Leader | may 30| 2007

‘Follow the Leader’

INTER-COUNTY

May 30, 2007 2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 40 8,000 copies

the-leader Since 1933

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Wind destroys barn

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SECTION A

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Maritime tribute

Strong burst of high winds doesn’t qualify as tornado Page 2

Destination: Iraq

Write from West Sweden

by Wayne M. Anderson TOWN OF WEST SWEDEN - I’m going to Iraq.

The initial reaction to this news was pretty consistent.

“Are you nuts?”

Yes, I am a little nuts. Happily. And have been long before the war in Iraq began. I thrive on adventure. And this is certainly the most adventurous (wild) thing I’ve ever done.

But beyond mental health and travel,

See Destination Iraq, page 4

Wayne Anderson

Hidden history Bus museum coming to Milltown, Frederic; tells story of WWII German-American internment Page 6

Rec officer reinstated Vacancy remains in sheriff’s department Page 4

The unveiling Page 2

All the way from Italy to Frederic Back page

On track to La Crosse SPORTS • INSIDE

Members of the Taylors Falls American Legion Post march across the Interstate Bridge which spans the St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls during a Memorial Day program, Monday. The salute to maritime veterans concluded the ceremony and included the tossing of a wreath into the river and the playing of taps. - Photo by Gary Kng

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

Frederic native dies while returning home from grandaughter’s graduation

Tribute at river

Services Thursday

A wreath was thrown into the St. Croix River as part of the Taylors Falls Memorial Day service - a salute to the maritime veterans who gave their lives for their country. - Photo by Gary King

Rumor is false, says sheriff POLK COUNTY - There is no strawberry meth in Polk County, according to Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore.

Moore said that an e-mail has been circulating in the county for the past two weeks, stating that “Heath” at the sheriff’s department knows that strawberry meth can be found in Polk County.

Strawberry meth is a methamphetamine that has been mixed with a Kool-

aid-type of flavoring.

“I haven’t seen any strawberry meth in the county,” Moore said Tuesday.

“And there is no one in the Sheriff’s department named Heath.”

Some people are concerned about the flavored meth being attractive to younger people, but Moore noted that it’s just another way to disguise the drug. – Julie Holmquist

Unveiling set

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

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

SIREN - Frederic native Velma Marie Podabinski died Tuesday, May 22, from injuries she sustained in a two-vehicle car accident.

Podabinski, 59, of Lebanon, Tenn., was returning home from a family visit in Siren, where she attended her granddaughter Ashley’s graduation.

According to the Illinois State Police, the crash occurred when a Chevrolet Blazer, eastbound on I-90, collided with the sedn in which Podabinski was riding.

The collision forced the sedan into a guardrail and the ditch on the side of the interstate. The Blazer was also knocked into the ditch, where it flipped onto its roof.

Podabinski, the front-seat passenger, was partially ejected. She was not wearing her seat belt, according to authorities.

Podabinski’s daughter, Kimberly Miller, 40, was treated for several major injuries.

Charges against the driver of the Blazer, Dauel Koby, 33, of Genoa, are pending.

Podabinski was born in 1947, and raised in Frederic.

She moved to Washington for five years, and then back to Burnett County. She recently moved to Lebanon, Tenn.

Podabinski worked many years as a CNA at Luck Pioneer Velma Podabinski was a passenger in this car, Home, Capeside Cove and pri-which was struck by an SUV. - Photo submitted vate duty as well. She married

Barn demolished by tornado-like winds

The unveiling of the River Spirit sculpture by Juliann Stage, will be held Friday, July 20, at 5 p.m., at the newly renovated city Overlook Deck.

Stage’s sculpture will be presented to the community as part of the Wannigan Days celebration. Various sizes of the sculpture are available, with proceeds filtered back into the community to fund other art ventures and the overall enhancement of the downtown arts and culture district. – Photo submitted INTER-COUNTY

Raymond Podabinski from Sandstone, Minn., in 1995, and made their home in Frederic.

She is survived by her mother, Esther Mohs; husband Raymond; daughters Kimberly (Ronald) Miller, Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and Paula (Leo) Maslow, Siren; grandchildren Shawn and David Nye, Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and Ashley and Bradley Maslow of Siren; great-grandchildren Savannah and Matthew; brothers Ernest Mohs (Rita), Chatham, Ill., and Melvin (Marilyn) Mohs, Palmyra, Ill., and sister Shirley Martin, Frederic.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 31, at 11 a.m., at the Assembly of God, Siren. Pastor Andy Bolant will officiate.

A complete obituary appears elsewhere in this week’s Leader. - Gary King with information from family and Rockford Register Star

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - Strong tornado-like winds demolished a barn Saturday on Hwy. 46 four miles north of Unity.

Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore said the National Weather Service didn’t classify the short burst of high winds as a tornado.

Ron and Annette Skog, the owners of the barn, were in Mille Lacs for the holiday weekend and were called Saturday after the storm hit at 4:30 p.m.

“The whole west end was demolished,” Annette said. “The roof was totally gone, and there was metal tin a quarter mile down the road and lumber on the other side of the road.”

She said a neighbor was at home at the time.

“He said it didn’t last more than five minutes and it was done. They got their family into the basement.”

The house on the farm, where Herman and Joyce Skog live, lost only some shingles.

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“It could have been a lot worse,” Annette said.

Calves in the barn were not hurt, and the 26 head of cattle out back of it were also unharmed.

About 30 friends and family members spent Sunday cleaning up the debris.

“Two people who didn’t know us and were here from the Cities visiting people stopped and helped,” Annette said.

A mobile home on 170th Street was also moved by the storm.

Holiday weekend ends in OWI, domestic abuse, battery arrests POLK COUNTY - Polk County Sheriff’s deputies were busy over the holiday weekend with many arrests, according to Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore.

Five people are facing their first charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated following weekend arrests, eight people face charges of domestic abuse, and eight face charges of possession of marijuana.

A Burnsville man faces possible battery charges after a fight Sunday at the Top Spot Bar in Balsam Lake.

Joshua Thompson, 26, Burnsville, Minn., was arrested around 1:46 p.m. on Sunday.

A 68-year-old Minnesota man faces charges of felony OWI after being arrested May 22 at 1:26 a.m. at Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 46.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a vehicle stopped in the lane. They found Eugene Gervais, of Lino Lakes, Minn., apparently passed out in the driver’s seat. Authorities also found an empty Miller Genuine Draft bottle on the passenger side floor of the vehicle.

Gervais has been convicted of OWI four other times, in 1993, 1998, 2001 and 2004. – Julie Holmquist

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Emergency outdoor burning ban lifted MADISON — Emergency burning restrictions in place for Douglas, Burnett and Washburn counties since May 3 were removed Thursday, May 24. The Department of Natural Resources determined that recent precipitation and spring plant growth have sufficiently reduced the threat of serious wildfires, eliminating the need for the restrictions.

Although the outdoor burning restrictions have been lifted for campfires and outdoor smoking, burning permits continue to be cancelled in the above three counties and various other surrounding counties until further notice. The recent rain does not preclude an individual from having to obtain a burning permit in DNR protection areas.

For additional information regarding these restrictions contact any northern regional forester or visit the DNR Web site at dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire. — from WisDNR

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Village eyes former gas station property

Hears presentation on video franchise bill

by Gary King FREDERIC – Village trustees earlier this month instructed administrator Dave Wondra to pursue the acquisition of the former Early Oil Company property along Hwy. 35 (North Wisconsin Ave.) in the village.

The property, across the street from Bremer Bank, is owned by Gene and Eunice Early, and has sat vacant for several months, the last business to occupy it being a cabinet shop.

The decision to acquire the property came following a closed session meeting at the board’s regular monthly meeting, May 14. It follows plans set forth by the establishment of a second Tax Increment District this past year.

“This is exactly why we put the (new) TIF in,” said Village Administrator Dave Wondra. “It’s for the village to look at properties under utilized and use the TIF funding to upgrade those properties.”

The lot is approximately 100 by 140 feet in size.

The new TIF district encompasses land along Hwy. 35 and down Main Street.

Video franchise bill Also at the May 14 meeting the board heard a presentation from John Klatt of Lakeland Telecom concerning the extension of the current cable television franchise entered into by the village and Lakeland back in 1997.

Pressing the extension is the state legislature’s consideration of a bill that appears to be making its way through the lawmaking process at an abnormally fast pace – on track to be signed into law by Governor Doyle by mid June, Klatt said.

The bill, among other things, would end the 30-year-old practice of allowing local governments to negotiate service agreements with cable companies – opening the market to other video service providers. The state would take over the job of regulation.

Some critics say consumer protections would be lost in the process but supporters say consumers win via increased competition.

The village currently realizes 3 percent from the franchise agreement with Lakeland but that number is open to be negotiated up to 5 percent.

Klatt said he believed the current agreement has worked well for Lakeland and the village and asked that trustees extend the agreement prior to any action at the state level.

Trustees asked questions about details of the proposed legislation but it was clear that not enough information was available to answer their questions.

Administrator Wondra suggested taking more time to learn about the legislation before making a decision.

The bill is reportedly is now in joint finance committee at the state level Trustee William Johnson, IV, said a decision made at the board’s regular monthly meeting in June – on the 11th – would still be in time to pre-empt any decision by state legislators.

Johnson noted that small boards sometimes end up “pawns” in statewide and federal legislation, especially when not a lot of information is known about the legislation.

Police department R. J. Severude, the new police chief, presented trustees with examples of a new format for the police incident report. It will provide a better breakdown as to the calls the department has and what services the officers are providing. Over the last three or four months, he said, he’s noticed a slight increase in the number of incidents.

“I’m not saying that’s more offenses – it could be just better documentation,” he noted.

Severude also unveiled a new patch he’s designed for village officers to wear which includes the depot and the water tower. “Most people were pleased with it – and thought it was a good representation of the village..”

The department also has a new Dodge Charger patrol car which, he said, people like the looks of, noting it’s “retro” and “a real police car.” Along with the uniform changes, it will allow village officers to “provide a service and look professional doing it.”

In other business the board: • Approved the permits, ordinances and beer licenses for the annual Family Days celebration, set for June 15, 16 and 17.

• Approved liquor licenses for Kim and Dan Minnick, owners of the new Lonesom Lil’s Coffee Depot at 103 Wisconsin Avenue.

County to consider revised budget process

Later start and fewer steps proposed

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The Polk County 2008 budget preparation process may be shorter and more streamlined this year.

The finance and personnel committees, in a joint meeting last Wednesday, May 23, approved a revised staffing and budget policy that would start the budget process in June rather than April and provide for more joint meetings of the two committees to review the personnel and money requests of the county departments.

The proposed policy revision will be presented to the county board at its June meeting for approval.

The revised policy is the product of a long review process initiated by finance director Tonya Weinert and human

resources director Andrea Jerrick, both of whom were new to their positions last year. They identified several areas from the preparation of the present 2007 budget that might be changed, including the start date, the date proposals are due, and the number of presentation

steps for each county department.

The annual county budget process has started with the executive committee presenting staffing and program guidelines to the departments “no later than April 20”. Several problems were identified with this date. First, in an election

year, it is unclear whether the guidelines are to be prepared by the outgoing executive committee or the incoming executive committee selected in mid-April. If the county board had a large turnover,

See County to consider, page 4

Budget process balances requests with funds

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – County government provides services to the people: public protection, saves roads, regulation of new development, care of the elderly and protection of lakes. The services are performed by people. Each year the county board must look at what services could be provided, how many people it would take to perform those services and how much that would cost. It then looks at the money

available and decides what to fund.

This, in brief, is the annual budget process.

The county is divided into departments (health, highway, zoning, veterans services, etc.) which are supervised by governing committees made up of county board members. The budget process starts with each department head and governing committee looking at operations and trends for that part of county government, deciding what

people and equipment will be required to do the department’s work, and what the cost will be. Over two dozen county departments and units prepare staffing plans and funding requests, which are approved by the governing committees.

It is the job of the county personnel and finance committees to gather and review all these staffing plans and proposed budgets.

See Budget process, page 4

Two injured in deer-cycle accident

North Land Municipal Ambulance EMS workers are being credited with saving the life of a Minnesota woman on Saturday after the motorcycle she and her husband were riding was struck by a deer on CTH GG, south of Hwy. 48. Life Link air ambulance landed at the scene and transported the woman to North Memorial hospital in the Twin Cities. - Photos submitted

POLK COUNTY - Two people were injured Saturday after a deer jumped into the path of a motorcycle on CTH GG south of Hwy. 48.

Russell Herbst and his wife, Diana Herbst, of Blaine, Minn., were both thrown from the motorcyle around 6:35 p.m.

Russell received only minor injuries, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, but his wife appeared to be severely injured.

She was airlifted by helicopter to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minn.

Witnesses told authorities that they saw the deer jump into the motorcycle.

– Julie Holmquist

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

Burnett County reinstates recreational officer

by Sherill Summer SIREN –Personnel committee chairman, Gerry Pardun, opened a joint forestry, law enforcement and personnel committee meeting last Thursday by saying, “At the last personnel meeting, we terminated a position (the full-time recreational officer position) with the idea to make the position more effective, but we didn’t look at the broader ramifications of how difficult if would be to fill the recreational officer position at this critical time, just before the ATV trails open for the summer.”

As a result, the joint committee later reversed the decision and reinstated the position during the meeting held at the Burnett County Government Center.

Effective May 9, the full-time recreational officer, Josh Henry, was moved to fill a vacant deputy position within the sheriff’s department. It was felt that part-time help would be able to patrol the trail system.

At the heart of the matter was how much the county was paying for the position. The state reimburses up to 75 percent of what Burnett County spends on patrolling the trail system, so the

more an officer is on the trail system, the larger the possible reimbursement.

Burnett County spent $38,000 on wages and benefits after the state’s reimbursement.

The personnel committee was under the impression that Henry spent almost a third of his time covering general sheriff’s department shifts instead of patrolling the trail system, and that was one reason why state reimbursement was down and the county’s share of the position was up. It turned out that Henry only worked eight days, or a little over 3 percent,covering general shifts last year, and there were other reasons why the state reimbursement was down.

Reimbursement down last year The state only reimbursed Burnett County for 57 percent of what was requested last year. The money that the state sets aside for this program is divided among counties, and last year there was not enough money to fully reimburse counties. There are attempts to set aside more money for the program this year, but Burnett County will not

know until this fall how big its reimbursement will be. In the meantime, Burnett County must pay the wages of the position.

An additional factor with using parttime recreational officers is the union of Wisconsin Professional Police Association. The union would likely object to the county eliminating a fulltime position and filling it with two part-time positions. The only way around any union objections would be to create a different position entirely.

The possibility of creating a position of trail coordinator in the forestry department was considered.

Burnett County Forest Administrator Jake Nichols has wanted such a position for the last couple of years to write all the grants for trail system and other administrative duties. However, it was noted that if this person would also patrol the trail system, the person must be deputized and since the sheriff is responsible for deputies actions, all deputies are ideally under the control of the sheriff.

Currently the recreational officer position does not have any administrative

duties. After further discussion, it was realized that if would be difficult for one person to be a trail coordinator and patrol the trails since the busy time for both positions would overlap. Even Nichols, who wants a trail coordinator, admitted that if he had to choose between the two positions, he would choose the recreational officer over the trails coordinator since law enforcement is vital to the trail system.

After all of the discussion, the joint committee moved to go back to square one.

The full-time recreation officer position was reinstated. There is again a vacancy in the sheriff’s department that needs to be filled. It was decided that this would be a good time to draft a Memorandum of Understanding, for the position that would be taken back to the personnel, forestry and law enforcement committees.

ing each department an appeal period.

The recommended staffing plans would be presented to the county board in October for approval.

The October board meeting would also see the recommended budget. The

November county board meeting would include a public hearing on the budget, followed by county board adoption, just in time for the preparation of the tax statements.

Follow the Leader.

County to consider/from page 3 as has happened in the past three elections, should the outgoing committee make the recommendations?

On the other hand, would the incoming committee, which might include newly elected county board members, have the experience needed to prepare the guidelines?

The second issue is whether any guidelines should be prepared as early as April since much of the information needed for the budget process, including state revenue limits and county growth rates, are not yet available. The proposed policy changes the date for the executive committee guidance from April to the month of July.

The next proposed change in the budget policy is moving the date when each department must start preparing their new staff and budget requests.

At present, departments are required to present their staff requests, with a cost analysis, in May, only five months into the new year. The May date is being removed, allowing the county to adopt a budget schedule each year. The proposed schedule for this year would move the department staff and budget

submission date from May to August.

The last major proposed change formalizes the process by which departments present their staffing and budget requests. These requests will be presented to the finance and personnel committees meeting jointly. The present policy calls for presentation of the staffing plans to personnel and the budget requests to finance, a practice not followed last year. Both committees would see the same information and hear the same justification for the requests. The committees would jointly review the requests with the department heads.

The personnel committee would still review staffing requests looking at need and the finance committee would still look at budget requests looking at available resources. But the joint meetings would reduce the presentation time required of each department head.

While the policy revisions would change the starting date for county budget process, the end dates still would remain the same.

The two committees would complete their initial approvals of staffing and funding requests in September, allow-

Destination Iraq/from page 1 The whole story I’m going to Iraq to report on our troops. I want to see for myself what in Iraq is really going on—the whole story.

I, like you, see the bombs exploding on the nightly news.

I know it happens. The media would not lie. It’s just I suspect they are not telling the whole truth. Certainly there is more to this Iraq story than roadside IEDs detonating?

I suspect building schools and hospitals is not as newsworthy as blowing them up. But the public should know about both, which is the whole truth. (I think I remember reading about that in journalism school.)

Army embed To help me get at the truth, I will be embedded with the Army for one month, June 6 to July 6. The military assigned me to active-journalistic duty at two camps.

First stop is Camp Al Taji, an Army airfield located about 15 miles northwest of beautiful downtown Baghdad.

There I will serve with the 289th Quartermaster Petroleum Supply Company (Mobile). A unit full of New York boys.

My last post is Camp Liberty, just northeast of bustling Baghdad

International Airport. There I am home with our Badgers, the 1157th Transportation Company of the Wisconsin National Guard. They are from the Oshkosh area.

Shuttle service from one camp to the other is provided by a Black Hawk helicopter. Pray there is no sequel to the movie, “Black Hawk Down.”

The Surge Of course the “Surge” will be in full operation while I’m there. The Surge is the make-it or break-it strategy. Further American involvement in Iraq hinges on this military plan. And I will be reporting on its effectiveness or noneffectiveness.

Soldiers’ story But at the core of my reporting is the soldiers’ story.

I want to tell their story. Why they serve us in this foreign, ancient land in the Bible. What is it like to live in a lifethreatening drama, day in and day out?

What do they think serving faithfully in Iraq, while we are bitterly divided in America?

This is the heart-and-soul story I want to get at. This is what I can do for them that are serving and dying for us.

This is the idea that popped into my

Budget process/from page 3 The personnel committee reviews present staffing levels and decides if new positions are necessary. Part of this includes trying to balance the new staffing requests of different departments, when those requests may vary from a health inspector to a juvenile protection worker. Each new employee may cost over $50,000 when retirement, health insurance and other benefit costs are included.

The finance committee looks at available money. While a few departments make money, and several departments receive part of their funds from state and federal sources, much of the county’s operating funds come from property taxes. The state has put a limit on how much the tax levy can be increased, leaving the county with a set amount of funds available.

The budget process is a balancing process. The two committees review the county services, looking at what must be done, what should be done, and how well those services are being performed.

They must decide which department requests can be granted. In some cases, the committees may need to make a recommendation to cut a service.

The nine county board members who make up the two committees (Gerald Newville sits on both finance and personnel) spend many hours in August and September in this balancing process. By October, the committees must deliver to the county board a staffing proposal to provide county services and a budget to pay for those services.

head three months ago, an epiphany.

In the still of the early morning, I awoke. Lying in bed looking out on Young Lake, the bright idea of going to Iraq suddenly flashed in my mind.

interference. Stay tuned for times and details on this show.

Meant to be This Iraq adventure is a first for me, and something I believe that is meant to be. This was revealed to me.

When my wife and worried mother gave me the final go, I took it as a sign from God. What else could it be? If you get your wife and mom on board to ship you off to Baghdad, something supernatural is happening.

The love and support I’ve received from family and friends is overwhelming. It brings tears to my eyes, and strength to my heart that I am doing the right thing.

Why not?

Strangely I did not ask, “Why?” But rather I said to myself, “Why not?”

And with that I called the local National Guard and requested embed duty with a Wisconsin unit. After checking me out, to see if I was some nut or a real journalist (or both) they contacted the 1157th commander and got the OK. After filling out lots of forms—the military loves forms—I was cleared and got the green light to go.

First reporter to go I’m going as a freelance journalist and personally paying for it all. As the first reporter from western Wisconsin to go to Iraq, I will send dispatches (stories, photos and video) to the Leader and several other media outlets in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Plus, radio!

Radio station 104.9 FM (Mix 105 in Luck) and I are teaming up again. We are going to do a series of live, call-in shows from Iraq. This is so the folks back home can talk directly with the troops over there—without any media

No wasted life I love being a reporter. No, even more than that. I thrive on it. It’s sacred.

And reporting from the front lines is a dream come true. Maybe it’s nuts. But it’s also the ultimate experience a journalist can possess. A “war correspondent” is the highest rank a reporter can achieve. Because it puts you smack in the midst of life and death—the ultimate drama.

No matter what befalls me, I know my life was spent doing what I was destined to do. And that is no wasted life.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

TF Council considers complaint policy

by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS - How to deal with complaints was discussed at Monday night’s Taylors Falls City Council meeting.

The council discussed a proposed citizen complaint policy and complaint form and forwarded it to the city attorney for review before taking a vote.

“This gives the citizen the opportunity to register a complaint to the city, and will give the city a written form, rather than just a telephone call,” Mayor Mike Buchite explained. “The city will provide a written response to the complainant and it will be kept on file.”

Council member John Tangen said the policy and forms would allow the city to track complaints.

“This will prevent needless repetition of complaints and we’ll be able to deal with them in a more prudent and successful manner,” he said.

The board discussed wording on the form and decided that the person lodging the complaint must sign all complaint forms.

The complaint forms are not public information, noted city clerk- treasurer Jo Everson. Only the clerk and council members would be able to see the forms.

The recipient of the complaint will not know who filed the complaint.

The form allows a citizen to lodge a complaint, but they must include their name, address, phone and sign the complaint.

The complaint would then be processed and forwarded to the proper department and member of the council.

The form includes the date the complaint is received, if the complaint is resolved or pending and any action taken.

The complainant will be notified of

any action taken and a copy of the complaint and resolution will be given to the city council.

The complaint forms will be available at the city hall or can be sent by mail or e-mail.

“I think it’s a good idea to keep it in writing,” Buchite said. “I think the idea of standardized form is fair to the citizens and it protects the city,” said council member Zara Kinnunen.

The proposed complaint policy and form will return to the city council for a vote following the attorney’s review.

In other business, the council acknowledged Aug. 7 as National Night Out, which promotes police and community crime prevention efforts.

The council also considered recommendations from the economic development commission for the dedication of the Riverwalk Trail and bridge on July 21 during Wannigan Days.

The EDC will return to the council with more specific information at a later date, but the council authorized the sending of invitations to dignitaries, politicians and those involved with the project.

The council also approved the purchase of a plasma cutter for cutting steel for the public works department at a cost of $1,899.99. The money comes from the equipment fund.

New manhole castings and rings for the Government Street project were also approved at a cost of $1,187.

The council also approved contracting with JME Trucking for street sweeping services on an as-needed basis. Vice Mayor Ross Rivard noted that the old 1972 city sweeper has its limitations. A once-a-year sweep by JME Trucking may be needed, he said.

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–A hefty agenda faced the St. Croix Falls City Council May 29, but most of the items were brief formalities.

One of the items was the sign variance for Hwy. 8 that was discussed at last week’s plan commission meeting. The variance is for the new sign for Polk County on Hwy. 8, across from Hwy. 87. A design committee for the sign prepared a sign welcoming visitors to Polk County along with a portion of the sign designating St. Croix Fall’s historic downtown. A third portion denoting the Gandy Dancer Trail was removed from the design after the state indicated they could not be combined and located on a county sign. The Gandy Dancer is a state trail. The variance was to allow for the larger, new sign to replace the existing sign. The council approved the size,

design and variance with all in favor.

In related news, the council approved a temporary banner for the Polk County Fair Board to advertise for the fair and other events at the fairgrounds. Marlin Baillargeon of the fair board indicated the banner would be placed on the East Gate and could be used for St. Croix Falls promotional events as well as the fair if it were up for six months. The council approved the banner placement for six months with a review after that time.

The police department has a new sergeant after Police Chief Jack Rydeen made a recommendation of Erin Murphy for the position. Rydeen was the former sergeant before becoming the new police chief and his vacation of the sergeant seat left it open and in need of a replacement. Rydeen informed the council of this vacancy a month ago and

indicated he would bring a name to the council. The council approved Murphy for the position unanimously.

Rezoning for lots owned by Charles Jensen was also approved to change the B-1 zoning to R-1 to allow for the construction of a home on the property if Jensen decided to build one. Jensen’s family has owned the property, on Hwy. 87, across from the Lions Park, since 1935. The plan commission reviewed this rezoning request last week and recommended the change to the council, who approved the recommendation with all in favor.

A lease agreement for All-Tel was renewed at a cost of $1,057 a month with three, five-year lease agreements. It was explained that previously the lease agreement was year-to-year for a period of up to 15 years for renewal with AllTel. The city started the lease with the

wireless cell phone company in 1994 with a lease of $275 a month. In 2002, the lease was renewed for $833 a month and All-Tel was ready to renew the lease again for $1,057 a month. The company leases space on top of the Tower Road water tower in the city to provide service to customers in the valley area.

The council discussed the Louisiana Street project and the Riverwalk project and approved pay requests for both and change orders for both.

Bigger topics on the agenda came toward the end of the evening including the library location, water rate adjustment (increase) and water system improvement updates. These issues will be included in next week’s Leader due to the short deadline for copy this week.

Sign, banner, sergeant approved

S u b sc ribe o nlin e @ www.t he - l e ade r. ne t Siren students win nationals for second time

SIREN—Star-studded movies like “Capote” that are based on books have introduced mainstream America to its famous writers.

But how did writers such as Truman Capote get their start?

Just like two Siren middle school students did recently—they won national prizes in Scholastic’s Annual Art and Writing Awards.

Eighth-graders Danielle Keller and Jacob Stiemann recently received notification of their writing prizes and invitations to New York City for the awards ceremony.

Keller won silver for a collection of poetry she submitted. Stiemann, who won a national prize last year, too, took three golds for journalism pieces this year.

A Scholastic representative told Jodi McLain, the pair’s English teacher, that winning three nationals is quite rare.

These awards are considered by many to be the most prestigious writing awards for those 18 and under.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have worked with these students in the fall while they honed their winning pieces,” McLain said of her students. “And I’m grateful to my maternity-leave substitute, Harm Weber, who helped students fill out paperwork and send in their submissions. I also thank Jake’s mother, Sheryl, who teaches at the school, for her help with the submissions.”

The fact that Siren students have now won two years in a row confirms something for McLain: that Siren’s writing program—two intensive years, which occur in her middle school courses—effectively instructs students.

“There’s no better acknowledgment than that,” McLain adds. “I’m proud of our K-12 writing teachers,

Jodi McLain: Siren Middle School teacher, Jodi McLain, gives examples of the quality of work needed to win a national prize in Scholastic’s Annual Art and Writing Awards by showing winning art work on Scholastic’s Web site to the Siren School Board.

Jacob Stiemann and Danielle Keller both win national awards in Scholastic’s Annual Art and Writing Awards. –Photos by Sherill Summer

and I’m proud of our students for having the tenacity to revise, revise, and revise rather than accept less than their best work. The fact that our students win these prizes shows we have the best of the best.”

In fact, Scholastic receives thousands of submissions

each year. They are judged regionally, and some pass on to the national level, as did Keller’s and Stiemann’s.

Scholastic is the international corporation that hosts many local book fairs, weekly book sales, and other literary services.

“I hope I can be back in front of the school board again next year,” McLain said, “announcing even more winners.”

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

Hidden history Bus museum tells story of WW II German-American internment

by Julie Holmquist MILLTOWN/FREDERIC - Between 1941 and 1948, about 11,000 German Americans and resident aliens vanished into U.S. internment camps, many of them in the Midwest.

You won’t read about the imprisonment of these innocent people in history textbooks, but area residents have a chance to see a travelling exhibit about the subject.

A museum in a bus will be rolling into Milltown and Frederic June 7 and 8 to tell the story.

Snatched out of high schools and homes, people not charged or convicted with any crime were imprisoned for years.

They had no attorneys, no due process, and none were ever convicted of a war crime, said Michael LuickThrams of the TRACES Center for History and Culture in St. Paul, Minn.

The U.S. Congress has not acknowledged the internments, he noted.

Another 4,058 German Latin Americans—including German and Austrian Jews who had fled Nazi ter-

ror—were brought by force to this country in the holds of ships. Many were detained for years in Ellis Island; their caged exercise pen overlooked the Statue of Liberty.

Luick-Thrams is doing his part to bring this unknown piece of history to people. For the last three months, he’s been travelling around the Midwest in BUS-eum 2, sharing the history of the internments in a exhibit called German American “Vanished: Internment, 1941-1948.”

Over the last three years, two museum buses have traveled to 700 towns in 12 Midwest states and more than 70,000 people have seen the bus exhibits.

“We’re taking obscure history to the people,” Luick-Thrams said. “Its continuation depends on public support, but there certainly is a lot of interest.”

People who were interned will be guest speakers at the exhibit when it rolls into Milltown and Frederic and will answer audience questions.

The common reaction to the stories of internment – many that lasted for years – is that of surprise.

“There’s a lot of incredulity,” LuickThrams said. “They say, how could this have happened?”

Eberhard Fuhr, one of the people interned in 1943, will speak at the local exhibit. His parents were German resident aliens who were interned when Fuhr was 17.

He then lived alone while attending high school in Cincinnati and supported himself delivering newspapers.

Then on March 23, 1943, two FBI agents arrested Eberhard in a high school class. According to his account on the exhibit’s Web site www.TRACES.org, agents handcuffed him with pistols drawn. He was booked, fingerprinted, questioned and detained until September 1947, 2-1/2 years after the end of hostilities with Germany.

“What would you say to your German cousin,” agents asked him, “if he came to you for sanctuary after coming up the Ohio River in his German Uboat?”

“A sub couldn’t come up the Ohio River,” Fuhr answered. “It only drafts four feet.”

There were 18 internment camps or detention centers in the Midwest.

“The buses are one of the most effective teaching tools I’ve ever seen,” said Luick-Thrams. “This isn’t in school curriculums, but we’re doing our small part to try to change that.”

The exhibit uses 10 narrative panels, an NBC “Dateline” documentary and a 1945 U.S. government color film about the story.

Barring unforeseen difficulties, BUSeum 2 will be parked at the Community Pride shelter east of the Frederic Depot from 5 to 8 p.m. on

Thursday, June 7.

On Friday, June 8 from 1 to 4 p.m., it will be parked in front of the Milltown Public Library.

Early arrival is encouraged, as the tour is tightly scheduled and showings will begin and end promptly at the times indicated. TRACES seeks volunteers in each community along the route, to help make each stop as effective as possible. Would-be volunteers should contact the local library hosting the event.

To confirm the BUS-eum’s itinerary or learn more this exhibit, see www.TRACES.org. The exhibit’s texts and photos of the exhibit can be previewed at that Web site; reading the narrative in advance facilitates speedier visitor flow in the BUS. Educators are welcome to utilize the teaching materials also posted on the same Web site.

The exhibit is supported in part by grants from Humanities Councils in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, with additional local supporters across the entire eight-state region.

For more information about the event at Frederic, contact Chris Byerly at 715327-4979 or fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

For more information about the event at Milltown, contact Matt Rosendahl at 715-825-2313 or milltownpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Follow the Leader

Feingold presented with NAMIC award

Semi-truck driver arrested for OWI POLK COUNTY - A semi-truck driver from Somerset faces charges of OWI in a commercial vehicle and possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine after being arrested on May 22 at 8:12 a.m.

LeRoy Butler, 41, Glenwood City, was arrested after a motorist saw his semi truck cross the center line several

times and then partially enter the ditch as he was eastbound on Hwy. 8.

Turtle Lake Police Department stopped the vehicle near Hwy. 8 and CTH V. According to the police report, Butler admitted to using meth and marijuana the night before. - Julie Holmquist

Donate blood Thursday and Friday at Frederic The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies recently presented Sen. Russ Feingold with its Benjamin Franklin Public Policy Award for his strong support in the 109th Congress of NAMIC’s position on issues effecting NAMIC members and the property/casualty insurance industry.

Shown presenting the Benjamin Franklin Public Policy Award to Sen. Feingold are (R) Gregg Westigard, director of Trade Lake Mutual Insurance Company, Frederic and (L) Denny Hencke, claims mgr./asst. manager, Little Black Mutual Insurance Company of Stetsonville. Members of Congress are presented this award for their consistent support of legislation that encourages less onerous regulation, litigation, and taxation, thereby demonstrating their commitment to the principles of free markets and a competitive insurance environment for consumers. The award is named after Benjamin Franklin in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American mutual insurance industry and pays tribute to the first successful mutual insurance company, The Philadelphia Contributionship, for the insurance of houses from loss by fire, in 1752. Benjamin Franklin was a founding director.

“NAMIC is honored to present Sen. Feingold with this award,” said Carl Parks, NAMIC’s senior vice president of federal affairs. “His support of NAMIC’s position on key issues has helped to maintain the public policy results that are in the best interests of our members, consumers and the insurance industry.” - submitted

FREDERIC The Frederic Community Blood Drive, sponsored by the Frederic American Legion Auxiliary #249, will be held at St. on Luke’s Methodist Church Thursday, May 31, at 1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Friday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

All types of blood are needed, especially O and RH types.

Persons may call for information and

appointments: Dorothea at 715-3275642.

