Leader|feb 13|2008

W E D N E S D AY, F E B R U A RY 1 3 , 2 0 0 8 • V O L U M E 7 5 • N O . 2 5 • 8 , 0 0 0 C O P I E S • S E C T I O N A

Leader INTER-COUNTY

WEEKEND WATCH: • Clam Falls Winter Carnival • BBQ & Snowmobile Raffle @ A&H • Ice drags @ Balsam Lake • Ice fishing contest @ Balsam Lake, Centuria, Grantsburg, SCFalls, Spooner, Clam Falls and Clayton • Scholarship fundraiser @ Luck • See Coming events and stories

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

$1

Towering ice

Primary Tuesday

Presidential contests for both parties; Polk County highway shop referendum; local races in Burnett and Polk counties

PAGES 12, 13 and 14

Former CRA director faces drug, theft charges

Preliminary hearing delayed again; new date set for Friday, Feb. 22 PAGE 3

Local man to address Dutch Parliament

Peace activist John LaForge invited to speak about dangers of uranium weapons PAGE

2

New royalty at Luck Mary MaidenMueller is crowned Miss Luck 2008

PAGE .17

Currents Section

Xcel to begin construction on Chisago Project City of St. Croix Falls issues $845,000 in bonds for downtown PAGE 3

“Live...laugh...love” Family and friends will remember how Ashley Gelke lived her life during her memorial service this Saturday at Frederic High School

BACK PAGE

Sally Kupferschmidt of St. Paul couldn’t resist capturing this angle of the Luck Winter Carnival ice castle with her digital camera this past weekend. The Kupferschmidts have a family cabin on Big Butternut Lake and have been coming up to the area for more than 40 years. “I love taking photos of Luck, Wisc.!” she wrote in an e-mail to the Leader. More Luck Winter Carnival photos in this issue.

I N S I D E Nathaniel is in America Page 21

CURRENTS SECTION

Movin’ on

11 wrestlers remain

SPORTS In this section

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Braving the wind chill

Leader

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.

MANAGER Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net EDITOR Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net STAFF Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Brenda Sommerfeld brendals@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Priscilla Bauer the-leader@centurytel.net Erik Barstow the-leader@centurytel.net Carl Heidel the-leader@centurytel.net Sherill Summer the-leader@centurytel.net EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net

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

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

OFFICES Frederic

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

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

Siren

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

Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

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

St. Croix Falls

Box 338, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 (M-W, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

715-483-9008 Fax - 715-483-1420

How to subscribe:

The Inter-County Leader [ISS No. 87509091] is published weekly. Subscription prices are $30/yr. in Polk and Burnett counties; $34/yr. in Barron, Chisago, Washburn, St. Croix counties; $37/yr. anywhere in the United States $22/yr. for servicemen or women; $22/yr. for students or schools (9 months). Payment is needed before we can start the subscription. No refunds on subscriptions. Persons may subscribe online at www.the-leader.net, write us at Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837, or stop by one of our three offices.

Board of directors Vivian Byl, chair Charles Johnson Harvey Stower Merlin Johnson Janet Oachs

An award-winning newspaper Member

• National Newspaper Association • Wisconsin Newspaper Association

The Inter-County Leader is a qualified newspaper for the publication of legal notices, meeting the requirements as set forth in Chapter 985.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Every government official or board that handles public money should publish at regular intervals an accounting of it, showing where and how each dollar is spent. We hold this to be a fundamental principle of democratic government. Publisher reserves right to reject any advertisement or news release or letter of opinion at any time.

These young men might have thought they were at July’s Lucky Days parade instead of last Saturday evening’s Luck Winter Carnival parade, held in minus 25-degree temperatures. More Winter Carnival photos in Currents section. – Photo submitted

Election Day registration

by Lynn Hoeppner Washburn County Clerk WASHBURN COUNTY – Voting in local, state and national elections in Wisconsin is much easier than in most other states because the Badger State has Election Day registration for voters.

Wisconsin residents who are qualified voters (a citizen, over 18, etc.) can go to their polling place on Election Day and register to vote just before they receive their ballot. All that is required is proof of residence (10 days in Wisconsin prior to Election Day) and proper completion of a voter registration form.

The ability to register on Election Day makes participating in the democratic process very easy. Even if a person has recently moved to Wisconsin from Duluth, Dubuque or Downer’s Grove, she or he can help choose the next school board or governor.

Wisconsin has had Election Day registration since 1976, and was the second state in the nation to institute the practice after Minnesota. Wisconsin is also second, only to Minnesota, in average statewide voter participation.

To prove residency, Wisconsinites can use the following documents if they contain full name and current address of the voter:

• a current Wisconsin driver’s license • a current Wisconsin I.D. card • any other official I.D. card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit • any employer-issued photo I.D. card, issued in the normal course of business, but not including a business card • a university, college or technical college fee card or I.D. card with photo and current address. (May be used even if the card does not contain the cardholder’s address, if the educational institution provides a certified student list for use at the polling place.)

• a utility bill (e.g., gas, electric, cable TV or telephone) for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before Election Day • a bank statement • a real estate (i.e., property) tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election • a current residential lease which is effective for a period that includes Election Day • a paycheck or a government check or other document issued by a unit of government Wisconsin is one of only eight states — Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota,

Montana, New Hampshire and Wyoming are the others — that offer Election Day registration. In addition, North Carolina has just added one-stop, absentee voting up to three days before Election Day. The right to vote is very important, and the ability to register on Election Day is a great benefit of Wisconsin citizenship. Please register to vote and exercise your right in 2008.

For more information about Election Day registration, contact the municipal clerk, the county clerk or see the state Elections Division Web site at http://elections.wi.gov.

No formal charges yet SIREN – Kyle Huggett has yet to be formally charged in the shooting death of John Peach.

The Burnett County Sheriff’s Department has released no more information surrounding the incident which occurred Sunday, Jan. 20.

Huggett is free on a $50,000 signature bond. His next court date is Wednesday, Feb. 27. - Sherill Summer

Local peace activist to speak to Dutch Parliament John LaForge will be among speakers to address that country’s Defense Committee on Uranium Weapons LUCK - John LaForge, a staff member of Nukewatch, a nonprofit peace and environmental action group based at the Anathoth Community Farm, will join an expert panel in The Hague, The Netherlands, this Thursday, Feb. 14, presenting information to the Dutch Parliament’s Standing Committee of Defense about the U.S. military’s use of uranium munitions.

Nukewatch, founded in 1979, focuses critical attention on nuclear power and weapons, radioactive waste and nonviolent resistance to war. The organization has been researching and reporting on the controversial armor-piercing weapons since 1993, when the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel first disclosed their widespread use by the united States in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. LaForge, 51, has written widely about the weapons which are made from ura-

John LaForge, of rural Luck, will join an expert panel in The Hague, The Netherlands, this Thursday, Feb. 14, presenting information to the Dutch Parliament’s Standing Committee of Defense about the U.S. military’s use of uranium munitions. – photo submitted nium-238, a radioactive metal left over from the production of uranium fuel for nuclear power reactors and nuclear war-

heads.

The invitation from the Dutch Parliament came after LaForge’s article about Alliant Techsystems of Edina, Minn., and the protests surrounding the company’s production of the weapons, appeared in the November issue of The New Internationalist.

The article focused on the not guilty verdicts won by four Anathoth Community Farm members who had been charged with trespass at Alliant’s world headquarters in Edina. The four argued that U.S. and international law forbid the manufacture and sale of indiscriminate and poisonous weapons.

Uranium-238 is a toxic heavy metal with a radioactive half-life of 4.5 billion years. After striking armor plate, the shells can turn to uranium-oxide which can be spread by the wind, ingested and inhaled, and can contaminate soldiers and civilians in the war zone.

LaForge spoke in February of last year in the British House of Commons on the same subject. He is on the steering committee of the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons, which is working to see the devices outlawed. - submitted

Briefly

STATEWIDE - Will Wisconsin voters prove the national pundits wrong in Tuesday’s presidential primary?

Anything can happen - but only if you go and vote in the first place. Please take time to read over our primary preview stories in this week’s Leader and check out our Web poll question this week at www.the-leader.net.

••• POLK COUNTY - The 2008 annual state trail passes are now available at the Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls. The pass opens up the entire network of state trails in Wisconsin to you. In northwestern Wisconsin, state trail passes are required on the Gandy Dancer State Trail for bicycling and specific equestrian and ski trails. The trail pass is valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 on all state recreational trails and is required for users 16 years of age and older. It is not requred for walking. Trail pass sales generate about $5,000 a year for Polk County that becomes part of the county revenue that offsets the tax levy. Polk County’s primary state trail - the Gandy Dancer - is a limestone-surfaced trail that stretches 47 miles from St. Croix Falls to Danbury in Burnett County. It is operated by agreement with the DNR, as a nonmotorized trail in the summer and a snowmobile trail in the winter. For more information call 1-800222-POLK or go to www.polkcountytourism.com. - submitted ••• BALSAM LAKE – A skywarn spotter class will be held Monday, March 10, in the community room of the Polk County Justice Center in Balsam Lake from 2 to 6:30 p.m. The class is designed to instruct individuals on the importance of early recognition and identification of potential severe weather conditions. As a trained Skywarn Spotter, you provide an important link in the chain of defense against severe weather hazards. These classes are open to the public. Class size is limited so please contact the Emergency Management Office at 715-485-9280 or email kathy@co.polk.wi.us to enroll. These classes are free of charge. - submitted ••• AMERY - The University of Wisconsin Badger Band will be appearing in the Amery High School gymnasium on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. Under the direction of Professor Michael Leckrone, the Wisconsin Band has become the top collegiate marching band in the nation.

The band was scheduled to perform in Amery in 2007, but due to a snowstorm, was unable to travel. The show was cancelled and tickets were refunded.

Nonrefunded tickets purchased in 2007 are not valid for the 2008 show. Advance tickets are $8 for ages 4-18 and seniors 62+; adult advance tickets are $10. All tickets will be $12 at the door.

Advance tickets are currently available in Amery through Johnson Drug and Bremer Bank, online at www.mycommunitytickets.com (for an extra fee), or by mailing a ticket request and payment to Amery Community Education, 543 Minneapolis Ave, Amery, WI 54001. For questions call 715-268-9771 x220. - submitted

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

Bauer, Gronski file for write-in spots

BURNETT COUNTY – Two citizens have filed as write-in candidates for the county board position left vacant by the recent death of District 4 representative Charlie Peterson.

Priscilla Bauer and Jeremy Gronski have filed papers to be official write-in candidates in the April 1 election.

District 4 emcompasses the town of Anderson, Ward 2 of the town of Grantsburg and Ward 2 of the town of Trade Lake.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A -

Faces charges

Former CRA director faces drug and theft charges

BALSAM LAKE – Alta Tann, the former director of the Community Referral Agency in Milltown, has had her preliminary hearing delayed again, this time because there is a conflict of interest involving the public defender who is representing her.

Tann had come from Chicago, where she is living in a treatment center, for a preliminary hearing on Monday, Feb.

11. With Tann, her attorney, the district attorney, and some dozen interested CRA board members and others present in the court room, Judge Robert Rasmussen announced the problem in her defense and set a new date of Friday, Feb. 22, for the preliminary hearing.

Tann has been charged with two felony counts of possession of narcotic drugs and two felony counts of theft of property. She has been accused of taking medications from CRA residents while she was the director of the women’s shelter. - Gregg Westigard

Construction to begin

Xcel to begin construction on Chisago Project; city issues $845,000 in bonds for downtown

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The Chisago powerline project proposed by Xcel Energy will begin construction now that the Minnesota permitting agencies have all signed off on the project, a 160-kV line running through Chisago County, Minn., across the hydrodam from Taylors Falls to St. Croix Falls, to the Dairyland Power substation. The upgraded line application was originally for a 230-kV aboveground powerline, but the cities of St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls hired attorneys and mediated with Xcel to drop the voltage to 160 kV and bury the line as it comes through the cities of Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls and their Main Streets.

The buried conduit for Lousiana Street in St. Croix Falls was done in 2007, so Xcel can pull the line through without tearing up Louisiana Street when they get the line from the dam to Louisiana connected.

The Chisago Project was at one time a controversial topic in the river valley communities before the mediated settlement agreement was reached. When it was proposed, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission was almost in favor of it at the beginning phases and gave it approval, while the Minnesota portion of the project had to receive permits from each respective municipality affected by the line construction.

The Minnesota permitting process is a more lengthy process, but is now complete, even before Xcel thought they would begin the construction of the line.

Xcel originally anticipated the line to be energized in 2012, but according to the city engineer, Charlie Jones of Cedar Corp., Xcel hopes to have the line energized by 2010. The topic was discussed at the St. Croix Falls City Council meeting Feb. 12.

The Minnesota Permitting process gives Xcel 18-24 months to complete construction, and it appears they will be beginning as early as possible according to the council discussion.

Cedar Corp. was on the agenda with regard to the Xcel project. The council approved a task order set up by Cedar to coordinate efforts with Xcel when the city looks at their scheduled downtown improvements along the river.

Borrowing The council passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of G.O. bonds not to exceed $845,000 with refinancing Tax Increment Finance District 1 to finance the community development projects associated with downtown enhancements and retiring some city debt. Sean Lentz, Ehlers & Associates walked the council through the refinancing procedure. Lentz said that the

refinancing of the 1998 general obligation bonds ($805,000) and the 1999 balloon payment associated with the promissory notes ($1,020,000) in TIF 1 will give the city a savings by refinancing and pay the debt off in the same amount of time.

Another caveat to the refinancing is borrowing $845,000 for public enhancements, which are TIF eligible expenses.

When adding those items together, Lentz says the total amount to refinance in the issuing of the bonds is $2.6 million.

Lentz said this is within the amount the state says the city can borrow which is 5 percent of its equalized value. The current 5-percent amount for the city is $11 million.

The city’s itemized list for the borrowed amount: Purchase of land at library site reimbursement: $100,000 Library public plaza architectural and engineering design: $50,000 Public plaza and parking lot site Construction for library (includes engineering): $250,000 Public crosswalks (3 X $10,000): $ 30,000 Trail improvements/enhancements: $ 55,000 Burial of powerlines: $75,000 Street Improvements & enhancements:$240,000 Total: $800,000

The consensus was to leave a cushion for unexpected incidents or “contingency.” The motion passed for the resolution to refinance and borrow in TIF 1.

Five felonies charges each for men caught making methamphetamine

by Sherill Summer SIREN – Robert A. Edwards, 51, Webster, and Kelly R. Hanson, 39, Danbury, were both charged with five felonies after caught making methamphetamine in Edwards’ Webster home on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Police received an anonymous hint that the men could be found making methamphetamine at the Webster residence. The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation conducted much of the investigation once the lab was found.

Each man is charged with manufacturing or delivering amphetamine, Felony F, maintaining a drug trafficking place, Felony I, possess methamphetamine, Felony H, Knowingly possess methamphetamine waste, Felony H and possess drug paraphernalia to manufacture, compound, convert, produce or store methamphetamine, Felony H. Both men are scheduled for an initial appearance today at 2 p.m. Both have remained in Burnett County custody since the day they were caught making methamphetamine.

Golden Age Manor suit delayed again

No judge assigned yet BALSAM LAKE - The suit to stop the sale of Golden Age Manor is on hold while the court system is trying to find a judge to handle the case.

Burnett Circuit Court Judge Mike Gableman was assigned to the case briefly, but the parties bringing the suit asked for a substitution on Tuesday. Before that the case had been assigned to Rusk County Judge Frederick Henderson but the defendant, Polk County, had asked that he be substituted.

Since each side is allowed one substitution, the next judge assigned to the case should be the final one. That judge, once named, will set a court date.

Eugene Sollman, a member of the GAM board, Marion Posey, a GAM employee, and Anne Nykreim, a GAM resident, have filed the suit to stop the sale of the county nursing home in Amery. - Gregg Westigard

Calls may be tied to local union POLK COUNTY – Unsolicited phone calls with a prerecorded message about the recent vote to sell the county-owned nursing home, Golden Age Manor, may be linked to a local union, according to Sheriff Tim Moore.

Moore said he could not release any further information at this time as the case remains under investigation. The calls, asking voters to contact their county board representatives and ask them to reverse their vote to sell GAM, generated false caller ID numbers, leading recipients to believe they originated from county board members.

The state has been asked to assist the county in the investigation, which could lead to charges relating to identity-theft laws.

“It appears at this time that the ability to call someone, block your phone number and enter in a fictitious number is not only possible but also quite common via the Internet,” stated Moore in a press release issued last week.

The Leader was able to obtain wording used in the recorded message, part of which had a voice saying “Asking you to help prevent the sale of the Polk County Nursing Home.

Please call your county supervisor tonight. They recently voted to sell the home. The deal is not final but we do need your help to stop the sale before it is too late. Call now and ask them to change their vote and stop the sale.

“You may also know this deal was brokered behind closed doors. A few supervisors met secretly for months concealing the name of the buyer and safety record.

You may also know that Golden Age Manor also helped taxpayers last year by making money. Press 1 now to connect to your supervisor and tell them not to sell Golden Age. Press 2 to be removed from our list. Visit our Web site at polkcountyhome.org or call the county clerk at 485-9226 to get information on how to call. Thank you very much.”

The Leader was able to find only a background screen at that site.

By a one-vote margin, the Polk County Board of Supervisors decided to sell Golden Age Manor to a privately owned company. A lawsuit to block the sale, filed in the names of a GAM board member, an employee, and a resident, is pending.

Supervisors whose phone numbers were used include Bob Blake, Kay Friberg, Ken Olson, Larry Jepson, Gary Bergstom and Rodney Littlefield. – Gary King

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

County supervisor candidates speak at village board meeting

by Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – The Frederic Village Board held their monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 11. President Phil Knuf invited the three county board supervisor candidates to attend and address the board and any visitors considering their platforms, followed by a question and answer session.

“I don’t think in the history of Polk County politics that Frederic has ever had a primary before for the county board supervisor position,” trustee William Johnson stated. “That’s pretty good.”

There are three candidates for the county board supervisor position from Frederic that will be brought down to two in the primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 19. They are Fred Grimm, Jody Walter and Joan Peterson.

Of the three, Grimm and Walter both came to present themselves to the board and public during the meeting, and were each given five minutes to speak.

Peterson was not able to make it due to prior set family obligations.

Grimm stood and told the board the reasons he felt he made a good candidate. He said in his professional and semiretired life he is and has been a management consultant.

“As a result of that, I’ve had lots of experience going into very large and complex organizations and trying to understand how they work and how they don’t work,” Grimm explained. “If I were elected, I would push hard to bring professional management to the county.”

Grimm stated that the county has very difficult decisions to make with the financial crunch.

“Some hard decisions have to be made,” Grimm said. “My view is you can’t do everything. You have to do the few things really well and make some hard choices. Perhaps to eliminate some

programs or activities.”

He also does not believe the county needs to have 23 supervisors.

“A good group dynamics has about 10 to 12,” Grimm voiced. “It’s probably not a very popular position down there, but it’s the one that I think makes sense.”

The other candidate, Jody Walter, received his turn to speak. Walter is the pastor at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frederic.

“One of the basic dynamics of running a church is that you have a fixed revenue stream and a fixed set of things you have to get done,” Walter explained. “That’s exactly what government has too.”

Walter explained that on a day-to-day basis he deals with the same budget concerns that the county does and that church body politics work much like that government.

“I have had some experience in these type of legislative assemblies with the church,” Walter said.

He also addressed some of the issues the board is facing right now, including the Golden Age Manor and the garage.

He explained the views he would bring to the board if they are not resolved before the new board members are appointed.

Village trustee Johnson asked both candidates a few questions. The first was what experience they have had.

“Until I moved here, I kind of thought the word elected official might be a dirty word,” Grimm answered, “but it has given me a chance to be a part of the community.”

Grimm went on to tell the board that he was on the Frederic School Board for three years, five years ago and is currently on the Golden Age Manor Board.

He also is involved in a countywide task force regarding issues of sexual and domestic violence.

“I have served on government boards

and understand that the process is,” Grimm started out explaining. “Well it’s like how you say you don’t want to see how sausage is made. That’s what the legislative process is like too. You don’t want to see how it’s made, but still I think it’s the best way to do that, by having a push and pull and having disagreements but not to be disagreeable.

I’ve learned to do that too. Sometimes the hard way.”

Walter had earlier explained his experience with the church.

“I am not elected to any public government positions at this time,” Walter replied.

Johnson then went on to ask which two of the 10 committees the candidates would be willing to serve on.

Grimm said finance and personnel.

He would like to bring his management background into finance and he believes that the employees are the engine of the county government.

Walter also said finance because he feels it is the crucial issue at this time, but otherwise is flexible and willing to work on just about any of the committees.

When asked by Johnson if they would be willing to attend village board meetings regularly, both candidates present responded that they would be happy to do that.

by Wayne Anderson WEST SWEDEN – Residents and government officials put their heads togeth-

er and brainstormed on ideas of how to plan for the future.

The session on Monday night was

part of the state’s mandate for all municipalities, towns, villages and cities, to tell the state what their condition is and where they want to go as a community.

It’s called the comprehensive plan.

Each community must devise a survey, which will then be mailed to its residents. In that survey questions will be asked like: length of residency, occupation, personal aspirations, income, etc.

The proposed two-page survey is designed to create a profile of the community. In West Sweden, all questions

Village Clerk/Treasurer position split Village clerk/treasurer Marilyn Sederlund explained the ordinance of dividing the appointed position of clerk/treasurer into two separate appointed positions instead of one combined position.

Kristi Swanson currently works with Sederlund as the deputy clerk/treasurer and does most of the treasurer’s duties.

“Kristi basically does the majority of the treasurer work,” Sederlund explained, “and I basically take care of

the clerk’s position.”

Administrator Dave Wondra elaborated by saying the positions used to be separate and there would not be any salary changes. The position would be another officer of the corporation that would be able to sign papers.

“From an audit standpoint, they would like to see things separated,” Wondra said.

The trustees agreed and unanimously voted the position be separated.

Six to fill three trustee positions During the primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 19, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., three Frederic Village Trustee positions will be voted on.

The candidates are John Glockzin, Brad Harlander, Kerry Brendal, Jamie Worthington, Arlen Peterson and Eleanore Carlson.

Police chief answers questions Village president Phil Knuf had questions that people have asked him that he relayed to Police Chief RJ Severude during Monday’s meeting.

Knuf wondered why the speed limit was changed on Hwy. 35.

“We don’t regulate the speed limits anywhere on these state roads,” Severude replied. “That is mandated by the state.”

Another concern was that village patrol cars have been seen outside of the village limits.

“It can be a number of reasons,” Severude explained. “One is patrolling, as far as our area of patrol might lead us, just outside of the village because of a call for assistance from the county or state, mutual aid or an investigation.”

The department also had to travel to Lewis on one occasion to interview a suspect, he noted.

West Sweden eyes plan for the future

West Sweden residents, and government officials, brainstorm on ideas of how to improve and protect the town, in cooperation with the state’s Comprehensive Plan. – Photo by Wayne Anderson

School open enrollment period leads to possible recruiting Enrollment period ends Feb. 22

by Gregg Westigard STATEWIDE – The public school open enrollment period is now in progress and some school districts are possibly using the process as an opportunity to recruit students and increase enrollment.

Parents who wish to have their children attend a school district other than the one they live in can apply to the new district between Feb. 4 and Friday, Feb. 22. Parents must submit an application form to the nonresident school district.

At least one area school district is apparently using the open enrollment period to recruit students and increase the district student count. The Unity School District has mailed a four-page flyer to postal patrons including those in the Luck and Frederic areas.

The full color mailing highlights the Unity district for innovation, effectiveness and efficiency. It offers information on the Unity teachers, programs, technology, and instruction and invites parents to visit the campus.

State education aid is based on the number of students attending a school.

More students mean more state aid and some districts are actively recruiting students to offset declining enrollments.

on the survey are anonymous.

Residents should receive a survey in the spring. The results of the survey will be posted on the town’s new Web site: www.thetownofwestsweden.com and county Web sites.

Monday night was the second in a series of eight meetings scheduled. The next meeting is Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. The state plans to present a report in 2010 of what Wisconsin as a whole looks like and where it wants to go in the future. – www.theandersonreport.com

Eighteen of state’s delegates not beholden to popular vote STATEWIDE - People who cast ballots in next Tuesday’s primary will have the biggest say in who Wisconsin nominates as presidential candidates, but 18 of Wisconsin’s Democratic delegates won’t be beholden to the popular vote as they help choose their party’s nominee.

The campaigns for Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been lobbying “super-delegates” nationwide, and Wisconsin is no different.

Super-delegates can throw their support behind whomever they choose.

About half are elected Democratic leaders like the governor, two U.S. senators and five Congressmen. The others are party leaders and party activists.

Awais Khaleel became a Wisconsin super-delegate because he’s the vice president of the national organization College Democrats of America. He says he takes the responsibility seriously. He says he knows that the superdelegate vote isn’t just a vote on behalf

of him personally, but is meant to represent the wishes of the people he represents.

Mordecai Lee is a former Democratic state lawmaker and a professor of political science at the UW-Milwaukee. Lee says super-delegates were set up in the 1970s to balance the interests of grassroots activists who favor ideologicallypure candidates, and party officials who are concerned with electability.

He says it seems to him that the superdelegate categories are doing exactly what they’re supposed to do: balance out the delegates who are elected from primaries and more democratic open processes.

But Lee says that in this Democratic primary, super-delegates could make the difference in who gets nominated.

He says that would raise questions of whether the nominating process is fair or whether super-delegates have an inordinate amount of influence. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

H E A D L I N E S

Indianhead Credit Union branching out

Grantsburg School Board approves plan for student-run branch

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – Students at Grantsburg High School will soon be able to cash checks and make deposits to savings accounts right from school.

The Grantsburg School Board approved a proposal by Indianhead Credit Union for a student-run branch of the financial institution at their Monday night meeting.

Bruce Frei, ICU vice president, and Jackie Finch, Grantsburg ICU branch manager, attended the board meeting to make a presentation and answer questions on their request to establish a student-run ICU branch.

Frei began the presentation by stating the goal of the student-run branch would be to provide financial education to the students and stressed ICU does not expect to profit from the school branch operation.

When asked by board president, David Ahlquist just how the branch would function, Frei explained what ICU envisioned. “We are looking at hiring three junior and senior students who will run the branch. These students would be salaried ICU employees. They would receive paid training at the Grantsburg branch the same as any new ICU employees would.” Frei told the board the school branch would initially

be open once a week during the lunch period. As to equipment needed, Frei said the students would basically only be using a laptop connected to ICU’s computer system.

Before taking any action on a motion made by board member Cindy Jensen to approve ICU’s request, the board had several comments, concerns and questions for Frei.

“We have to look at how this will help our kids. If it isn’t going to help them then we don’t want to get involved,” commented board president Dave Ahlquist.

GHS math teacher Jay Gilhoi, who teaches a course in personal finance, spoke in support of the request saying it is so important for students to learn about their personal finances. Gilhoi said this would be a great learning opportunity and that he would like all students to learn how to open and balance a checking account.

High school Principal Stan Marczak was also asked how he viewed the proposal. “We are always looking for more businesses to partner with us, said Marczak. ICU coming in and helping our kids is a win-win for us. I’m really for it.”

“I am 100 percent for the financial education of our children,” commented board member David Dahlberg, but stated he had questions about public access to the branch citing traffic and security concerns. Frei assured Dahlberg ICU did not envision the pub-

lic using the branch. “This would not be a true branch,” said Frei. Frei explained Grantsburg branch personnel would responsible for the transfer of funds and equipment. No students would be asked to leave the school to perform these duties. When asked as to what would happen in the event of a theft or accident, Frei told the board the credit union as a bonded institution, would be the responsible party.

Dahlberg and several other board members also raised concerns about the commercialization of the school.

Superintendent Burgin commented that while she had included the district’s solicitation policy in the meeting packet for board members review the ICU request was not solicitation.

Frei again stressed ICU’s intent was the financial education of the students.

Frei told the board Wisconsin credit unions are very active in providing financial education materials to teachers and students. Frei said there were currently 73 student-run credit union branches in the state with Superior’s branch running successfully for the past five years.

Gilhoi addressed the board’s question as to the possibility of other local financial institutions wanting to participate in a similar endeavor. Gilhoi stated he has good support from both U.S. and Community Banks and welcomed participation from them saying this was an equal opportunity for all the Grantsburg institutions. Board member

Celebrating the 100th day at Grantsburg Elementary RIGHT - Third-grader, Claire Palmquist wore a hat with 100 feathers for the school’s 100th-day celebration at Grantsburg Elementary School last week.

LEFT - Kali Jones makes a row of 100 pennies during the 100thday celebration at Grantsburg Elementary. Each student in Mrs. Johnson’s second-grade class picked objects from mini-marshmallows to paper plates to put in lines of 100.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Show me the money!

The boys in the Grantsburg Tiger Pack 520 said, “Show us the money,” so U.S. Bank President Chris Erickson opened the bank’s vault so the Boy Scouts could see where the cash is stored. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

and U.S. Bank President Chris Erickson said she would be discussing some education opportunities U.S. Bank could provide to Gilhoi’s students but did not see a U.S. Bank student branch as feasible at this time.

Ahlquist said he wanted clarification on the time frame for the establishment and duration of the branch operation.

Frei said he would like to start setting the branch up as soon as possible, so it could begin this school year. Frei anticipated it would take 30 to 60 days to have the branch up and running. Board member Jason Burkman commented that since ICU would be investing substantial time and money getting the branch set up, the board should give them enough time to see if project works. Gilhoi told the board he would be overseeing the branch’s operation and that the plug could be pulled at any time if it was not working.

The board then moved to approve the branch for this school year by a 6-0 vote with one abstention.

In other business The board approved Insight School of Wisconsin’s Truancy Policy.

The board approved the proposal from Point of Beginning Engineering Firm for high school football field repairs.

The board approved the shared service contracts with CESA # 11.

The approved the unpaid leave for kindergarten teacher Sherri Jones.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Head Start will relocate from Frederic to Balsam Lake

BALSAM LAKE - In an effort to best meet the needs of families in all of Polk County, CESA #11 will be relocating its Frederic school-based Head Start classroom to Balsam Lake beginning in the fall of 2008.

The children in the Frederic School District will continue to have the opportunity to receive their Pre-K educational experience at the Frederic Elementary

School or through the Head Start Program in Balsam Lake. The availability of additional space at the centrally located Balsam Lake Center will allow for the creation of an age-appropriate 3year-old classroom to compliment the existing 4-year-old classroom and the Early Head Start parent/child learning center.

CESA #11 Head Start has greatly

appreciated and valued the partnership with the Frederic School District over the past nine years and looks forward to continuing this relationship to provide quality services to young children and their families in the Frederic community as well as in the greater Polk County area.

There will be a collaborative 4-yearold kindergarten and preschool

roundup held this spring at the Frederic Elementary School. Parents can look for ads in the newspapers for the upcoming information. If you would like to register your child earlier please call 3274221 for Frederic School districts Mighty Vikes program (formally known as 4K) or 485-3413 or 327-5719 to register for Head Start or Early Head Start. – from Head Start

Snowmobile-semi collision is fatal

BUTTERNUT – A crash involving a snowmobile and semitrailer last Thursday evening, Feb. 7, resulted in the death of 37-year-old Waconia, Minn., man.

According to the Wisconsin State

Patrol, Mitchell Riebel was operating a snowmobile near Zillenger Road in Ashland County when he failed to stop at an intersection of Hwy. 13 and the snowmobile trail he was riding on.

Riebel’s snowmobile struck the side

of a semitrailer operated by James Armatoski, 36, of Fifield.

Riebel was transported to the hospital in Park Falls where he later died as result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Responding to the scene were the

Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, the DNR and local ambulance personnel. The crash remains under investigation by the DNR and Wisconsin State Patrol. – with information from State Patrol

Motivational speaker addressess teachers and staff Bill Collar, motivational speaker, humorist and author, spoke to St. Croix Falls teachers and support staff Wednesday, Feb. 6. His book, “Exceeding the Standards: Teaching with Pride, Poise, and Passion” is a tribute to all educators who have made the commitment to perform at a level of excellence that goes beyond what is required. Collar was a social studies teacher and football coach for 29 years at Seymour High School. He has been recognized as Social Studies Teacher of the Year Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, and Wisconsin Football Coach of the Year. In addition to the afternoon presentation, Collar spoke with coaches and advisors that evening and area schools were invited to attend.

His message was “Sportsmanship for the Coach and Athlete...Tips for Longevity.” – Photos by Tammi Milberg

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

TF city hall/committee shorthanded

by Tammi Milberg TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The city of Taylors Falls Personnel and Heritage Preservation Committee have had their share of misfortune recently.

While the Feb. 12 city council meeting had a short agenda, there were notable absences mentioned during the meeting.

During committee reports, councilman Zara Kinnunen reported the Heritage Preservation Committee had not met since the chair of that committee moved. The chair was Betsy Bradley, who accepted a position in Wyoming and has moved out of the area. Her vacancy was noted as well as the absence now of vice chair of the HPC, Bill Scott, who broke his hip last week and is recovering from surgery. It was noted that the vacancy of the chair has to be filled before a meeting can be scheduled and that Scott was doing well following his surgery.

Mayor Michael Buchite in his report asked the council to keep the city clerk and deputy clerk/treasurer in their thoughts and prayers. City clerk Jo Everson had back surgery and Buchite said likely won’t return for at least four weeks. He added that the city is also absent a deputy clerk for an unknown amount of time. Deputy clerk Jayna Yeske had open-heart surgery the day of the council meeting.

Buchite stated newly hired zoning administrator/coordinator Larry Phillips will be wearing three hats at city hall while this is going on.

In other council business, a report from Steve Gall, Lions member, was given in updating the council on future Lions Club projects. Gall indicated a repeat of the tug-of-war during Wannigan Days is possible as well as planning more events on the Taylors Falls side of the river. Kinnunen made a suggestion of a possible park and ride during Wannigan Days to and from the Lions Park. Gall said the Lions are looking into transportation issues.

Gall asked about liability insurance for events at the Lions Park. The council authorized Gall to contact the city’s insurance agent to find out if there is a policy or what policies are available and report back to the council.

The council thanked Gall for his report.

Mayor Buchite also commented that he received a letter, or rather the city did, from MNDot. He said MNDot has scheduled this summer to do some work on Hwys. 8 and 95, up the hill including some retaining walls and roadwork.

“I’m suspecting that’s the area where we usually get a lot of runoff,” Buchite added.

Buchite said what that means is traffic will not be allowed to continue up the hill, but will be detoured, and roads such as Herberg Road may see increased volumes of traffic during that time.

The next regular council meeting is Feb. 25.

Rep. Hraychuck, county departments, announce launch of BadgerCare Plus BALSAM LAKE – Rep. Ann Hraychuck, the Polk County Human Services Department, and the Polk County Health Department announced at a press conference on Monday, Feb. 11 that the Department of Health and Family Services implemented Badger Care Plus, an expansion of BadgerCare and Medicaid that will provide health care coverage for all Wisconsin kids regardless of income, on February 1st.

“Ten months ago I was in Balsam Lake hosting a forum to discuss Governor Doyle’s proposal to cover 98 percent of Wisconsin residents through a new program called BadgerCare Plus, which was a part of his proposed state budget. It is exciting to be back again—less than a year later—to announce that BadgerCare Plus is now a reality,” said Rep. Hraychuck.

Low income families will be able to enroll their children into BadgerCare Plus at no charge, and families with higher incomes will be able to buy into the program for as little as $10 a month.

ABC for Rural Health’s Mike Rust explained which groups will benefit from BadgerCare Plus. “BadgerCare Plus expands eligibility opportunities for many children ages 6 – 19, farming and other self-employed families with depreciation, families with highdeductible private insurance not through their employer, and parents with children in foster care and kids aging out of the foster care system. If you are in one of these groups and you have been denied before, now is the time to apply again.” Polk County has been collaborating with ABC for Rural Health since 1988 to provide family health benefits counseling.

Part of the challenge in getting children and their families enrolled in BadgerCare Plus is finding ways to communicate to the public what the program is and how people can sign up.

To help meet this challenge, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services offered BadgerCare Plus Outreach and Application Assistance grants to help defray the

costs of outreach efforts. “This grant allows our department to reach out to eligible families participating in programs such as WIC, Reproductive Health, Well Woman Program, schools, PNCC, Birth to 3, as well as through local medical centers. Our goal is to enroll 156 new persons by the end of June, 2009,” said Gretchen Sampson, Director/Health Officer for the Polk County Health Department.

Polk County Health Department is the only local agency in the state that has its own Family Health Benefits Counselor. Julie Baryluk serves in this position, and she has been busy since BadgerCare Plus started at the beginning of February.

“I can now be mobile and enroll people in their homes and at outlying public health clinics,” said Baryluk. While this grant is helpful in subsidizing outreach efforts, it does not cover all the costs at the local level associated with implementing and administering a program like BadgerCare Plus. “Polk County Human Services is getting 35-40 calls per day from people interested in enrolling in BadgerCare Plus, but there is no new money for additional staff.

So it is important that we recognize the hard work of the department’s current employees in getting the BadgerCare Plus applications processed in a timely manner,” said Jan Place, Economic Support Supervisor for Polk County.

The state also requires an evaluation at the end of the grant, and Polk County has hired an outside agency to perform this evaluation.

“I am pleased that this grant includes an accountability measure. Wisconsin should be doing this more uniformly throughout state government to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are being spent wisely,” said Rep. Hraychuck.

To find out if BadgerCare Plus is a health care option for you, please contact 485-8400 if you live in Polk County, 349-7600 if you live in Burnett County, and 246-6991 if you live in St. Croix County. - from the office of Rep. Hraychuck

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L e a d e r We b Po l l

Last week’s poll results

Total votes: 143

Your favorite for president?:

My property tax bill:

41%

45 votes Was paid in full by the end of Jan.

44%

48 votes Paid half by Jan. 31

15%

17 votes I have yet to pay any amount

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Obama Clinton McCain Huckabee Paul

To take part in the poll go to www.the-leader.net and scroll to the lower left portion of page.

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M

Local elections...appreciate them

us Americans to mess up the democracy we hold so dear.

L eaveHowit tomuch more confusing can we make our system for voting to elect

a nominee for president and the actual president?

Many voters were disenfranchised with our election system when the actual popular vote didn’t count in the 2004 election. Those who backed the winner in that election touted the electoral college as a stroke of genius. Losers scratched their heads, stunned. Perhaps out of ignorance. Certainly out of indignance.

Now caucuses - those strange, tribal circle gatherings of party faithful threaten to turn off even more potential voters.

Our neighbors in Minnesota experienced a comparatively poor turnout in their recent primary - despite one of the most exciting and tightly contested presidential primary contests in decades. Their caucus vote required voters to show up at a specific time to show their preference for a presidential candidate. Some obviously couldn’t make the date because they were working or just couldn’t make it due to traffic or lack of a baby sitter. Voting participation there was down for the first time in years, obviously due to the restrictions of the caucus system.

Legislators there plan to vote on a proposal to step back from the caucus system. Toss in the decision by the Democratic party to exclude the states of Florida and Michigan from the primary election process (punishment for holding primaries unsancationed by the Democratic National Committee) and the fact that Super delegates - mostly hand-picked party elitists - could ultimately decide the entire process - and...well...you just have to wonder where the motivation is to rush to the polls.

Why not a national primary vote for parties to choose their candidates?

The only vote left that counts seems to be the local elections - where, at least, things have been kept fairly simple when it comes to casting and counting votes.

That’s one thing to be thankful for this Tuesday - when we’ll be able to go to the polls over a 12-hour period at our convenience - and cast our vote privately and hopefully with some dignity.

Knowing and believing that no system is perfect - but that the simpler the better when it comes to actually participating in a democracy.

Long, incredible road

is getting international respect these days.

J ohnForLaForge nearly 20 years the local peace activist, who operated from his home

base at the Anathoth Farm in rural Luck, made headlines for being arrested at various sites. They included the Navy’s underground communication system known as ELF, which utilized rock shelf in northern Wisconsin to bounce “extremely low frequency” radio waves off of to send messages to submarines around the world. The site was closed in 2004.

LaFarge is the co-director of Nukewatch, an environmental and peace action group, dedicated to the abolition of nuclear power and weapons.

This week he is on his way to address the Dutch Parliament’s standing committee on defense about Nukewatch’s work to expose the issue. (See story “Local peace activist” elsewhere in this issue). He’ll join an expert panel which will include a medical doctor from Iraq where the U.S. has fired an estimated 400 tons of weapons made from radioactive metal; an international lawyer from the United Kingdom and an epidemiologist from the World Health Organization.

“I’ll talk specifically about U.S. military studies of affects of ingesting the dust from these weapons when they burn,” LaForge said. “And a little bit on campaigns to support a moratorium on the use of the weapons.”

LaForge said he believes an article he wrote for The New Internationalist was the impetus for his invitation from the Dutch government.

He considers the invitation “a great compliment.”

Last year he spoke on the same topic in the British House of Commons.

It’s a long and incredible road from being arrested for nonviolent protest and trespassing on government property - and humble headquarters in rural Luck - to such high-level meetings.

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 2321390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 8383 Greenway Blvd.

Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

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

Views expressed on these pages do not necessarily represent those of the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association management or board

T h e

Questions for Barack and Hillary

are a few (out of a list of 10) thought-provoking questions Larry F ollowing Elder, an attorney and syndicated columnist and radio talk show host,

would ask of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton - now running neck and neck for the Democratic spot on the presidential ballot.

• Sen. Clinton, you criticize President Bush for inheriting a surplus and turning it into a deficit. The National Taxpayers Union added up your campaign promises, and they came to an increase of more than $218 billion per year. What would this do to the deficit?

• Sen. Obama, if elected, you promised to raise minimum wage every single year. But isn’t it true that most economists - 90 percent, according to one survey - believe that raising minimum wages increases unemployment and decreases job opportunities for the most unskilled workers? What makes you right, and the majority of economists wrong?

• Sen. Clinton, you want to begin withdrawing the troops within the first 60 days of your administration, with all the troops out within a year. Former Secretary of State Jim Baker of the Baker-Hamilton report said that such a precipitous withdrawal in Iraq would create a staging ground for al-Qaida, increase the influence of Iran over Iraq and result in “the biggest civil war you’ve ever seen.” What would you like to say to Secretary Baker?

• Sen. Obama, you once said you understand why senators voted for the Iraq war, admitted that you were “not privy to Senate intelligence reports,” that it “was a tough question and a tough call” for the senators, and that you “didn’t know” how you would have voted had you been in the Senate. And over a year after the war began, you said, “There’s not much of a difference between my position and George Bush’s position at this stage.” How, then, can you say that you consistently opposed the war from the start?

You can read all 10 questions on our Web site at www.the-leader.net.

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

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

L e a d e r

i s

a

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

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

Voting points England was ruled by “Families.”

America was built on people running from “religious persecution.”

“Separation” of religion and politics is in our Constitution.

“Immigration” built America.

“Climate” in America has been right for greed.

“Change” has to take place for America to grow.

“God Bless America, land that I love, stand beside her and guide her——“.

Voting is our guide for a growing America.

Barb Parsons Webster

Wondering I wonder who paid to print/mail the dreaded pamphlet regarding the new county highway facility!

Lorraine Carlson Luck

SCF library project St. Croix Falls is getting a new library!

To make it the best library possible, we need people to do their part and donate as much money as they can.

What’s nice about a new library is that we will have more books, more space, more parking spaces, and more computers with Internet access.

So please donate to the library. It is a great way to serve the community and yourself! If everyone donates a little money, then we will have enough to make this library as great as it can possibly be.

So please, we need your donations.

Rebecca Thayer, St. Croix Falls

for that if she had voted against state funding of local services and imposed on the county, school district, or town and village the funding of locally mandated services. He used to do that which shifted the burden from state taxes on income and sales to the local property tax. And then he voted to fund school vouchers to send kids to Milwaukee private and parochial schools instead of funding the public schools. Think about it.

Eiler Ravnholt Luck

Symbols For some time, I’ve been hearing and reading about controversial names of sports teams.

I think people are adopting the wrong attitude about those names.

Native Americans should be proud that sports teams want to use names that have been associated with their people.

For example, Braves and Warriors.

Braves and Warriors were strong, welltrained, tenacious, courageous and had tactician abilities.

The name Chiefs or Chieftains are examples of leadership, foresightedness and knowledgeable people who lead their tribes well.

Redskins are merely a historical depiction of race. We have black, yellow, white, red and brown-skinned people. It’s not an offensive designation, but a historical one. All people fit into one of these categories.

I think we, as a people, are becoming too sensitive. We should be proud of our heritage and attributes our ancestors possessed.

