Falls. Her class was the last one-year training, after that outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He was a catcher and second baseman it took two years of education. Many hours were spent for the Cushing Tigers baseball team, and played on in night school and summer school session to get her many horseshoe, bowling and softball teams. During bachelor’s degree for elementary education. his entire 88 years, he was an active member of LakeDorothy held many jobs in the summer, from waittown Lutheran Church, serving on many committees, ress, telephone operator and at Route’s Food Market, as well as on the church council. where John entered her life.

Elmer is survived by his five children, Ron (Nancy) She married John Glockzin on Dec. 27, 1957, at St. of Signal Mountain, Tenn., Jim (Karen) of Baudette, Luke’s in Frederic and together they operated Minn., Julianne (Phil) Golden of Winston-Salem, N.C., Glockzin’s Café for several years.

Kathy (Brant) Goneau of Luck, Kelly (Jim) Schwartz Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, teacher and sports fan. She taught school for 41 years, starting in of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Matraca Berg, Lois Akins, Eric Berg, Michael Berg, Terry Berg, Amy BenEast Balsam, Apple River, Atlas, Alabama, Trade Lake and the Frederic districts. She was also a true volunteer. nett, Michelle Henry, Kerry Berg, Greg Berg, J.P. SwanShe gave many years of service to the blood bank, as an son, Justin Swanson, Joshua Golden, Hannah Goneau, Sarah Goneau, Nate Schwartz, Natalie Schwartz; 17 election judge and to the Methodist church. She loved great-grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters. He the town of Frederic and was one of its oldest native will be remembered and missed by countless relatives, residents. friends and neighbors.

Dorothy was a proud member of the American Rose Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 3, Society and delighted in testing roses for Jacksonat 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Cushing. VisitaPerkins. She was also a member of the American Legion tion was held Wednesday, May 2, at the Rowe Funeral Auxiliary.

Home in Luck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman The Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, was entrusted with and Dorothea Gundlach; siblings, Howard, Elsie, arrangements.

Martha, Erna and Kay. She is survived by her husband, John; son, Steven (Sharon); many nieces and nephews; and by her dog, Ginger.

Services were held at Siren Methodist Church on April 28, with Pastor Mike Asher officiating. Vocals Katherine “Katie” V. Johnson, 90, a resident of Webwere provided by Greg Heine and organist was Carrie ster, died April 22, 2007, at Burnett Medical Center.

McConnell.

Katie was born April 6, 1917, to Olof and Martha (EnThe Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic, was entrusted gebretson) Johnson in Webster. with arrangements.

She and her husband, Joe, owned and operated Log Gables for 14 years. They moved to Siren in 1961 and later moved back to Webster where she worked as a secretary for the Webster School District until she retired.

Katie enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved her family, James Lawrence Ouellette, 59, of getting together with her friends, cooking, entertaining, Milltown, died at Good Samaritan and watching “Price Is Right” and Wheel of Fortune.”

Home in St. Croix Falls on April In spite of all her pain, she always had a smile on her 24. face and a wonderful sense of humor.

Jim was born on Sept. 29, 1947, Katie was a longtime member of Grace United in Minneapolis, Minn., the Methodist Church. She will be missed by all who loved adopted son of Lawrence and and knew her.

Frances Ouellette. He grew up in Katie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Georgetown Township, and gradJoe Johnson; brothers, Harold and Donald; and sister, uated from Unity School in 1966.

Jim held the mile record in track from 1965 till 1968, (4 Louise Wicklund.

Katie is survived by her daughter, Joan (James) Prell min. 54.1 sec.) He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to of Grantsburg, Marilyn (Wally) Sickler of Hinckley, 1968.