Those who come to blood drives from May 23 through Sept. 10 will receive a Summer Sweepstakes Scratch-off card and the chance to win music downloads, iPod, a DVD player or a flat-screen TV. Also, many will win a $5 discount at the Red Cross online store (redcrosstore.org). - with submitted information

Webster municipal court Mark R. Andren, Webster, speeding, $83.80.

Melissa A. Bearhart, Danbury, speeding, $134.20, issue warrant.

Lee W. Dock, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., speeding, $83.80.

Scott W. Dorgan, Acworth, Ga., speeding, $83.80.

Brandie L. Fornengo, Danbury, speeding, $83.80.

David L. Gordon, Park Falls, speeding, $83.80.

Jack F. Gutzmer, Luck, speeding, $83.80.

Thomas B. Higgs, Webster, damage to property, issue warrant, seat belt violation, $83.80.

Walter A. Hodgkins, Webster, operating without valid license, issue warrant.

Brandon G. Hulter, Danbury, illegal use of radio, $172.00.

Shawn E. Hutton, Webster, DOC, $235.00.

Adam W. Johnson, Superior,

speeding, $83.80.

Dennis E. Johnson, Webster, speeding, $83.80.

David R. Kerr, Muscatine, Iowa, speeding, $83.80.

James E. Kroplin, Webster, DOC, $235.00.

Debra J. Lewis, Balsam Lake, unsafe backing, $683.70.

Anthony S. Lowe, Luck, OWI, unlawful use of ID, speeding, unreasonable speed, driving to fast for conditions, issue warrant, five times.

Ryan J. Magana, Madison, speeding, speeding, $83.80.

Ronnie L. Martin, Oakdale, Minn., speeding, $159.40.

Nicole L. May, Hayward, speeding, $109.00.

Thomas J. Meersman, Kaukauna, seat belt violation, $83.80.

James K. Michaelson, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., speeding, $83.80.

Vincent M. Monacelli Jr.,

Hibbings, Minn., NSF checks, issue warrant.

Catherine L. Nepstad, Maplewood, Minn., speeding, $83.80.

Mary K. North, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $83.80.

Jonathon V. Paulzine, Webster, speeding, $83.80.

Jared V. Phernetton, Webster, violation of driver’s license restrictions, issue warrant.

Peter C. Postler, Webster, speeding, $134.20.

Cindie L. Simon, Siren, violation of driving restriction, $83.80.

Emily A. Sutton, Webster, DOC, $235.00.

Tyler N. Thompson, Webster, OAS, issue warrant.

Jesse A. Tober, Webster, dog running at large, $109.00.

Anthony J. Wilson, Webster, disturbing the peace, dismissed with stipulation.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Correction On page 32 of the May 16 Northern Currents section we mistakenly identified the trillium pictures as “blood root.” Trillium is sometimes also called “birth root.”

Blood root is an entirely different flower which also blooms in the spring.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s question: Do you have any idea of who you may vote for in the 2008 presidential election?

1. Yes 28 votes (44 percent) 2. No 32 votes (51 percent) 3. I’ll vote for whoever my party endorses 3 votes (5 percent) This week’s question: What did you do over Memorial Day weekend?

1. Traveled to see family/friends 2. Attended a graduation 3. Attended a Memorial Day program 4. Stayed home and worked and/or relaxed 5. All of the above

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Editor’s NOTEBOOK

T

Two things

wo things stand out with the reporting of the serious motorcycledeer accident in Polk County over Memorial Day weekend.

First, deer continue to grow in number and as a traffic hazard.

Not just a “be alert” factor in our everyday lives, the enormous-sized whitetail population presents a potentially fatal factor on our roads daily, whether you’re driving a motorcycle or SUV. Add in the factor of spreading Lyme disease and other crud and Bambi takes on a whole new image.

Enough said. Bring down the deer population.

The second point involves the local EMTs who responded to the motorcycle/deer accident - which when initally reported to authorities - indicated one of the victims was unresponsive - pulseless. EMTs with North Land are credited with bringing the victim back, giving the air ambulance crew a golden opportunity to fly her to the Twin Cities for critical care.

The golden hour in emergency care. It underlines - again - how important it is to have qualified local EMS staff.

“B

BUS-eum arring unforeseen difficulties,” as a press release eloquently and smartly stated, a unique traveling history exhibit will visit Milltown and Frederic next Thursday and Friday, June 7

and 8.

The BUS-eum 2 will be parked at the Community Pride shelter east of the Frederic Depot from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and on Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. it will be parked in front of the Milltown Public Library.

The exhibit tells the little-known story of 15,000 German-American civilians who were interned right here in the U.S. during WWII. While the story of internment of Japanese-Americans has been widely told in print and film, the internment of German-Americans is little known, even though it touches our own communities.

As local lore has it, there were barracks at Milltown where some of the German-Americans were housed while being used for manual labor - some allegedly working at the local bean plant in Frederic and Milltown. A special PowerPoint program will focus on the local connections.

A Web site entitled “Traces” (www.traces.org) does an excellent job of telling the story and providing some talking points. For instance: “Both camp staff and many of those interned were sworn to secrecy. In 1988 the U.S. Government acknowledged that it had interned Japanese Americans during WWII, and in 2000 it admitted that it also had imprisoned Italian Americans; as of this writing, however, it has never confessed to having interned German Americans. To what extent, and for how long, is a government accountable for its actions? Does it “owe” reparations to those wrongfully harmed? If so, in what form?”

Interesting.

At least four members of our staff here at the Leader are of German ancestry and half of those have families who were touched by this “subchapter” of American history. So while secrecy has had a hold on this story in general - many of us have known about it for years.

Please make it a point to visit this traveling exhibit - which plans to offer special speakers as part of its agenda. This is an incredible story - one that deserves to be heard.

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington, D.C. 20510 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

G

Good character by design

ood teachers can build character in students without realizing it - perhaps just by setting a good example and spontaneously expounding on the virtues of good behavior and citizenship.

Today schools are embracing - tackling even - planned character building through designed programs.

The Wisconsin Character Education Partnership has selected five schools to receive the first Wisconsin Promising Practices Awards to recognize schools which promote character development.

Grantsburg is one of them.

Grantsburg uses “unique and specific strategies” to promote character education, according to WCEP. Core values taught at Grantsburg Schools - and other area schools include self-respect, responsibility and things like kindness, honesty, compassion, work ethic and caring.

There’s some homework assignments you hope will last.

Congratulations to Grantsburg Schools.

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

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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

T h e

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

L e a d e r

i s

a

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r Views from across the

State

T

Invasive threats

ypically, summer arrives with reminders like, "Wear sunscreen" and "Drink plenty of fluids."

But this season, in Wisconsin, there are some added extras.

"Mind your firewood."

"Empty your boat bilges where you float."

Let's face it: We're under alien attack this summer, and we – the everyday Wisconsinites – are the ones with the greatest potential to save, or salvage, the day.

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia – better known around your water coolers as "that fish virus" – has been documented in our Winnebago system waters. It causes fish to bulge, bloat and bleed. While not dangerous to human health, it's not a pretty prognosis for fish species.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is doing everything it can to educate the public about VHS. Boaters have got to remember to empty their live wells in the body of water they fill them in, lest the fish-killer spread to other state waterways.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin is still at DEFCON 1 in terms of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has devastated ash trees around the Midwest. You hate to say it, but it's only a matter of time before it, like VHS, is documented in a widespread area, prompting a mass clearing of stately trees in cities like Oshkosh.

The DNR has put stringent rules on where campers can buy firewood and is pushing further education about what people choose to burn, hopefully controlling the spread of ash borers.

We won't even get into the threats Quagga mussels and garlic mustard represent.

The point is it's increasingly clear that it's up to the public to contain these threats.

The DNR is armed with scientists and some legislative power. The public theatre is truly where the final battles are waged – backyards, parks and forests.

Don't treat the DNR's new anti-VHS and ash-borer rules as a "Please Recycle" campaign.

If you're a boater, train yourself to carefully dispose of your bilge and live well water. Mind your minnows, too.

If you've got that backyard firepit or fireplace ready to go, be aware of what you're about to burn.

Wisconsinites are right to turn advice into habit. These ecological defense moves should be as automatic as buckling your seatbelts.

Final thought: Heed the DNR's new rules and tips to help thwart invasive species in Wisconsin. - Oshkosh Northwestern

P o s i t i v e Quote of the week "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically...

Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

E-mail preferred The Leader welcomes submitted letters, photos and articles each week and encourages everyone to submit them via e-mail, if possible, rather than typed or handwritten copy.

Our e-mail address is the-leader@centurytel.net.

Thank you.

F O R U M

S t a f f Going beyond the grades: A message to the Class of 2007

C O R N E R

improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance,” Deutsch said. hree letters hang over students’ heads She alluded to some of Ghandi’s wisdom, and she during high school and college – GPA. also spoke of genocide in the movie “Hotel Having a good grade-point average Rwanda” as examples. She said many people are opens many doors for students heading aware of the problems but don’t always stand up to into college and the work world. It shows dediact.

Matt cation, work ethic, knowledge and responsibility.

Yet, she told her fellow graduates they must be Yet, there’s so much more to who any recent Blumkin become who they truly are before they can truly act graduate or current student is and can become, for the good of society or live out their dreams. regardless of academia’s famous acronym. I “The central question as one moves off to college heard a recent high school graduate drive that point home is, ‘who am I?’ because everything we’ve ever known, and more in a speech at a graduation I attended in South everything we’ve defined ourselves by, is no longer there,” Dakota while visiting friends over the Memorial Day said Deutsch. “So before we move on to bigger things Weekend. where we’ll be tugged in nine-million different directions, Stephanie Deutsch, a graduate of Watertown, S.D., High let us strive firstly to understand ourselves, and ask ourSchool, told her class they have much to offer, and being selves, ‘what makes me, me?’” who one is meant to be is what counts.

She’s asking the right questions.

“Each and every one of us – whether your GPA is 4.999, I think a person becoming who they’re meant to become or you just barely slid by on the 40-different-verb-tenses is the ultimate goal in life. Regardless if you are or were a Spanish final, we have incredible talent and worth,” 4.0 student, prom king/queen, football captain or the lead Deutsch told her fellow 270 graduates. “Each of us has in the school musical; you must answer that question for extraordinary parts to play in this world. Whatever best fits yourself. Then, you can give to society what you’re meant you, do it. Whether you love music or cars or physics or to give and be truly content. computers or sports or photography or children, our world How does someone answer that question? I think searchcannot function properly without you, without me.” ing for truth and wisdom is the key, and we know deep She also exhorted them to be aware of the world’s needs down inside where we ought to look for it. and do something about them, however small.

Begin today.

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to Good luck and best wishes to all the graduates of 2007.

T

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

F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Missed the flags Question: Where were our symbols of patriotism this past holiday?

Many brave men are in our community who fought for our freedoms.

I missed the flags flying on our Main streets.

Doralyn Pederson Frederic

Jurors deserve better I have never served on any jury in my life. But after reading a May 23 letter to the editor, I found myself disgusted with the letter writer who felt the need to criticize the jury for not seeing the case in her eyes.

In the letter, Rosemarie Garrity of Webster wrote that she was offended that she had to be dismissed from what would have been her first trial because she was a witness in the case.

And now she’s mad at the jurors, accusing them of looking outside the witnesses and forming “false opinions and impressions” about the victim and the victim’s family.

As a reader, I would like to know what kinds of trials she has sat in on before. For someone claiming to be a veteran juror, Garrity should have known that she could not serve on the jury and as a witness in the same criminal trial.

Any attorney and judge will tell you that the jury should be an objective

voice and consider all the options to see if everything holds water.

Had there been a biased jury with witnesses serving, the defense attorneys could easily prove to an appeals judge, where he or she would have sent the case back to Burnett County, and sending an embarrassing message about the county’s criminal justice system, where it’s presumed the defendant is guilty before proven innocent.

I don’t excuse heinous sexual assault crimes, especially when it involves children. I can’t help but to feel empathy for the victim and the victim’s family because of the mental anguish they’ll live with the rest of their lives.

But I also don’t accept stupidity from a letter writer who feels the need to lambast a jury for not being convinced of all the facts and serve as an objective voice. In fact, no one should accept stupidity from any one who is a veteran juror.

The jury deserves better and I think Garrity owes them an apology.

Jeff Cagle Former resident of Burnett County Owatonna, Minn.

It s not the time I am disappointed that some schools are electing to have graduation ceremonies on one of the most solemn days in America.

Memorial Day weekend is not a weekend to be taken lightly. Memorial Day is a day that was set aside for honoring our fallen soldiers that fought so we could have the freedoms that we have today

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

including public school graduations.

Having other ceremonies on Memorial Day weekend makes it difficult for people who have to travel to attend Memorial Day programs of their choice.

Mark Pettis Hertel

Smoke-free Recently, Illinois and Minnesota announced they will become smoke-free states. Will Wisconsin be the 21st state to become smoke free?

It is a known fact that tobacco use is bad for your health, but what about secondhand smoke? Breathe Free Wisconsin Act, SB 150 (Senate Bill 150), is a bill that will address this major public health concern. This bill is a comprehensive statewide smoke-free air bill that will prohibit smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces, including restaurants and taverns.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently concluded that no amount of secondhand smoke is safe to breathe; the only way to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace is to have a smoke-free workplace. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure.

This law would protect employees from having to breathe secondhand smoke while earning a living. According to The Impact of a Smoke-Free Ordinance on the Health and Attitudes of Bartenders, One Year Later, within several months of going smoke free, Madison bartenders saw a significant reduction in reparatory symptoms like wheezing, coughing and eye/nose irritations.

(Tobacco Surveillance and Evaluation

See Letters, next page

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

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

Program, released March 2007) The Senate has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, May 31, 1 p.m. at the State Capitol in Madison. I encourage you to write or call your legislature.

Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Julie Steiner, RN Public Health Educator Burnett Co. Dept. of Health and Human Services Siren

Make this stop I really hesitate to reply to Kathy Johansen's letter of May 23, regarding the CRA Welcome Home Shelter.

I believe that none of the "issues" that have been "discussed and debated" in the public forum of the local newspapers, have any business being dealt with or thrown out for debate, in that manner.

There is no redeeming value to continuing this. None.

Additionally, when there is virtually nothing at all positive being written or said, by the "staunch supporters" of the CRA staff and advocates, with their "heavy hearts", regarding CRA, the programs, current operations or staff, it makes one wonder, exactly what is it, that this "group of people" want to accomplish, by their continuing to babble in public about how they feel about the CRA shelter's operations? What is it that they want, or need to happen? What is it, that needs to be said or done, by whom, that will make all of these people "with their heavy hearts" be vindicated?

What is it exactly that they expect the public to do? The CRA board to do? What is it they want to happen to the CRA Welcome Home Shelter? Do they actually want the shelter to fail? To cease to be? Is that their desire? To prove to the public, that these "past advocates and staff" were sooo valuable, that the CRA shelter cannot possibly operate without them on board?

I do not want, nor expect, any answers to the above questions. They are simply to provoke these "CRA supporters" to take a long look at their own agendas.

The dire predictions of the shelter’s imminent collapse, or the CRA shelter ceasing to be effective in meeting the community needs, because the current staff or board "simply does not understand" how valuable and dedicated and "right" the previous staff and shelter advocates were…is simply appalling to me (and many others).

The insinuations that the CRA board, or the current staff "could not possibly “find or hire anyone to "do the jobs" at CRA, as well as the previous advocates, volunteers or staff is certainly very self-serving at best, and extremely pompous at worst. It is also not a very flattering statement, regarding the available resources in our community.

The audacity of those statements is beyond comprehension to me.

I have no intention of answering any of the questions Ms. Johansen directed to me.

Not in a public forum, and not in a face-toface conversation.

I see nothing supportive or positive in anyone continuing a debate about the past, current and future operations of CRA Welcome Home Shelter, in a public forum. And, I have no personal interest in debating these issues with Ms. Johansen.

If and when I want information, about the CRA Welcome Home Shelter, I will continue to direct them to the proper sources. If, as a community member, I have opinions to express, or suggestions for CRA, I will also direct them to the proper persons.

I hope that the Inter-County Leader will choose to discontinue publishing any more letters to the editor, by anyone, regarding the CRA, and these "issues.”

Linda Glenn Luck

Correct cost In the time that has passed since Polk County has tried to begin work on the Woodley Dam project, members of the Apple River Association have questioned the cost to the county of replacing an existing snowmobile trail river crossing.

The answer, since the beginning, has been $0! Snowmobile fund money, not county tax dollars, are used in the development, construction, and maintenance of snowmobile trails.

This fact has been stated many times at a wide variety of public meetings held to discuss the status of the Woodley Dam project. This fact has been supported by representatives of Polk County and the Wisconsin DNR. The Polk County Snowmobile Council, made up of representatives from 15 member clubs, has even offered its personal financial guarantee. Members of the Apple River Association have been present at all of these meetings.

Whose interests are being served by continuing to misrepresent the snowmobile community as a burden to the taxpayers of Polk County? The delays to this project have already doubled the cost of a snowmobile trail bridge to the snowmobile community, a cost the snowmobile community has already committed to.

Delays have also increased the cost of nonsnowmobile trail portions of this project.

Who gets to bear those costs?

I question the motivation for such strong anti-snowmobile sentiment. A snowmobile trail river crossing within a couple hundred yards of a multilane highway bridge over the same waterway doesn’t seem like it could be detrimental to the health and well-being of the river, especially when a dam has been located there for a hundred years.

As a “small special interest group”, the Polk County Snowmobile Council, representing over 500 members from its clubs located all around Polk County, must take offense to the misinformation being spread by others in regards to our program. When has the snowmobile community permanently damaged any principal natural resource in Polk County?

Snowmobilers are environmentalists, too!

Doug Johnson Polk County Snowmobile Council Amery

a struggle for all homes to operate in Wisconsin when the state and federal government doesn‘t help to the level they have the responsibility to do. After all, compassion for those in need should be a high priority for government, whose job it is to provide necessary services. Our seniors and veterans deserve no less.

Eugene Sollman Clear Lake

SeniorCare saved I am grateful to Sen. Herb Kohl, Sen. Russ Feingold, and Congressman Dave Obey for standing up to the federal government and negotiating a deal to save Wisconsin’s SeniorCare. Together, they fought to include and protect a 2-1/2-year extension for this vital program in the complex Emergency Supplemental Spending Bill that is awaiting a vote in Congress.

This is fantastic news for the seniors currently enrolled in the program and other eligible seniors who may be looking for a better alternative to the federal government’s flawed Medicare Part D plan.

SeniorCare has been proven to offer our state’s seniors the best possible prescription drug coverage at the best possible price. With SeniorCare’s continuation, the state will also retain its negotiating power over the drug companies, so both seniors and taxpayers receive a great deal!

Wisconsin has led the way on so many issues in our nation’s history. It is also my hope that other states will see the success we’ve had with SeniorCare and will adopt similar programs to save their seniors more money.

Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to the thousands of seniors, concerned families, and organizations who joined me in sending our message to Washington, D.C., by making calls, sending letters and e-mails, and signing petitions to help make this a reality.

Without your persistent voice, this would not have been possible. Together, we showed the federal government that our concerns on this important issue would not be silenced.

State Rep. Ann Hraychuck 28th Assembly District Madison/Balsam Lake

GAM does pay The six nursing homes in Polk County have more in common than most people are aware of. One comment often heard is that Golden Age Manor doesn’t pay real estate tax to any government body. That is true; however, GAM in 2006 did pay the city of Amery a fee instead of real estate tax for public safety, for the amount of $2,100.

Which nursing homes in Polk County pay real estate tax? According to public records, the Willow Ridge home in Amery and the home in Frederic are the only ones. The other homes are either nonprofit corporations, which pay no real estate tax or GAM which is county owned. It is possible that the nonprofits pay a municipal fee.

It is interesting that even though the two privately owned homes pay real estate tax, it is reimbursed to them as a cost of operations to the level of Medicaid occupancy the home has. If a private home has 60 percent Medicaid residents then 60 percent of the real estate tax is given back to them as a reimbursement from the government through Medicaid.

So the argument can be made that the playing field in regards to real estate taxes paid isn’t so tilted after all.

I believe that as further examination goes forth that it will be shown that we have a good thing going in Polk County with nursing homes. I also believe that it is

Letters to the editor The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less. Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number. Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments regarding a group’s or individual’s ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race; other incendiary language, poetry or personal attacks.

T h e Vi e w f ro m He re

I

n a statement released last week, Rep. Frank Boynton of Superior called for the legalization of crack. “If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be here advocating for the lifting of the ban on crack, I’d say you were crazy,” Boynton said. “With the problem of too much methamphetamine in the culture, I think it’s time to take another look at crack cocaine.

Sure, it has it’s drawbacks, but nothing is perfect,” Boynton said. He called for an end to the moratorium on crack use, Wisconsin Act 401, that has been in place Steve since the 1980s.

Pearson “I realize that there have been problems with crack, that a lot of people, women and children among them, died or suffered ill effects from crack use back in the 1980s,” the representative continued, “but I think by and large, the crack industry has dealt with these problems. Sure, there are risks in taking crack, but in comparison to meth, crack looks pretty benign and we simply must begin to reduce the amount of meth in the environment.”

“I realize there are safer alternatives regular exercise, good diet, spiritual practice - but these are unrealistic, at least for the short term,” Rep. Boynton stated.

“Americans need and demand more energy and it’s time to take a second look at crack. We simply don’t have the will right now as a culture, as a nation, to meet our needs through those alternative forms of energy. Let’s face it - we’re a nation of couch potatoes, and people want what they want now without a lot of sacrifice.”

Boynton said he expects criticism for his stand, even from his loyal supporters. “I know my position won’t be popular with everyone,” he said, “but I think when people take the time to thoughtfully consider what I’ve said, they’ll be in agreement.

Crack is clean energy, without the environmental consequences of meth production. Talk to anyone who has seen the devastation that a meth lab can produce and you’ll see. Why, some of those places are uninhabitable and will have to be torn down and burned. Sometimes you have to give the devil his due.”

Boynton rejected the claims of safe energy advocates who contend that crack is simply too dangerous and that the crack cycle, beginning with it’s production and ending with disposal of waste associated with its use, is frought with perils. “The industry has taken steps to deal with these concerns,” he said. “I recognize that back in the 1980s, there were a lot of lives wasted by crack use, but I think the media overdramatized some of that. Movies like “The Crack Syndrome” and “Silkwood” gave a one-sided picture of crack use. Fact is, most of those so-called “crack babies” really had fetal alcohol syndrome. You can look it up.”

“Some may say I’m merely trading one set of problems for another,” said Boynton, “but I say they’re overestimating the American people. We’re simply not going to come up with realistic alternatives in the short term that meet the need we have for instant energy. Exercise - too much work. Healthy diet - boring.

Spiritual practice - check out how many people are sleeping next time you’re in church. We need immediate solutions, not pie-in-the-sky, and that is what I am proposing today. Any comparison of the problems with crack versus methamphetamine use will show that crack is the safer alternative.”

(The above story is a fiction. Any resemblance to real characters or situations, including Rep. Frank Boyle’s recent call for an end to the moratorium on nuclear power plant construction, is purely coincidental.)

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

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Master plan for Straight Lake Park still coming Public may get view of plan in August

by Gregg Westigard STRAIGHT LAKE PARK – The DNR is using a new “streamlined” master plan process for the first time as it looks at the development of the Straight Lake

State Park. As a result, the process is taking longer than originally anticipated.

Jeff Krueger, the superintendent of Interstate State Park and of the new park east of Luck, told the Leader that the master plan will not be available for public review until late July or August.

Krueger said it can be difficult getting all the planners together at the same time. Beside several units of the DNR, the planning process includes St. Croix

tribal representatives and people from the Ice Age Trail unit of the National Parks Service. The park will include natural areas and wildlife areas where hunting is permitted. The Ice Age Trail will cross the land.

The park land is now open for nonmotorized use. Hikers can enter the park at the parking area at 120th Street and 270th Avenue a mile north of Hwy. 48. Trails here lead to the two natural

lakes in the park.

People are allowed to carry in canoes and nonmotorized boats. There are additional parking areas along 110th Street south of CTH W. Another network of trails can be accessed at the end of 120th Street south of CTH W. There are no markings on the paths through the woods, so a compass may be useful.

Memorial Day at Laketown Lutheran

The Laketown Lutheran Church near Cushing rememThe Laketown Lutheran Church was filled on the Memorial Day Sunday service remembering bered two forgotten soldiers with flags this Memorial Day veterans. A cemetery walk afterwards, sponsored by the Church and SELHS, included the Weekend. John Hennings, Civil War veteran and his grand- Hennings family. John Hennings helped to start the church in 1879. His great-grandson Norman son Roy Hennings, WWI veteran were honored with veter- is seated in the picture joined by his children and grandchildren. – Photos submitted ans flag holders placed by John’s great-great-great-grandchildren.

Anti-drunk driving advocates back prospective penalty MADISON – Adults who serve alcohol to anyone under 21 would risk prison time under a measure being considered by the State Legislature.

There’s already a special punishment carved out in Wisconsin law for adults who serve alcohol to anyone 17 and younger. If that minor ends up getting hurt, the person who served them could go to prison. If the youth dies as a result of drinking, the penal-

ty for the adult is up to 10 years.

A plan at the capitol would extend those same penalties to people who serve 18, 19 and 20 year olds, too.

Among its backers is Kari Kinnard, the state director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She urged lawmakers to help send the message that all lives under the age of 21 are important and deserve the law to be applied equally.

This plan would cover anyone as

Red Cross baby-sitting classes set BALSAM LAKE – The baby-sitting course will take place Saturday, June 9, in the Balsam Lake office of the American Red Cross. The course is for youth ages 11-15. Class time will be 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This course is ideal for current and

future baby-sitters – teaching them the best ways to be safe and keep the children in their care safe.

Preregistration is required. Please call 715-485-3025 for more information. – submitted

Good Sam Auxiliary to meet ST. CROIX FALLS – The St. Croix Falls Good Samaritan Auxiliary will meet Wed., June 6, at 1:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Home.

Plans for the pie and ice cream social to be held June 24, need to be made.

Your input is needed.

long as they know they’re serving alcohol to someone who’s underage.

That means not only bartenders, but potentially a parent who serves their 20-year-old son or daughter.

Merrill Republican Assemblyman Don Friske says alcohol-related accidents are terrible tragedies, but he’s concerned this plan punishes one adult for another adult’s actions. He asks at what point is an 18-, 19- or 20-

year old, who is considered an adult or at least has the ability of living on their own, responsible for their own actions. Friske says there are other laws that can be used to go after someone who serves a minor.

The plan got a public hearing in the state Assembly last week, but it’s not yet scheduled for a vote. – Wisconsin Public Radio-Shawn Johnson

Teacher retires Time is ticking down for Nancy Rasmussen who is retiring after 35 years of teaching, 32 of which have been with the School District of St. Croix Falls.

Rasmussen is teaching at the Dresser Elementary building and has a few short weeks before the end of her last school year as an educator. –Photo submitted

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

Burnett County circuit court Robert J. Adrian, Webster, passing in no-passing zone, not guilty plea.

David L. Africano, Arbor Vitae, cracked/damaged vehicle windshield, $160.80.

Andrew A. Alden, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, $793, 8-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Larry E. Alt, Shell Lake, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .02 or more, operating left of centerline, not guilty pleas.

Paul R. Anderson, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Dimitri J. Audie, Danbury, speeding, operating without valid license, not guilty pleas.

Max R. Baer, Danbury, park motor home on Gandy Dancer Trail, $186.00.

Christopher D. Baker, Grantsburg, operating without valid license b.c expiration, not guilty plea; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Sara J. Bakke, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

James J. Bambery, Woodbury, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Matthew R. Bambery, Webster, operate snowmobile on private property, not guilty plea.

Patrick Y. Bance, Gurnee, Ill., operating while suspended, $186.00.

Holly J. Barber, Webster, fail/stop at stop sign, $160.80.

John A. Bauer, Loyal, speeding, $236.40.

Jason T. Beach, Danbury, seat belt violation, $10.00.

William J. Bearhart, Sandstone, Minn., operate without valid license, $186.00.

Lawrance E. Behr, St. Paul, Minn., operate without valid license, $186.00.

Ryan Belknap, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jessica L. Benjamin, Danbury, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Virgil L. Benjamin, Sandstone, Minn., operate without valid license, $186.00; operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Timothy D. Berquam, Rogers, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Larry W. Bettenhausen, Ashland, unreasonable and imprudent speed, not guilty plea.

Frankie J. Bildeau, Webster, speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

John A. Bonacci, Avon, Minn., speeding, $160.00.

Alycia R. Bonse, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Charles L. Borg, Spooner, speeding, $186.00.

Richard M. Bottolfson, Amery, speeding, not guilty plea.

Anthony A. Bour, Eagan, Minn., speeding, $188.00.

Carey A. Boutin, Danbury, operate without valid license, not guilty plea.

James D. Boutin, Webster, fish without license – R, $188.20.

Jon J. Bram, St. Croix Falls, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

Michael J. Brekke, Saginaw, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Alan P. Bremer, Chisago City, Minn., operate without valid license, $186.00.

Susan A. Brenizer, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, operate without valid license, not guilty pleas.

Gaylen T. Brown, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

James S. Brown, Foley, Minn., passing in no-passing zone, $198.60.

Kimberley O. Brown, St. Louis Park, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Mark Brown, Siren, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, OAR, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle – driver, not guilty pleas.

Janet G. Bruss, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

Laverne J. Buck, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Lindsey C. Burni, Minnetonka, Minn., speeding, $189.00.

Anthony R. Butler, Stone Lake, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Marjorie K. Butler, Barnes, speeding, $160.80.

Holly A. Butterfield, Sarona, speeding, nonregistration of auto., not guilty pleas.

Don K. Button, Webster, timber theft, speeding, not guilty pleas.

Miranda E. Byers, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Christy A. Cairns, Frederic, operating while under influence; operating with PAC .10 or more; operating left of centerline; not guilty pleas.

Lucille R. Carley, Hayward, operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Jacob J. Chell, Webster, FYR to ped./bike/EPAMD on sidewalk, not guilty plea.

Claudia A. Claessens, Centerville, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Arin M. Colalillo, Grantsburg, nonregistration of auto., $160.80.

Sandra A. Cone, North St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $236.40.

Bruce R. Constenius, Trenary, Mich., speeding, $160.80.

Kimberly A. Corbin, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

Max J. Czerwonka, Hayward, speeding, $211.20.

Debra K. Dagostino, Forest Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Christine A. Darsow, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, $730.00, 7-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Michael J. Decorah, Webster, speeding, not guilty plea.

Antonio H. De La Huerta, Danbury, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Anthony J. Delfiacco, Spooner, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Karen P. Delfiacco, Spooner, speeding, $186.00.

Shannon M. Dugger, Siren, operating while under influence, 2

counts; operating with PAC .10 or more, improper display of license plates/tags, operating while suspended, reckless driving – endanger safety, not guilty pleas.

Alyssa A. Ebnet, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Kristy L. Echeverria, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Amy M. Edaburn, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Denise L. Ehlenz, Stillwater, Minn., operate snowmobile on highway, not guilty plea.

Justin A. Elkins, Shell Lake, speeding, not guilty plea.

Vayne R. Engstrom, Siren, speeding, $186.00; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Rachel L. Erickson, Eagan, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Jacob E. Ernst, Eau Claire, speeding, $160.80.

William J. Estridge, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Christine R. Evitch, Hudson, speeding, $160.80.

Judy J. Fagan, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, fail to signal turn, operating left of centerline, not guilty pleas.

Ceanna R. Finch, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

April E. Fiscus, Brooklyn Center, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Brian K. Ford, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Michael J. Fox, New Hope, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Cristy Y. Frazier, Ham Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Michael H. Fregeau, Andover, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Michael P. Gagnon, Elk River, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Harlan G. Garbe, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Christopher K. Gatten, Danbury, speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Eugene M. Golden, Danbury, speeding, $160.00.

Blair C. Greybull, Hinckley, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jacqueline F. Grimes, Danbury, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty pleas.

John J. Groess, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Joseph N. Gronlund, Superior, speeding, $160.80.

Michael R. Gumphrey, Apple Valley, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Karla L. Gyvindsson, Hayward, operate without valid license, $142.20.

John L. Halberg, Pine City, Minn., ATV – operation adjacent to roadway, not guilty plea.

Douglas C. Hanson, Danbury, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty pleas.

Sarah M. Hanson, Ham Lake, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Todd J. Harshman, Clayton, operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Louis F. Hart, Cumberland, drink open intoxicants in motor vehicle, passenger, $186.00.

Christopher E. Hawkinson, Maple Lake, Minn., ATV – operation adjacent to roadway, not guilty plea.

Robin L. Hawkinson, Webb Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

James P. Heilman, Spooner, speeding, $160.80.

Robert B. Helwig, Hayward, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Lynett L. Heyer, Webster, set fire without extinguishing fire, $160.80.

Harold I. Hills, Danbury, speeding, $186.00.

Rochele A. Hultmann-McBride, So. St. Paul, Minn., operating while suspended, $186.00; speeding, $211.20.

Dawn M. Iallonardo Taylor, Webster, speeding, not guilty plea.

Rhonda L. Ingalsbe, Keaau, Hawaii, speeding, $186.00.

Kyle L. Ingram, Sarasota, Fla., automobile following too closely, not guilty plea.

Mark A. Jacobson, Superior, speeding, $186.00.

Jacob L. Jensen, Fridley, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Donald R. John, Stacy, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Carl B. Johnson, Rosemount, Minn., cracked/damaged vehicle windshield, $160.80.

Gary R. Johnson, Eden Prairie, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Joshua R. Johnson, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Keith E. Johnson, Coon Rapids, Minn., ATV – operation on roadway, $186.00.

Michael R. Jones, Siren, speeding, $186.00.

Joseph A. Kelley, Frederic, fail/display vehicle license plates, not guilty plea.