Carolyn Lumsden Dresser

Continuing to pay

Knows better I noted that our rejected former assemblyman, Mark Pettis, is making an outrageous inference that his successor, Ann Hraychuck, is somehow responsible for the high property tax bill that we all got this year.

Now Mark knows better than that.

She could only have been responsible

On Jan. 9, the Inter-County Leader reported what seems to be par for the course in this country. The closing of a small-town grocer, Balsam Lake’s own Hill’s Family Foods, due to Wal-Mart and an ignorant and complicit public...not to mention the “public servants” who buy the spiel and bend over backwards to do Wal-Mart a good turn.

How much is really saved when you

spend dollars to save pennies, buy made in China, the local businesses dry up and 24 employees need to find work?

The county is stepping into help with the situation, but until people realize the cost, America’s small towns will continue to pay.

Sally Didde Burnsville, Minn.

Holding the line?

What are our representatives doing for property tax relief in their districts and across the state of Wisconsin? They say what you want to hear, but they fail repeatedly to act on our behalf. Our county board says they are being restricted on what they can budget due to mandates from state government. Yet they hire two new deputies, two new jailers, additional squad cars and additional benefit packages. That sure is holding the line.

Last year, Polk County raised property taxes by 2.1 percent. This year they shocked the taxpayers of this county with a 14.7 percent property tax increase.

Now they want us to fund a $10 million county shop. The Polk County Public Works steering committee just put out a pamphlet, and in it they state, “Can the county afford more debt?”

Maybe the county can, but the people cannot. They then show a pie chart, which says, “Legal debt available, 82 percent.” This should put a scare into every taxpayer in the county when they use a loaded phrase like “legal debt available.”

Now is not the time to sock the taxpayers you represent with another tax increase. Gasoline prices and the cost of living are bringing untold hardships on the people of this nation, state and counties.

The people want tax relief, not additional taxes. Our state and county governments just do not get it.

This is my personal opinion, but look at your own property tax statement. I think you can make your own reasonable conclusion.

Carl E. Pentland Balsam Lake

Brochure misleading I accepted the invitation to tour our county highway shop and facilities, and I encourage others to do so as well.

I went with a curious and open mind, and came away convinced that some changes and items are needed.

One thing that upset me though, was the literature mailed out to voters with a blatant deception. I refer to the truck pictures. As I was talking to the highway commissioner, he gave the following explanation of these trucks: The ‘98 Sterling showing corrosion is a state truck that is parked outside and never washed. The ‘97 Sterling is from a southern district and is parked inside but is washed every day! It’s not the heated shop that makes the difference – it’s the daily wash.

All of us who drive here in the winter know that no matter where you park, if you don’t get the salt off any vehicle, it will corrode. Also, how many voters can afford a heated garage. We plug our tractors in for a couple of hours and they start just fine.

I also reviewed the list of the breakdown of repairs needed. I feel the actual needs can be met at a small fraction of the cost of this wish list. Our economic forecast is bleak, and along with real estate tax increases in double digits, we must rein in government spending.

I encourage a no vote on Feb. 19 for the $10 million building referendum for a Polk County Highway Department facility.

Robert Rickard Cumberland

More letters, next page

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.

Subscribe online @ www.the-leader.net

"# t h A s s e m b l y D i s t r i c t BadgerCare Plus: Affordable health care for our kids hen I talk with our neighbors, W every single person has a story

about health care. It’s easily one of the most important issues on people’s minds. Too many people in our state struggle with being able to afford health insurance, or being able to access it all. That’s why I am proud to have been one of the many people who worked to deliver an expansion of Wisconsin’s BadgerCare Program to create BadgerCare Plus.

BadgerCare Plus is a significant

change to the health care status quo that’s going to save families in our community real money.

Under BadgerCare Plus, 98 percent of the children in our state will have access to health and medical coverage.

Enrollment in the Ann begins on Hraychuck program Feb. 1, and any family that wants to purchase health care for their kids can do so regardless of income.

The BadgerCare expansion will also

benefit pregnant women, working families and the self-employed. These individuals may have to pay a premium cost depending on their income. Farm families will see increased access to health care as well, through important reforms in the way depreciation is counted towards income.

In our area, Polk County received a mini-grant of $14,000 to help them bring health care coverage to more kids.

BadgerCare Plus is also a great bipartisan success story, and I am pleased that the Republicans joined Democrats in pushing for this important budget provision. While there is still more work to do to address the high costs of health coverage for all of the families in

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

our state, BadgerCare Plus is a step in the right direction.

I’m optimistic that the cooperation we saw on BadgerCare Plus can continue, and working together, the legislature can do even more to help Wisconsin’s middle class families.

For more information on BadgerCarePlus, or to enroll, you can contact your county health services office. You can also sign up online at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus.

As always, feel free to contact my office toll-free at 888-529-0034 or via email at rep.hraychuck@legis.wi.us for more information on this, or any other state issue.

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Can’t afford it

We, the taxpayers of Polk County, have an important election coming up Feb. 19. I have received many phone calls from the efforts of our small group of concerned citizens. These phone calls have come from everyday working people, from retired and fixed-income homeowners, a few even came from fiscal-conservative county supervisors.

An overwhelming number of Polk County taxpayers are saying enough is enough on excessive property taxes. They know that more spending will lead to higher property taxes. The consensus is, we can not afford the new proposed county highway facility.

This is a nonpartisan issue affecting all Polk County residents which includes the renting population. When taxes go up on property, rents go up to offset the increased expense for the property owner.

The property taxes in Polk County are among the highest in Wisconsin (I am told we are in the top five when it comes to tax burden).

This issue is about people being taxed out of their homes, or hoping they can sell their homes before prospective buyers find out about the tax mess we have there.

Without action from Polk County citizens, the taxes will continue to rise, and property values will decline until nobody will buy a home in Polk County.

The first order of business is to vote down the proposed new county highway facility. There are still people in Polk County that are eligible to vote but have not heard about this attempt to spend more of their hard-earned money on this $10 million reckless spending spree.

I am asking everyone to go to your next-door neighbor or the farm up the road from you and inform them of the issue at hand and to vote no.

We, as a county, will not always agree on every issue, your neighbor will listen when asked if they think their taxes are too high and out of control.

Polk County needs to send a loud and clear message on Feb. 19. We as voters can do something about excess taxation.

Vote no on the new Polk County highway facility. Listen up, Mr. Marvin Caspersen and Mr. Gerald Newville.

Herschel Brown McKinley Township

Lethal force The Leader reported in the Jan. 8 issue: “A review of court records shows that Peach’s former girlfriend filed a temporary restraining order against him in 2002

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r and that he has a battery conviction on his record, stemming from a 2002 incident.”

Before the district attorney decides to charge the victim Kyle Huggett, I believe the readers should be made aware the temporary restraining order against the perpetrator John Peach was for domestic abuse. Maybe then, they can come to realization that maybe Peach wasn’t breaking down Kyle’s door to pay him a social visit. If the district attorney must waste taxpayers money, then he should spend it changing Wisconsin’s self-defense law. “...lethal force is only allowed if a person is threatened with lethal force. For example, a person is not allowed to shoot an unarmed robber who has entered the home if the robber is clearly unarmed.”

With the amount of home invasions on the increase (many ending up with the occupant(s) murdered or severely injured), it is reassuring to know that Wisconsin is one of the few states that has laws that protect the criminal.

Jim Streuber St. Croix Falls

Fluoride In regards to Dr. Steve McCormack’s comments about fluoride, I suggest everyone with Internet access do a Yahoo or Google search for fluoride and you can look up fluoride dangers and see for yourself that many specialists consider fluoride to be a toxic chemical that has been banned in many cities.

See for yourself !

Marlene Gwiazdon Osceola

County needs new highway facility Polk County needs a new highway facility. The Roosevelt-era building in Balsam Lake is not only undersized for modern equipment, but also presents a host of environmental, safety, health and efficiency issues. Plumbing and electrical installations are out of compliance with state codes, and the current facility does not meet the access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The county is proposing to construct a new highway facility similar to one built recently in Washburn County. To highlight just the issue of energy efficiency, compare the heating costs of the current Polk County facility with those of Washburn County: The heated portion of the Polk County facility (16,414 sq. ft.) cost taxpayers $25,900 in 2006; Washburn

Western civilization: An idea whose time has come General Michael Mukasey sipped his water nervously. It was A ttorney the first time he was testifying

before the Senate Judiciary Committee since his controversial confirmation. At issue then and now: torture. Does he consider waterboarding torture? Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., made it personal: “Would waterboarding be torture if it was done to you?” “I would feel that it was,” Mukasey responded. Though he deflected questions, before and after Kennedy’s, his personal answer rang true.

Our attorney general should not have to be waterboarded to know that it is torture. Likewise, Americans should not have to suffer under a brutal dictatorship in order to know that it is wrong to support dictators abroad.

Take, for example, the long-reigning dictator of Indonesia, Suharto. He died this week at the age of 86, an age that most of his more than 1 million victims never reached. Suharto ruled Indonesia for more than 30 years, shored up by the most powerful country on earth, the United States. Suharto rose to power in 1965 in a coup backed by the CIA, which provided him with lists of dissidents who the Indonesian military killed, one by

one. He was forced from power in 1998, in a pro-democracy uprising.

Throughout Suharto’s reign, U.S. administraAmy tions – Democratic and Republican – Goodman armed, trained and financed the Indonesian military. In addition to the million Indonesians killed, hundreds of thousands were also killed during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor, a small country 300 miles above Australia. It is a country I know well, having covered it for years.

On Nov. 12, 1991, when covering a peaceful Timorese procession in Timor’s capital, Dili, Suharto’s occupying army opened fire on the crowd, killing 270 Timorese. I got off easy: The soldiers beat me with their boots and the butts of their U.S. M-16s. They fractured the skull of my colleague Allan Nairn, who was writing for The New Yorker magazine at the time. And that massacre was one of the smaller ones in Timor. Nevertheless, President George H.W. Bush, followed by Bill Clinton, continued to try to supply

County heated its entire facility (117,523 sq. ft.) that same year for $18,380.

Translated into cost per square foot, that’s $1.58 for Polk County and 16 cents for Washburn County.

Add to that inefficiency the fact that, lacking heated storage, our diesel trucks must be plugged in for much of the winter to ensure that they start ($11,600/year), and that they don’t get washed as often as they should ($10,000 less per truck at trade-in), and it becomes clear that we are wasting a good deal of money at the current highway facility.

If the upcoming referendum is approved, the county board is committed to incorporating as many energy efficiency and energy conservation elements as practicable into the design of the new facility.

If, as a result of a failed referendum, the county board decides against building a new highway facility, there are literally hundreds of thousands of dollars of repairs and upgrades that will need to be made to the existing buildings over the coming years. Given that interest, labor, and building material costs are all relatively favorable at this time, we think it makes more sense to build new, and we are asking Polk County residents to vote “yes” on Feb. 19.

Marvin Caspersen Supervisor, District 7 St. Croix Falls Jeff Peterson Supervisor, District 5 Rural Luck

Can you live with your vote on GAM? How can you county supervisors who voted yes to the sale of GAM live with your conscience, if you have one?

Ashamed of you, yes, I am!

For one thing, your chairperson went against parliamentary procedure rules.

He spoke from the podium, addressing the audience for the sale of GAM presenting his personal viewpoint for sale. He should have stepped down to the floor and relinquished his position to another.

He is supposed to be unbiased as a chairperson. Did he also vote?

For another thing, there is a supervisor who is on the board for GAM, who has a conflict of interest, because his wife is head nurse at Willow. Also his vote, if he voted for sale, should not be counted, because for the same reason it’s a conflict of interest in my opinion.

Why was GAM in debt, several reasons, one, state and federal funds late in arrivIndonesia with weapons. Only a grassroots movement in the United States stopped the U.S. military sales.

Aside from being unimaginably brutal, Suharto was also corrupt. Transparency International estimated Suharto’s fortune to be between $15 billion and $35 billion.

The current U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, Cameron Hume, praised Suharto’s memory this week, saying, “President Suharto led Indonesia for over 30 years, a period during which Indonesia achieved remarkable economic and social development. Though there may be some controversy over his legacy, President Suharto was a historic figure who left a lasting imprint on Indonesia and the region of Southeast Asia.”

Imprint? Yes, if he means pulling out people’s fingernails, disappearing Indonesian dissidents, or wiping out a third of the population of East Timor, one of the great genocides of the 20th century.

But clearly, that is not what Hume meant.

Whether it’s waterboarding, waging an illegal war, holding hundreds of prisoners without charge for years at Guantanamo Bay or at CIA black sites around the world, I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the world’s greatest nonviolent leaders. “What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless,” he asked, “whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the

ing; the second, the building of the Alzheimer’s unit, a much-needed and wonderful addition. The third was the enlargement of the kitchen – a mandate by the state. Add these all together it takes a tidy sum of money. I know the effort to pay for this in any circumstances takes awhile to pay for “right!”

Your vote was 12 to 11, would it not have been the right thing to do, to put it up to the people of Polk County, to put the no or the yes. Remember the plaque on the wall in the government building in Balsam Lake – Polk County’s dedication to help all of its people.

Concerned citizen of Polk County for over 75 years, Muriel Pankonien Amery

Not the time to spend Our Polk County Board authorized spending up to $7,500 of property tax money to advertise and distribute a flyer to all homes in Polk County with information regarding the Feb. 19 vote on a referendum to construct a new highway facility.

This flyer shows the outstanding debt of Polk County government to be $35,426,749. However, a copy of an e-mail I received on Jan. 21, from the Polk County Finance Director to a county board supervisor states “total outstanding debt is $47,250,350 as of today.” That is close to a $12 million discrepancy.

The flyer also shows $800,000 to purchase 40 acres of land, which is $20,000 per acre. The lucky owner of this land will smile all the way to the bank. Has 40 acres of undeveloped land, not on a lake, in the center of Polk County, ever sold for even $10,000 per acre? Check with your local real estate office.

The flyer also suggests the current facility in Balsam Lake could be sold for $350,000 – another pipe dream. Again, check with your local real estate office.

If the referendum fails, the flyer suggests possible options. One option not mentioned is to pursue contracting out highway work as a county board supervisor told me some other counties have done.

Vote no on this referendum. Now is not the time for our county to be spending huge sums of money. We are headed into a recession. Higher property taxes will negatively impact people who are losing their jobs and their homes.

Dennis Radcliff Osceola

holy name of liberty or democracy?”

The Mukasey hearing happened to take place on the 60th anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination. Also on this day, Rudolph Giuliani and John Edwards dropped out of the presidential race. In his exit speech, Edwards said, “America’s hour of transformation is upon us.” As the race narrows, it is a key moment to reflect: one leading candidate, John McCain, was actually tortured (unlike Mukasey, although McCain supported his confirmation). McCain predicted we may be in Iraq for 100 years.

He is up against Mitt Romney, who said he would double the size of Guantanamo. Neither of the remaining leading Democratic candidates calls for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Yes, it is a key moment to reflect on the teachings of Gandhi. When asked what he thought of Western civilization, Gandhi responded, “I think it would be a good idea.”

••• Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on 650 stations in North America. Her column is sponsored by the local group The Gathering, an informal group of people of diverse ages., experience, and philosophies who meet every other week at a member's home for silent meditation and lively discussions.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Highway facility I cannot believe all the negative letters that are being sent in with so much misinformation!

The letter from Herschel Brown says this is not the right time to build a new highway facility.

Maybe we should wait until land prices go back up, the bonding rates go higher and the building materials get more expensive? That really makes no sense to me.

The facts in the letters are so off. An example is the cleanup costs of the current highway shop site. The truth is, if he did some checking, he would have found when the old asphalt plant was removed from Balsam Lake, there was a phase one and phase two cleanup at that time to remove contaminated soils.

As far as salt contamination goes, once the salt storage buildings and salt are removed, the contamination of salt dissipates with time. Their fuel tanks have already been replaced with new ones and at the time of replacement any contaminated soils were removed.

So his facts are wrong!

The fact that we would pay on interest only for the first two years is also not true.

The bond can be set up to pay only on the principle for the first two years.

Remember, this is not like you or I going to the bank for a home loan. The bonding rates are very different than that. He talks of project overruns, then he must have one really good crystal ball to look into the future.

He even states that the highway facility will need to be replaced. That is true. The fact is the oldest building where trucks are parked is 86 years old and the main building is 70 years old. They served the county well. It is an embarrassment to see the condition of these buildings. Nobody likes to pay taxes, but public services cost money. To have our roads maintained, law enforcement and many other services, costs money. Brown says a fiscally responsible government equals lower taxes.

How can this be, when the cost of doing everything continues to rise. Maybe Brown should move where they don’t have to pay to have these services. Please take the time to vote, but know the facts, and don’t listen to their negative letters of misinformation.

I’m voting yes!

Pam Henderson Amery

Throw ‘em out I attended the meeting in Luck Monday, Feb. 11, sponsored by Assemblyman Ann Hraychuck to listen to Sen. Vinehout defend her “Healthy Wisconsin” proposal for state mandated health insurance.

The program is typical Liberal Democrat pie in the sky socialism. This lady actually said that “Providing health insurance to all is an obligation” of government. Since when? Does the government owe me a car if I choose not to buy one? Does the government owe me a house? How about eyeglasses or shoes?

Look at how government runs housing in Chicago, Rockford, Philadelphia, New York, California or Milwaukee and ask yourself if you want them to take care of your health care needs.

To pay for this scheme, the senator would take a “contribution” of 4 percent of your salary or 10 percent of your income if you are self-employed.

Employers would “contribute” 10.5 percent of your salary. This tax–it is a tax–not a “contribution”– would be “received”– i.e. collected–by the state Department of Revenue and used to cut deals with insurance companies to give you a choice of coverage plans. This money would be held in a “trust” that can only be used for health insurance–right! Sort of like the gas tax revenue that can only be used for roads? Who benefits when big government cuts deals with big business? Not the consumers. The politicians cutting the deals always manage to do all right.

This plan also states, “Individuals are empowered to make healthy and respon-

sible choices”—“Consumers encouraged to choose healthy lifestyles.”

Is that aimed at the “unwed mother community,” the “fat community,” the “gay community,” the “smoking community”— oops—we’ve already “fixed” them by taking away their rights - the “old community,” the “beer community,” the “bratwurst community”? Since I am a member of the “fat community,” the “old community,” and the “bratwurst community,” I am wondering what choices this assault on my freedom will take away from me—in addition to the taxes I will be “contributing” to pay for giving up my “rights.”

The negative impact on businesses will be devastating to Wisconsin and its soonto-be-gone job market. Companies that are interested in relocating will avoid Wisconsin and companies doing business here will leave. But, we will attract workers from other states who are uninsurable there.

But, what the heck, we’ll all be “equal.”

Much of what currently drives up the cost of insurance in Wisconsin is federally driven—HIPPA requirements for example. But if the state Legislature really wanted to reduce the costs of health insurance in Wisconsin, they would remove the two dozen or so insurance requirements that they have placed on health insurance providers in Wisconsin at the request of special interest groups promising to help them get re-elected.

There should be things that Wisconsinites are willing to fight for.

Keeping the Liberal Democrat Party from taking away our health insurance independence must be one of them. Throw these Socialists out of office.

Robert A. Blake Frederic

A proclamation Whereas, more than 15,000 school bus drivers in Wisconsin travel over 82 million miles yearly in transporting more than 600,000 pupils to and from school daily; and Whereas, these drivers, and the owners and operators of school buses, have promoted and practiced the highest standards to assure the protection of their passengers; and Whereas, the Wisconsin School Bus Association, through its Board of Directors, pledges its full and dedicated cooperation — with the Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles and Division of State Patrol, the State Advisory Council of Highway Safety, the Department of Public Instruction, schools, law enforcement agencies, PTAs and other organizations — in promoting public awareness of the importance of school bus transportation; Now, therefore, I, Jim Doyle, governor of the state of Wisconsin do hereby proclaim Feb. 17-23, as School Bus Driver Recognition Week in the State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all citizens.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the state of Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the city of Madison this 21st day of December in the year 2007.

Jim Doyle, governor State of Wisconsin

Don’t forget to vote in the primary election, Tuesday

A re a n e w s a t a g l a n c e

Former teacher found guilty BARRON - After five days of jury trial, former Barron schoolteacher Jane M. Dettmering, 39, was found guilty of the June 2006 arson of her family’s home on CTH T northwest of Barron. Judge James Babler has ordered for a presentence investigation, and Dettmering’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 1. The school district had chosen not to renew Dettmering’s contract shortly before the suspicious blaze took place at the home, and the family also had a sizable mortgage on the residence. – Barron News-Shield Cop cars crash in early-morning chase HUDSON - A Wisconsin State Trooper’s car and Woodbury, Minn., police car were damaged in an early-morning chase last Saturday. The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office said a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Woodbury Police Officer Jeff Grot, 47, was chasing a 2000 Dodge Durango down I-94 into Wisconsin at about 2:43 a.m. Feb. 9. The Durango, driven by Jared G. Boucher, 29, Hudson, swerved around two stop sticks in the Hudson area. The pursuit continued with Wisconsin State Trooper Curtis Tomkowiak, 22, leading in a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria. The sheriff’s report said speed reached 80 mph. The Durango ran over a set of stop sticks about nine miles east of Hudson that deflated the two front tires. Boucher stopped at the 10.5-mile mark and blocked both lanes of traffic. The Wisconsin trooper’s car stopped behind and to the left of the Durango. Two St. Croix County squad cars assisting in the endeavor stopped behind and to the right of Boucher. The Woodbury squad car was unable to stop and struck the state patrol vehicle in the rear, causing the trooper’s car to spin around and strike the driver’s side of the Durango. Boucher was taken to the Hudson hospital with minor injuries, treated, released and booked into jail on various charges. Tomkowiak and Gort were treated for minor injuries and released. Both squad cars were extensively damaged while the Durango suffered moderate damage, the sheriff said. – New Richmond News Vegas trip questioned PINE CITY, Minn. - At the Feb. 5 Pine County Board meeting, one agenda item was for approval for Dale Powers, zoning and sold waste administrator, to attend the American Planning Association National Conference April 28 - May 1 in Las Vegas.

Cost for the county is $695 for a registration fee, but the county will not pay for travel expenses. Commissioner Carlson asked Powers, “ How does this directly relate to your job?” Powers said it will be money well spent to learn more about land use. He also said he can’t control the location of the conference and that next year’s is in Minneapolis. Powers also said he needs 32 hours of continuing study per year, and this conference alone will satisfy 22 hours of that. Commissioner Curt Rossow asked Powers what benefit he could see in going to the conference, especially with it being in Las Vegas. “There are always changes and new ways to approach things,” Powers said.

“It won’t be a four-day vacation, trust me.” A motion was made to approve the conference funding, and it was approved with Commissioner Carlson voting against. – Pine City Pioneer Charge of false imprisonment RICE LAKE - Sufficient evidence was found in Barron County Circuit Court last Thursday, Jan. 31, to bind a South Dakota man over for trial on a charge of false imprisonment. Kenneth W. Lund, 51, of Vienna, S.D., appeared in court last Thursday for a preliminary hearing on the felony charge. Judge Timothy Doyle continued a posted $1,000 cash bail and scheduled Lund for an arraignment on the felony charge on Wednesday, March 12. According to the criminal complaint, Lund held his girlfriend hostage at gunpoint in her town of Rice Lake residence on Jan. 27. He fell asleep, whereby she escaped and fled to safety. The girlfriend said that on the night of Jan. 27, she went out with Lund, and he accused her of saying something about him to a mutual friend of theirs, which she denied. The woman said she and Lund returned to her home. Lund, who was allegedly still upset, went back outside and returned with a rifle, she said. Lund had loaded the rifle and pointed it at her several times and would not let her leave the residence, the woman said. She said that later on that night, Lund bound her ankles and wrists with duct tape and told her that he was going to go to his mother’s residence and grab some more guns and ammunition. He allegedly said he would then take her to another residence, shoot the couple living there and make her watch. Lund allegedly said he would then kill her and himself. The woman explained to the deputy that Lund then fell asleep, she gnawed her way out of the duct tape restraints, grabbed the rifle, went to her vehicle and drove to the police department. If convicted of the charge, Lund faces up to six years in prison or up to a $10,000 fine, or both. – Rice Lake Chronotype More bogus money HAYWARD - It passes the pen check, it looks and feels like an authentic bill, so it must be the real deal. Check again. Since last fall, the city of Hayward police have been investigating a number of forged, counterfeit bills passed in the community. Numbers are up from previous years, Assistant Police Chief Joel Clapero said, with his department facing a tough uphill challenge trying to figure out who is behind the counterfeiting. Clapero has his suspicions; however, there has been no proof to link the culprits to the crime. He stresses that clerks, bank tellers and others who handle money often must examine bills closely. This means holding it to the light and looking at the bill’s watermark. It is the one currency characteristic that cannot be erased. He noted, too, that bills should be checked according to the minute security thread running vertically through each bill. In the majority of cases, $5 bills are being “washed” to blank treasury bills before being run through high-quality, ink jet printers. The documents range in quality, although some, Clapero explained, would be undetectable other than by their distinguishing watermarks. Most of the bills being produced are $20s, $50s and $100s. “Counterfeit cases have become prevalent over the last three years. It’s probably local, because it doesn’t fluctuate with the season,” Clapero said, meaning counterfeit crimes are likely not being committed by visitors to the area. – Sawyer County Record

Inter-County Leader Informing the local community since 1933

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

T U E S D A Y ’ S

P R I M A R Y

E L E C T I O N

Six vie for four spots on April ballot at Webster

Sheldon Olesen

Terry Larsen

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - Six names will be on the ballot in the Feb. 19 primary when the number of candidates for the two open seats on the Webster school board will be reduced to four. Incumbent Sheldon Olesen is running for re-election, but incumbent Nels Koerper has decided to end his time on the board.

Five others will join Olesen on the ballot: Terry Larsen, Wendy Larson, Tom Oswald, Chris Phernetton and Brenda Rachner. The four highest vote-getters in the primary will move on to the final election.

The Inter-County Leader asked each candidate to answer five questions in order to provide the voters with information for making their decisions. “1. What do you hope to accomplish as a board member? 2. In what ways are you (or have you been) involved with the Webster schools? 3. In what ways are you (or have you been) active in the general Webster community? 4. What qualities, abilities, expertise, experience will you contribute to the board, and how will this help the board carry out its responsibilities? 5.

What other personal information do you wish to share?

Here are their answers.

Sheldon Olesen 1. I am doing this for public service only and I do not have an “agenda.” As the incumbent, I have a record to run on and I am proud to do so. Since I have been on the board, we have accomplished a great deal. Tiger Manufacturing has been a big success for students to get real-world experience in designing and manufacturing parts for local businesses. Four-yearold kindergarten was started last fall to give about 40 kids a head start in socialization and school skills. “After 3” has been a huge success by giving K-8 students after-school tutoring and enrichment programs. We have brought more technology to the classroom with the addition of “Smartboards” and getting personal laptops for the AP English students. Ever mindful of the budget, we voted to pay down $100,000 of long-term debt and save the district $90,000 in the process. The district has one of the lowest mill rates in the state.

2. I have provided custom-made mouth guards free of charge to any Webster athlete who requested one.

3. Since 2002, I have been involved with American Dental Association’s Give A Kid a Smile Day. The purpose of the day is to provide free dental services to kids whose parents cannot afford to send their kids to see a dental professional. We expect to see and treat about 25 kids on the day. The range of services include cleaning, exam, X-rays, fluoride, fillings and extractions.

4. My previous board experience will be beneficial with two members having a year or less experience. I have the patience to listen to the pros and cons of an issue and make a decision that will benefit Webster students. Controversial issues require someone who can listen to the evidence without getting emotionally involved and then come to the right decision. I can do that. Listening to other view points is very necessary in a public forum and I am a very good listener. As a business owner, dealing with employees, government regulations, budgets (overhead) are items that I deal with daily and these are the same issues that the board deals with.

5. I have lived in the Webster area since 1984. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA and a DDS. My wife, Anke, and I have been married for

Wendy Larson

29 years. My son Paul graduated from Webster and now attends the University of Minnesota. I own the Siren Dental Clinic.

Terry Larsen 1. As a board member for the School District of Webster, a goal that I would like to help accomplish is to improve communication between teachers, parents, students, administration and the community.

We should all be striving for open-minded, problem-solving young adults that are prepared to be a part of a rapidly changing society, and it takes all of us working together to accomplish this task. I would like to promote even better preparation of our students for everyday life after high school.

2. I have been indirectly involved in the Webster School for many years. My wife has taught in Webster for 19 years, and we have two children who graduated from Webster and a daughter who is a freshman. I have sponsored the Christmas Dinner for the band and choir to raise money and have contributed to many school fundraisers. We attend many sporting events.

3. I have been a businessman in the Webster community for the past 34 years, serving as past president of the Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Lions and donating to and supporting multiple area fundraisers.

4. I feel that having a college degree in marketing and management and being in the business community for many years will allow me to help on many of the decisions that the school board must make.

Also, as mentioned before, with children in the district and my wife teaching, I will be able to look at issues from many different perspectives.

5. I am the owner of Larsen Auto Centers and also buy and sell real estate. I enjoy the outdoors and watching my daughter in sports.

Wendy Larson 1. My priority begins with the students and what they will need to be successful after graduation. I feel that this process begins with communication and feedback from the top down to the lowest level.

There seems to be a communication barrier between the teachers and administration, as well as the school board as a whole, with the public. The teachers who interact daily with students should be given the free opportunity to evaluate and critique teaching programs and methods without fear of reprisal or recourse. I also believe that public interaction with the board/administration members should be highly encouraged and as open ended as possible allowing for a connection between the school and families. As board members and parents, we have a responsibility to our kids to make sure that the items of business have been thoroughly discussed and all information presented is voted on impartially and fairly. I have a concern over the huge turnover of newly hired teachers. The retention rate of newly hired teachers is not very favorable. It’s extremely important that we show stability and provide a solid learning foundation for our children. Finding the root cause of this problem will be a priority since it has a direct impact on the learning environment with negative implications should it continue.

2. I have chaperoned numerous times on class field trips, volunteered time for the athletic association concession stand during sporting events, high school band Christmas concert/dinner, Jr. High girls softball, Jose Cole Circus fundraiser, fourth-grade school forest awareness day

Tom Oswald

Chris Phernetton

activities and Camp-A-Thon.

3. Girl Scout leader for seven years, Service Unit Manager for Points North Girl Scouts for four years, weekly volunteer at the Humane Society of Burnett County for five years, American Legion Auxiliary member for three years. Attend Lewis/Siren United Methodist Church.

4. An open perspective on issues as a parents’ point of view, willingness to learn and understand the school board’s position and convey this through open communication.

5. Originally from Ohio. Met my husband while in the Air Force. We’ve been married for 15 years, and moved to the area in 1999 after he retired from the military. We have three daughters attending Webster schools. I’ve operated a family day care for 15 years. I enjoy camping and spending time with family. Yes, since relocating to Wisconsin, I’m a converted Packer fan.

Tom Oswald 1. The Webster School District has many creative and hardworking teachers. In order to prepare the youth of our community to keep pace and be able to compete for jobs in the world of tomorrow, we need to broaden their horizons, offer challenges and opportunities through effective and efficient use of available resources including tapping into the talents from the community. Teachers need to play an integral part in that process.

2. As someone who might be considered something similar to a snowbird, my involvement with the Webster School District has been one of a supportive fan and participant at various activities and events, as well as a taxpayer for the past 30-plus years.

3. My main affiliation has been with St. John’s Church in Webster starting back as an altar boy in the old church and continuing through as a Eucharistic Minister throughout the years. I am also a member of the Devils Lake Property Owners Association.

4. I have a PhD in Psychology, an MA in Human Development and a BA in Philosophy in addition to other postgraduate work. I am currently retired from a career in management split between being executive director of a nonprofit serving youth agencies and county human service work primarily as Health and Human Service Director for a county in Minnesota. Most recently I was responsible for managing the contracting, evaluation, volunteerism, data dissemination, technology training and technology liaison for the Community Services Department of Olmsted County (Rochester) in Minnesota. I have also taught at the college level; served a half year as a full-time volunteer kindergarten teacher assistant; and treasurer of a high school booster club in another community for over five years.

5. I have just recently retired and am very selectively looking at where to utilize my talents for the betterment of the community to my best advantage. I would describe myself as programmatically very liberal and fiscally conservative. For a number of years I made my living as a professional clown during which I appeared in many parts of the U.S. and Canada both as a performer and lecturer and still am a member of Clowns of America and World Clown Association. I am not a Packer fan as you might see from my Viking jacket.

Chris Phernetton 1. I have chosen to run for school board because it is important to me to be involved in our children’s education, and

Brenda Rachner

I enjoy being involved in the community.

I want to be a part of assuring that all children receive the very best education possible. At the present time, there are no substantial issues that I intend to resolve by being a board member. My goal as a board member is to identify any issues that may arise during my term, and be assertive enough to defend my position for the well-being of all children in our district.

2. I graduated from Webster High and currently have two children in the Webster School District. I have had the opportunity to volunteer for a variety of activities and programs in the school district. I feel parent involvement is an essential component of supporting our teachers and feel that both the teachers and support staff are valuable assets to the Webster School District.

3. As a child care and preschool provider, I have had the privilege of playing a role in the growth and development of many local children. I have also been involved in Girl Scouts both as a leader and parent participant for the last seven years.

4. I believe that my experience in caring for children from birth through school age can benefit the school district by bringing a new perspective to the board. I have grown my business from caring for children out of my home into a licensed preschool facility. Since the expansion of my business, I have had to learn about various components of running a preschool including overseeing curriculum development for preschool-age children. I can bring to the board my experience in childcare, curriculum development and the skills I have gained through running my own business.

5. On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my family camping in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter.

Brenda Rachner 1. As a board member my goal is to learn all I can about how our school district is run, and to help make decisions that will continue to give students the best possible education.

2. I am involved in the district by volunteering in the schools, being part of a parent group that meets, supporting the students by attending sporting activities, concerts, plays, and talent shows. I have spent time in classrooms helping plan activities and then being part of those special days. I take advantage of any time I can get into the classrooms or help in the school.

3. In the Webster area I am part of the Webster First Responders, I work with fifth- and sixth-grade girls on Wednesday nights at church, am currently part of the newly formed Burnett County Law Enforcement Citizens Auxiliary, and direct the Little Miss Webster Pageant.

4. I have learned through the years how to work with people of all ages, take time and not just listen, but truly hear what is being said. Communication is a large factor in working with a board and on a dayto-day basis and my job requires constant communication between different parties.

I am a person that is ready to learn new things and put 100 percent into them.

5. My husband and I have three children in the school district, one in high school, one in middle school, and one in the elementary. Our family enjoys our small hobby farm, camping, being outside, and spending time with family and friends. I have been a preschool teacher, EMT, and currently am employed at Ingalls Clinic in Webster.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

T U E S D A Y ’ S

P R I M A R Y

E L E C T I O N

Primary election next Tuesday

by Gregg Westigard STATEWIDE – There may be contests of interest for everyone next Tuesday when Wisconsin holds its spring primary election.

The presidential nomination contests for both the Republicans and Democrats will probably still be undecided. Polk County residents will be voting on a referendum to decide if a new highway shop should be built at a cost of up to $10 million. Frederic and West Sweden voters will decide which two of three candidates for their county board seat

will be on the April 1 ballot. [See separate stories.] In addition, there are primaries for five school districts and one municipal court.

School board contests Webster has six persons running for two seats. They are Sheldon Olesen (incumbent), Tom Oswald, Terry Larsen, Wendy Larson, Brenda Rachner and Chris Phernetton. Nels Koerper is retiring. The primary will narrow the field to four names.

Cumberland was a single seat open

this year. Incumbent Toniann Knutson is not running and three persons, Jennifer Olson Hyatt, Jonelle R. Gigeo and Cyril D. Bayer have filed.

Amery also has three candidates for the vacant seat formerly held by John Northway. The candidates are Keith Anderson, Peggy Green and Fritz Coulter.

Osceola was five candidates for two seats, Craig Brunclik (incumbent), John Gearin, Rick Lowney, Margo Johnson and Allan D. Johnson. Sue Gross is retiring.

Clear Lake also has five candidates for two seats, Randy Dean (incumbent), Peter Wieczorek, Greg Friendshuh, Charlie Barney and Phyllis A. Ness.

Tom Grosskreutz is retiring.

Osceola/Dresser municipal court John Harvieux, the incumbent municipal judge for the court that serves the villages of Osceola and Dresser plus the town of Osceola, has drawn three opponents this year. They are Brian Gray, Nathan Deprey and Jason Pape. Two of the four will go on the April ballot.

Presidential races in both parties

Independent voters can choose ballot

STATEWIDE – Area voters will have a role in deciding who will be the candidates for president when they go to the polls next Tuesday, Feb. 19, for the primary election.

The presidential preference ballots will include the names of all the original

Republican and Democratic candidates, including the three candidates still in the race in each party.

The Democratic ballot includes Mike Gravel, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Ron Paul are on the Republican ballot.

In each case, the ballots include the names of five persons who dropped from the race after the election season

started.

Independents can vote next Tuesday.

Wisconsin has an open primary where voters can choose which party primary to vote in once they are in the voting booth.

The state does not require a voter to register with a party. Voters are handed a bundle of ballots, one for each party.

They choose one party ballot on which to cast a vote and make their choice. The

marked ballot goes in one ballot box and the unmarked ballots in another.

No one knows which party the voter chose.

Delegates to the national conventions are chosen later by the parties with the delegates apportioned according to the percentage of votes a candidate receives in the primary. – submitted

Polk residents to vote on highway facility

Former highway chair says vote yes, citizen leads vote-no campaign

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Polk County voters can express their opinion on building a new county highway facility when they go to the polls for the spring primary next Tuesday, Feb. 19 A referendum question asks if the county should spend up to $10 million to build a new highway shop and yard at a new site. The referendum was called for by the county board in response to a feasibility study conducted for the Public Works Steering Committee, a special committee set up last spring to look at building concerns.

The new building proposal, cost estimates, problems with the current site, and other options were outlined in a four-page flyer mailed to county residents and available at the government center in Balsam Lake. That flyer identifies a number of worker safety and environmental problems including code violations at the present site, including the large building in Balsam Lake which was built in 1936.

If the referendum passes, the county will start looking for land to build the new facility and seek construction bids.

No land has been identified or purchased. The costs presented in the flyer

are “conceptual” budget estimates, and county officials project that actual costs would be lower. The steering committee would like work on the project to start this summer to take advantage of what they call a slow construction period.

If the referendum fails, the county will need to make a decision on what to do to correct the immediate and longerterm problems at the site. Today, Feb. 13, a group of department heads from the highway, human resources, and buildings and grounds departments is meeting to discuss future steps. Highway superintendent Steve Warndahl has estimated that it could cost over $400,000 to make first-year repairs. No money has been budgeted for repairs in 2008.

Former highway committee chair Baillargeon says vote yes Marlin Baillargeon, Garfield, has issued a statement urging voters to support the referendum. Baillargeon chaired the highway committee for two years and is a former member of the Garfield Town Board.

“I don’t like spending money, but I don’t like wasting it either,” Baillargeon says in a statement he sent to the Leader.

“I feel I have to express some of my concerns. While on the highway committee, I visited three heated shops. There is no comparison. Those shops don’t trade their trucks in. They have a waiting list

of cities, towns and private parties to buy these like-new trucks. They buy their new trucks straight out.

“A $10,000 savings per truck is too conservative. The new building could be heated with waste oil, like at the recycling center. The salt and sand area is going to have to be moved anyway.

Tests show that groundwater is being contaminated. Yes, $10 million is a lot of money, but show me a remodel job that didn’t end up costing twice as much as the estimates. I recommend a yes vote on the referendum.”

Citizen starts a vote-no campaign Herschel Brown, McKinley, says the county can’t afford more taxes. He has prepared a one-page “Vote No” flyer, which he has distributed around the county. Brown said he has handed out and posted over 800 of the flyers over the past two weeks and has received a good response, including many phone calls each day.

“People are mad,” Brown told the Leader in an interview at his house.

“They are worried about losing their houses because of property taxes. Polk County is the third-highest-taxed county in the state. If taxes keep going up, people won’t be able to sell their houses.

The county supervisors are totally irresponsible. They don’t listen to anybody.” Brown says there are a number of things wrong with the referendum

proposal and flyer. He is concerned that the deal calls for interest-only payments on the project loan for the first three years with no principal pay down. He says the existing site could not be sold for $350,000, as presented. He feels that the site would probably require an EPA mandated study and cleanup that could have a cost “in the millions of dollars.”

While the highway facility will need to be replaced or modernized at some time in the future, Brown feels that this is not an urgent situation. He would rather see the county reduce its debt and cut costs to lower the property taxes.

“There are lots of options and ways to cut expenses,” Brown says. “The county should cut out the sacred cows. It should cut waste like the visitors center and the county library. We can’t afford everything.”

More open houses Voters can see the county highway facility for themselves. The highway department is hosting open houses this Thursday, the 14th, and Saturday, Feb. 16. The Thursday open houses are from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. The shop will be open for visitors this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The highway facility is the large white building on the south edge of Balsam Lake.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

T U E S D A Y ’ S

P R I M A R Y

E L E C T I O N

Three running to succeed Friberg on county board

Frederic/ West Sweden county board primary

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – Three local persons will be on the primary ballot next week seeking a spot on the Polk County Board for District 2, representing Frederic and most of West Sweden (the area north and west of Hwy. 35).

The seat opened up when present board member Kay Friberg announced he was not seeking a second term.

Voters will choose between Fred Grimm, Joan Peterson and Jody Walter.

The two with the most votes at the Feb. 19 primary will go on to the April 1 election.

Fred Grimm Fred Grimm thinks that with his experience in government and business, he could help make a difference in the operations of Polk County government.

Grimm, who lives in West Sweden, is a business consultant who once worked for the Minnesota state government. He served on the Polk County board from April to November 2006 while the election ballot problem that year was being resolved.

“I want to be a bridge builder,” Grimm says. “County government is a very complex system. Supervisors should be respectful of each other and work together.”

Grimm says that when he was on the board in 2006, he made a point of meeting all the department heads and visited with employees. He likes to look at new situations and become a student of how things operate. Grimm thinks there can be greater cooperation among county departments.

“District 2 is not wealthy,” Grimm says. “We need to maximize what little resources we have. We can’t offer more.”

Prioritizing county spending with a tight budget will be the big issue this year, Grimm says. Knowing there are many things the county must do, the county must rank its needs. He does not favor across-the-board cuts that would starve a lot of programs. Grimm wants

to identify what services the county must do and do those programs well.

Grimm cites public safety, protecting people including those at risk, as a service the county must perform. He says that the county has grown, and public protection has not kept up with that growth.

Grimm has a list of ideas. He thinks the county needs an operating officer.

He thinks the 23-member county board is too large. He would like to take advantage of technology to better serve the public. The public is the customer of the county and that public should be able to deal with the county in a seamless way. Grimm would also like to see a two-year budget to give departments more stability. He thinks a lack of coordination between departments is a big issue.

Grimm moved to the area from Minnesota in 2001. His career in management and operations has included time in Washington, D.C., and Michigan.

Jody R. Walter Taxes and fiscal responsibility brought Jody Walter into the race for the open county board seat. He says there are lots of needs, lots of things that the county must do, and limited resources.

Walter says the county board must do a balancing act. It can’t do everything it wants and must pick the services that the county should do.

“People in northern Polk County are land rich and cash poor,” Walter says.

“People are devastated by high property taxes. The county board must understand that. We need to control spending while funding the services we must provide.”

Walter is a Missouri Synod Lutheran Pastor, serving Immanuel Lutheran Church in Frederic and a second congregation north of Rice Lake. He is a native of Bay City, Mich., and has served congregations in suburban Indianapolis and rural northern Wisconsin since his ordination in 1992. Walter came to Frederic six years ago.

Promoting growth in our area is a major concern for Walter. He says he saw the Michigan area where he grew up lose a whole generation in the ‘70s when two big employers shut down.

Fred Grimm

Jody R. Walter

Walter wants to promote more jobs in our area, high tech jobs with good pay and with a future. He is concerned that high property taxes stifle growth.

Walter notes that there is a preponderance of elderly people in our part of the county. He says there is a challenge of how to serve an aging population when the younger generation moves away to find jobs. Relating to that, Walter does not want the sale of Golden Age Manor to be a repeat of what happened in Siren, when the nursing home there closed.

“We will need more nursing home capacity, not less, in the future,” Walter said. “A company should not be able to buy a home and sell the beds to the state. I would like to see an agreement that if the buyer of Golden Age Manor plans to close it, they would need to sell it back to the county.”

Walter says it will be hard for the county to decide how to fund programs.

He mentions the needs from good winter road maintenance to problems like meth. It will be an issue of balancing all the needs with the available money.