He was united in marriage to Joan Mary Belle-Isle of Minn., and Donna Wiecks of Blaine, Minn.; brother, Minneapolis, Minn., on October 3, 1970, at St. Patrick’s Ewald “Jerry” Johnson of Ashland; 10 grandchildren, Catholic Church in Centuria. A highlight of their life to- 14 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchilgether was a 1975 trip to the Holy Land. They lived in dren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 25, at Minneapolis, Minn., during which time he worked at Horner Waldorf in St. Paul. He was diagnosed with Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Cindy multiple sclerosis in 1972. They moved to Milltown in Glocke officiating. Music was provided by organist Di1993. He loved his family very much. He also enjoyed anne Gravesen and soloist Jan Larson. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster. Casket trap, skeet shooting and deer hunting. bearers were Greg Johnson, Michael Prell, Bryan JohnJim was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons, Aaron Martin son, Kelley Wiecks, Mark Prell, Thomas Prell and Shan(Aaron Jo) of Cushing and Nathan of Milltown; daugh- non Wiecks. Honorary casket bearers were Steve ter, Miriam of Milltown; grandchildren, Ashley, Gaven Sickler, Kimberly Sickler and Michael Sickler.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was and Parys Ouellette; mother, Frances of Osceola; two sisters and five brothers, as well as many other relatives entrusted with arrangements. and friends.

Funeral services were held April 27 at Our Lady Of The Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake. The Very Reverend John A. Drummy officiated. Interment was held at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown. There was a very impressive attendance by the Wisconsin department of Veterans Affairs Memorial Honor Team and local veterans groups.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with arrangements.

Katherine Vivian Johnson

James Lawrence Ouellette

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

OBITUARIES Marvin Robert Lade

Mildred Ann Martini

Jerry James Allen

Marvin Robert Lade, 68, of Grantsburg, died Thursday, April 19, 2007, at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minn.

Marvin was born May 23,1938, in Minot, N.D., to Carl and Ora Lade. He graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1958. That fall he married Louise Engstrand and they began their life together in Minneapolis, Minn.

After building homes in Forest Lake, Minn., and Brooklyn Park, Minn., they moved home to the Trade River area in 1977, where he embarked on his second career as a farmer. In 1999, he sold the family farm and semi-retired.

He and his wife, Louise, enjoyed being part of the SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) ministry traveling in their RV working at camps, children’s homes and retreat centers. They were also part of the Minnesota Christian Campers and enjoyed getting together for monthly summer camping weekends. Marvin loved music: singing on the worship team at church, learning to play the bass guitar, and for a time he was part of the Indianhead Chorus. He loved singing with his daughter and granddaughter. He was a driving influence in the building of the Trade River Evangelical Free Church and spent many hours making and keeping it beautiful. He was also very active in the leadership of the church. For several years, he served on the Anderson Town Board. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and could often be found playing on the floor with them.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Louise; his children, Jeff (Marcia) Lade, Steve (Debbie) Lade and Kathy Lade; grandchildren, Stefanie (Nick) Wiesneski, Zach Lade and his fiance’ Leah Skifstad, Chris and Wendy Lade, Sophie and Ana Lade; sisters, Adeline (Sonny) Olson, Ellen (Donnie) Aldentaler and Sandy (Gil) Olson; and brother, Cecil (Karen) Lade and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ore Lade; and his stepfather, Lawrence Nelson.

A memorial service was held at the Trade River Evangelical Free Church on April 23, with Pastor Dale VanDuesen officiating.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Mildred Ann Martini, age 75, a resident of Rusk Township, died April 22, 2007, at her residence.

Mildred was born Sept. 12, 1931, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Gottfried Gatz and Margaret Gatz Schroeder.

She was raised in Minneapolis, Minn., and lived there for many years, retired to Florida, moving back to Spooner in the mid-1990s.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Orv Martini; parents; sisters, Fern Hearshman and Eldora Hemsworth; brother, Norman Gatz; and daughter Kathy Martini.