Jack R. Kemptner, Grantsburg, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Todd W. Kern, Danbury, operating while under influence, $665.50, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Kallijo A. Kersting, Farmington, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

John G. Kettering, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Amelia J. Kevan, Onamia, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Bill A. King, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Omar Kouatli, Edina, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Billie J. Kozak, Grantsburg, speeding, minor transporting intoxicants in motor vehicle, not guilty pleas.

James W. Krause, Forest Lake, Minn., construct building without permit, $248.00.

Patricia R. Kropidlowski, Lindstrom, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Matthew C. Kubista, Sarona, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, OAR, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, reckless driving – endanger safety, not guilty pleas.

Tony Kurschner, Pine City, Minn., operating while under influence, not guilty plea.

Dennis G. Kurth, Mendota Heights, Minn., operate vehicle in navigable water, $186.00.

John A. Lawson, Spooner, speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Cassandra L. Lemke, Trego, speeding, $160.80.

Ricky A. Lemonds, Danbury, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Susan M. Lemonds, Danbury, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Derek L. Lindemann, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kevin C. Link, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Kari J. Lohse, Blaine, Minn., speeding, $160.00.

Bradley J. Mackyol, Webster, operate with controlled substance, $667.00, 6-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Brooke R. Marienfeld, Birchwood, speeding, $160.80.

John S. Martin, Woodbury, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Misty D. Matrious, Danbury, seat belt violation, $10.00.

John W. Mattila, Duluth, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Sarah E. Maurer, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Nancy A. McCutcheon, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Christine J. McDowell, Hastings, Minn., ATV – operation on highways, not guilty plea.

Mark E. McDowell, Hastings, Minn., operate vehicle in navigable water, not guilty plea.

Judith M. McNabb, Hayward, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $186.00.

James P. Meath, Hastings, Minn., operate vehicle in navigable water, not guilty plea.

Kevin J. Meeds, Spooner, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Harlan J. Meyer, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, not guilty plea.

Geraldine L. Miller, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Douglas S. Montzka, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Darryl R. Moose, Webster, operating while suspended, operate without valid license, not guilty pleas.

Jessica M. Moylan, Siren, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Heather D. Mrotek, Hayward, speeding, $186.00.

Jean M. Mueller, St. Croix Falls, failure to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Larry J. Mulroy, Webster, speeding, not guilty plea.

Tony V. Niewolny, Athens, speeding, $168.80.

Lashawn L. Nohrenberg, Grantsburg, speeding, not guilty plea.

Clint A. Olson, Webster, speeding, $186.00.

Dean M. Olson, Andover, Minn., operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Steven R. Ortiz, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

Kelly L. Owens, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00; violation of child safety restraint requirements, $160.80.

Loren K. Pallo, Cedar, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Marchell M. Pardun, Danbury, ATV owner permit operation by minor, not guilty plea.

Allen H. Parson, Siren, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty pleas.

Jeremy J. Paulson, Grantsburg, failure to notify police of accident, $249.00.

John H. Peake, Spooner, speeding, $160.80.

Felicia M. Peterson, Danbury, possess bow, spear, similar device, $530.00.

Roger J. Peterson, Grantsburg, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Autumn R. Pewaush, Webster, operating without valid license, $186.00.

Matthew F. Phillips, Grantsburg, underage drinking, possess, $249.00 and order for assessment; license restriction violation, $186.00; possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $249.00.

Sarah J. Phillips, Grantsburg, failure to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Eric W. Plath, Webster, operate snowmobile on private property, $249.00.

Wendy J. Price, Superior, speeding, $160.80.

Jill M. Proulx, Siren, OAR, not guilty plea.

Kevin D. Radman, Danbury, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Matthew P. Randt, Shell Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Joseph F. Raspotnik, River Falls, interstate/intrastate driving requirements, $194.00.

Jesse D. Rehbein, Shafer, Minn., ATV – operation adjacent to roadway, not guilty plea.

Justin Retherford, North Branch, Minn., ATV – operation adjacent to roadway, not guilty plea.

Nexen names Conroy Operations Manager WEBSTER – Nexen Group, Inc., announced the appointment of Human Resources Director, Daniel Conroy, to the new position of Operations Manager at its plant in Webster. Effective immediately, he will oversee all manufacturing operations and will play an instrumental role in manufacturing decisions to help ensure future growth.

“We are extremely pleased to make this announcement,” said Nexen Chief Operating Officer Jim Hasart.

Dan has been an integral part of Nexen for many years, in fact, he’s hired most of the company’s employees.

He has a great people-first attitude, and a desire to help Nexen continue moving forward. With this announcement, we are showing our commitment to grow the company and we have no doubt that Dan will make an excellent leader on our manufacturing team.”

In response to the announcement, Conroy says “I’m excited about the opportunity and consider this a great chance to apply my enthusiasm to help a company that I believe in very strongly. I look forward to continue working with the great team of people that Nexen has developed over the years.”

Conroy has been with Nexen for more than 19 years.

Prior to Nexen, he worked for the state of Wisconsin for 14 years as a job placement specialist.

Formerly a board member and past president of the St. Croix Valley Employers Association, Conroy has also served as chairman of the board for Diversified Services Inc., a nonprofit manufacturing operation for individuals with special needs. He served as school board member for the Spooner School District for 12 years, and currently serves on four technical college and university advisory boards. He has also volunteered with numerous civic and youth organizations.

Conroy holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Superior, and a master of business administration degree from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minn. He currently resides in Spooner with his wife, Maureen.

They have two daughters Kelly and Kacie, and a son Sean.

About Nexen Group, Inc. Nexen is a leading manufacturer of brakes, clutches, linear motion-control devices and web tension-control systems for a variety of industrial applications ranging from motion control and robotics to packaging and material handling. With headquarters in Vadnais Heights, Minn., and manufacturing in Webster. Nexen has sales offices and distributor sales outlets throughout the world. For more information, visit the Nexen Web site at www.nexengroup.com, or call 800-8437445. – from Nexen Group

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

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Vikings send three to La Crosse Grantsburg’s Sean Kutz won both the 1600 and 3200 at the Colby Division 2 sectional, and Webster’s Peter Walsh and Luck’s Peter Rozumalski each qualified at Colfax.

Rozumalski took fourth in the 800, and Walsh won the 3200 while finishing second to Karl in the 1600.

Webster also has Brian Thill going to state in the 400-meter dash and high jump. They also advanced their 4x4 and 4x8 relay teams.

Siren will be sending Derek D’Jock, as he earned a second-place finish in the discus at Colfax. St. Croix Falls and Unity, however, did not advance any athletes on to state.

Frederic comes a point shy of winning sectional meet

by Matt Blumkin COLFAX – Close, but not quite.

Frederic’s boys track team had plenty of top-five finishes at the Colfax sectional meet, but Cadott edged them out for the team title with a point more, 59-58.

“I’d be happier if we would’ve had 60 points instead of 58, but I thought our kids performed well, and in most cases, met or exceed their ranking coming into the sectional,” said Vikings coach Troy Wink. “Obviously, it would’ve only taken one higher place by anyone of them and we would’ve been team champion, but I can’t fault anyone, they all ran well.”

Ben R. Anderson, River Karl and Peter Carlson all advanced to state in individual events, and Zach Cody Anderson, Gruel and Tyler Calabria contributed to the second-place cause with top-eight finishes. The Vikings also had a fifthplace finish in the 4x100-meter relay.

“I didn’t even realize we were that close,” Karl said about knowing the score during the meet.

He advanced to state in the 1600meter run and the 800 as he makes a return trip to state. Karl took second in the 1600 last year.

“I feel a little pressure to do as good as I did last year,” said Karl, who has experience on his side this time. “I’m going Colfax Division 3 Sectional meet – Boys Team results (top 20) Points Team Cadott 59 Frederic 58 Elk Mound 55 Gilman 51 Webster 51 Glenwood City 43 Elmwood-Plum City 40 Colfax 38 Eau Claire Regis 32 Flambeau 31 Rib Lake 30 McDonell Central 28 22 Hurley Shell Lake 17.5 13.5 Washburn 13 Cameron Mercer 13 11.5 Cornell Fall Creek 11 Bruce 10

Place 1.

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Colfax Division 3 Sectional meet – Boys results (area top 10 finishers, top four advance to state) 100 METER DASH – 3. Ben Anderson, F, 11.61.

200 METER DASH – 5. Tyler Calabria, F, 23.92.

400 METER DASH – 3. Brian Thill, W, 52.55. 8. Chaz Heinz, W, 54.68.

800 METER RUN – 1. River Karl, F, 1:59.82. 4. Peter Rozumalski, L, 2:03.04.

1600 METER RUN – 1. River Karl, F, 4:33.09. 2. Peter Walsh, W, 4:35.37. 6. Ben Anderson, F, 4:49.97. 8. Nick Krinkie, W, 4:50.96.

3200 METER RUN – 1. Peter Walsh, W, 9:58.51. 6.

River Karl, F, 10:37.32.

110 METER HURDLES – 6. Zach Anderson, F, 16.62.

300 METER HURDLES – 7. Zach Anderson, F, 43.91.

4x100 METER RELAY – 5. Frederic (Andrew Kurkowski, Peter Carlson, Tyler Calabria, Ben Anderson), 47.2. 10. Webster (Adam Rinnman, Dan Pope, Trevor Fontaine, Kyle Godfrey), 48.4.

4x400 METER RELAY – 2. Webster (Quinton Johnson , Chaz Heinz, Brian Gibbs, Brian Thill), 3:35.51.

4X800 METER RELAY – 3. Webster (Quinton Johnson, Asa Olson, Brian Gibbs, Peter Walsh), 8:29.63.

HIGH JUMP – 2. Brian Thill, W, 5-9.

POLE VAULT – 3. Peter Carlson, F, 13-0.

LONG JUMP – 8. Tyler Calabria, F, 18-8.5.

TRIPLE JUMP – 5. Zach Anderson, F, 39-3.

SHOT PUT – 10. John Anderson, S, 42-2.25.

DISCUS – 2. Derek D’Jock, S, 133-07. 5. Josh Johnson, W, 127-09. 7. Cody Gruel, F, 121-02.

Zach Anderson of the Vikings finished on the top 10 of both hurdles events at Colfax.

Extra Points

Frederic’s River Karl at the close of a race in the Colfax Division 3 sectionals on May 24. Karl won the 1600 and 800-meter runs. He took second in the 1600 last year at the state meet in La Crosse, where he will compete again on June 1-2. – Photos by John Reed into state with the knowledge of what it’s like.”

Anderson and Carlson will be firsttime competitors at state. Anderson reached it in his first year of track with a third-place finish in the 100 at Colfax, and Carlson cleared 13-feet in the pole vault for third.

“Ben ran about what he has been running for times, so that was good,” said Wink. “I thought he had a great start out of the blocks, led early because of it.

Hopefully he can pull out a spot in the top nine in prelims and run in the finals on Saturday.”

Carlson hopes to make the most of his three tries in pole vault at state and break the school record of 13 ft., 6 in. He also looks forward to the challenge of going up against a pole vaulter from Athens who hit 14-9 this season.

Challenges have driven Carlson in pole vaulting.

“When I first started in the seventh and eighth grade, I went to the conference track meet and saw Aaron Johnson make the conference record, 14 feet,” said Carlson.

He recalled that made him more excited about pole vaulting and pushing himself.

While these three will represent the Vikings, the team will also have a lot to look forward to for next season with everyone potentially returning.

“As for the rest at sectionals, they got a taste of it and we return everyone, so hopefully we keep getting better for next year,” said Wink.

Going the distance COLFAX/COLBY – Besides Frederic’s River Karl, three other area distance runners will be testing their endurance against the state’s finest in La Crosse.

••• FREDERIC – Frederic Paintball will be hosting a three-man tournament on June 16. Those interested can register through Frederic Paintball’s Web site, www.fredericpaintball.com.

Registration will go until June 12. – information submitted ••• LUCK – In recognition of Women’s Golf week, the Luck Golf Course will a free clinic and other special events on June 2-9. Contact the Luck Golf Course for more information. – information submitted ••• LEADER LAND – Luck baseball players Cody Richert, Travis Pilz and Jordan Gross have been named to the West Lakeland All-Conference team.

Michael Lamirande of St. Croix Falls also made the team in his first year of varsity baseball. – Matt Blumkin ••• LEADER LAND – Due to Memorial Day weekend, baseball coverage has been shortened. It will be back to normal next week! – Matt Blumkin & Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Sports deadlines are as follows: Wednesday-Monday results must be in by 1 p.m. the following business day. Tuesday results must be in by 10 p.m. Missed deadlines means no coverage that week.

Thank you. – Matt Blumkin & Marty Seeger •••

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 10 p.m. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week!

S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m b l u m k i n @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t o r m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t

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Fresh finish: Siren freshman off to state Sarah Howe about running with Lauren. “Most people don’t get to do that together.”

Sirens 4x8 gearing up for another run

by Matt Blumkin COLFAX – Pouring rain, a pack ahead of her and a runner right on her heels did not stop Siren freshman Sarah Howe from doing what few freshman accomplish in track – make the state meet.

She came in fourth for the 1600-meter run at the Division 3 Colfax sectional meet on May 24. Howe had been running in the front pack and held off the fifth-place runner as she earned a time of 5 minutes, 42.6 seconds.

“I just feel I don’t want to let myself down,” said Howe about her approach to running.

With no cross country at Siren, Howe has to keep herself running in order to be prepared for track the rest of the year.

Playing volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter helps too.

“We keep pretty busy,” said Dragons senior distance runner Lauren Howe, Sarah’s sister.

They also challenge each other to be better, support each other and compete together.

“I’m pretty proud of her,” said Lauren about Sarah making state in the 1600.

“It’s going to be a good experience for her.”

Lauren will also run at state as a member of the 4x800-meter relay team along with fellow seniors Kim Lindberg and Caitlin Flanigan. Those three helped set the school record in the relay during the 2005 state meet, but they fell shy of making it to La Crosse in 2006.

This year, they took fourth at sectionals with a time of 10:32.69, 10 seconds off their school record time. They also have found a tubular way to come together as a team – mismatching socks.

Lindberg had seen the bright color socks at the Howe’s mother’s store in Siren and decided to pick them out for her relay teammates. They’ve been donning them on the track ever since.

“They’re pretty loud, but they’re fun”

Rough around the area COLFAX/COLBY – The weather and competition were not overly kind to area girls’ track athletes at the sectional meets on May 24.

Webster had top-10 finishes in five events, but none qualified for the state meet. Frederic had a couple athletes cracking the top 10 too, but neither of them made the cut for state.

Unity, Grantsburg and St. Croix Falls also had sectional participants fall shy of making state.

Colby Division 2 Sectional meet – Boys Team results (top 20) Team Points Hayward 70 Spooner 66 Marathon 42 Osceola 41 Ladysmith 38 Northwestern 35 34 Somerset Amery 33 Altoona 32 Mosinee 26 Prescott 23 Ashland 23 Durand 22 20 Grantsburg Mondovi 19 Whittenburg-Birnamwood 16 Clintonville 15 Medford Area 15 14 Chetek Phillips 12

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Siren’s Sarah Howe running at the Division 3 Colfax sectional meet. Howe, a freshman, qualified for the state track meet in the 1600-meter run, and she will join the 4x800-meter relay team from Siren at state, too. – Photo by John Reed said Lauren Howe. “It’s a way of saying ‘I’m on this relay.’”

Fun, unfortunately, hasn’t been a general adjective Howe would use for her senior season since she has been sidelined for weeks with a reaggravated

knee injury.

“This has been a hard season, lots of learning,” said Howe.

Yet, she will get to run in the 4x8 at state along with her sister.

“It’s really cool and special,” said

Colby Division 2 Sectional meet – Girls results (area top 10 finishers, top four advance to state) 400 METER RUN – 7. Chad Strilzuk, U, 53.24.

1600 METER RUN – 1. Sean Kutz, G, 4:45.14.

3200 METER RUN – 1. Sean Kutz, G, 10:14.64.

4x200 METER RELAY – 7. Unity (Mike Schmidt, Zach Lehmann, Ryan Flaherty, Michael Carlson), 1:38.52.

4x400 METER RELAY – 10. Unity (Zach Lehmann, Mike Schmidt, Michael Carlson, Ryan Flaherty), 3:41.64.

HIGH JUMP – 9. Shawn Pavlik, G, 5-8.

LONG JUMP – 5. Chad Strilzuk, U, 20-4. 12. Mike Schmidt, U, 18-9 Colby Division 2 Sectional meet – Girls Team results (top 20) Team Points Place 54 Somerset 1.

2.

Tomahawk 53 3.

Ellsworth 49 Northwestern 46 4.

Wittenburg-Birnamwood 42 5.

6.

Prescott 39 34 7..

Stanley-Boyd Amery 32 8.

10.

Osceola 28 Durand 26 11.

11.

Neillsville 26 11.

Colby 26 20 14.

Clintonville 15.

Marathon 19 15.

Bloomer 19 17.

Ashland 18 18.

Chetek 17 19.

Medford Area 14 19.

Baldwin-Woodville 14 Colby Division 2 Sectional meet – Girls results (area top 10 finishers, top four advance to state) 4x800 METER RELAY – 6. Unity (Taylor Larson, Brianna Schmid, Briana Bielmeier, Lisa Muller), 10:41.14.

HIGH JUMP – 7. Megan Finch, G, 5-0.

Colfax Division 3 Sectional meet – Girls Team results (top 20) Place Team Points 1.

Eau Claire Regis 89 2.

McDonell Central 82 3.

Shell Lake 70 4.

Fall Creek 66.83 5.

Hurley 49 6.

Flambeau 37.5 7.

Boyceville 34.33 8.

Clear Lake 34 Drummond 24 9.

10.

Colfax 23 11.

Thorp 20 Elk Mound 19 12.

13.

Siren 18 14.

Rib Lake 17 Webster 17 14.

16.

Cadott 15 18.

Bruce 14 11 Frederic 19.

20.

Elmwood-Plum City 9

LEFT: Unity’s Mike Carlson running at the Colby Division 2 sectional meet. Carlson helped the 4x800-meter relay team go 10th. RIGHT: Grantsburg’s Aaron Simmons on the run in a relay at Colby. – Photos by Sean Scallon, Pierce County Herald

Colfax Division 3 Sectional meet – Girls results (area top 10 finishers, top four advance to state) 800 METER RUN – 5. Kathryn Krause, W, 2:32.93.

1600 METER RUN – 4. Sarah Howe, S, 5:42. 6. Megan Anderson, F, 5:48.05.

3200 METER RUN – 5. Sarah Howe, S, 12:52.36. 7.

Aimee Rinnman, W, 13:14.62. 8. Mackenzie Swenson, S, 13:27.52.

300 METER HURDLES – 6. Chelsie Benson, W, 52.3.

8. Kim Lindberg, S, 52.39.

4x400 METER RELAY – 6. Webster (Debbie Faught, Kathryn Krause, Beth Baer, Chelsie Benson), 4:31.89.

4x800 METER RELAY – 4. Siren (Caitlin Flanigan, Sarah Howe, Jennifer Mitchell, Lauren Howe), 10:23.69.

TRIPLE JUMP – 5. Kelly Wondra, F, 33-4.5. 8. Chelsie Benson, W, 32-1.5.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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Luck’s Thatcher locks visit to state Noah Thatcher is state bound for the Luck Cardinals

by Marty Seeger CHIPPEWA FALLS — Two teams and three individuals made it to the sectional tournament at the Lake Wissota Golf course on Tuesday, but only one will make an appearance at state.

Of nine teams the Luck Cardinals placed third, and will be sending Noah Thatcher to the state tournament in Madison June 4-5.

“We’re very proud of the fact that he’s going down to state,” said coach Rick Giller. As a sophomore, this is Thatcher’s first state appearance, and from the beginning of the season he has steadily improved to become one of the top golfers in the conference.

“The first match of the year he didn’t qualify, but after that he just played steady golf and ended up being the No. 2 guy in the conference,” Giller said.

As a team, the Cards kept it close for much of the tournament. At one point they were tied with Osseo-Fairchild on the 12th hole with Aleva-Strum remaining in first place. Giller mentioned that the game essentially came down to the 12-18th holes.

“It just came down to sectionals, where we just didn’t have out A-game going for everybody,” he said.

The Pirates took a sixth-place finish with Brad Berner taking the team’s best score with an 82.

Individuals representing their schools

Sectional finals at McDonell Central Lake Wissota Golf Course May 29 Out of 9 teams Place 1. Osseo-Fairchild 2. Aleva-Strum 3. Luck 6. Grantsburg

Siren’s Adam Daniels

Individual Statistics Name Noah Thatcher Kody Erickson Carson Giller Travis Close Nate Nelson Brad Berner David Faulhaber Tony LeMere Keith Friese Derek Sando Adam Daniels Mike Curtis Nolan Neumann

Total 324 327 333 351 School Luck Luck Luck Luck Luck Grantsburg Grantsburg Grantsburg Grantsburg Grantsburg Siren Webster Frederic

Total 77 80 87 89 90 82 87 90 92 95 88 91 100

Webster’s Mike Curtis Noah Thatcher shot a 71 for the Luck Cardinals at the Division 3 sectional at McDonell Tuesday, and is advancing to the state tournament in Madison June 4-5. - File photos by Marty Seeger included Siren’s Adam Daniels, who shot an 88. Webster’s Mike Curtis took home a 91 and Frederic’s Nolan Neumann shot 100 on the day.

Grantsburg’s Brad Berner

Frederic’s Nolan Neumann

Saints keep it close in Clayton Saints end season at T.L.-Clayton, show promise for the future T.L-Clayton 5, SCF 4

by Marty Seeger CLAYTON — There was a lot of chatter on the field and in the dugout from the players and coach Paul Randolph last Thursday. After a full day of solid rain, the Saints marched onto a muddy field in Clayton that was silhouetted by a purple skyline threatening more rain from the west. Despite the weather, St. Croix Falls came in full force and got things going early.

Gus Koecher led off the first with a walk followed by a Matt Vold single.

Jake Larcom followed with a single as well, and Michael Lamirande jacked a no-out two-RBI single to left field. Jack Werner picked up an RBI single as well and the Saints quickly got off to a 4-0 lead.

The Saints held T.L.-Clayton to only one run in the first four innings of play.

In the third inning T.L.-Clayton threatened with the bases loaded and only one out. T.L-Clayton’s first run of the game was scored on a fielder’s choice single, but with two outs the runner was thrown out by a great throw from catcher, Jake Larcom, to end the threat. The Saints also made a great defensive play in the first inning with a 4-3 double play from second baseman Ben Anderson and first baseman Trygve Chinander.

“We made some outstanding defensive plays at the right time,” said Randolph, but he added that the game was all about timing.

Despite the tricky pickoff move of T.L.-Clayton pitcher, Chaz Dayton, Saints runner Gus Koecher gets back safely to first base. - Photos by Marty Seeger “There were a couple of times we had that they will have played a part in the chances to score more runs and hit a line future success of our program.” drive or made a base running mistake that reduced out time batting,” said Spring Valley 6, Luck 2 SPRING VALLEY – Luck’s season Randolph.

T.L.-Clayton got things started in the came to an end in the regional semifififth after holding the Saints to a 1, 2, 3 nals after falling to Spring Valley 6-2 on inning. With one out, T.L.-Clayton Tuesday, May 30.

The teams had shifted sites due to jacked a two-run homer and tied the game 4-4 with a single from the leadoff weather in Luck, which had the higher batter and a past ball. The inning may seed. Yet, seeding did not matter in the have lasted longer, but a diving play by error-filled performance.

“We have a lot of good talent, but they Anderson ended it.

Despite the defensive efforts from the just could not seem to play together,” Saints, two singles in the sixth inning said Cardinals coach Rodger Wroge gave T.L.-Clayton the go-ahead run to about the season.

They had hopes of a conference title finish the game with a one-run victory, ending the Saints season with a 3-9 con- going in, but they struggled at the .500ference record and a 5-14 overall record. level all season. Many of the players “Despite the loss we are very proud of will begin competition with the Legion the few seniors we had on our team,” team when they open play against Randolph said. They embraced the Frederic on Friday, June 1. – Matt young freshmen and made them feel Blumkin welcome. These seniors legacy will be

Dustin Lumsden was caught in a pickle and tagged out in the fourth after getting hit by a wild pitch.

1 2 3 4 5 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls AB H R Gus Koecher 3 2 1 Matt Vold 4 2 1 Jake Larcom 4 1 1 Michael Lamirande 4 2 1 Trygve Chinander 3 0 0 Jack Werner 2 0 0 Dustin Lumsden 1 1 0 Cory Gebhard 3 0 0 Ben Anderson 3 1 0 Totals 27 9 4 T.L.-Clayton AB H R J. Klingelhoets 1 1 1 Nyus 3 0 0 Anderson 3 1 0 N. Klingelhoets 3 2 1 Gross 3 0 0 Effertz 2 1 1 LaBlanc 2 0 1 Wanner 3 2 1 Totals 20 7 5 Pitching Statistics St. Croix Falls W/L INN AB K Jack Werner (1-5) 6 27 5 T.L.-Clayton W/L INN AB K Chaz Dayton W 7 32 7 Team St. Croix Falls T.L.-Clayton

7 0 x

Total 4 5 BB 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 BB 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4

BB 4 BB 3

H 7 H 8

RBI 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 RBI 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 R 5 R 4

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

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Pirates reign as regional champs!

Grantsburg plows through Cumberland and into sectionals Grantsburg 10, Cumberland 0

by Marty Seeger GRANTSBURG — Coach Don Bjelland “was very pleased” with how the Grantsburg softball team played last Friday evening in the regional final game against Cumberland. But then again, what coach wouldn’t be pleased with the performance of the pirates last Friday.

Grantsburg has had a remarkable season thus far and continued to add to it with their fifth regional title since 2002.

On Friday they held Cumberland to only two hits, while piling on 10 hits and 10 runs of their own with no errors.

But not all regional games have gone this well for the Pirates. Regional tournament games in the past have been close ones.

“We’ve never played this game well before,” Bjelland said. “They’ve all been close games so it was nice that we put everything together and played solid pretty much everywhere.”

Pirates fans and St. Croix Falls fans have enjoyed some great regional

Pirates coach Don Bjelland shakes the hand of Miranda Kammeyer after a double in the bottom of the fifth. Kammeyer reached third on a passed ball after an error on Cumberland.

Base runner and utility infielder Sarah Wald tries to plow her way through Cumberland catcher, Brenda Perry in Grantsburg’s win last Friday afternoon.

Wald was called out on the play. - Photos by Marty Seeger games in the past. In 2004, the Pirates said. “They have a solid pitcher and prevailed 8-2 over the Saints and lost 1- they play well, and they’ve been play0 against the Saints in 2005. The Pirates ing well all year.”

Miranda Kammeyer drew a walk in beat the Saints 5-3 last year and rolled the first inning, but it wasn’t until the through to the state tournament.

It was slow going for the Pirates in the bottom of the third that Michelle Lund early innings despite making connec- connected with a hard shot to the tions with the bat. The Beavers pitched Cumberland shortstop. The infield sinwell and held solid defense by keeping gle, and a walk drawn by Bjelland evenall but one Pirate from sticking a spot on tually led Kammeyer up to the plate, where she smacked a two-RBI single to the bases.

“I didn’t sleep last night,” Bjelland center field that brought Grantsburg a 2-

The Grantsburg softball team squeezes in for a photo with their regional champs trophy.

0 lead.

Cumberland came around in the top of the fourth inning with two singles, and even loaded the bases at one point, but Lund made a stretch to catch the ball in right field to end the inning. It would be the only inning Cumberland hit off Bjelland. Jamie Lund eventually closed the game in the fifth and sixth inning with two strikeouts.

“I don’t think either pitcher was throwing as hard as they have, but when you’re on a couple of run lead you do what you have to and start hitting the strike zone,” Bjelland said.

Lindsey Hedlund led the fourth inning off with a single to center, and stole second on a wild pitch. Melissa Burton singled to left and the Pirates capitalized on two errors off hits from Sasha Chell and Lund. The two errors helped the Pirates take a 6-0 lead into the fifth inning.

Kammeyer led the fifth inning with a double to left and reached third base on error from the Cumberland second baseman. Kammeyer would eventually score on a fielder’s choice hit by Michelle Davidsavor and the Pirates picked up another run in the fifth.

The Pirates next three runs came courtesy of Sasha Chell and Bjelland. Jamie Lund reached base on an error by the centerfielder and Kammeyer ended it with an RBI single.

The Pirates will begin sectional play against Prescott (5-4) at McDonell Central on Thursday at 2 p.m. The winner of that game will play the winner of Park Falls and Thorp at 4 p.m.

“We’re going to be ready,” said Bjelland, on waiting a week before the next game.

Team Cumberland Grantsburg

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 x 0 0 0 2 4 1 3 x 10 Individual Statistics Cumberland AB H R BB RBI 3 0 0 0 0 Bridget Ranallo 3 1 0 0 0 Sara Carlson Alyssa Lundquist 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 Brenda Perry Chrissy Gotch 2 0 0 1 0 Sarah Mann 2 0 0 0 0 Sammy Johnson 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 Brianna Blume Beth Sorenson 2 0 0 0 0 Totals 21 2 0 1 0 Grantsburg AB H R BB RBI 3 2 1 3 2 Mollie Bjelland 0 1 0 1 Jamie Lund 4 3 1 1 3 Miranda Kammeyer 3 0 1 0 1 Lindsey Hedlund 3 0 0 0 Michelle Davidsavor 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 Melissa Burton 1 1 0 1 Sasha Chell 2 1 0 1 2 2 Michelle Lund Alyssa Ryan 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Sarah Wald 0 1 0 1 Jade Johnson 1 Amanda Durand 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Ashley Larsen 8 27 10 10 4 Totals Pitching Statistics Cumberland W/L INN AB K BB H R 4 10 10 6 27 x Brianna Blume L Grantsburg W/L INN AB K BB H R 1 2 0 18 6 Mollie Bjelland W 5 0 0 0 3 1 1 Michelle Lund x

River Bandits fall in thriller to Princeton Bandits bats get cracking at home Princeton, Minn. 10, St. Croix 7

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – Three comebacks by the Bandits made for an exciting game against Princeton, Minn., on May 26, but they fell shy of that first ‘W.’ “Our offense was clearly up for the challenge as we banged out 12 hits and scored a season high seven runs,” said Bandits coach Scott Lindholm.

Michael Chelberg, Jordan Martell and Lindholm each produced multiple hits.

Martell batted strong with a 3-4 performance along with a RBI double.

The Bandits, unfortunately, lost Troy DeSmet to injury after taking a couple foul balls to the shin and shoulder.

DeSmet had also helped the Bandits with a RBI during the contest.

“His loss was definitely felt as he is becoming a very good all-around contributor for the Bandits,” said Lindholm.

Spooner 15, Siren 2 SPOONER – The Siren Steelers dropped their second Independent League game at Spooner on Sunday, May 27.

The club picked up a couple runs on

six hits, but they could not keep up with the Spooner Cardinals. The Steelers have a pair of games against the young St. Croix River Bandits coming up.

Haugen Hornets 3, Grantsburg 0 GRANTSBURG – Losing a pitching duel can sting.

Grantsburg Honkers pitcher and exFrederic athlete Bryan Vilstrup pitched 14 strike outs and allowed two hits, but his Haugen Hornets counterpart pitched a shut out on Sunday, May 27.

Greg Aune of the Hornets allowed just five hits off the Honkers.

River Bandits pitcher Jim Rochford throwing against Princeton, Minn. – Photo by Joe Weinberg

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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Frederic gets pounded by Elmwood bats pitching again and graduating just five seniors.

Vikings fall in regional title game Elmwood 11, Frederic 0

by Matt Blumkin ELMWOOD – Frederic’s playoff road took a dip into the valley around Elmwood, and their regional title hopes also took one.

“You feed off of success, you feed off of failure, and it’s hard to stop once you get started,” said Vikings coach Brad Schmidt.

Troubles snowballed early for the Vikes in the bottom of the first with fielding errors, and the Raiders brought home three runs on one hit as they took a quick lead. The Raiders built a dominating 10-0 lead through two innings of action.

Schmdit said the team was, “… not mentally ready to go.”

Frederic had surrendered seven runs

Chrissy Chenal guarding third base for the Vikes.

Team Frederic Elmwood

Frederic’s Rachel O’Brien connecting for a hit in the fourth inning. The Vikings struggled at the plate against the Elmwood Raiders in the Division 4 softball regional finals. The Vikings fell 11-0 in their first-ever regional final appearance. – Photos by Matt Blumkin

Lynnea Chelmo making a grab for the Vikings in the outfield.

on four fielding errors. In addition, the Viking bats had a slow go of it with only having a couple of innings of multiple base runners. Their bats had been a strength for the team that went the deepest any Viking team has ever gone in the postseason. They also finished in a tie for second in the West Lakeland.

First-year coach Erin Jensen emphasized hitting with her experience playing NCAA Division II softball at Minnesota-Duluth. Schhmidt, an assistant coach, said he saw an overall improvement of the team from 2006.

Next season could be bright too with both Chrissy Chenal and Erin Schmidt

Frederic Melanie Chenal Julia Haas Erin Schmidt Lisa Chelmo Rachel O’Brien Alex Lonetti Michelle Owens Lynnea Chelmo Whitney Ellison Chrissy Chenal Totals Elmwood Megan Murphy Stacy Callow Sarah Howe Erica Wolf Alicia Heubel Miranda Wheeler Rachel Lehmann Rachel Bechel Steph Callow Mary Laule Totals Frederic Erin Scmidt Chrissy Chenal Elmwood Erica Wolf

1 2 3 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 1 0 x Individual Statistics AB H 1 3 2 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 18 4 H AB 4 0 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 0 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 2 2 2 23 6 Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB L 2 x 2 x x W/L INN AB W 5 x

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

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

R 1 2 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 11

BB 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 7

RBI 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 2 7

K 0 1 K 6

BB 4 3 BB 0

H 5 0 H 4

R 10 1 R 0

Unity Eagles dump Webster Tigers in opener Flaherty, Strilzuk rack up runs for visting Eagles Unity 10, Webster 2

by Matt Blumkin WEBSTER – Chad Strilzuk and Ryan Flaherty each scored three runs as the Eagles opened the WIAA summer baseball season with a 10-2 win on Tuesday, May 29.