Walter is concerned about taking items off the levy and switching the costs to borrowing.

“We must deal with indebtedness carefully,” Walter says. “I want to promote pro-growth policies that will lead to offsetting indebtedness. What we borrow today must be covered tomorrow.”

Walter says his involvement with the political aspects of church issues prepares him for working with other supervisors on county issues. He says that all bodies follow the same types of rules and procedures in solving issues. Both the church and the county deal with solving long-term concerns and with integrating all people, including newcomers, into the system. “At the end of the day, we are still a family,” Walter says. “Every issue creates its own coalition, a different set of people on each issue. We must work with each other.

We are the family of Polk County.”

Joan K. Peterson

Joan K. Peterson Joan Peterson’s main concern is balancing the budget. She calls herself very conservative with finances and wants the county to reduce excesses and live with what it can afford.

Peterson would rather make budget cuts than borrow money. She has no specific ideas for changes in county programs and services.

Peterson says she knows how government works from experience. She spent 20 years in law enforcement, starting with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department before becoming a state trooper, a job she held until she retired.

She has seen the inside of government operations including times when the state cut the budget for the highway patrol. Peterson said government has to prioritize what it can do.

“Property taxes are skyrocketing,” Peterson said.

“People are being buried by the expense. There are reasonable ways to budget. We can be more efficient.”

Peterson’s family moved here from the Twin Cities in 1967, and she has lived here since then. She graduated from Frederic High School in the same class with Kay Friberg.

Besides her state patrol work which often involved working with county and local law enforcement, Peterson was an EMT for many years. She says that her retirement allows her to become more active in the community.

There can be more efficiency in government, Peterson thinks. She wants the county to work together with local governments, to network so there is no duplication of services. She says she is familiar with budgeting and thinks one should always start at the base with budget issues.

“It is important to keep dialogue open in government,” Peterson says. “We can agree to disagree on issues, but we must keep communication open. There should be no hard feelings after an issue is decided.”

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

State senator promotes Healthy Wisconsin program

by Sherill Summer LUCK – Some may have thought it unusual that the universal coverage, health-care reform plan Healthy Wisconsin that was dropped from last year’s state budget took center stage at a town meeting Monday, while another plan, BadgerCare Plus, was covered rather briefly near the end.

Vinehout, a guest of state Rep. Ann Hraychuck, who arranged the forum, didn’t give BadgerCare Plus much time in her presentation because she thinks it is merely a step in the right direction. A good step, but not good enough to solve Wisconsin’s health care woes.

Vinehout is the vice chair of the health and human committee in the state Senate. She has a PhD in public health and is a former tenured professor at the University of Illinois – Springfield, teaching health administration and health policy.

She also is currently a dairy farmer and said she enjoys working with the cows. This unlikely career combination - turning her back on an academic career after earning a Ph.D. - to work the land, somehow describes her speaking style. She explains the complexities of Healthy Wisconsin in simplistic, layman’s terms.

Healthy Wisconsin proposed universal care to all Wisconsin residents who are not covered by public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid or BadgerCare, but it was not a singlepayer system like the Canadian system.

Providers would issue plans that those insured would chose among. If no plan was available in an area, a fee-for-service option would be available.

Instead of insurance premiums, employees and employers would pay a portion of income for service. The higher the income; the higher the payment.

Presumably the higher the income, the more you could afford to pay.

The reform was expected to keep down health-care costs by reducing administration costs and allow better preventive care for people with chronic diseases.

It was explained that about 83 percent of total health-care costs are generated by those with two or more chronic diseases, about 20 percent of the population. The senator touched on how, in the current system, the insurance companies work to exclude these people as much as possible from their customer

pool, leaving this group of citizens with few options, especially options they can afford.

Proven results described Healthy Vinehout Wisconsin not as theory, but proven results because the proposed plan was based on Wisconsin State employee’s health insurance, State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance. The federal government, University of California and Hewlett Packard also use a similar system.

As proof that the system keeps costs down, statistics from the Wisconsin Health insurance cost rankings for 2008 show Madison with the lowest cost ranking in the state. Madison is full of state employees. If the state system saves money because the insurance costs are low, it should reflect in the insurance rating. The monthly premium for single coverage in Madison was $499.68 compared to $627.13 in Eau Claire or Superior. Similar savings were found in family packages.

Over and over, Healthy Wisconsin was touted as something that works.

Something that was good because it would let the rest of Wisconsin enjoy what state employees already have.

Healthy Wisconsin was also described as an idea that has been around for years. It has. It is an offshoot of managed competition championed by Dr. Alain Enthoven from Stanford University. The failed Clinton healthcare reform of the 1990s was also a managed competition system. The system was fiercely attacked in the 1990s, and it was attacked last year in Wisconsin.

Fittingly perhaps, the ideological opposition to a plan such as Healthy Wisconsin was also touched on.

State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout is shown counting off the reasons for health-care reform. - Photos by Sherill Summer of doctors?

The senator was not available to answer these types of questions, but an office worker who handles press issues for the senator was available for comment. He did not share any personal experience, but did describe, probably correctly, the mess a state plan such as Healthy Wisconsin would create across state lines.

He also passed along business owners objections to the plan. The proposed plan required employers to pay 10.5 percent of an employee’s wages for

health-care coverage. Depending on the employee’s wage, the amount paid in might be more or less what the employer’s insurance premium currently is. If the employer was not currently paying any insurance premium for health insurance, the employer most definitely would be paying more.

His final objection noted it was not right that the Healthy Wisconsin board can dictate tax increases and coverage specifics without being elected. There was no accountability. Pointing out that the percentage of wages for coverage, or tax as he called, would be offset by the lack of insurance premiums, went nowhere. Questioning if it truly could be a government-controlled system if the governing board was not elected went nowhere either. There was no accountability he insisted.

Harsdorf’s past views of Healthy Wisconsin included, “A state-mandated government-run health-care program adds new double-digit payroll taxes, breeds consumer inequities and jeopardizes health-care choice and quality.”

The many different plans available to state employees were clearly described on one Web site. They are divided into three tiers, highlighting the differences between plans.

Most people, if they are lucky enough to have insurance, are told what the benefits are of their plan and how much it costs. Really the only choice the employee has is to sign up or not.

Learning about the health-care choices available to state employees might only add to the dissatisfaction surrounding

Senator weighs in To get a better idea of the opposition’s viewpoint, the office of state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf was contacted. While Harsdorf strongly supports BadgerCare Plus, she has gone on record, calling Healthy Wisconsin “a state government takeover of health care which relies on government mandating and managing insurance pools.”

Harsdorf is covered by a model for Healthy Wisconsin.

Has she ever been denied coverage?

Has she or her family ever had to wait for any service? Does she have a choice

The Healthy Wisconsin calculator was provided to estimate costs for service at the health-care reform town meeting. Healthy Wisconsin was proposed At least 50 people attended the health-care reform town meeting hosted by in last year’s state budget, but was dropped from consideration before the Rep. Ann Hraychuck at the Luck School cafeteria on Monday, Feb. 11. final state budget was passed. - submitted

Harsdorf announces listening sessions

MADISON - State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R – River Falls, will be visiting a community near you to listen to concerns on issues in the legislature.

“Being accessible to those I represent is critical to the work I do in the state Senate,” said Harsdorf. “In addition to the over 20,000 constituent contacts I have had since being elected to the Senate, the personal interactions at these listening sessions are invaluable.”

Harsdorf will make multiple stops in each county within the 10th Senate District (comprising of St. Croix County, the majority of Polk County, and portions of Burnett County, Dunn County and Pierce County).

Harsdorf will hold office hours during the course of four days. Below are the dates, locations and times of the listening sessions in local communities:

Monday, March 3 8 – 9 a.m., Amery City Hall (118 Center St.) Noon – 1 p.m., Grantsburg Village Hall (316 S. Brad St.) 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Somerset Village Hall (110 Spring St.) Friday, March 7 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Osceola Village Hall (310 Chieftain St.)

10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Balsam Lake Village Hall/Library (404 Main St.) 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Baldwin Village Hall (400 Cedar St.) For more information concerning these visits, residents can contact Harsdorf’s office at 1-800-862-1092. – from the office of Sen. Harsdorf

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

P O L K

2008 road plans coming

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

CTH I in Balsam Lake to be rebuilt

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – CTH I from the Main Street of Balsam Lake east to The Paradise is set for a rebuild.

The highway committee talked about plans for the road at its meeting Thursday, Feb. 7. Committee members were also told that the 2008 construction details will be presented soon and talked about the coming referendum on a new highway facility.

The CTH I project will be a $1 million total rebuild from Hwy. 48 east to the village limit. There will be a new bridge connecting the lake to the millpond.

Bike and walking lanes will be added to

the highway. The village and county are working out details for the project which will have 80 percent of the cost covered by state/federal highway funds.

Board member Carl Holmgren, who represents Balsam Lake on the county board, said that this project has been talked about for 50 years.

The highway referendum was discussed by the committee members. Art Gamache said that people he talked with were impressed by the informational flyer sent to residents explaining the issues.

Gamache said a new facility would bring about better use of the county equipment leading to better resale value of the department trucks. commissioner Steve Highway

Warndahl said that Johnson Control, the company that has monitored energy use in some of the county buildings, had its first look at the highway buildings.

While the company has not made a report yet, one of the highway employees heard one of the Johnson Control people say “It’s bad” after the inspection.

Warndahl also expressed concern that the highway buildings have never been served by the county building department.

“We have a building number, but we always have to do our own repair work,” Warndahl said. “Buildings and grounds should have done our repairs.

This inspection sets the path for getting them involved here.” [According to a year-end job orders report from build-

ing director Debra Peterson, her department answered nine requests from highway last year for a total of 6.75 hours.

For comparison, the jail had 404 work orders for 239 hours.]

Warndahl said the 2008 construction plans are nearing completion and will be presented soon. This will be the first year of the six-year road plan with funding approved by the county board in November. The money is there, Warndahl told the committee and added that the department might do nine projects instead of eight the first year if the weather cooperates. Also, all the county bridges will be inspected in 2008. Lastly, office manager Kathy Bohn reported that expenses for 2007 were almost exactly as budgeted, and the financial year will end as planned.

Eau Claire County supervisor warns against selling nursing home

by Gary King EAU CLAIRE - The sale of the countyowned nursing home in Eau Claire County 10 years ago has “significantly escalated” that county’s human services cost and denied the appropriate level of care to individuals for whom that department is responsible for, according to the chair of Eau Claire County’s Human Services board.

Colleen A. Bates, also a county board supervisor, issued a letter recently to “the county board of supervisors who are considering selling their countyowned nursing home.”

In it she states that the Eau Claire County Center of Care, a 190-bed nursing home facility built by the county in 1983 and sold in 1997, had provided a “safety net in our community for many individuals who had outlived their

financial resources.”

“While the center did serve privatepay patients, its very presence was an indication of the county’s commitment to take care of its frail, elderly and chronically mentally ill,” she stated.

Like the current situation in Polk County, where supervisors voted to sell Golden Age Manor in Amery by a onevote margin after consecutive-year operating losses, Eau Claire County Supervisors voted – also by a one-vote margin – to sell its nursing home after the county was forced to subsidize the operation by $278,000 in one year.

That was due to a lower census period, according to Bates.

Ten years after that sale, many costs for individuals in need of nursing care – covered by the state in a nursing home environment have shifted to the county.

Luck Community Ed in action

The second floor of the Center of Care had been for chronically mentally ill patients, Bates notes. If the county had an individual that had an acute episode of their mental illness, the county had a place to take them at a reasonable cost, which was covered by Medical Assistance.

“Our current private-for-profit contract for crisis mental health services totals $467,000,” Bates said. “These are all county dollars. We have been advised by our for-profit provider that they will seek an additional $200,000plus for this year’s contract for mental health services.

Bates adds that some individuals are taken to one of their local hospitals at a cost of $657 to $900 for just the first day with county dollars budgeted for hospital cost.

“Since our hospitals often do not have room – some have reduced the number of beds available in the psychiatric wards due to lack of profit – we are forced to seek placement anywhere from Mendota to Trempeleau County’s

Center – adding in a transport cost to the $400 to $650 per day bill.”

Bates says for-profit nursing homes need to generate a profit and have necessarily developed policies that leave the county’s traditional clients on waiting lists. A large number of developmentally disabled clients that have lived and worked in the community are aging, she noted, and although they may qualify for nursing home placement, for profit and nonprofit homes even now are going to more profitable patients.

“Baby boomers are approaching the time when they flip from being tax ‘contributors’ to becoming tax ‘consumer,’” Bates said. “Ready or not, here they come!”

Bates noted that selling a nursing home does not make the county’s clients disappear. “At the very time when Eau Claire County is facing a much larger population to serve in nursing homes, we are faced with less options to serve their needs,” she states.

Luck Community Ed classes are a great place to learn something new and have fun. Last week a few of the classes included Let’s Make Soup, Stack-and-Whack Quilting II and Making a Traditional Long Bow.

Boy Scout banquet The Stack-and-Whack quilting class enjoyed finishing tips from instructor Mary Wolf. — Photos courtesy Amy Aguado

A woodworking class began the process of making a long bow with instructor Tony Jenson. This nine-week class will meet three hours on Thursdays. Jenson has been teaching this class for more than five years.

Sometimes its popularity requests that two classes run per season. People who take this class learn about the characteristics of wood, how to heat and bend wood and make their own traditional long bow. White birch, hickory, alum and ironwood are typical woods used. The bows are crafted similar to how Native Americans make bows, and some of these class bows are even sinew-backed. In the photo, some class members begin to choose which wood they will use to make their bows.

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow banquet was held Feb. 2, at Arden Hills, Minn., at the Totanhan Nakaha Lodge, which is a Brotherhood of the Boy Scouts, where adult leaders and Boy Scouts are voted in by fellow Scouts. Pictured are Roy White of Frederic and Lindsey Wallin of Luck, who were being recognized for 2007 Vigil Honor (highest brotherhood in the O.A.). Bonnie Timm of Amery and was recognized for the Founders’ Award. This is given to leaders who exhibit exceptional service and helpfulness. This is the highest recognition that a lodge can bestow on youth or adult Arrowmen. Roger Steen of Luck was awarded for Chapter (Wild River District) Chief. – Photo submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

Sewer rate increase and water and sewer billing approved

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Siren Police Officer Andy Savage is back at work full time, his plans to become a law-enforcement trainer in Iraq no longer a viable option.

Savage had previously asked for, and been granted a one-year leave of absence from his position.

Savage came to the village board, in closed session during the board’s Feb. 7 meeting, to let them know that he is no longer asking for that year’s leave. The February schedule for the police department has been set for some time, with no hours included for Savage in light of his leave request. After closed-session discussion, the board approved a motion to put him back on the February schedule.

Village deputy clerk/treasurer Ann Peterson went over the collection of taxes during the Feb. 7 meeting of the Siren Village Board. According to Peterson, 57 percent of the village taxes for 2007 have been collected.

During the regular meeting, the village board accepted a recommendation from the roads, streets and utilities committee to change the sewer rate over the next five quarters, starting April 1 with a base unit charge of $12 a month and volume charge of $3.95 per thousand gallons. The charges will increase quarterly from April 1 to April 1, 2009, ending with a volume charge of $6.40 per thousand gallons, and a base unit charge of $19 a month. The increases

Siren Village Board members Paul Riemer (L) and Josh Henry looked over plans for sidewalk construction in 2008 during the village board meeting Feb. 7. Village administrator Randy Surbaugh is shown at the right in the photo. — Photos by Nancy Jappe will bring in projected 2008 revenue of $281,384. The rate schedule will be reviewed by the village board in six months.

The board also approved changing the sewer and water billings from quarterly to monthly, and putting in a request for required authorization from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to bill monthly for water service.

The above acceptances were made by role-call vote. The changes are necessary because the sewer utility is faced with increased operating and maintenance costs, and the USDA-Rural Development requires the village to raise adequate revenue to meet operating costs and all debt-service costs.

According to village administrator Randy Surbaugh, final plans and all the required paperwork for upgrading the village’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant have been submitted to USDA-Rural Water and information on the utilities building to the Wisconsin Public Commission.

The board approved a recommendation from committee that authorized continuance of the sidewalk-construction project to go north of Works Progress Street as far as the entrance to The Lodge at Crooked Lake on the west side of Hwy. 35/70, and on the east to go north from Works Progress Street to the entrance of Crooked Lake Park.

Bids are to open in March or April; and with good weather, contractors could start the work in April. The plan also includes repair of the sidewalk from Works Progress Street south to the junction of Hwys. 35 and 70 on the east

side of the highway.

The roads, streets and utilities committee is also looking into putting a crossing area on Hwy. 35/70 across from Crooked Lake Park. It could possibly be in the form of an island in the middle of the highway. No decision has been made yet. The idea of an overpass has been ruled out.

A recommendation to amend the offsale liquor ordinance was sent back to the public safety committee for further discussion.

Recommendations from the personnel and finance committee to approve

renewal of the contract for village administrator Surbaugh and Police Chief Chris Sybers were approved.

Possible dates for the next meeting of the building, grounds and parks committee were set for Feb. 26 or 27. The date will be finalized when board member Luanne Swanson is back in town.

Personnel and finance committee will meet Thursday, Feb. 14, at 5:30 p.m.

Public safety committee will meet Thursday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m. No meeting of the buildings, grounds and parks committee was scheduled for February.

Senior housing construction on schedule

Work is on schedule for completion by midsummer, or before, of the Lilac Grove Apartments, the new 14-unit senior housing complex on First Avenue in Siren. Applications for housing are being taken now, but no one will be contacted until after March 1. Occupancy is based on income eligibility as stated in HUD guidelines. Interested seniors can contact Donna Strand, occupancy manager, at 715-394-2012 for more information. – Photo

by Nancy Jappe

Burnett County sheriff’s report Jan. 31: Dwight M. Kraemer, 43, Danbury, was cited for operating after suspension on Hwy. 35 and Main Street. The citation will be dismissed if Kraemer shows his license is valid before his March court date.

Feb. 1: Tamara A. Rutzen, 39, Webster, was cited for operating after revocation, and issued two citations for childsafety-belt violation for children under 4 at 2 p.m. on Hwy. 35/70 by the drug store.

Feb. 2: A case of fraud at a gas station occurred at the Holiday Station at 2:30 p.m. A driver identified as Eric Alton

Stubbs, 45, Savage, Minn., attempted to pay for $18.01 in gas and $3.69 for a pizza with an invalid Visa and invalid check card. He then left the store and drove off, headed possibly in the direction of Minong.

Feb. 3: Daryl D. Sheldon Jr., 36, Lewis, and Marcus A. Taylor, 23, Frederic, were arrested on warrants out of Washburn County at 1:41 p.m. at a Siren residence. As they were both on probation out of Polk County, the officer took them to the Polk County border, where they were released to a Polk County deputy.

Feb. 5: A Siren student was

cited for truancy, and the parents were notified by letter.

At 6:16 p.m., a parking-violation citation was issued on a Dodge Caravan Sport vehicle which had been parked in front of a fire hydrant at the intersection of Bradley Street and Fourth Avenue.

At 7:15 p.m., the officer on duty assisted the Burnett County medical examiner in the death of an individual in the town of Daniels.

Feb. 6: At 4:06 a.m., the officer on duty assisted the county in the arrest of Garon Ray Sage, 50, Grantsburg, who faces charges of disorderly con-

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Oakland, Feb. 8: Jill C. Veldman, 42, South St. Paul, Minn., was eastbound on CTH C when she swerved to miss a deer, lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree. No injuries were reported. The vehicle suffered moderate damage and was towed.

Town of Daniels, Feb. 6: Angel B. Wicklund, 39, Siren, was eastbound on Elbow Lake Road when she lost control on the icy road. After skidding sideways, she left the roadway and the vehicle overturned onto its roof. Injuries were reported and the vehicle was severely dam-

aged.

Arrests Town of Sand Lake, Feb. 3: Thomas W. Snyder, 22, Sandstone, Minn., was arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

He was also cited for operating while suspended.

Town of Wood River, Feb. 10: Robert M. Northquest, 30, Grantsburg, arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

Other incidents

Town of Wood River, Feb. 3: David A. Lindquist, Grantsburg, reported his fish house on Big Wood Lake burglarized.

A Coleman lantern, motorcycle

battery, 12-volt lighting system, transistor radio and tackle box with lures are missing. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Oakland, Feb. 9: Michelle M. Blake, Webster, reported green 2000 quad-cab truck with Oklahoma license plates taken from in front of her residence.

The truck was unlocked, but there were no keys in the ignition at the time of the reported theft. Footprints found in the area where the truck was parked where tracked to a nearby intersection. The incident is under investigation.

duct and violating a restraining order. Sage had allegedly been kicking in windows of a trailer home between Siren and Webster. He was found by the Siren officer on Airport Road and Old 35, and was turned over to a deputy to be taken to Burnett County Jail.

At 4:35 p.m., the Siren Police Department received the report of a wallet that had been stolen from a purse at Siren High School.

Feb. 7: At 4:05 p.m., the Siren officer on duty assisted, for the safety of a county social worker, on a call to a resident with a medical problem. At the

end of the visit, the officer felt that the individual was not a direct threat or danger to himself or anyone else.

Feb. 8: At 2:10 a.m., the officer on duty went to First Avenue and Johnson Street, where a vehicle was parked, partially blocking a driveway. Two persons were found in the area, neither of them being the driver of the vehicle. The vehicle was eventually towed, and the officer waited with the two at the Holiday Station until their ride home arrived. No citations were issued. No information on the driver or if that person was intoxicated was available.

Feb. 9: At 9:45 a.m., Erik Henry Burnson, 33, Grand Rapids, Minn., was cited for speeding. Burnson’s vehicle was stopped by Siren School.

At 10:22 a.m., Joshua Christopher Moore, 26, Webster, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 and South Shore Drive.

Feb. 10: At 3:29 a.m., the officer on duty was called to the jail to assist with an unruly inmate.

At 8:58 p.m., the officer on duty investigated the report of a suspicious vehicle, disturbance and activity outside a Siren residence.

Burnett County warrants Cheri L. Baker, 40, Danbury, commitment, Feb. 5.

Shawn M. Bartholomew, 25, Eau Claire, commitment, Feb. 5.

Dani A. Bartle, 23, Menomonie, commitment, Feb. 5.

William J. Beddo, 20, Siren, commitment, Feb. 5.

Brandon Brunberg, 21, Jamaica Plain, Mass., warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 4.

William Collins, Glen Flora, commitment, Feb. 5.

Thomas P. Garske, 70, Grantsburg, commitment, Feb. 5.

Scott D. Green, 22, Amery, commitment, Feb. 5.

Troy A. Hill, 33, Webster, commitment, Feb. 5.

Brandon C. Hugger, 33, Chisago, Minn., arrest warrant – complaint, Feb. 6.

John R. Kodesh, 42, Rice Lake, commitment, Feb. 5.

Leslie A. Lande, 24, Pine City, Minn., commitment, Feb. 5.

Christine E. Lussier, 33, Lac du Flambeau, commitment, Feb. 5.

Christopher A. Neisies, 21, Hudson, commitment, Feb. 5.

Zachary R. Nelson, 27, Siren, commitment, Feb. 8.

Malissa A. Norfolk, 25, Big Pine, Calif., commitment, Feb. 5.

Shaleah F. Reynolds, 20,

Grantsburg, commitment, Feb. 5.

Russell L. St. John, 26, Hinckley, Minn., commitment, Feb. 5.

Mark D. Stickney, 23, Blaine, Minn., commitment, Feb. 5.

Darcy A. Tils, 48, Prior Lake, Minn., commitment, Feb. 5.

Robert L. Tompkin, 48, Cambridge, Minn., commitment, Feb. 5.

Jeff A. Wells, 31, Ham Lake, Minn., commitment, Feb. 5.

Jacob N. Wilson, 27, Grantsburg, commitment, Feb. 5.

Denise M. Windish, 48, Danbury, commitment, Feb. 5.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

Three-week Island Hopping Adventure comes to a close FREDERIC – The Frederic Elementary students had an action-packed week of the island adventure. The last week of the adventure focused on the colder islands, so on Monday there was an accelerated reading incentive sledding and skating outing for the students who qualified. Wednesday, Marit Gelein and her dog, Timber, a purebred malamute, were at the school for pictures along with Dr. Sletten and his awesome sled dog team. The students were able to see the sled dog team in action and learn about the dogs and sledding. Some of the students even got to see Mrs. Steen drive the sled and tip it over!

On Friday morning, all the students packed their bags and set off on a tour of all the islands that were studied. They got their passport signed, ate some food, learned some facts, watched PowerPoint presentations and saw a volcano erupt! Tamara Larsen brought in a whole array of animals for the students to see. Wayne and Bonnie Anderson brought in Miss Hugo, their pet macaw.

At 1 p.m. on Friday, a community program was held to showcase all the learning that had taken place.

There were songs sung, costumes displayed, videos and slide shows of all the islands.

On Wednesday, Marit Gelein brought in her purebred malamute, Timber, for the elementary students to see and take pictures with. – Photo submitted

The first grade performed a skit about penguins after studying the South Sandwich Islands.

Kennedy Alseth, Makayla Roper, Nolan Johnson and Tysen Wink had their faces painted like New Zealand Warriors. – Photo submitted

Aleutian Islands was the adventure the third grade visited.

August Featherly, Austin Ennis and Hunter Schmidt watch as a volcano erupts in Japan. – Photo submitted

The fifth-grade class played instruments from the West Indies during the community program on Friday. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld unless otherwise noted

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

S

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

P O R T

S

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

SCF sends four to sectional tourney SCF, LFG and Unity sending wrestlers

by Marty Seeger OSCEOLA – The St. Croix Falls wrestling team will be sending four regional champions to the sectional tournament in Somerset this Saturday, Feb. 16. Dan Larson (135) Jake Bruns (119), Justin Rikkola (112) and Joe Raygor (152) each took firsts in their respective weight classes last Saturday in Osceola. Bruns, Rikkola and Raygor made trips to the sectional tournament last year, but Larson will be heading to his first after a solid day of wrestling.

“I was very happy and impressed with Dan Larson,” said coach Dan Clark.

Larson won his first match over Trevor Bushinger of Somerset in the semifinals, and then faced a very tough Jared Nelson of Amery in the first-place match, winning in overtime 7-5.

After sitting out with an injury for the past few weeks, Bruns finished well at Osceola with his first win over Caleb Belter of Somerset by an 18-2 tech fall.

Bruns won by a 18-2 major decision in the first-place match over Tyler Klund of Baldwin Woodville by a score of 10-1.

“He wrestled very well, and he seems to be a gamer…the bigger the match, the better he wrestles,” Clark said.

Raygor won both of his matches with ease, winning his first match by a pin in 39 seconds over Brian Pulin of St. Croix Central. He won by major decision over Chris Deal of Amery in the champi-

Justin Rikkola

Joe Raygor

Extra Points

Saints wrestler Dan Larson took Jared Nelson of Amery in a 7-5 overtime win last Saturday to make his first trip to the sectional tournament. - Photo

by Marty Seeger onship match 18-7. Rikkola nabbed two pins for his first-place finish, with his first coming over Kaleb Irwin of Baldwin-Woodville in 49 seconds. He pinned Ethan Bell of Somerset in the championship match with just four seconds to go, despite being up by a good margin throughout much of the match.

“All the kids now have to realize what’s in front of them,” Clark said. He added that all four wrestlers have a good shot at state if they wrestle well this Saturday, and all of their focus will be on the first match of the day.

For the first round this weekend, Rikkola will be taking on Sam Arnott (28-5) of Tomahawk. Bruns will be facing Justin Eley (24-5) of Luck, Larson is going up against Derek Riebe (16-12) of Barron and Raygor will be wrestling Nick Prete (33-8) of Spooner.

Others doing well for SCF included Shaw Amundson (125), Taylor Sempf (130) and Nick Campbell (103) who each finished in third place.

SCF's Jake Bruns defeated Tyler Klund in the championship match by 10-1 major decision.

Unity mats competition in Shell Lake Eagles send five to sectionals, LFG sends two

by Marty Seeger SHELL LAKE – Coming off of one of their best seasons in recent history, the Unity wrestlers continued to do well last weekend in Shell Lake, sending four regional champions as well as a second-place qualifier. Coach Mark Ferguson said that Luke Nelson (119) probably had the best day on the team.

Nelson came into the region with a 21-

Luke Nelson

17

Dylan Koethe

Unity's Alex Peper won by a tech fall over Luke Leiffring of Glenwood City last Saturday. - Photo by Marty Seeger record, defeated Trevor Wahner by pin pin.” in 57 seconds in the first match, then Dylan Koethe (103) took second place pinned Matt Hagen (23-12) of Shell Lake last weekend, and will be heading to his by pin late in the third period. first-ever sectional tournament. Koethe “It was close…it went back and forth defeated Troy Gillitzer of Clear Lake by a few times,” Ferguson said. “Luke finally hit a nice double and finished it See Wrestling/ Next page clean, went directly to a half and got the

••• FREDERIC – Frederic senior Ben Anderson recently signed on to play football for Rochester Community College next fall.

Anderson led the area football Leader Board last season with 1,226 yards on 192 carries and made the Small Lakeland first team all-conference team as a running back.

Last season, the Ben Anderson Yellow Jackets posted an 11-0 record for the MCCC southern Division championship and earned the MCCC state championship. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Former Frederic graduate Jacob Friberg has catapaulted his way to a great start for the UW-Platteville track and field team. The junior is the Pioneers' pole vaulting specialist, and recently took second place behind teammate Jon Balciar with a 13-11.75 at the Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center in Waverly, Iowa.

The Pioneers have one of the strongest NCAA Division 3 programs in the country.

- Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – On Valentine's Day, the Grantsburg at Webster boys and girls basketball games are being broadcast on WXCX 105.7 FM beginning at 6 p.m. The Feb. 15 WIAA boys Regional hockey game between the Burnett Blizzard at New Richmond can be heard on WXCX 105.7 FM at 7 p.m. If the boys win over New Richmond, the next game can be heard on WXCX 105.7 FM at 7 p.m. on Feb 19. On Feb. 15 the boys and girls basketball games between Unity and Luck are being broadcast on WLMX 104.9 FM at 6 p.m. The WIAA Div. 1, 2 and 3 sectional wrestling coverage can be heard on WXCE 1260 AM on beginning at 10 p.m. on Feb. 16. The Feb. 18 girls basketball game with Unity at Prairie Farm is being broadcast on WLMX 104.9 FM at 7:30 p.m. The boys WIAA tournament game with Amery at Northwestern will be broadcast on WXCE 1260 AM on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. The Feb. 19 WIAA boys regional basketball game with Weyerhaeuser at Luck is being broadcast on WLMX 104.9 FM at 7 p.m. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact theLeader by 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2008 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week!

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

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

500 rebounds and counting Frederic’s Erin Schmidt clutches 500th career rebound

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – Frederic senior Erin Schmidt was greeted with a nice surprise just prior to tip-off against Luck last Thursday night. Unbeknownst to Schmidt, coach Troy Wink summoned a microphone to announce his senior forwards 500th rebound, which was achieved in the Vikings win over Solon Springs just two days before. In that game Schmidt needed eight rebounds to reach her mark, and ended up with nine on the night.

Wink talked about how other athletes are recognized for reaching the 1,000point mark, and while he admitted that it’s tremendous feat, 500 career rebounds is another milestone. While Wink admitted that Schmidt isn’t one that will outjump the competition, she’s aggressive and knows what it takes to keep it in the Vikings possession.

1 2 3 4 F 12 2 4 13 31 9 10 15 11 44 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A F TP 2 0 0/0 5 4 Erica Wilson Briana Stage 0 0 1/2 1 1 0 0 0/0 1 0 Melissa Jenssen 7 0 0/2 3 14 Megan Hacker Sarah Petersen 0 0 1/2 4 1 0 0 0/0 2 0 Krystal Stage Taryn Pilz 5 0 1/3 3 11 14 0 3/9 19 31 Totals

Team Luck Frederic

Frederic Ana Miller Megan Anderson Kelly Wondra Erin Schmidt Adrianna Otte Melanie Chenal Lisa Chelmo Becca Anderson Candace Buck Totals

2s 0 0 1 3 0 3 1 0 1 9

3s FTM/A F 4 0/4 0 0 1/2 0 0 0/0 2 0 3/4 4 0 0/0 1 0 9/13 4 0 0/0 0 0 0/0 0 0 1/1 1 4 14/24 12

TP 12 1 2 9 0 15 2 0 3 44

Erin Schmidt, along with Vikings head coach Troy Wink hold a pair of framed portraits featuring Schmidt's 500 rebound milestone just prior to last Thursday's game against Luck. - Special photo “She does it with good position, not afraid to make contact with people and that’s where she’s gotten so much better at it,” Wink said.

Those improvements can be seen greatly in her numbers of rebounds over the years. Schmidt posted only 28 rebounds during her freshman season, while spending three quarters on JV and just one on varsity. Her amount of playing time was reversed during her sophomore year and Schmidt nabbed 122 boards. Last season she posted 190 rebounds (8.6 per game) and prior to the Luck game she had 162 rebounds.

Schmidt has a number of games ahead

this season, and so far she’s averaged just under 10 boards a game. Against Luck, she posted 14. Wink mentioned that Schmidt’s consistency and success under the basket is in part to her work ethics and leadership. Schmidt, Wink says is a leader by example.

“She’s going to go out and work her tail off, and at the end of the day, hopefully its enough, but if its not, she’s going to come out and work harder the next day,” Wink said.

Frederic 44, Luck 31 FREDERIC – Ana Miller’s four 3pointers, Melanie Chenal’s second dou-

Erin Schmidt has also been a nice presence on offense for the Vikings over the past several seasons. Photo by Marty Seeger ble-double in a row and Erin Schmidt’s 14 rebounds were big keys to the Vikings win over Luck last Thursday night.

“Our team did a good job of feeding the hot hand,” said coach Troy Wink about Miller’s second half 3-point shootout.

Kelly Wondra gave the Vikings a slight edge in the first half with a short jumper to put the team up by three at the buzzer. Luck held it to within five for much of the third until Miller’s 3pointers opened up the floodgates.

Luck coach Marty Messar thought his team played well in the first and fourth quarters, but the team couldn’t keep up with Wink’s adjustments, which took Luck out of their early game.

Luck’s Megan Hacker had a nice game with 14 points, and Taryn Pilz led in rebounds with nine, along with 11 points. But Messar says the team needs to put more points on the board.

“We need more people to step up and get us points,” Messar said.

LFG wrestling place two near the top Wrestling/continued the second round, he faced Gillitzer again in the wrestle-back and won by a 3-2 rule.

“He’s a great kid that works hard in practice, always having to wrestle someone 10 to 20 pounds heavier than he is,” said Ferguson. “Hard work pays off.”

Also qualifying for his first sectional tournament is Alex Peper (112). After blowing out this knee at the beginning of last season, Peper has turned things around this season and took first place last weekend. In the first round he won by a tech fall before defeating Spencer Harshman of Clear Lake in a 5-1 decisioin in the championship round.

“Alex is wrestling really well right now, and we expect great things from him this weekend,” said Ferguson.

Ben Hendricks (189) will be moving on to the sectional meet with his first-place regional finish.

Hendricks pinned Brandon Bronstad in 45 seconds in the first round. He defeated Woody Reindahl of Ben Hendricks Clear Lake by a 14-3 major decision in the first-place match.

Hendricks lost to Reindahl by a pin in an earlier dual this season.

“It was good to see Ben wrestling a clean, solid match, beating a stateranked wrestler by a major decision,” Ferguson said.

Dustin McKinney (125) will be mak-

LFGs Russel Harr stands up against Chris Gates of Barron. Harr championed the 171-pound weight to advance to sectionals.

LFG wrestler Justin Eley stands up to help him earn an escape from his Barron's Kaleb Stevens. Eley went on to take second place in his 119-pound weight class, and advance to the sectional tournament at Somerset. - Photos

by Lori Nelson ing another trip to the sectional tourna“I think he learned a lot in the loss, ment after dominating his weight class and that should make him a stronger last Saturday. McKinney defeated Jack wrestler for the next season,” Ferguson Somsen of Clear Lake by tech fall before said. Dennis McKinney finished the sealanding a pin over Zach Rivard of son with a 34-8 record and Reed ended Cameron in the finals. with a 29-16 record “He should have a great sectional The sectional tournament will be held tournament, and if he wrestles up to his at the McPhee Center in Eau Claire this ability, should be the front-runner for Saturday, Feb. 16.

Unity as we head to the state tournament,” Ferguson said. LFG sends two on to sectionals Others placing high SPOONER – The Luck/Frederic/at sectionals were Grantsburg wrestling team will be sendDennis McKinney and ing just two to the sectional tournament, senior Tim Reed who but coach Chris Bartlett mentioned that each took third place. all of the kids wrestled well in Spooner Ferguson said Dennis last weekend.

McKinney faced three Senior Russel Harr had his the best tough wrestlers day and won the regional championship as a 171-pounder. Harr defeated Dustin McKinney throughout the day.

Chris Smith of Spooner by a pin in 1:20 in the semifinals before beating Chris Gates of Barron by a 10-4 decision.

Justin Eley had a long day on the mat after having to wrestle three matches to move into sectionals. In the quarterfinals he defeated Tysen Olson of Ashland by a pin in 34 seconds, then won by a 5-3 decision over Nate Nelson of Northwestern. Eley lost in the firstplace match to the undefeated Kaleb Stevens of Barron.

Lakeysha Schallenberger took third place at regionals last weekend as well as Jeff Gackle. Schallenberger defeated Dakota Hammond of Spooner by a 2-0 decision in the third-place match.

Gackle got a pin over Brandon Bartle of Spooner in his third-place match in 34 seconds.

The LFG sectional tournament is being held at Somerset this weekend on Saturday, Feb. 16.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L

E

A

D

E

S

R

P

O

R

T

S

Lady Blizzard wins final season game for long, when 30 seconds later, Shannon Steiner tied it up with a pass from Kelsey Lien and Nicole Steiner.

Sixteen seconds after, Shannon put in the game-winning goal, assisted by Lien again and Briggs.

“It was nice to regain the lead right away,” Bennett explained.

With Menomonie outshooting the Blizzard 30-19, Meyer and her Blizzard were still able to hold them off and end their regular season with a win.

“She (Meyer) made key saves when she had to,” Bennett said. “I was happy with the way the girls played tonight. It was a good team effort.”

The Lady Blizzard are seeded fourth in the WIAA Sectional playoffs and will play their first game on Thursday, Feb. 14, against Rhinelander at 7 p.m., at the Lodge Center Arena.

Two consecutive Lady Blizzard wins Lady Blizzard 3, Menomonie 2

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The final game before the playoffs was the Lady Blizzard’s second consecutive win.

They go into the tournament with their heads up. The Lady Blizzard won it over Menomonie, 3-2, on Thursday, Feb. 7, in the Grantsburg arena.

“It was nice to put together a complete game,” coach Tim Bennett said.

There were great scoring opportunities for the Lady Blizzard throughout the night that resulted in three big goals, good defense and strong goaltending from Tiffany Meyer.

Bennett felt the key to his team’s success was from their penalty kill. The Blizzard received eight penalties, but was able to keep Menomonie from scoring during each.

Menomonie wasn’t able to stop the Blizzard’s power play when the Blizzard took advantage of a Menomonie penalty by Alex Lonetti knocking one past their goalie, with assists from Nicole Steiner and Allie

Randi Hunter and a Menomonie player race to the puck during Thursday’s game. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Briggs.

“We have been working hard on our power play the last couple of weeks,” Bennett commented. “This was a sweet power-play goal that was picture perfect.”

This was the only goal scored, ending the first period in the Blizzard favor, 1-

0.

The girls came back on the ice for the second period ready to score. In the first three minutes, Menomonie knocked in two to start it off.

“We were a little shell shocked,” Bennett said.

The Blizzard didn’t let it stay that way

1 2 3 F Team 0 2 0 2 Menomonie 1 2 0 3 Lady Blizzard Scoring First Period – 1 B Alex Lonetti (Nicole Steiner, Allie Briggs) 12:57 Second Period – 1 M Sarah Suchla (Emily Jones) 0:52, 2 M Whitney Krueger (Sarah Suchla, Beth Schmidt) 2:57, 2 B Shannon Steiner (Kelsey Lien, Nicole Steiner) 3:32, 3 B Shannon Steiner (Kelsey Lien, Allie Briggs) , 3:48 Third Period – (no scoring) Goalies Saves – M Katelyn Halama(16), B Tiffany Meyer (28)

Blizzard boys bluster past Barron/Chetek Team reaches their record goal Blizzard 15, Barron/Chetek 3

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Blizzard boys set a goal of 17 wins when they started their season this year, and they did it when they beat Barron/Chetek, 15-3, on Friday, Feb. 8, in the Grantsburg arena.

“We played with a lot of emotion on Friday,” coach Greg Sears said, “and we had fun playing together.”

They are now at a 17-2-1 record going into the playoff tournament and Robbie Billings beat another school record when he scored 10 points with six goals and four assists throughout Friday’s game.

Billings widened the gap of anyone being able to catch up to his No. 1 ranking in the state. He currently has 63 points, 36 goals and 27 assists. The next person is Alex Vankampen from Altoona with 46 points, 28 goals and 18 assists.

“Ben Anderson has really come on

Jamie Robb takes a shot on goal while a Barron defender tries to stop him.

– Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld strong for us at the end of the season,” Sears mentioned.

Anderson scored three goals and made three assists for the Blizzard team.

Many others got a chance to score throughout the game, when the Blizzard put in seven goals in the first period and four goals in both the sec-

2007-08 Girls Hockey Playoffs SECTIONAL #1 Sectionals

Regionals Thursday, Feb. 14

Tuesday, Feb. 19

(#1) Northland Pines

(#5) Rhinelander

SECTIONAL #3 Sat urday, Feb. 23

WIAA State Tournament Feb. 29 - Semi-finals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #3 approx. 1:15 p.m.

@ River Falls Tues., 5 p.m.

Regionals Tuesday, Feb. 19

(#6) Tomahawk

@ Greenheck or Mosinee Tues., 7 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

(#8) Amery (#5) Blizzard

(#4) New Richmond

@Hudson Sat., Feb. 23, 2:30 p.m.

(#3) River Falls

Viroqua (#5)

@Wildcat Center (#11) Barron

Thurs., Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

@Dunn Co. Arena, 7 p.m.

Willett Arena-Stevens Point Sat., Feb. 23, 3:30 p.m.

Baraboo (#3) @ Baraboo Thurs., 7:30 p.m.

(#2) Hayward/Spooner

Saturday, February 23

@Wessman Arena, 7 p.m. (#9) Baldwin

(#1) Mosinee Co-op

Onalaska (#4)

@Hayward Tues., 7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 19

Fri., Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

@Omni Fri., 7:30 p.m.

@Superior Thurs., 6 p.m.

Sectionals

Thursday or Friday, February 14 or 15

(#1) Superior

Thu rs. or Fri., Feb. 14 or 15

(#4) Lady Blizzard

(#3) Superior

Tu esday, February 12

@New Richmond

@L odge C enter Thurs., 7 p.m.

Hayward Sports Center Fri., Feb. 22, 7 p.m.

2007-08 Boys Hockey Playoffs Regionals

@Amery, 7 p.m.

Sectionals

Friday,, Feb. 22

1 2 3 F Team Barron/Chetek 1 1 1 3 7 4 4 15 Webster Scoring First Period – 1B Ben Anderson (Robbie Billings, Cameron Hughes, 1:22, 2 B Robbie Billings (Dave Harlander) 3:17, 3 B Robbie Billings (Dave Harlander) 4:53, 4 B Travis Close (powerplay) (Robbie Billings, Dave Harlander) 7:45, 5 B Robbie Billings (Tony Folk, Ben Anderson) 10:20, 6 B Robbie Billings (Ben Anderson, Russ Thoreen) 11:59, 7 B Dave Harlander (Robbie Billings, Cameron Hughes) 12:22, 1 BC Thomas Piper (unassisted) 15:47 Second Period – 8 B Robbie Billings (Mike Billings) 0:29, 9 B Ben Anderson (Travis Close, Cameron Hughes) 10:43, 10 B Robbie Billings (Ben Anderson, Ben Jensen) 11:08, 2 BC Nick deWerd (Brett Mueller) 15:31, 11 B Dave Harlander (Robbie Billings, Cameron Hughes) 15:58 Third Period – 12 B Ben Anderson (Jeremy Wickstrom) 5:22, 13 B Tony Folk (Steven Labatt, Mike Reis) 6:45, 14 B Cameron Hughes (Travis Close, Tony Folk) 11:25, 15 B Tony Folk (Jamie Robb) 15:53, 3 BC Brent Huset (Nick deWerd) 16:09 Goalies Saves – BC Justin Schultz (48), B Adam Eichman (7), B Mike Billings (17)

@South Wood Tues., 4 or 7:30 p.m.