Mildred is survived by her children, Keith (Angela) Martini of Spooner, Debra (Dell Buchta) Zachrison of Stacy, Minn., Gwen Martini of Spooner, Orville Martini Jr., of Spooner and Scott Martini of Siren; sister, Adeline Spath of Mankato, Minn.; brother, Alvin “Sonny” (Grace) Gatz of Minneapolis, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, Katrina, Derrick, Lisa, Nicole, Daniel, Kathleen, Anthony, Tiffany, Orville III, Brent and Jesse; three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Brady and Chloe; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 27, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster with Pastor Lucy Basler officiating. Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery May 11, 2007, at 11 a.m.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Jerry James Allen, Grantsbug, died April 19, 2007. He was 66 years old.

Jerry was born Dec. 24, 1940, in Spring Valley, Minn.

He was self-employed as a baker. He owned Stewartville Bakery in 1963 and retired in 1989.

Upon retirement, Jerry moved to Grantsburg and very much enjoyed the wilderness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and one sister.

Jerry is survived by his sons, James Allen of Florida and Gary Allen of Grantsburg; daughter, Kristin Campana of Grantsburg; and seven grandchildren, Brandon, Lisa, Nathan, Ashley, Ami, April and Amanda; two brothers and five sisters.

Funeral services were held April 24.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

EDLING FUNERALHOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERALHOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

James L. Vanderhoff James L. Vanderhoff, age 52, of Grantsburg, died Sunday, April 29, at his lake home near Hayward.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Sharmin Hanson, Margaret Stoll and Jude Halter; his parents, Les and Joanne Vanderhoff; 11 grandchildren and two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 2, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Interment was at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

EDLING FUNERALHOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERALHOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

EDLING FUNERALHOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

EDLING TAYLOR FUNERALHOME 387 State Rd. 70 Grantsburg, WI (715) 463-2994

Jarmund N. (Jiggs) Schmidt Jarmund N. (Jiggs) Schmidt, 75, a resident of Voyager Village, Danbury and Paradise Park, Harlingen, Texas., died suddenly on April 24, 2007, at his home.

Jiggs was born March 14, 1932, in Barron, to Herbert and Larina (Keller) Schmidt.

Jiggs was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Larina; and son, Robin.

Jiggs is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Renee (Dan) Dietz, Rita Chilstrom; grandsons, Cory and Kevin Chilstrom; granddaughters, Kayla Chilstrom; one brother, Lanny (Alice) Hanson; three sisters, Norreta (Dewey) Fladten, Doreene Knutson, Ronda Bonner; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services were held Saturday, April 28, at Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, Webster, with Pastor Roger Kampstra officiating. Music was provided by organist Sue Olson and soloist Ardis Sawyer. Interment will be held at a later date at Northern Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Spooner.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

CHURCH NEWS Hands to the Plow Ministires sponsored conference

More than 200 women gathered for a conference in Siren last Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by Hands to the Plow Ministries, the conference featured Bev Coniaris as the main speaker and Amy Wilhite as the worship leader. According to sponsors Tom and Sarah Kelby, this third-annual conference drew women from around the area both from within churches and outside of churches. Pictured is Wilhite leading the assembly in worship in the convention center of The Experience restaurant. - Photo by Carl Heidel

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS Testimonials bring faith

God will save me

During my high school days, our social studies class learned some interesting facts about advertising. One of the most effective ways a company can sell its Sally Bair product or service is by using testimonials. We’ve all read or heard them: “After using Dr. X Hair Gel, my hair grew back PERSPECTIVES thicker than ever.” “Gardening has never been easier since I started applying XYZ liquid to my plants.” “I lost 40 pounds in two months after exercising on the amazing Cardio Machine!”

There’s no doubt that testimonials convince.

This same principle applies in our spiritual lives.

When we hear about someone’s healing, or deliverance from a destructive habit, because someone prayed for him or her, our faith is likely to soar. We come to believe that the same kind of prayer might work for us, too. That’s how it happened in Jesus’ time on earth. Every time he healed someone, word spread and the people came flocking to him for healing of their own bodies or minds. Even today, needy people tend to gravitate toward faith healers.