Strilzuk connected on 2-2 hitting, and Flaherty went 3-3. Matt Goulet picked up the win on the mound in four innings of pitching.

Webster struggled with only two batters garnering hits. Josh Benton led the way for the Tigers with 3-3 hitting and one run scored. Benton also fanned seven Eagles as the starter.

“With a young squad, I though we did a nice job of staying with the game,” said Tigers coach Greg Sears. “We started six freshman or sophomores, so we are pretty young and the inexperience showed at the plate with 14 Ks.” The Tigers also missed senior Cameron Hughes, who had a broken finger from practice on Memorial Day. Grantsburg 7, Frederic 4 GRANTSBURG – The Pirates got moving in defense of their conference

Jake Schmidt coming in for second base for the Vikes. Schmidt drove in two runs in the game. – Photos by Kelly Schmidt title as they moved sites and opened with a win against Frederic.

Due to a flooded field from rain in Frederic, the May 29 game had to be moved over to Grantsburg. The Pirates took advantage of the homefield edge and downed the Vikings in their summer baseball opener 7-4.

“Overall, it was a good first game and our mistakes are easily correctable and were to be expected with a lot of new

faces,” said Vikings coach Ben Nelson.

The Vikes had made some mistakes on the base paths, gave up walks and made fielding mistakes, which the Pirates capitalized on. Jake Schmidt started the game pitching, and he picked up Frederic’s lone hits and drove in two runs. Ethan Hayes also pitched 21/3 innings and gave up no runs to the Pirates.

Frederic shortstop Ethan Hayes making a catch against Grantsburg.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

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W a t e r c r o s s With this being the last five days before the first race in Milnor, N.D., everyone has the same thing on their minds. Do I have my sled set up to be as quick as it can be? It may be hard to understand, but you do not have to be the fastest sled on the water, but you must be the quickest one.

The anticipation for the first race is always the worst as no one knows for sure what the other driver may have for new parts or motor. Then when you pull to the starting line that first time of the year, you are so nervous that you want to jump out of your skin. I really think that I will not miss that

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Eric Peterson #444 (on the left) taking off at Milnor, N.D., last year. The sand and tracks hook up very well for most drivers and brings the high-powered sleds almost over backwards. - Photo submitted

feeling each year. Being one of the oldest drivers the last few years was always tough on me, and now this year I believe that sitting back and just watching will be just as fun for me. It will be an interesting weekend to see who comes out on top in the different classes. I am hoping our local people from this area come home with trophies and titles they can show off.

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

For more information about

this wild and crazy sport you can go to any of the following three Web sites to see photos, information and a short video about watercross racing. www.iwausa.org www.snowsclub.com www.kmaracing.org.

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

Hole-in-one at Clam River Golf!

Luck golfer Carson Giller had a great season as a freshman. At the sectional invite on Tuesday, Giller shot an 87, which was the third best spot on the team. Look for Giller to improve on his game over the next few years. - File photo by Marty Seeger

Steve Gallman of Eau Claire (pictured center), was golfing with friends last Sunday when he shot a hole-in-one at the Clam River Golf Club. The shot was made on hole number three, a 158-yard par 3 with a six iron. The feat was witnessed by Gene Nichols of Milltown and Scott Lowe of Luck. – Photo submitted

Round the track at Kopellah CENTURIA – Mild weather conditions welcomed fans and drivers to night number five of the 2007 race season at Kopellah Speedway. Steady daylong rains on Thursday made for a heavy racing surface for the 79 drivers. The speedway kicked off the long Memorial Day weekend by celebrating Kids’ Night.

Track sponsors and many generous race teams donated several door prizes for the kids, including five brand-new bikes! The kids also were able to vote for their favorite driver in each of the track’s six racing divisions.

Young fans presented trophies to winners: Krysta Swearingen in the Hornets Division, Josh Merrill in the Pure Stocks, Vernon Lowe in the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, Chanda FjordenNord in the WISSOTA Street Stocks, Doug Merrill in the WISSOTA Super Stocks and Tim VanMeter in the WISSOTA Modifieds.

In their most competitive race this season, the Hornets kicked off the feature racing with their caution-free 10lap main event. Kids’ favorite Krysta Swearingen led first four laps before giving way to Steve Johnson for the next four laps. After starting last on the grid, last week’s winner Jason English methodically and patiently worked through the seven-car field and took over the lead at the white flag. Six of the seven cars entered in the event raced in a tight pack for the lead, but it was English who would emerge victorious ahead of Ryan McKenzie, Swearingen, Ben Johnson and Kevin Bradwell.

The Kopellah Pure Stocks were every bit as competitive as the Hornets for their feature. Rookie TJ LaMere had his hands full fending off the

charges of Mike Dyrdahl. Behind the lead duo, there was a veritable beehive of activity throughout the top ten.

One could throw a blanket over Dustin Scheuer, Travis Jehlicka and Nathan Fisk, along with heat race winners Josh Merrill and Josh Bazey, as the group jostled for position and swapped spots all race long. As the checkered flag waved, LaMere proved up to the challenge scoring his first career feature win ahead of Dyrdahl, Fisk, Jehlicka and Scheuer.

The second repeat winner of the night came out of the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds. Sam Nelson held point for the first three laps and through two early cautions. Then fourth-starting Vince Corbin grabbed the top spot by lap four. Also moving through the field was Bryce Johnson.

Johnson started seventh and was up to third on the fourth circuit. Corbin held the point through lap eight before last week’s winner Johnson took over on lap nine. Johnson fended off the challenges of Corbin then rest of the way to make it two in a row for the clean sweep ahead of Corbin, Tim Swanson, Frank Soucek and Bryan Siercks. In the spirit of Kids’ Night, an elated Johnson generously donated his trophy to an equally elated lucky young fan.

Jason VandeKamp was all business as he charged from sixth to first in the opening lap of the WISSOTA Street Stock feature. Jeff Heintz, starting eighth, got by pole starter Jeff Larson one lap later to secure second place while second-heat race winner Chandra FjordenNord took until lap five to crack the top three. By then VandeKamp led by half a straightaway. Fate intervened, however, with

a caution bringing the talented duo of Heintz and FjordenNord up to VandeKamp’s rear bumper for the lap seven restart. By lap eight, FjordenNord wrestled second place from Heintz and set sail for the leader.

VandeKamp was equal to the task, as he maintained at least a car length lead the rest of the way on his run to victory. Last week’s victor, Chanda FjordenNord, had to settle for second with Jeff Heintz, Rob Weber and Robert Lowe rounding out the top five.

Two long-distance travelers, fleeing the rains of western WISSOTA country, selected Kopellah to satisfy their Friday night need for speed. Super Stock drivers Mike Stearns from Hecla, S.D., and Brent Pulskamp of Wahpeton, N.D., made the long tow east. The heavy, rougher-than-normal but ultrafast track took its toll on the Super Stocks in a battle of attrition.

Tony Gates, Ted Marrs, first-heat race winner Mike Stearns, Cory Davis, Greg Alling, Tim Baxter and Brent Pulskamp all were unable to complete the race due to a variety of mishaps, miscues or mechanical failures.

Harvey Fjorden was the early race leader before giving way to Stearns on lap three. After starting sixth, the No. 6M of Marrs held the point at the halfway point. Quietly biding his time and avoiding a flurry of cautions during the race’s middle laps, the No. 00x of second-heat race winner Dan Gullikson assumed the lead on the lap nine restart. On Gullikson’s tail, but never mounting a serious challenge, was Mike Bruggeman and for the second week in a row Gullikson earned the clean-sweep victory. Following Gullikson to finish were Bruggeman

and Fjorden. Fourteenth-starting Luke Strandlund survived for fourth place and Dan Preston completed the top five.

The track remained fast for WISSOTA Modifieds as Jason Miller quickly jumped from the outside of row two and into the lead ahead of Mike Mueller. Then Miller very uncharacteristically lost the handle on his No. 12M ride exiting turn three, relegating him to the back of the 17-car field. On the restart, Kevin Adams charged to the point with same daring high-side dive into turn one that Miller had used to start the race. Behind Adams, Shawn Kelley and Scott Splittstoesser dueled for second while Mike Kelley Jr. and Jason Schill battled for fourth.

After a caution for a Mike Kelly Jr. spin, Schill got by Shawn Kelley on lap six, then he passed Splittstoesser two laps later. So for the second week in a row, Schill was playing the role of the hunter in pursuit of the win.

Unfortunately, No. 11x fell ill on lap 13 and Schill limped home to a ninthplace finish. That put No. 2 of Splittstoesser back into second place, where he would ride the final three circuits behind eventual winner Kevin Adams. Jason Miller recovered from his early spin and worked his way back up to a podium finish with Shawn Kelley and Mike Mueller rounding out the top-five finishers for the Modifieds.

Regular races are on tap for next Friday night, June 1, at Kopellah Speedway. As always, the first green flag is scheduled to fly at 7:30 p.m. For more information please visit the track’s Web site at www.KopellahSpeedway.net. – submitted

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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• Celebrity faces in the crowd at Elmwood Spies say former Frederic girls softball coach Dale Hutton and High Frederic School’s unofficial “Athlete of the 21st Ben Century” Chenal were on the scene watching the Vikes play Elmwood in last regional week’s finals. softball Chenal is expected to have an expanded role for the UWEau Claire Blugold football team this fall.

• First team all conference Ex-Unity little leaguer Mark Hallberg was named as the first-team shortstop on the Atlantic Coast Conference all conference squad. Hallberg has started all 58 games for 47-11 Florida State.

According to the school’s Web site, he’s handled 256 chances at shortstop with only seven errors. At the plate he’s batting .365 with three home runs, 53 RBIs, 65 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. The Seminoles open NCAA tournament play Friday evening versus Bethune-Cookman.

• Close personal friend The Minnesota Gophers nine also earned a berth in the tourney and will play Cal-State Fullerton in the opening round. Minnesota’s venerable coach John Anderson, is a neighbor to, and close personal friend of, late ‘70s-early ‘80s Frederic multi-sport icon Dwight Larsen.

• A shot at redemption A close relative and fellow South Dakota pheasant hunter was pleased to hear that his high-priced purebred dog will have another opportunity to pass her North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association “natural Large abilities” test.

The Munsterlander failed in the first goround earlier this month, performing admirably in most phases but botching the pointing category (a key failure, considering the dog is a pointer). But, the underachieving mutt was quickly enrolled in – then passed – a “Pointing 101” refresher course and appeared to be in fine form during a brief, but impressive, demonstration at a picnic last Saturday.

Like a character from the movie “Best in Show,” for the re-test the local dog man plans to enlist the services of a professional handler. “Passing the test could mean a few thousand dollars worth of pedigreed puppy sales in the future,” said one observer. “So procuring the services of a handler for the

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THE SPORTS

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May day: Washburn on fire for Mariners

by Matt Blumkin SEATTLE – Webster native and Mariners’ pitcher Jarrod Washburn finished the month of May strong with back-to-back road wins.

He held the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to one earned run on eight hits as the Mariners downed the Rays 5-2 on May 22. Washburn got run support from teammate Yuniesky Betancourt when he cranked a home run in the sixth for the Mariners to go in front.

Washburn also had adequate run support against Kansas City on May 29 when the Mariners scored seven. He

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one-hour exam will be well worth it in the long run.” The re-test is scheduled for June 9. The dog has already proven to be a stellar performer out in South Dakota, but there’s no telling what it will accomplish once it receives its Natural Abilities diploma which is considered to be the dog equivalent of a master’s degree in education.

• A shot at a chipmunk While engaged in an edifying telephone conversation last Friday, this columnist glanced outside and observed a chipmunk atop a woodpile only a few yards from the house.

Because rodents such as chipmunks and red squirrels have been particularly pesky this spring, and because they have a reputation for theft, garden destruction, and home and garage invasions, a .22 caliber rifle has been kept within easy reach in recent weeks.

Without interrupting the conversation, I picked up the rifle, chambered a round, cradled the phone against my shoulder and walked to a porch in the rear of the house. I carefully opened the door while quietly throwing in a couple of “you don’t says” and “I’ll be darneds” in order to make the caller think I was listening to what he had to say. But actually, all my attention and energies were now focused on the chipmunk. I noted the wind direction, made sure my background was safe and clear, slowly shouldered the rifle, drew a lean against the doorframe, and then fired. The stillness of the evening air was shattered by the crack of the rifle. “I just shot a chipmunk,” I said to the guy on the phone. “ Just now?

While you were talking on the phone?” he asked. “With open sights? That’s very impressive.

Most people would’ve put down the phone.”

I’m proud to say that the pesky rodent never knew what hit it. Sure, there is satisfaction in the end result of the taking, then eating, of wild game (sorry, no chipmunk recipes). But for many hunters, the greatest pleasure is in the the thrill of the stalk.

This week’s trivia is the third installment of “Bob, Pete or Marty?”

Contestants are to determine if the person described is Pete Seeger, Bob Seger, or Leader sports scribe Marty Seeger.

1) An avid white-tail archer, he recently attended a seminar on food plots for deer. 2) He was once cited for “contempt of Congress.” 3) His uncle Alan was a noted poet. 4) Walleyes were finicky during one of his recent outings, but he and his entourage were able to catch some nice crappies. 5) He co-wrote the Eagles’ hit “Heartache Tonight.” 6) He was born in Henry Ford Hospital.

Correct answers: 1) Marty 2) Pete 3) Pete 4) Marty 5) Bob 6) Bob e-mail John Ryan at jmr202@yahoo.com

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started off strong before a rain delay came, and he helped the M’s hold on despite giving up three runs in the final few innings.

Jarrod Washburn The lefty fanned four batters in the contest while upping his record to 4-2 for the month of May. That win put Washburn above .500 for the season with a 5-4 record.

During the month, Washburn posted a 3.4 ERA and allowed 15 earned runs in six starts. – with information from MLB.com

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

SOFTBALL

Scores

Saturday, May 26 Princeton, Minn. 10, St. Croix River Bandits 7 Sunday, May 27 Haugen Hornets 3, Grantsburg 0 Spooner 15, Siren 2

Coming Up

Friday, June 1 Ken Staples Tournament (at Oakey Park) St. Croix River Bandits at Osceola, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 2 Grantsburg at Isanti, Minn., 1 p.m.

Ken Staples Tournament (at Oakey Park) St. Croix River Bandits vs. Rosetown A’s Sunday, June 3 Grantsburg at Cumberland, 1 p.m.

St. Croix Ravens at Webster, 1 p.m.

Ken Staples Tournament (at Oakey Park), TBA Tuesday, June 5 St. Croix River Bandits at Siren Steelers, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 6 Eastside Merchants at Osceola, 7 p.m.

SPRING HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL Scores

Thursday, May 25 Division 3 Regionals (#4) Turtle Lake-Clayton 5, (#5) St. Croix Falls 4 Tuesday, May 29 Division 3 Regionals (#3) Spring Valley 6, (#2) Luck 2

Coming Up

end of season for area teams

SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL Scores

Tuesday, May 29 Grantsburg 7, Frederic 0 Unity 10, Webster 2

BOYS/GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Coming Up

Friday-Saturday, June 1-2 WIAA State Track Meet at La Crosse, all day (Frederic, Grantsburg, Luck, Siren, Webster)

BOYS GOLF Coming Up

Monday-Tuesday, June 4-5 WIAA State Golf Tournament at Madison, all day (Luck)

Coming Up

Thursday, May 31 Division 3 Sectionals at McDonell Central (#1) Grantsburg vs. (#6) Prescott, 2 p.m. (#1) Park Falls vs. (#2) Thorp, 2 p.m.

Grantsburg/Prescott vs. Park Falls/Thorp, 4 p.m.

SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL

Centuria Men’s League Standings

Team 10ers Inn Between Dream Lawn Fox Den Complete Auto-Truhlsen Chiro Centuria Parks and Rec. Fat Boy’s Construction Cushing C&H Construction Dewey’s

Overall 4-0 3-0 3-0 2-1 2-2 2-2 1-2 0-3 0-4

Area Scores

Coming Up

Thursday, May 31 Webster at Grantsburg, 6 p.m.

Baldwin-Woodville at Unity, 6 p.m.

New Richmond at Siren, 7:30 p.m.

Frederic at Cumberland Legion, 6 p.m.

Friday, June 1 Braham, Minn., at Webster, 5 p.m. (doubleheader) Siren at Grantsburg, 5 p.m.

Frederic at Luck Legion, 6 p.m.

Saturday, June 2 Braham, Minn., at Grantsburg, noon (doubleheader) Tuesday, June 5 Grantsburg at Unity, 6 p.m.

Baldwin-Woodville at Webster, 6 p.m.

Siren at Frederic, 6 p.m.

PREPS

Scores

Thursday, May 24 Division 3 Regionals (#1) Grantsburg 10, (#2) Cumberland 0 Division 4 Regionals (#1) Elmwood 11, (#3) Frederic 0

Wednesday, May 23 Siren Men’s League Century 21 11, Jed’s 10 Pour House 11, Hole in Wall 3 Sundown 19, Tan J 2 Hap’s Landing 17, Gjonnes Construction 6 Thursday, May 24 Centuria Men’s League Centuria Parks and Rec. 17, Complete Auto/TC 16 10ers Inn Between 23, C&H Construction 3 Fox Den 7, Fat Boy’s Construction 3 Cushing 12, Dewey’s 5 Falun Church League Calvary Covenant 18, Siren Assembly 17 Trade River Baptist 15, Siren Covenant-Bethany 14 Frederic Free 17, West Sweden-Zion Lutheran 16 Trade Lake Baptist 14, Living Hope-Grace 6 Falun Churches 24, Webster Baptist 2

OF THE

NAME: Miranda Kammeyer SCHOOL: Grantsburg YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: After sitting out on a handful of lateseason games with a thumb injury, Pirates catcher Miranda Kammeyer came out to play against Cumberland in a huge way She showed the importance of her contributions to the team by going 3 for 3 with three RBIs, which included a double in the fifth and a single in the sixth to give Grantsburg the game-ending run and their fifth regional championship since 2002.– Marty Seeger

WEEK

NAME: Ben R. Anderson SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Anderson will be one of three Vikings at the state track meet. Yet, he will be the only of the three going for the first time in his first year of track. Anderson had played golf for the Vikes during the past two springs, but made the switch to track this year to improve his speed in preparation for football. “I’m a very competitive person,” said Anderson. “I get mad when I lose in gym.” Anderson’s drive to compete has lead him to run the 100-meter dash in La Crosse for the Vikes. – Matt Blumkin

A Frederic base runner gets beat by the throw at Elmwood.

Blumkin

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Photo by Matt

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES bly steer clear of the ever-popular corn pile that so many other country dwellers use to bring in the deer. I’m not opposed, but with so many changes and rules on feeding these days, I think I’ll just sit back and watch deer do their thing. Feeding corn to the deer might even get a little costly, too. Besides, they should have plenty of corn this fall from the field nearby after the harvest.

For now, the binoculars and the camera will be in place to capture any movement in the backyard. The bow target will be placed at precisely 30 yards from the deck, and the boat will soon take up a good portion of the lawn. That way, there will be less to mow and more time to appreciate the finer sides of country living.

The finer sides of country living Growing up in a small town was great in the sense that it kept me close to some friends that I still hang out with today, but I’ve always dreamed living in the counMarty of try. I can still rememSeeger ber the friends that lived in the country, and how they wanted The to live in town. I could Bottom Line never understand why.

The way I saw it, they had it made. You could go right out the back door, shoot BB guns and 22s, build a fort in the woods, and bike or walk to the nearest stream to go fishing for trout. Luckily, I did all of the above in town, without the 22s or the fort, for lack of trees and safety reasons. Don’t tell anyone about the BB gun.

In the country, possibilities were endless except for the ones who lived on a farm. They were the friends rarely seen in the summertime because of a constant workload. While my friends and I were out throwing ball and riding bike, they were pitching hay bales during the day and milking cows in the evening.

For them it was understandable that they’d want to be in town.

Either way, my hometown of Prairie Farm could hardly be considered “town,” since country was less than a mile away. Still, I never really had the

This gray fox wandered into the back lawn just before dark to scavenge for food along the fenceline. - Photos by Marty Seeger opportunity to glance out the window to watch a deer or turkey naturally feed in a field near the house, until now.

I can now say that I live just outside of town where the deer and turkeys roam.

From the first day, wildlife could be seen all around the property. A handful of turkeys, a deer, hundreds of geese and fox that paid a visit just after I finished up the lawn last Friday night.

Just 20 yards from the back of the house, I watched a fox pounce for mice along the fenceline and search for any unsuspecting meal that might be nearby. I just hope he didn’t get the garter snake I saw a couple of days before. It had been a long time since I had seen one. Usually I come across one during the trout season, but they don’t seem to be as common as they used to be. I just

wish they fed solely on spiders, because I’d much rather see a snake than a spider, but that’s another story.

For some, experiencing these simple things in a day is just that—another day.

And perhaps for me, it’s just another day as well (there’s still more work to do on the house). But watching wildlife from the comforts of home has advantages beyond that of just driving through the country on a Sunday afternoon. It certainly doesn’t compare to observing wildlife from a tree stand in the fall of the year, but looking out at wildlife when it’s 20 below might be appealing.

Once the painting and everything else is complete, it will be time to find a place for a bird feeder, or some other way of attracting the wildlife. I’ll proba-

A bird found the perfect spot for a nest just above the doorway of the photographer’s house. It won’t be long before they outgrow the nest, and are off on their own this summer.

Motor vehicles need to watch out for turtles MADISON – Anyone traveling Wisconsin roadways has likely seen the broken shells and other soft pieces of a once-living turtle. Some are of the small painted turtles, while others are large snapping turtles. Their misfortune is the result of trying to cross the road to find food, mates, or especially at this time of year, suitable nesting sites.

Turtles grow slowly in northern climates, according to Bob Hay, an amphibian and reptile biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.

“Turtles are an important and fascinating part of a vast food web necessary for other wildlife and plant life,” Hays says, “and highway mortality continues to be one of the major threats to our native turtle populations.”

Hay says motorists are most likely to see turtles crossing roads near lakes, streams and wetlands this time of year because the roads separate the aquatic habitat, where turtles spend most of their lives, from the well-drained upland habitats where female turtles deposit their eggs. This annual ritual generally reaches its peak from late May to early June.

Hay says the widely fluctuating temperatures this spring appears to have caused turtle nesting season to get start-

ed a little later than normal.

“The month of June should be a busy time for female turtles,” he says.

Most turtles will stop moving when they hear, see or feel a vehicle coming, so they are easy to drive around without going into the other traffic lane or off the pavement. And despite the armor, Hay says, a turtle is no match for a steelbelted radial tire. A vehicle can kill an adult female and eliminate the potential reproduction in the affected population.

“If you see a turtle on the road—and only if it’s safe to do so—carefully pull over and help the turtle to the side of the road it is facing,” he says, but cautions that people should never put themselves or other drivers at risk when stopping.

When helping an aggressive turtle— such as a snapping turtle—off the road, the safest way to avoid being bitten is to gently drag it across the road by its tail, leaving the front feet on the pavement.

It may help to use a stick that the turtle can bite, allowing one to grab the tail more safely.

Five of Wisconsin’s 12 turtle species are experiencing significant population declines. Turtles are up against tough odds even without highway mortality.

Hay says that as few as 5 percent of eggs

Read Leader Outdoors www.the-leader.net

laid survive to hatch and of those, only one in 100 may survive to reproductive age. Turtle predators include raccoons, skunks, opossums, herons, egrets, seagulls, cranes and crows.

Travelers are advised to slow down and watch for other wildlife as well this time of year. White-tail deer yearlings have recently been chased off by their mothers, who are now giving birth to this year’s crop of fawns, and many yearling deer are hit and killed on roads this time of year as they look for areas to

establish their own home range.

People should also be aware that the turtle season is closed until July 15 each year, so picking turtles up off the road as pets or for food is illegal. Anyone who observes this being done should contact the DNR hotline at 1-800-TIPWDNR 1-800-847-9367. For more information contact Bob Hay at 608-267-0849 - from the DNR

On track...

Last weekend was almost perfect for the opening weekend of musky fishing north of Hwy. 10. With the exception of a couple of windy days, anglers out on the water said that musky fishing was a bit slow, but productive. As the water tempereratures begin to warm up, so too will the musky bite.

You can expect crappies to be completing the spawning season in the next week or even sooner. Bluegills will move in to take their place and provide even more excitement as we head into the month of June.

The free fishing weekend on June 2-3 will allow you to get out and enjoy some great fishing and the state parks. Open house day is still set for June 3 across the state.

If you plan on attending the state parks open house day, June 3, and want to go back for more, you’ll want to consider the purchase of a vehicle admission sticker. Most of the state parks and recreation areas will require a sticker for your vehicle. You may either purchase an annual sticker for admission to all state parks and forests for the year or a daily sticker. In most parks, you can purchase a one-hour sticker. Annual fees for a Wisconsin resident are $25 for the year, and $12.50 for additional vehicles that have the same household address. Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls will require a pass that can be purchased at the park, and in Grantsburg you can pick up passes at the Governor Knowles State Forest.

For state trails, such as the Gandy Dancer, you will need a state trails pass that costs $15 annually and $4 daily. Pedestrians are not required to have a state trails pass, but if you intend to rollerblade, bicycle or horseback ride this summer it is required. – Marty Seeger with information from the DNR

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Daniels, May 21: Christopher R. Schwantes, 17, Grantsburg, was pulling a boat on a trailer. The wheel of the trailer caught a curb and overturned onto its side. There was no damage to the trailer or car, but some damage to the boat.

Town of Daniels, May 21: Maxine K. Mashek, 56, Stone Lake, reported hitting a deer while on Hwy. 70.

Town of Daniels, May 26: Christine L. Hagert, 43, Siren, was northbound on Old 35 when she drove onto the shoulder, overcorrected, entered the ditch and rolled over. The vehicle was towed due to damages.

Town of Webb Lake, May 26: Timothy H. Powers, 46, Pine

City, Minn., and Jodi Powers, Pine City, Minn., were involved in an ATV accident and transported to Spooner hospital.

Timothy H. Powers was cited for operating an ATV while intoxicated.

Town of Swiss, May 28: Julio C. Calixto, 42, Danbury, was northbound on Hwy. 35 when a front tire blew out. The driver overcorrected and went into the ditch and rolled over. The vehicle was towed due to damage.

Grantsburg, May 28: Virginia L. Ryan, 75, Grantsburg, was attempting a left-hand turn into her driveway when she was rear-ended by Donald I. Chell, 77, Grantsburg, who was driving a semi-trailer. Ryan was treated at the hospital for injuries.

Arrests Town of Scott, May 22: Michael Beyerlein, 50, Spring Grove, Ill,. was cited and arrested for domestic battery with weapons enhancer and criminal damage to property.

Town of Dewey, May 26: James R. Thomas, 34, New Richmond, was cited and arrested for disorderly conduct.

Town of Jackson, May 26: Laurie A. Stephan, 45, Eau Claire, was cited and arrested for disorderly conduct.

Village of Siren, May 28: Brian D. Kult, 38, Siren, was cited and arrested for battery.

Other incidents Town of Lincoln, May 22: Ryan M. Ophus, 20, Rush City, reported his truck severely vandalized and 40 CDs and a radar

detector taken. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Blaine, May 25: Paul G. Cardinal, 55, St. Paul, Minn., reported his garage, shed and cabin broken into, but nothing was reported missing. The incident is under investigation.

Village of Webb Lake, May 26: Randy L. Irons, 50, Danbury, reported an ATV on his property. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Blaine, May 26: Larry D. Olson, 54, Danbury, reported radiators, catalytic converters, tires and rims, and four metal chairs taken. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Swiss, May 26: Jackie Trubac, Stegar, Ill., reported two sections of a dock, and three boat motors and two

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents May 15, 3:40 p.m., Osceola Twp., CTH S, .25 mile south of 100th Avenue, ANDREW J. FRANDSEN, 16, Osceola, was southbound on CTH S. As unit 1 approached the curve to the east, unit 1 continued straight into the ditch, coming to rest near a group of trees and rocks.

The front of unit 1 was facing south. Driver was cited for unreasonable speed.

May 16, 9:12 p.m., Apple River Twp., CTH H at 165th Avenue, AMANDA K. ANDERSON, 22, Frederic, struck a deer on the roadway.

May 16, 7:46 a.m., Farmington Twp., 50th Avenue, .5 mile east of Hwy. 35, ADRIAN M. POTTING, 16, Osceola, was westbound on 50th Avenue. Unit 1 went off the right side of the roadway, left skid/yaw marks for 345 feet, left the roadway to the left and traveled an additional 335 feet and overturned multiple times. Operator said the vehicle wobbled and he lost control at 60 mph. Driver was wearing a seat belt, sustained minor injuries, transported by EMS. He was cited for unreasonable speed.

May 17, 4:45 a.m.,

Johnstown Twp., 220th Avenue, 500’ west of East Pipe Lake Lane, JOHN F. MERRILL, 23, Rice Lake, was westbound on 220th Avenue. Vehicle drove off the roadway on north side.

Driver overcorrected steering and vehicle crossed the roadway. The left front corner of the vehicle sideswiped the bridge guard rail and then the left rear wheel struck the bridge guard rail. The vehicle spun counterclockwise and was left abandoned in the middle of the road.

Driver cited for nonregistration.

May 18, 4:58 p.m., village of Balsam Lake, 101 Main Street; #1—ELIZABETH J. HARDER, 24, Milltown; #2—LEE J. NELSON, 31, Balsam Lake. Unit 1 was parked in the parking lot.

The front of unit 1 was facing west. Unit 2 was parked behind unit 1, facing southeast. Unit 1 backed up into unit 2. The rear passenger bumper of unit 1 struck unit 2 in the passenger door.

May 18, 11:20 a.m., Lincoln Twp., CTH F at CTH C, #1— MABEL E. FROSHAUG, 81, Stillwater, Minn.; #2—MICHAEL J. STORM, 32, Amery. Unit 2 was eastbound on CTH F. Unit 1 was northbound on CTH C.

Driver of unit 1 stopped for the stop sign and proceeded into the path of unit 2. The driver of unit 1 thought that the intersection was a four-way stop and unit 2 would have to stop. Unit 2 struck the front left side of unit 1. Unit 2 skidded into the north ditch. Unit 1 spun into the south ditch, facing southbound. Driver of unit 1 was cited for failure to yield right of way.

May 18, 12:24 p.m., Eureka Twp., CTH G, .7 mile east of Hwy. 87, HEATHER L. EMERSON, 19, Cushing, was westbound on CTH G. Operator swerved to miss a deer. Unit 1 crossed the centerline and went off the roadway to the left. Unit 1 then slid across the roadway, leaving to the right and overturned onto its side in the trees.

Driver was wearing a seat belt, sustained minor injuries and was transported by EMS. Driver cited for operating left of centerline.

Incidents April 29, ROBERT L. SWANSON, village of Clear Lake, reported two vehicles were vandalized at his business, Diggers Automotive.

May 7, RICHARD A. JORGENSON, Balsam Lake, report-

Burnett County criminal court Becky E. Hull, 22, Grantsburg, battery, two-year probation, 136 days’ jail time, two weeks’ community service.

If not employed 20 hours per week or more within 60 days, defendant must complete two 40-hour weeks of community service, alcohol assessment, anger management. If defendant successfully fulfills conditions of probation for one year, application for early release may be filed, $163.00.

Kurt J. Wylie, 32, Frederic, OWI, $1,967.00, alcohol asssessment, 80 days’ jail time, license revoked 27 months.

Harold E. Leffelman, 53, Grantsburg, disorderly conduct, two-year probation, 75 days’ jail time, no alcohol consumption, alcohol assessment, $163.00.

Donald D. Murtaugh, 34, Frederic, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Abel B. Lipoff, 30, Luck, issue worthless check, $86.00 restitution, $264.00.

Jonathon C. Kuss, 26, Anoka, Minn., possession of THC, two-year probation, six months’ license suspension, four months’ local jail, alcohol assessment; possess amphetamine-LSD-psilocin, two-year probation, five months’ jail time consecutive to other term, alcohol assessment, $176.00.

Thomas E. Dietrich, 46,

Burnett County deaths Ruth Ann Doran, 92, Siren Village, April 26.

Thomas W. Chalberg, 76, Rusk Township, May 14.

Chetek, issue worthless check, $104 restitution, $223.00.

Delbert G. Benjamin Jr., 22, Anoka, Minn., OWI, $665.50, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months.

Wanda L. Matrious, 34, Danbury, OAR, $413.00.

John F. Vix, 32, Webster, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Kyle J. Wickboldt, 20, Clear Lake, underage drinking, alcohol assessment, license suspended one year, $501.00 William B. Summer, 40, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Chase R. Fornengo, Danbury, 16, speeding, $186.00.

Donna M. Demarre, 37, Grantsburg, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Timothy J. Dornfeld, 44, Texas, speeding, Dallas, $160.80.

Yerke, Jeremiah 22, Grantsburg, operate unregistered snowmobile, $184.50.

Ashley E. Becvar, 18, Webster, minor possesses or purchased tobacco, $148.20.

Timothy L. Jensen, 44, Luck, OAR, 10 days’ jail time, $413.00.

Scott Ohlsen, 53, Maplewood, Minn., unsafe cutting-in when passing, $113.00.

Joseph M. Hoffman, 20, Siren, criminal trespass to dwelling, $249.00; underage drinking, $249.00.

Raymond E. Merrill, 36,

Webster, bail jumping, $249.00; issue worthless check, $249.00.

Deirdre Belisle, 34, Cumberland, issue worthless check, $249.00 Mark A. Christensen, Siren, issue worthless check, $249.00.

Ted Hunter, 50, Siren, operate vehicle without stopping lights, $148.20; fail to wear seatbelt, $10.00; operate without valid license, $186.00.

Melisa J. Siler, 42, Grantsburg, two counts of theft of movable property < = $2,500, three-year probation on count one and two, two five-month consecutive jail terms, $1,080 restitution.