(#2) Wisconsin Rapids

Reedsburg (#6)

(#6) Menomonie (#10) Spooner/Shell Lake @ Somerset, 7 p.m. (#7) Somerset

@ Hudson Thurs., Feb. 14, 7 p.m. (#2) Hudson

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Gymnasts get ready for sectionals

by Brenda Sommerfeld RUSH CITY, Minn. – Before going to the Ashland Invitational, the Grantsburg Pirate gymnasts went to Rush City, Minn., for a dual on Thursday, Feb. 7.

They ended the dual with a team score of 123.975.

The Pirate girls tried out new vaults and are still working out the kinks, but still were able to score in the eights.

Maarja Anderson took third place with an 8.55, Jessika Ilgen made fourth with 8.35, and Alyssa Ryan was able to pull off 8.30 for fifth.

Bars was once again the toughest event with Ryan the only one in the top five, with 7.35 for fourth place. Ryan was also the only teammate in the top five on beam, with 8.075 for fifth place.

Michelle Lund and Anderson were both able to place during the floor event. Lund got third with 8.275 and Anderson 8.15 for fourth.

Grantsburg at Ashland ASHLAND – The Grantsburg gymnasts then traveled to Ashland on Saturday, Feb. 9, for an invitational against six other schools.

The highlights of the meet were: Jessika Ilgen came home with a fourthplace ribbon for vault, they won the poster contest for the first time ever, and Alyssa Ryan won the senior handstand contest.

Team RC/PC HF Grantsburg

Vault/Place 33.875 33.45

Bars/Place 31.95 27.70

Grantsburg Individual Scores 8.3/5th Alyssa Ryan Maarja Anderson 8.55/3rd 8.25/6th tie Michelle Lund Megan Branstad 8.35/4th Jessika Ilgen Katty Peterson 7.55 Emily Cole -

7.35/4th 5.90 6.95 7.00/6th 6.40 -

The Pirate team took fourth-place overall, with a total score of 123.725.

“I thought the girls did a better job on Saturday,” coach Kathy Lund said, “but the scoring was tighter.”

Ilgen got her ribbon with an 8.60 during the vault, while the rest of her team were in the first 15 scores. Michelle Lund was the next closest to Ilgen’s score, with an 8.20 to tie for 10th place.

Maarja Anderson received a tie for 11th with 8.15, Ryan received 14th place with 7.90, and Katty Peterson scored 7.80 for 15th.

The highest score for the uneven bars was by Lund with 7.70 for 13th place.

Ryan scored a 7.55 for 15th-place overall.

Emily Cole, Megan Branstad and Ryan all completed their beam routines without falling off. Branstad scored 7.90 to take 11th place, Cole received 12th place with 7.85, and Anderson fell but still scored with a 7.70 to come in at 15th place.

Floor was Ryan and Anderson’s best event during the invite. Ryan received 8.35 for seventh place and Anderson scored right below her with 8.30 for eighth place.

All three all-around gymnasts ranked in the top 15. Ryan was 12th, Anderson 13th and Lund 14th.

Beam/Place 34.85 30.675 8.075/5th 7.00 7.10 7.70 7.80/6th

Floor/Place All-Around/Place Place 34.70 135.375 1st 32.15 123.975 2nd 7.875 8.15/4th 8.275/3rd 7.60 7.85

31.50/3rd 29.60/5th 30.575/4th -

St. Croix Falls at Ashland ASHLAND – The St. Croix Falls gymnastics team was also at the Ashland Invitational.

They completed the invite with a score of 67.975 because there were only two all-around competitors and they did not have five competitors in any of the four events.

Kayla Cross and Danae Meyer were the all-around gymnasts for the Saints team.

Cross scored the highest on her team during her floor routine with a 6.35 and tied with Priscilla Castorena for highest team score of 4.50 on uneven bars.

Meyer was the highest scoring on vault with a 7.75 and on the balance beam with a score of 6.05.

Shelley Wood competed on beam and received a score of 4.55 along with Castorena.

Saints Shelley Wood shows her balance on the beam in an earlier competition.

Team Ashland Lakeland Grand Rapids Grantsburg Superior Park Falls St. Croix Falls

Vault/Place 35.250 33.250 33.050 32.850 29.950 30.700 21.900

Bars/Place 33.650 33.550 33.500 29.150 26.950 20.400 13.000

Sectional meet Both St. Croix Falls and Grantsburg will be going to Gale-EttrickTrempealeau High School for their sectional meet on Friday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m.

Beam/Place 33.525 32.025 33.875 30.775 29.150 26.600 20.725

Floor/Place All-Around/Place Place 36.350 138.775 1st 34.350 133.175 2nd 31.000 131.425 3rd 30.950 123.725 4th 31.050 117.100 5th 26.250 103.950 6th 12.350 67.975 7th

Grantsburg Individual Scores 8.15/11th tie Maarja Anderson Alyssa Ryan 7.90/14th 8.20/10th tie Michelle Lund Megan Branstad 7.80/15th Katty Peterson 8.60/4th Jessika Ilgen Emily Cole -

6.25 7.55/15th 7.70/13th 7.00 6.90 -

7.70/15th 7.35 6.80 7.90 11th 7.85/12th

8.30/8th 8.35/7th 7.35 6.95 6.75

30.400/13th 31.125/12th 30.050/14th -

St. Croix Falls Individual Scores 7.40 Kayla Cross Danae Meyer 7.75 Priscilla Castorena 6.75 ShelleyWood

4.50 4.00 4.50 -

5.575 6.05 4.55 4.55

6.35 6.00 -

23.825 23.80 -

Webster girls bring coach 100th win Greg Widiker marks milestone

by Brenda Sommerfeld WEBSTER – The Webster Tiger girls basketball team not only took a big conference win when they beat Unity on Friday, Feb. 1, but also brought home coach Greg Widiker’s 100th-career win.

“I guess what hit me most is the appreciation of all the different girls, their hard work and what it took to build 100 victories,” Widiker said. “It’s

mostly about the girls and their accomplishments.”

Widiker has been coaching the Tiger girls since 1999.

“It’s been a whole, gradual learning experience,” Widiker explained. “Coaching Greg Widiker girls basketball has certainly changed a lot over time, but yeah, it’s rewarding.”

Every season has been very unique

and has had its own story for this coach.

While it was hard for him to recall a most memorable season or game, Widiker did mention a couple.

“The first season is memorable to me just because I was new to the whole thing,” he commented.

“One of those memorable games is getting beat by Jolene Anderson in South Shore during a regional final,” Widiker remembered. “I think we lost 100-34. It’s a game I won’t forget, going against one of the best female basketball players to ever come out of the state. It

was like going to school and taking a lesson from her.”

Anderson now plays for the Badgers and is leading her team with four games of 30-or-more points this season.

Widiker feels it may have taken a little longer than most for his landmark, but it’s a nice milestone.

“I think what impresses me most is that it’s a 100 hard-earned victories from different players,” he stated. “It’s a lot of memories.”

Youth hockey results Burnett Youth Hockey February 9-10

U-12 Girls

Gburg/Burnett 10, Ashland 0

Goals: Wendy Roberts (2), Sam O’Brien (2), Ashley Dietmeier (2), Breanna Phernetton (2), Paige Johnson (2), Brittney Luedtke Assists: Taylor Heathman, Tianna Stewart, Brittney Luedtke, Wendy Roberts Saves: Hope Tucker (4)

Gburg/Burnett 6, Superior 0

Goals: Ashley Dietmeier (2), Wendy Roberts (2), Johanna Lauer, Sam O’Brien Assists: Paige Johnson, Kassie Lien, Tianna Stewart Saves: Hope Tucker (4)

Gburg/Burnett 7, Hayward 0

The Burnett Blizzard Squirt 3B team will go to the state tournament at Waupun March 8-9, after their 5-3 victory against Spooner this weekend.

Pictured Front (L to R): Tanner Buck, Steven Holdt, Hunter Schmidt and Garrett Hunter. Middle: Heather Struck and David Doty. Back: Coach Gary Smith, Max Lundquist, Jake Smith, Jordan Larson, Sophie Phernetton, Andrew Ruiz and Coach Dean Phernetton. – Photo submitted

Goals: Paige Johnson (2), Brianna Phernetton, Taylor Heathman, Ashley Dietmeier, Brittney Luedtke, Sam O’Brien Assists: Kassie Lien (2), Wendy Roberts (2), Paige Johnson, Johanna Lauer, Danielel Pardun Saves: Hope Tucker (5)

Bantam

Blizzard 3, Spooner 2

Goals: Joe Engelhart (2), Cody Benedict Assists: Jordan Sargent (2), Cody Benedict Saves: Thomas Labatt (10)

Amery 6, Blizzard 1

Goals: Brady McWilliam Assists: Kyle Roberts Saves: Thomas Labatt (13), Brandon Roufs (6)

Blizzard 3, Ashland 3

Goals: Cody Benedict, Anthony Dietmeier, Tyler Richison Assists: Kyle Roberts (2), Joe Engelhart, Brady McWilliam Saves: Thomas Labatt (18)

Squirt A

Burnett 5, Ashland 1

Goals: Jenna Curtis (2), Vincent Larson (2), Brady Mangen Assists: Jenna Curtis Saves: Bailey Mangen (10)

Spooner 8, Burnett 6

Goals: Jenna Curtis (3), Vincent Larson (2), Brett Richison Assists: Jenna Curtis Saves: Bailey Mangen (10)

Burnett 9, Amery 0

Goals: Brett Richison (2), Jenna Curtis (2), Brady Mangen (2), Vincent Larson, Dylan Strait, Nick Robinson Assists: Jenna Curtis (2), Vincent Larson, Brett Richison Saves: Bailey Mangen (2)

PeeWee A

Blizzard 10, Ashland 3

Goals: Brian Billings (5), Ryan Curtis (3), Alex Hopkins (2) Assists: Aaron Dietmeier (3), Jacob Swenson (2), Ryan Curtis, Brian Billings, Triston Alden Saves: Jimmy Richison (12)

Blizzard 5, Spooner 0

Goals: Ryan Curtis, Jacob Swenson, Brian Billings, Aaron Dietmeier, Alex Hopkins Assists: Jacob Swenson (2), Ryan Curtis, Matt Larson Saves: Jimmy Richison (6)

Blizzard 10, Amery 2

Burnett 7, Grantsburg 4

Goals: Ryan Curtis (3), Alex Hopkins (2), Aaron Dietmeier (2), Brian Billings (2), Jacob Swenson Assists: Brian Billings (3), Matt Larson (2), Ryan Curtis, Aaron Dietmeier, Triston Alden, DJ Hunter Saves: Jimmy Richison (6)

Burnett 9, Amery 0

Goals: Ryan Curtis (3) Assists: Brian Billings, Matt Larson Saves: Jimmy Richison (18)

Goals: Brett Richison (2), Jenna Curtis (2), Brady Mangen (2), Vincent Larson, Dylan Strait, Nick Robinson Assists: Jenna Curtis (2), Vincent Larson, Brett Richison Saves: Bailey Mangen (2) Goals: Brett Richison (5), Jenna Curtis (2) Assists: Jenna Curtis Saves: Bailey Mangen (6)

Blizzard 3, Grantsburg 3

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Tuesday night boys recap the charge for Luck against the Saints Tuesday night with 21 points. Richert had three 3-pointers in the first half to give the Cards the edge. Then in the second half it was Harry SeversonDickinson who helped Luck scoring 10 of his 12 points. Tyler Petersen had 10 points on the night. Defensively the Cardinals stepped up as well.

“Our defense was again solid only giving up 10 points in the first half,” said coach Rick Giller.

For the Saints it was Dan Roach who led with 10 points, while David Lund hit eight and Ryan Larson added six. – Marty Seeger

Solon Springs 66, Siren 51 SIREN – Solon Springs boys passed by the Siren Dragons, 66-51, on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The Dragons pulled off the lead in the first quarter, 18-15, and held onto it through halftime, 26-25. The second half was when Solon Springs piled on the points in the third, 21 compared to the 10 Siren was able to put up.

Twenty more points in the fourth secured the win for Solon Springs, while Siren added 15 more.

Adam Daniels had a good first quarter scoring the team’s 18 points and 18 of his 21, total points, and Charlie Brown scored his total 14 points throughout the second half. – Brenda Sommerfeld Webster 56, Frederic 34 WEBSTER – The Webster Tiger boys took another quality conference victory over Frederic, 56-34, on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The game was dominated in the first quarter by Webster, with them adding up 13 points and holding Frederic to just one field goal by Kyle Swenson.

The Vikings had a few step up for them to get 10 points in the second, but

Grantsburg's Tyler Myers stretches for the ball in the Pirates game against Unity last week. - File photos by Marty Seeger Webster was on top of it, putting 19 on the scoreboard.

The second half did not turn around for the Vikings. They got 22 points, but the Tigers had 24.

Brian Thill scored 21 points for the Webster team. Brian Gibbs scored his 12 points in the first half, A.J. Holmquist added seven and Kyle Godfrey contributed five.

Kyle Swenson put up 12 of Frederic’s 34 points, while Ben Anderson put up nine of them and Kanan Hackett scored five. – Brenda Sommerfeld

came out strong in the third quarter holding the Evergreens to just five points, and Unity piled on a total of 36 points in the second half for the decided victory.

“We are really starting to understand our roles,” said coach Shaun Fisher.

“Hopefully we continue to improve and play our best ball in the playoffs.”– Marty Seeger Luck 51, St. Croix Falls 38 ST. CROIX FALLS – Cody Richert led

Grantsburg 60, Somerset 42 GRANTSBURG – The Pirates rolled easily past Somerset on Tuesday night with Tyler Myers leading the charge on offense with 20 points. Shawn Pavlik and Ben Larson also hit big with 18 and 17 points respectively. The team shot nine of 15 from the line and the Pirates held a five-point lead at the half.

The game remained within reaching distance for Somerset until the fourth quarter when Grantsburg held defensively to allow Somerset just eight points. The Pirates scored 19 in the fourth quarter to seal the nonconference victory. – Marty Seeger

Kanan "Vern" Hackett notched two threes in the Vikings game against Luck last week. Hackett had five points against Webster Tuesday night.

Team Northwood Unity

1 2 3 4 F 10 15 5 14 44 13 11 17 19 60 Individual Statistics Northwood 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Jesse Melby 1 0 0/0 2 2 Reese Stariha 1 2 5/7 2 13 Joe Martin 1 0 3/4 2 5 Gerrod Richard 0 0 1/2 1 1 Zach Haynes 2 1 1/1 5 8 Chad Murray 0 0 0/0 1 0 Mike Benson 1 2 5/8 3 13 Thomas Ross 1 0 0/0 5 2 Brad Ross 0 0 0/0 3 0 Totals 7 5 15/22 24 44 Unity Seth McKenzie Russ Hickethier Chad Strilzuk Justin Bader Ryan Flaherty Brady Flaherty Lance Peper Totals

2s 1 2 5 6 1 1 4 20

3s FTM/A F 0 1/5 2 0 0/0 0 0 10/11 1 0 0/0 4 0 1/3 3 0 4/7 3 0 4/6 3 0 20/23 17

TP 3 4 20 12 3 6 12 60

Unity 60, Northwood 44 BALSAM LAKE – Despite having two players out with the flu, the Unity boys handed Northwood a loss Tuesday night. Chad Strilzuk led the team with 20 points, and Justin Bader and Lance Peper piled on 12 apiece.

Unity led by three after the first quarter, but Northwood took a one-point lead at halftime. The Eagles defense Team Luck St. Croix Falls

1 2 3 4 12 12 13 14 5 5 17 11 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A Mitchell Klatt 1 0 0/0 Cody Richert 5 3 2/3 Harry Severson-Dickinson 3 2 0/0 Cole Mortel 1 0 3/4 Tyler Petersen 2 0 6/8 Brennan Olson 0 0 0/0 Carson Giller 0 0 1/2 Totals 12 5 12/17 St. Croix Falls Jacob Larcom Dan Roach Trygve Chinander Sam Schmidt Ryan Larson David Lund Austin Whittenberg Greg Kadrmas Totals

2s 0 3 1 1 3 3 0 2 13

F 51 38 F TP 0 2 0 21 0 12 0 5 4 10 2 0 0 1 6 51

3s FTM/A F TP 0 0/0 2 0 1 1/1 3 10 0 0/0 1 2 1 0/0 1 5 0 0/0 3 6 0 2/2 2 8 0 1/2 0 1 0 2/2 2 6 2 6/7 14 38

Luck freshman Cole Mortel looks to pass in a game last week.

Team Webster Frederic

1 2 3 4 F 13 19 12 12 56 2 10 8 14 34 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Nolan Neumann 0 0 0/0 5 0 Brent Crandell 1 0 0/0 1 2 Will Primm 1 0 0/0 1 2 Ben G. Anderson 2 1 2/3 2 9 Zach Anderson 1 0 2/2 1 4 Kyle Swenson 5 0 2/2 2 12 Kanan Hackett 1 1 0/0 1 5 Peter Draxler 0 0 0/0 1 0 Ben Nelson 0 0 0/0 3 0 Totals 11 2 6/7 17 34

Justin Bader of Unity has been having a good string of games for the Eagles lately.

Team Somerset Grantsburg Somerset Z. Warren J. Neuman A. Germain D. Moulton C. Kobs B. Geurkink L. Buerkley B. Witzmann Totals

1 2 3 4 F 12 11 11 8 42 20 8 13 19 60 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A F TP 0 0 0/0 2 0 0 0 3/4 2 3 1 1 1/2 1 6 1 5 0/0 5 17 1 0 1/2 1 3 0 0 2/2 3 2 0 0 0/0 3 2 4 0 1/1 2 9 8 6 8/11 19 42

Grantsburg Kevin Johnson Ben Larson Shawn Pavlik Tyler Myers Jake Ryan Thane Larson Trent Bonneville Totals

2s 1 4 6 6 0 0 1 17

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 4 3 0/1 4 0 6/7 0 2 2/2 1 0 0/0 1 0 1/2 0 0 0/3 0 5 9/15 10

TP 2 17 18 20 0 1 2 60

Webster Brian Gibbs Nick Wolfe AJ Holmquist Quentin Johnson Mitchell Elliott Dylan Geske Brian Thill Kyle Godfrey Nolan Kriegel Adam Baum Totals

2s 5 0 2 1 0 2 9 0 0 1 20

3s FTM/A F TP 0 2/3 1 12 0 1/2 1 1 0 3/4 1 7 0 0/0 1 2 0 0/1 0 0 0 0/0 1 4 0 3/5 0 21 1 2/2 0 5 0 2/6 1 2 0 0/0 3 2 1 13/23 9 56

Team Solon Springs Siren

1 2 3 4 F 15 10 21 20 66 18 8 10 15 51 Individual Statistics Solon Springs 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Billy Hynes 1 0 0/0 0 2 Alex Rowe 2 2 3/4 4 13 Tyler Garvey 1 0 0/0 1 2 Ryne Slivensky 4 0 2/2 1 10 Jake Coughlin 7 1 2/4 2 19 Tyler Luebbe 5 0 1/0 0 11 Kyle Polzin 4 0 1/4 2 9 Totals 24 3 9/14 10 66 Siren Jesse Hinze Adam Daniels Thad Baasch Jordan Potvin Travis Freese Vince Nasman Charlie Brown Totals

2s 0 5 2 2 1 2 5 17

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 1 3 2/4 3 0 2/2 2 0 0/0 1 0 0/0 3 0 0/0 1 1 1/3 3 4 5/9 14

TP 0 21 6 4 2 4 14 51

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Tuesday night girls recap Clayton 70, Webster 30 WEBSTER – The Clayton Bear girls continued winning when they went against Webster Monday, Feb. 11, 70-30.

Webster managed 18 points in the first half, while Clayton scored 41. The second half was low scoring for the Tigers, with 12 points, and the Bears added 39 more to finalize the game.

“They have been beating everybody by 40 points,” coach Greg Widiker said.

“So I guess they stayed true to form. It’s just the best team we’ve seen all year.

Hands down.”

Amanda Alberg was Webster’s lead scorer with five field goals for 10 points.

Michelle Gibbs added nine and Sam Hogle had five points all night. – Brenda Sommerfeld Siren 77, Solon Springs 44 SIREN – The Siren Dragon girls added another huge win to their young team, as they beat Solon Springs, 77-44, on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Siren started it out with a bang of 21 points in the first quarter and 18 in the second. They held Solon Springs to below 10 points in each quarter to go to halftime up 37-14.

The second half Solon Springs was able to put up 30 points, but was not able to compete with Siren, scoring 38 more.

Carley Emery scored 38 points during the three quarters that she played. Janey Emery added 13 points for the team, Lynette Renberg supplied nine, Haily

Sirens Janey Emery pushes the ball down the court. - Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Team Frederic Webster

Mulroy scored eight, and Ashley Guevara got seven on the board. – Brenda Sommerfeld Frederic 55, Webster 39 WEBSTER – The Viking girls added another win to their conference record on Tuesday, Feb. 12. They won against the Webster Tigers, 55-39.

“We played a good game,” Frederic coach Troy Wink said.

Frederic took off with a 13-4 lead in the first quarter. With Frederic up 25-9 during a time in the second quarter, the Tigers were able to close the gap, 28-18 by the end of the quarter.

Frederic scored 27 in the second half, while Webster got up 21.

Becca Anderson was the shooter for Frederic with 15 points, and Erin Schmidt close behind, scoring 14.

Melanie Chenal added 11 points, Kelly Wondra scored six, Ana Miller contributed five and Megan Anderson put in two field goals.

Beth Baer was the Tiger’s lead scorer with 15 points in the night, Sam Hogle and Amanda Alberg each put up seven.

Reba Smallwood got three field goals in, and Rose Kopecky and Michelle Gibbs nailed one field goal each. – Brenda Sommerfeld St. Croix Falls 45, Luck 33 ST. CROIX FALLS – The St. Croix Falls girls basketball team got scoring all around on Tuesday night for their conference victory. Amanda Larson was the points leader with 11, with Jenny Benoy and Marissa Campeau adding 10 points apiece.

There were plenty of rebounds for the Saints as Benoy had 13, Larson had eight, Kelsey Douglass-White had seven and Sasha Bryant had five. Luck held a

Webster's Kathryn Krause jockeys for position in an earlier game this season. - File photo by Carl Heidel

1 2 3 4 F 13 15 11 16 55 4 14 5 16 39 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Ana Miller 1 1 0/0 0 5 Megan Anderson 2 0 0/0 1 4 Kelly Wondra 2 0 2/4 2 6 Erin Schmidt 4 0 6/9 4 14 Melanie Chenal 4 0 3/4 3 11 Becca Anderson 4 1 4/6 2 15 Michelle Owens 0 0 0/0 1 0 Anna Tesch 0 0 0/0 2 0 Totals 17 2 15/23 15 55

Team Northwood Unity

Webster Samantha Hogle Amanda Alberg Chris Stoll Reba Smallwood Beth Baer Rose Kopecky Michelle Gibbs Totals

Unity Cailin Turner Brianna Schmid Becca Milligan Stephanie Kothlow Elizabeth Ebensperger Andrea Thompson Merissa Hacker Totals

2s 1 2 0 3 4 1 1 12

3s FTM/A F TP 0 5/6 3 7 1 0/0 4 7 0 0/0 1 0 0 0/1 3 6 0 7/10 4 15 0 0/0 2 2 0 0/0 1 2 1 12/17 18 39

1 2 3 4 13 14 18 8 7 7 7 9 Individual Statistics Northwood 2s 3s FTM/A Ashlee Blegen 1 0 0/0 Deanna Scheller 2 0 1/2 Codi Caracci 1 0 1/2 Taylor Fellbaum 4 0 1/2 Janie Murray 2 0 0/0 Ashley Albano 2 2 6/6 Erin Okonek 3 0 0/0 Annie Block 3 0 2/7 Totals 18 2 11/19 2s 0 1 4 0 2 4 0 11

F 53 30 F TP 0 2 2 5 0 3 3 9 1 4 1 16 1 6 1 8 9 53

3s FTM/A F TP 1 0/0 0 3 0 2/2 3 4 0 1/3 5 9 0 0/0 1 0 0 1/2 3 5 0 1/2 2 9 0 0/0 1 0 1 5/9 15 30

Saints senior Kelsey DouglassWhite looks for an open player.

From (L to R) Kelly Wondra, Taryn Pilz and Mel Chenal collide in their battle last week. - File photos by Marty Seeger slight one-point lead in the first quarter, but had trouble scoring in the second half.

Sarah Petersen led with 12 points for Luck and Taryn Pilz added nine, with Erica Wilson piling on eight. – Marty Seeger Northwood 53, Unity 30 BALSAM LAKE – The Eagles fell to Northwood on Tuesday night, yet only one turnover was committed by the team.

“I felt like we played pretty well,” said Unity coach Chuck Holicky.

Freshman Merissa Hacker made her freshman debut, and Holicky thought she played well for her first varsity game.

Playing to an already shorthanded roster, the Eagles were short even more with players out due to injury and illness, yet the team received good minutes from the two seniors, who played their final career home game.

“Both my available seniors played well in their final home apperance,” Holicky said.

Andrea Thompson was one of the seniors, who scored nine points on the night, and Briana Schmid, who added four points. Becca Milligan scored nine points and Elizabeth Ebensperger scored five. – Marty Seeger Team Clayton Webster

1 2 3 4 F 19 22 16 13 70 7 11 7 5 30 Individual Statistics Clayton 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Shelby Reindahl 0 0 3/4 1 3 Missy Trepanier 5 0 0/0 2 10 Danielle Reindahl 5 2 0/0 1 16 Ashley Grossenbaucher 1 0 0/0 2 2 Brittni Hover 2 2 0/0 0 10 Becca Paulson 4 0 5/10 2 13 Kayla Anderson 4 0 2/2 3 10 B. Bayless 0 0 0/2 0 0 C. Thompson 3 0 0/0 1 6 Totals 24 4 10/18 12 70 Webster Samantha Hogle Amanda Alberg Chris Stoll Leah Janssen Reba Smallwood Beth Baer Rose Kopecky Rachel Salas Michelle Gibbs Mary Johnson Totals

2s 1 5 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 10

3s FTM/A F TP 1 0/0 2 5 0 0/0 2 10 0 1/3 0 1 0 0/0 2 0 0 0/2 1 0 0 1/2 2 3 0 0/2 2 2 0 0/0 1 0 1 2/2 0 9 0 0/0 1 0 2 4/11 13 30

Unity’s Brianna Schmid pushes over center court. - Photo by Marty Seeger Team Luck St. Croix Falls

1 2 3 4 F 8 10 6 9 33 7 12 12 14 45 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Erica Wilson 4 0 0/0 2 8 Briana Stage 2 0 0/0 2 4 Melissa Jenssen 0 0 0/0 1 0 Megan Hacker 0 0 0/0 1 0 Sarah Petersen 5 0 2/2 3 12 Taryn Pilz 2 0 5/10 3 9 Totals 13 0 7/12 12 33 St. Croix Falls Alex Confer Jenny Benoy Marissa Campeau Kelsey Douglass-White Cortney Rassmussen Sasha Bryant Amanda Larson Totals

2s 0 1 4 3 2 2 2 14

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 2 2 2/2 1 0 2/2 1 0 0/0 4 0 0/0 0 0 0/0 3 0 7/9 3 2 11/13 14

TP 0 10 10 6 4 4 11 45

Team Solon Springs Siren

1 2 3 4 F 5 9 12 18 44 21 18 21 17 77 Individual Statistics Solon Springs 2s 3s FTM/A F TP R. Hanley 5 1 0/1 4 13 L. Larson 5 0 1/2 1 11 S. Gilbert 1 0 2/2 5 4 K. Klinzing 7 0 0/0 3 14 C. Denim 0 0 0/0 5 0 R. Yessely 1 0 0/0 0 2 C. Utyro 0 0 0/0 2 0 G. Carson 0 0 0/0 2 0 Totals 19 1 3/5 22 44 Siren Haily Mulroy Jennifer Mitchell Sarah Howe Courtney Daniels Carley Emery Janey Emery Meghan Baasch Lynette Renberg Kendra Jones Ashley Guevara Totals

2s 2 0 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 3 19

3s FTM/A F TP 1 1/1 0 8 0 3/4 2 3 0 1/2 0 1 0 0/0 2 2 3 5/9 2 32 3 0/0 1 13 0 2/4 0 2 0 5/10 0 9 0 0/0 1 0 0 1/1 1 7 7 18/31 9 77

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Unity, Grantsburg boys battle Friday night the tournament. Playing a home game is a nice reward for all the hard work that the guys have put in.”

Eagle girls give Pirates a fight Grantsburg 61, Unity 52

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – The Pirates and Eagles were in a back-and-forth fight to the finish last Friday night. A wide range of 3-pointers from the Pirates and a great inside presence from Justin Bader made it an exciting game for any basketball fan.

“The kids are starting to play better now,” said first-year Eagles coach Shaun Fisher. “They are starting to just play the game without thinking so much. This has allowed us to play much quicker and with more confidence. They also have a better understanding of how each other play, and I think that we have developed more trust as a team.”

Kevin Johnson, Connar Goetz and Ben Larson each knocked down 3pointers in the first quarter to help give Grantsburg a 17-8 edge. The Pirates held a rough six-point cushion for much of the second quarter despite Justin Bader’s powerful inside presence.

Bader had 15 points in the first half and was able to knock down at least one from the perimeter.

“Justin Bader has been playing very well lately. I credit his improvement to the extra time he has spent working on his game,” Fisher said.

Unity’s defense was strong in the third, and Sam Bengston opened the quarter up with a 3-pointer, followed by a Bader two, Seth McKenzie hit a couple of key buckets down the stretch and the Eagles were able to bring the game to a

Grantsburg’s Laura Skifstad (#52) and Vanessa Kleiss go up against Unity’s Andrea Thompson for a rebound during their matchup.

Grantsburg’s Kevin Johnson was left open for a shot during their game against Unity Friday night. — Photos

by Marty Seeger tie with just under 30 seconds to go in the third. Grantsburg was able to force a turnover in the final seconds and Shawn Pavlik hit a nice jumper at the buzzer to give the Pirates a two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Bader opened up with a 3-pointer in the fourth to make it a tie game early in the quarter, yet Larson and Johnson capitalized with open looks on the perimeter and made the shots count.

With about four minutes to go, the Pirates held on to a six-point lead, and while Unity was within five with under two minutes to go, they were forced to foul. Grantsburg’s Larson hit seven of eight free throws in the fourth to give Team Grantsburg Unity

1 2 3 4 F 17 17 8 19 61 8 20 12 12 52 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Kevin Johnson 2 3 0/0 1 13 Connar Goetz 1 1 0/3 1 5 Ben Larson 5 3 7/8 2 26 Shawn Pavlik 2 0 2/3 2 6 Tyler Myers 2 0 1/4 0 5 Jason Jensen 2 0 1/2 3 5 Trent Bonneville 0 0 1/2 3 1 Totals 14 7 12/22 12 61

Unity’s Lance Peper goes up for a shot against Grantsburg defenders.

Unity Sam Bengston Seth McKenzie Chad Strilzuk Justin Bader Ryan Flaherty Eric Goulet Brady Flaherty Lance Peper Totals

2s 3 3 3 9 0 0 1 0 19

3s FTM/A F 1 2/2 2 0 0/0 1 0 2/3 4 2 0/0 1 0 1/2 5 0 0/0 3 0 0/2 0 0 0/0 3 3 5/9 19

TP 11 6 8 24 1 0 2 0 52

the team the key conference win.

“I think we played fairly well last week,” said Pirates coach Danny Judd.

“Any time you play three games, with two being big conference games and two being back-to-back nights on the road, it’s going to be a long week.”

The Eagles drew a No. 4 seed in the first round of the Div. 3 boys basketball tournament, and will host Colfax at 7 p.m. on Feb. 19. Grantsburg received a first round bye and will play the winner of the Unity/Colfax game at Grantsburg on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.

“Looking back I wouldn’t change too much other than changing our misses to makes down the stretch,” Fisher said.

“We put ourselves in a great position, but couldn’t finish down the stretch. I hope that this gives our team even more confidence in the fact that even though we don’t have many wins, we are improving and can make some noise in

Grantsburg 48, Unity 35 BALSAM LAKE – Despite having just one win this season, the Eagles continue to fight through every game. The Pirates jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and held the Eagles to just four points. It was much the same in the second quarter, and while the Eagles have faced a string of troublesome third quarters in past games this season, they managed to turn it around.

“It was nice to see us play a good quarter,” said Eagles coach Chuck Holicky.

Tina Edgell, Becca Milligan and Andrea Thompson contributed four points apiece in the third quarter, and defensively they were able to hold the Pirates to just nine points. Cailin Turner hit a 3-three pointer for the Eagles with about 40 seconds to go in the third to get the Eagles to within one point. But Grantsburg wouldn’t allow the Eagles get any closer.

Kortney Morrin hit nine of her total 16 points in the second half, and Megan Finch scored 11 on the night. Sarah Wald had a nice game with eight points on the night to give the Pirates an important conference win.

“I have to give the girls credit, when you only have one win all season, it would be easy to throw in the towel but we haven’t,” said Holicky. “Their effort has been great.”

Team Grantsburg Unity

1 2 3 4 F 13 11 9 15 48 4 5 21 5 35 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Abbey Vaksdal 0 0 0/3 0 0 Sarah Wald 1 2 0/0 1 8 Kortney Morrin 4 2 0/2 2 16 Megan Finch 4 0 3/6 3 11 Stephanie Jensen 1 0 0/0 0 2 Vanessa Kleiss 0 0 3/4 2 3 Alison McKinley 0 0 0/0 2 0 Gretchen Hedlund 0 0 4/6 1 4 Laura Skifstad 2 0 0/1 2 4 Totals 12 4 10/22 13 48 Unity Tina Edgell Cailin Turner Brianna Schmid Becca Milligan Stephanie Kothlow Elizabeth Ebensperger Andrea Thompson Totals

2s 3 1 1 3 1 1 2 12

3s FTM/A F TP 0 2/2 4 8 1 1/2 1 6 0 0/2 0 2 0 4/6 3 10 0 0/0 2 2 0 1/3 2 3 0 0/0 5 4 1 8/15 17 35

Eagle Becca Milligan lines up a shot against the Pirates during their double-header on Friday.

Women’s sports group awards scholarship to female scholar athletes MILWAUKEE – Women’s Sports Advocates of Wisconsin, Inc. awarded 17-$500 college scholarships at their annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 2. The event was held at the Wyndahm Milwaukee Airport hotel and was attended by 600 people.

The students were selected at the conclusion of the WSAW’s 18th-annual event, which celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Nearly 600 people attended the banquet, which followed a free sports-medicine seminar

by Dr. Craig L. Jordan, D.C., and a social hour and fundraising raffle of women’s sports memorabilia and merchandise.

The girls were among 235 studentathletes from around the state who received WSAW’s Award of Excellence.

The Award of Excellence recipients are high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a letter in at least one varsity girls sport. In addition to the presentation of the student award recipients, the banquet was highlighted by the conferring of WSAW’s Lifetime

Achievement Award to Mary Blandino, teacher and former coach at West Allis Hale High School.

2008 WSAW local scholarship recipients were: Sasha Chell from Grantsburg High School and Megan Hacker from Luck High School.

The WSAW scholarships are sponsored by various Wisconsin businesses, individuals and through fundraising efforts by WSAW. For additional information about

WSAW, visit WSAW’s Web site at www.wsaw.org. – submitted

Megan Hacker

Sasha Chell

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Luck Cardinal boys roll over Vikings Pirate boys and girls dominate Shell Lake Luck 57, Frederic 33

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – The Frederic senior boys played their final home game of their career last Friday night against the rolling Cardinals. While the Vikings hung close with a little patience in the first quarter, Luck managed to outscore the Vikings by nine in the second quarter and 13 in the third for the win.

Kyle Swenson led Frederic with eight points and Kanan Hackett knocked down two threes in the fourth quarter for six points. Ben G. Anderson and Zach Anderson each contributed five points.

Eight of the Cardinals who played on Friday were able to get points on the board. Cody Richert and Tyler Petersen led the team with 14 points and Harry Severson-Dickinson added eight points on the night.

Grantsburg’s Kortney Morrin goes up for a shot against Shell Lake. – Photo by Larry Samson

Clear Lake 42, St. Croix Falls 37 St. Croix Falls 69, Shell Lake 47 ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints played a solid game against the Central Lakeland leading Clear Lake Warriors last Friday night, but came up short.

While the Saints were only able to put up 12 points in the first half, they were able to keep Clear Lake from answering back. St. Croix Falls mounted a slight comeback in the fourth quarter as they outscored the Warriors by seven, but Clear Lake held.

“Both teams played very well defensively as we matched up sizewise with them and made it difficult for both teams to establish an inside game,” said Saints coach Todd Voss. “It came down to a few mistakes in the end, and some missed opportunities for us.”

On the following Saturday, the Saints Team Luck Frederic

1 2 3 4 10 17 17 13 8 8 4 13 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A Mitchell Klatt 0 1 0/0 Cody Richert 7 0 0/0 Harry Severson-Dickinson 1 2 0/0 Cole Mortel 1 0 0/0 Nick Morgan 0 1 1/2 Tyler Petersen 5 0 4/6 Alec Mortel 2 0 2/2 Carson Giller 3 0 0/0 Totals 19 4 7/10 Frederic Nolan Neumann Brent Crandell Ben G. Anderson Zach Anderson Kyle Swenson Kanan Hackett Ben Nelson Totals Team Shell Lake St. Croix Falls Shell Lake J. McQuade B. Scheu J. Forsythe J. Cusick B. Marshall E. Fox T. Mikula L. Gronning Totals

2s 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 4

F 57 33 F TP 0 3 1 14 0 8 0 2 1 4 1 14 2 6 2 6 7 57

3s FTM/A F TP 1 0/0 1 3 1 0/0 1 3 1 0/0 0 5 0 1/3 1 5 2 0/0 0 8 2 0/0 1 6 1 0/0 1 3 8 1/3 5 33

1 2 3 4 F 7 7 9 24 47 17 13 21 18 69 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A F TP 1 1 0/1 4 5 3 0 2/2 2 8 1 1 0/0 5 5 1 0 2/2 1 4 2 1 2/2 0 9 3 0 1/2 5 7 1 0 2/4 4 4 1 0 3/9 4 5 13 3 22/12 25 47

St. Croix Falls Jacob Larcom Matt Vold Dan Roach Trygve Chinander Sam Schmidt Matt Schardin Ben Anderson Gus Koecher Josh Larcom Ryan Larson David Lund Austin Whittenberg Greg Kadrmas Totals

2s 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 2 5 20

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 1 0 0/2 0 0 0/0 1 2 2/2 0 0 0/0 1 0 0/0 1 0 2/4 2 1 1/2 1 0 6/6 0 0 3/6 4 0 2/3 3 0 3/4 1 0 1/2 2 3 9/31 20

TP 4 0 0 14 0 0 2 8 6 3 14 7 11 69

Luck’s Carson Giller gets up high above Frederic’s Kyle Swenson. – Photo by Marty Seeger hosted a struggling Shell Lake team and nearly the entire roster scored for the Saints. Trygve Chinander and David Lund led with 14 points, and Greg Kadrmas added 11 points. Lund also led the charge against Clear Lake with 16 points.

Against Shell Lake, the Saints went to the foul line 31 times off of Shell Lake’s 25 fouls, and made 20 of those attempts.

The Saints next game will be at Turtle Lake for a nonconference game before traveling to St. Croix Central for the first round of the Division 3 WIAA boys basketball tournament. The Saints drew a No. 6 seed and St. Croix Central is the No. 3 seed.

Grantsburg 57, Shell Lake 27 SHELL LAKE – The Grantsburg Pirate boys took another victory, 57-27, when they visited Shell Lake on Thursday, Feb. 7.

The Pirates were ahead of the Lakers by 22 points after the second quarter buzzer and lead through the second half, winning by 30.

Ben Larson scored the most points with 24. Tyler Myers put up four field goals for eight, Connar Goetz made seven points, and Trent Bonneville added six. – Brenda Sommerfeld Grantsburg 40, Shell Lake 39 SHELL LAKE – The Pirate girls had a close one against Shell Lake on Thursday, Feb. 7. They pulled out a onepoint win, 40-39.

Team Grantsburg Shell Lake

1 2 3 4 F 18 16 10 13 57 8 4 9 6 27 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Kevin Johnson 2 0 1/4 3 5 Connar Goetz 2 1 0/0 1 7 Ben Larson 6 3 3/4 1 24 Shawn Pavlik 0 0 0/0 3 0 Tyler Myers 4 0 0/0 1 8 Jason Jensen 2 0 0/0 2 4 Thane Larson 1 0 0/0 0 2 Zach Corbin 0 0 1/2 0 1 Trent Bonneville 3 0 0/0 3 6 Totals 20 4 5/10 14 57 Shell Lake Jake McQuade Bob Scheu Jordan Forsythe John Cusick Brady Marschall Evan Fox Tony Mikula Luke Gronning Totals

2s 1 2 0 1 0 3 3 2 12

3s FTM/A F TP 0 0/0 3 2 0 0/2 4 4 0 0/1 1 0 1 0/0 0 5 0 0/1 1 0 0 0/0 3 6 0 0/0 1 6 0 0/0 2 4 1 0/4 15 27

Pirate Trent Bonneville powers up to the basket against a Laker. – Photo by Larry Samson Grantsburg started the game with an 11-7 lead after the first period, but the Lakers came back to lead 16-15 going into halftime.

The Pirates stepped it up a notch in the third to lead by four and hold it to end the game with a win.

Kortney Morrin led her team with 21 points, including six of seven from the free-throw line.

Sarah Wald scored nine for her team, while Megan Finch and Vanessa Kleiss each added four and Laura Skifstad had one from the field for two. – Brenda Sommerfeld

Siren 40, Spooner 36 SIREN – The Dragon girls squeezed by the Spooner Rails for a win on Friday, Feb. 8.

Siren started the first half with a 10point lead, 26-16, but Spooner came back in the second to close the gap. The Rails scored eight points in the third quarter, while Siren managed one 3pointer from Janey Emery.

The Dragons pulled off 11 points in the fourth, while Spooner put up 12, so Siren took a four-point win in the end.

Carley Emery scored 16 points for the Siren team, and Janey Emery put up 14.

Lynette Renberg added six to the board, Courtney Daniels had one 3-pointer and Ashley Guevara put in one free throw. – Brenda Sommerfeld

1 2 3 4 F 11 4 13 12 40 7 9 8 15 39 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Abbey Vaksdal 0 0 0/0 3 0 Sarah Wald 2 1 2/4 0 9 Kortney Morrin 3 3 6/7 1 21 Megan Finch 2 0 0/0 3 4 Vanessa Kleiss 1 0 2/4 4 4 Alison McKinley 0 0 0/0 1 0 Gretchen Hedlund 0 0 0/0 5 0 Laura Skifstad 1 0 0/0 5 2 Totals 9 4 10/15 22 40

1 2 3 4 F 5 11 8 12 36 16 10 3 11 40 Individual Statistics Spooner 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Samantha Quenette 0 0 1/2 3 1 Amanda Maask 0 0 3/3 0 3 Lindsay Bronson 0 1 2/4 5 5 Allyssa Foster 2 0 4/4 4 8 Kallie Hartwig 1 0 0/0 3 2 Nicole Slaminski 3 0 0/0 4 6 Kirsten Vik 4 0 3/4 3 11 Totals 10 1 13/17 22 36

Shell Lake Ashley Anderson Paula Burton Steph Clark Samantha Evans Julie Simpson Nikki Scheu Sarah Jamme’ Annie Dunham Totals

Siren Haily Mulroy Jennifer Mitchell Sarah Howe Courtney Daniels Carley Emery Janey Emery Lynette Renberg Ashley Guevara Totals

Team Grantsburg Shell Lake

2s 3 1 4 0 0 0 5 1 14

3s FTM/A F 0 2/4 2 0 0/0 2 0 5/6 3 0 1/2 3 0 1/4 3 0 1/4 2 0 1/2 0 0 0/0 0 0 11/22 15

PREPS

TP 8 2 13 1 1 1 11 2 39

Team Spooner Siren

OF THE

NAME: Ben Larson SCHOOL: Grantsburg YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Despite the Pirates’ long stretch of tough games, junior guard, Ben Larson has kept a hot hand. Larson nailed down 24 points against Shell Lake last Thursday, shot 26 against Unity the following night and put up 17 points Ben Larson against Somerset on Tuesday night. Coach Danny Judd said Larson has come down with some tough rebounds and has stepped up great defensively. – Marty Seeger

2s 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 6

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 2 0 0/0 4 0 0/0 1 1 0/0 0 1 5/8 3 3 3/5 4 0 4/7 4 0 1/2 1 5 13/22 19

TP 0 0 0 3 16 14 6 1 40

WEEK

NAME: Shannon Steiner SCHOOL: Webster YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: The Lady Blizzard hockey team won their fourth game of the season with veteran Shannon Steiner scoring two of the three goals.