I want to share two testimonials about people I know who were healed recently. Through prayer, reading of Scripture, and the laying on of hands, one person was delivered from a years-long addiction to drugs. The other one received emotional healing from fear and doubt and is now able to face adversity with a peaceful mind and heart.

Both received instant peace that has continued, and a stronger love for God and his word. I share these testimonies so you will believe that God truly does answer prayer, and he can use any believer to bring healing to someone in need.

David, in Psalm 34, gives his own testimony. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears…the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The word and the Holy Spirit work together to bring faith and healing. In fact, simply by reading this psalm, accompanied by heartfelt prayer, God can bring healing.

Lord, we thank you for the testimonies of those whom you have touched in a powerful way. Thank you for bringing us to a right relationship with you and giving us the faith to believe that you can use us for healing people in need. Give us the desire and boldness to share our own stories with others so they, too, may grow in faith and receive healing, deliverance, and peace through your powerful word and Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

Follow the Leader

what is necessary in our lives to make us complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God tells us I recall a story that I read a few months that His Word has the power to save us, ago in the editorial section of the Leader, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it about a man who refused numerous offers is the power of God for salvation to everyof help while his life was in danger from a one who believes...” (Romans 1:16 NASB), flood. He had been offered help from but knowledge alone is not sufficient. many different sources; yet, his response “…prove yourselves doers of the word, and Garret not merely hearers who delude themselves.” was always the same, “No thank you, God will save me.” He knew God would help Derouin (James 1:22 NASB) “For it is not the hearers him, and he was determined to wait for of the law who are righteous before God, the type of help he thought God would but the doers of the law who will be justiTHE provide. He eventually drowned in the fied.” (Romans 2:13 ESV) flood and when he reached heaven he PREACHER’S Do you desire to learn more about God’s PEN asked God, “Why did you not send help Word? to save me from the flood.” God’s reply Do You Desire To See Jesus? was simply, “I did, but you refused the Then YOU ARE INVITED to a GOSPEL MEEThelp of all those whom I sent to you.”

ING, beginning Saturday May 12th at 6 p.m. It will How many of us turn away from God’s offer of be held at the Burnett County church of Christ in salvation because we “feel” we know the way it Webster, (One block west Hwy. 35, behind the old should be, or think we should wait for the way we high school). In a series of five lessons, we will exwould like it to be? God has already provided us amine: Jesus – The Way to Eternal Life, The Teacher with the gift of salvation. “In this was manifested of True Worship, The Revolutionary, A Man of the love of God toward us, because that God sent Commitment and The Love that Compels. his only begotten Son into the world, that we might For more information or to ask any questions live through him.” (1John 4:9 KJV) and “…while we please call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday KJV) Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at All we need to do, in order to receive this gift, is 10:30 a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 to learn God’s will and then act upon that knowl- p.m. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 edge. God’s Word is all-sufficient to teach man a.m. - noon.

Holy Trinity United Methodist Church 2007 confirmation class

Confirmation took place Palm Sunday, April 1, for the 2007 Holy Trinity class. Pictured are: Kim Culver, Abby Culver, Jessica Golz, Julia Moore, Erin Williams, Sue Reed and Pastor Paul Foulke. Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, CTH I, 1.5 miles west of Balsam Lake and three miles east of Centuria.

Sunday service at 9 a.m. – Photo submitted

Bethany sponsors Habitat trip (L to R): Amy Kopecky, Dana Carlson, Rose Kopecky and Bonnie Cain will travel to Rapid City, S.D., to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity June 15-22. The four gathered after worship service April 29, and it was fitting that Pastor John Clasen’s sermon that day shared the story of Dorcas. According to the first reading, Acts 9:36-43, Dorcas was devoted to good works and acts of charity.