Mitchell L. Butler, 26, possession of Webster, methamphetamine, three-year probation, drug treatment, DNA sample. If probation terms not kept, two years’ state prison followed with one year, six months’ extended supervision.

Bobbi A. Gilpin, 25, Siren, issue worthless checks, $1,226.18 restitution, six months jail time, community service.

Roberta L. Matrious, 34, Sandstone, Minn., theft, $89.00 restitution, $611.00.

Jared R. Denotter, 25, Siren, issue worthless check, $248.00.

Craig J. Hodowanic, 20, Cornell, obstructing an officer, $498.00; ID card violations, $501.00.

Polk County divorces Divorces granted Tracy and Bobby Lee. Married 2005.

Larry and Dagmar Ellingsworth. Married 1999.

Divorces filed Barbara Grove, Dresser, and David Reed. Married 1992. One

child.

Rodney Elbaor, Clear Lake, and Ruby Elbaor, Amery.

Married 2006. No children.

Jaclynn Owen, Luck, and Sammy Owen Jr., Milltown.

Married 2000. No children.

ed items of mail stolen from his mailbox.

May 10, CHARLOTTE R. MOSER, RR Luck, reported the theft of a wooden bald eagle statue (painted black and white) from her yard.

May 16, THOMAS LaCASSE and SHANE KURTZ, both of rural St. Croix Falls, reported the theft of tools from the LaCASSE outbuilding.

May 17, CHARLES H. PETERSON, Lewis, reported the theft of two Stihl chain saws from his outbuilding located in Clam Falls Township.

May 17, CATHY J. COOPERSMITH, Amery, reported her trailer at the Valhalla Campground in Lincoln Township had been burglarized.

Nothing noted to be missing at this time.

monkey wrenches taken. The incident is under investigation.

Village of Siren, May 27: Jamee L. Gonzales, 19, Chetek, was cited for underage drinking.

Town of West Marshland, May 27: Raymond W. Herbst, 48, Lino Lakes, Minn., reported two tires taken from a shed.

Entry to the cabin was attempted, but it didn’t appear it was entered. The incident is under investigation.

Town of LaFollette, May 28: William L. Powell, 38, Webster,

reported his truck vandalized.

The incident is under investigation.

Grantsburg, May 28: Ausha L. Arnold, 16, Grantsburg, reported she and two friends had money taken from a residence. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Meenon, May 29: David P. Haaf, 54, Webster, reported a truck with assorted tools in the box taken from his residence. The incident is under investigation.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

Employment / Notices/ Garage Sales Check out the Advertiser online:

www.yellowpaperads.com

Polk County civil court HSBC Bank, USA, Simi Valley, Calif., plaintiff. Lori Reuter, Hastings, Minn., defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for property located at 1239 310th Ave., Frederic for payments of $106,530.17.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Fort Mills, S.C., plaintiff. Karen Lolander, Milltown, defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $140,583.63.

HSBC Bank USA, San Diego, Calif., plaintiff. Sheryl Faber, Osceola, defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payments of $121,087.92.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, Madison, plaintiff.

Christopher Wood, Littleton, Colo., defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for property located at 308 S. First Ave., Frederic.

Agstar Financial Services, FLCA, Mankato, Minn., plaintiff.

Matthew Poirier, Turtle Lake, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default on loan agreement and seeks payments of $27,421.52.

Tahoe-I, LLC, Genesee

Depot, plaintiff. Nathan and Gail Hibbs, Frederic, defendants. Plaintiffs allege nonpayment of rent in amount of $8,000.

Citibank, Sioux Falls, S.D., plaintiff.

Verna Kragnes, Osceola, defendant. Plaintiff alleges that defendant failed to pay credit card bill and owes $16,532.52.

Citibank, Sioux Falls, S.D., plaintiff. Patricia Talbot, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff alleges that defendant failed to pay credit card bill and owes $11,793.01.

Burnett Co. civil court GMAC vs. Heather C. Marth, Siren, return of 2005 Pontiac, $370.25.

Portfolio Recovery Associates vs. Jacqueline F. Northwick, Grantsburg, $3,566.03.

Capital One Bank vs. Teresa A. Menard, Danbury, $1,411.25.

Capital One Bank vs. James Dittmar Jr., Danbury, $747.76.

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Jesse A. Tober, Webster, and Janet L. Simon, Webster, May 22.

Michael J. Raskie, Duluth, Minn., and Andrea M. Coveau, Duluth, Minn., May 23.

Jacob M. Wrich, Oakdale, Minn., and Katherine A. Vajgrt, Oakdale, Minn., May 25.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

Burnett County warrants Robert K. Drake, 22, Frederic, commitment, May 21.

Patrick S. Fowler, 44, Almena, arrest warrant – complaint, May 21.

Anita N. Garza, 39, Siren,. warrant – failure to appear, May 22.

Jason D. Johnson, 28, St. Paul, Minn., commitment, May 22.

Gerald W. Judkins, 30, arrest warrant – complaint, May 24.

Tina M. Neubauer, 36, Pine City, Minn., arrest warrant – complaint, May 22.

Michael T. Paffel, 25, Boyceville, commitment, May 21.

John G. Pike, 45, Sandstone, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, May 25.

Adam D. Reek, 22, St. Louis Park, Minn., commitment, May 22.

Sonja M. Ruiz, 32, Milwaukee, arrest warrant – failure to appear, May 22.

Follow the Leader

Beatty Shearen, 52, Spooner, warrant – failure to appear, May 24.

Laurence D. Shearen, 45, Spooner, warrant — failure to appear, May 24.

Employment/Notices

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

Notices

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Forts Folle Avoine opens for the summer DANBURY - As the yellow school buses rolled into the parking lot at Forts Folle Avoine last Friday, another summer season began for the historic fort and its team of interpreters and actors. Children from schools all over northwestern Wisconsin poured out of their buses and stepped into the past to learn about life at the time of the fur trade. Pictured are a few of the stations where the interpreters explained different facets of that life. - Carl Heidel LEFT - Willy Ennis explains to visitors from Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of the Philippines, how the Ojibwa encampments were created. lodge The shown here is a winter camp, with the hard bark covering with hold back the heavy winter snow.

Tea was important in the life of the fur trade, but it was very costly. Here the actor shows how it was kept under lock and key.

Tom Wilson of Danbury, Robert Awe of Minneapolis, Minn., and Dan Phetteplace of Trego packed their blackpowder muzzleloaders for shooting.

Without electricity, candles became a primary source of light.

Dipped candles were made in pairs with a connected string, so they could be hung easily for drying.

Photos by Carl Heidel and Raelynn Hunter

Spearthrowing is not as simple as it looks, as these youngsters discovered.

Kites fly at Grantsburg Middle School

by Carl Heidel GRANTSBURG - Tuesday was a great day for kite flying, so fourth-grade students at the Grantsburg Middle School took their homemade kites out for a trial run.

Cody Hoffman (L) got some coaching from his buddy B r a n d o n Campeau (R) as he tried to get his kite into the air.

Photos by Carl Heidel

Some of the kites required some field repairs. Arlen Jensen (L) helped Anneka Johnson retie one of the lines on her box kite.

Taiylor Harmon’s kite certainly was colorful, but it didn’t like the idea of soaring away from the Earth.

The expression on Kabrina Alderton’s face says it all. “Pam’s” inaugural flight was a real thrill.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MAY 30, 2007

A memorable visit from Italy

Parents of Frederic foreign exchange student visit daughter on graduation

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — Since the beginning of the Frederic school year, senior Paola Poliseno of Bari, Italy, has been getting acclimated with the customs of American society. When she arrived in Frederic last August she spoke just enough English for general communication, and now after nine months, host parent Lisa Jensen says that she has adjusted very well.

“For her it was learning our slang, but she’s picked up on it really well,” Jensen said. She and her husband, Todd, have been the host parents for the time Poliseno has stayed in Frederic, and the experience has been very fun for them.

“Having an exchange student here has been fun and it’s been a very good experience for us.” Lisa said that Poliseno has been an excellent student, outgoing, and her English has been good.

Over the past week, the Jensens have hosted Poliseno’s parents Giovanni and Nicoletta, who came to Frederic to take part in the graduation ceremonies on Sunday, May 27, at the high school in Frederic.

Giovanni and Nicoletta are both doctors from Bari, Italy, which is a large city in southern Italy, located just at the top of the heel.

“They say everybody is really friendly here,” Paola said, as she translated for her father Giovanni at the high school Tuesday morning.

Since arriving in Frederic last Thursday, the Polisenos have enjoyed the people and country living. Bari is large city and the Polisenos live in an apartment.

“Here you live in houses and there you live in apartments,” Paola said laughing as she described that the number of people in all of Frederic could live in her building back in Italy.

“There’s a lot of green and trees,” Paola said of the Frederic countryside. “People think its normal, but for me its not, so that’s exciting.”

Paola spent over nine months with her host parents, Todd and Lisa Jensen of Frederic. Pictured (L to R): Todd Jensen, Lisa Jensen, Paola Poliseno, Nicoletta Poliseno and Giovanni Poliseno. - Photo

by Marty Seeger Other than the people and the country, Giovanni “We’re not used to going so slow. Yesterday we and Nicoletta enjoyed the ceremony of their daugh- were in I think Milltown,” Paola said. “My dad was ter’s graduation the most. like going 65 in a 45, so we got pulled over.” Neither In Italian, Paola’s parents explained how proud Giovanni, nor Nicoletta could speak English, so Paola they were of their daughter for graduating high had to explain the situation. Fortunately, the family school. was let off with a warning.

“They are very happy for my experience, and they Paola’s experience has gone so well that she intends think it will be very useful for all my life,” Paola said. to try and come back next year.

In Italy, graduation ceremonies are not held for high “I don’t want to go back,” Paola said, but she school students. understands that her parents have missed her being “We really don’t have it,” Paola said. “We finish, away from home for so long, especially since she’s an have big exams. If you pass, good for you, other- only child. wise…”

“They’re happy for me, but obviously they miss Other than the graduation ceremony, the Polisenos me,” Paola said. Until she leaves in another month, spent Memorial Day at the Mall of America. Paola Paola plans to hang out at the lake, go four-wheeling, said she was thrilled to go because she spent the probably do some fishing or even go do some golfing. whole day shopping. On their way to the Mall of America, Giovanni was pulled over for going a little over the speed limit. As Giovanni and Nicoletta chuckled, Paola explained the story.

Officials protect lakeside collectibles SPOONER With water levels approaching record lows along the Great Lakes and some inland waterways, driftwood is becoming more abundant on many shorelines. But state officials warn the removal of driftwood is illegal, and violators could face fines.

“Leave the wood where it lies.” That’s what the Department of Natural Resources Jim Bishop is telling people

who take driftwood off state property to use it for yard ornaments or to sell to vendors. Bishop is the public information officer with the DNR in Spooner.

He says the taking of driftwood is a growing problem. He says some DNR managers on our state-owned flowages like the Chippewa flowage in Sawyer County, the Willow flowage in Oneida County and Turtle Flambeau flowage in

Iron County have been noticing that “literally boatloads” of driftwood have been coming off the properties and been removed off the shorelines.

Bishop says driftwood is an essential and irreplaceable part of the ecosystem.

He says it does serve a rather unique purpose on the flowages as far as being a fish habitat when the waters are high.

He says when the water levels on the

flowages and many of the other waterways are very low, it provides some habitat for amphibians and other wildlife.

Bishop says those who take the driftwood will be told to put it back where they found it, and repeat offenders will face fines. – Wisconsin Public Radio-Jay Stephenson

Cool at commencement

Fashion and fun is always part of Unity High School’s commencement program as seniors feel the urge to express themselves one more time before leaving the halls of their school. This year the hot fashion appeared to be eyewear. Toya Johnson, Kala Hill and Allie Peterson wear Class of 2007 sunglasses as Matt Goulet (photo at left) and Matt Jensen (photo at right) make their own statements. - Photos by Gary King

‘Follow the Leader’

May 30, 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

Old photos inspirational for local artist

by Sherill Summer ST. CROIX FALLS - Christine Mount Kapp loves to paint from old photographs.

She is best known for her art from Depression-era photos. All of the details in the photos are interesting to Kapp and are carefully captured in her art, but it’s the people that interest her the most.

Genealogy is a related interest. There is nothing like family photos to fill out a family tree. In a way, by making paintings from photos, she is taking a photo from an album tucked away somewhere and changing it so it feels at home on a wall.

L o c a l Kapp paints from her own family photos, and she also accepts commissions. She will S e r i e s soon start a 3- by 4foot painting for the town of Dexter, Iowa, to raise money for the historical society. The painting will show President Truman in a car with the town in the background.

Kapp also paints murals and teaches. In fact, she has been teaching students almost as long as she has been painting professionally. While teaching in Taylors Falls, she thought of a way to take her teaching one step further when a student commented, “I love drawing, but when do we get to do clay?”

Kapp thought of all the different mediums her artist friends work in. She also thought of how much fun it would have been to go to an art camp when she was young, and the idea for an art camp was born. When Kapp found property north of Cushing with a wonderful, solid barn, she realized the art camp idea would work here. She moved to the property in 2002 and named it Golden Egg Farm.

There were 16 kids at the first year’s camp. Kapp brought in local artists that specialized in different mediums so kids were able to work in both two and three dimensions. After some advertising and word of mouth, the camp doubled in size the second year. After the second year, Kapp realized that she would have to add a second week during the summer if the class sizes would remain from eight to 10 students per class. She added a second session so that there is a session in both June and July.

The June session has undergone some additional changes since it was begun. Some families didn’t want to come all week so there is the option to enroll either

Artist

Kapp often paints from family photos. This painting was a commissioned painting and is called “A Dandy Day for a Ride.”

Christine Mount Kapp shown next to a painting of her twins called “Farm Boys.” It was just chosen to be in a figure and portrait juried exhibit, the Richeson 75. Kapp’s painting was one of only 75 artworks chosen for the exhibition from June 11- Aug 15 in Kimberly, Wis. - Photos by Sherill Summer by the day or for the whole week. There are more teachers teaching during the June week so there are a larger variety of classes. The classes are also a little longer. Kapp changed the name of the June session to Art Week to reflect the changes The July Art Camp had remained much the same. You must enroll all week long and there is a potluck and art show on Friday, the last day of the camp.

The dates for this year’s sessions are June 11 – 15 for Art Week, and July 9 – 13 for Art Camp. There is still space available for both camps, but some of the classes for Art Week are almost full. Sign-up forms and names of all the teachers are available at Kapp’s Web site.

Whichever week the kids attend, Kapp wants all of the students to feel welcome and to feel that they’ve had plenty of personal attention.

Besides hosting Art Week and Art Camp at her farm, Kapp also has a studio gallery in downtown St. Croix Falls. Kapp opened Gallery 135 with sculptor Juliann Stage in 2005 because Kapp needed space for two large commissions for an Iowa bank, and Stage needed room to work on her sculpture for the city of St, Croix Falls.

Last month, animal portrait artist Peggy Krizak has also set up a studio at Gallery 135. Other area artists have

Kapp’s palette in her studio gallery in downtown St. Croix Falls.

work for sale in the gallery as well.

Kapp’s art can also be found at eight art shows this year. She will set up as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio, and close at Duluth, Minn. More information on Kapp’s shows, Gallery 135, Art Week and Art Camp is on her Web site at www.mountkappsfineartgallery.com.

A brand-new painting titled “The Buck Ride.” -

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

Commencement • Frederic High School • 2007 FREDERIC - “Our class has laughed together, cried together, read Shakespeare together - and even gotten in trouble together,” valedictorian Traci Lundeen said as she addressed the Class of 2007 during Frederic’s commencement ceremony, Sunday.

Lundeen urged her 46 fellow classmates to take advice from Longfellow. “Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.”

Graduates were supported in the present by a gymnasium full of family and friends as they spent their final moments as students.

Salutatorian Julia Haas reminded classmates that while the decision they had made thus far were greatly influenced by adults in their lives - they must take resonsibility for decisions from now on.

And she also gave some advice: “Take time to enoy the little things, because it is usually the little things that make a person truly happy,” she said. She advised her classmates to never settle for less, not to judge others and to smile and laugh.

“It makes you feel better and also brightens the days of others around you.”

“Learning from the past and looking to the future, we are, hopefully, ready for this

change so...ready or not world, here comes the Fredeic High School Class of 2007!”

Dave Dopkins, who began teaching at Frederic 30 years ago, was chosen by the class to turn tassels. Dopkins has been involved in extracurricular activities at the school, including 17 years as an assistant girls basketball coach, one year as head girls coach, as a coach of junior high basketball and athletic trainer. He’s taught biology, advanced biology, chemistry, health, physical science and algebra.

High School Principal Ray Draxler presented awards and noted the presence in the audience of Gilbert Ahlgren, Peggy Ahlgren and Lily Carlson Sauer. Gilbert, Lily and Henry Ahlgren were siblings from the marriage of Carl and Hilda Ahlgren and Peggy is the daughter of Henry Ahlgren. Gilbert was valedictorian at Frederic in 1932, and Lily was salutatorian in 1934.

Also present was Mary Raszkowski, whose late husband’s family established the Merit Scholarship Award, the cornerstone of Frederic’s scholarship program.

The awards and scholarship winners will be listed in next week’s Leader. - Gary King

Photos by Gary King

Frederic valedictorian Traci Lundeen (right) and teacher Dave Dopkins share a light moment as Dopkins congratulates Lundeen on graduating. Dopkins, who has taught for the past 30 years at Frederic High School, was chosen by members of the Class of 2007, to turn the tassels at Sunday’s commencement program.

Emcees for this year’s commencement program were senior class co-presidents Rachel O’Brien and Jacob Schmidt, shown with high school principal Ray Draxler, who presided over the ceremony and the presentation of scholarships/awards.

Julia Haas was the salutatorian of Frederic’s Class of 2007.

Traci Lundeen was the valedictorian of Frederic’s Class of 2007.

Samantha Thompson is presented with the newly created Charles E. Lewis Scholarship by Ray Draxler. Looking on (background) are Supeintendent Jerry Tischer and school board member Scott Nelson.

Graduating members of the high school choir, under the direction of Greg Heine, peformed “Rent...Finale B” with Bryan Knauber (photo at right) as soloist.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

WITC recognizes service anniversaries

This spring 19 faculty and staff members at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-New Richmond Campus were recognized for their years of service at the college. College President Chuck Levine presented each employee with a service award certificate and congratulations at an all-campus meeting.

New Richmond Campus Administrator Joe Huftel then hosted a service anniversary luncheon. Receiving an award for 25 years of service: Al Filipa, Boyceville; Phil Keezer, Osceola. For 20 years: Joyce Quist, Milltown; Kevin Lipsky, New Richmond; Terri Anderson, Amery. For 15 years: Steve Stocker, Osceola. For 10 years: Alex Birkholz, New Richmond; Deb Gregerson, Wilson; Marie Hagen, Emerald; Cynthia Krueger, New Richmond; Kristin Samp, Glenwood City; Olaf Wick, New Richmond; Maggie Wojan, New Richmond.

For five years: Cheri Croft, Hudson; Pat Kinney, Ashland; Jared Lamm, River Falls; Mary Nedland, Prairie Farm; Radu Rasidescu, Hudson; Dennis Rosen, Emerald. WITC-New Richmond offers more than 35 programs and awards two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and a variety of short-term certificates. – Photo submitted

Telephone company awards scholarship to local student Jesse Sorenson is the recipient of a 2007 Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation scholarship, according to John Klatt, president of Lakeland Communications.

Sorenson, a graduate of Luck High School, is one of 25 high school students throughout the state to receive telecommunications scholarships worth $1,500 each.

Jesse Sorenson’s application was submitted by Lakeland Communications and was one of 162 applications for the scholarship funds.

The foundation is part of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association, which is a trade organization representing 70 telephone companies and cooperatives in Wisconsin. In addition to the 25 scholarships to graduating high school students, the foundation awarded six $750 scholarships for first-year students enrolled in Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Electronics Communications Program.

Selections are based on financial need, academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Since 1966, the foundation has awarded a total of $1,006,450 to 818 students. – submitted

Golden Oaks celebrates 25 years

Frederic Housing Authority to hold open house June 10

FREDERIC - On June 10 there will be an open house in the commons room of the Golden Oaks Apartments to celebrate the building’s 25th year.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend this celebration.

The Golden Oaks building is located at 104 3rd Ave. West, in Frederic, just south of Hwy. 48.

This picture was taken on April 1, 1982, and is considered the beginning of Golden Oaks opened in 1982 and is the the use of the Golden Oaks Apartments. It was moving day! Note the snow piles younger of two federally subsidized on April 1. buildings in the village of Frederic,

By June of 1981, site preparation was which cater to the affordable housing other building to house the seniors or needs of the elderly or disabled citizens. disabled individuals was demonstrated in full swing and a ground-breaking cerThe Sunrise Apartments located on the by the consistently long waiting list for emony was held on July 8th. By Septemcorner of Main Street and Lake Avenue, apartments at the Sunrise facility. Archi- ber the building had advanced to a stage was opened in 1970. Both were turnkey tects were hired, plans were developed where the contractor indicated that it projects financed by a bond issue and approved, bids were let and ac- would be finished in approximately through the Department of Housing and cepted, and the support of the Wisconsin three months.

In February 1982 the final inspection Urban Development (HUD). The Golden Housing and Urban Development deOaks apartment building has 28 one- partment was obtained. All of this oc- was made and the Housing Authority bedroom apartments and four two-bed- curred before a meeting in the Frederic accepted the building from the general Village Boardroom on April 27, 1981. contractor. The official turning over of room apartments.

Ruby Johnson and Viola Olson, two residents who have lived in the apartments for the 25 years of its existence, will be honored at the open house, which will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Coffee and cake will be served. A short program honoring the 25-year tenants will be held at 3:30 p.m. and music will be provided by the Out Of Luck Quartet and Liz Ruhn.

Planning for the Golden Oaks Apartments occupied much of the meeting Golden Oaks Apartments today. time of the Frederic Housing Authority during the two years prior to the April 1, 1982 occupancy date. The need for an-

Ruby Johnson stands next to the birdbath she’s taken care of for over five years in the backyard of Frederic’s Golden Oaks apartments. She also has a number of plants surrounding it.

Over the past 25 years living at the Golden Oaks Apartments, the 88-yearold Johnson has enjoyed many moments with the residents that have lived there, baking cookies for the staff, sewing and traveling. “It’s been a nice home here,” Johnson said. – Photos by Marty Seeger the keys was recorded in the Leader in the March 3, 1982 issue. April 1, 1982 was set as the official opening of the building and move-in day for the new residents.

At this point, all 32 of the apartments had been rented and a waiting list of potential tenants was held by the director of the housing authority. An open house for the facility was held on May 16, 1982.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Hennings Family of Laketown and Cushing

by Russ Hanson In 1929 in his 80s, Christian Hennings wrote a memoir of his life. He begins the slim booklet: “For some of us life slips by quietly and noneventfully; for others, it roars along turbulently, like a river at the flood. But for all of us, in the evening of life, memories become acute, and we’re better able to value the influences and circumstances that shaped our lives.

My memories of childhood are keen, there was bitter as well as sweet, and in our broken home was little real joy for children. But the thing that seems to stand out most clearly is the fact that in each crisis, in each time of need, there were kind people ready and willing to help me. And though my benefactors will not see these lines, I cannot forbear recording here the gratitude of my heart for kindness that saved and pointed my way forward.”

Christian was the younger brother of John Hennings, an early Laketown settler. John and Christian left HolsteinSchleswig (then part of Denmark); came to the United States to join their father in Minnesota; enlisted in the Union Army and fought three years in the Civil War and afterwards came to Wisconsin. John, with his son Andrew, settled in the north part of Laketown (Section 14) in the early 1870s. John helped to start the Laketown Lutheran Church and was its lay pastor until a regular minister could be found.

John and Christian Hennings had a hard life in Denmark. They were placed out to work at age 7 with neighboring farmers for room and board only. At age 15, when they were confirmed, they were on their own. Their father had left for Minnesota leaving behind his wife and children to get along on their own.

When they reached 18 years of age, they came to America. They found their father and then got caught up in the patriotic feeling and enlisted in the Union Army.

John was injured by a bullet, but con-

Hennings family (L to R): Norman, Andrew, Clara, Esther, Roy, Lina (Gullickson) and Ruth. tinued to serve. When he got out at the end of the war, within a few months he lost his right hand in a machine accident. The details of his marriage and his wife’s death are missing. By 1874 John and his son Andrew were living in Laketown Township on their own farm.

Andrew Hennings was bright and had an education. He was the first schoolteacher at the Hennings school (also called the Old Oak Grove School), just north of Hwy. B on 200th Street. Andrew was the first Laketown Township clerk in 1875 when Laketown separated from Sterling Township. In 1879, John was instrumental in getting the new Laketown Lutheran Church started.

Hennings children (Back) Roy, Norman, Clara; (front) Bess, Esther, Violet and Ruth about 1897.– Photos submitted

Andrew was elected Polk County Clerk and served for most of the 1880s, moving to Osceola temporarily. He married Lena Gullickson, daughter of Nils Gullickson, first settler in what became Cushing. Their son, Roy Jack Hennings, was born in 1883 in Osceola.

The family moved back to Laketown at the end of the 1880s and to his father-inlaw’s farm in Cushing, although they kept their farm in Section 14 for many years longer.

In 1891, with neighbor Thomas Hansen, they started the first business in Cushing, a general store. The store partnership dissolved in 1895 with Thomas Hansen building his own new store up the hill. Andrew died in about 1898 leaving his wife and five children, Roy the oldest at age 15. The family kept the store and farm for a time with their father-in-law Nils.

Roy became a prolific writer, writing under his own name and the name of Dr. Squirt, Brimstone Bill, By Heck, Professor Heck and others in dozens of local, state and national newspapers and magazines for 40 years. His articles were informational and humorous. His newspaper articles give us much information about the history of Cushing.

Roy began writing the Cushing News in the Polk County Ledger in 1903 and expanded to include the Standard Press in 1909. He tried farming, worked in the woods as a logger and on the log drives, and then took on the rural mail carrier job in the Cushing area. He bought his first motorcycle in 1907 and by 1912 had a dealership for HarleyDavidson in Cushing, selling many to his friends and neighbors.

When World War I broke out in 1914, the U.S. determined to stay out of it, and did until 1918. After 1915, Roy went north part time to homestead some land

in far northern Minnesota near Baudette. He was working on his land there while at the same time having expanded his newspaper writing to more local papers in Wisconsin and Minnesota and to several agriculture publications and occasionally to the Twin Cities newspapers.

Roy was 35 when he enlisted in the war in 1918. He did not have to as he had been working in the spruce logging industry in northern Minnesota. Spruce was used for making biplanes being produced for the war effort so it was a deferred job. He joined to become a motorcycle dispatch rider. He never got sent overseas as the war was over by the time he was trained and ready to ship.

He spent his year in the Army as an MP on a military base in Norfolk, VA. He continued to write about his experiences throughout the war.

Returning to Cushing and then to Minnesota, he continued to write as a sideline while working at many different jobs. Eventually the lure of logging led him to head west to Oregon and Washington state where he worked in the timber industry for the rest of his life; still writing, sometimes a dozen articles for various papers each week.

He died of a brain tumor at age 60 in 1943 and was buried in the Laketown Lutheran Cemetery by his sister, parents and grandfather.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Squirt, send $5 to SELHS, Box 731, Cushing, WI 54006 for our thick booklet on him and his life. We also have copied Christian Henning’s memoirs and it is available for $3.

Our “Stories of the Trade River Valley” is selling well at our local outlets of the Trade Lake Valley Store, The Atlas Store, and Vern’s Country Market in Cushing thanks to all of our loyal readers and our great local storekeepers.

We are hard at work on the “History of Cushing” and are looking for your stories and your pictures to make it as complete as possible. Don’t wait too long as we will be printing it early next year.

Join SELHS at $10 yearly or $100 lifetime and get a Trade Lake book discount!

Don’t forget the 68th-annual Sterling Picnic in Cushing on Sunday, June 24, at 11 p.m. We are still looking for more demonstrations and local collections of historic items and photos for the potluck picnic. Will brother Everett get his Model T together in time to bring it?

Broom making, spinning, churning demonstrations planned!

Cushing Tigers reunion Saturday, Sept. 1, 2 p.m. Cushing Community Center Second-Annual River Road-Hwy. 87 Ramble Sept. 22, weekend. Do it yourself!

Send those stories and photos to Russ Hanson, 2558 Evergreen Ave., Cushing, WI 54006 or call 715-488-2776 or e-mail russhan@rconnect.com and share with us! Coming soon—Vernon Peterson’s story “On the Watkins Route.”

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

A Son of the Cutover

by Melvin Nack It is said that truth is stranger than fiction. For this reason, I am writing this true story of life on 80 acres of cutover in Burnett County of northern Wisconsin.

My father had been renting a farm in the wheat country of northwestern Minnesota. When the place was sold, he decided to buy a place. Happening on an ad listing cheap land in Wisconsin’s cutover area, and being an avid fisherman, he came to Webster for a look. The real estate man treated him to a dinner at his home, of freshly caught and fried fish. This was topped off with pie made of fresh wild blueberries.

Well, Dad, as he said afterward, swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker. He did buy 80 acres with a tworoom tar paper shanty and a small log barn.

After an auction sale to cut down the livestock and

machinery to what would be needed on a small farm, we headed for our new home. Dad, by freight train with cattle, horses, machinery and furniture; Mother and two kids a few days later. We found out the hard way about winter in northern Wisconsin. Dad had his sled in the back of the car and the wagon by the door, thinking the snow would be gone. The train that brought Mother and her brood arrived in the night.

The depot agent took us to a hotel. For some reason the furnace wasn’t working, so we crawled into cold sheets. After breakfast next morning, Dad came to get us. In just a day or so, and with the neighbors’ help, we were settled in our new home.

By far the biggest single event of our first spring in Wisconsin was the arrival at our shanty home of a baby sister. I remember it so well. My sister and I had been living in anxious anticipation all winter. It was a beautiful spring day, May 25, to be exact. Mother sent sister and I to the Spur Store. (She suddenly found out she was out of sugar). On our way home thru the woods, Grandpa Clark came to meet us. He was visiting for some fishing. He suggested picking a bunch of wild flowers for mother. So pick flowers we did until we heard Dad yelling, “Come and see your baby sister.” Believe you me, we high-tailed it home in high gear. Baby was quickly named Gertrude. Mother and doctors had a pretty sick child to care for the first months of her life. Baby finally outgrew her problems to the great relief and joy of all of us.

I was six years old, so I finished my first year of school at Kruger, which was across the road from us.

I recall the March 17 blizzard. The teacher, a dozen kids, and two men who came for kids, couldn’t make it home and stayed with us. We had beds all over the shack that night. I woke up to a good laughing spell, as I listened to the snoring coming from the kitchen!

Spring came fast after the storm. In no time, we had a garden plowed and planted. The five acres of plow land was seeded to oats and clover the next year’s hay. Then we cut brush and pulled stumps. I could drive the horse on the stump puller and help pile and burn brush. So we “broke” enough for potatoes, rutabagas and corn. Out first crop was very good, only not enough acres, and to sell.

We cut logs on our land in the winter of 1918-19, and started to build a house and barn that spring. The carpenter earned $2.50 per day with room and board.

The helpers got $2.25 with two meals. The house cost $3,500. Of course, no heat, insulation, bath or electricity. But maybe you think it wasn’t a palace after two years in the shanty!

The decade 1920 to 1930 saw farming come to its peak as far as numbers of farms and farmers go. The Co-operative Creamery was the big business. The farmers’ club and county fair were main elements of education and entertainment. You see, we did work hard six days a week, but the Saturday night house dances will not be forgotten, and later on, the community affairs at Spur Store. Lots of fun and little cash

outlay. Then there were the box socials, last day of school picnics, etc. Something going on all the time. Fishing was a sport and a simple way to get meat for the table. In those days, if a bait was cast into a creek, you could almost see the fish bite.

Bernice We surely lived as simply Abrahamzon and as happily as was possible, working hard and enjoying the abundance of our Lord’s provision. But the cry of progress began to be heard, and many listened, thinking it was good. Almost simultaneously, Hwy. 35 was laid down the middle of our community.

Worst of all, it was kept snow free all winter. Town roads had to be plowed or the poor farmer had to walk. The highway was wonderful for the tourists and lakeshore developers. Fishing and water quality have suffered.

Education took a leap forward. At this time, a Union Free High School District was organized. A high school was built, so we could go to school for free. Oh yes, taxes tripled after this progress. Incidently, we still walked to school or rented rooms in town. I recall taking the train to Frederic for basketball games. We got back on another at 2 a.m. Riding the back of a truck to River Falls for an oratorical contest was another episode in our school career.

We did learn to live and make a living. In the dry years as the rains ceased, belts were tightened. Income was cut in half and cut again. Many farm mortgages were foreclosed, and much land was sold to the county for delinquent taxes. Farmers put up wild hay on the wiregrass meadows in an effort to keep livestock alive. One year, fire burned many stacks of this low-quality product. Many cattle were sold and hay bought. Dad lost the place in this deal. We rented it for two years and bought it back for a fraction of the loan.

Now Dad and Mother are gone; the old farm stands idle. My son owns it and lives in the old house. Extensive remodeling is being done. As for me, my bride of 34 years passed on, a victim of multiple sclerosis. I am presently enjoying good care here in Capeside Cove. I thank God for his provision as I reminisce about my life as a “son of the cutover days.”

(Written circa 1975) Courtesy of Jeanette O.

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

The Country Editor

by Melvin Nack One man I know whom heaven should bless, The editor of our local press.

From early morning until day’s end He must print the news and not offend.

As he caters to his advertising accounts He wants to watch the subscriber list mount.

Legal ads bring home the bacon.

His neutral position must not be shaken.

The democrat “bean feed” must have equal space With the republican “fundraiser” to save his face.

Local activity cannot be ignored, With the fair, the church and the school underscored.

Births and deaths cannot be omitted, Missing just one note is an error committed.

Weddings require utmost expertise and know Woe to the reporter who boggles this show.

Absolute accuracy is of the essence.

A misspelled word must never be present.