Steiner received a game puck from her coach and team for her efforts during the Menomonie Shannon Steiner game. She is one of the lead scorers of the team. She has knocked in nine goals throughout this 2007-08 season and made three assists for a total of 12 points. – Brenda Sommerfeld

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L

E

A

D

E

R

S

P

O

R

T

S

Special Olympics athletes compete, build friendships

Special Olympics Alpine skier Ryan Pierce with coach Debbie Petzel at Granite Peak in Wausau.

– Photos submited WAUSAU – Ryan Pierce, representing Polk County Special Olympics, was one of nearly 240 athletes who participated Saturday in the 2008 Special Olympics Wisconsin Winter Games around the Wausau area, building self-esteem and friendships in the process.

Special Olympics Wisconsin offers sports training and competition throughout the year to people with cognitive disabilities. Sports range from bowling to basketball to alpine skiing.

This year’s winter games, however, were a special opportunity that comes along only once every four years – a chance to qualify for the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Qualifiers will have a chance to compete in Boise, Idaho, in 2009.

Organizers canceled Sunday’s competitions – which would have included finals in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – because of the threat of subzero temperatures. That left all of

Ryan Pierce with his gold, silver and bronze medals.

Saturday’s competitions to serve as qualifying rounds for the world games.

Pierce competed in Alpine Skiing events held at Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau. Pierce won three medals at the event, earning a gold medal in the slalom, silver in the giant slalom and a bronze medal in downhill.

The thrill of victory is just part of the games’ appeal. Organizers, coaches and competitors agree Special Olympics is more about fellowship and personal

growth than winning.

Gratitude is extended to Trollhaugen Ski Area in Dresser. Trollhaugen provides deeply discounted lift tickets to Special Olympians. Pierce, teammate Travis Hansen and coach Debbie Petzel practice at least one day per week at Trollhaugen. – Submitted

2007-08 Division 4 Boys Basketball Playoffs

2007-08 Division 3 Boys Basketball Playoffs

SECTIONAL #1 • Game times are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • Check for updated times.

Regionals Sectionals Tues., Feb. 19 Thurs., Feb. 21 Sat., Feb. 23 Fri., Feb. 29 Sat., Mar. 1

SEC TIONAL #1 • Game times are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • Check for updated times.

Regionals Sectionals Tues., Feb. 19 Thurs., Feb. 21 Sat., Feb. 23 Fri., Feb. 29 Sat., Mar. 1

Solon Springs (#1) @Solon Springs Lac Courte (#8) Drummond (#5)

@

@Bayfi fie eld Bayfield (#4)

Siren (#7)

1:30 p.m.

@Spooner 6 p.m.

@Park Falls Park Falls (#4) @Ladysmith Bloomer (#6)

@

@Washburn Washburn (#2) @Spooner @

@Turtle Lake Turtle Lake (#4)

Prairie Farm (#7)

@

Thorp (#1)

Colby (#1) @C olby Cadott (#8)

@Abbotsford Abbotsford (#4)

Mondovi (#5) @Site Needed

Stanley-Boyd (#3) @Stanley-Boyd Osseo-Fairchild (#6)

@Lake Holcombe Lake Holcombe (#2)

@

@Altoona 7 p.m.

McDonell Central (#4)

EC Immanuel Luth. (#3)

@

@Chippewa Falls 7 p.m.

@McDonell Central

@EC Immanuel Luth.

New Auburn (#6) Greenwood (#7)

@Spring Valley Spring Valley (#2)

@Spooner 8 p.m.

@

@Ellsworth 7 p.m.

St Croix Central (#3)

@Thorp Gilman (#8) Cornell (#5)

@Regis

@Elk Mound Elk Mound (#4) @St. Croix Central St. Croix Falls (#6)

@Clear Lake Clear Lake (#2)

@Eau Claire North, 7 p.m.

Regis (#1) Prescott (#5)

@Cumberland 1:30 p.m.

Clayton (#3) @Clayton Frederic (#6)

@

Chetek (#7)

Luck (#1)

Bruce (#5)

@Site Needed

Ladysmith (#3)

@Mellen Mellen (#2) @Luck Weyerhaeuser (#8)

@

Cameron (#5) @Lakeland 1:30 p.m.

Flambeau (#3)

@Rice Lake 7 p.m.

@Hurley Phillips (#8)

@

@Mercer Mercer (#4)

Winter (#7)

@Grantsburg

Hurley (#1)

@Prentice

@Flambeau Rib Lake (#6)

7 p.m.

Grantsburg (#2)

Prentice (#1)

Birchwood (#5)

@Amery

Glenwood City (#3)

@

WIAA State Tournament March 6 - Semi-finals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #3 9:05 a.m.

@Webster

Colfax (#5)

@Glenwood City Boyceville (#6)

@Northwood Northwood (#2)

Glidden/Butternut (#8)

Webster (#1)

@Unity Unity (#4)

@Webster

South Shore (#3) @South Shore Shell Lake (#6)

WIAA State Tournament March 7 - Semi-finals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #3 9:05 a.m.

Owen-Withee (#7) @Fall Creek Fall Creek (#2)

@

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

L

E

A

D

E

R

The Unity Eagles Youth Wrestlers had a successful day of wrestling last Sunday in Osceola. They brought home the third-place team trophy by scoring 34 points. They were just two points shy of the first-place trophy. Amery placed first with 36 points, and Hudson took second with 35 points. – Photo submitted

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: D & B’s 36, Gems 34.5, The Hee Haws 34.5, Spare-Us 32, Sandbaggers 27, Hot Shots 25.

Women’s games: Gail Linke (The Hee Haws) 201, Edla Meyer (Sandbaggers) 188, Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 181.

Women’s series: Gail Linke (The Hee Haws) 579, Edla Meyer (Sandbaggers) 533, Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 483.

Men’s games: Don Hughes (D&B’s) 235, Bruce Gravelle (D&B’s) 227, Scott Morrison (Gems) 205.

Men’s series: Don Hughes (D&B’s) 670, Bruce Gravelle (D&B’s) 618, Scott Morrison (Gems) 569.

Team games: Sandbaggers 858, D & B’s 848, Spare-Us 822.

Team series: Sandbaggers 2518, D & B’s 2442, Spare-Us 2392.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Don Hughes (6).

Games 50 or more above average: Mark Loomis (+60).

Splits converted: 3-6-7-10: Bert Meyer.

3-10: Bert Meyer, Scott Morrison. 4-5-7: Bert Meyer. 5-10: Dorothy Barfknecht. 45: Jim Loomis.

Monday Afternoon Seniors Standings: Swans 16, Nite Hawks 13, Bears 10, Eagles 7, Badgers 6.

Women’s games: Nancy Morten (Bears) 205, Lila Larson (Badgers) 170, Hilda Trudeau (Sub) 161.

Women’s series: Nancy Morten (Bears) 469, Hilda Trudeau (Sub) 430, Lila Larson (Badgers) 428.

Men’s games: Dennis Bohn (NH) 202, Buster Hinrichs (Swans) 195, Tom Johnson (NH) 191.

Men’s series: Tom Johnson (NH) 540, Jack Buecksler (Swans) 523, Dennis Bohn (NH) 511.

Team games: Nite Hawks 631, Swans 631, Bears 606.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1828, Swans 1822, Bears 1761.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 32, Radio Shack 28, Miller Chicks 27, House of Wood 25, The Bottle Shop 21, S&C Bank 17, Mane Attractions 14, Bye 4.

Individual games: Sandy Hacker (HL) 214, Jennifer Renfroe (MC) 191, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 189.

Individual series: Sandy Hacker (HL) 598, Kathy Java (HL) 535, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 528.

Team games: House of Wood 664, Miller Chicks 654, Hacker’s Lanes 635.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1888, House of Wood 1876, Miller’s Chicks 1829.

Splits converted: 4-7-6-10: Terri Anderson.

Tuesday Youth (2 games) Standings: Pin Heads 8, Double Headers 7, Pin Destroyers 3, Pin Patrol 0.

Girl’s games: None.

Girl’s series: None.

Boy’s games: Austin Kurkowski 135 & 134, Jaryd Braden 133.

Boy’s series: Austin Kurkowski 269, Jaryd Braden 249, Ben Richter 226.

Team games: Pin Heads 329, Double Headers 329, Pin Heads 321.

Team series: Pin Heads 650, Double Headers 624, Pin Patrol 580.

S

O

R

T

S

The Grantsburg/Burnett U-12 girls hockey team is on their way to state in Appleton March 8-9. They went to Ashland the weekend of Feb. 9 and won all three games they played. They are pictured getting a pregame pep talk before their last game of the tournament in Ashland. Before going to state, they will first travel to East Bethel on Saturday, Feb. 16. – Photo submitted

B O W L I N G Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 52, Bottle Shop 50, Yellow Lake Lodge 40, Hacker’s Lanes 37.5, Hog Wild 25.5, Pioneer Bar 25, Reliables 17, St. Croix Valley Hardwoods 13.

Individual games: Ron Skow 248, Gene Ackland 247, Don Hughes 237.

Individual series: Gene Ackland 719, Tom Coen 637, Butch Hacker 628.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 663, Yellow Lake Lodge 654, Hog Wild 630.

Team series: Yellow Lake Lodge 1888, Great Northern Outdoors 1885, Bottle Shop 1767.

Series 100 or more above average: Gene Ackland 719 (+116).

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies Standings: Eggs 2-29, Pioneer Bar 528.5, Frandsen Dairy 5-22, Hacker’s Lanes 2-18.5.

Individual games: Julie Young (PB) 181, Char Sandberg (PB) 179 & 176, Ruth Sorenson (FD) 176.

Individual series: Char Sandberg (PB) 507, Julie Young (PB) 568, Bonnie Fjorden (HL) 422.

Team games: Pioneer Bar 596 & 591, Frandsen Dairy 570.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 1711, Frandsen Dairy 1606, Hacker’s Lanes 1543.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Lewis Silo 19, Larsen Auto Center 13, Pioneer Bar 13, Cummings Lumber 12, Skol Bar 11, A-1 Machine 10, Four Seasons Wood Products 9, Parker 9.

Individual games: Shawn Olson (LS) 267, Don Hughes (4S) 266, Dale Gregory (4S) 258.

Individual series: Don Hughes (4S) 681, Dale Gregory (4S) 631, Brett Daeffler (LA) 629.

Team games: Four Seasons Wood Products 1102, Skol Bar 1038, Lewis Silo 1015.

Team series: Four Seasons Wood Products 3095, A-1 Machine 2844, Parker 2765.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: Wikstrom Construction (12) 55, Full Timers (10) 45, Fab Four (7) 43, Hell Raisers (7) 41, K-Wood (3) 36, Grindell Law Offices (6) 35, Frontier Trails (1) 29, CenturyTel (6) 28.

Individual games: Brian McBroom (FuT) 258, Ed Bitler (K-W) 257, Dave Hall (HR) 243.

Individual series: Ed Bitler (KW) 701, Don McKinney (FF) 689, Blake Douglas (GLO) 658.

Team games: Full Timers 656, Grindell Law Offices 617, Fab Four 610 (x2).

Team series: Grindell Law Offices 1781, Fab Four 1749, Full Timers 1734.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Ed Bitler 8x = 257 & 5x = 232; Brian McBroom 6x = 258; Blake Douglas 6x = 238; Tim Pederson 5x = 220.

Games 50 or more above average: Dave Hall 243 (+73), Brian McBroom 258 (+60).

Most points: Dave Hall 46.

Splits converted: 4-5: John Hickey, Curt LaPree. 3-10: John Hickey, Don McKinney.

Thursday Late Men’s Standings: Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 21-3, Fisk Trucking 14-10, Stotz & Company 10-14, Hansen Farms Inc. 10-14,

P

Johnson Upholstery 9-15.

Individual games: Gene Wynn Jr. 246, Dale Frandsen 228, Dave Gabrielson 224.

Individual series: Dale Frandsen 652, Gene Wynn Jr. 651, Ole Baillargeon 621.

Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 967, Fisk Trucking 914, Stotz & Company 874.

Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2748, Stotz & Company 2530, Fisk Trucking 2503.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: The Leader 31.5, Meyer’s Plus 31, Skol Bar 31, Tin Cup Promotions 21, Hole in the Wall 18.5, Junque Art 14.

Individual games: Missy Hernandez 220, Gail Linke 200, Cindy Denn 197.

Individual series: Missy Hernandez 566, Cara Holicky 517, Gail Linke 502.

Team games: Skol Bar 723, The Leader 657, Tin Cup Promotions 634.

Team series: Skol Bar 2056, Tin Cup Promotions 1750, The Leader 1750.

Games 50 or more above average: Tammy Zelinski; Missy Hernandez.

Splits converted: 5-4-7: Gail Linke. 410: Cara Holicky. 5-7: Gail Linke. 5-10: Paula Domagala. 5-7: Cara Holicky.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Generation III 55, Lakers 47, Skowl 46, Dead Eyes 45, Handicaps 38, X It 38, Schmidt House 4 38, CC Lupinos 29.

Women’s games: Kristi Olson-Wroge (DE) 196, Jenn Renfroe (GE) 195, Kathy Java (LA) 190.

Women’s series: Kathy Java (LA) 534, Jenn Renfroe (GE) 507, Deb Ingram (SK) 501.

Men’s games: Ron Skow (SK) 263, Maynard Stevens (GE) 224, Eugene Ruhn (Sub) & Rodger Wroge (HA) 223.

Men’s series: Ron Skow (SK) 658, Rodger Wroge (HA) 612, Eugene Ruhn (Sub) 594.

Team games: Skowl 777, Lakers 733, Generation III 731.

Team series: Skowl 2065, Lakers 2021, Generation III 1997.

Splits converted: 6-7: Chris Darsow.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Madness Standings: Osceola Plumbing & Heating 32, Pepie’s Gals 31, Scottay’s Trucking 30, Peper Tire & Align. 29, State Farm Ins. 28, Frederic Larsen Auto 26, McKenzie Lanes 24, Alleycats 24.

Individual games: Jeanne Kizer 212, Janelle Wilson 195, Tammy Beckwith 192.

Individual series: Barbara Benson 497, Janelle Wilson 484, Jeanne Kizer 480.

Team games: Pepie’s Gals 629, Scottay’s Trucking 607, Osceola Plumbing & Heating & Peper Tire & Align.

589.

R E S U L T S Team series: Pepie’s Gals 1751, Scottay’s Trucking 1708, Peper Tire & Align. 1707.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Metal Products Co. 114, Edina Divas 107, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 103, Sam’s Carpentry 102, Milltown Appliance 97.5, McKenzie Lanes 97, Bont Chiropractic 95, Frederic Truck & Tractor 84.5.

Individual games: Linda McCurdy 207, Louise Clark 190, Donna Petersen & Shirley Wilson 189.

Individual series: Shirley Wilson 522, Linda McCurdy 517, Cindy Castellano 517.

Team games: (Handicap score) Sam’s Carpentry 1044.

Team series: (Handicap score) Sam’s Carpentry 2936.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: McKenzie Lanes 61, Dream Lawn 59, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 52, Glass Bar 50.5, Hack’s Pub 48, Greatland Trans.

47, The Dugout 43, Steve’s Appl. 39.5.

Individual games: Darren McKenzie 280, Donny Potting Jr. 279, Jim McKenzie 268.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 839, Rick K. Katzmark 720, Cory Crowell 703.

Team games: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 1287, Dream Lawn 1278, Nel-Lo-Hill Farms 1198.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Dream Lawn 3755, McKenzie Lanes 3566, Greatland Trans. 3442.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Truhlsen Chiropractic 24.5, Happy Campers 22.5, Tiger Express 21, Eureka Bombers 19, The In-Laws 18, Roller Coasters 12.5, Ten Pin Titans 10, Fisk Trucking 8.5.

Women’s games: Kathy Braund 190, Diane Fisk 188, Jean Judd 180.

Women’s series: Diane Fisk 498, Kathy Braund 474, Jean Judd 470.

Men’s games: Gordy Johnson 243, Gene Braund 235, Roger Fisk 215.

Men’s series: Gordy Johnson 688, Gene Braund 667, Roger Fisk 596.

Team games: (Handicap scores) The In-Laws 871, Truhlsen Chiropractic 836, Ten Pin Titans 827.

Team series: (Handicap scores) The InLaws 2457, Truhlsen Chiropractic 2400, Fisk Trucking 2357.

Black and Orange Lanes

Early Birds Standings: Gandy Dancer Saloon 21-11, 10th Hole 18-14, Black & Orange 14-18, Log Cabin Store 11-21.

Individual games: Bonnie Fisher (GD) 168, Donna Crain (B&O) 166, Cris Damman (10th) 163.

Individual series: Bonnie Fisher (GD) 485, Jackie Grimes (B&O) 416, Rosie Pumper (GD) 414.

Team games: Gandy Dancer Saloon 903, Black & Orange 880, 10th Hole 856.

Team series: Gandy Dancer Saloon 2517, Black & Orange 2345, 10th Hole 2341.

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Bruce’s Auto 22-2, Larry’s LP 15-9, Parker 11-13, Glass & Mirror Works 11-13, Pope’s Construction 10-14, Vacant 3-21.

Individual games: Mike Zajac (G&M) 211, Curt Phelps (BA) 200, Mike Johnson (BA) & George Kern (P) 190.

Individual series: Curt Phelps (BA) 547, Mike Zajac (G&M) 538, Chris Olson (L) 529.

Team games: Glass & Mirror Works 987, Bruce’s Auto 948, Parker 921.

Team series: Glass & Mirror Works 2846, Bruce’s Auto 2800, Parker 2698.

Games 50 or more above average: Mike Zajac 211 (+73).

Series 100 or more above average: Mike Zajac 538 (+124).

TNT Ladies Standings: Flower Power 17-11, Wild Bill’s 15-13, Cashco 13-15, Larry’s LP 1117.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 199, Sue Eytcheson (FP) 185, Mary Reese (FP) & Robin Willard (WB) 179.

Individual series: Robin Willard (WB) 504, Sue Eytcheson (FP) 485, Mary Reese (FP) & Jennifer Kern (L) 475.

Team games: Cashco 894, Flower Power 891, Wild Bill’s 848.

Team series: Flower Power 2552, Cashco 2505, Wild Bill’s 2481.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Lions 16-8, Northview Drive Inn 16-8, Black & Orange 13-11, T&P Tree Service 11.5-12.5, Cashco 10-14, 10th Hole 5.5-18.5.

Individual games: Roger Tollander (C) 228, John Bearhart (NDI) 222, Mark Holmstrom (B&O) 212.

Individual series: Roger Tollander (C) 574, John Bearhart (NDI) 541, Monte Rinnman (C) 539.

Team games: Northview Drive Inn 1014, Cascho 960, T & P Tree Service 494.

Team series: Northview Drive Inn 2960, T & P Tree Service 2785, Cashco 2727.

Games 50 or more above average: John Bearhart 222 (+107); Myron Mansfield 208 (+76).

Series 100 or more above average: John Bearhart 541 (+166); Myron Mansfield 522 (+126).

Splits converted: 6-7-10: Larry Johnson, Jack Witzany.

Early Risers Standings: 10th Hole 19-13, A+ Sanitation 18-14, Gandy Dancer 15-17, Hole in the Wall 12-20.

Individual games: Phyllis Myers (A+) 199, Marion Obszarny (10th) 176, Lilah Nelson (A+) 172.

Individual series: Phyllis Myers (A+) 529, Lylah Nelson (A+) 488, Marion Obszarny (10th) 448.

Team games: Hole in the Wall 722, A+ Sanitation 710, 10th Hole 702.

Team series: A+ Sanitation 2136, Hole in the Wall 2012, 10th Hole 1957.

Games 50 or more above average: Phyllis Myers 199 (+63).

Games 100 or more above average: Phyllis Myers 529 (+121).

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Black & Orange 16-12, Check Services 15.5-12.5, Lipsy’s 15-13, Ben Ott Const. 13-15, Hole in the Wall 12.5-15.5, Pour House 12-16.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (B&O) 195, Audrey Pardun (HITW) 190, Daphne Churchill (L) 181.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (B&O) 548, Audrey Pardun (HITW) 514, Jackie Churchill (L) 494.

Team games: Lipsy’s 716, Pour House 706, Check Services 684.

Team series: Ben Ott Const. 1983, Lipsy’s 1981, Black & Orange 1971.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L

E

A

Here are some fun facts to tell your friends: • Former West stars Lakeland Char Edwards of Webster and Britta Petersen of Luck clashed on the hardcourt again last Saturday at Menomonie.

Edwards UWStout team won a THE SPORTS thrilling overtime battle over Petersen’s 17-4 UW-Stevens Point squad. According to the UWSP Website, Petersen has played in all 21 games logging over 10 minutes per tilt. She’s averaging 6.1 points and three rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field and 81 percent from the line. Excellent numbers in anyone’s book, but especially for a freshman player.

J o h n R y a n

PAGE

• St. Croix River Bandits manager and ex-SCFHS star Scott Lindholm confirmed that former has Cumberland great and U of M Golden Gopher hurler Jay Gagner has commited to play for the Bandits for the coming season. As noted in last week’s Leader, the fledgling St. Croix Falls team has been admitted to the St. Croix Valley League for the 2008 season, joining the hated Osceola Braves in the loop. In an exclusive interview, Lindholm noted that Gagner is also a woodworking hobbyist who makes baseball bats and he will be supplying the team’s first shipment of Pennsylvanian maple lumber.

• Yes, that’s former Luck Cardinal multisport legend and home run king and Grantsburg Honker mainstay Nick Hetfeld working for the Minnesota Twins in their ticket office.

• Spies say former Unity little league coach Doug Ramich is planning an upcoming trip to Arizona in which he’ll check out some Arizona Diamondback spring training and make contact with D’back farmhand and one of his fomer proteges, Mark Hallberg, as he works out in the minor league camp.

• Oops! It was mentioned in this space last week that the Luck and Clear Lake boys may clash again in the regional finals in Webster.

Actually, the Division 4 regional final will be played in Cumberland, not Webster on Feb. 23. Boys tourneys begin next Tuesday while girls hold their seeding meeting this weekend with action starting on Feb. 26th.

Tournament Fever....Catch it!

Relics, fossils and stars shine in local alumni hoop tourneys The turnout was relatively sparse for the second-Annual Frederic High School alumni basketball tourney on Groundhog Day, with 24 geezers of all ages emerging to cast their increasingly ample shadows. Viking head boys basketball coach and tourney organizer Ben Nelson said a nice chunk of change was again collected to benefit the FHS boys basketball program. Informants say Nelson himself was a member of the win-

D

E

R

ning team along with other former Viking greats Jason Pearson, Eugene Ruhn, John Anderson and Lydell Larson. Larson added the Daily Double to his resume when he was named the tourney’s oldest participating alumnus. Second-place ribbons went to the motley crew of legends Dwight Larsen, Dean Harder, Steve Gustafson, Scott Knuf , Joe Domingu and Kyle Liljeberg. “(Ben) Nelson’s strong inside and outside play was clearly the difference,” said one fan who was on the scene for most of the day.

Nelson indicates he’s trying to bring the FHS booster club aboard for the third-annual tourney with the hope of setting a permanent date for a time during the Christmas holiday season.

A week later in the Andy Dolny gymnasium during the throes of the annual gala known as the Luck Winter Carnival, 44 Cardinal alumni battled in the well-established LHS alumni hoop event. Proceeds from the Luck tournament benefit the LHS booster club.

Spies of both the credentialed and under-cover variety were working the tourney and checked in with some fascinating tidbits about the affair. Glen “Grandpa” Johansen, class of 1966, was again the oldest participating player. 1969 Redbird legend (who later excelled as head coach) Ronnie “The Fossil” Petersen also logged considerable productive minutes on the hardcourt. Conspicuously, there were no participants from the 1970s and only burly businessman Brent Hacker showed up to represent the 1980s.

The winning team consisted of former Cardinal icons Josh Nichols, Tony Peterson, Nate Palmer, Travis Jansen, Brooke Olson, and playercoach Kyle Johansen. For the second consecutive year, tourney controversy was connected with the Johansen name, however, with at least one spy alleging that Kyle–who was the tourney organizer–stacked the deck in his favor as he set the respective rosters. (This reeks of mere sour grapes from losing teams, as far as I’m concerned.) Conspicuously absent was 1970s lithe and lanky legend Paul Petersen who–despite dominating performances in recent years–relegated himself to the sedentary task of operating the Stan Miller scoreboard and clock for a few games before disappearing to watch his offspring (see above) play a game at UW-Superior.

This week’s trivia exercise centers around WIAA state basketall tourney record holders.

1) This local team is listed as the record holder for most points scored (155) in a Division 3 state tourney. 2) This current Wisconsin Badger holds the single game record for points in a game, 45 back in 2003. 3) This current Wisconsin Badger holds the Division 4 record for blocked shots in a state tourney with 18. 4) Though they haven’t been there since 1974, this school is considered to be the record holders for most state tourney appearances at 27. 5) This Wis-Ill border town school leads the way with seven state titles to its credit.

Answers: 1-St. Croix Falls in 1992, 2Brian Butch, 3-Greg Stiemsma, 4Superior, 5-Beloit Memorial

S

P

O

R

T

S

LEADER S P O R T S S C O R E B O A R D BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Webster Luck Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Unity Frederic Siren

Conf.

10-1 10-1 7-4 6-5 3-8 2-10 1-11

Scores

Overall 17-2 17-2 14-5 7-11 6-13 4-16 3-16

Thursday, February 7 Luck 57, Frederic 33 Grantsburg 57, Shell Lake 27 Friday, February 8 Grantsburg 61, Unity 52 Clear Lake 42, St. Croix Falls 37 Saturday, February 9 St. Croix Falls 69, Shell Lake 47 Tuesday, February 11 Luck 51, St. Croix Falls 38 Webster 56, Frederic 34 Unity 60, Northwood 44 Solon Springs 66, Siren 51 Grantsburg 60, Somerset 42

Coming up

Thursday, February 14 7:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Webster (DH) St. Croix Falls at Turtle Lake Friday, February 15 7:30 p.m. Unity at Luck (DH) St. Croix Falls at Siren (DH) Tuesday, February 19 Colfax at Unity 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at St. Croix Central Siren at Northwood Weyerhaeuser at Luck Frederic at Clayton

BOYS HOCKEY Standings 17-2-1

Blizzard Friday, February 8 Blizzard 15, Barron 3

Scores

Coming up

Friday, February 15 7 p.m.

Sectional Blizzard at New Richmond

WRESTLING Coming up

Saturday, February 16 10 a.m. LFG at Division 2 sectional in Somerset SCF at Division 2 sectional in Somerset Unity at Division 3 sectional in Eau Claire

To paraphrase the chorus from a popular 1980s tune: “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Bynor Now!” Yes, I was nearly flawless again last week, going 18-1, which brings my season record to 124-26, The or 83 percent. 124 Amazing correct predicBynor tions! That’s hard to imagine. My success rate is THE AMAZING BYNOR highest in the state, with anyone who has predicted fewer than 100 games not counted in the stats. And I won’t quit at sectional like the Swami used to. I’ll keep pushing on until the last local team is eliminated, and I don’t care if that’s at the state tourney.

Think snow! Looks like we can get the machines out this weekend, baby!

See ya on the trails.

Vrrrrooooom! Vrrrroooom! You can e-mail me at amazingbynor@yahoo.com

PREDICTS

Bynor predicts Girls games Webster 41, Grantsburg 40–Sure they fell flat against Frederic, but I still like the Tigers here.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Siren Frederic St. Croix Falls Grantsburg Webster Luck Unity

Conf.

9-1 9-2 7-4 5-5 3-7 2-8 1-9

Scores

Overall 15-2 16-3 8-10 6-11 6-12 5-12 1-16

Thursday, February 7 Frederic 44, Luck 31 Grantsburg 40, Shell Lake 39 Friday, February 8 Grantsburg 48, Unity 35 Siren 40, Spooner 36 Monday, February 11 Clayton 70, Webster 30 Tuesday, February 12 Frederic 55, Webster 39 Northwood 53, Unity 30 Siren 75, Solon Springs 44 St. Croix Falls 45, Luck 33

Coming up

Thursday, February 14 Grantsburg at Webster (DH) 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Cameron at Siren Friday, February 15 6 p.m.

Unity at Luck (DH) St. Croix Falls at Siren (DH) Monday, February 18 7:30 p.m. Unity at Prairie Farm St. Croix Falls at Shell Lake

GIRLS HOCKEY Standings

Lady Blizzard

4-14-2

Scores

Thursday, February 7 Lady Blizzard 3, Menomonie 2

Coming up

Thursday, February 14 7 p.m.

Sectional Rhinelander at Siren

GIRLS GYMNASTICS Coming up

Friday, February 22 Grantsburg at Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau 6 p.m.

SCF at Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau

WOMEN’S POOL LEAGUE

Team Greg’s Gals Blacksmith Shop Suzy Q’s JJ’s Wise Guys Glass Bar Hacks Kassel Tap Crystal Shafer’s Harvest Moon

Score 90 84 81 73 69 68 61 59 50 45 38

Siren 58, Cameron 38–The Comets looked really good early on, but the Dragons coast.

Luck 32, Unity 30–Messar’s crew beats the Holicky hex.

Siren 55, St. Croix Falls 45–The Dragons are the champions, my friend.

Unity 34, Prairie Farm 30–I’ve backed the Eagles all year long and I ain’t abandoning them now.

Clear Lake 42, Luck 28–The Warriors have a pretty good record.

St. Croix Falls 50, Shell Lake 35–The Saints close with a road victory.

Boys games Webster 52, Grantsburg 44–The Tigers grab an early lead and, as usual, frustrate their opponent.

St. Croix Falls 61, Siren 44–The Saints finish 7-5 in conference play.

Luck 58, Unity 41–Luck and Webster tie for the conference crown.

Northwood 50, Siren 49–The Dragons come up a hair short.

Clayton 61, Frederic 35–The Bears are capable of a tourney upset.

Unity 54, Colfax 51–Colfax is a struggling team and the Eagles should move on.

St. Croix Central 57, St. Croix Falls 43–The Saints falter again against an unfamiliar foe.

Luck 76, Weyerhaeuser 40–Luck decides to score 76 on this night.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

Fishing contest held on Wood Lake

The wind whipped across Wood Lake on Saturday, Feb. 9, causing poor visibility at different times throughout the afternoon. The 15th-annual event was hosted by the American Legion.

RAFFLE WINNERS $1,000 Bond – Derek Jaskolka, Siren $500 Bond – Doug Edaburn, Grantsburg Power auger – Matt Steinert Locator – no info, Luck Power auger – Gary Miller, St. Croix Beach, Minn.

Fish house – Rob George, Hudson Trolling motor – Tom Kottke, Hugo, Minn.

Locator – Boyd Duncan, Frederic

Underwater camera – Steve Washkuhn, Webster Northern First place: Dan Cutler, 7 lbs., 11.7 oz.

- $75; Second place: Harold Marek, 7 lbs., 4.5 oz. - $50; Third place: James Moyer, 5 lbs., 12 oz. - $25.

Bass First place: Stever Lozier, 3 lbs., 9.1 oz.

- $75; Second place: Doug Edaburn, 2 lbs., 4.1 oz. - $50; Third place: Avery Northquist, 2 lbs., 1.5 oz. - $25.

Sunfish First place: Arnie Ahrens, 11.9 oz. $75; Second place: Jeremiah Bonse, 9.6 oz. - $50; Third place: Steve Schwartzbauer, 7.1 oz. - $25.

Crappie First place: Devin Ellefson, 13.3 oz. $75; Second place: Matt Miller, 12.3 oz. $50; Third place: Chris Ryan, 11.6 oz. $25.

Judy Olsen, Violet Fossum and Diane Barton served the hungry anglers during the 15th-annual American Legion icefishing contest on Big Wood Lake Saturday.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter except where noted

While taking their fish up to be weighed during the contest, this group stopped for a quick photo.

– Photo by Jake Hunter

Barron DNR of ce closing to walk-in service BARRON - Beginning Monday, Feb. 18, the Department of Natural Resources office in Barron will be closed to walk-in service, but staff will be continue to be available by appointment.

General DNR information is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. by calling toll free 1-888-WDNR-INFO (888-936-7463) or through their Web site at www.dnr.wi.gov. The DNR Web site includes a wealth of other current information including the DNR news, events, hearings and meeting listings, outdoor recreation opportunities, a personnel directory and much more.

License sales and ATV, snowmobile and boat registrations are available at the Eau Claire, Baldwin, Ladysmith, Cumberland and Spooner DNR Service Centers.

Bad weather postpones shing contest DEER LAKE – Bad weather forecasted last weekend postponed the third-annual Ice Castle Deer Lake Classic IceFishing Contest. The contest is a major fundraising event for the Osceola Health Foundation.

Snow and blustery winds warranted the postponement, according to foundation director Sue Gerlach. Event organizers made the decision Thursday after hearing weather reports that day.

“This has been a successful family event, but we want to make sure people are safe and can enjoy the day.”

The ice-fishing contest will now be this weekend, Feb. 16, from noon to 3 p.m. on Deer Lake in St. Croix Falls.

Some $25,000 in prizes await participants.

Last year’s contest drew an impressive number of participants, Gerlach said.

“About 350 people – parents and children alike – participated last year, helping the foundation raise funds for its programs,” Gerlach said.

“The foundation helps build healthy communities by fostering charitable support for the Osceola Medical Center and the health-related needs of the people in the Upper St. Croix River Valley.”

Prizes in this year’s contest are separated into divisions for adults and children. Prizes include a $7,500 Ice Castle Fish House, portable fish houses, fish finders and an ATV. Advanced tickets are still available ($25 for adults and $10 for children) at Johnson Motors, Larsen Auto and Motorsports, The RiverBank in Osceola and St. Croix Falls, St. Croix Outdoors and Kassel Tap. Tickets at the door are $30 and $15. Tickets sold for the Feb. 9 date will be honored Feb. 16.

For more information about the contest and its prizes, and directions, go to www.deerlakeclassic.com. For more information about tickets, see your local retailer or call the foundation at 715-2945789. – submitted

Licenses will also continue to be available in the area at the Holiday StationStore, Barron Farmers Union Co-op Services, Madson Hardware Hank, and Speedy’s CStop. Customers can also get their license by calling the DNR 24-hour license hotline at 877-945-7463.

In addition licenses and registrations are available on www.dnr.wi.gov.

The Department of Natural Resources Forestry, Wildlife, Fishery, and Water resources staff will continue to work from the Barron office. Staff can be reached by calling 715-537-5046. – from the DNR

Great Northern Outdoors Archery League Week 3

A League Deadnuts: Ben A. 291, Dustin G. 291, (18points) Shockers: Chad L. 272, Jason C 253 (16 points) Full Draw: Tony P. 291, Sheri B. 280 (12 points) Free Flight: Jeff B. 287, Sherri P. 273 (6 points) Stabilizers: Mark J. 244, Drew B. 225 (4 points) Spartanz: Brian S. 284 Nick R. 229 (4 points) The Kaws: Andy W. 247, Kyle J. 243 (0 points) B League Team MJ: Jeremy J. 265, Cory M. 252 (16

points) GNO: Ross W. 289, Erika W. 269 (14 points) Gameslayers: Bill S. 273, Gino L. 209 (12 points) Redneck Ind: Brent L. 283, Roy Z. 256 (12 points Razors Edge: Brad S. 281, Zach S. 154 (10 points) Anuke: Luke K. 259, Dan G. 138 (6 points) S & T: Tam H. 214, Steve K. 146 (2 points) Animal Lovers: Maddie B. 113, Laurel G. 101 (0 points) Spot Shooters, 300 game

Butch’s Northwest Archery Bow Hunting League Week 5

Bowhunter’s League Traditional Wishful Thinking: 398 Earth Energy Systems: 362 Shell Lake Pharmacy: 318 Peterson Construction: 304 Butch’s Traditional Archery: 226 Timberland Archery: – Men’s Knoop Construction: 557 White Birch Printing: 553 Shell Lake State Bank: 536

A&H Taxidermy: 513 Webster Auto Sales: 492 Northview Drive Inn: 481 Little Lambs Preschool: 450 Right in the Middle: 447 Big Mike’s Sports Shop: 437 Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church: 429 Men/Women A&H Taxidermy (2): 423 Women's Chicog Pub: 441 Youth Cloverleaf: 294

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

L

E

A

D

E

R

O

U

T

D

O

O

R

S

Wildcat girls earn way to state After the results were finally tallied, the Wildcats crushed the competition, taking first place with a total score of 354. Duluth East placed second with 304 points. The top two teams from the section earn a trip to state, as well as the top 10 individuals. Those individuals include, Garbe (fifth), Raedeke (sixth) and Angel (eighth).

CL-SCF boys team just miss by mere points

by Marty Seeger BIWABIK, Minn. – The Chisago Lakes-St. Croix Falls girls ski team earned its trip to state on Tuesday, Feb. 5. This is the third time the girls have earned a trip to state since coach Dan Raedeke began coaching seven years ago. In the past two seasons, the girls missed state by just a couple of points, so this trip will be another special one.

“The girls were very happy with the result,” Raedeke said. “It has been a great group of girls to work with.”

The sectional championship race that was held at the Giants Ridge Ski area was close throughout. Competing at the event were 18 different teams with six competitors. The top four from each team determines team placement.

“You must ski consistently to have a good showing,” Raedeke said. “If you make a mistake you’ll be out of the running.”

The Wildcats were within one point of Duluth East after the first race. In that first race, the girls finished strong and skied as a team, according to Raedeke, but they needed a solid second run in order to keep their state appearance hopes alive. St. Croix Falls student Melinda Beyer was the first on the team to race the second and final run of the day. Raedeke coached the team at the top of the hill, yet couldn’t see the bottom of the course.

“I held my breath as I waited for the

This year’s sectional champion Chisago Lakes-SCF ski team include back row (L to R): Jennifer Sandberg, Katy Garbe, Amanda Angel, Simone Raedeke and Kate Wright. Front row: Teresa Sandberg, Melinda Beyer and Katy Boyer. – Photos by Dan Raedeke

Individual girls heading off to the state meet are (L to R): Amanda Angel, Magen Danelski of Hermantown, Minn., Simone Raedeke and Katy Garbe. call from the bottom,” Raedeke said.

Beyer did great, and scored 10th place, and 14th overall on the day. But the team still needed three more solid races to go, and the team proved successful.

Katy Boyer raced next and placed 11th

overall, Amanda Angel skied to ninth on the second run and eighth overall.

The top two skiers on the team, Katy Garbe and Simone Raedeke, went next and got the same results, which helped them get fifth- and sixth-place overall finishes respectively.

Boys narrowly miss trip to state BIWABIK, Minn. – The Chisago Lakes-St. Croix Falls boys ski team just missed the state meet by placing in fourth place overall. It was just 2.5 points shy of the goal. After the team’s first run, they were standing strong in second place 20 points behind the firstplace Duluth East and 14 points ahead of the third-place Virginia.

Allen Nickelson started first on the second run and placed 20th and 18th overall. The team still needed three solid runs, and after senior Tim Johnson finished 15th on his first run, he placed sixth on the second. It wasn’t enough, however, to place him in the top 10 for an individual trip to state. He ended up with 11th place overall.

“He skied for the team and should be proud of his accomplishments,” said coach Dan Raedeke.

Overall, the boys team had a great season, getting their sixth-straight conference crown and taking fourth at sectioinals.

“The team accomplished a lot this year,” said Raedeke. “[In] the first big race they placed sixth and improved each race.”

Spencer Lake shing contest

This was most of the group that participated in the Spencer Lake fishing contest held on Saturday, Feb. 9. Jeff Clausen was the winner of the large fish category with a 9lb. 4-oz. northern during the day.

RIGHT: Dylan Fjorden won first and second place in the panfish category and second in the large fish. Fjorden caught a 1-lb. crappie, 13-oz. crappie and a 5-lb. 9-oz. northern for the different places.

Paul Simonsen, Clam Falls, gets really close to the water when he fishes. – Photos submitted

This dogfish was caught during the small fishing contest held on Spencer Lake.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Polk County criminal court Felonies Mathew Wilson, 30, Deer Park, OWI Adjourned initial appearance.

Wayne Anderson, 50, Centuria, incest with child, child abuse, repeated sexual assault of same child, causing mental harm to child. Preliminary hearing scheduled for March 5.

Signature bond set at $10,000.

Wayne Neely, 58, Luck, incest with child, child enticement-sexual contact, repeated sexual assault. Preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb 22.

Signature bond set to $10,000.

Cary Smith, Balsam Lake, 39, disorderly conduct, battery, domestic abuse. Defendant plea not guilty to all counts, cash bond set $1,000.

Polk County civil court Everbank, Jacksonville, Fla., plaintiff.

James Powers, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $147,693.69.

Bank of America, N.A., Getzville, N.Y., plaintiff. Tabitha Lawrimore, Clear Lake, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $69,641.98.

Aurora Loan Services, LLC, Scottsbluff, Neb., plaintiff.

Kathleen Krarup, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mort-

gage foreclosure payments of $251,255.23.

Aurora Loan Services, LLC, Scottsbluff, Neb., plaintiff.

Steven and Gisele Driscoll, Frederic, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $167,994.50.

Capital One Bank, Syosset, N.Y., plaintiff. Lisa West, St. Croix Falls, defendant. Plaintiff alleges that defendant defaulted on credit card payments of $3,073.37.

Burnett County deaths Adolf C. Vaikus, 90, Jackson Township, Jan. 22.

Frances A. Vold, 95, Siren Village, Jan. 23.

Walter R. Osterman, 86, Crystal Lake Township, Jan. 21.

Thomas M. Paul, 67, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 24.

Misdemeanors Jonathan Ekstrand, 23, Osceola, credit card fraud, credit card theft by acquisition.

Defendant entered a plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 8.

Anthony Nielsen, 46, Centuria, retail theft <= $2,500.

Plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 8.

Keri Blackwood, 40, Balsam Lake, disorderly conduct and battery. Plea of not guilty, and review is scheduled for Feb 12.

Joshua Ayde, 20, criminal trespass to dwelling, possession of THC, and possess drug paraphernalia. Bond contintues as presently set. Final pretrial scheduled for March 7.

Kevin Hougdahl, 23, Milltown, disorderly conduct, battery. Defendant entered plea of not guilty. Signature bond set at $2,000. Final pretrial scheduled for April 25.

James Goodie, 21, River Falls, criminal trespass to dwelling and disorderly conduct.

Adjourned initial appearance.

Final pretrial scheduled for March 7.

Steven Peterson, 44, Amery, possession of THC. Signature bond set to $1,000, and final pretrial scheduled for April 1.

Jason Robertson, 28, New Richmond, possession of THC, possess drug paraphernalia, OAR. Adjourned initial appearance scheduled for Feb 13.

Traffic Melissa Craven, 28, Hopkins, Minn., OWI.

Defendant entered plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 25.

Ryan Legget, 33, Osceola, OWI. Defendant entered plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 11.

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Notices/Employment

Polk County divorces Jay and Debra Schumaker, married 1994, two children Paul and Cheryl McKellar, married 1995, no children Jason and Christina Neely, married 2001, two children

Kenneth and Karen Carroll, married 2006, no children Adam and Amanda Quast, married 1999, four children

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Joseph A. Merrill, Siren, and Teana M. Corbine, Siren, Feb. 7

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Burnett County criminal court Roy A. Shabaiash Jr., 30, Webster, bail jumping, two-year probation, four months’ jail sentence, no consumption of alcohol, $88.00; disorderly conduct, two-year probation – consecutive to other probation, 60 days’ jail sentence – consecutive to other jail sentence, no consump-

tion of alcohol, participate in anger management program, $163.00.

Aaron G. Benjamin, 22, Danbury, disorderly conduct, $249.00.

Benjamin T. Elliott, 34, Sarona, possession of marijuana, $249.00.

Burnett County civil court Capitol One Bank vs.

Lynette R. Schultz, Webster, $1,408.38.

Capital One Bank vs.

Vanessa Johnson, Webster, $1,537.25.

GMAC Commercial Finance vs. Denise Hardy, Siren, $5,140.02.

Livingston Financial, LLC vs. Dawn L. Anderson, Siren, $2,699.89.

Notices

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Notices / Employment

PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Notices

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

Hawaiian family night with Siren Pre-K

(L to R): Scott and Courtney Coy, Marcy Goranson, Maddy Thiex, Dan and Casey Goranson, making leis.