Pastor John said she is remembered for her Christian compassion. “Each of us has the opportunity to serve and give and leave a legacy,” he said. “There are no limits to the amount of good we can do in Christ’s name.” Like Dorcas, these four members of Bethany will achieve good works on their 2007 Habitat trip. All are welcome to serve and worship at Bethany. The church holds services every Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m., and Wednesday fellowship at 5:45 p.m. For more information, call 715-349-5280.– from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

CHURCH NEWS

Quantity and quality both vital when spending time with kids Q: I have very little time to spend with my children these days, but I make sure the hours we do get to spend together are meaningful. Do you agree that the quality of time you spend with your kids is more important than the quantity?

DR. DOBSON: I'm afraid the logic of that concept is flawed to me. The question is, Why do we have to choose between the virtues of quantity versus quality?

We won't accept that forced choice in any other area of our lives. So why is it relevant only to our children?

Let me illustrate my point. Let's suppose you've looked forward all day to eating at one of the finest restaurants in town. The waiter brings you a menu, and you order the most expensive steak in the house.

But when the meal arrives, you see a tiny piece of meat about 1 inch square in the center of the plate. When you complain about the size of the steak, the waiter says: "Sir, I recognize that the portion is small, but that's the finest corn fed beef money can buy. You'll never find a better bite of meat than we've served you tonight. As to the portion, I hope you understand that it's not the quantity that matters, it's the quality that counts."

You would object, and for good reason. Why? Because both quality and quantity are important in many areas of our lives, including how we relate to children.

They need our time and the best we have to give them.

My concern is that the quantity versus quality argument might be a poorly disguised rationalization for

giving our children neither.

••• Q: How do you feel about corporal punishment as a deterrent to school misbehavior? Do you believe in spanking our students?

DR. DOBSON: Corporal punishment is not effective at the junior and senior high school levels, and I do Dr. James not recommend its application. It can Dobson be useful for elementary students, especially with amateur clowns (as opposed to hard core troublemakers).

For this reason, I am opposed to abolishing spanking in elementary schools, because we have systematically eliminated the tools teachers have used to traditionally back up their word. We're down now to a precious few. Let's not go any further in that direction.

••• Q: My marriage seems beyond repair to me. My husband is running around with other women and threatening to divorce me. Is there really any hope for us?

DR. DOBSON: It's difficult to say without knowing the details, but I can tell you this: I've seen dozens of families who were in your fix but are now happy and whole.

I taught a class for young married couples for a number of years, and right there under my nose, infidelity was a surprisingly common event. There was one period of time during which I dealt with 19 different couples where extramarital affairs had either occurred or were seriously threatening. These families

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

Community service for NDP ST. CROIX FALLS - There will be a community service to celebrate National Day of Prayer at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 3, at the St. Croix Valley Good Samaritan Center.

There will be music, message, and a time of prayer.

Pastor Larry Mederich of the Osceola Community Church will be delivering the message. - submitted

are still known to me, and nine of them are apparently happily married today.

Though this percentage may seem low, remember that these were families on the verge of divorce that have now survived many years. Loving toughness played a definite role in working through their difficulties. So yes, hope springs eternal, as well it should.

Let me give you another word of encouragement.

Nothing can seem so fixed but change so rapidly as human emotions. When it comes to romantic endeavors, feelings can turn upside down in a day or two. I've seen husbands or wives who expressed hatred for their spouses, saying, "I never want to see you again," only to fall weeping into the other person's arms some hours later.

I hope there are better days ahead for you and your husband. So hang tough. You may yet be able to preserve what is precious to you.

••• 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:

Faith Fellowship Luck

MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

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MAY 2, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Students o f the Week FREDERIC

Shyla Baker has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Anita and Mark Baker. Shyla is a very responsible and cooperative student. She has a good sense of humor and is a good friend to those in her class.

Shyla likes to read a lot. She loves to play outside with her friends and loves to help her mom cook.

Erik Stoner has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Terri and Steve Stoner. Erik is an honor roll student who performs at a high level. He is a hard worker, has a positive attitude toward school, respects others and accepts challenges. Erik is in confirmation, football, track, baseball and basketball. He enjoys reading, electronics and sports.