On top of all this there is competition.

From the radio and TV come daily emission.

So hang in there, dear friend, do not shirk.

Tho the day be long, keep up the good work.

Then in time to come, I’d like to think, You will earn a crown made of gold ink.

(Note: If you have a copy of his booklet, you have a real, regional treasure! I wish I had saved all the issues of the little newspaper Capeside Chatter, as it was filled with pictures and news of Capeside Cove residents. Lots of local history there, before it all became a couple of lines on a tombstone).

Until next week, Bernice Abrahamzon

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago One headline read Beautiful Rain so it had been a dry spell then, too.-Willis Peterson of Frederic was elected Commander of the Frederic American Legion. Other officers elected were Romain Brandt, first vice-commander; E.A. Christensen, second vice-commander; Harvey Oleson, adjutant; Elmer Johnson, finance officer; Anton Johnson, chaplain; Ray Moats, sergeant-at-arms; and Art Peters, service officer.Fifty-seven seniors received diplomas at the Frederic High School commencement services.-Allen Kinney, secretary of the Polk County Bar Association announced that all law offices in Polk County would be closed on Saturdays during the months of June, July and August.-Mr. and Mrs. Victor Holmgren would celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 2 with an open house at Zion Lutheran Church of Bone Lake.-Open house was held May 26 for the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Korsan in the basement of St. Patrick’s church, Centuria.-A big celebration was held May 25 at Danbury business places including Rogers Clothing, Cohen’s General Store, Consolidated Lumber Co., Super Market, Townsend’s Last Cast Tavern and the Fish Bowl Café and Bakery. Even the Tumbleweed Trio from WDSM Radio and TV was there.

40 Years Ago Webster High School graduation was held May 19.

Top students were Jerry Sikorski and Nancy McMahon, valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Other high achievers were Jennifer Snelson, Argene Johnson, Norma Paulus, Darlene Beers, Francis Campbell, Sylvia Mansfield, Linda Briggs and Regenia Stewart.-Turkey or chicken were served at Pheasant Inn, Siren, on Mother’s Day.-George Stevermer had a May 17 auction at his farm (which he had soilbanked) west of Milltown.-Mrs. Clarence Nelson had a May 15 auction at her farm south of Milltown, due to the sudden death of her husband.-The Falun Café served turkey, roast duck or chicken as a Mother’s Day special.-Oak Grove, Webster, served from noon and on for Mother’s Day.-Confirmands at Immanuel Lutheran Church were Carole Hansen, Charlene Schinkel, Vicki Bengtson, Janey Stoner, Simeon Cook, Donna Hansen, Diane Ordway, Linda Java, Carmella Crandall and Roy Cook. The pastor was James Schneider.-It was written that drivers under 25 continue to be the worst drivers of any age group according to their driving records.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store were bananas at 10¢ lb., russet potatoes at 69¢ for a 20-lb. bag and watermelon at 99¢ each.

20 Years Ago The Business of the Week was Nielsen’s Time Shop in downtown Luck.-Leading the Frederic High School Honor Roll were Steve Redman, senior; Jennifer Wisse, junior; Heidi Huser, sophomore; Steven Owens, freshman.-An open wedding dance was given April 25 at the 300 Club at Frederic for Jay and Kris Fruehling.-Luck Standard Service was sold to Wayne Boatman. It was owned and operated the past 32 years by Marvin Nyman and Lloyd Dau.-The new Luck Country Inn was ready to open, and the main attraction was the 32-ft. pool with a nearby Jacuzzi.

The building was owned by Dale and Ardell Hulett.Obituaries included Glen Morsching, Olivia Parkins, William Taylor, Marilyn Mangelsen, Evelyn Olson and Lloyd Ferdon.-Roy E. Tibbetts wrote a humorous essay on “The New Paddling Machine.”-A fire north of Frederic burned 26 acres, and firefighters were at the scene for six hours. It was on the Ken Stoneseifer property in West Sweden.-Harley and Doris Hansen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with open house and a dance on April 25 at Milltown Community Center.-Steve Steiner was pictured blowing up a balloon from the outside at the Science and Futures Fair at the Siren High School.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

Leafing through the pages of the 1907 Standard-Press file, we happened to come across the infamous poem written by several St. Croix Falls schoolgirls, submitted to the Standard-Press, that caused the girls to be suspended from school. Two of them were Hazel and Mabel Dresser, then 17 and 15 years of age. Their father was Lester B. Dresser, a prosperous and influential businessman who was known to be rather “opinionated,” particularly in his belief that his daughters had a right to free speech. The school officials, however, saw the poem as an infringement on discipline and ordered the girls to make an apology and pay a 40-cent fine.

Dresser refused to apologize or pay the fine, and eventually the case went all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The full story appears in St. Croix Tales and Trails column printed in the Leader on Sept. 20, 2000, and in the

Good news, Recycling Control Commission has a new market for and appliances the price is new too! The price to recycle an appliance is now $15, Jen Barton down from $25.

Appliances are accepted at the Grantsburg Recycling Site, A&H Recycling Site, Reycling Oakland CollecControl tion Center, and Commission the Spooner Recycling Site. Please call Jen for hours of operation at 6352197, or e-mail at jbarton@nwrpc.com.

RCC actively searches for better markets to keep recycling costs down for residents. Recycling is not always the cheapest and easiest answer, but it is the best and in some cases the only answer.

Major appliances, lead acid batteries, aluminum containers, used oil, steel and glass containers, newspaper, office paper, plastic containers (No. 1 and No. 2 bottles with necks), tires, magazines, and cardboard are all banned from landfills. All of these items are accepted in Burnett and Washburn counties for recycling; just call Jen for more information. Yard waste is also not accepted at the landfill. Yard waste is organic, of course, and should be left to decompose or compost. There are a few local sites that do accept some

EARTH NOTES

book, but at that time we were unable to find the poem in question.

Finally, found in the Feb. 8, 1907, St. Croix Valley Standard, this is the poem that caused all the trouble: Sit strictly gazing to the front, Until the teacher says “Stand.”

And then with arise, dignity And march to the Brass Band.

get there alright.

For goodness sake you must keep time, Lift your feet off from the floor.

If you don’t choose to go down stair, Go in at the northern door.

Rosemarie Vezina Braatz

A ST. CROIX TALE

Step gracefully up on your toes, And bring your heels down tight.

Just miming your elders, And you’ll

types of yard waste and brush, but most have residency restrictions.

Please call Jen for information on the yard waste sites, what is accepted and who can use them.

As a reminder, do not leave any garbage at recycling sites (unless of course garbage is accepted for disposal). Also, please remove all caps from containers and rinse with water.

Please do not place plastic bags in the recycling drop-off boxes, empty out your recyclables into the bin and take your bag home with you.

Wood River Garden Store in Grantsburg and Bashaw Valley Greenhouse between Shell Lake and Spooner, as well as the recycling sites at Grantsburg, Oakland, A&H, Minong and Spooner are accepting No. 2 and No. 5 garden pots and trays for recycling.

Please look for the black carts labeled No. 2 or No. 5 at the designated dropoff locations listed above. Containers must have either a No. 2 or No. 5 in the triangular recycling symbol on the bottom. If it does not have this symbol, please do not put it into the black cart for recycling, either reuse it or place in your trash.

Remember, you do not have to be a resident to utilize the recycling opportunities at area drop-off sites. Although some sites accept garbage from their residents, (or require a punchcard or ID card for garbage disposal) all RCC recycling sites are open to the public for recycling-regardless of where you live. If you have any questions please call or e-mail Jen.

Look straight ahead, keep single file, Come right back to your seat, Imagine that you are in jail, Sing-Sing our school can beat.

And as you go down the stairs, One step at the time if you please, Cling closely to the banister, Don’t whisper, smile or sneeze.

You must shut your mouth at mealtime, You must shut it at recess, You must keep it shut at morning, And all other times I guess.

When you get up to leave the room,

Don’t take a friend along.

You must not once quit working hard, Because you know that’s wrong.

Can’t even stop to tie your shoe, Or blow your nose or cough.

Don’t look up from your book at all, Nor don’t you dare to laugh.

Just calmly wait ‘til four o’clock, You know that comes ‘round soon.

And then you’re free from prison, until the next forenoon.

A couple weeks ago we printed an item about Bill Hosli, an eccentric, earlyday resident of Taylors Falls, but mentioned that didn’t recall where we got the clipping from... turns out it was Mrs. George (Jean) Stannard, of St. Croix Falls, who told us about Bill during a recent visit. - Sponsored by the St. Croix Falls Historical Society

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Frederic Senior Center Monday was a busy day with spades at 1 p.m. The following were winners: Hazel Hoffman in first place, Norma Nelson in second place, Arnie Borchert in third place and Eleanor Bonneville in fourth place.

The fourth-grade group came at 3:30 p.m., and planted flowers, served us lunch and gave us a very inspiring program. If we seniors could vote for the teacher of the year, it would be Melinda Sorenson and the ideal students would be her fourth-grade class. This group will make good citizens, who are going to carry on when we will no longer be able to do community activities.

Pokeno was played on Wednesday. As always, this group enjoys playing together. If you would like to join

349-7249

Peterson/Carr The parents of Heather Peterson and Jeremy Carr are proud to announce their engagement.

Heather, a 2001 graduate of Luck High School and a 2005 graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Minn., is currently employed as an account executive/corporate recruiter for Career Professionals in Edina, Minn.

Jeremy is a 2002 graduate of Spring Lake Park High School in Minnesota. He is currently employed as a business development representative for Epicor Software in Minnetonka, Minn.

The couple will be united in marriage on July 7, 2007, at Luck Lutheran Church in Luck with a reception and dance to follow at The Lodge at Crooked Lake, Siren.

The couple will make their home in Minnetonka, Minn.

- Photo submitted

Dewey - LaFollette 468-2520

Karen Mangelsen

Clam River Tuesday Club will meet June 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Sue Mroszak.

Judy Albee joined a group that met at the home of Connie and Dave Zaloudek Thursday evening. They began planning the 25-year reunion of the class of 1982.

Karen Mangelsen went to Mound, Minn., Saturday to attend the wedding of her nephew, Dale Romsos. She rode with Ron and Julie Jensen.

Jan, Jim, Caleb and Hannah Schott were weekend guests of Lida and Don Nordquist.

Weekend visitors of Hank and Karen Mangelsen were Larry, Celie, Baxter, Jake, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen, and April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close.

Judy Albee attended the graduation open house of Ethan Hayes Sunday. Later she joined Bonnie Ackland and Rod Coyour at the home of Dean and Virginia Elken and they played cards.

A large number of people gathered at Hertel Lakeview Cemetery Monday for a Memorial Day service. Judy Albee organized a program of readings and songs, and VFW Post 1256 and Auxiliary of Siren presented a military memorial program.

Duane Albee and Beverly Brunclik visited Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen Monday morning.

About 60 family members gathered at the home of Nina and Lawrence Hines Monday for a potluck picnic.

Beverly Brunclik and Judy Albee visited Patty and Preston Haglin Monday. Later they had supper together and enjoyed playing some Scrabble at Judy’s home.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Roger and Sue Mroszak Monday evening.

349-2964

Bev Beckmark

689-2349.

Coming up Sunday, June 3, is the annual Free Kid’s Fishing contest at the Clam Lake Wayside, from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration starting at 8 a.m. This event is put on by the Siren Lions and the Lake Country Snowmobile Club. For more info call 715-349-2400. This is a great time to introduce your 2- to 17-year-olds the fun sport of fishing.

The Siren Methodist men had their annual men’s yard sale last Saturday, at the parsonage garage and parking lot.

Art and Bev Beckmark visited with Peggy Strabel out on Waldora Road Saturday afternoon.

Luck Senior Center

This column is being written before our monthly potluck so I can’t report how it went and how many in attendance so check out Luck senior news next week. Also hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and took time to remember our veterans and those that are saving our country today.

OK, here’s the extra-special news, starting Tuesday, May 29, the Luck Senior Center will be open every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, I will be serving lunch, and Wednesdays will be volunteer days

Barb Munger

manager/cook at the center. She will be taking off a few days to recover from foot surgery that she had done last Friday. It might slow her down for a bit but we still won’t be able to catch up to her.

Winners at 500 on Wednesday were Jeanette Olson, Dean Elkin, Doris Schauers and Don Heavey. Herb Sederlund treated the players to a freshly baked cake and popcorn and Marge Nyberg supplied the players with cheese and crackers.

Friday spades winners were, Sue Hughes, Marie Bentley, Arvid Pearson and Joyce McKinney. Judy treated the spades players to caramel corn, Marge Nyberg, cheese and crackers and Barb Munger, brownies. It was good to see Judy Bauerfeld and Sue Hughes back to play cards as Judy winters in Arizona and Sue hasn’t joined us all winter due to other obligations.

Welcome back, girls.

Tuesday afternoon is dime bingo time which starts at 1 p.m. and everyone is invited to come and play.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. so stop in and have some coffee and goodies.

Hope everyone had a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

Siren

We finally got the rain, beautiful rain, late on Wednesday. It came on a little too fast, with strong winds, but it finally settled down to a nice steady soaker most of Thursday, giving the area a much-needed drink after quite a long and windy dry spell.

Congratulations to elementary student Sam Vasatka, middle schooler Hans Dahlberg and high schooler Cory Abbott for being chosen Siren School’s student of the week.

Congratulations to Sarah Howe for being Siren School’s prep of the week.

Don’t forget the Luther Point Bible Camp’s annual Scramble Golf Tournament is coming up on June 4, at the Siren National Golf course. For more info call 715-

472-8285

them, they always welcome new players.

Friday’s group is also active. Thursday night 500 players winners were: Dave Peterson in first place, Arnie Borchert in second place, Susie Hughes in third place and Inez Pearson in fourth place.

We had Saturday share-a-lunch and potluck dinner on Memorial Day, followed by spades at 1 p.m.

Our month meeting will be Friday, June 1, at 1:30 p.m.

All members urged to attend.

“Always remember, the hinges of friendship never grow rusty.” Senior Citizen Centers are a good place for fellowship and friendship.

Siren Senior Center

No word on anything exciting happening this coming week, but next week we will be in gear again redecorating our tables for June. The upcoming events include Dining at Five on June 7. Reservations have been slow coming in so please don’t wait until the last minute to put your name on the dining list. Shirley is planning on serving meat loaf, baked potato, scalloped corn, salad bar and fruited Jell-O for dessert. Of course milk and coffee are also included in the dinner.

For reservations call 715-349-2845 so Shirley can sign you up. The foot clinic ladies will be here on Monday June 4. I noticed that they still had a few openings for that day so if your feet would like a little tender loving care, they are the girls that can do the job. Call the center at 715-349-7810 to make an appointment.

The farmers market will be at the senior center parking lot every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. until October.

It should be interesting to see what is offered each week when the gardens start producing. Last week they had some beautiful flower arrangements and plants. I am sure they will have more this week, so stop in and check it out.

Speedy recovery to Shirley Holmes our

Ardyce Knauber

Shirley Lund

for serving lunch. All members are encouraged to help out one Wednesday a month so that we can be open all four days. With this new program I am hoping that you all will visit the center and see what new and interesting things are being planned. Your input is also important to us. Any suggestions? Bring ‘em on! Let’s get this senior center hopping!

Until next week, be happy and keep smiling!

P.S. Pearl Jensen and I planted the window boxes at the center, check it out. Thanks, Pearl! (Be sure to water!)

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 653-4281

Lewis

Sorry to read about the passing of Bob Weld. He was a good friend of the Lewis and Siren United Methodist churches as he donated a Christmas tree for several years from his very own tree farm in rural Shell Lake. He was often at Wednesday morning Bible study at Siren, making the coffee and supplying a treat. He always came with a funny story to share while pastor warned him, “Be careful now. Is it OK?” Bob always sent Christmas cards with a photograph of his own land and woods. He enjoyed his computer, and often sent stories from the Internet. Some were appropriate to use in Behind the Signpost. He was a very generous person!

The blessed rain finally came to revive our fields, woods and gardens. It really raised everyone’s spirits. Perhaps this will be a normal growing season.

No scrabble this week on account of Memorial Day. Our new player is Janis Bean of Luck. A rhubarb dessert was served by Joan Jendro of Elbow Lake. She is very busy these days with gardening. Perhaps you know her from the Frederic Farmers Market, where she sells her beautiful dahlias and other flowers.

Work continues to improve the looks of the bar on Main Avenue, Lewis, including a massive cleanup plus remodeling.

Both Pentecost Sunday and Memorial Day were celebrated at Lewis Church. The choir sang a very peppy number, “The Good Old Red, White and Blue.” Nice to have visitors among us including Jessica and Brian Ford, here for the graduation of Ann Marie Nelson.

Open house was held for Ann Saturday afternoon at her home, with many relatives and friends coming to offer congratulations. Her open house sheet cake was shared with coffee following church services. Sunday’s weather turned out to be a bit nicer than it was on Saturday.

The monthly administrative board will meet Wednesday, at 7 p.m., at the church, preceded by the usual potluck fellowship supper at 6 p.m. The church newsletter is in the mail.

Hope you read Mary Stirrat’s column in last week’s Leader, and it is a surprise to hear she and her family are leaving the area, for a new venture. Your correspondent first met Mary through the Burnett County Historical Society when the Fort Avoine was just being excavated. Wishing her happiness in her new location. We will miss her reporting.

Since Larry Reed passed away a few weeks ago, the home he and Delores shared is now for sale. Since we’ve lived here, it has passed through several hands, including the Bert Petersons; Martin and Bernice Peterson; the Dennis McKees, the Reeds. Years bring inevitable changes.

On Sunday, happy anniversary was sung to LouAnn and Ray Gackle and to Alice and Charles Ford, at the church service. Wishing them happiness.

Carol and Lee Mangelson, LaVerne Leep visited with Patrick and Stacy Jarvis and their kids, Michael and Stephanie at their home in Greenville. Jenny, Krist Mid-

Bernice Abrahamzon

brod and their kids of Somerset, also visited on the weekend of the 19 and 20. Patrick and Krist participated in the Green Bay Half Marathon 2007, on Sunday morning, starting and finishing at Lambeau Field. On Saturday, Stephanie and Michael also did some running at a local park. Stephanie’s birthday was also celebrated with other family members attending on Saturday afternoon. Carol, Lee and LaVerne drove on down to Slinger on Sunday afternoon to visit Amy, Marc Shatswell and kids, Ryan and Kaitlyn at their new home and were overnight guests.

Amber Berklund, Waukesha, also visited at both homes.

Audrey (Jiffs) Wickstrom, Phoenix, Ariz., was a houseguest of LaVerne on Wednesday and Thursday. They visited friends and relation of Jiggs, Audrey and Laverne have been best friends since high school days, and really do enjoy time together.

Carol, Lee and LaVerne drove to Hutchinson, Minn, on Saturday, May 26, to attend the high school graduation party for Jill McEdward, LaVerene’s great-granddaughter, and were overnight guests of Diane and Ron Acklund. On the way home on Sunday, they visited with the Midbrods and Tom and Lisa Mangeson.

Sheila Staples went to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds this past weekend to meet Linda Herrick, Siren, and Linda’s daughter Kristin Pokluda from Texas. Kristin is a professional horse trainer and several of her clients were in competition with their horses in many events at the fairgrounds. Sunday evening Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon were among the many people attending the graduation open house at West Sweden Skol Haus for Kevin Mossey. Kevin’s mother Carol is a co-worker of Sheila and Rick. Kevin’s grandmother, Catherine Olson, was Sheila and Rick’s elementary teacher at the Lewis School.

Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park Friday, June 1 3 p.m. – Hike to the Summit. Join Naturalist Julie Fox for a hike up the Summit Rock Trail. Learn fascinating f a c t s about the history of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River.

Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign.

Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3 Free Fishing Weekend. No fishing licenses required in Wisconsin. All other rules and regulations apply.

Saturday, June 2 – National Trails Day Watch for posters listing specific events, times and locations.

1:30 p.m. – Wisconsin Explorer: Diary of a Tree. Free booklets with fun activities for parents and their children entering grades 4 and up. Meet the naturalist at the Ice Age Center.

Dottie Adams

We are working on items for our craft sale on June 9.

We have some very nice things again this year.

The Tuesday afternoon domino winners were Ione Meixner in first place, Deloris Benson in second place, Don Anderson in third place. 500 card winners were Pete Schlosser in first place, Phil Mevissen in second place, Wally Quist in third place, Vern Lundstrom in fourth place, Karin Everson in fifth place.

Christian Women’s luncheon was held on Monday at the senior center. We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over. Those who open their hearts to others are wonderful, warm-hearted people who make the difference in our lives.

The Thursday evening 500 card winners were JoAnn Gehrman in first place, Karin Everson in second place, Norm Schmeckpeper in third place and Elroy Petzel in fourth place.

Have a wonderful week.

Line coming to Amery

Births Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A girl, Olivia Mae Cunningham, born May 16, 2007, to Todd and Stacey Cunningham, Dresser. Olivia weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Olyvia Lynn Charpentia, born May 18, 2007, to Courtney and Jeff Charpentia, Harris, Minn. Olyvia weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A boy, Gavin David Priebe, born May 16, 2007, to Brent and Krystin Priebe, Luck. Gavin weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz.

••• A boy, Brody Michael Lathe, born May 19, 2007, to Brian Lathe and April Hiland, St. Croix Falls. Brody weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

•••

Interstate Park Nature Story Time returns to Interstate Park ST. CROIX FALLS - A popular program for young children and their parents will start up again this summer at Wisconsin Interstate Park. Thursdays at 10 a.m., June 7 through August 30, Interstate Park naturalists will share a story and activity with children, pre-K through kindergarten, and their parents. The short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Story Time will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. “Winter Nature Story Time is a huge success,” commented naturalist Julie Fox, “Summer Nature Story Time is even more fun with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and games.” For more information call Julie or Barb at 715-483-3747.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center

4 p.m. – Hiking the Ice Age Trail. The Pothole Trail is the western terminus of the 1200-mile long Ice Age National Scenic Trail that spans the state of Wisconsin.

Join Naturalist Barb Walker for a relaxing hike on the trail while learning about the unique geology of Interstate Park, a unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. Meet at the Pothole Trail sign.

7 p.m. – Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night. Owls are among the most successful nighttime predators because of their incredible adaptations. Learn all about them with Naturalist Barb Walker and her live owl Aztec at a program presented at the Ice Age Center.

Sunday, June 3 – Open House Day Free admission to all Wisconsin State Parks.

10 a.m. – Ancient Abandoned River Beds. Take a trip back in time on the Meadow Valley Trail. Meet Natuat the ralist Barb Walker Meadow Valley Trail sign near the beach parking lot for a short hike up the valley.

2 p.m. – What’s Fluttering – Butterfly or Moth? A fun program for younger elementary-aged children and their parents. Meet at the picnic shelter at Camp Interstate located across from the south campground entrance.

Thursday, June 7 10 a.m. – Nature Story Time: Join Naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker at 10 a.m., on Thursdays through August for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through Kindergarten and their parents.

Check at the park office upon arrival for program location.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. The programs are

AMERY – Lorie Line will be performing on Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m., at the Amery High School Auditorium. Over the past 16 years, pianist Lorie Line has released 26 albums on her own independent label, selling over 5 million copies. She has published 20 books of sheet music and plays to over 100,000 people a year.

As one of few women gaining national recognition as a pianist, Line’s beginnings were humble. She wasn’t discovered by a talent scout or a recording executive. She was discovered by her fans. And today, Line’s music attracts a loyal and growing audience.

Lorie Line’s 2007 Intimate Evening Series Tour will be at the Amery High School auditorium on June 14 and features a casual show. Line will be playing with a small group of her favorite musicians for a more “unplugged” acoustic setting. Tickets are available at 1-800-801-5463 (LINE) or online at www.lorieline.com. All tickets are $32 and reserved seating. – submitted

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Birdwatchers delight at new state park

Swans and rare warbler great early-morning hikers

by Gregg Westigard STRAIGHT LAKE STATE PARK – It’s seven o’clock on a Saturday morning and some 40 people have gathered for a bird watch and walk at our new Straight Lake State Park three miles east of Luck. Robin Maercklein, a national parks service ranger, and DNR naturalist Barb Walker lead the group into the park. Immediately, Maercklein starts pointing out birds flitting through the trees at the edge of the clearing. He can tell many of the birds by their calls. Binoculars out, the watching begins.

A group of ten trumpeter swans swam offshore in Straight Lake. Many of the large birds, once near exFrom the park access at 120th Street and 270th Av- tinction, nest on the lake. enue, it is an easy walk to the divide between the two park lakes. A flash of red and there is a a scarlet tanager, The leisurely walk ended after two hours with a com- ural area. posing high in a tree until everyone in the group has People don’t need to be in a group to enjoy the park. had a view. Then on along the curving track through parison of bird checkoff lists. The group had seen or is free at present and the many trails are easy to Access 46 species.

But the lucky few who were the last to heard the woods to the overlook at the Straight Lake outlet. follow. The 47 birds were all seen or heard within a Swimming just off shore are ten trumpeter swans, a leave had a special treat.

“After all but six people had left,” local naturalist short walk from the parking area. Straight Lake Park is very large bird once in danger of extinction. A program at Crex Meadows has resulted in the birds becoming al- Herb Lundberg relates, “our leader Robin says ‘I hear a there for all to use. most common in this area. Many of the birds are cerulean warbler.’ So we walk about 100 yards west on marked when young with a yellow band around their 270th and about 30 feet into the woods at the power long necks. The swans circled in the water while the line, and there sits the cerulean on a dead aspen branch group stood on a wooded hillside and enjoyed what posing for us about 15 yards distant. We watched it for at least 10 minutes.” was once a rare view.

The cerulean is a rare bird found in old growth A trumpeter swan is 5 feet long. The ruby-throated hummingbirds sipping from the flowers along the trail forests. Its presence in the area was one of the justifications for designating the Straight Lake Park a state natwere 4 inches long. The extremes in size were seen.

More birds were observed on a wooded path With binoculars in hand, some 40 birdwatchers enjoyed an early-morning walk in the new Straight Lake State Park last Saturday. Many of the birds were seen in the clearing near the parking area at 120th Street above Scout Lake. The group saw or heard 47 species of birds on their two-hour walk, including and 270th Avenue east of Luck. the rare Cerulean Warbler.

Ojibwa Community College holds commencement Five St. Croix Chippewa students and one Nebraska Ponca Indian student receive degrees from LCOOCC HAYWARD - Six students from the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College at the St. Croix Outreach Site completed academic requirements for graduating with associate degrees on May 11.

The formal cap-and-gown ceremony was held at the college’s main campus in Hayward. More than 70 graduates from the main campus, the St. Croix Outreach site, and the college’s three other campuses on the Red Cliff, Bad River and Lac du Flambeau reservations received their diplomas. Close to 450 people attended the LCOOCC graduation. The LCO elders provided a beautiful luncheon feast for all the graduates, their families and guests.

A traditional feast for close to 100 people was held for the St. Croix graduates on May 9 at the St. Croix Youth Center. The instructors and support staff at the St. Croix Outreach Site were joined by tribal elders and administrators of the college’s main campus to celebrate with the graduates and their families.

Nichole Ann Matrious received her associate of the Members of the St. Croix Tribe of Chippewa recently graduated from LCO Community College. Shown arts degree in liberal arts. She took half of her required (L to R) are: Selena Reynolds, Todd Cutler, Nichole Matrious, Sheelah Weaver, Theresa Kegal and Erin courses at the St. Croix Outreach Site and then completed her program of study at the Hayward main cam- Dahlberg. – Photo submitted pus.

The other five graduates took all of their classes at the istration. She took all of her classes at the St. Croix Out- ceived an associate of science degree in business adminLCOOCC Outreach site on the St. Croix Reservation in reach Site. istration. “I am very much looking forward to moving Hertel. Sheelah Rose Weaver received an associate of Erin Marie Dahlberg will receive her associate of sci- on to a four-year college,” said Cutler. “I plan to get my science degree in business administration. ence degree in business administration. Dahlberg is a bachelor’s degree in Native American studies. I intend Selena “Gidget” Reynolds received an associate of Nebraska Ponca Indian. She is employed by the St. to incorporate my NAS degree into an advanced degree science degree in business administration. She took all Croix Tribe as the director of Child Care and Family in law.” - submitted of her classes at the St. Croix Outreach site.

Services. Dahlberg also took all of her classes at the Theresa E. Kegel graduated with honors. She re- LCOOCC St. Croix Outreach site. ceived an associate of science degree in business adminTodd Stanley Cutler graduated with honors. He re-

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library “The Friday Night Knitting Club”

by Kate Jacobs Walker and Daughter is a cozy yarn shop located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Georgia Walker, a single mom and her teenage daughter, Dakota, are the Walker and Daughter referred to in the sign.

Georgia has raised her mixed-race daughter alone when James, the love of her life, broke off their relationship.

Georgia knits exotic pieces to sell, her shop stocks the best yarns, and soon there is an eclectic group of women meeting at the shop on Friday nights to knit, eat and socialize.

The women are a wide variety of ages; Anita, a widow in her 70s, is finding a new man interested in her, Peri, a prelaw student designs funky handbags.

Darwin is a retiring grad student and Lucie has a budding secret of her own.

Kate Jacob isn’t a fabulous writer, but if you are a knitter you will get caught up in her characters and be surprised at the book’s ending.

Library notes Story time on May 30 features Jason and Jeremy with magic and balloon animals at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Summer reading starts on June 13, “Get a Clue at Your Library.” The first program on June 13, at 10:30 a.m., features the Polk County Search and Rescue Dogs and their trainers who will tell

us how the dogs help them get clues.

The Friends of the Library book group will meet again on June 18, at 7 p.m., to discuss “One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd,” by Jim Fergus. Pick up a copy of this exciting novel about the western journey at the circulation desk and join us.

Teens Read book group is meeting on June 25 to discuss “Falling Through the Earth,” by Danielle Trussoni. This book by a La Crosse writer was picked as one of the top 10 books by the New York Times last year. It is the story of a young girl growing up with a Vietnam vet as a father. We meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Join us if you are a teenager.

Otaku Club meets on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. if you are a teen over 13 who is interested in anime and manga.

The Amery Public Library Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on June 4 for its regular monthly meeting.

Congratulations to Joe Stauner, our Polk County Special Education school worker who is graduating this year, and to Kaitlyn Swenson, our high school worker who is also graduating.

Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Clear Lake Public Library June is busting out all over! Do you remember that song from “Oklahoma?”

The Clear Lake Public Library is busting out with many June activities.

June 6, at 6:30 p.m.: Story time about the Rain Forest June 7, at 10 a.m.: Story time about the Rain Forest June 13, at 4:30 p.m.: Knitting and Crocheting June 13, at 6:30 p.m. Story time about Birds/Make a Father’s Day card June 14, at 10 a.m.: Story time about Birds/Make a Father’s Day card June 20, at 6:30 p.m.: Story time about Bugs

Milltown Public Library Vanished Stop by the library on June 8 between 1 and 4 p.m. to check out a truly remarkable historical exhibit. “Vanished” tells the story of German-Americans detained by the United States government during World War II, and is housed on a unique bus that doubles as a museum. Inside the library we’ll show a special presentation about German prisoner camps, and offer refreshments and a place to remember stories from the WWII era. Don’t miss this fantastic, free event at Milltown Public Library.

Story hour Story time will be offered throughout the summer. Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The parent or friend, or read with one of our morning story time begins at 10 a.m. volunteers. This is a great way to brush Can’t make it in the morning? We will reup on reading out loud and share time with a friend. We have got some cool new books just for this program, not to mention treats and prizes. So come and join us anytime between the 6:30 and 8 Story time p.m., every Tuesday in June.

Story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday here at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks

Luck Public Library June will be an exciting time for the younger readers at the Luck Library. We will be starting our new June Your Readers Club on Tuesday evenings. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are encouraged to come to the library and read with a partner. You can bring your own partner - maybe a parent, sibling, grand-

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.

Three Internet computers You must physically present a MORE library card to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

Story time Summer reading begins June 12. Registration for Get a Clue…at Your Library will be required this year. Summer reading will be Tuesday mornings at 10-11 a.m., for children, 3 to first grade. Children entering third grade this fall and older, may participate in the independent reading portion of summer reading.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresser pl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

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

peat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

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.

Balsam Lake Public Library

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009. The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting on the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

June 21, at 10 a.m.: Story time about Bugs June 22 beginning at 9 a.m.: Friends of the Library Plant and Book Sale June 27, at 4:30 p.m.: Knitting and Crocheting June 27, at 6:30 p.m.: Story time about Butterflies June 28, 10 a.m.: Story time about Butterflies Library hours: Monday: Noon – 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 – 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Friday: noon – 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Book club We will meet again on Wednesday, June 20, at 3 p.m. Our selection for June will be “The Education of Little Tree,” a true story by Forrest Carter. “The Education of Little Tree” tells of a boy orphaned very young, who is adopted by his Cherokee grandmother and halfCherokee grandfather in the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee during the Great Depression.” “Little Tree,” as his grandparents call him, is shown how to hunt and survive in the mountains and to respect nature in the Cherokee Way. Little Tree also learns the often callous ways of the white businessmen and tax collectors, and how Granpa, in hilarious vignettes, scares them away from his illegal attempts to enter the cash economy. Granma teaches Little Tree the joys of reading and education. But when Little Tree is sent to an Indian boarding school run

by whites, we learn of the cruelty meted out to Indian children in an attempt to assimilate them, and of Little Tree’s perception of the Anglo world and how it differs from the Cherokee Way. 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.

Events Summer events will be starting in June and the library will be hosting programs twice a month throughout the summer. More details to follow.

Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Email: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Centuria Public Library Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from

Balsam Lake Public Library

Frederic Public Library

noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library World War II special event coming to Frederic June 7 Mark your calendars for a very special event Thursday evening, June 7, when the library hosts a traveling exhibit that tells the little-known story of 15,000 German-American civilians who were interned in the United States during WWII. The exhibit travels as a mobile museum aboard a special bus and will be at the Community Pride Shelter east of the depot museum from 5 to 8 p.m. Special guest speakers who were children at the camps have agreed to come and be part of the program. In addition, the library will screen a slideshow presentation beginning at 6 p.m. about German POWs in Midwest camps (many people remember or have heard stories about the POWs working in Frederic and the surrounding area).