Siren Pre-K program found a way to make the January cold a little warmer on a recent Thursday evening. They had a Hawaiian family night. They made leis, fruit kabobs, snow cones and played lots of fun games. Above, Cassandra Maslow really worked the hula hoop.

Cassandra and McCoy Maslow, and Rylee Nelson playing in the sun.

Kyle Lundquist does the limbo at the Siren PreK program’s Hawaiian family night.

Dyan Keim fishing with his mom, Sonja. – Photos submitted

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 13, 2008

“Live...laugh...love” Friends and family of Ashley Gelking will remember the way she lived at a memorial service Saturday at Frederic High School

by Sherill Summer FREDERIC – Ashley Gelking will be remembered Saturday at the high school where she made friends who shared life’s joys – and challenges.

The 18-year-old Frederic woman died Saturday at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis from complications related to a double-lung transplant she underwent in 2005.

Modern medicine, including the transplant, kept Ashley alive for seven years after she collapsed at school one day, and soon learned she had primary pulmonary hypertension of the lungs.

But she didn’t just survive her medical condition, say family members. She lived to inspire those around her.

What will be remembered at her funeral services at Frederic High School this Saturday, Feb. 16, will not be her sickness, but her courage and kindness.

“Ash has always been such a happy girl,” said close friend Aftin Purcell. “Even through all the rough times and struggles she has dealt with. She always seemed to put on a happy face no matter how hard it was. She’s definitely not one to take life for granted. I love her so much...”

The words “Live, Laugh, Love” were framed on Ashley’s wall in her room and summed up how she lived life, according to her mother, Jennifer.

“She never lost that thankfulness of being alive.”

Her sister Christa said Ashley always wanted to live her life “in the now” because she never knew how long she might have to live.

And her father, Jeff, called her fearless.

“She was a strong person who never gave up - she was a fighter,” he said. “She was my little girl and the daughter any man would want. She was my little girl.”

Although Ashley was born with primary pulmonary hypertension in her lungs, she didn’t know about it until she was 11 years old. It was then that she had passed out after a school activity and doctors found a hole in her heart and the hypertension in her lungs. She was told that someday in the future she would need a double lung transplant.

That day turned out to be Sept. 26, 2005, two weeks after her name appeared on the transplant list. The donated lungs came from a donor in New Mexico, and Dr. Cynthia Harrington, one of the top transplant surgeons in the country, performed the operation at Fairview University Hospital. The surgery can take up to 14 hours to perform, but Gelking’s surgery was over after 5-1/2 hours. Despite having an expert surgeon, a double lung transplant is a shock to the body, and there is only a 50-percent chance of living after the transplant.

Gelking beat those odds.

Ashley Gelking getting a ride from her father, Jeff. - special photo

A memorial service for Ashley Gelking will be held this Saturday at Frederic High School. - special photo She was back at Frederic High School exactly one year after the transplant and went on to graduate in 2007.

“What I remember most about Ashley is how confident she was and her smile!” noted teacher Kelly Hopkins. “She always met things head on, and, despite missing much school, she always managed to do her best. As her teacher, she taught me how to be strong and make the best of things.”

Ashley met Adam McAbee, fell in love and the two were planning to find a place together when – again – health problems put plans on hold.

She began having problems with her gall bladder in the end of August 2007. She lost weight and had trou-

ble gaining it back. Early this year she was admitted to Fairview Hospital after experiencing trouble breathing.

Her lungs had lost their ability to expel the carbon dioxide, which led to failure of vital organs.

Christa said Ashley’s heart was strong - but that she was being kept alive by a machine in her final days at the hospital.

“We had a lot of hard decisions to make,” she said.

“Me and my mom, dad and brother - we decided to let her go.”

She said she was happy for the fact some of her sister’s closest friends and family were able to be at the hospital when she died.

Ashley’s favorite words are bound to be spoken at her memorial service Saturday - “live, laugh, love.”

The public is welcome to attend the program which begins at 2 p.m. Visitation begins at 11 a.m.

An obituary appears elsewhere in this issue of the Leader.

Ashley Gelking and Adam McAbee..- special photo

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

February 13, 2008 2nd Section B Inter-County Leader

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

Frederic Main Street building turns 100 this year

by Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – Many of you have seen a building on the north side, middle of Main (or Oak Street) in Frederic that currently holds the business Mud Hut Gifts.

Joe and Joan Paar are the current owners, but before they purchased it in October of 1997, it had a history of different owners and businesses held throughout the last 100 years.

Pearl P. Luke first constructed the original building of wood, in its location, back in 1904. It later burned down, with every other building on the block when a fire started in the Frederic Hotel, early on a November morning in 1908. The village had been having trouble with their water system, so the fire department was not able to do much in order to stop the quickly spreading fire.

The current building was one of the first to be rebuilt. Luke and Mat Simons constructed buildings right next to each other, connected with a wall in the middle, this time made out of brick. The hardware store was the only other building to be put back up in 1908.

Simons operated the west building as a confectionery, while Luke had a meat market named J & B Family Market in the east building. Luke had his meat market business until his death in 1925.

It was then taken over by one of his daughters and her husband and renamed L.D. Anderson’s Market until 1946, when Les and Kaya Route purchased the building for Route’s Market.

“I think about 60-watt lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling,” Kaya Route tells of her memories when they first bought the market.

C.O. Johnsons had the west side for the Anderson Confectionery Store, which was later turned into a bowling alley. The Routes purchased that side of the building from Leonard Bowe in 1952 and took out the connecting wall to make one big grocery store.

“We were pretty good at tearing down buildings,” Kaya said. “It’s harder to put them back together.”

There were many renovations made to the buildings, including lighting and refrigeration.

“I remember being so short of merchandise that when we’d sell corn off the shelf, we would bring

One half of the building used to hold Peterson’s Meat Market. This picture, according to the calendars hanging on the wall, was taken in 1926. Shown (L to R) Charlie Peterson, Lewis Peterson, Lawrence Buck, Floyd Peterson, Roy Swanson and Bob Hurley. – Photo submitted

The Mud Hut is in the middle of the north side block of Main Street. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld unless otherwise noted the other cans up to face it, to make it look like we had more than we had,” Kaya reminisced.

The Routes owned the store for 26 years, from 1946 to 1972. They also ran a market in Amery from 1957 to 1962, when they discovered it was a fair deal of traveling back and forth.

Les and Kaya decided to sell the building to Bill Trautman and go into a new venture with the Green Acres Trailer Court. After a few years and other people’s financial issues, the store became their property again, so they decided to turn it into The Fun House for the children of the community.

“Les thought the youth in town needed a place to hang out,” Kaya said.

The Fun House was opened in half of the building from 1976 until 1982, while they rented to a dance studio in the other part.

“All I remember is Rhinestone Cowboy,” Kaya laughed.

Mr. Holicraft did take over The Fun House in 1979, while Kaya held art

Displayed on the outside of Mud Hut Gifts is this sign that tells of the building’s previous businesses. classes in the second part.

1982 was the year that Les and Kaya got completely out of owning this building in Frederic, when Roger Grimm purchased it along with the Green Acres Trailer Court. The building then became The Trophy Shop where trophies, plaques and clothing could be bought.

From 1984 until 1993, this building held Steffen’s Carpet and Furniture, and from 1993 until 1997, Square Deal Peddler was operated inside.

The Paars bought the building in 1997 after moving from Forest Lake, Minn., with Joan’s newly acquired ceramic business.

“I said why don’t we look in that little town where the Ben Franklin is,” Joan explained. “That cute town. I didn’t know the name of this place or anything.”

Joan did know that she needed a building to run her ceramic business out of and after having the owners of the building they rented in Forest Lake not

See Main Street, page 2

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Main Street/from page 1 re-signing the lease, they decided it was time to purchase a store for themselves.

There are many things that have not been changed in the building over 100 years. The Paars have kept many of the building’s stories alive. The original dirt floor is still what they walk on in the basement as they go past the original wood rafters and tree braces. Some of the rafters even have damage from the fire back in 1908.

They did redo a few things before they started making and selling ceramics.

They painted the walls white when they had previously been dark gray. Joan mentioned that even with the lights on it still seemed like there was no light. After a little work, they were opened in December of 1997.

Joan Paar currently runs a retail business in the building. She sells crafts and gifts. come in that live here in Frederic that go, ‘Oh, you’re a new store’ and I say no, we’ve been here for 10 years.”

Besides selling products, Joan also Kaya Route and her husband, Les, holds free classes on different crafts of used to operate Route’s Market and scrapbooking, stamping, jewelry and The Fun House. Kaya shows her squares of memories back from the year 1941 on this blanket.

card making.

Joe and Joan plan on staying in the store until someone else would like to take over the business and keep the building open.

The scale displayed in the Peterson Meat Market picture is still around and is available for viewing inside the Frederic Depot along with the safe.

After the Paars had their ceramic building for two years, Joe’s back went out from lifting the heavy moldings.

Some would weigh about 300 pounds.

They needed to sell their proprietorship in order to keep Joe in good health. As luck would have it, their candle seller offered to buy it as soon as he heard.

“I couldn’t believe the prayer was answered so quickly,” Joan said Joe told her.

That is when they decided she should go into the stamping that she loved to do. Mud Hut Gifts now has a variety of 5,000 stamps, 5,000 stickers, many different kinds of paper, greeting cards and several other gifts. “ A lot of people don’t even know we’re here,” Joan said. “I have people

The original safe is now displayed in the Frederic Historical Society’s Museum.

The original basement walls appear in the building yet today. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld unless otherwise noted

Route’s Food Market started in one half of the building in 1946 and in 1952 combined the two halves together. The outside has changed its look in the last 100 years. – Photo submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

A Valentine Secret

by Alice Ford

I have never told a soul my Valentine secret. Now I’m telling you a story only because most of my Valentine days are all much the same.

Every year in school we made a big box and covered it with white paper and cut out red hearts and pasted them on. Then we took our old Christmas cards and using what red we could find we cut out more valentines. We’d write silly little verses and send one to everyone in the class.

A few of the kids would buy valentines from the store, but my mother thought we should create our own. Probably because we couldn’t afford to buy them. I never used the word love. Just something like, Be My Valentine or Happy Valentine’s Day. We had a tall boy in our class who came from a re-

Poco Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Gladys Frokjer at 483-3208 or Iris Holm 284-3174 for more information. - submitted

Writer’s Corner ally nice family. He was also the smartest one in class and I liked him. I never talked to him or smiled at him, just knew him. This was the fifth grade and nothing went on good for me in the fifth grade. In a spelling bee I was the first one down. If we were playing baseball, I would get as far away from the field as I could. I was never chosen to be on the team. I was shy, wore glasses, and had a strong dislike for my teacher. I couldn’t sing, couldn’t draw, and never learned much math.

I was sure that Jim loved a girl named Lorraine. We all loved Lorraine. Now the day had come. My mother sent valentine butter cookies decorated with red sugar. Other mothers brought cupcakes and candy. It was time to hand out the valentines from the big box.

It was fun. I always looked to see if they liked my homemade valentines that were sometimes a little

pasty around the edges.

What was this? Lorraine was handing out valentines and she brought me this big store valentine. It was a thrill to get such a nice valentine, and when I opened it, it was just signed Jim. Now I quickly looked to see if anybody else had one. A big store-bought valentine. None anywhere, only mine.

When I look back and remember this, I feel like I must have really let him down. I never said thank you, I never even looked at him. Soon after that they moved away, and I heard later he became a school principal or something big and important. Well, so much for fifth-grade love. When I think about it, I am sure the writing wasn’t his. I think his mother had written his name. I kept that valentine for a long time.

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Be prepared for winter power outages CENTURIA – “Local utility companies work hard to prevent power outages,” said Joan O’Fallon, communications director for Polk-Burnett. “But snow, sleet, ice, wind, animals and accidents create unavoidable interruptions. While we can’t avoid power outages completely, you can be prepared to keep your home and family safe.”

Follow these tips to prepare for power outages and keep your home and family safe: • If your power goes out, check fuses and circuit breakers first. Second, check your neighbors to see if they have power.

Then, report the outage to your electric company. Make sure you have your electric company’s phone number on hand in case of emergency.

• Remember, cordless phones do not work without electricity. Make certain

you have access to a regular hard-wired phone or a cell phone for emergencies.

• Keep away from downed wires and power poles; they may still be energized.

Report these hazards to your electric company immediately.

• Never use gas space heaters indoors; they may cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and an explosion.

• Protect your computers, televisions, telephones and other electronic equipment with surge suppression devices.

• If you have a critical need for electricity to operate lifesaving medical equipment, alert your electric company so it can provide priority service in response to an outage.

• If you use a stove for heat, know how it operates if your power fails.

• Create an emergency kit that includes bottled water (without electricity

your well and pump do not work); battery-powered radio; battery-powered flashlight; extra batteries; candles and matches; first-aid supplies; fire extinguisher; blankets; medicines; and nonperishable food that does not have to be heated.

“On-call utility crews often work in extreme conditions, and response time to restore power depends on the severity of damage and the weather,” said O’Fallon.

“Power lines that serve the greatest number of people are repaired first. Winter storms and power outages remind us of our dependence on electricity and the importance of being prepared.”

For more information, contact your local energy provider. - from Polk-Burnett

All-community square dance and Irish step dance demonstration set FREDERIC – All are welcome to attend a family-friendly evening of good oldfashioned square dancing fun at the Frederic Elementary School on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 6-30-8:30 p.m. with caller Ike Joles.

Don’t worry if you’ve never square danced before. As long as you know

your right hand from your left and can smile, you can square dance. The dances are easily learned, and Joles will always walk participants through them before dancing. If you don’t want to dance, come anyway and laugh at your friends.

As a special bonus, Kristina Lee will demonstrate Irish step dancing.

Lee has competed and performed nationally and internationally. In 2007, she won a national championship event and has represented America in the Irish dance world championships twice in Scotland and Ireland. Kristina has been a featured dancer with several Grammy winning bands as well as the

Minnesota music awards and has toured extensively. She is currently studying and teaching with the renowned O’Shea School of Dance.

Refreshments will be provided. This event is hosted by the Frederic Free Church. - submitted

Burnett Dairy Cooperative expands its scholarship program BURNETT COUNTY - Burnett Dairy Cooperative is pleased to expand its scholarship program. The board of directors has agreed to add two additional scholarships. Besides the traditional High School Senior Scholarship the cooperative has added a College Students in Agriculture and Production Agriculture Scholarship.

The College Student Scholarship may

be offered to those with a declared agricultural major going into their junior or senior year. According to Dan Strabel, board president, “This is an excellent way to support our youth and ag community.”

The board is also giving scholarships to those in production agriculture that are gaining further education. This program will help pay for the cost of the

production agriculture courses to increase farmers’ skills to make profitable farming operations. Strabel states, “This program will help keep our community strong by helping with educational opportunities for farmers, and those going go to into agriculture field.”

Strabel went on to say, “We want the Burnett area to be a strong rural community well into the future. By assisting

with the cost of education we can help make the goal happen.”

Information about the scholarships are available on the company’s Web site under “For Patron” or you can call 6892468 ext. 2002 and ask for an application.

– from Burnett Dairy

It's not too late for a u shot POLK COUNTY – Influenza has arrived in Polk County! Influenza is a hard-hitting virus that produces a severe cough, fever, muscle aches, weakness and generally makes people very ill. It can last up to 10 days and in some groups who are more prone to complications, like the elderly or infants, it can cause pneumonia or make other existing

conditions worse.

Even though influenza has arrived, the numbers of cases are still low, so people who have not received the influenza vaccine still have time to get it. This includes infants over 6 months of age, children and adults. It takes about two weeks to build up full immunity after a person gets the vaccine.

There has been some “viral shifting” this year, which occurs when the influenza viruses change somewhat on their way from the southern hemisphere to here. This means that sometimes people who’ve gotten vaccinated may still get influenza disease. However, it’s usually a milder case and doesn’t last as long as those who become ill without benefit

of vaccination.

For information on influenza or the influenza vaccine, please contact your local health care provider or the Polk County Health Department at 715-485-8500. – submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

River Road Ramblings Trade Lake's Grand Edifice

by Stanley Selin The story below was printed in the Burnett County Sentinel on Thursday, Jan. 11, 1894. The Trade Lake Lutheran Church was organized in 1870. Meetings were held in homes until the first log church was built in 1875. In the spring of 1893, during the ministry of the Rev. N. J. Sture, building plans for a new church were adopted. Construction of the new wood-frame church was started in June of 1893, and was completed before the end of that year.

The Swedish Lutherans of Trade Lake own the finest church in the St. Croix Valley. Through the fast falling snow, and over unbroken and uncertain roads, a number of our villagers wended their

collected by Russ Hanson

way towards Trade Lake and the Swedish Lutheran Church. Let us pause for a moment. This is one of the finest structures of its kind in this county, not excepting any in either Polk or Washburn counties. At six oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock, the people began coming, and by 7:30 the church was filled to its full seating capacity.

The program was then opened, which, if we should praise any part, would do an injustice to the entire arrangement. In short, it was grand.

However, we cannot refrain from touching upon the pieces of instrumental music. The two violins and organ, with their sweet strains of music vibrating the grand and lofty edifice, gave the notes the sweetness of the siren. Miss Alice Hickerson of Grantsburg performed the instrumental part of the program, and Misses Jerda Anderson and Helen Johnson performed their parts well in singing alto in the choir pieces.

The new Swedish Lutheran Church, completed at the end of 1893. The steeple was removed from the old log church and placed on the new church.

In 1903, a pipe organ was installed in the balcony. Oil lamps were used for lighting until 1911, when they were replaced by gas lighting. This church was used until the present Gothic-style red-brick church was completed in 1915. - Photos from the Selin collection

A later view of the new Swedish Lutheran Church.

Tickets were sold and an auction was held so that the benefit for new seats was very successful financially. The gross income amounted to $92. Rev. Sture, pastor of the congregation, had reason to be in a jubilant mood, which he was, and spoke for a short while, dwelling mostly upon the work that had begun and then finished, and advised the continual remembrance of the Supreme Architect, who does all things well. Rev. A. Aaron of Rush City spoke for some time, taking the subject from the scriptures. Brother J. J. Pickle was then called upon to address the audience in the English language, which if

last, was far from least. His talk was on the history of churches and sects. Before the meal, he gave a five minute talk, giving the audience a great deal of good food for thought. However, the vestry room door had been accidentally left ajar, and the sweet smell of the victuals (that were waiting to be devoured) came to his nose, and he advised the people he was hungry, and said he was not alone on that score. Then from music and song to sweet repast we turned. In short, it was a grand and enjoyable affair.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Unanswered questions

1. As income tax time approaches, did you ever notice: When you put the two words “The” and “IRS” together, it spells Theirs?

2. Why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety-one?

3. Why do croutons come in airtight packages?

Aren’t they just stale bread to begin with?

4. If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

5. Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist, but a person who drives a racecar is not called a racist?

6. If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

7. If lawyers are disbarred and clergyman defrocked, then doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed?

8. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP? 9. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?

10. What hair color do they put on the driver’s licenses of bald men?

11. I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks, so I wondered what do Chinese mothers use? Toothpicks?

12. Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the post office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don’t they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

13. Is it true that you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive?

14. If a cow laughed, would milk come out of her nose?

15. Whatever happened to Preparations A through G? ••• For a while the following poem was making the rounds. It is not a favorite of mine as I don’t like complaining.

I do believe that attitude is important – a good outlook. Recently, I was waiting in a doctor’s waiting room, and the only picture on the wall was a huge photograph of cumulous nimbus clouds bearing the word Attitude. That gives a patient something to consider.

The last verse of the following poem is the best one.

I’m Fine There’s nothing whatever the matter with me; I’m just as healthy as I can be.

I have arthritis in both my knees, And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.

My pulse is weak and my blood is thin, But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in!

Arch supports I have for my feet Or I wouldn’t be able to be on the street.

Sleep is denied me, night after night, And every morning I look a sight.

My memory’s failing, my head’s in a spin, But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in!

It’s better to say, “I’m fine” with a grin, Than to let them know the shape we’re in!

Today’s Aphorisms 1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not folBernice low. Do not walk beside me eiAbrahamzon ther. Just pretty much leave me alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. It’s always darkest before dawn. So if you’re going to steal your neighbor’s newspaper, that’s the time to do it.

4. Don’t be irreplaceable. If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.

5. Always remember that you’re unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet at the same time.

7. If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.

10. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

11. If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.

12. Some days you’re the bug; some days you’re the windshield.

13. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

14. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

15. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

16. Duct tape is like The Force: It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

17. There are two theories to arguing with women.

Neither one works.

18. Generally speaking, you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving.

19. Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

20. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

21. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

– Anon

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Until next week, Bernice

Crex Snow Moon Showshoe Hike set utes long and held inside the visitor center before snowshoeing, which will last approximately 1-1/2 hours. Please dress warm and bring snowshoes if you have them, or you may borrow a pair of snowshoes at the center, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hot chocolate will be served after the program. Preregistration is required. Donations of $3/person or $5/family is appreciated. Call Carly at 715-463-2739. from Crex Meadows Wildlife Area

Chief Dan Mosay to speak LUCK - On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Chief Dan Mosay of Balsam Lake will be guest speaker at the Luck Area Historical Society. He will talk about the culture and history of our local St. Croix Chippewa community. As usual, there will be a short business meeting prior to Mosay’s

talk.

The meeting will be at the Luck Senior Center (a change from their usual meeting place at the village hall) and begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. - submitted

Interstate State Park News ST. CROIX FALLS – Join naturalist Julie Fox at 10 a.m. on Thursdays through March at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park for a story and activity chosen especially for preschoolers and their parents. Please bring clothing for outdoor play (weather permitting).

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy.

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included perch fillets at 33¢ lb. package, 15 oz. jar herring at 49¢ and grapefruit at 10 for 59¢.-Harold C.T. Peterson had an auction on Feb. 25, 1958.-New kingsize 7-Up was advertised.-John Deere Day was set for Sat., Feb. 22, at the Centuria School Auditorium.Windus Apparel, Frederic, was celebrating its 35th anniversay in February.-The Red Cross drive would start March 1, 1958.-Specials at Miller’s Store, Branstad and Falun, included tuna at 21¢ can, eggs at 32¢ dozen and 10 lbs. sugar at 95¢.-A Thursday night special at the Fish Bowl Inn, Siren, was corned beef and cabbage, all you can eat at $1.-Specials at the Frederic Farmers Co-op Store included aged cheese at 69¢ lb. with customers invited to sample cheese and crackers (free), skinless franks at 39¢ lb., large head lettuce at 2 for 29¢ and Sunkist oranges at 65¢ lb.-Retail stores in Frederic usually open Friday nights, would close Friday, March 7, on account of the basketball tournament.-“Rodani” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-Open house was set for the Clinton Stack farm, March 1 – 2, northwest of Barron.

40 Years Ago Marvin Lundquist, owner of the Pioneer Bar, Frederic, died at Mendota State Hospital.-Candidates for Luck’s ninth-annual Winter Carnival queen pageant were Yvonne Pautsch, Lois Skow, Kathy Krey, Julie Berg, Deborah Anderson, Julie Hendricks, Jeanette Hendricks, Pamela Hochstetler, Pamela Erickson and Crystal Cook.-The Scout Blue and Gold Banquet and talent show was held Feb. 15 at the Frederic High School.-Larry’s Barber Shop posted a notice saying, “No ladies haircuts Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Limited hours on other days.”-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included beef pot roast at 43¢ lb., egg noodles at 4 pkgs. at $1 and Vet’s dog food at 10 cans for 95¢.-A free wedding dance was held Feb. 17 at Houman’s Resort, Danbury, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gravesen.-The film “Barefoot in the Park” was playing in the Frederic Theater.-A conference was held in Webster for Head Start staff.-Patricia Allen was selected at Good Citizen at the Webster school.-Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included Betty Crocker cherry chip cake mix at 33¢, Kraft margarine at 3 for $1 and Prell at 2 for 89¢.-A Milltown farmer, Steve Milberg, built church pews part time.-Leo Beral, 82, died.-The Village of Siren Water Dept. Ordinance and Traffic Ordinance were published in the Leader.

20 Years Ago

The moral is, as this tale I unfold, That for you and me who are growing old,

GRANTSBURG - Crex Meadows Wildlife Area has scheduled a Full Snow Moon Snowshoe Hike for Wednesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The program is held at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area Education and Visitor Center in Grantsburg.

This is a family-oriented program to learn about the intricacies and legends of the winter snowflake and then venture outside to walk by the light of the full moon. The snowflake program will be about 30 min-

Do you remember ?

35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a Wisconsin State Park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes for 2008 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. For more information call Julie at 715483-3747. - submitted

Gov. Tommy Thompson’s plan could bean big increases in aid to local schools.-Artwork by a Siren student, Kristopher Wilson, was on display in a Wisconsin Art Museum through Feb. 29.-Polk County Ag agent, Milo Olson, wrote a column each week for this newspaper.-the Ollie Taylor Memorial Ice-Fishing Festival was held on Big McKenzie Lake on Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with cash prizes of $500 - $250.Dr. Frank Kelly, an orthopedic surgeon, joined the Siren Clinic.-The country treasurer, Julie Johnson, addressed the League of Women Voters in Burnett County.-The Moose Lodge at Hwys. 35 and 70 north of Siren was preparing to host a Centennial Sunday.Area post offices reduced window hours.-Business of the week was North Side Auto, which was growing with a new car dealership.-A tax protest group was forming in Unity district.-A pancake breakfast was served Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Luck School cafeteria.-Don Larson returned home after bone marrow transplant.-The EIO Radar Run drew over 400 races.Obituaries included Esther Jennison, Ernest Wenger, Sally Larson, Walter Benedix, Donald French, Elsie Duncan and Walter Bumhardt Lee.-The Burnett County Historical Society requested that the trading post site be leased by the county to the historical society.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Having been asked to talk about history to the Osceola Historical Society at their next meeting on Monday, March 3, the name Ayers comes to mind, for he was a pioneer of that settlement.

Shortly afterward, Bill Scott, a Taylors Falls friend, commented that he had just acquired a copy of a genealogy of Ebenezer Ayers’ family written by Mrs. Olaf Bloom. And that brought to mind an article written for my Don’t Quote Me, column in a January 1963 Standard-Press, reprinted here: “We had a letter this week from Mrs. Olaf Bloom, Osceola, telling us “your issue of the Standard-Press was scarcely in the post office when I had a long distance call from Mrs. Russell Lundberg of Shafer, giving me the address I so much desired, Mrs. Minnie Guard in St. Paul.”

For 15 years, Mrs. Bloom said, they had been searching for her through courthouse records, libraries, and remaining pioneers. “It does sound stupid,” she writes, “not to have been able to establish contact with a family that lived for half a century no more than six miles up the St. Croix.” And especially, we think, when that family had 16 children, as Mrs. Bloom had mentioned.

Last week, the Blooms placed an appeal in this paper asking whether anyone in this area knew of Mrs. Guard’s whereabouts. They are very interested in history, and are working on a geneal-

ogy of their family, called “Eben Ayers: His Book.”

“The ink was scarcely dry on the newspaper,” Mrs. Bloom says, when she received the call from Mrs. LundRosemarie berg. Mrs. Lundberg told them that Vezina her father, Luke Braatz Stannard, used to play with the children of Ambrose Seavey (a son-inlaw of Ebenezer) when he was a small boy, and that the friendship between the two families has continued down the years. Also, the Blooms received a long letter from Mrs. Wirt Mineau of St. Croix Falls, who had more information on the family. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom are having their book about Ebenezer Ayers multigraphed by a Chicago firm (the same book Bill Scott just acquired a copy of), and plan to send it to all their relatives as a memorial to her mother, Mrs. Charles Pilgrim (formerly Esther Ayers) who was a granddaughter of Ebenezer.

Mrs. Bloom wrote that they were progressing nicely on their book when they came to a standstill over the where-

What are green-collar jobs

formed as industries transition to a clean-energy economy. We need to identify the specific skills the green economy demands. Then Jen Barton we need to invest in creating new training programs and retooling existing training programs to meet the demand.

Reycling Much of the Control work we have to Commission do to green our economy involves transforming the places that we live and work and the way we get around. Communities should begin thinking now about ways their green strategies can also create local jobs. This may be obvious, but the green in greencollar is about preserving and enhancing environmental quality. Green-collar jobs are in the growing industries that are helping us kick the oil habit, curb greenhouse-gas emissions, eliminate toxins, and protect natural systems.

Green-collar workers are installing solar panels, retrofitting buildings to make them more efficient, constructing transit lines, refining waste oil into biodiesel, erecting wind farms, repairing hybrid cars, building green rooftops, planting trees, and so much more, and they are doing it today. There are already many green-collar jobs in America, but there could be so many more if we focus our economic strategies on growing a green economy. It is exciting that the presidential candidates have taken up this banner; we must thank them for their leadership.

Have you heard the presidential candidates using the phrase “green-collar jobs?” Both democratic hopefuls are passionate about creating good jobs in the clean-energy sector. They presented green-collar jobs as a way to simultaneously boost the economy and beat global warming.

Wow, finally, their words were like music to our ears. It felt like a victory for all organizations which have been making this argument for some time.

Not only that, the media (The Washington Post, Time Magazine, and CNN) jumped on board and ran stories and articles on the subject of green-collar jobs. So, you may be asking (as I was): What is a green-collar job, anyway?

It is great that our potential leaders are offering a better future. But let us confirm this ideas destination. Creating enough green-collar jobs to beat global warming and create real economic opportunity for those who most need it is a very tall order. It will require a major transformation of the American economy, and we must be clear about the terms of this idea. Green-collar jobs are good jobs. Like blue-collar jobs, greencollar jobs pay family wages and provide opportunities for advancement along a career track of increasing skills and wages. A job that does something for the planet, and little for the people or the economy, is not a green-collar job.

The green economy cannot be built with solar sweat shops and big-box store wind farms.

The green economy demands workers with new skills. Some green collar jobs — say renewable energy technicians — are brand new. But even more are existing jobs that are being trans-

A ST. CROIX TALE

sounds like a warm-up. We hear that this is the longest coldest spell of winter weather we’ve had since 1936 – which led to one political-minded fellow to ask if it could be that Democratic administrations have something to do with it.

At least, this is one weather trend people can’t blame on the atom bomb (as they have blamed storms, heat spells and such on the bomb). We hadn’t even heard about the atom bomb back in ’36.

Mrs. Wirt Mineau was telling us that the freeze-up back in ’36 was especially hard on the Civilian Conservation Corps boys – the C.C.C. camp in the Interstate Park had just opened – and many of the boys were from southern states.

It was a dry cold then (which it isn’t this time), and the C.C.C. boys would say (something like), “Shucks, this isn’t cold! Why down South we have cold spells, too, but it’s so damp that you really freeze!”

However, plenty of the fellows found out that winter, what it was to freeze – they developed one case of frostbite after another until they found out that it actually was cold. - Sponsored by the St. Croix Falls Historical Society

Main Store recognized for 50 years of service

EARTH NOTES

The Main Store, Webb Lake, received a certificate of recognition from the Wisconsin DNR for dedicated service of 50 years as an emergency fire warden. Todd Main and Larry Main are shown in the photo. - submitted

DMV customer service centers closed Feb. 18 for staff training

STATEWIDE — Division of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Centers and phone centers throughout Wisconsin will be closed for business on Monday, Feb. 18, Presidents Day, so that all front-line customer service representatives may receive technical process and procedural updates and training.

Although staff at DMV phone centers will be in training and unable to take calls, DMV’s automated phone system will remain available so that motorists can still make road test appointments and have access to recorded information.

DMV would like to remind customers ance from addiction by the power and that many services do not require a visit forgiveness of God. Additionally, the stu- to a service center and are available ondents will be available following the line at: www.wisconsindmv.gov. service to answer questions about their personal experiences and how their lives have been changed through Minnesota Teen Challenge.

The event is open to the public and all OSCEOLA – The Polk County Genealare welcome. You will be inspired by the message of hope brought by the MnTC ogy Society will meet at 7 p.m., on MonChoir. Free potluck will follow the serv- day, Feb. 25, at the Osceola Public Library. PCGS member Judy Wester will ice. Please bring a friend. - submitted

Minnesota Teen Challenge Choir to perform at Frederic FREDERIC – It is an inspiring choir composed of teens and adults recovering from major drug and alcohol addictions Frederic Evangelical Free Church will host the Minnesota Teen Challenge Choir in a free performance on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 10:15 a.m. The MnTC Choir is known statewide, having performed at over 300 churches in 2007.

The choir’s contemporary gospel and praise songs will be accompanied by inspiring student stories of their deliver-

abouts of Mrs. Guard, who is a greatgranddaughter of Ebenezer Ayers (as is Mrs. Bloom). Mrs. Bloom learned from Mrs. Lundberg that Mrs. Guard, who’s now 83, is right now visiting with her son, Dayton, in Battle Ground, Wash., and she can “scarcely await her return to St. Paul for a visit with her.”

••• After four years of serving as mayor of this city, Burdette Mueller has found that he may be called upon at any time of the day or night to deal with the multitude of problems that arise.

That may explain why he was equal to the occasion last weekend when the Muellers accompanied friends to the barrens to check on the cold-weather conditions at their cabin deep in the jackpine woods.

They stayed overnight, and the next morning, as the mercury plunged lower and lower, one of the group remarked ruefully that someone ought to have brought along one of those heating cords to get the car started. (This remark was especially rueful since there was no electricity available in miles.)

“Well,” Burdette answered thoughtfully, “I suppose we could always hook up to one of those currant bushes.”

••• Most everyone is impressed with the cold weather we’ve been having. It’s gotten so that a forecast of 10 below

DMV conducts regional training sessions to minimize employee travel and to provide more training time at reduced costs to the division, according to Kristina Boardman with the DMV’s Bureau of Field Services. “Ongoing staff training is essential to keep up with changes in technology, policies and procedures,” Boardman said. “It helps us meet our primary goal — providing customer services that are as consistent and efficient as possible.” She indicated that Feb. 18 was selected for the statewide training because it is a federal holiday, which typically reduces the number of customers visiting service centers. — from DMV

Polk County Genealogy Society to meet be discussing Daughters of the American Revolution Research.

Refreshments served. Contact 294-3447 with questions.

- submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

A & H Seniors via Illinois Let’s see…January is gone. What happened to Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and January?

Maybe they froze to death. I know I almost did here in Chicagoland so you must have been colder way up north.

And way more snow too.

I spent Christmas in Denver, where we were snowed in. Their chamber of commerce wouldn’t own up to that, but it’s true. Rumor has it that the sun shines 364 days a year and you don’t need an umbrella or boots. Big lie.

I got lots of Christmas cards from you Wisconsin friends. It’s great to hear from so many of you. Esther Haroldson sent a book she wrote about her family. She did a great job.

I asked Marian Woodard if the new Hole in the Wall was open. She said, “No, I haven’t finished paying for it yet.” I get most of my news from her, but feel free to let me know what’s going on in your neck of the woods.

I am sorry to hear Lorraine Sherbert passed on.

It takes awhile for Joan and Fred Kramer to get two tables of bridge. Snowbirds are gone, and as our players move away, or move on, there are no new people taking

their places.

Caroline Osborn called to let me know Morrie McAllister’s dog died. That was the same little dog I adopted three years ago as company for my Annie, but that little dog clung to me like glue and wouldn’t let Annie near, so I had to return her to the humane society. A few days later Morrie got her. He taught her so many tricks. So now he needs another lucky critter to live with him. Good thing God made so many dogs so there are enough to go around.

We have had way too much snow. I can’t shovel anymore and can’t find anyone to clear my driveway. What to do? I had a furnace man check the heating system because it made awful noises. We sat and talked for an hour or more and he told me he helps little old ladies with snow and grass – no charge. He apparently added me to his list. We got dumped on and lo and behold the next day, I was mysteriously plowed. At least there is one good thing about being a little old lady.

A special hello to Cathy Van den Tillaar. The rest of you take care and hibernate.

ALC news

Shalander/Klingner Wayne and Debbie Shalander of Centuria, and Robert and Susan Klingner of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., are proud to announce the engagement of their children, Rita Shalander and Jacob Klingner, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

The bride-to-be is presently an RN at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

The groom-to-be is teaching Spanish at Cottage Grove Junior High School.

The couple is planning an Oct. 18 wedding at St. Pat’s Church, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

Joyce Kirchhoff

by Ashley, Elise and Nikki The Burnett County Alternative Learning Center, currently in it eighth year, continues to help students reach their goals of earning a high school diploma. This year’s students were the first to experience “Mad City;” a money management demonstration put on by the Indianhead Credit Union. Students learned how to manage money by learning about budgeting for real-life costs. We were all amazed at the costs of just living.

We have also been busy with our partnership through

WITC Extension. Twice a month we have different people come in to teach us about health and life skills. In these classes, we learn about healthy eating strategies and the effects of our personal choices.

As the long days of winter start to give promise to the spring, we are happy to announce four more graduates.

They include Nichole Staples and Brittany Kozak from Grantsburg High School and Ashley Garrity and Elise Eichman from Webster High School.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hi, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County. You know how I always have a wish list for things us dogs want or need? Well, here it is: We want spring! Aye Carumba! You should have seen the shelter on Sunday morning when it was so cold and windy. We have a lot of Blacky small dogs right now, and for a minute I thought there was something wrong with my eyes until I realized it was just everyone collectively shivering. At YAPpenings least they don’t have to be outside for long - just for “business,” then back indoors. I’m certainly glad that’s over with.

We have some newcomers that I’d like to tell you about. First there is Winslow - he is a cool dog. He is gray and white, about a year old, and a real nice-looking guy. He is of the medium-large variety and is pretty lowkey for his age. Blu is next - he is a 5-year-old beagle.

Paco is the beagle I told you about last week, but I couldn’t remember his name. Sorry, Paco. We have some more puppies too - I think that brings the count back up to seven. We still have the bearded collie-mix pups and then came two more sets of two. Wieser and Dainty are a brother-and-sister Lab-mix pair. They are adorable but are pretty timid around folks yet. I’m scratching my head about something, though. I think whoever named Dainty must need glasses because, if you saw these two pups, I think you would agree with me that these are about the

SHELTER

beefiest-looking puppies you’ll ever lay eyes on. I think they are part ox! The other two puppies are Boomer and Beaugus, both male, and are about 10 weeks old. I really don’t know what they are, but I’m guessing they are at least 80-percent lung underneath their fur. Holy cow, can they make some noise when they want attention!

Those two made my right ear stand up, and that is no simple feat. They’re new though, and are out of their element, so life is scary right now being a tot in a houseful of strangers. They’re angels when you hold them and let them crawl up your pantlegs. (No, I’m still not wearing pants, even though I threatened to last week.)

If you’re like the rest of us, you may be feeling the winter doldrums, or are beginning to get shelter, errr, I mean cabin fever. Have you bought any tickets yet for the shelter’s fundraiser balloon-ride raffle? Now there’s something that will clear out the cobwebs once spring is in the air. Heck, you could be in the air! Call the shelter or talk to one of the staff or volunteers to get your tickets. Hurry, before you blow your tax refund on something frivolous. Help the dogs and cats, or better yet, adopt one!

Well, that’s about all the news I have time for this week. I have a rawhide with my name on it, for Valentine’s Day, instead of chocolates. A trip to the vet with liver failure isn’t my idea of a romantic evening, so be sure and save your sweets for your human sweet, and not us dogs. Thanks, and see you next week.

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 866-4096.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center The Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Ione White in first place, Deloris Benson in second place, Ione Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Phil Mevissen in first place, Jim Anderson in second place, Charles Ziegler in third place, Elroy Petzel in fourth place.

My Daily Creed Let me be a little kinder, Let me be a little blinder To the faults of those about me; Let me praise a little more; Let me be, when I am weary; Just a little bit more

349-2964

On Jan. 30, 2008, 12:08 a.m., at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, a son, Caden Mykhail Sorum, weighing 5 lbs., 6 oz., was born to Kevin and Charissa Sorum of Mondovi. Maternal grandparents are Gary and Cathy Roe of Barron, formerly of Sarona. Great-grandparents are Earl and Helen Personette of Spooner, Helen Roe of Barron, formerly of Shell Lake/Spooner and Uncle Geoffrey Roe of Barron. Paternal grandparents are Keith and Cindy Sorum of Clayton.

Great-grandmothers are Margaret Tietz of Dallas and Beatrice Sorum of Amery. Great-great-grandmother is Marie Paulson of Barron and Aunt Christine Sorum of Barron.

•••

Born at Burnett Medical Center:

A boy, Connor Daniel Ciotta, born Feb. 8, 2008, to Shane Ciotta and Jessica Chell, Siren. Connor weighed 8 lbs., 5 oz.

Connor has two siblings, Cory and Tyler Ciotta. Grandparents are David and Julienne Ciotta, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Jeff and Julie Chell, Siren, and Dawn Jewell, Webster. Greatgrandparents are Connie Ciotta, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Tom and Karen Jewell, Siren; and Donald and Marlys Chell, Grantsburg.

•••

Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Taden Emmanuel Richter, born Jan. 28, 2008, to Julie and David Richter, Luck. Taden weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A boy, Owyn Benjamin Points, born Jan. 22, 2008, to Benjamin and Kammie Points, Dresser. Owyn weighed 7 lbs.

••• Twin girls, Elizabeth Ann and Eleonore Christine Treague, born Jan. 25, 2008, to Scott and Anna Treague, Danbury.

Elizabeth weighed 6 lbs., 15 oz. and Eleonore weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz.

••• A boy, Brendon Daniel Berger, born Jan. 26, 2008, to Amber Larson and Josh Berger, Dresser. Brendon weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A boy, Jace Peter Farrell, born Jan. 28, 2008, to Jacob and Lacey Farrell, Osceola. Jace weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz.

•••

cheery; Let me serve a little better; Those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little harder; To be all that I should be; Let me strive a little meeker, With the brother that is weaker; Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me.

Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Kim Rosen in first place, Darlene Knutson in second place and Olga Young in third place.

Have a great day.

Born at Amery Regional Medical Center: A boy, John Robert Hermanek, born Jan. 26, 2008, to Jennifer and Robert Hermanek, Frederic. John weighed 9 lbs., Bev Beckmark 5 oz.

••• A girl, Maria Faith Jorgenson, born Jan. 29, 2008, to Sarah food goes fast. There’s no charge, but they do accept do- and Allen Jorgenson, Frederic. Maria weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz.

••• nations.

A girl, Hailey Elizabeth Veness, born Jan. 30, 2008, to JesSympathy to the family of Frances Vold who passed sica Dodge and Lance Veness, Clear Lake. Hailey weighed away Jan. 23.

The Siren United Methodist men’s group served their 8 lbs., 6-1/2 oz.

••• tolerable stew after church services Sunday. Many stayed A boy, Wyatt George Todd, born Jan. 31, 2008, to Tammy and enjoyed the meal.

Art and Bev Beckmark’s oldest great-granddaughter, lit- Peterson and Matthew Todd, Turtle Lake. Wyatt weighed 8 tle Emily Taft, celebrated her second birthday on Sunday. lbs., 13-1/2 oz.

••• Happy birthday Emily.

A boy, Colton Orville Vanderwyst, born Feb. 2, 2008, to Keri Nelson and Jacob Vanderwyst, Turtle Lake. Colton Mardel weighed 5 lbs., 12-1/2 oz.

Barnette ••• A boy, Joshua Derrick Iverson, born Feb. 3, 2008, to JenMardel Barnette and Shawn had supper at Spare Time nifer Humphrey and Derrick Iverson, Clear Lake. Derrick Bowl in Turtle Lake on Friday. weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz.

Shawn Barnette had a doctor’s appointment in Barron ••• on Tuesday afternoon.

A boy, Devin Christopher Krumrey, born Feb. 3, 2008, to Mardel Barnette and Shawn and Patti Richards visited Stephanie Jordahl and Andrew Krumrey, Clayton. Devin Vern Catlin at the Riverside Manor on Wednesday. weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn visited at the Gene Doster ••• home on Thursday evening.

Patti Richards had a doctor’s appointment in Barron on Wednesday afternoon.

Siren

Brrr, last weekend’s temps sure made a person want to stay inside, as the temps dropped into the below-zero mark with the wind chills in the dangerous 30 to 40 below area. Strong winds whipped what little snow we have onto the roads making them, in places, glazed in spots with ice. One good thing is spring isn’t far away and the sun is closer to the Earth now, so when it shines it usually makes things warmer than it did a month ago.

It’s coming again, the 10th-Annual Whopper Ice-fishing Contest put on by the Siren Lions Club. It will be held, as usual, on the Clam Lake narrows on Sat., Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They always give away a lot of great prizes, and you don’t hve to be there to win. Tickets are $5 before the 23rd and $6 at the lake. For more info call 349-2400.