UNITY

Kathleen Jerry has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Rodney and Wendy Jerry. Kathleen is a top student.

She goes about her business in a quiet manner, has good work ethic and is fun to have in class. Kathleen is in hand bell choir, student council, drama club, National Honor Society and is class vice president. She plans to attend UWEau Claire for premedicine.

GRANTSBURG

LUCK

Trent Strapon has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Aren Gerich and Jamie Melin. Trent is wellbehaved, helpful and respectful of teachers and his fellow classmates. He works hard in all subjects and adds a fun sense of humor to class discussions.

Trent enjoys sports, camping, video games and fishing.

SIREN

Alix Wilkinson has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Linda and Larry Glenn. Alix is involved in 4H as a youth leader and ambassador and with photography. She is in volleyball, softball and track.

Alix enjoys reading, spending time with family, drawing and photography.

Dylan Peper has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of David Peper and Kim Bibeau. Dylan has very nice manners and is a leader in the classroom. He is an independent worker and takes his school work seriously.

Kelly Johnson has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Lyle and Darlene Johnson.

Kelly is on the National Honor Roll.

She is a hard worker, has a great personality and gets along well with others. Kelly is in FCCLA, FFA, 4-H, NHS, Junior Holstein Association, Kinship, Teacher’s Aide and a Sunday school teacher. She enjoys working on the family farm, tractor pulls and baby sitting. She plans to attend UW River Falls to become a veterinarian.

Holly Knoepke has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Mark and Julie Knoepke. Holly has been on the honor roll all four years and is the vice president of student council.

She does volunteer work for her church and works as a waitress at Adventures. Holly enjoys playing fastpitch and shopping. Her future plan is to attend Aveda Insitute for cosmetology.

Brady Flaherty has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Dan Flaherty and Angie Nelson. Brady is a very kind and generous young man. He is very responsible and always willing to help his peers and teachers.

Amy VanDeBrake has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Melody and Ed VanDeBrake of Balsam Lake. Amy is a very positive and active student who shows great leadership in and out of school. She has worked especially hard in her ag. classes and FFA. Amy enjoys hunting, fishing, softball and showing animals. She plans to attend college and major in ag. ed. or genetics.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Kierstyn Campbell has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Dan and Sarah Campbell. Kierstyn is involved in dance and gymnastics. Her favorite subject is math because both her parents are math teachers. Her hobbies are swimming and collecting rocks. Kiersytn is an incredibly hard worker and extremely detailed in her writing. She creates wonderful stories.

Bailey Wheeler has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman. Bailey is a very involved student and always so willing to help out. She made cute, warm blankets this year for some of the teachers that had new additions to their families. Bailey enjoys camping, hanging out with friends, being outdoors, swimming and baby-sitting.

WEBSTER

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Max Mortenson has been chosen Valley Christian School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Jane Mortenson.

Max’s favorite subject is reading, favorite food is pizza, favorite color is blue and favorite sport is soccer.

After school he likes to go to friends’ houses and hang out.

Corey Bauer has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. Mrs. Koball nominated Corey for being a hard worker in class. Corey is a responsible student who works hard each day to complete his homework assignments. Corey is friendly and does his best in school. His favorite sports are basketball, football and soccer.

Congratulations students

Kerik Stubbe has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Doug and Lynn Stubbe. Kerik is having a great year. He is learning to read and can write.

Ashley Dietmeier has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Lina and Paul Dietmeier. Ashley is a wonderful student to have in class. She demonstrates superior study skills in the classroom which allows her time to be active in the band and excel on the ice as an avid hockey player. Although somewhat shy, Ashley is very easy to get along with, and very popular among her peers.

Brian Thill has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Dan and Linda Thill. Brian has excellent attendance and has earned straight A’s this year. He has a friendly personality and a good sense of humor. Brian has been an outstanding teacher’s aide this quarter. He is involved in band, student council, youth group, football, basketball and track. He enjoys fishing and playing sports. He will attend college for wildlife biology.