Here’s a rare opportunity to learn about WWII history that had a local impact.

Plan to attend the exhibit and bring friends and family. There will be a freewill donation toward the exhibit as well as a variety of books for sale about this period of history. For more information, please contact the library.

We are accepting book sale items If you’re cleaning shelves and closets, please consider donating your gently used books and movies to the library’s annual Family Days bake/book sale.

Profits go to special library projects, and we welcome your donations anytime up to the day of the sale (June 15). Vol-

unteers are needed to help set up for the book sale Thursday afternoon, June 14.

If you can help, please contact the library.

Reading groups meet June 21 The Thursday morning reading group will meet June 21, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, a novel set in the 1950s in Spain. The 10-year-old son of a widowed bookstore owner discovers a rare novel by an obscure author, and when he tries to find more of his books, he learns about a horribly disfigured man who has been burning every copy he can find of the author’s novels. The evening book group will meet the same day at 7 p.m. to talk about “Everything Is Illuminated” by Jonathan Safran Foer.

With only a yellowing photograph in hand, a young man sets out to find the woman who might or might not have saved his grandfather from the Nazis.

Copies of the books are available at the library for anyone who is interested in joining a reading group.

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West. 715-327-4979; e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Story Hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Croix Falls Public Library story hour!

Technology Wireless is back. After some policy discussions and budget adjusting, the St. Croix Falls Library is again offering free wireless access to people with laptops.

So stop in and launch onto the Web. Also, visit the library’s revamped Web site to find out what’s happening at the library www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Polk County Library Federation Brown Bag library lecture The Brown Bag lecture will be held June 12, 3-6 p.m.

Polk County Library Federation by June 6 to reserve your space. There will be a $10 charge for this three-hour event.

S.O.S. for mess distress Join us when we learn from Susi Peterson how to declutter and organize our lives, our offices, our homes and cars!

Being organized can make you feel better about yourself, as well as your surIf you ever feel roundings! overwhelmed by clutter, you’ll appreciate learning how to giggle your way to organize just about anything. Call the

Friends of the Polk County Libraries The monthly meeting of this nonprofit group will be on Monday, June 11, from 4:30-6 p.m. Discussion and work time will include constructing “walking books” for participation in local parades.

Author visits, fair schedule and project.

Call the Polk County Library Federation if you would like to join this group or have questions, 715-485-8680.

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Hello, Fritz here! Arrroooooo, Arrrrrrroooo, excuse me but I need to warm up my howling voice for the blue moon!

Alright, let’s see an honest show of paws, how many of you humans have heard the saying Fritz “once in a blue moon”? Maybe you NEWS FROM said that’s how often you’d donate to, help out at or adopt a dog from the Burnett County Humane Society. Well, the time has come!

This Thursday, May 31, we will experience a blue moon. Not that it’ll be blue in color, but it’ll be the second full moon in the same month, something that only happens every two to three years! Now that’s pretty special, especially if you’re a dog and enjoy a good howl, aaarrrrrrrrooooo!

YOUR SHELTER

We have quite a few howlers at the shelter right now. Leading the group will be Tina, a young, sleek, black and white speckled hound and Howie, a male hound mix. Singing backup we have a quartet of male Lab mixes starring Flash, Joey, Usher and Blacky. Abigail and Pearl have been practicing a soprano solo of Poochelbel’s Canon in D (D for Dog of course). And I’ll be directing the whole group for our howl at the blue moon concerto.

Whether it’s donating, visiting or adopting one of us playful, personable pooches, now’s your once-in-a-bluemoon chance! Come on in, visit with us and see what the Burnett County Humane Society is all about. But first, check out the blue moon this Thursday the 31st. If you catch a glimpse of this rare sight, give a howl. I know I will!

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.

Academic news

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Rachael Hanson, daughter of Karen Ingersoll Hanson of St. Croix Falls and Randy Hanson of Hudson, graduated from Macalester during the college’s 118th exercises on the lawn outside Old Main on May 12.

Hanson received a liberal arts degree in.

Hanson is a graduate of St. Croix Falls High School.

In addition, Hanson was honored at the Macalester College Honors Convocation May 11.

Hanson received the following honors/awards: The Mary Whitcomb Fahlgren endowed prize –Established

by James W. Fahlgren ‘60 to honor his mother. A cash prize awarded to a student who has demonstrated potential as a teacher in secondary education; Walter D. Mink endowed prize – Established in memory of Walter D. Mink, Professor of Psychology from 1958-1996.

This prize is given to a senior who has a

strong academic record and has also provided outstanding service to the department, the college or the broader community; PHI BETA KAPPA – Election to Phi Beta Kappa recognizes outstanding scholarship in the liberal arts and sciences. Election is usually limited to the top 12 percent of the senior class and the top 3 percent of the junior class.

All candidates must have demonstrated a knowledge of mathematics and a foreign language at least minimally appropriate for a liberal education. PSI CHI-National honor society in psychology. Its purposes are to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology.

Macalester College President Brian Rosenberg presented diplomas to 462 graduating seniors. The ceremony also featured an academic procession led by the college’s pipe band, flag bearers representing the countries of the 42 international graduating seniors plus the U.S. and United Nations flags and faculty in academic robes.

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, gave the keynote address. - submitted

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Scouts honor Gehrman

Luck Boy Scouts, along with 15 Luck Eagle Scouts, gathered on Saturday, May 27, at the Lions Park in Luck to honor John Gehrman, who is retiring from 30 years of Scouting. Shown are Eagle Scouts with John Gehrman. Front: Mike Stonesifer, Steve Schiebel, Jeremy Gronski, Nick Hetfeld, Jesse Sorensen and Adam Wallin. Back: Jeremy Jensen, Paul Schiebel, Eric Dueholm, Brian Hanson, Chad Gilhoi, Jay Gilhoi, John Gehrman, Tom Kreutzian, David Maidenmueller and Josh Hetfeld. - Photo submitted

Osceola Summer Kickoff June 9

OSCEOLA - Residents and visitors to Osceola can expect a full day of activities, Saturday, June 9, when a number of area organizations host Osceola Summer Kickoff. Art, food, music and other events will available throughout the day.

The Summer Kickoff came together when sponsors of many of the day’s events got to talking about all the activities that were scheduled for that day, according to Renae Rogers, director of Osceola MainStreet/Chamber of Commerce.

“We realized very quickly just how much there was planned for that day and what a great opportunity it would be for all of us to combine our activities into a full day of community fun,” she said.

Summer Kickoff starts bright and early with a communitywide garage sale, sponsored by Osceola Main-

Street/Chamber of Commerce. Some sales will begin as early as 8 a.m. and are expected to last throughout the day. Maps of all the sale locations will be available in the June 6 issue of the Sun newspaper.

The annual Dairy Days Pancake Breakfast is 8 a.m.noon in Oakey Park. Sponsored by the FFA, Dairy Days also features a petting zoo, milk tasting competition and tractor display.

An obstacle course and a new bike giveaway are main draws of a bike rodeo from 9 to 11 a.m. at the intermediate school. Bike safety, bike maintenance, rules of the road and helmet checks will be some of the activities. The bike rodeo, geared for children ages 5-12 and their parents, is sponsored by Osceola Medical Center, Osceola Police Department, Osceola Community Education and Wild River YMCA. Participants

Grantsburg recognized for character education program GRANTSBURG - The Wisconsin Character Education Partnership has selected five schools to receive the first Wisconsin Promising Practices Awards.

This award recognizes Wisconsin schools that have promoted character development in their schools. The program is part of the National Schools of Character Awards Program that honors schools and districts across the U.S. for implementing unique and specific strategies to promote character education. The winners represent public, private, urban, suburban and rural

schools.

Grantsburg's Core Values are: Respect Self and Others/Responsibility and Accountability for Actions/Honesty/Integrity/Trustworthy/Fairness/Ki ndness/Compassion/Caring/Sharing/Respect and Obedience for Authority/Self-Control and Self-Discipline/Positive Attitude/Work Ethic and Perseverance/Patriotism/Cooperation/Courtesy.

The school will be recognized at a special ceremony later this year. - submitted

Free ride on the Gandy Dancer bicycle trail POLK COUNTY – To observe National Trails Day, Polk County will be waiving the required trail passes for the Gandy Dancer Trail June 2 and 3.

Polk County’s 26-mile section of the trail is the most user friendly in the state trail system, with villages and rest areas available every three to five miles. It is great for family outings with younger riders, away from traffic.

The Gandy Dancer Recreational Trail is a 98-mile abandoned railroad right of way stretching from St.

Croix Falls to Superior. The southern 47 miles, in Polk and Burnett counties, have been established as a nonmotorized hiking and biking trail in the summer months, and surfaced with crushed limestone to provide a hard surface.

Normally, passes are required for bicycle trail users 16 years of age and older. For a free Gandy Dancer Trail Map and more information call the Polk County Information Center 800-222-POLK, Polk County Parks 715485-9294 or www.polkcountytourism.com. – submitted

Ministerial Association Awards scholarships FREDERIC - The Frederic Ministerial Association has awarded scholarships to three area youth. Recipients of this year’s scholarships are Ashley Cummings of Siren, Adam Wallin of Luck and Elliot Lund of Frederic.

The purpose of the Frederic Ministerial Association Scholarship is to recognize graduating high school seniors who demonstrate Christ-centered behavior through voluntary service in their church, school and commu-

nity. To be eligible, students must be active in a church represented by the Frederic Area Ministerial Association.

Recipients are awarded a one-time scholarship of between $300-500 for tuition to any post-secondary institution. Funding is made possible thanks to the generosity of many contributors through several Frederic-area churches. - submitted

have a chance to win a new bike, compliments of S&C Bank.

Rounding out the day is the St. Croix ArtBarn ArtFair and Savor the Valley from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Original fine art and live music by area artisans, as well as tantalizing treats and children’s activities, are part of the affair at the ArtBarn. The ArtFair and Savor the Valley are sponsored by the ArtBarn and Osceola High School Art Department.

More information about any of these events is available from the Osceola Main Street/Chamber of Commerce by calling 715-755-3300 or visiting chamber@vil.osceola.wi.us. - submitted

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Bell set to ring for 2007 Pioneer School sessions TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The Taylors Falls Historical Society announces three sessions of its summertime Pioneer School scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting June 26-2728, then July10-11-12, and finishing July 17-18-19. Enrollment is now open for parents to sign up their grade school children for the three-day sessions.

Classes will be limited to 20 students.

The cost is $30 per student, per week.

Call 651-465-5566 for registration forms and information.

The 1852 Town House School is a restored One-room schoolhouse located in Taylors Falls on the Government Street hill across from the Taylors Falls Memorial Community Center and next to the Jail House Bed & Breakfast.

Creatures of the Field and Forest is the theme for Pioneer School this year. Our famous, young at 92 teacher Dorothy Berntson, will be teaching again using Thornton Burgess’s books as background. Each day will bring its own exciting and varied activities. Children are encouraged to dress as early pioneers and enjoy this Laura Ingalls Wilder-kind of school.

Giving’s Gifts

by Barbara Blodgett Interfaith Caregivers Memorial Day is gone for another year, but I wanted to take a minute, or maybe five minutes of your time, to honor our veterans. I come from a family of vets. We have gone back eight generations while searching our genealogy and have veterans in all but the last two.

I have pictures from the Civil War to Desert Storm of my people in uniform.

How proud I am of those pictures and the men who wore the uniforms. My father and my only uncle were the first members of my family who served in the armed forces that I ever knew.

Town House School bell tower. – Photos submitted

That takes us back to WWII. One of my father’s greatest memories was when he was a liaison for the president and was in Korea when they opened the DMZ between the north and south. He didn’t live to see the Berlin Wall come down, but I know that would have meant so much to him. Both he and my father-in-law flew during the WWII and were so proud to do so.

I have a distant cousin who is paralyzed from the chest down due to injuries from the war in Vietnam. My husband served for 21 years in the Air Force and was a proud participant in Desert Storm. My son was rejected when he tried to join because of a childhood injury that left him deaf in one ear and blind in one eye. My grandson se-

Recent Pioneer School class poses outside of school building.

riously considered joining the Army, but chose to go on to school after graduation.

This is not a political statement about the present war, this is about pride.

Pride in my ancestors who have served, pride in my immediate family who have served and pride in all of the men and women who are serving right now.

While in the Air Force with my husband, I saw men and women who went to war and I knew many who have returned. But I also know some who have not. Every veteran I know has given his all to defend our country and our freedom. Since the beginning of time, there have been wars and there will be wars long after I am no longer around to praise and respect our men

and women in uniform. I thank them for doing their best to make our country a better place for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have no argument with those who do not approve of the war we now fight.

Each of us has a right to their own opinion, and I respect that. I do choose to be proud though. I choose to pray for those who serve and their families. I will not debate your feelings and I will respect them, but I do ask a favor.

Thank a vet who has given his best to allow us freedom. They deserve our thanks.

See you next month.

Happy Father’s Day to all Dads

Orchard House Gallery - Season 6 OCENTURIA - The Orchard House Gallery opens its sixth season on Saturday, June 2.

The gallery is located at 1594 Hwy. 35, about three miles north of the intersection of Wisconsin Hwys. 35 and 8, just south of the village of Centuria, about

eight miles from the Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls area. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends from June-October, the gallery presents the work of over 40 area artists and crafters in all media including baked glass, textiles, pottery, turned wood, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, books,

music, photography, metal sculpture and much more.

The gallery is located in a 100-yearold- plus farmhouse on the Baker Apple Orchard. The grounds feature 15 acres of apple trees, 50 acres of woods with trails, a fire ring, a boulder climbing trail, wildflower gardens and outdoor sculp-

ture. The site hosts the annual Baker Orchard Art Festival on the fourth weekend of September.

For more information call 715-6462272. Drop an e-mail at winterboo@centurytel.net, or check out their Web site at www.poetrypottery.com. - submitted

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Annual Sterling Settler’s Picnic time set CUSHING – Plan to attend the 69th picnic on Sunday, June 24 for a noon potluck lunch at the Cushing Community Center.

Bring a dish to share, everything else is furnished. A freewill donation is appreciated. A short program, led by chairperson Shirley Christianson, will follow the lunch.

Pastor Chuck Arndt will be sharing memories of his years as pastor at the Lutheran church and the Cushing area.

Willis and Shirley Christianson and Kirsten Hanson will entertain with their musical talents.

Russell Hanson will have historical photos and his collection of stories in

book form on display. They will have several demonstrations going on after the program to check out. Spinning, weaving and broom making, etc. There will be door prizes and prizes for the youngest, oldest, longest-married persons attending.

If you have ever lived near the barrens of Western Wisconsin, or have an interest in the area, you will enjoy the picnic and visiting with everyone.

They encourage the many new residents of the area to attend. Every June on the Sunday following Father’s Day, they get together. It started way back in 1939, held at Cowan Creek near the old Settler’s Cemetery. Then it was moved to

the old town hall on the corner of River Road and Evergreen Avenue, until it was decided that indoor plumbing would be a big help. The last few years, they have

had it at the Old Cushing School, now called the community center. They look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s event. - submitted

Area food shelf meets the challenge FREDERIC - The Frederic Area Food Shelf raised more than $7,500 in cash and food donations during March and April as part of The Feinstein Foundation’s promise to provide matching funds.

Food shelf coordinator LaVonne Boyer reports that cash and checks totaling $2,157.70 were presented by 35 groups and citizens to the food shelf during that

period and that 5,431 food items, weighing a total of 4,918 pounds, were placed in the food shelf’s inventory.

The food shelf will submit the information to the Feinstein Foundation for consideration of matching funds to help with future operation of the food shelf. with submitted information

Students o f the Week SIREN

Cody Gerhardson has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten. Cody loves school and is looking forward to being in first grade. His favorite class is reading and writing.

Cody’s favorite sport is basketball and he loves to go fishing with his family.

Mike Wampfler has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. Mike excels as a student and as an athlete, he has earned the respect of his classmates and his teachers. He enjoys participating in football, track, basketball, choir and band. Mike is a curious student and he continually pushes himself. He looks forward to relaxing over the summer after he successfully completes the school year.

WEBSTER

Jennifer Mitchell has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. Jennifer is a hardworking student with an engaging personality. Her presence is enlighting, her attitude is respected by the staff and peers. Jennifer is active in athletics, music and National Honor Society. Jennifer is an ambassador for the residents of Siren.

Recently she qualified for the WIAA State Track & Field meet

Alec Gustafson has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Kelsey and Erica Gustafson.

Alex was selected for his kindness, good grades and trustworthiness. Alec participated in the Battle of the Books competition at Webster Elementary School.

He was a member of the firstplace team for the B book list.

Kristine Wortman has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Dan and Karen Wortman. Kristine is always willing to do the extra work in class and is very personable and kind. She is involved in horseback riding, baby sitting, Polk County Fair, horse showing, choir, band and volleyball. Kristine enjoys reading, writing, playing and horseback riding.

FREDERIC

Warren Smith has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Robert Smith. Warren always has his work done and meets all classroom obligations. He is very cooperative, works hard and always does his best. Warren is involved in football and wrestlng. He enjoys hunting.

Candace Buck has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of David and Brenda Buck. Candace is very personable; is always willing to be involved in class activities and discussions and has lots of energy for school. Candace works at the Dollar Store, baby sits and does church activities. She is involved in football, basketball and track. She enjoys singing, acting and reading.

Adam Rinnman has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Monte and Kris Rinnman. Adam is quiet, respectful and diligent. He has good attendance. Adam works part time year-round at the 10th Hole on Yellow Lake. He is involved in cross country and track.

Adam enjoys racing 4-wheelers, playing basketball and hanging out with friends.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Annaleise Greener has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in first grade and the daughter of Jamie and Heidi Greener. Annaleise enjoys phy. ed., math and recess. She likes to read and has read lots of books. Annaleise is happy, helpful and friendly.

Matthew Smith has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Gary Smith.

Matt is an excellent student who always tries his best in school.

He enjoys band and social studies. Matt gets along well with his classmates and is quick with a joke for anyone who needs a laugh. He enjoys riding bike and playing video games.

Christine Franzel has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of James and Carol Franzel. She is an excellent student who takes great pride in doing her best. She is conscientious, courteous and cooperative. Christine is a very responsible, mature and self-directed young lady. She is involved in helping at local Red Cross Blood Drives. Her future plans are to travel the world and have fun.

Natalie Fisk has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in third grade and the daughter of Doug and Diane Fisk. Natalie enjoys science because she likes doing experiments. She enjoys playing on the trampoline, drawing and swimming. She is thinking about being a veterinarian someday. She is a very pleasant young lady.

UNITY

GRANTSBURG

Lauren Leonard has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Phil and Cynthia Leonard. Lauren has done an excellent job in the classroom by turning in excellent work and showing a great deal of enthusiasm and leadership. She is in Link group, 4-H, leadership positions in horse programs, volunteers at camps and teaches riding skills. She enjoys competing in horse.

Zackory Blume has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Claudine and Lenny Ayde and Russell Blume. His favorite pastimes are 4-wheeling, fishing, hunting and paintballing. He is involved in football and golf. Zack has grown tremendously the past two years, both academically and otherwise. He has a good attitude.

Langdon O’Geay has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Larry and Marty O’Geay. Langdon shows exemplary behavior, a positive attitude and good citizenship. Langdon is an excellent student. He is a hard worker and helps others.

Anne Marie Wilkie has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Tim and Teri Wilkie. Anne Marie is kind to others and has been hardworking all year. She has a sweet smile and strives to do her best. She is respectful and dedicated to working hard.

Jon Merrill has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is the son of Anna Merrill of Round Lake. Jon is a very motivated student, polite, has a great sense of humor and an easy-going nature. Jon enjoys basketball and drawing. He plans to attend college in the business field.

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Luck library and museum building fund reaches $700,000

Jerry Curnow (middle) of Luck hands three checks to Harvey Nelson that will go toward the Luck library and historical museum building fund. Tam Howie, chair of the museum and library committee, is pictured at the far left. The three checks were donated by former Luck High School graduates, Curnow, Jim Dueholm of Chevy Chase, Md., and Merle Pautsch of Lompoc, Calif. Curnow said that he encouraged his former college buddies to match what he donated, and encourages other former Luck graduates to “pony up” in support of the Luck library and historical museum building fund.

Harvey Nelson of Luck paints the thermometer on the Luck library and historical museum building fund sign to the $700,000 mark. Nelson is a member of the library museum committee and owner of Harvey’s Woodworking in Luck. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Good Sam celebrates National Nursing Home Week

The new royalty Don McLeod and Ethel Anderson were crowned. – Photo submitted

The week of May 13-19 was National Nursing Home Week. To celebrate Good Sam had fun and games throughout the week. The highlight of the week was the 10th-annual senior prom held in the evening on Friday, May 18. The theme of this year’s prom was Through the Years. Pictured is the prom court, back row (L to R): 2006 Queen Wanda Pratt, 2006 King Lyle Pratt, Arvin Anderson, Clarence Powell, Don McLeod and Arlee Hansen. Front row (L to R): Pat Abney, Edith Olsen, Ethel Anderson and Doris Swanson.

Veterans in forest cemetery not forgotten

by Gregg Westigard ANDERSON – The Norris family cemetery lies deep in the Gov. Knowles State Forest near the St. Croix River, a half-mile hike through the woods from the nearest road. There is no path to the small graveyard in the woods, but the two veterans buried there are not forgotten. Each year, flags are placed on the grave markers of Charley James Norris and Charles W. Norris. They served. They are remembered.?

Charley James Norris (1912-1984) was a PFC in the U.S. Army during World War II. His is perhaps the last burial here. Corporal Charles W. Norris served in Company A of the 10th Infantry.

His moss-covered stone sits under a large pine amid the ferns.? Local volunteers make sure that the graves of all veterans are marked with flags. It is not an easy walk to the remote Norris cemetery with its 20-some marked graves.

Bud Christopherson, Grantsburg, now makes the trip, carrying on the work of Connie Martinson. Charley Norris and Charles Norris are not forgotten.

Photos by Gregg Westigard

Charley Norris, who served in World War II, is one of the veterans whose grave is marked with a flag each year. The unmarked path to the site requires a good memory.

The Norris family cemetery is deep in the Governor Knowles Forest near the St. Croix River. There is no path leading to the wooded burial ground, surrounded by an aging fence, and a half mile from the nearest road. Markers date from 1919 to 1984, but may of the graves have no dates.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Memorial Day 2007 • Frederic

Clifford Potter (center, photo at left) was honored at the Frederic Memorial Day program for his 50 years “in good standing” as a member of the American Legion Paul G. Johnson Post #249. His son, Bruce, and wife, Delores, look on as post commander Dean Daniels presents the honor. Photo at right: Speakers included Darlene Miller and Pastor Freddie Kirk of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Miller recited a poem “I am a Veteran - You May Not Know Me.” Pastor Kirk spoke of family members and friends she lost to wars and conficts and gave the history of Memorial Day. She also spoke of flag etiquette, noting there were 260,000 flags laid at Arlington National Cemetery this year. - Photos by Mary Hedlund

Members of the Paul G. Johnson Post, American Legion, honored those who gave their lives for their country at the Memorial Day program. A table set for MIA/POW (photo at left) was added to this year’s ceremony. At right, Ethan Surbaugh plays Taps. Surbaugh is a member of the Frederic High School band, which performed under the direction of Patti Burns. - Photos by Sandra King

Memorial Day 2007 • St. Croix Falls

The St. Croix Brass played at Monday’s observance, where names were read of veterans from the area who have passed on.

Members of the American Legion Post 143 honored U.S. veterans. Rick Gates, Polk County Veterans Service Officer, spoke at the event, encouraging parents to teach their children the importance of understanding Memorial Day.

The St. Croix Falls Boy Scout Troop 160 raised the flag at Monday’s ceremony at the St. Croix Falls cemetery.

Harry Beck, Osceola, U.S. Navy Reserves, salutes the flag.

Photos by Julie Holmquist

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

Memorial Day 2007 • Luck

Outside the Luck High School, Ray Berklund, member of Luck’s Victor Post No. 255 placed flowers next to a cross in honor of fallen soldiers and those that have served our country.

Kody Erickson, representing Badger Boys State, gave a speech during Luck’s Memorial Day program.

Members of Luck’s Victor Post No. 255 wait in silence during the memorial ceremony on Monday at the Luck High School. Members of the Luck Boy Scouts were also on hand for the advancement, and retirement of colors. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Joyce Bille of the Legion Auxilliary read the long list of fallen soldiers in the Luck area as members of the Luck GirlScouts placed poppies next to a cross for each one.

Jessica Antonsen, Luck’s Badger Girls State representative, gave a Memorial Day address at Monday’s ceremony.

Memorial Day 2007 • Milltown/Balsam Lake Memorial Day in Balsam Lake was celebrated with a program which included members of the Balsam Lake Legion as flag bearers, Ann Hraychuck as guest speaker, Unity Band Director Adam Bever, emcee and reader of the veterans at the cemetery Gary Hines, and members of the Unity Girl Scout troop 2015 - Jenelle Larsen, Julia Larsen and Johanna Alling - who lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Unity Boy Scouts marched in with the flag corps at the Memorial Day Services at the Milltown Cemetery.

Joe Larsen, Unity Boy Scout, takes pride in participating in the annual Memorial Day services in Milltown. The Boy Scouts assist in putting flags at the grave sites of all veterans buried in the Milltown Cemetery. Joe stands near his great grandfather’s flag from World War I, with pride. Larsen says he comes every year to honor his family - all five generations that are buried there.

Milltown Memorial Day ceremony included Jim Peterson and Pastor/Chaplin Danny Wheeler reading the role of military buried from the area. The Unity High School band also performed at the program, directed by Adam Bever.

Photos by Jeanne Alling

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Memorial Day 2007 • Siren

Kailey McKnight and Alexi Gloodt placed a poppy on the grave for each area veteran who has died.

Alexi Gloodt and Kailey McKnight placed the wreath at the Siren Cemetery as a part of the military honors given after the Memorial Day Service held at Siren School auditorium on Monday, May 28.

Photos by Sherill Summer

Bethany Lutheran Church Bell Choir rang out “America the Beautiful.”

Mark Pettis gave the Memorial Day Address. Pettis warned not to forget the meaning of our patriotic days or we will forget our history. Pettis then spoke of the many unpopular wars in our history, including present-day Iraq. He said that despite the unpopularity of the wars they fought, the dead shouldn’t be forgotten.

Memorial Day 2007 • Indian Creek Nineteen members of the Grover - Root American Legion Post 396 from Indian Creek participated in the Memorial Day services. – Photos submitted

RIGHT: Bob Carlson from American Legion Post 396 with Casey Jerry from Indian Creek. Casey has been bugler for the post for over five years.

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Memorial Day 2007 • Webster

World War II veteran, Bill Plath, was the guest speaker for the Webster Memorial Day service. Plath The honor guard, members of Otis Taylor American Legion Post 96, issued the 21 gun salute to vetspoke on the number of battle deaths, which occurred erans. in each of the past wars. Plath is a former Webster Elementary School principal, who was glad to see so many of his students remembering and honoring the Veterans.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

The Webster Band under the direction of Julie Strang, performed three numbers, including the Star Spangled Banner during the Webster Memorial Day program.

Rebecca Smallwood, Webster band member, played Taps at the program.

The Webster Memorial Day service held at Oak Grove Cemetery was well attended this year. Gerry Vogel, member of the Otis Taylor American Legion was the announcer for the service. Shown in the background are Pastor Cindy Glocke, from Grace United Methodist of Webster and Danbury United Methodist, who opened the Memorial Day service with a prayer, and speaker Bill Plath.

For those who served and did not return “We will never forget”

by Gregg Westigard POLK COUNTY – They stayed behind when their comrades returned from service.

The Missing in Action and Prisoners of War may be separated from their homes and families but Rolling Thunder says “We will never forget” these veterans.

Rolling Thunder XX keeps the memory of these missing veterans alive with its 20th-annual motorcycle Run to the wall.

Twelve area bikers are among the 500,000 who gathered at the Vietnam

Max Littlefield, Balsam Lake, was part of the group of 12 riders who made the cross county Rolling Thunder ride.

Veterans Memorial this Memorial Day to advocate for those who served and for those who are serving now.? Many are unaccounted for, including the two now missing in Iraq. The number of POWMIA names includes 3,350 from World War I, 78,712 from World War II, 8,164

Jim Carlson, Balsam Lake, led the bikers in a moment of silence to remember those who served and did not come home. Carlson is president of the local Rolling Thunder chapter.

from Korea, 1,878 from Vietnam, and 41 and counting from the Persian Gulf conflicts. Rolling Thunder makes sure that they are remembered. Rolling Thunder is working to ensure that captured soldiers are given full protection under the Geneva Convention by being classified as POW/MIA instead of Missing/Captured.

But those serving now and those who have returned also have an advocate in Rolling Thunder.? “The Department of Defense and Congress continually lay their budget problems on the backs of our servicemen and women,” the Rolling Thunder media committee says. “Returning veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan and previous wars and conflicts are not receiving the benefits they were promised. As a result, many are unemployed, have inadequate health care, are on food stamps, or worse – are homeless.”

Rolling Thunder works to provide military families with needed answers concerning what happened to their missing loved ones. It works to assure that those who have returned get the care and benefits they were promised. The half-million bikers who gathered in Washington are making sure that “We will not forget” all veterans.

Twelve area people biked to DC Rolling Thunder rally MILLTOWN - Twelve area residents left the Milltown VFW Post on their motorcycles Wednesday morning to join the 500,000 bikers from around the country who journeyed to Washington for the 20th Rolling Thunder rally to remember those who served the country and did not returned. The group is also speaking out for the rights of those serving now and those who have returned.? Pastor Maggie Isaacson from North Valley Lutheran Church gave a blessing to the riders before they left to join others from the state in a crosscountry ride to the Viet Nam Memorial.? The local group included Jim Carlson and Max Littlefield of Balsam Lake, Al Kastens and Jerry Phillips of Milltown, Mark Jensen, Chad Spofford, Irv Loughlin, and Lisa Loughlin of Luck, Don Rose of Taylors Falls, Minn., and David Pederson, Larry Jensen, and Cary Jensen of Frederic. This is the fourth year the local Rolling Thunder chapter has made the trip to Washington, according to chapter President Carlson.

LEFT: And the are off! Twelve riders, with a Sheriff’s escort, left the Milltown VFW post last Wednesday for a trip to the Viet Nam Memorial. They were part of a gathering of 500,000 over the weekend.

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

OBITUARIES Richard A. Pfundheller

James Evon Nelson

Richard A. Pfundheller, Shell Lake, formerly of Beloit, died May 21 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was 56 years old.

Richard was born Dec. 11, 1950, in Shell Lake. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. Richard received the Navy Achievement Medal for Meritorious service. He was employed as a welder for 23 years at Fairbanks-Morse in Beloit, retiring in 2006. He moved to Northwest Wisconsin after retiring and married the love of his life, Bonnie.

Richard loved his family and friends. In his free time he enjoyed being outdoors on his tractor, hunting and fishing with his wife.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and first wife, Faye.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Pfundheller, Webster; children Rick (Chris) Pfundheller, Beloit, Karl (Nikki) Pfundheller, Beloit, Sarah Pfundheller, Spooner; grandchildren Nicholas, Calvin and Noah; stepchildren Mike Ott, Ben Ott, Troy Dorn; brother Len Pfundeller; sisters, Pam Brown and Sharon Waren; and step-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held May 25 at the funeral home. Interment followed at Greendale cemetery in Rusk Township, Burnett County. Military honors were accorded by the State Honor Guard, Spooner Detachment. Casket bearers were John Driscoll, Mike Jarboe, Brian King, Mark Grassel, Dave Smith and Lonnie LaRue. Honorary caske tbearers were Nicholas Pfundheller, Calvin Pfundheller and Noah Pfundheller.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren, was entrusted with arrangements.

James Evon Nelson, 81, of St. Croix Falls, died May 25, 2007.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley.

James is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Kevin (Sue); daughter, Wendy (Jeff); grandchildren, Tyler, Brittany, Annalise and Kullan.

Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 31, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Taylors Falls, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 2 p.m., at the same location.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church organ fund.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Jerome J. Bremer Jerome J. Bremer, age 74, a resident of Sand Lake Township died May 22, 2007, at home on the family farm where he grew up and later owned.

Jerome was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Sand Lake Township to George and Florence Bremer. Jerome married Marie Gillingham on Jan. 16, 1954, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He enjoyed farming, growing vegetables for the farmers market and growing sweet corn. Jerome also enjoyed making children’s toys, fishing and deer hunting. Jerome worked for McNally Industries for 27 years.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Georgia Wulf; brothers, Harold Bremer and Michael Bremer.

Jerome is survived by his wife of 53 years; children, Peggy (Ken) Strabel of Siren, Margie Ince of Webster, Bill (Kayleen) Bremer of Webster and Paul Bremer of Grantsburg; grandchildren, Kristy (Gunnar) Gruender, Heidi (Brian) Lulloff, Heather Ince, Jody (Chad) Gibson, Tiffany Ince, Casey Ince, Ashley Ince, Jeremy Bremer, Nick Bremer, Josh (Tricia) Bremer, Jessi Bremer and Chelsie Bremer; great-grandchildren, Logan Gibson, Kylie Gibson, Taylor Bremer, Hannah Bremer, Seth Bremer and Jolie Bremer; brother, Lawrence (Edna) Bremer of Bloomer, along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 24, 2007, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Webster, with Father Mike Tupa officiating. Music was provided by organist Kim Dropps and the Trinity Choir. Interment followed at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Webster.

Casket bearers were Jeremy Bremer, Nick Bremer, Josh Bremer, Jessi Bremer, John Wulf and Mike Wulf.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Walter Johnson Walter Johnson, 100, of Daniels Township, Burnett County, died on Friday, May 25, 2007.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 31, at the First Baptist Church of Falun. A full obituary will be published in an upcoming paper.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Velma Marie Podabinski

Velma Marie Podabinski of Lebanon, Tenn., died on May 22, 2007, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, Ill. She was 59.