Congratulations to elementary student Patty Close, middle schooler James Keller and high schooler Breanna Barr for being chosen Sirens’s students of the week.

Congratulations also to the three writers of Siren school who had their poems in the Leader’s Writer’s Column.

Looks like we have some budding writers.

The Food and Friends community dinner for February will be held at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Webster on Tues., Feb. 26, from 5 to 6 p.m. Come early as the

Fran Krause

Birth announcements

Happy Corners

Orange

Written for this week Pat and Nancy O’Brien have returned home following a three-week trip to the Southwestern U.S. The 6,000-mile trip took them through Arizona, New Mexico and California, where they visited relatives and friends. The weather wasn’t the best there either.

Reeny Neinstadt spent a few days with John at Portage.

Kalie and Stacie Freeborn visited their grandmother, Marvel Merriam, recently. They had both been on trips sponsored through their universities. Kalie is a student a Gustavous Adolphus in the nurse’s training program and went to Tanzania, Africa. Stacie attends Hamline University in nurse’s training and went to Hawaii.

Jack and Lavonne O’Brien were Duluth callers on Wednesday.

Mark and Deanna Krause attended the Wisconsin Surveyor’s conference at Wisconsin Dells Wednesday through Friday.

Steve and Cheri Ammend and Nancy Krause attended their nephew Josh Ammend’s wedding at Madison over the weekend.

LaVonne O’Brien

Helen and Maxine Stone visited Iola Rachner at the Frederic Care Center.

Written for last week Sympathy to the family of Brownie (Crosby) Sears, oldtime resident of Orange and Webster, whose funeral was on Monday.

Helen Stone of Borger, Texas, is spending two weeks visiting Maxine Stone at the Brad Peterson home. On Sunday, they visited Iola Rachner at the Frederic Nursing Home.

Reeny Neinstadt visited her brother, Cliff Coveau, at North Memorial Hospital last week. Bud Flagstad spent the weekend at the Neinstadts.

Jack and LaVonne O’Brien had a belated Christmas lunch with Anita, Sharon, Georgia and Jane O’Brien at Forest Lake, Minn., on Friday.

Betty Kulbeck and Elaine Paulus had dinner with Jack and Jeri Witzany on Saturday. Last week, the Witzanys visited son, Mike, at Champlin, Minn.

Bryan, Brad and Mark Krause went skiing at Trollhaugen Sunday with the Boy Scouts.

Frederic Senior Ardyce Center Knauber

Monday spades was played with the following winners: Arnie Borchert in first place, Carmen Marek in second place, Netha Palson in third place and Robert Larsen in fourth place.

Wednesday pokeno was played with friends enjoying the game and fellowship afterward.

Tax aid people were at the center on Thursday, Feb. 7.

A large group was served and they appreciated the service.

Thursday 500 cards was played with the following winners: Mickey Kilmer in first place, Nona Severson in second place, Don Antiel in third place and Don Weik in fourth place.

The Friday pokeno group had fun playing and enjoyed refreshments together.

Saturday food, games and fellowship included a buffet with ham and all the trimmings.

Remember to celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving. Make every day a holiday and celebrate just living. Try it, it works.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 866-4334 Colleen Foote shoveled the snow off from our front walk on Tuesday morning and informed us that there are a group of Webster High School students, including herself, who are willing to help us and other senior citizens with shoveling, painting, and any other chores that need to be done.

Colleen can be reached at 866-7574 to schedule work that needs to be done.

Thanks, Colleen! What a great group of teenagers!

After enjoying Deb’s tasty meal of meat loaf and baked potatoes, Bruce Behrens, Harold Peterson, Gene Johnson and George Emerson stayed around for a couple games of pool. After table cleanup, I stayed and worked on the puzzle until time for Salle Bachman and Marcia Spies to come in with their Feet First Clinic at 1 p.m.

If you haven’t had your feet taken care of by these special nurses with “healing hands,” you just don’t know what you are missing. My feet feel so wonderfully pampered afterwards that it is hard to describe, and their price is still only $20 a session.

Their next visit at our center will be on Tuesday, March 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. Stop at the center and put your name on the signup sheet, or call Salle at 259-7106 or 715866-1997. You won’t be sorry!

Salle Bachman also reported that there will be a Depression/Manic Depression

Webster Senior Center Support Group starting on Thursday, March 6, at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Frederic, and anyone needing this type of assistance is invited to attend.

Tony Lyne from Experience Works (the former Green Thumb Program) stopped in on Wednesday morning to do an update and re-evaluate our nutrition worker, Carol Berglind.

Nine ladies played dime bingo at the center on Wednesday afternoon and it was great to have Mary Heier be able to join us again. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments furnished by Edna Schroeder. Even though we had snow earlier in the day, it didn’t keep our regulars at home. Afterwards, a group of “Golden Girls” met to do some workouts, exercise and then enjoyed a few games of pool. If it goes well in the future, this might become a regular weekly activity.

Before going to a medical appointment on Thursday morning, Margel Ruck and I stopped at the Good Samaritan Home in St. Croix Falls and visited with her motherin-law Grace Ruck, Nellie Pardun, and then I also visited with Dick Bruss who has a room across the hall from Grace. We also stopped to visit Fran Arnold at the United Pioneer Home in Luck but Fran’s health is failing and she was unable to visit.

On Thursday evening, Dave Wardean,

Cloverton - Markville 320-242-3933

Fran Levings

A stream of little activities is filling the lives of the residents of Arna and New Dosey townships these days.

The Dorcas Circle of Zion Lutheran Church met in the basement of the building on Tuesday for their monthly get-together.

Jo Masters was in charge of lunch that day.

On Ash Wednesday, many parishioners enjoyed a service at 5 p.m. to usher in the Easter season.

Mike Lilly came up from Forest Lake one day to spend time with his mom Clara, and, of course, the two of them had lunch at the Hay Creek Outpost.

Beverly and Ed Carlin have had a chorus of wolf and coyote cries for several nights in a row now. Their dogs join in the noise also. Bev and Ed are somewhat concerned because they have baby calves being born these days.

Clint Elliott, son of Vicki and Todd, now has his driver’s permit and is busy practicing and lining up his driving hours to get ready for the over-the-road exam, which he will have to take. Clint is a sophomore at East Central High School in Banning Junction.

Former Markville resident Jessie Ellwien, is busy these days being a stay-at-

home mom with her four youngsters, Gracie, Ellie, Brooke and Austin, ranging in ages from 1 to 7. Her husband is Tom Clennon and they live in Sandstone.

Shirley and Jerry Blockzyl are both on the mend following mean sessions for both of them with severe colds leading to bronchitis. They did have the pleasure of watching an eagle feasting on a dead critter just 20 feet from their den window one day.

My husband, Dave Baker and I, have had couple of very enjoyable social events lately. On Sunday, we went to Superior to have a Mexican soup lunch at the home of Cynthia Martz. We joined three other guests for the afternoon.

On Thursday, we topped off our monthly shopping trip to Superior (my hometown) with lunch and a movie, “There Will Be Blood,” with our nephew, Alex Wolden, a student at UW-Superior.

Dave and I have also been hearing the wolves and coyotes a lot lately. Our Siberian husky, King, puts his nose up and howls right along with them. It is beautiful.

Join the call of the wild, wherever you are.

Dewey - LaFollette Karen Mangelsen

468-2940 Donna and Gerry Hines and Karen and Hank Mangelsen visited John and Diana Mangelsen Tuesday evening.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen were Wednesday morning visitors of Inez and Arvid Pearson.

Clam River Tuesday Club met Feb. 6 at the home of Judy Leonard. Valentine gifts were exchanged. The next meeting will be March 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Sandy

472-8285

Redding.

Judy Albee and Don Schleiss visited Garry and Beth Crosby Saturday afternoon.

April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close were Saturday visitors of Karen and Hank Mangelsen. Jake, Holly, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen called on them Sunday afternoon.

Luck Senior Center

Greetings from the frozen tundra.

Another slow week, but we had a great day Saturday – Luck Winter Carnival, due to those brave souls who were came in out of the cold. Our lucky raffle winners were: first prize - $50 Bob Kreitzer, second prize, $25 Al Ormson. Congratulations.

This week at the center (and possibly the next few weeks) I will be serving roast beef

Shirley Lund

sandwiches, pie and ice cream.

Trudy, the foot lady, will be at the center on Thursday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

AARP tax assistance will be at the center Thursday, Feb. 28. Call the center for reservations.

That’s all from here for now, keep smiling!

Mary Klar

Ken Hayes and Harold Peterson were the only men playing pool. Sam Williamson wasn’t there because he was at a Boy Scout meeting making plans for the Scouts annual winter camp-out. Mert Kisselburg, Margel Ruck, Jane Wardean, Gladys Beers, Theresa Gloege, and I spent a lot of time laughing and giggling, and we all enjoyed the goodies furnished by the ladies.

We had three full tables of diners for lunch on Friday, and a number of those were people staying for the AARP tax representative help in preparing homestead credit and income tax forms. The next AARP tax assistance dates are Friday, Feb. 22, March 14, March 28, and April 11, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Diners this week that haven’t been there for quite some time were Wes and Norma Maurer, Mary Poretti, and Russ and Emily Stille.

The Webster Lioness Club Annual Valentine’s Day buffet luncheon and free bingo was well attended on Saturday at the

653-4281

Webster Community Center despite the snow and freezing wind. There was lots of food and prizes. The leftover prizes were donated to our senior center.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the buffet luncheon and free bingo/card party our senior center is having on Saturday, March 8. Lunch will be served promptly at noon with bingo and cards to follow immediately after with lots of good prizes.

Gratitude goes out to Wes and Norma Maurer for their donation of magazines; Berenice Quernemoen and Gladys Beers – candy; Dan and Melanie (Connor) Johnson – eggs; and Tony Saladis – aluminum cans.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Sylvia Pardun, Mary Garbe, Arlene Fink, Fran Arnold, Belva Olliken, Antone and Jeremy Gronski, Albert Doriott, and Robert (Dake) Smith who recently had heart valve bypass surgery.

Sympathy and prayers also go out to the family of Esther Carlson in her recent passing.

Lewis

Sunday was special as the Good News Singers sang several selections at the Lewis and Siren United Methodist churches. At Siren, the service was followed by a Tolerable Stew meal.

It was a treat having special music performed by the young singers. The girls were accompanied by their leaders and musicians. A freewill gift of money was donated in appreciation.

Those who helped with the service were ushers, Carol and Dennis Bohn; readers, Sylvia Schaetzel, Pastor Tom Cook, Kara Alden, LaVonne Boyer; and LaVonne and John Boyer served coffee, juice and cake after the service.

The NW Regional Writers met Friday at Big Gust Apartments, Grantsburg. Present were President Mary Jacobsen; Boyd Sutton, editor of our WRWA Journal published quarterly; Carolyn Marquardt; Walter Fluegel; Don Miller; Bob MacKean; Stan Miller; Doris Hanson and Bernice Abrahamzon. The assignment was “If I Had My Way…“ The next meeting of the Writers will be Friday, March 14, at Sunrise Apts., Frederic. The March assignment is to write something on “Behind the Curtain…“ Best wishes and happy days to Mickey Lenz and John Glockzin whose marriage was at the Lewis Memorial United MarketPlace Foods in St. Croix Falls is offering a fantastic Arnell Animal Shelter donation opportunity. For the second year, they have taken the planning and middleman out of the equation and are making it easier than ever to donate needed shelter supplies to your local humane society.

Through March 16, brown paper bags filled with animal shelter essentials, bleach, dog biscuits, paper towels, cat toys, disinfectant cleaners and special training treats and more, will be available at the front checkout stands. Customers will be able to support the Arnell Animal Shelter by adding a $5 or $10 bag to their existing shopping cart. The items found in the donation bags have been collected and offered for donation “at cost” by MarketPlace Foods. This means that your $5 donation is really $10 worth of supplies, complete with a customer tax-deductible receipt.

The donated bags will be collected at the store and delivered to Arnell. Last year, this same donation promotion supplied necessary items that lasted throughout most of the year.

Dennis, the yellow Lab-

Bernice Abrahamzon

Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 16, afternoon.

Happy 90th birthday to June Moline at the Continuing Care Center, Grantsburg. A party will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 1 – 4 p.m. with special music. No gifts please.

Ash Wednesday services were held at 1 p.m. at the Lewis United Methodist Church.

A daytime service was held for those who do not like to drive at night, particularly when the weather is so cold.

Remember the annual book sale (tapes, etc.) for three days at the Frederic Municipal Library on Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lots of good, gently-used books for sale, etc.

The Thursday Morning Book Club will meet Saturday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Frederic Library to discuss “Two Old Women.”

The Frederic Scrabble Club had a noon potluck luncheon on Monday to celebrate the birthday of Joan Jendro and the January birthday of Bernice Abrahamzon. Recently the group had numbered 11 players.

A meeting was held Saturday morning at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church with members from area United Methodist churches attending. Superintendent Moffatt gave a presentation on Methodist history, etc.

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT Arnell Humane Society

mix pup says, “Remember the animals when you go grocery shopping,” and please remember to thank the kind folks at MarketPlace Foods for making this “No fuss charitable donation” opportunity possible.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society 715 268-7387 (PETS) or visit our adoptable pets online: www.arnellhumane.org.

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library The following new nonfiction titles have recently been added to the collection at the Amery Public Library: “Woman of the House: The Rise of Nancy Pelosi,” by Vincent Bzdek “The Big Book of Breads,” by Anne Sheasby “Mountain Rescue Doctor: Wilderness Medicine in the Extremes of Nature,” by Van Tilburg “Raising Kanye,” by Donda West: Mother of a Hip-Hop Star “Eat, Shop Twin Cities,” by Kaie Willman “Living Well,” by Montel Williams “Paths and Poetry of Scenic Polk County,” by Larry and Linnea Phillipson “No More Mondays,” by Dan Miller “Colin Cowie Chic,” by Colin Cowie “Bridge for Beginners,” by Paul Mendelson “The ABC’s of Bridge,” by William S. Root “The Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War,” by Drew Gilpin “Rangers at Dieppe,” by Jim De Felice “Bundt Cake Bliss,” by Susanna Short Library notes Friends of the Library announce a talent show to be held at the Amery High School Auditorium on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. Amery’s Got Talent will feature

singers, bands, a juggler, dancers and musicians. Come for pie and coffee starting at 12:30 p.m. served by the Beaver Brook Badgers. Participate in a gift certificate raffle. All proceeds go to the new Amery Public Library Building Fund. Come, enjoy and support the library.

Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Everyone is welcome for songs and stories.

Amery Public Library has tax forms, state, federal and Minnesota. Stop in and pick up what you need.

Friends of the Library Book Group meets on March 17, to discuss “Bet Your Bottom Dollar,” by Karen Gillespie at 7 p.m. Stop at the circulation desk and pick up a copy and join us.

The Teens Read Book Group meets on Monday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “Speak,” by Laurie Anderson.

Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us if you are a teen.

Otaku Club for teens who love manga and anime meets every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m.

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.

Polk County Library Federation Upcoming Brown Bag Library Lecture. Susi McCune, professional organizer is back by request. S.O.S. for Office Distress. Fee: $10 participant.

Trying to dig out from a landslide of mail, catalogs, client information and email messages? Wouldn’t it be great to find the items you need when you need them? Susi McCune, an 18-year-veteran professional organizer, author and speaker will share ideas on how to use proven clutter-clearing techniques to manage the mess and ease the stress in your office (home or business). Learn the Foolproof Filing system that simplifies document storage and can be used to organize and coordinate both paper and computer files. You’ll get practical tips, product information, and a resource guide that can make your life easier today.

Reserve your space now by phoning 485-8680 or e-mailing at gifford@ifls.lib.wi.us. - submitted

Reading on the ocean.

Even though on vacation, Stephanie and Laurel took time for reading and send greetings from beautiful, sunny Cozumel.

Osceola Public Library Cold nights, hot reads is in full swing!

Third-annual adult winter reading program began Monday, Jan. 7, and runs through Monday, March 31. Stop in to the Osceola Public Library to register for the program. The 10 steps to winter bliss are as follows: 1. Register 2. Read 3. Report back to the library 4. Receive a gift 5. Read 6. Report back to the library 7. Receive a gift 8. Read 9. Report back to the library 10.Receive a gift Pretty easy! Participants must be 17 years of age or older. Only one entry per person. And, audiobooks count Natural Step for Communities Study Circle Schedule B: Starting Feb. 13, this circle will meet every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a total of 10 sessions. Schedule C: Starting Feb. 16, this circle will meet every other Saturday at 1 p.m. for a total of 10 sessions. The study circles of the book are lead by Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti. If you would like to be involved contact the library at 715-2942310 or osceolapa@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Family story time Dinosaurs is the theme for Saturday, Feb. 16. Children, preschool through the second grade, and an accompanying adult are encouraged to come out for a themed half hour of stories, songs and fun every Saturday at 11 a.m.

Fun-fortified family event Come in from the cold and make some great memories with your child at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 20. The Osceola Public Library is hosting a Build-ABook Party with all the trimmings!

Everything you need to create your own book will be ready for you at the library.

To share in the fun and assist in creative construction, each child needs be accompanied by an adult.

All you need to do is preregister at the library as the number of Build-A-Book kits are limited. There is also a small fee of $3 per kit, which is due at the time of registration. Please stop in and register.

While you’re there, check out the

Scholastic Book Fair running Wednesday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb 23. There is certain to be some great titles to add you your child’s personal library. Stop in the Osceola Public Library or contact the library at 715-294-2310 or osceolapa@ifls.lib.wi.us to register.

Scholastic Book Fair The book fair runs from Wednesday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 23. Stop in and check out our Scholastic Book Fair at the library anytime during regular business hours. Browse all the great new titles.

There is bound to be something for your child’s personal library collection. Also, be sure to check you the family events scheduled through out the fair. http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/ osceolapubliclibrary.

Family story time Meow and Squeak is the theme for Saturday, Feb. 23. Children, preschool through the second grade, and an accompanying adult are encouraged to come out or a themed half hour of stories, songs and fun every Saturday at 11 a.m.

Book discussion The library will be holding a book discussion Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. on “The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian,” by Sherman Alexie. Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farmtown school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Join in the discussion. New participants are always welcome. You can pick up a copy of the novel at the circulation desk.

Preschool story time Preschoolers and an accompanying adult are invited to join in a half hour of stories, songs, and fun every Thursday morning at 10:30 am.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Clear Lake Public Library Gardening seminar On Saturday, Feb. 23, from 9-11 a.m., the Polk County Master Gardeners will present: The dirt about dirt; How to grow disease-free tomatoes; Seed starting; and Common mistakes gardeners make. There is a $10 fee that will go towards the cost of materials and future master gardener outreach efforts. Refreshments will be served. Call the library at 263-2802 to reserve your spot.

February is Food for Fines Month For every nonperishable item you bring in to the library, we’ll take $1 off of your library fines. The items will be given to the Lifeline Food Pantry located in the Clear Lake Area Community Center. The pantry needs flour, sugar,

peanut butter, jelly, coffee, tea and white rice. If you would like to donate something to the food pantry, but don’t have library fines, you may bring your donation in to the library during the month of February.

Knitting and crocheting classes Knitting and crocheting classes will be held Feb. 27, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Regular 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 715-2632802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Clear Lake Public Library

Centuria Public Library Reading to your children An often-quoted report, Becoming a Nation of Readers: Report of the Commission on Reading, stresses the importance of parents in developing the foundations for children learning to read. The report says, “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” The Centuria Public Library is a wonderful resource for parents to get reading materials that can assist them in developing the skills for learning how to

Dresser Public Library

read. Come into the library and browse at all the children’s books available for reading aloud to your children. The library staff will be most happy to assist any parent in helping to find fun and exciting reading material.

Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Balsam Lake Public Library Book sale Our second-annual I Love Used Books Sale, will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the library, sponsored by the Balsam Lake Library Friends Group.

Stock up on great books.

Patrick Taylor, “Strangers in Death” by JD Robb, “Killing Ground” by Jack Higgins, “7th Heaven” by James Patterson and “Honor Thyself” by Danielle Steel.

Book club The book club meets Feb. 20, 3 p.m. and all ages are welcome. In “Wish You Well,” David Baldacci has written a tale laced with touching passages of rural Virginia, imbued with graceful humor, and laden with unforgettable characters.

The novel is a heart-wrenching yet triumphant story about family and adversity from times past that resounds forcefully today. “Wish You Well” is a breathtakingly beautiful achievement from an author who has the power to make us feel, to make us care, and to make us believe in the great and little miracles that can change lives - or save them.

Book review “Quiet Strength” by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker is more than a book about a winning football coach. Nathan Whitaker has the ability to take us into the man himself and we learn that while football was an important part of his life, there is much more to life than it. Tony is a real-life hero who teaches us about the importance of quiet strength, fierce determination, and a humble heart.

Tony is involved in many charitable organizations, such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Prison Crusade Ministry, and Basket of Hope to name a few. He and his wife are parents of six children, some of whom they adopted. If you want to read a wonderful life story of, in my opinion, the best football coach ever and a tremendous family man, then this book is for you. There is more at stake than winning a Super Bowl.

Love to read and hang out with friends Join a teen book club for sixth grade and up. Meet at the Balsam Lake Library (under the water tower) on Monday, Feb. 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. for more information.

Story time 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.

New books for February “Stranger in Paradise” by Robert Parker, “Irish Country Village” by

Balsam Lake Public Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Join us for a St. Croix Falls Library FUNdraiser Family snow-tubing party at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, Minn., Sunday, Feb. 17, 5-8 p.m. Cost is $20 per person and includes: three hours unlimited tubing, dinner of brat or hot dog, chips, dessert and beverage. For every ticket sold, $10 goes directly to the library building fund.

2007, the library averaged 3,500 patrons/month. If 2,000 patrons give $10/month for 20 months, we would raise $400,000 by September 2009! Let’s do it! How to participate?

1. Stop in the St. Croix Falls Library 2. Fill out a pledge form 3. Take home and use the 20-month giving campaign monthly coupons. This is a giving opportunity for everyone!

Alive at the library!

Frogs and Toads Free family event on Saturday, Feb. 9 was a huge success!

There were over 60 kids and adults packed into the library to hear presenter Randy Korb, conservationist/wildlife educator, and see his frogs and toads.

Friends of the Library Next meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27, at noon. New members are always welcome.

Ongoing fundraising events Announcing the Friends of the Library/St. Croix Falls 20-Month Giving Campaign! Now through 2009, the Friends of the St. Croix Falls Library invite everyone to make a 20-month pledge to help build the new library!

Each person decides how much that he/she can give each month for 20 months and completes the pledge form.

Then, once a month, the person gives the amount. Any monthly amount is welcome! No amount is too small nor too big. Just imagine the new library! In

Saturday talk about the book club The book club will meet the third Saturday of February, the 16th, at Sit-ASpell in Les Amis Shops, 9:30 a.m. The current selection is “The Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family,” by Mike Leonard.

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Saturday 10 a.m.

– 1 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009.

The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees will hold its monthly meeting Jan. 28, at 6 p.m., at the library.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Coming up Lapsitter and preschool story times

meet each Thursday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join us then for winter stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.

Milltown Public Library Wii tourney Thanks to a grant from Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up, the library will host its first video game tournament for all teenagers on March 7. The only requirement to participate is that you are: a) 13-18 years old, and b) like to have fun. The competition begins at 6 p.m., and winners will receive free books and more! We’ll have free pizza and soda for dinner. Please sign up in advance so that we can have enough food for everyone.

Bring your friends and challenge them at all the coolest Nintendo Wii games.

Play your favorite games on our big screen. Meet new friends, and find out how you can have more access to the library’s Wii.

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. yearround. 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. Please note that there will be no story time on Feb. 5 and Feb. 12; please make plans to visit our special events on those days instead!

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.

Frederic Public Library Library receives Operation RoundUp grant The Frederic Library was among six area recipients of grants recently awarded through Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up program. The library received $1,000 for enrichment materials and equipment for preschool story time programs. Gratitude is extended to Polk-Burnett, its board of directors and its members for supporting the services and programs of libraries and schools.

Mark your calendars for Feb. 14-16 The annual library bake and book sale will be held Feb. 14-16, and we are accepting donations of gently used books, movies, music CDs, and audio books.

Materials can be dropped off during library open hours, and we can provide a receipt for the number of items you donate. This is one of two large fundraiser book sales held at the library each year, and we appreciate your support.

What are the book groups reading?

The Thursday morning reading group meets Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. to discuss “Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival,” by Velma Wallis, a tale of two old Native American women abandoned by their tribe to perish in the Yukon during a brutal winter famine. The evening book group also

meets Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. to talk about “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” by Gregory Maguire, “a fantastical tale of good and evil, of choice and responsibility,” according to Publishers Weekly. Copies of both books are available at the library, and new members are always welcome.

What a great way to spend a winter morning or evening!

The library is a drop-off site for the community food shelf Please bring an item or two for the local food shelf when you visit the library – your donations will make you feel good and will help those in need.

Free wireless access available The library offers free wireless Internet access for patrons who bring in their laptops installed with wireless cards - no more waiting to use the public access computers.

Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular open hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Luck Public Library Computers for Seniors is held Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Preschool story hour is held Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. We focus on developing emergent reading skills and language.

Tax forms are in. Come and get them while they last.

DVD donations are needed. If you have a new or slightly used DVD that you are willing to donate to the library, it would be much appreciated. DVDs are getting to be a greater and greater

part of our circulation, and most library’s budgets are not increasing. This would be a wonderful thank-you gift to your library.

Bricks are still available to purchase for our new library. Contact the village or the library for a copy of the Buy a Brick form. The building is really taking shape.

Hours: Monday 1 – 5 p.m., Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 1 – 8 p.m., Friday 1 – 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

“Snow White” presented at Grantsburg High School GRANTSBURG – The Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre and Grantsburg Community Education presented “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at the Grantsburg Fine Arts Auditorium Friday, Feb. 8 and Sat. Feb. 9. Over 60 Grantsburg Elementary, Middle and High School students auditioned and had roles in the fairy tale. Parent volunteers also played a big role in the success of the production, doing the make-up, ushering and lending a hand wherever needed.

Snow White, Alexa-Jo Maslow, with all of the forest creatures gathered around.

Director Megan K. Pence was the Evil Queen, Jordan Buggert was Raven No. 1, Carolyn Peterson was Raven No. 3 and Haley Larsen was Raven No. 2 performing “I’m the Queen” during the presentation of “Snow White” held at the Grantsburg Fire Arts Auditorium on Friday and Saturday.

Kristen Zastrow, a student volunteer, assisted Jonathan Michaels, one of the forest creatures, in getting ready for his performance. – Photos

by Priscilla Bauer unless otherwise noted

Snow White (center), played by Alexa-Jo Maslow, is brought back to life by cast members Hickory (L), played by Derek Stevens and Bart (R), played by Majel Schmaltz. The play is a modern version of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

– Photo by Wayne Anderson

Unity Area School Board member honored

MADISON – Debbie Ince-Peterson, a member of the Unity School Board, was honored for 20 years of service during the 2008 State Education Convention, held Jan. 23-25 in Milwaukee. Ince-Peterson received her award from Wisconsin Association of School Boards President Gabe Kolesari, a member of the Hamilton School Board.

“We know that you are dedicated to public service and have the interest of children first in your heart. We thank you for doing a terrific job and for your longtime support of the children in this state and your district,” Kolesari said.

Ince-Peterson’s service provides an outstanding example of a fundamental tenet of Wisconsin’s system of public education: local schools that are governed by their own communities.

The Wisconsin Association of School Boards is a nonprofit association that provides information and services to Wisconsin school boards in the areas of school law and policymaking, collective bargaining, legislation and leadership development. - submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Volunteers honored for dedicated service

Some of the members of the Milltown Fire and Rescue, Unity Area Ambulance and Balsam Lake Rescue gathered at midcourt during the Unity and Grantsburg boys basketball game last Friday, Feb. 8. The groups were awarded plaques and an extension of gratitude from Unity coaches and athletes in honor of their dedicated service to the Unity School District. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photos by Marty Seeger

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

"Retiring Minds: Life After Work" MINNEAPOLIS - How do people take to retirement? One retiree said his adjustment took from the time he left his desk for the last time until he reached his car in the parking lot.

This ease of transition isn’t universal, however.

Just thinking about retirement arouses fear in some people; then they get over it, and they find filling in what they missed during their work years quite a pleasant phenomenon. That is the central message in a wide-ranging new book titled “Retiring Minds: Life After Work.”

The original idea for the book was to be lighthearted, and some writers have taken that approach, as in a colonoscopy story which is downright hilarious.

However, retirees tend to be reflective, so their writings vary from the matter-offact to whimsical, from amusing to sad.

Their stories are full of wit and wisdom and they share them with candor.

The book begins with “Retirement Angst,” four views of the nature of retirement. First is a tale about a wrenching decision to retire. Another writer presents retirement as an opportunity to dodge moralizing about time and purpose while two others ponder their new

Carolyn Wedin of rural Frederic is one of 21 writers who contributed to the book “Retiring Minds: Life After Work.” She is shown here with her grandchild. - Photo submitted

Couple make wedding plans

A great many people with wedding plans in their futures turned up, despite the cold temperatures Sunday, Feb. 10, to view the wealth of wedding essentials available to them at the wedding shop on the second floor of Peggy’s Fashion Rack & Gifts, Siren. An afternoon of Wedding Essentials, sponsored by Peggy’s and Saratoga Weddings, attracted upcoming bride Tricia Hanson and her groom, Mark Sazama. The two will be married Oct. 11 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grantsburg. Looking at rental books with them were (L to R): Joanne Goldman, mother of the bride; Hanson; Raisa Jensen, flower girl/bride’s niece; Briena Jensen, bride’s niece; Heather Jensen, bride’s sister/matron of honor; Gayle Janson, grandmother of the bride; and Sazama. The event will be held again Sunday, April 6, when the weather is better. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Feeling stretched caring for an older family member?

Powerful Tools for Caregivers class BALSAM LAKE – Learn how to bring balance into your life as you care for someone you love. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself.

This program will help family caregivers: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, increase ability to make tough decision and locate helpful resources.

Classes consist of six, 2-1/2-hour sessions held once a week. Two class leaders, Karen Krupa from Interfaith

Caregivers and Joan Litwitz from the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association, will conduct each session. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the tools you choose and put them into action for your life.

There is a nominal fee of $15 for the program. Each participant will receive a copy of the book, The Caregiver Helpbook.

Classes will be held from 1-3:30 p.m. at the government center in Conference Room A/B (next to the Aging Program).

Sessions will be held March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 and 24. For more information or to register, contact Polk County Aging Programs at 485-8599. - submitted

life with tranquility. The rest of “Retiring Minds” describes the scope of “life after work.” An art professor who gave up painting to take up writing and gives us a story as intricate as the drawings he once did. Three contributors describe segueing their professional writing into a retirement occupation: an economist takes up ecology, a scholar ends his journal of 50 years with thoughts about mortality.

It would be remiss to have a collection about the experience of retirement without acknowledging the effects of time rolling on. This is attended to creatively with a photo essay about retired buildings, the health scare story mentioned above and a humorous commentary on “geriatria” – places where elderly people congregate.

Travel, a favored activity of retirees, is recognized with a loving account of a trip to England while another contributor describes pulling up stakes and moving to Texas. Volunteerism is exemplified in an account of a Red Cross worker in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and in that of a librarian at the Library of Congress who now cooks for the homeless. A less-traveled “life after work” path is followed by a former English teacher devoting herself to the theater.

Frederic native Carolyn Wedin begins the section on work and family by recounting her student and work years and in the process discusses women balancing career and family responsibilities.

The book ends with writings on care giving and the death of a spouse.

In all, 21 contributed to the book. Most taught at UW campuses. The authors include deans and teachers of art, economics, English, family studies, hospitality and tourism, speech, sociology and theater. More about the contributors, the book and where to buy it is at susanthurin.com.

Six of the authors will read from their writing and be available for chatting and book signing at Bookends in downtown Menomonie on Thursday, Feb. 21, 3-5 p.m. - submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Luck Winter Carnival parade

A bright collection of buttons from the 49 years of Luck Winter Carnivals.

Photos by Gregg Westigard

The king was not in his castle Saturday night.

It was cold on Main Street Saturday night, more than 100 degrees colder than the summer parade. But that did not stop Bernice and John Bibeau from driving up from Minnesota to visit their relatives, Bernie and Paul Marek, and enjoy the winter fun.

The 20 below zero temperature did not stop the Torchlight parade Saturday night. There were floats, complete with bundled up royalty, from many neighboring villages. Grand Marshal Mark Jensen and Luck Village President Richard Callister had their own vehicles to greet the spectators. There were families out to watch the parade.

LEFT: This dragon needed a lot of flames to keep warm heading down Main Street on a cold night.

Royalty past and present from Luck and its neighbors gathered on the stage of the DBS Hall. They all dressed much warmer when they headed out to ride on their floats in the parade that followed.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Grantsburg second-graders

George Washington (1789-1797)

John Adams (1797-1801)

Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)

James Madison (1809-1817)

James Monroe (1817-1825)

John QuicyAdams (1825-1829)

by Chris Hermann

by Brittanie Blume

by Chandler Vandervelden

by Mollie Kozak

by Mikel Louis

by Cole Reichstadt

Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)

Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)

William Henry Harrison (1841)

John Tyler (1841-1845)

James Knox Polk (1845-1849)

Zachary Taylor (1849-1850)

by Jacob Oiyotte

by Kalisa Jones

by Josef Mackenburg

by Mackenna Johnson

by Quinton Richardson

by Danielle Erickson

Millard Fillmore (1850-1953)

Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)

by Joseph Ohnstad

by Stratton McKinley

James Buchanan (1857 – 1861)

Abraham Lincoln (1861 – 1865)

by Chris Hermann

by Brittanie Blume

Andrew Johnson (1865 – 1869)

Ulysses S. Grant, (1869 – 1877)

Rutherford B. Hayes 1877 – 1881

James Garfield, (1881)

Chester Arthur (1881 – 1885)

by Chandler Vandervelden

by Mollie Kozak

by Mikel Louis

by Cole Reichstadt

by Jacob Oiyotte

Grover Cleveland (1885 – 1889 and 1893 – 1897)

by Kalisa Jones

Benjamin Harrison (1889 – 1893)

William McKinley (1897 – 1901)

Theodore Roosevelt (1901 – 1909)

William Howard Taft (1909 – 1913)

Woodrow Wilson (1913 – 1921)

Warren G. Harding (1921 – 1923)

by Josef Mackenburg

by Mackenna Johnson

by Quinton Richardson

by Danielle Erickson

by Joseph Ohnstad

by Stratton McKinley

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

honor presidents Cindy Johnson’s second-grade class creates drawings of 43 presidents in honor of Presidents Day

Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)

Herbert Hoover (1929 – 1933)

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933 – 1945)

by Chris Hermann

by Brittanie Blume

by Chandler Vandervelden

Harry S. Truman (1945 – 1953)

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953 – 1961)

John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963)

by Mollie Kozak

by Mikel Louis

by Cole Reichstadt

Mary Maiden Mueller crowned Miss Luck 2008

2008 Miss Luck Mary Maiden Mueller reacts to the feel of the crown being placed on her head by 2007 Miss Luck Krystal Stage.

Luck graduate Todd Anderson sings “Kiss Me” to Miss Luck contestants Amanda Shannon and Grace Jensen.

Mistress of ceremonies Jamie Anderson kept the pageant lighthearted and moving.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963 – 1969)

Richard M. Nixon, (1969 – 1974)

Gerald R. Ford (1974 – 1977)

by Jacob Oiyotte

by Kalisa Jones

by Josef Mackenburg

Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)

Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989)

George H. Bush (1989 – 1993)

by Mackenna Johnson

by Quinton Richardson

by Danielle Erickson

Bill Clinton (1993 – 2001)

George W. Bush (2001 – present)

by Joseph Ohnstad

by Stratton McKinley

(L to R): Little Miss Princess Tasian Arjes and Little Miss Luck Lindsay Mattson; (back): Second Princess Alecia Ouellette, Miss Luck Mary Maiden Mueller, First Princess Grace Jenson. - Photos courtesy Lori Nelson, Luck Schools

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Luck Queen Pageant talent show Miss Luck contestant Aleah Lemieux presents an original monologue entitled “A Very Bad Day!” during the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant.

Miss Luck contestant Grace Jensen performs a ballet dance to “Headstrong” during the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant.

Photo courtesy Lori Nelson, Luck Schools

Miss Luck contestant Jenny Roettger During the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant, Miss Luck con- sings “Someone’s Watching Over Me” testant Samantha Fenning plays the gui- during the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant. tar while singing “Bubbly.”

Miss Luck contestant Alecia Ouellette performs a gymnastics routine to the song “Final Countdown” during the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant.

Ouellette won the talent award for this presentation.

During the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant, Miss Luck contestant Brittany Douglas dances to “Fishin’ In The Dark.”

The Little Miss Luck candidates present the finale of their dance to “Part of Your World” during the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant.

During the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant, Miss Luck contestant Mary Maiden Mueller performs a musical theater selection entitled, “In My Own Little Corner” from the musical, “Cinderella.” Maiden Mueller was selected as Miss Congeniality by the other contestants.

During the talent portion of the Luck Winter Carnival Pageant, Miss Luck contestant Amanda Shannon presents an original monologue entitled, “Christmas Morning.”

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Big Butternut Ice Fishing Contest

It was cool again on Sunday for the ice-fishing contest, 20 below and blowing. No one sat Brian Holdt of Luck and his son, Brandon, 13, caught the prize-winning 11.7 outside on Big Butternut enjoypound northern. The fish was pretty solid by the time the contest ended at 5 ing the sun. p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

Ten-year-old Blake Thompson of Lewis won the prize for catching the biggest bass, a 1.6 pounder. It was a day for dressing warmly. - Photos

by Gregg Westigard

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Unity Pre-K Busy Bugs held Fourth-Annual Dads and Donuts Celebration On Friday, Feb. 8, the Unity Pre-K Busy Bugs held their Fourth-Annual Dads and Donuts Celebration. Almost 75 dads, brothers, uncles and grandpas attended. Some dads were unable to make the special event, so a few male staff members were invited to share the morning with a child. They had a wonderful time! The event started with a breakfast of donuts and milk, followed by activities in the gym. Each classroom of dads rotated through five events: basketball, egg and spoon races, turtles and scooters, the parachute and Frisbees, hula hoops and jump ropes. When they were finished with a morning of fun, the children sang two songs to their guests and wished them a great day! -Photos/text submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Nathanial comes to America - but what a way to get here

by Nancy Jappe WEBSTER – In years to come, Nathanial Macomber will probably be embarrassed when the story of his messy trip from Guatemala to America is retold. But the plucky little boy and his new overjoyed parents, Web and Lori Ward-Macomber, survived the ordeal, and all is well, finally, at the Macomber home in Webster.

“Nathanial is healthy and happy. He is a busy boy who seems to love his new home. He loves to climb, and is quite the daredevil. He has bonded with Web and I, and Grandma Gail (Ward), too,” his mother said.

Nathanial is the third child the Macombers have attempted to adopt. The previous two have resulted in heartaches for the family. This third adoption, of Nathanial from Guatemala, took a long time to process, but the result was well worth the effort.

Lori Ward-Macomber put the trials of Nathanial’s coming to America in words in a Feb. 12 e-mail to family and friends. “We are home!!! We got in around 5:30 Thursday night (Feb. 7). What a long day,” the e-mail started out.

The Macombers arrived in Guatemala Monday, Feb. 4, making their connecting flight in Houston by some miracle. Security workers at the exits when the plane landed in Guatemala didn’t even look at the immigration and declaration form they had carefully filled out on the plane.

A hotel shuttle took to them to their hotel. “A nice hotel with 13 floors, glass elevators, glass ceiling, two fancy restaurants, lots of live plants and trees and the most adorable bellboy named Giovanni, who spoke

Lori Ward-Macomber, a kindergarten teacher at Webster Elementary School, holds her new son, 15month-old Nathanial, as they headed for the U. S. Embassy to finalize Nathanial’s release from the country of his birth. – Photos submitted

English because he had lived in the states for a few years,” Ward-Macomber commented.

They supposedly had an hour before their lawyer would arrive with Nathanial and his foster mother.

“They were there within 10 minutes,” Ward-Macomber said. “I had luggage and stuff everywhere.” She was trying to sort out gifts for the lawyer and the foster mother, Ingrid, gifts that were spread out in four suitcases. “I apologized,” she continued, “but they knew we had just gotten there. They watched us come in, I guess.”

Nathanial allowed Ward-Macomber to hold him for a second, then he wanted to play. “He was quiet, but content,” his new mother related. “They told us he wasn’t feeling well, but he seemed OK to us, other than the messy diaper he had while they were there. And when Web and Lori Ward-Macomber, had hoped their I say messy, I mean messy.” son, Nathanial, would be able to wear this “Hi, I am After about 30 minutes, Ingrid and the lawyer left new here” shirt when he got home to Webster. Un- quietly. Nathanial never cried, much to his new parfortunately, because of illness, the outfit was ruined ents’ surprise. They had expected to have a sad boy on before the trip home began. their hands.

The rest of the afternoon was spent holding Nathanial and watching him play. Then things went awry.

Nathanial was sick, throwing up and filling a diaper about every 10 minutes. He went through four outfits before his parents said “enough with that” and left him in just a diaper for the rest of the evening.

The bellboy, Giovanni, and Web went out to find some Pedialyte for the sick child. Giovanni left his home number, in case the Macombers needed anything more that night.

By 6:30 the next morning, the family was off to the embassy. Visits there usually took four hours. The Macombers got out in two because Nathanial threw up all over their attorney’s wife. “We felt so bad for Nathanial,” Ward-Macomber said. “He was miserable, and for the lawyer’s wife, who now smelled lovely. Anyway, it was done. Yeah!!!”

The following day, when Nathanial seemed better, the family explored the mall under their hotel and the pool, but Nathanial didn’t like the water. They spotted men with machine guns guarding everything, a sight that depressed them.

At 5 p.m., the lawyer’s wife brought Nathanial’s visa to the hotel. She brought back Nathanial’s clothing, which she had washed at her home. “We were down to one outfit to make it home in,” Ward-Macomber said.

“We would have had to go out and buy clothes, had she not done that. At this point, he really felt like ours.”

That evening, the family did what was considered a no-no. They left the hotel to go to a mall about a block away. Giovanni said it would be OK if they were back by dark.

By 7 a.m. the next day, they were in the air, headed home. The people at the Guatemalan airport checked everything. “Every time you blinked, they were rechecking something. So different than when we arrived,” Ward-Macomber commented.

Just as they got ready to board the plane, Nathanial again had an accident and ruined his outfit. Ward-Macomber asked a flight attendant for a plastic bag, to put over herself in case he had yet another messy diaper.

No problem this time. Nathanial fell asleep, and slept for most of the three-hour flight.

He slept for most of the flight to Minneapolis-St. Paul from Houston. However, just as they were landing, they could smell a familiar smell. A second outfit was ruined.

Nathanial hated being bundled up, and he hated the car seat he had to ride in for the trip to Webster from the airport. He didn’t know what to do with the French fry his parents had purchased at McDonald’s.

The family got home to Webster at 5:30 p.m. “Guess what – he ruined another outfit,” Ward-Macomber, concluding her story at this point. However, she added, “All is great. We are enjoying ‘our gift of God,’ Nathanial.” – with information provided by Lori Ward-Macomber

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Hope for a Cure Basket Bingo SIREN – Frigid temperatures didn’t dissuade over 100 people from coming out to play bingo at the Northwoods Crossing Event Center in Siren Sunday afternoon for the Hope for a Cure Longaberger Basket Bingo Fundraiser. Businesses, organizations, individuals and families donated money to buy Longaberger baskets which were given away as bingo prizes. Many other door prizes were also donated by local businesses. The annual event co-sponsored by The Pink Ladies Relay for Life team and The Burnett County Sentinel, raised over $3,000 with all proceeds from the event going to The American Cancer Society and The Burnett County Relay for Life. – Priscilla Bauer

It was a day for moms and their children to get out and play some bingo for a great cause, the fight against cancer. Tom Bonneville helped his 92 yearold mother, Eleanor Bonneville, watch her numbers.

Ericka Swanson, Siren, was the winner of the Horizon for Hope Basket, which symbolizes the fight against breast cancer. The basket was donated by Priscilla Bauer and her R-Gang group. Bauer and several other women, all breast cancer survivors, formed their own support group (the R-Gang) after they met while awaiting radiation treatments in 2000. All the members remain cancer-free and have continued to meet for the past seven years.