Valley Christian School holds Clean-a-thon On Friday, April 27, the Valley Christian School students, staff and parents trekked over many miles of road ditches and cleaned up the trash. The Clean-a-thon is an annual spring fundraising event for the school. All students participate and spend the whole day picking up trash. Gratitude is extended to the many local businesses and other donors that so generously give to the school each year for this fundraiser. – Photo submitted

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 2, 2007

Coming events

MAY

WEDNESDAY/2 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

St. Croix Falls • Good Samaritan Auxiliary meets, 1:30 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Home.

• Writers reading aloud, 7-9 p.m., at the library. Come enjoy original stories/poems, light refreshments served.

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Balsam Lake

• Fox Creek Gun Club spring trap shooting league meets, 7 p.m., at the Blacksmith Shop.

Luck

Falun

• Spaghetti dinner benefit for Bob Pilz, at the high school, 5-7:30 p.m. Call 715-4722421 for more info.

• ALPHA Dinner, Video & Discussion, “Does God Heal Today?” 6:30-8:45 p.m., Faith Fellowship. Call Maggie at 715-825-3559 for more info.

• Glory Train, a gospel outreach musical group, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Potluck and show, starts at 6 p.m.

Frederic • 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

FRIDAY/11

Luck • ALPHA Dinner, Video & Discussion, “Why & How Should We Tell Others?” 6:30-8:45 p.m., Faith Fellowship. Call Maggie at 715825-3559 for more info.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• Northwest Regional Writers meet, 1 p.m. at the Sunrise Apts. Assignment: write on an important moment in someone’s life. Use sensory details.

St. Croix Falls • American Legion Post 143 meets, cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., with meeting to follow. On the agenda is the selection of new officers.

Siren

Siren

FRI.-SUN./4-6 Baldwin

for more info.

Frederic

THURSDAY/3

• National Day of Prayer service, at the Burnett County Government Center, Room 165, 7-8:30 p.m.

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.

Warmer weather has brought out the wildlife, much to the liking of photographers. This mallard was flying low over a Polk County wetland when captured by the camera lens. - Photo by John Reed

• Gun Show, at the civic center. Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 608-752-6677 for more info.

FRIDAY/4 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• Maypole Dance cancelled!

Jackson • Smelt/Fish Fry, 5 p.m., at the town hall.

Sponsored by 2nd Alarm.

SAT. & SUN./5 & 6 Osceola

• Motorcycle & ATV dealer expo & fly-in breakfast. Breakfast, 7-11 a.m., expo 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days.

SATURDAY/5 Clam Falls

• Ice Age Trail work day, on the Sand Creek segment. Meet at 10 a.m. at the parking lot on North CTH O, 2-1/2 miles north of CTH W. Bring a bag lunch & beverage. Tools & equip-

ment provided. Contact Dean at 715-472-2248 or Chuck at 715-472-4378 for more info.

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.

Grantsburg

Siren • Poppy Day, at most business places 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Due to construction on Main Street, members may be at the rear entrace or inside business.

SUNDAY/6 Lewis

Luck

• All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.noon.

• 2nd-annual Thrift Sale, raising funds for the American Cancer Society Finish Line Walk/Run at the medical clinic, 9 a.m.-noon.

• Aebleskiver Dinner, 3:30-7:30 p.m.at West Denmark Lutheran Church. Call 715-472-4196 for more info.

• 2007 United Democrats dinner, at Ready Randy’s Banquet Facility. Dinner starts at 1 p.m. Keynote speaker will be Mike Miles. Call 715-381-9600 for more info.

• Spring Sale, at Faith Lutheran Church, 8 a.m.-?

New Richmond

Milltown

St. Croix Falls

• Unity Area Ambulance Pig Roast fundraiser, 3-7 p.m. Food, games, auction, fun. Call 715-825-4444 for more info.