Velma was born in 1947, and raised in Frederic. She moved to Washington for five years, and then back to Burnett County. She recently moved to Lebanon, Tenn.

Velma worked many years as a CNA at Luck Pioneer Home, Capeside Cove and private duty as well. Later she worked as a waitress, cashier and security guard.

Most recently she was employed at the Cranberry Marsh.

Velma was married to Raymond Podabinski from Sandstone, Minn., in 1995, and made their home in Frederic.

She was baptized and confirmed Lutheran.

Velma was preceded in death by her father, Bennie EDLING EDLING TAYLOR Mohs; son-in-law Harvey Martin; mother-in-law Cora Podabinski; father-in-law John Podabinski and brothFUNERALHOME FUNERALHOME ers-in-law Jack and Joe Podabinaki.

201 N. Adams St. 387 State Rd. 70 She is survived by her mother, Esther Mohs; husband St. Croix Falls, WI Grantsburg, WI Raymond; daughters Kimberly (Ronald) Miller, Mt. (715) 483-3141 (715) 463-2994 Juliet, Tenn, and Paula (Leo) Maslow, Siren; grandchildren Shawn and David Nye, Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and Ashley and Bradley Maslow of Siren; great-grandchildren Savannah and Matthew; brothers Ernest Mohs (Rita), Chatham, Ill., and Melvin (Marilyn) Mohs, Palmyra, Ill. Mildred Kiska of St. Croix Falls, died May 25, 2007, and sister Shirley Martin, Frederic.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 31, at at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center. She was 93 11 a.m., at the Assembly of God, Siren. Pastor Andy Boyears old.

She was born in Indiana on Oct. 5, 1913. She married lart will officiate.

Andrew Kiska on Jan. 10, 1935, in Ogema. They lived in Phillips until 1950 when they moved to St. Croix Falls. Mildred was a charter member of the St. Croix Falls Lioness Club. She enjoyed volunteering at the Frank Edwin Koukol, died peacefully at the age of local hospital auxiliary for many years. She worked for surrounded by his family at Lakeside Medical Cen90 many commercial sewing companies. in Pine City, Minn. ter She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 He was born in Muskegon, Mich., to Emil and Elsie years, Andrew Kiska.

Koukol on Jan. 18, 1917. After many years of traveling She is survived by her children, Andy (Bill) Kiska and and working he met the love of his life, Dorothy Rand, wife Marilyn of St. Croix Falls, Janice (Vince) Johnson in Wascott.

They were married Oct.12, 1940, in Webster of Shell Lake, Katherine (Ron) Chinander of Minat the Catholic Church.

He enlisted in the United States netonka, Minn.; sister, Clarabel Carlson of Houston, Army in 1942 to serve his country during World War II. Texas; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 14 During his first year of tour, his daughter, Katie, was great-great-grandchildren. in 1945. In 1947 born.

He was honorably discharged Funeral services were held at Redeemer Lutheran Dorothy gave birth to a set of twins, Buttons and Church in St. Croix Falls on May 30, with interment at Beanie.

In 1948 their second daughter, Linda, was born.

Hillside Cemetery in Ogema.

Frank and Dorothy moved to Montana in 1949 where The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was enEllie was born in 1950, Frank began his logging career. trusted with arrangements. two years later they were blessed with their last son, Gary. They lived in Montana until 1966, when they back to the Webster area. In 1970 they embraced EDLING EDLING TAYLOR moved their grandchildren and Mindy and Frankie into their FUNERALHOME FUNERALHOME home, raising them as their own children.

201 N. Adams St. 387 State Rd. 70 Frank worked as a logger until 1966. He then started St. Croix Falls, WI Grantsburg, WI working for Sperry Univac for the crib department in (715) 483-3141 (715) 463-2994 the metro area. He retired from Sperry Univac in 1982, after that he devoted much time to tending his acreand-a-half garden in Pine City, Minn. He loved to travel, fish, garden and play cards with family and many friends.

After retirement he spent many years traveling back Hilda A. Raiche, 96, of St. Croix Falls, died on May 24, to Montana, down to Missouri and to many landmarks 2007, at Good Samaritan Home. of the U.S.A. In his later years he lived in an assisted She was born in Alberta, Canada. Her mother died in living place called Elderwood in Hinckley, Minn. This childbirth and she was adopted by Harold and Sara is where he started a cribbage league and made many, Smith. She had seven brothers and sisters that she only many new friends. met once.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, She married Joe Bentley, and to this union three chilKathy Black; sister, Kathrine Davis; and brother, Joseph dren were born. When Joe passed away from cancer, Koukol. she married Leo Raiche. He passed away one year later He is survived by children, Burt (Susie) of South St. of cancer.

Paul, Minn., Bernie (Roxie) Clayton of Idaho, Linda She moved from California to St. Croix Falls in 1981.

Roller of Petersburg, Ala., Ellie (Bob) Barber of Pine She lived alone and was very independent until the Minn., Gary (Terrie) of Pine City, Minn., Mindy City, time of her death.

(Eric) Sandell of Hinckley, Minn. and Frankie II of Hilda was a devoted housewife and mother. She was Farmington, Minn.; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-granda very positive and upbeat woman who had a great inchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, friends and many fluence on many lives. four-legged furry fans.

She is survived by her three children, Beverly (Floyd) Funeral services were held Friday, May 25, 2007, at Taff, Joseph (Carol) Bentley and Fredrick (Crystal) BentSt. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster with ley; 11 grandchildren 15 great-grandchildren and two Father Mike Tupa officiating. Music was provided by great-great-grandchildren.

Jan Larson.

Interment followed at St. John’s Catholic Private services were held at the Edling Funeral Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Frankie Koukol II, Home Chapel on May 29, 2007.

Mindy Sandell, Nikki Koukol, Todd Koukol, Troy The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was enKoukol, Willow Koukol, Jake Koukol, Genesta James, trusted with arrangements.

Brent Koukol, Kelly Koukol, Winter Skeek, Cherlyn Larson, Hope Bragdon, Tracie Stahlke. Robert Barber, Darrik EDLING EDLING TAYLOR Wiese and Pete Lomam.

FUNERALHOME FUNERALHOME The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral 201 N. Adams St. 387 State Rd. 70 Home, Webster, was entrusted with St. Croix Falls, WI Grantsburg, WI arrangements.

E

Mildred Kiska

Frank Edwin Koukol

E

Hilda A. Raiche

(715) 483-3141

E

(715) 463-2994

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OBITUARIES

CHURCH NEWS

Leona Rose Steinbach

St. Luke’s and Lorain United Methodist Church news

Leona Rose Steinbach, 81, died May 21, 2007, in Frederic.

Leona was born Sept. 19, 1925, in Hiteman, Iowa. Following graduation from Albia High School, Iowa, in 1944, Leona moved to Illinois and held various jobs at the University of Chicago before moving to Ottumwa, Iowa. She then moved to Galesburg, Ill., where she worked for more than 20 years as secretary-bookkeeper for Nystrom-Jordan contractors. Leona moved to Frederic in 1986 in her retirement to be near immediate family.

Leona had many interests and hobbies, including spending time with her family and friends, supporting favorite charities, traveling, cooking and baking. She loved animals and nature, and enjoyed photography, reading and cheering on her Cubs.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth (Carter) Steinbach and brother Alvin.

She is survived by her daughter Sharon (John) Samuelson; three grandchildren; their spouses; three great-grandchildren and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 15, at 4 p.m., at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Frederic, Father Dennis Mullen presiding. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia, Iowa at a future date.

Gratitude is extended to all the friends and organizations who helped to care for Leona in her later years.

Memorials may be made to St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 107 Birch W., Frederic, WI 54837, or to the Humane Society of Burnett County, 7374 Midtown Rd., Siren, WI 54872.

Harley Carl Nielsen Harley Carl Nielsen, 86, of Edina, Minn., died May 7, 2007.

He was 76.

Harley was born Nov. 10, 1920, in Frederic, and was the only son of Danish immigrants.

He was baptized at West Denmark Lutheran Church. His childhood was spent at his parents Maple Hill Poultry Farm and Hatchery in Milltown. He was confirmed at the town’s Lutheran church. He met his wife Frances at Milltown High School, and they were married Dec. 21, 1941.

Together, they moved to the Twin Cities in 1948 where he began his career as a meat manager, including 32 years with the National Tea Company, and started their family of four. Harley and Frances made their home at 48th and Upton Avenue in southwest Minneapolis where they lived over 40 years, which was followed by 12 years of happy condo-life in Edina.

Throughout, their heart remained in Wisconsin, and in 1963 Harley and Frances purchased a small cabin on the southwest shore of Bone Lake near their family homes in Luck and Milltown. They spent many happy years at the cabin with family, friends, and a growing number of grandchildren.

The cabin was one of Harley’s favorite places where he happily fished for muskies (he caught two!), indulged his grandkids in countless hours of canasta, enjoyed Frances’ meals of crappies and fried potatoes, and quadrupled the size of the space to accommodate occasional visits by 14-16 guests at a time. Harley was a charter member of Edina Community Lutheran Church and was a member of the Meat Cutters Union. In these circles, and so many others, during their 65 wonderfully loving years together, Frances and Harley made cherished friendships which continue to bless his wife and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martinus and Dorthea, infant son, James Edward and son-in-law, Robert Dembeck.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances (nee Hansen); sons, Lynn (Judy) and Bruce (Judy); daughter, Janet Dembeck; grandchildren, Susan (Rodney) Keller, Matthew Nielsen, Melissa Nielsen, Jason (Sara) Dembeck, Carey (Andrew) Erickson, Krista Dembeck and Jeffery Dembeck; great-grandchildren, Andrea and Colyn Erickson, Olivia and Chad Keller, Robbie and Abby Dembeck; and dear family friends, Joe Leago, John Heckert and Paulette Nielsen.

Memorials to Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina, Minn.

On the recent blustery and Rainy Wednesday, The St. Luke’s Church School celebrated its final day of church school for this year with an indoor picnic. Children were given awards for completing this year’s course.

Special awards were given to those who had perfect attendance. They are Ben Kurkowski, Shyla Szurgot, Josh Underwood and Sara Underwood; they will receive scholarships to camp. Those who missed one time received CDs and a certificate. These were Jaryd Braden, Jori Braden, McKenna Rognrud, Hunter Dodds and Jon Erickson. Those with two misses were Lexi Domagala, Ray Kurkowski, Lauren Domagal and Danielle Swanson.

Teachers for the year were: Allie DeLosier, Ricky Nelson in preschool; Kathy Underwood and Barb Grotheim in l-3; Hope Healy and Tom Cook in 4-6, Pastor Freddie Kirk and Mike Grotheim 7th- and 8th-grade confirmation. Angie Ones was a substitute throughout the year. On May 13, the following were confirmed: Victoria DeLosier, Chase Dodds and Kyle Hedlund.

They are all looking forward to Vacation Bible School at Whispering Pines United Methodist Camp on Aug. 13 and 14.

Wednesday Night Souper Service will continue through the summer but at a little later time with food at 5:30 and service at 6 p.m. - submitted

Sunflower Daze SCOTT – Once again this year, the Sacred Hearts CCW ios holding their annual Sunflower Daze. The event is Saturday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will have many plants, both annual and perennial. In addition, there is a country store, bakery, crafts, jewelry, white elephant, books and more. As in the past years, coffee and rolls will be available at 8:30 a.m., and there will also be outside food booths. Sacred Hearts Church is located at CTH A & H in the town of Scott. – submitted

E-mail us @ the-leader@centurytel.net

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 24

CHURCH NEWS Kennels and closets When my pup grew tired of playing, or listening to the noise of people, she would retreat into her dog kennel. Wild animals, too, often seek refuge in their homes.

Even we humans love to come home after a long day’s work, a Sally Bair shopping trip, or a day spent with friends.

There should be a place in our PERSPECTIVES homes where we can retreat even further from the hubbub of life— our “prayer closet.” It’s a place we need for setting ourselves apart from noise, family, and other distractions. Time spent in intentional prayer in our prayer closet will bring spiritual growth, change, or healing.

It will teach us about our heavenly father and give us revelation into his word. It will help equip us to participate in his Great Commission—that is, to reproduce his work and attitudes.

Unfortunately, prayer is the most neglected discipline in the life of believers. Lack of prayer means lack of victory over sin. It means our spiritual light is dim and it means we’re content to live in the status quo, which gets us nowhere. Lack of prayer means we aren’t disciplined enough to develop a strong, relational bond with Christ—we lack commitment to him—we act without intention. Like someone who tells a friend, “Let’s get together sometime,” knowing it won’t happen, rather than, “Let’s meet tomorrow at one o’clock.”

Many of you may think, “I pray every day.” Or, “I worship God in the great outdoors.” I too love to pray and sing while out enjoying nature. But that’s not the same as setting aside a particular place and time for one-on-one, intimate prayer with Christ.

A friend shared a dream he had recently. He sat in a dilapidated, disordered, tiny house located in a vast valley. Surrounding the valley, fires raged. He was unable to put them out. His interpretation of the dream: his prayer closet wasn’t in order so he remained powerless to quench the fires of sin that surrounded him.

Jesus frequently retreated to a quiet hill for a whole night in prayer with his heavenly father. We need to find a quiet place to retreat with God. It’s vital to our spiritual health.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Lord, help us to be intentional, disciplined, and committed in spending time with you each day. We want to be victorious, vibrant servants for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

Advocate, Intercessor and Mediator

Christ the righteous.”

Second, He is our intercessor. He intercedes on our behalf, to plead our cause to God, whom we have offended. Our sympI recently read an article in the publication toms are laid on the table before God, and House to House - Heart to Heart that I felt mercy is pleaded on the condition of repenexpressed one of the greatest blessings a tance. Romans 8:34 says, “It is Christ Jesus that Christian has. I would like to share it with died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who you.

Garret is at the right hand of God, who also maketh interIt comforts Christians to know that Jesus for us.” Hebrews 7:25 reads: “Wherefore Derouin cession is ready to make intercession for us when he is able also to save them to the uttermost we sin. First John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our that come unto God by him, seeing he ever THE sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our liveth to make intercession for them.” sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- PREACHER’S Third, Jesus is our mediator. He is actually ness.” For the Christian, Jesus is the “Voice” our only mediator. He is the “go between” for the good of mankind. He serves in three that attempts to bring reconciliation to the reroles to Christians: He is 1) an advocate; 2) lationship between and God and men. First an intercessor; and 3) a mediator.

Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and one mediaImagine a general practitioner—maybe your famtor between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” ily doctor. He has educated himself in the general If you will let Him, He will be your advocate, interpractice of medicine. However, he is not in a posicessor, and mediator. He wants you to come out of tion to perform major surgical procedures or to diag- your sins and be with Him forever. (Written by Jason nose some major illnesses without a specialist’s Hart) guidance. For example, if you have a severe heart If you enjoy reading good, thought provoking, problem, he would refer you to a cardiologist. He Christian articles such as this, visit www.housetowould speak on your behalf to the specialist, pleadhouse.com or call the Burnett County Church of ing the symptoms of your problems, and serve as an Christ, and we would be happy to add you to our biimpartial “go between” to see that your heart-care is monthly mailing list. fully provided. Therefore, he would act as an advoIf readers have questions or simply wish to know cate of your problem, an intercessor for your sympmore about the Church of Christ, we would like to intoms, and a mediator for your care. Jesus serves in vite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church exactly the same ways. building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible First, He is our advocate. He advocates to our Fa- class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 ther our sinful condition and chooses to help us com- a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Ofmit our change before God. First John 2:1 reads, “And fice hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. - noon. if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus

PEN

First Lutheran confirmands

The confirmands at First Lutheran, Cushing, were front row (L to R): Alexa Meyer, Jessica Derrick, Danae Meyer and Katelynn Meyer. Back row: Connor Nelson, Katelyn Brenholt, Summer Wilson, Michael Owen and Pastor Chuck Arndt. – Photo submitted

Bethany holds Sundae Sunday David Greiff, Diane Richison and Derek Highstrom enjoyed ice-cream sundaes to mark the last day of Sunday school at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren Sunday, May 13.

Diane and Derek are PFK (pray for kids) partners, and all year long they shared special notes and gifts of support and encouragement, including the artwork held by Diane.

All youth and adults are invited to join the PFK program, Sunday school, fellowship opportunities and worship services at Bethany.

Sunday services are held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 715-349-5280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

CHURCH NEWS Adults must respond swiftly to cruelty among children Q: As an elementary schoolteacher, I am bothered by what I see my students doing to each other every day. They can be brutal especially to the child who is a little different. I'm not sure what my role should be. I feel I should step in to defend the underdog, but other teachers say kids should learn to work out their own problems. What do you think?

DR. DOBSON: As a former teacher, I am very familiar with the cruelty of which you speak. Every classroom has a few boys and girls at the bottom of the social hierarchy who are subjected to frequent ridicule.

Their ranks include those who are physically unattractive, intellectually challenged, uncoordinated, boys who are very small or effeminate, girls who are taller than all the boys, the foreign child, the stutterer, etc.

Anyone who is different is an easy mark for the wolf pack. What is most disturbing is that adults often feel no obligation to come to the aid of these vulnerable children.

I've heard the argument that says, "Kids will be kids, adults should stay out of the conflict, and let the children settle it themselves." I disagree emphatically. It is almost criminal for an adult to stand by passively while a defenseless boy or girl is shredded by peers.

The damage inflicted in those moments can reverberate for a lifetime.

Some years ago a woman told me about her experience as a room mother for her daughter's fourth grade class. She visited the classroom on Valentine's Day to assist the teacher with the traditional party on that hol-

iday. Valentine's Day can be the most painful day of the year for an unpopular child. Every student counts the number of valentines he or she is given, which becomes a direct measure of social worth.

This mother said the teacher then announced that the class was going to play a game that required the for- Dr. James mation of boy girl teams. That was Dobson her first mistake, since fourthgraders have not yet experienced the happy hormones that draw the sexes together. The moment the teacher instructed the students to select a partner, all the boys immediately laughed and pointed at the homeliest and least respected girl in the room. She was overweight, had protruding teeth, and was too withdrawn even to look anyone in the eye.

"Don't put us with Nancy," they all said in mock terror. "Anybody but Nancy! She'll give us a disease!

Ugh! Spare us from Nasty Nancy." The mother waited for the teacher (a strong disciplinarian) to rush to the aid of the beleaguered little girl. But nothing was said to the insulting boys. Instead, the teacher left Nancy to cope with that painful situation in solitude.

Ridicule by one's own sex is distressing, but rejection by the opposite sex is like taking a hatchet to one's self-concept. What could this devastated child say in reply? How does an overweight fourth grade girl defend herself against nine aggressive boys? What response could she make but to blush in mortification and slide foolishly into her chair? This child will never

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

forget that moment (or the teacher who abandoned her in this time of need).

I say again to teachers: Defend the most defenseless child in your classroom. We can do no less.

••• Q: Is it harder for a man or a woman to recover from a spouse's affair?

DR. DOBSON: I have not observed any appreciable difference between the sexes at the time of disclosure.

Both husbands and wives suffer incalculable anguish when a mate is unfaithful. Men do seem to have a cultural advantage after the crisis is over, however. Their work is often a better diversion and their economic consequences are less severe.

They also find it easier to find someone new, as a rule. But no one wins in illicit affairs of the heart.

••• 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:

Luck and St. Peter’s Lutheran Churches

Confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church GRANTSBURG – On Sunday, April 29, 13 youth were confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg. At the morning communion service, each confirmand and their family were invited to come to the altar where special prayer was offered and communion received.

Faith Lutheran Church invites all to worship each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Services can be heard live each Sunday on WCMP 1350 AM. If you have any questions about any of the programs at Faith Lutheran, please contact them at 463-5388 or check out their Web site at www.myfaithlutheran.org. - submitted Back row: (L to R) Allen Lindus, Larissa Wilhelm, Anne Palmquist, Josh Phillipps, Kallie Thoreson, Derek Sando and Pastor Mike Soppeland. Front row: Jordan Heinecke, Kelsey Lien, Casey Crawford, Cody Crawford, John Schneider, Dusty Ryan and Ethan Prazak. – Photo submitted

Quakers to meet regularly BURNETT COUNTY – A Quaker group is planning regular meetings for worship every other Saturday at Webster.

The meeting will be held at the Northern Pines Friends Worship Group at 11

a.m. at 6020 Peterson Road. Persons may call 866-8802 or 866-7798 for further information.

This listing will be included in the church listings in the future. – submitted

Luck

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

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 Wednesdays 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

The Leader is a cooperativeowned newspaper

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS,

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PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

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The Leader is a cooperativeowned newspaper

WANT ADS BIDS WANTED: The Department of Natural Resources is soliciting bids (H-001-20) for vehicle-killed deer pickup and disposal for various counties.

The counties in the Northern Region are Barron, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Taylor and Vilas.

Contractor uses own vehicle.

You may bid on one or more counties. Bids are due June 15. For bid materials, contact Konrad K. Plachetta at 608266-0311 or e-mail konrad. plachetta@wisconsin.gov. 3940Lc

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MAY 30, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 35

Commencement • Unity High School • 2007 BALSAM LAKE - If a person lives their dreams and completes their goals, they are successful, no matter what lifestyle they choose.

Unity valedictorian Jimmy Zahler stressed that you don’t have to be Bill Gates, Donald Trump or Oprah to be considered successful.

“Being valedictorian of this wonderful class before you today, doesn’t necessarily make me successful,” he told his fellow classmates. “However, the fact that four years ago, I planned to be here, where I am now, that makes me successful.”

“Don’t necessarily look for fame and fortune, but search for your dreams and desires, and chase them,” he said.

Unity’s graduating class this year had co-salutatorians - Alisa Heckel and Tiffany Hallin.

Hallin highlighted special moments experienced by the class throughout the years and thanked her teachers and parents. She wished her classmates well “before we all venture off into the world,” and quoted actress Reese Witherspoon from the movie “Legally Blonde.” ”It is with passion, courage of conviction and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always

correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

Heckel said friendships were the highlight of 13 years of school for her. She thanked her family and teachers who were “close friends to many of us.”

She urged clasmates to “love with all your heart and laugh every chance you get and it will all be worth it.”

“If the whole world’s frowning...stand on your head and smile with ‘em!”

Accepting the Unity Wall of Honor awards were Dave Stark and Dr. Kelly R. Chrouser.

Chrouser, a 1975 graduate of Unity, is an assistant professor and published author for Mayfield Press and numerous journal publications. She is a college course designer for the University of Chicago, Columbia University, John Hopkins, University, London School of Economics, Stanford University and others. She was chosen for her “intellect, integrity and character.”

Stark, a longtime teacher and coach at Unity, has given to the community through service on numerous boards, including the Balsam Lake Village Board.

He was chosen “Educator of the Year” at Unity and “Most Influential Teacher.”

He was chosen for being “inspiring, energetic and a mentor.” - Gary King

Valedictorian Jimmy Zahler (left) leads applause for Unity staff during his commencement address.

Co-salutatorians Tiffany Hallin (center) and Alisa Eckel present their messages to classmates.

Unity Class of 2007 advisors Lee Lillquist, Adam Bever and Jeanne Alling were brought to the stage for recognition during Friday evening’s commencement ceremony.

Photos by Gary King

Maria Morales was given a standing ovation by classmates for being present to graduate after being involved in a serious, head-on crash near the high school just days before graduation. She was released from Regions Hospital on Friday and was wheeled across the stage that evening, receiving her adiploma. She was able to spend some time at the All-Night Grad Party but still has a lot of pain in her right heel that was crushed in the accident and from the two surgeries needed to repair it, according to her father. Besides suffering broken bones in her foot, she has a fractured left hip, two broken ribs and a bruised lung. Her young brother, Nicolas, who was a passenger in the same car, was released from the hospital Saturday. He has a fractured left hip that required surgery to repair. The surgeon that performed the operation is optimistic that he will have a full recovery, no limp or mobility issues. The road to recovery will be long. Maria will be in a wheel chair minimum of three months and Nicolas will also be in a wheelchair for six to eight weeks, followed by an indeterminate time on crutches.

Unity graduates enjoy the excitement of the moment - Daryl Merrill, Bennie Skinaway, Chris Bugg and Merrill Leoso. - Photo courtesy Jeanne Alling

Unity Social Studies teacher Sarah Schmidt was chosen to speak at commencement.

She pointed out memorable things about each member of the Class of 2007.

The traditional “Wall of Honor” awards, given to Unity graduates and others who have made a difference in society, was presented this year to Dr. Kelley R. Chrouser and Dave Stark.

Class advisor Jeanne Alling greeted graduates as they prepare to walk across the stage and receive their diploma. She is shown with graduate Vicki Weiser.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MAY 30, 2007

MAY

WEDNESDAY/30 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

THURS. & FRI/ MAY 31 - JUNE 1

Coming events

Frederic

• Red Cross blood drive, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Thurs. 1-6:45 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Call 715-327-5442 for info.

Rice Lake Scandia, Minn.

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra summer concert, 2:30 p.m., at Gammelgarden Museum

St. Croix Falls

SUNDAY/10

• Valley Christian School Annual Gym Sale, Thurs. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-noon.

Dresser

• Second half of the anniversary celebration at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m. start. Call 715-755-2562 for more info.

THURSDAY/31 Frederic

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Frederic

JUNE

• Open house - 25th-anniversary at Golden Oaks Apartments, 3-5 p.m. Call 715-3278490 for more info.

FRI. & SAT./1 & 2

Spooner

Balsam Lake

• 21st-annual Car Show, Swap, Craft & Flea Market, at the fairgrounds. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. Call 715-639-5114 or 715-635-3740 for more info.

• Holy Trinity United Methodist Church Thrift Sale, Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.noon. Clean usable items donated by many families. Beverage & bars available.

MONDAY/11

Grantsburg

FRIDAY/1

St. Croix Falls

• High school graduation, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY/2 Centuria

• Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative annual meeting, light breakfast, 8-10 a.m., meeting at 10 a.m.

Danbury

• Methodist Church rummage/bake sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Frederic

• The Haven bike/hike fundraiser, at Margie’s Misty Meadow Farm, 2834 150th St., breakfast 7-8:30 a.m. Call 715-472-2276 or 715-4858412 for more info.

• E Free Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Leader parking lot.

• Miss Frederic Car Wash, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Leader parking lot.

• Noon potluck lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m.

Grantsburg

• 2007 Carlyle Sherstad 5K Run/Walk, beginning on Madison Avenue. Registration 6:307:45 a.m. Race starts at 8 a.m. Call 715-463-7311 or 800-293-5353 for more info.

• 20th-annual Classic Car & Truck Show, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Street. Call 715-463-5367.

• Big Gust Day Demolition Derby, 6 p.m., at the fairgrounds.

Balsam Lake

This warbler found a pine perch to its liking. - Photo by Gary King

Rice Lake • Rod & Gun Club Annual 100-bird Shoot, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Call 715-434-4631 or 715234-2538 for more info.

Siren

Somerset

Frederic

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• High School graduation, 2 p.m.

MONDAY/4 Luck

• Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society meets, at the Luck Senior Citizen Center, 7 p.m., with meeting at 7:30 p.m. Program is a silent auction. Potluck as usual.

Somerset • The Salvation Army of St. Croix & Polk County 5th-annual golf tournament, at Bristol Ridge Golf Course, noon registeration. Call 715-247-2944 for more info.

Stillwater, Minn.

• Vallee de Croix, invites women to guest night at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6:30 p.m. Call 715-483-1061 or 651-777-7598 for more info.

TUESDAY/5 Amery

Clam Falls

WEDNESDAY/6 Frederic

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by Bremer Bank.

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Lindstrom, Minn.

Siren

St. Croix Falls

SUNDAY/3 Cushing

• Retirement Open House honoring Pastor and Mary Jo Arndt, 2-5 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.

Dresser

• VFW Post #4186 & Auxiliary All-You-CanEat Breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon, at the hall.

Frederic • The Bill Bittner Memorial Dixieland Jazz Band to perform, at the 9 a.m. worship service at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Everyone welcome.

Grantsburg

• Model rocketry demo, 2 p.m., at the airport.

Call 715-463-2684 for more info.

Siren

• 3rd-annual Good Sam Big Cup Golf Tournament, 1 p.m. Call 715-483-9815.

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra summer concert, 7 p.m., at Lions Park.

• Passport Fair, 10 a.m.-noon, at the post office.

• 12th-annual golf tournament, 1 p.m. shotgun start, at Siren National, with dinner following at Kris’ Pheasant Inn. Call 715-349-5755 or 715-349-5402 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

Milltown

• Apple River Fire Department & Elim Lutheran Church Car Show, at Duck’s Sports Bar, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Webster

• Destnd Furthr concert, at the St. Croix Falls Festival Theatre, 8 p.m. Call 715-483-3387 for more info.

• 30th-annual youth slow-pitch Milk Tournament, at Melgren Field. Call 715-825-2494 for more info.

• Coffee Hour, 9 a.m., at the Lutheran church.

• First-annual Jane Wisse Wellness Walk, at Crooked Lake Park. Registration 9:30 a.m., walk 10 a.m.

• Spades played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Webster

Luck

Range

Frederic

FRI. & SAT./8 & 9 FRI. - SUN./8 - 10

• DBS rummage sale/fundraiser, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the hall. Call 715-327-8658 or 715-4722803 for more info.

• National Trails Day events & dedication of Simonson Woods, starts at 8 a.m. Call 715483-9542 or www.scfwi.com.

• Seminar addressing financial security in later life, 1:30-3 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m., at the Polk County Governament Center. Call 715485-8600 for more info.

• Free Kids Fishing Contest, Clam Lake Wayside, 8 a.m.-noon.

• Swedish Club meets, 7 p.m., at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

St. Croix Falls

bike rodeo, 9-11 a.m.; Community-wide garage sale, 8 a.m-?; St. Croix ArtBarn art sale, music, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 715-7553300 for more info.

• Coin Show, at Cedar Mall, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

THURS. - SAT/ MAY 31 - JUNE 2

• Big Gust Days, Garage sales, queen pageant, soap-box derby, kiddie parade, antique tractor show, antique car show, big medallion hunt and food stands. Call 715-463-2405 for more info.

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.

• Blood drive, 12:30-6:30 p.m., at the Legion Hall. Call 715-485-3025 for more info.

• Good Samaritan Auxiliary meets, 1:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Home to plan pie & icecream social.

THURSDAY/7 Cushing

• Blood Drive, at the community center, 2-6:45 p.m. Contact Sharon at 715-825-3733.

Frederic • Traveling history exhibit, Bus-em 2, 5-8 p.m., at the library. Call 715-327-4975 for more info.

• 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

St. Croix Falls • American Legion Post #143 meets, dinner at 7 p.m., meeting to follow. Election of new officers.

Siren • Burnett County Officer of the Year picnic, at Crooked Lake Park.

FRIDAY/8

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Milltown • Traveling history exhibit, Bus-em 2, at the Community Pride shelter. 1-4 p.m. Call 715825-2313 for more info.

St. Croix Falls • 41st-annual SCRMC salad luncheon/ bake sale/book fair fundraiser for Auxiliary, 11 a.m.-1 p.m, at the high school.

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra summer concert, 7 p.m., at Overlook Park.

Webster • Lioness Annual Rummage & Bake Sale, at the community center, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

• American Cancer Society Relay for Life, at the high school, 7 p.m. opening program.

SAT. - SUN./9 & 10 Barron

• Aquafest Power Weekend, at the fairgrounds. Sat., truck/tractor pull. Sun., demo derby, cars & trucks. 7 p.m. each night.

Frederic • Noon potluck lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m.

Grantsburg

• AARP 55 Alive classes, at the senior center.

Contact the Com. Ed. office 715-349-7070 to reserve.

Webb Lake

• ATV safety clinic, noon-4:30 p.m., at the town hall. Call 715-259-7888 for more info.

SATURDAY/9 Amery

• Polk County Historical Society, sponsored bus tour departing from the senior center at 8 a.m. Call 715-268-8353 for more info.

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra summer concert, 7 p.m., at Michael’s Park.

Balsam Lake • Red Cross baby-sitting class, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Call 715-485-3025 for more info.

Luck • Ice Age Trail Hike, meet at 10 a.m., at the parking area at McKenzie Lake on 280th Ave. east of CTH I. Contact Dean at 715-472-4378 for more info.

Osceola • Summer Kickoff, at Oakey Park, pancake breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon; intermediate school

WEDNESDAY/13 Frederic

THURSDAY/14 Amery

• Lorie Line performs, at the high school, 7:30 p.m., Call 800-801-5463 or 715-268-9771, ext.

220 for more info.

Frederic • 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

FRI. - SUN./15 - 17 Siren

• 11th-annual sixth-grade boys baseball tournament, contact Mike Murphy 715-3495233 or mbmurphy@sirentel.net for info.

FRIDAY/15 Frederic

• 7th-annual SCRMC fundraiser golf tournament, 715-483-9800 or 715-483-0247.

• Pokeno played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

SAT. - SUN./16 & 17 St. Croix Falls

• Regional Arts & Crafts Festival, at the Chateau St. Croix Winery. Call 715-483-2556 for more info.

SATURDAY/16 Frederic

• Noon potluck lunch, at the senior center.

Bingo, cards, pool or fellowship begins at 1:30 p.m.

Milltown

• The Lutheran Church’s 4th-Annual Auction, 11 a.m., Milltown Park on Hwy. 35.

Luck • Ice Age Trail work day, on the Straight River segment. Meet at 10 a.m., at the Dversdalls.

Contact Dean at 715-472-4378 for more info.

Siren • Furry Family Reunion, at the Humane Society, with games & contest. Call the shelter, 715866-4096 for more info.

• 23rd-annual Siren Ag. Club & Community Ag. Assoc. Dairy Breakfast, 6 a.m.-noon, serving wild rice pancakes, ham and cheese, beverage, ice cream and a petting zoo, call 715-349-7411 for location.

MONDAY/18 Frederic

• Spades played, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

• American Legion & Auxiliary #249 meeting, 7 p.m. at the legion hall.