Hope for a Cure event host, Sandy Eng, and Schary Shouse, local American Cancer Society Community Relations representative, presented Shari Pearson from Spooner with the afternoon’s raffle prize, a Longaberger newspaper basket. Pearson said she was very happy to accept the basket on behalf of her husband who had purchased the winning raffle ticket for the cancer fundraiser. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Webster Honor Roll A Honor Roll Grade 5 Zachary Koelz, Carrie Rosenthal, Mallory Daniels, Andrew Schrooten, William Cooper, Kenna Gall, Ashley Davis, Alexandria Spears, Marissa Elmblad, Raelyn Tretsven and Nathanael Gatten.

Grade 6 Brian Billings, Amysue Grieff, Evon Maxwell, Roxanne Songetay, Paige Young, Jack Prahlp, Mikayla Hatfield, Jalicia Larson, Kristine Watral, Aleah Heinz, Alexandra Holmstrom, Ashley Dietmeier, Sarah Thielke, Megan Hophan, Abby Houston, Logan Ruledge, Steven Stoll and William Arnold.

Grade 7 Amber Davis, Nikkita Emberson, Cassandra Heller, Jacob Hunter, Chelsey McIntyre, Brianna Phernetton, Kaleiah Schiller, Darren Deal, Danielle Formanek, Tianna Stewart, Brooke Bird, Alyxandria Hatfield, Emma Kelby, Charles Mahlen, Samantha Perius, Danielle Curtis, Ashley Nordin, Jacob Sargent, Victoria Pope, Matthew Smith, Brenna Nutt and Cailea Dochniak.

Grade 8 Matthew Hophan, Mackenzie Koelz, Olivia Kopecky, Brittany Maxwell, Shauna Rein, Miranda Burger, Chelsea Larson, Joey Erickson, Mary Arnold,

Academic news LUCK – David T. Maiden Mueller has made the dean’s list for fall of 2007.

Mueller is a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. ••• FREDERIC – Traci Lund has been named to the dean’s list at the UW-Eau Claire College of Arts and Sciences for the fall semester, 2007 – 2008. – submitted

Melissa Gustavson, Felicia Paulzine, Danielle Dyson, Bradley Krause, Benjamin Leef, Tatyana Pope, Austin Bork, Matthew Elmgren, Leslea Wiggins, Saronah Clark and Katlyn Payson.

Grade 9 Mason Kriegel, Shaina Pardun, Breeanna Watral, Siiri Larsen, Devin Greene, Michael Billings, Alyssa Main, Kayce Rachner, Bryana Andren, Jenna Anderson, Michelle Gibbs, Greg McIntyre and Annie Kelby.

Grade 10 Nick Doriott, Bryan Krause, Nolan Kriegel, Allison Leef, Nicholas Koelz, Torah Pope, Robert Billings, Chaz Heinz, Bethany Nutt, Nicole Steiner and Andrew Larson.

Grade 11 Olivia Main, Max Baernreuther, Courtney Erickson, Brittany Flatten, Rose Kopecky, Catie Mahlen, Alisa Miller, Bradley Nutt, Kelsey Tretsven, Quentin Johnson, Adam Baum, Eric Plath, Mitchell Elliott and Cassandra Anderson.

Grade 12 Brian Gibbs, Asa Olson, Nick Wolfe, Peter Walsh, Anthony Mensen, Cody

Mattison, Kathryn Krause, Aimee Rinnman, Jamie Kopecky, Leighann Flatten, Elizabeth Baer, Colleen Foote, Shannon Conroy, Barbie Antill, Deborah Faught, Amanda Taylor, Jesse Bentley, Brandon Fornengo, Dustin Gramer, William Fish, Shannon Steiner, Chelsey Bereiter, Alex Main, Anthony Nowling and Brian Thill.

B Honor Roll Grade 5 Madeline Snow, Julia Saraceno, Jessie Yezek, Daniel Formanek, Brett Richison, Ellora Schaaf, Madison Main, Christina Weis, Sean Martinez, Kendel Mitchell, Ryan Curtis and Alec Gustafson.

Grade 6 Lance Preston, Robert Cook, Janie Waltzing, Devon Rondou, Mark Paulzine, Harley Berthiaume, Cabrina Hopkins, Marissa Elliott, Tamera Quatmann, Emma Robinson and Alex Spafford.

Grade 7 Rebecca Saraceno, Gabriella Schiller, Cortland Summer, Dillion Reeder, Sheyanne Kislenger, James Pijanowski Jr. and Nathan Puttbrese.

Sarah Fleischhacker, Sarah Nyberg, Alicia Snorek, Sharon Zabel, Joshua Baer and Garrett Eichman.

Grade 9 Connor Pierce, Paige Lamson, Elise Windbiel, Tiffani Demarre, Samantha Kopecky, Allison Rydel, Jack Taylor, Austin Elliott and Rachel Salas.

Grade 10 Benjamin Shives, Phillip Preston, Joseph Cook, Ellie Isaacson, Shadiyah Knutson, Ashley Robinson-Madsen, Kevin Packard, Sarah Walsh, Rachel Larson, Holly Gustafson, Kendra Spurgeon, Karl Weber, Judson Mosher, Ashley Kuhn, Toni Zappa, Amanda Dupre, John Elmgren and Chad French.

Grade 11 Rebecca Smallwood, Rebecca Schrooten, Nicholas Krinkie, Ryan Clemmons, Dakota Gardner and Kara Gall.

Grade 12 Cathrine Loso, Hannah Belland, Andrew Holmquist, Michael Kurkowski, Leah Janssen, Chase Fornengo, Bryan Holmstrom and Cameron Hughes.

Grade 8 Tanya Johnson, Taylor Heinz, Carenna Berrisford, Ciara Koenen, Cody Hughes,

SCRMC offering grief and loss support group ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Regional Medical Center is offering a free, six-session grief and loss support group for persons who have experienced the loss of a loved one in death. The group will begin Monday, Feb. 18.

“This program is designed to create a setting in which those in attendance can help one another,” says the group’s organizer and facilitator, Bonnie Prazak, BSW. “It will be a time of learning and sharing.”

Session 1 – Monday, Feb. 18, The Journey of Grief

Session 2 – Monday, Feb. 25, Understanding Your Grief Session 3 – Monday, March 3, Embracing Change Session 4 – Monday, March 10, Celebrating Memories Session 5 – Monday, March 17, Special Occasions and Holidays Session 6 – Monday, March 24, Moving on with Hope Session will be held Mondays from 23:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center in the lower level of the hospital building at St. Croix Regional

Medical Center in St. Croix Falls.

“Feel free to choose a time that best fits into your schedule,” says Prazak, “though we do encourage you to attend the same time session each week, in order to feel some continuity in your group.”

Preregistration is not required, but appreciated. You may just come and join in. For more information or to sign up for this free support group, contact Bonnie Prazak at 715-483-0272. - submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

Grantsburg academic all-stars named

MTV visits Unity High School

GRANTSBURG – Grantsburg Middle School is proud to present the academic allstars for quarter two. The academic all-stars include the top 10 grade-point averages for each class. For grade eight, it required a GPA of at least 3.791. For grade seven, it required a GPA of an amazing 3.966. Congratulations to all of these students for their academic talent and hard work.

Jason Coen, Unity School junior, had the opportunity to perform “Wild Thing” with the Dweebs onstage for the high school last week.

BALSAM LAKE – Jahnna and Justin Randall, both Unity alumni, visited their alma mater during the annual high school Snow Week festivities. Their visit was a bit more than just a swing in to say hi and walk the hallways. The sisterbrother duo are filming a new producAcademic seventh-grade all-stars for the second quarter are pictured: Front tion for MTV called the “Dean’s List.”

(L to R): Grace Corbin, Sean Handy, Brad Taylor, Ellie Corbin and Tiffani Moyer. The program will highlight their homeBack: Aimee Lerud, Melissa Dahl, Connor Myers, Scott Morley and Stacey town area and the high school they both McKenzie. graduated from. The Randalls interviewed students and selected a total of 25 juniors and seniors to be part of the show. The film crew, Heidi and Tom, were set up in the hallways as well as the high school gym. Script and wardrobe changes plus scene retakes were the morning’s business.

Jahnna was highlighted on MTV a year ago with her selection and starring role in one of their reality programs.

Jahnna switched places with another college student from the city of New

York for one week. Each lived the lifestyle of the other for the week.

Jahnna caught the attention of producers, and now she and brother Justin have been given more opportunities to work with MTV. As part of the “Dean’s List” production the high school students were treated to a concert by the very popular rock group, The Dweebs. The Dweebs were part of Jahnna’s first MTV appearance and will again be highlighted with this production. Their performance was “absolutely awesome” according to students. Their music style and showmanship fit right in with this new production.

Jahnna and Justin will continue filming in the area before their project is completed. They are hoping that everything will be completed and ready for airing in a month.

Academic eighth-grade all-stars for the second quarter are pictured: Front (L to R): Isaac Peterson, Dave Ohnstad, Ben Davis, Daniel Larson and Nikkie Tichnor. Back: Nicole McKenzie, Rachel Diffee, Kyle Roberts, Hannah Rod and Gabbie Witzany. – Photos submitted

Memorial dance set for Bob Clark SHELL LAKE - Duck for the Oyster, the northwoods premier traditional dance band, will be hosting a dance at the Shell Lake Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 16, starting at 7:30 p.m., in memory of Bob Clark.

Clark was the guitar player for Duck for the Oyster from 2002 until his last gig, New Year’s Eve of 2007. He died of cancer on Jan. 25, 2008.

“We wanted to have a dance to remember Bob and celebrate his life,” said Duck for the Oyster caller, Karen Kaufman, “He was an important part of the band, and I think the band was a pretty important part of his life as well.”

Kaufman said that money from the proceeds of the dance will go to defray expenses of the funeral as well as other expenses that have accrued throughout his illness.

“We wanted to do something to help out,” said fiddler, Kevin McMullin. “In a small way we can help to ease the financial burden and at the same time honor a man who was an outstanding musician and a great friend.”

Duck for the Oyster plays music for contras, squares, circles, reels, waltzes and international dances. All dances are taught beforehand. Everyone is welcome. Like all of Duck for the Oyster’s dances, this event is smoke and al-

Jahnna Randall, Unity Principal Bill Alleva, and Justin Randall worked cooperatively to involve the Unity School and students to be a part of the MTV production.

A dance will be held at the Shell Lake Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 16, starting at 7:30 p.m., in memory of Bob Clark. Clark was the guitar player for Duck for the Oyster from 2002 until his last gig, New Year’s Eve of 2007. He died of cancer on Jan. 25, 2008. – Photo submitted cohol free. For more information call 635-7641 or e-mail kevinfriend@centurytel.net. - from Duck for the Oyster

Unity High School students were selected to be a part of the MTV production.

– Photos by Jeanne Alling

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

KC Council 6370 presents check

OBITUARIES William “Bill” Theodore Ovre

Dave Rudolph presents a check from Knights of Columbus Council 6370 to Michelle Johnson. A benefit for Scott and Michelle will be held at Crex Convention Center at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29. – Photo submitted

Service agency reschedules sign-up for dairy disaster assistance program SPOONER — Washburn/Burnett Farm Service Agency announced that sign-up for the Dairy Disaster Assistance Program is temporarily on hold.

“Sign-up for the dairy disaster program will be postponed until final regulations are published in the Federal Register,” said Katherine Brihn, county executive director of the Washburn/Burnett County FSA. Sign-up for the dairy disaster program was scheduled to resume Feb. 4.

FSA was forced to delay dairy disaster sign-up because of regulations requiring public comment on the proposed rules implementing the program. FSA is cur-

rently finalizing its review of the numerous comments received from the proposed rules and expects to publish final regulations within the next few weeks.

“When dairy disaster sign-up resumes, we will immediately announce it,” Brihn said. In the meantime, remember that FSA is still accepting applications for crop and livestock losses suffered in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

To date, Wisconsin FSA offices have paid out about $12 million in disaster assistance for 2005, 2006 and 2007 crop and livestock losses. — from SA office

William “Bill” T. Ovre, age 81, a resident of Elmwood (formerly of Webster), died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, at Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home.

William “Bill” was born March 14, 1926, in Webster, to John J. and Emma (Klemann) Ovre.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Marvel, in 1990 and brother, Leslie Ovre.

Bill is survived by his stepson, Larry (Lois) Grandbois of Blaine, Minn.; stepdaughter, Audree Cameron of Bozeman, Mont.; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Gertrude Zach of Spooner, Anna (Bill) Simmons of Webster; Dorothy (Bert) Albers of Blaine, Minn.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill attended Webster High School and was a World War II veteran. Bill was a milk distributor from 1955 until 2004, when he retired.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 9, at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Mike Tupa officiating. Music was provided by Kim Dropp. Interment followed at the St. John’s Cemetery in Webster. Casket bearers were Eric Snyder, Kevin Snyder, Bob Nelson, Bert Albers, Ronald Zach and John Ovre. Honorary casket bearer was Bob Zach.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Maggie Smedegard Maggie Smedegard, 80, longtime village of Superior resident, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at Solvay Hospice House, Duluth, Minn.

She was born Aug. 30, 1927, in Cloverton, Minn., daughter of John and Maria (Vallero) Fornengo.

Maggie was a former member of Bethel Lutheran Church, VFW Auxiliary and the union for retail clerks.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, James C. Smedegard; brothers, Tony, Dominic and Peter Fornengo and sister, Mary Brockoff.

Survivors include her son, James R. (Susan) Smedegard, Danbury; daughter, Valerie, Colorado; granddaughters, Tonie (Brad) Corbin, South Range, Trisha (Terry) Stenberg, White Bear Lake, Minn., and Kelly (Mike) Zebro, Warrens; great-grandchildren, Alisha and Aimee Moran, Cole Stenberg and Kyle Zebro; special friend, Steve Gondik, Superior; sisters, Lucy Ehorn, Des Plaines, Ill., and Tracy Gomulak, Superior; brothers, Martin (Kay) and Joe (Irene) Fornengo, both of Danbury; sisters-in-law, Ardyce Fornengo, Turtle Lake, Emma Fornengo, Cloverton, Minn., and Merle Tervi, Westboro; brothers-in-law, Lyle Smedegard, Medford and Ken Smedegard, Gatesville, Texas, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Downs Funeral Home, Superior, with the Rev. Gary Garnatz, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church officiating.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.

The Downs Funeral Home, Superior, was entrusted with the arrangements.

Families First new treatment groups SIREN – Families First Counseling Center, LLC is pleased to offer new treatment groups to treat Burnett County children, adolescents and teens that have been the victim of abuse or neglect. Burnett County Safe and Stable Families program has raised money to provide this service free of charge.

Focus will be on healing and increasing skills and strengths to move forward into recovery.

Groups will be designated based on age and gender and facilitated by experienced and licensed therapists.

Please contact Cate Hayman or JoAnn Pomerleau at Families First Counseling Center, LLC, at 715-349-8913 for more information or to make referrals. – submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

OBITUARIES Esther A. Carlson

Patricia Ann Chial

John A. Howe

Esther A. Carlson, 88, of Webster, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m., with time of gathering from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster.

A complete obituary will be published in a upcoming edition.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Patricia Ann Chial, 76, Webster, died Feb. 6, 2008.

Patricia was born to Emanuel and Anna Swanson in St. Paul, Minn. She was the youngest of five children and the only girl. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1949, and finished up her schooling at Anchor School of Nursing in 1952 as a registered nurse.

She married John Chial in 1953 and together they raised four children, John, Tim, Peg and Terry. She continued her nursing career until retirement in 1985.

After retirement, John and Pat moved to Webster. Pat kept busy cooking and gardening. She loved to grow and give away her roses. She was the proud grandmother of four granddaughters, three grandsons and one great-grandson.

Pat is survived by Peggy (Randy) Reis and their children, Vanessa (Fred) Haines, Dan and Ben Ries, all of Siren; Terry (Sally) Chial and their children, Chad, Alissa and Amanda Chial of Maple Grove, Minn.; April (Doug) Counard and Parker (great-grandson) of West Bend; sisters-in-law, Marisabel Simson of Houston, Texas, Alice Olson of Stillwater, Minn., Myrna (Mel) Brown of Stillwater, Minn., and 11 other nieces and 15 nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 9, at Bethlehem Lutheran in Bayport, Minn.

John A. Howe, age 80, passed away on Feb. 5, 2008, at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill., after a long battle with lung disease.

John was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on July 27, 1927, to John and Myrtle (Horner) Howe. He spent his childhood both in Chicago and Minneapolis. In 1950, he married Marion Engstrom. They had two children John had a successful career in sales, marketing and entrepreneurship. In the ‘60s he cofounded Village Bath Products, which later became Minnetonka, Inc., the company which introduced Softsoap. In 1969, with another partner, he resurrected the trademark for Ipana Toothpaste. In the late ‘70s, John and Marion ran a successful antique and gift shop called Faraway Farm, near Siren. John and Marion spent many enjoyable years in Burnett County on Cranberry Lake and on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances (Robert) Eidsvold and Dorothy (Albert) Farrell.

He is survived by his wife, now living in Batavia, Ill.; children, Marci (Robert) Duryea of Glen Ellyn, Ill. and Jeffrey (Annemarie) Howe of Cary, Ill.; two grandchildren, Jacksone Howe and Emilie Duryea and many nephews and nieces.

Cremation will be performed in Illinois, with a memorial service planned for a later date. Memorial contributions can be sent in John Howe’s name to Peace Lutheran Church, 8250 Roscoe Road, Golf Shores, AL 36542.

The Cremation Society of Illinois was entrusted with the arrangements.

Ashley N. Gelking Ashley N. Gelking, age 18, resident of Frederic – Clam Falls Township, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn.

She is survived by her parents, Jeff and Jennifer Gelking; brothers and sisters, Travis Gelking, Christa Gelking, Michael Gelking, Joey Tanquist and Gina Cook; boyfriend, Adam McAbee; grandparents, Elmer and Patricia Gelking and Jerry and Bonita Sladek; many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. at Frederic High School with a visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the school.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic, was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Ladies morning retreat set FREDERIC - The women of Frederic Evangelical Free Church welcome you to their ladies morning retreat, Friday Feb. 15, from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Please come and hear Sarah Kelby speak this month. Refreshments are served, and child care is provided. Frederic Evangelical Free Church is located on Old CTH W and Churchwood Lane, in Frederic. Please call 715-327-8767 for more information. - submitted

CHURCH NEWS News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran

This past Sunday evening the Christian Education Committee at Pilgrim sponsored a Valentine’s Dinner with the proceeds going to the children to help defray costs for them to go to summer camp. The church pays half the fee for a child to go to a camp of their choice.

A lasagna supper was served by the youth followed by a tempting dessert buffet. While dining, and throughout the evening various people displayed their musical talents to make the evening, more romantic and special.

The journey through the Lenten Season will be concentrating on “Growing in our Faith” where we will be growing a “Pilgrim Garden.” Each Wednesday evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m. homemade soup and

sandwiches will be served before services which begin at 6:30 p.m. The journey will lead to Maundy Thursday (the Thursday of Holy Week) when their choir will begin their performance entitled “Forsaken.” It will be remembering the last days of Christ as told through song right up to Easter morning.

Pilgrim invites all to attend Sunday morning worship at 9 a.m. and all children are invited to join their Sunday school program at 10:15 a.m. Call the church office 327-8012 for more information or go to their Web site www.pilgrimlutheran.org which is currently under construction, but parts of it are functioning just fine. submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

CHURCH NEWS Names

We’ve given names to our deer— Queen Mama and Baby, Three Sisters, Little Twins. And one day a newcomer came galloping into the yard with the others. We call the newcomer Flower. Like Bambi’s friend the skunk, our Flower has a black stripe along her entire back Sally Bair and down her tail.

The unusually small orphan fit right in with her new friends. No PERSPECTIVES longer can we consider Queen Mama’s Baby the baby of the group.

When I lived on the farm, we named our cows, too. Bessie, Tessie, Reddy, Blackie….

My grandmother’s early-1900s diary lists her animals by name, also. And my mother-in-law’s favorite chicken was called Little Red Hen. It’s fun to name our pets and animals according to their personalities. It’s another thing to hear adults call their children or others by derogatory names, such as Loser, Wimp, Fatso, or worse. We need to be mindful what we call others.

God chooses special names and identities for his children—those of us who truly believe in him as Savior and Lord. Here are a few we can personally claim as our own.

Because I am a Child of God, I am also an Heir to the riches of his Kingdom. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him….” (Romans 8:16) Because I have been made righteous in Christ, I am a Saint. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ….”

(Colossians 1:1-2) And because I belong to his Kingdom, I am of the royal priesthood of believers—the church. That makes me a Kingly Priest. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light….” (1 Peter 2:9) I am also a Friend of God. “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants…for all things that I heard from my father I have made known to you.” (John 15:14) We are blessed knowing that God cares for us so much that he gives us these wonderful names—names we can carry with us throughout our walk with him, names no one can steal from us, names we can be honored to call our own.

For loving us so much that you call us your friend, your child, and heir to your Kingdom, we thank you, Father God, in your Son’s holy name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

mean to tell me preacher, that God speaks today?

ABSOLUTELY! Listen to the writer of Hebrews: “God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the Have you ever given serious consideration to prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, the words of Paul in Ephesians 1:15-23? I don’t hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his mean, ‘Have you read them?’ because most of Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). Paul, through inspiration, inus have probably read the passage many times forms us that the Gospel is “the power of God unto over. But have you ever meditated on that salvation” (Rom. 1:16-17). Wisdom and underrather lengthy sentence which has been given standing come from that same source. You are by inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Let me select not going to get some “vision in the night,” nor some words out of that passage and elaborate will you hear some “small still voice.” God calls on them: us through the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14), and He in“For this cause I also...cease not to give structs us, leads us, guides us, strengthens us, and thanks...and make mention of you in my prayers; builds us up through that word, and that word that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ...may give alone. Paul said the Gospel, the word of God, is unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the THE power. Not “a” power, or “some” power, THE knowledge of him; having the eyes of your heart but “the power.” Hence, all that I need to attain enlightened, that you may know what is the hope salvation, live a Godly life in Christ, and ultiof his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inmately win the crown of eternal life is in that litheritance in the saints, and what the exceeding tle volume of 66 books that most of us possess. greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.”

Every single word, sentence, chapter, and book is I know I left out some words, not to hide the dynamite (that is actually the word translated truth, but to draw attention to this statement “power” - the word ‘dunamos’) available to every “exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe.” single man, woman, and child, to attain unto a godly and What power are you talking about Paul? Answer: That profitable life. Unfortunately, too many neglect that which is “according to the working of his might...which he power, never reading it or studying it. Others read it only wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and made occasionally. Only those who read and study it regularly him to sit at his right hand.” I wonder if we have realized and consistently can ever hope to access that power that the truth of that passage. There is power available to us. will enlighten our hearts unto salvation. As one has It is greater than the electricity generated by the water that pointed out, the Bible.... flows over Niagara Falls. It surpasses the power of manGives light to those in darkness, And help to those in made explosives (including the atom bomb). Now con- need; Gives comfort to those in sorrow And blessing to sider this “power” to us-ward. those who heed. It is the Christian’s compass His staff, First is that same power that raised Jesus from the dead. his sword, and guide; And from all foes along his path And what was that power? Very simply, it was the spoken Here he may safely hide. O! Soul awake, and on it stand word of God Almighty. That is all it took. Since Jesus is Give heed to each command; That I may have an enDivine, the power which He demonstrated when He trance in To that celestial land. (by Tom Wacaster) walked upon the earth is the same power. Jesus simply If readers have questions or simply wish to know more said, “Lazarus, come forth,” and it was so. No side show; about the Church of Christ, we would like to invite them no smoke and mirrors; no external power source; no waiv- to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 ing of the hands; no chemical drugs applied; simply the W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 spoken word. So it is with God. He simply spoke, and it a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. We also meet was so.

Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Office hours are Tuesdays Second, that same power is available to us today. “You through Fridays, 9 a.m. - noon.

"His Power To Us - Ward"

Garret Derouin

PREACHER’S

PEN

Good News Singers present message The Good News Singers, a group of talented young girls from Polk and Burnett counties, braved the extreme cold Sunday morning, Feb. 10, to bring a musical message to Lewis and Siren United Methodist churches. Shown here (L to R) at Siren were, front row: Autumn Tinman, Julia Summer and Kaylin Ritchey. Back row: Lauren Domagala, Anna Ebensperger, Haley Kurkowski, Allison Martin, Katherine Ebensperger and Corissa Schmidt. This is the 11th year since the Good News Singers was formed, with leadership from Kordi Kurkowski, Eunice Early, Kathy Hutchison and Brenda Christianson. “It was Kordi’s dream before that,” Early explained to the congregations.

– Photo by Nancy Jappe

Bethany children read Lenten lights service Abby Kosloski (R) helped read the service of diminishing lights during the first Sunday of Lent at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren on Sunday, Feb. 10. She is pictured during 10:30 a.m. worship service with Bonnie Cain, left, director of family and youth ministry, who explained that one candle will be extinguished during each week of Lent. Pastor John Clasen’s sermon for the first Sunday of Lent taught about finding and living a life as a beloved child of God. He said the Lenten season gives us 40 days to find what’s really important – not creature comforts, but God’s comfort. Temptations, he said, are opportunities to discover who we are. This lesson was based on the day’s Gospel, taken from Matthew 4:1-11, in which Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness.

Bethany holds midweek Lenten services and suppers each Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday worship services are held at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with children’s Sunday school at 9 a.m. For more information, call 349-5280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Courtship, no dating, can foster proper teenage behavior Q: My oldest son is approaching the age where we had previously agreed to allow him to date. The more I think about it, though, the more the whole idea concerns me. It seems that even in the best of dating situations, the negatives exceed the positives.

I can’t help but feel that I’m setting my son up for failure. Several of my friends have adopted the concept of “courtship” rather than dating. Could you please explain this idea to me, and suggest which of the two arrangements you favor?

DR. DOBSON: Simply put, the courtship concept is a reaction to the dating model, which is thought by many to be unhealthy. Dating couples go through a series of short-term and often unsatisfying relationships over a period of five or 10 years or longer. They are being taught to flit from one relationship to another like a honeybee buzzing from flower to flower. Why would they not be inclined later to bail out on a marriage partner when bored or frustrated? Dating also encourages sexual familiarity and experimentation. It isn’t difficult to understand why an increasing number of parents feel this traditional model undermines commitment, exclusivity and permanence in marriage.

The courtship model, by contrast, seeks to postpone emotional and physical entanglements until they occur with the probable husband or wife. The family is very supportive in helping to choose that special individual for a serious courtship when the time is right.

Until then, relationships between the sexes are limited

to group situations in carefully controlled settings. Physical intimacy for the sake of titillation and experimentation are considered to be most inappropriate. It is the ultimate in saving oneself for the man or woman with whom a lifetime will be spent.

Many parents, and undoubtedly the majority of teenagers, would Dr. James consider the courtship model to be Dobson extreme and terribly restrictive. Not every teenager would tolerate it. I believe it is a good idea in those settings where both generations are committed to it and are willing to work together to make it successful.

Courtship is not recommended in cases of adolescent rebellion or where there is great resistance to the idea. Whether or not to take this approach, therefore, is a matter for individual families to determine.

••• Q: What are the prospects for the very pretty or handsome child? Does he or she usually have smooth sailing all the way?

DR. DOBSON: Well, that child has some remarkable advantages, as I have described. She is much more likely to accept herself and enjoy the benefits of selfconfidence. However, she also faces some unique problems, which the homely child never experiences.

Beauty in our society is power, and power can be dangerous in immature hands. A 14-year-old young woman, for example, who is prematurely curved and rounded in all the right places may be pursued vigorously by males who would exploit her beauty. As she

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

becomes more conscious of her flirtatious power, she is sometimes urged towards promiscuity. Furthermore, women who have been coveted physically since early childhood often became bitter and disillusioned as they age. I’m thinking particularly of Hollywood’s most glamorous sex queens, such as Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot, who had difficulty dealing with the depersonalization of body worship as the years passed.

Research also indicates some interesting consequences in regard to material stability for the beautiful people. In one important study, the more attractive college girls were found to be less happily married 25 years later. It is apparently difficult to reserve the power of sex for one mate, ignoring the ego gratification which awaits outside the marriage bonds. And finally, the more attractive a person is in his or her youth, the more painful is the aging process.

My point is this: The measurement of worth on a scale of beauty is wrong, often damaging to the haves and have-nots.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 (www.family.org). Questions and answers are excerpted from “Solid Answers” 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; 816932-6600.

Brought to you by:

First Baptist Church Webster

Taylors Falls Christian Women's Club to meet

ST. CROIX FALLS – The Taylors Falls Christian Women’s Club will meet Monday, Feb. 18, at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Croix Falls Senior Center for lunch. Following lunch a special feature “Dryed Flower Cards” will be

presented by Mary Olson. The music will be by Sue Saarem, and the speaker will be Kay Fredrick with “An Honest Look at Loneliness – It’s Cause and It’s Cure.”

The cost is $8 inclusive, and it is very important to

call for reservations and or cancellations, 651-257-1768 or 715-857-5573. – submitted

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

WANT ADS

SERVICES ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma Ultram Fioricet Prozac Buspar, 90 Qty $51.99 180 Qty $84.99 PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! We will match any competitor’s price! 866-450-7430 www.prescriptomeds.com REACH OVER 2.5 million readers for less than 50 cents per paper! Place your 25 word classified ad in over 170 newspapers statewide for only $80. Call Brian at (800) 261-4242, ext 18.

(CNOW) WORK INJURIES. Back, neck and other serious injuries. Even if you received benefits from an insurance company, you may be entitled to much more, including money for lost earning capacity. No fees unless we recover money for you. Have your case handled by a recognized workers compensation law instructor, representing injured Wisconsin workers for over 25 years. Call for a free consultation.

ATTORNEY BILL OLSON. Olson Law Offices in Madison. www.goinjuredworker.com (608) 231-1599.

Wisconsin cases only.

(CNOW)

HELP WANTED DRIVERS, DRIVE A big rig!

Reimbursement Tuition Available! Possible $40k 1st year! $5000 SIGN ON with 1 year OTR exp. www.ffeinc.com Call FFE, Inc. (800) 569-9232 (CNOW)

DRIVERS - OWNER OPS. New lease to own program.

92 CPM & fuel surcharge paid, all miles. Class A/CDL req‘d.

866-483-3608. www.transportamerica.com (CNOW) DRIVERS: LOVE YOUR JOB! Bonus & Paid Orientation. 35-43 cpm. Earn over $1000 weekly.

Excellent Benefits. Class A and 3 mos recent OTR required. Melton Truck Lines. (800) 635-8669 (CNOW) NO MILES, NO MONEY? Consistent miles! Van or Flatbed Divisions. Top pay.

Practical Miles Company and O/O’s Welcome! Must be 21/have CDL-A (800) 3145350 www.whtrans.com (CNOW) PREPARE FOR FUTURE Railroad employment!

NARS, in Overland Park, KS, will teach you the skills in 4-8 weeks. Average salaries Tuition assistance $63k. available.

Conductor-Mechanical-Welder-Signal.

(913) 319-2603, www.RailroadTraining.com (CNOW) TRAINEES WANTED FOR: U.S. Navy Seals & Divers.

Qualifications: No prior military service -17-28 years old - Be in great physical condition — Ability to pass a physical training test — Possess a High School diploma — High moral character — Pass a written exam with a qualifying score. For more information, call 1-800-4696289 today! (CNOW)

TRAVEL SPRING GOLF TRIP! 4.5 hours south of Madison. $48-$55 per day includes unlimited golf with cart and lodging in new condos on the course. 1-800-233 0060 or w w w. g o l f n a u v o o . c o m .

(CNOW)

REAL ESTATE WILDERNESS LAKEFRONT $19,900! NW WI undeveloped quiet lake, nearly 2 acres hardwoods, over 200’ frontage on deadend road. Thousand Lakes Realty, Inc. (866) 667-4460. www.1000lakes.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH CANDY ROUTE. Do you earn $800 in a day?

Your own local candy route.

Includes 30 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 1888-745-3358 MultiVend, LLC (CNOW)

MERCHANDISE SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $2,990.00 — Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.com/ 300N - FREE information: 1800-578-1363 - Ext: 300-N (CNOW)

AUCTION OF LAKE HOME will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at the front entrance of the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake. The property at auction is 2222 75th Street, Luck, WI 54853, owned by the estate of Robert F. Strusz. A minimum bid of $172,609.62 shall be required. A cashier’s check of $18,000 shall be required as a down payment from the successful bidder at the auction. Call attorney Joseph Boles with inquiries, 715425-7281. 25-27Lp PUBLIC AUCTION FEB. 11, Balsam Lake Mini Storage.

Diane Coen, #43, was listed in error. 25Lc

WE HAVE PARTS for tractors, combines, machinery, hay equipment and more.

Used, new, rebuilt, aftermarket. Downing Tractor Parts, Downing, Wis., 877-5301010. www. asapagparts. com 32Ltfc

OLDE ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPIES, 5 males, 2 females, lots of wrinkles. UTD vac., one-year health guarantee. Available March 15.

Call 715-554-2043. 25-30Lp

The Leader is a cooperativeowned newspaper

FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Logan Lillehaug has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Rob and Carey Lillehaug. He has a younger sister, Kendall. Logan’s favorite things to do in school are calendar time and math. He is a hard worker and has great problem-solving skills. Logan enjoys swimming, going to Disney and playing for the Burnett Blizzard hockey team.

Michael Tesch has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Steve and Brenda Tesch. Michael participates in class, is motivated and a hard worker. He is involved in choir, bells, band, track, basketball and baseball. Michael enjoys snowboarding. His future plans include college.

Brittany Mortensen has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Serena Baugh. Brittany is a hard worker who is willing to help out in class. She works at the Frederic Nursing Home. Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and helping people. She wants to work with babies.

Jase Quimby has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Rick and Jeanna Quimby. Jase is an outstanding student. He always does his best and is respectful and kind to all of his classmates.

Math is his favorite subject. Jase is involved in hockey. He enjoys drawing and reading, but mostly he likes hockey.

Brodie Kunze has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Doug and Debbie Kunze. Brodie is polite and respected by his peers. He works very hard and is a good teammate. Brodie is involved in basketball, baseball, wrestling and football. He enjoys fishing, hunting, watching sports and fourwheeling.

Derek Letch has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Greg and Kari Letch. Derek is part of the CIA program and on the honor roll. He is a student who works hard and always has a good attitude. Derek is involved in both school and church choirs, basketball and baseball. He enjoys hunting and fishing. He plans to attend college.

Bryanna Raddatz has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Bryan and Katie Raddatz.

Bryanna has a brother, Alex, a dog named Sugar and a cat named Mitzie. Her favorite part of school is everything! She loves to play in the snow. Bryanna is a cheerful and enthusiastic student.

Amber Hall has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in the eighth grade. She was chosen because she displays a positive, respectful attitude and promotes the same in other students.

Amy Larsen has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Jerry and Tracy Larsen. Amy is a very thoughtful student and person.

She has many friends and good character. She loves learning about history and dates in time.

Amy enjoys going to the family houseboat to fish and see wildlife.

Her favorite hobby is painting.

Alex Confer has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a junior. Alex is a very involved student inside and outside of school. Besides being a good student, Alex plays varsity volleyball and basketball.

She is also on court for February Frenzy.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Sydney Lamson has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade. Sydney is a responsible student and caring friend.

She is involved in Girl Scouts and enjoys playing basketball and soccer. Sydney is always willing to help around the classroom.

She volunteers to help other students if they need anything. Sydney is a role model for her classmates.

Mitch Evenson has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Jeff Evenson and Pauline Locke. Mitch is an outstanding student. He works hard every day to achieve at a high level. Mitch reads and takes notes beyond the required classroom activities. He is involved in football, basketball, weight lifting, golf, choir and drama. He enjoys hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He plans to attend college.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Jared Hunter has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Scott and Nancy Hunter. Jared works hard and listens well in class. Jared is very responsible about his assignments and is always prepared for class. He is active in basketball, Boy Scouts and enjoys football and hockey.

Anneka Johnson has been chosen Grantsburg Middles School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Cory Johnson and Kristina Kelley-Johnson. Anneka plays the flute in band and plays basketball and soccer. She really likes gymnastics, skiing and hanging out with her family. Anneka’s favorite subjects are art and math. She excels in school and always does her best. Anneka is very creative.

Andrew Erickson has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. He has been making great gains and has really improved over the last few months. Andrew has become more assertive and independent as well. He has been working very hard in history and is enjoying his classes.

Elizabeth Freymiller has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is the daughter of Susan Freymiller and David Glienke.

Elizabeth has grown so much as a student this year. She is a joy to have in the room. Elizabeth has a great sense of humor. Her interests include being with friends.

Sean Martinez has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is the son of Patrick and Tracey Martinez.

Sean is a diligent worker who takes pride in his work and it shows. He also has a great sense of humor. His special interests include spending time with his family and participating in sports. He likes football, soccer, basketball and baseball.

Robbie Billings has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Steve and Annie Billings. Robbie is a great student, has good attendance and a very good work ethic. He is involved in hockey and also works at Heartland Hockey Camp in the summer.

Robbie enjoys lifting weights, hunting and fishing. His future plans include college.

UNITY

Congratulations students on a job well done!

Courtney Allison has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of James and Nina Allison. Courtney is a good role model for others. She always works hard and is a respectful and responsible student. She helps others and leads them in a positive direction. Her academic performance, positive attitude and leadership skills are exceptional.

Kali Langer has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Dana Switzer. Kali was chosen for her effort, exemplary behavior and her positive attitude. She is friendly with classmates as well as adults. Kali works hard to complete her work in a timely fashion. She is always has a smile on her face.

Ryan Flaherty has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Dan Flaherty and Angie Nelson of Balsam Lake. Ryan was nominated for his outstanding work in athletics and in the classroom. He demonstrates excellence in both leadership and maturity. Ryan enjoys hunting, fishing and sports.

He plans to attend UW-Superior for business management.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 13, 2008

FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY/13 Amery

• Pilates, 6 p.m., at the senior center.

THURSDAY/14 Amery

• Hand & Foot cards, 12:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Coming events

Balsam Lake

St. Croix Falls • Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards and dominos, 12:30-4 p.m., at the senior center.

Siren

Frederic

• Lioness Club monthly meeting 6:30 p.m., at the senior center, 715-866-273-3048 or 715689-2295.

• Origins USA adoption support group for people separated by adoption meets at the Burnett County Government Center, Room 162, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 866-273-3048 or 715-689-2295.

• Burnett County Republican Party meets 7 p.m. in Room 165 at the Government Center.

St. Croix Falls • Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards and dominos, 12:30-4 p.m.; 500 cards, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Siren

• 4th-annual Valentine dinner dance sponsored by Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, 6 p.m., at the Lakeview Event Center. For tickets call 715-349-7477.

• The Natural Step sustainability discussion group meets at the village hall, 7-8:30 p.m., can Jen Barton at 715-635-2197.

Webster • Interfaith Caregivers annual meeting & election at Grace United Methodist Church, 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/20 Balsam Lake

FRIDAY/15

• Beef Quality Assurance Training at the government center, 7 p.m., 715-485-8600.

Frederic

The snow whipped across Spencer Lake in the afternoon on Saturday during the contest, so that you could barely see at some points. – Photo submitted

Luck St. Croix Falls • Bingo, 1-3 p.m., at the senior center.

• “A Night with the Berrymans” at Festival Theatre. Social hour 6:30 p.m., performance 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3387, 888-887-6002.

• Celebrating Hockey Across America Weekend at River Valley Hockey with open skate 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free to the community.

Spooner • Northern Wisconsin Agriculture Safari Program (third of three programs) at the Ag Research Station, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914.

SAT. & SUN./16 & 17 Cameron

• Geothermal seminars during home show at the high school, Sat., 9:30 a.m. and Sun., 11 a.m.

Clam Falls • Winter Carnival, Sat., Medallion Hunt, noon; handcuff pool tourney, 5 p.m.; Sun. ice-fishing contest Clam Flowage, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Kids Sawdust Pile, 4 p.m.; Call 715-653-2518 for more info.

SATURDAY/16 A&H

• 16th-annual Barrens Chicken BBQ & Snowmobile Raffle, noon-4 p.m.

Balsam Lake • 2nd-annual “I Love Used Books Sale” at the public library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by the Balsam Lake Library Friends Group.

• Ice drags at Balsam Lake town landing. Registration 10 a.m., race starts at noon. Call 715557-0211 or 715-205-3940 for more info.

Amery

• Tax aid, 9 a.m.-noon, at the senior center.

• Sjoland Lodge 5-635 Sons of Norway meet, 7 p.m., at First Lutheran Church. Program by Bob and Denise Christenson and family on how to make and play a harp.

• Coffee Hour, 10 a.m., at the Lutheran Church.

• 500 card night, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center.

• District Music Festival at the middle school.

• Dinner & raffle fundraiser at the high school for Community Ed. scholarships, 5-7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY/19

Clam Falls

• Informational tour of the highway facilities, 2-4 p.m. & 5-7 p.m., 715-485-8700.

• Informational presentation and meeting for WWII veterans interested in visiting the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., 7 p.m., at the VFW United Post 6856. Call Gina after 6 p.m. at 715-857-5833 for more info.

• Ladies Morning Retreat, 9:15-11:15 a.m., at Evangelical Free Church, 715-327-8767.

Siren • Webster After 5 meeting at the Pour House, 6:30 p.m., 715-866-8106 or 715-349-7006.

Frederic • Pokeno cards, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Grantsburg • 2nd-annual ice-fishing contest on Balsam Lake, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-485-3334.

Centuria • 12th-annual Unity FFA Alumni Ice-Fishing Contest on Long Lake near Centuria, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Frederic

• Food & fellowship, bingo, card games, noon at the senior center.

Grantsburg • Ice-fishing contest on Memory Lake, noon-4 p.m.

Osceola

• Fundraising benefit for Cindy Cronick at the intermediate school, 4-7 p.m., 715-755-2515, 715-755-2179.

Frederic • Minnesota Teen Challenge Choir to perform at the Evangelical Free Church, 10:15 a.m.

Luck

Luck • Earth Arts Life Drawing Co-op, 1-4 p.m., at Cafe Wren Community Room. For more info go to www.earthartswi.org or call 715-488-2957.

• Lent services at Bone Lake Lutheran Church, soup supper at 6 p.m., service at 6:45 p.m.

McKinley

• Prayer vigil for peace at the Methodist Church, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Palt Dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• A Sunday breakfast at the American Legion Post 143, 8 a.m. to noon.

MONDAY/18 Amery

• Bingo, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

St. Croix Falls • Rescheduled third-annual Ice Castle Deer Lake Classic Ice-fishing Contest, noon - 3 p.m., www.deerlakeclassic.com or 715-2945789.

Siren • Paper Capers Scrapbooking and Card-Making Days at the high school, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 715349-7244.

Frederic • Spade cards played, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Luck

• Open Art Studio at the village hall, 9 a.m.noon. Contact Vivian, 715-472-8439 or Ann, 715-472-8319 for more info.

• DBS meeting & potluck, noon at the hall.

St. Croix Falls

Spooner • Annual ice-fishing contest on Little Rice Lake, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-635-8089.

SUNDAY/17 Clam Falls

• Ice-fishing contest on Clam Falls Flowage, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Clayton

• Full Snow Moon Snowshoe Hike, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Crex Meadows. Must preregister, 715463-2739.

• Art Group, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at the senior center.

• Beginning of six sessions grief-loss support group at SCRMC, 2-3:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., 715-483-0272 for more info.

• Taylors Falls Christian Women’s Club meets at the senior center, 11:30 a.m., 651257-1768 or 715-857-5573.

Webster

THURS.-SUN./21-24 Rice Lake

• Camping show at Cedar Mall, Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-9p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.5 p.m.

THURSDAY/21 Balsam Lake

• Job seekers workshop at the Polk County Job Center, 9-11 a.m., 715-485-3115.

Frederic • 500 card night, 6:30 p.m. at the senior center .

Luck

• American Legion & Auxiliary meeting at the village hall, 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls • Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; blood pressure check 11:30 a.m.; potluck lunch 12:30 p.m.; general meeting, 1 p.m.; 500 cards, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• Soccer registration held at the high school library, 4-7 p.m.

• Sportsmen’s Club ice-fishing contest on Lake Magnor, 1-4 p.m.

Beatrice celebrates 90 LEFT: Gene Gronlund led guests at Beatrice Johnson’s 90th birthday celebration in a round of hip-hip-hoorays after serenading Johnson with a Swedish version of the birthday song.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Marilyn Huskamp was one of many well-wishers greeting Beatrice Johnson at her 90th birthday party Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun. Johnson’s grandfather, Johanes Warner, one of the early settlers in the Falun area, donated the land for the church. Johnson was recognized last year at the church’s 100th anniversary for being a member there the most years. She now holds the distinction of being one of Trinity’s oldest members in years, too.