• Lone Maple Community Club Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

There’s a new chef in town...

Taylors Falls, Minn.

• First Lutheran Church youth spaghetti dinner & silent auction, at the church, 5-6:30 p.m.

Praise concert at 6:30 p.m., by Lightshine.

MONDAY/7 Balsam Lake

• Small-business counseling, at the government center. Call 715-485-8608 by May 4 to schedule an appointment.

Frederic • Spades played, 1 p.m. at the senior center.

Everyone welcome/no charge.

Luck • Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society meets, 7 p.m. gathering with meeting promptly at 7:30 p.m. Ron and Bev Shetley will have the program on sandblasting. Potluck lunch. Door prizes.

SATURDAY/12 Amery

• American Cancer Society Run/Walk Finish Line, registration at the high school from 8-9 a.m. Walk begins at 9:15 a.m. Call 715-2689802 for more info.

Balsam Lake • Baby-sitting class, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the Red Cross office. Call 715-485-3025.

Bone Lake • Mother/Daughter Tea, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Lutheran church. Brunch, door prizes, speaker Kathy Chelsey. Call 715-472-8301 for reservations.

Frederic • American Cancer Society Run/Walk Finish Line, registration at the Birch Street Elementary School from 8-9 a.m. Walk begins from the school at 9:15 a.m. Call 715-653-2684 for more info.

• Communitywide garage sales, 715-3274271.

• 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.

Grantsburg

• Bird festival, at Crex Meadows, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Call 715-463-2739 for more into.

Luck • American Cancer Society Run/Walk Finish Line, registration at the high school from 8-9 a.m. Walk begins at 9:15 a.m. Call 715-4728478 for more info.

Siren • Pepsi Pitch/Hit & Run Contest, 9:30 a.m. registration, competition at 10 p.m., at the Siren Ball Park, 7670 Rasmusson Street. Contact Mike Murphy at 715-349-5233 or 715-491-5798 for more info.

MONDAY/14 Frederic

TUESDAY/8

• Spades played, 1 p.m. at the senior center.

Everyone welcome/no charge.

• Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites all, to an informative talk about the renovation project and the Lloyd Olson Surgery Center and more. This will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the medical center learning resource center. Call Kathy at 715-483-1061 for more info.

• Coffee Hour, 9 a.m. at the Lutheran Church.

St. Croix Falls

Siren • Community Ed hosted dance recital, 5:30 p.m., at the school auditorium. Call 715-3497070 for more info.

WEDNESDAY/9 Frederic

The Experience restaurant in Siren is pleased to announce that Riki Rosty is now the restaurant’s head chef. With Rosty to celebrate his new position are Tina Ashton, dining room manager (L), and Lisa Hobbie, general manager (R). Rosty brings a broad range of experience to his new position. He was second cook at The Fox and Hounds in St. Paul under President John F. Kennedy’s chef, Danny D. Walker, sous chef at The Golden Valley Country Club, served banquets and parties with Hank Meadows, host of Channel 11’s “Lunch with Casey,” and spent several years in culinary arts in the U.S. Navy. - Photo by Carl Heidel

• Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County’s Big Band Gala Night, at The Lodge at Crooked Lake, dinner at 6 p.m., music at 7 p.m. Call 715-866-4970, 715-349-5168, 715966-4878 or 715-259-7876 for more info.

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

St. Croix Falls • Career Quest Job Fair, 2-6 p.m. at the high school. Call 715-485-3115 for more info.

THURSDAY/10 Bone Lake

• Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Danny & Ernestine Hoffman, Bone Lake Store owners, 4-7 p.m., at the DBS Hall. Call 715-554-2912

TUESDAY/15 Clam Falls

WEDNESDAY/16 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

THURSDAY/17 Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Luck • ALPHA Dinner, Video & Discussion, “What About the Church?” 6:30-8:45 p.m., Faith Fellowship. Call Maggie at 715-825-3559 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, 8 p.m.