Leader|feb 14|2007

February 14, 2007

INTER-COUNTY

‘Follow the Leader’

2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 25 8,000 copies

the-leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Since 1933

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SECTION A

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Two escape fire; Bone Lake Store burns Help being sought for family; two taken to Regions for smoke inhalation Page 3

Spirit swans

Kathy Java of rural Frederic took this photo on Sunday of four trumpeter swans sleeping on the snow and ice in the middle of Spirit Lake. – Photo by Kathy Java

Green flag for watercross

Sheriff kisses donkey

Illegal secret ballot vote Page 3

New Miss Luck

OTHER HEADLINES Three problems facing theatre at St. Croix Falls Page 13 Polk County holds first listening forum Page 3 Bank fraud sentencing set Page 3 Engineers to pay for design oversight at Milltown Page 7 TF calls halt to new development Page 13

Krystal Ann Stage was crowned Miss Luck at a pageant held Friday evening as part of the annual Luck Winter Carnival activities. She is the daughter of parents Jeff and Joni Stage. More photos in Currents section. - Photo by Mary Stirrat

Early copy, please Due to the fact there is no mail Monday, the Leader requests that all news and ad copy for next week’s paper be submitted by Friday at 4:30 p.m. Thank you

Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore played the good sport for charity last Friday evening and took part in the annual Kiss the Donkey event at the Unity FFA’s Donkey Basketball event. The sheriff and Lynette Erickson of the Unity Area Ambulance had a friendly competition in the event and helped the FFA raised $125 for the Unity Area Ambulance. Photo courtesy Jeanne Alling

SPORTS

C U R R E N T S F E AT U R E God’s glory in northern Uganda

No love here: Blizzard beat Rails again!

Local missionary Diane Brask returns from one of her most inspiring trips

Page...

S E R V I N G

B U R N E T T

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

Watercross given green flag at Frederic

Survives high-speed crash

Village board overrides recommendation from its park board for second straight year; voting method illegal

by Gary King FREDERIC - For the second year in a row, village trustees have rejected a recommendation by its park board and granted permission for a another watercross event to be held on Coon Lake.

But the 4-2 vote to approve the watercross event for another year was taken by secret ballot, which is illegal under Wisconsin law, statute 19.88. The ballot was secret at the request of village president Phil Knuf, who said Tuesday that he decided to do it that way mostly due to the fact that two of the village board members also serve on the park board and he didn’t want to put one of the park board members on the spot for changing his mind. The board member apparently voted for it as a member of the park board and wasn’t sure he could change his mind to vote differently when he voted in the capacity as a village trustee.

“We could have brought it right out in the open (vote),” Knuf noted, saying he wasn’t aware he was breaking the law.

“We weren’t trying to pull something over on anyone.”

Knuf said he would consult with the village administrator on the issue before releasing how each trustee voted on the issue. “Everyone knows anyway,” he said. “It’s no secret.”

The board is required by law to disclose how each trustee voted on the issue, according to Robert Dreps, legal counsel for the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, or face prosecution by the county district attorney. Dreps quoted statute 19.88 which states “no secret ballot may be utilized to determine any election or other decision of a governmental body except the election of the officers...”

Previous vote deadlocked The vote came a month after the board found itself in a deadlock on the issue, voting 3-3 on the same question.

Under law, the tie vote constituted a defeat of the motion.

Issues of possible harm to the lakeshore, closing the park to the public for two days and noise for residents in the village have been debated over the event which features snowmobiles skipping across the water as part of a two-day attraction that is based at Coon Lake INTER-COUNTY

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

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Coon Lake has been the site of the Frederic Watercross for the last five years, the last two years sponsored by the local SNOWS club. - Photo by Gary King Park.

The issue was not on the original agenda Monday but was legally added the day of the meeting.

The issue was revisited by the park board last Thursday at the request of the village president who was presented with a petition with approximately 200 names seeking board approval for the event.

Knuf said many of the people signing the petition did not live in Frederic but that the issue had drawn a lot of interest.

"It seemed we had a lot of people who wanted this (event in Frederic) and thought it was a good thing for the village," he said Tuesday. He said he suggested giving the event a one-year trial period to see if all the issues could be resolved.

Park board Village trustee Jamie Worthington and John Boyer are also members of the park board, which normally has representation from the village board. Other park board members include Rebecca Harlander, Joy Friberg, Maria Ammend and Kevin Link.

Village trustees voting Monday includes Knuf, Boyer, Worthington, Brad Harlander, Kay Friberg and Arlen Peterson.

Last Thursday’s park board meeting had an audience of local citizens, groups who may benefit from volunteering at the event and organizers of the event.

The issues of noise and closing of the park for two days were met with arguments comparing the watercross with Family Days, which holds events in the park both Saturday and Sunday and the street dance, which produces band noise from downtown.

See Watercross, page 3

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

An Amery man remained in serious condition Tuesday at Regions Hospital after he drove through a stop sign Friday night at high speed, and his car sailed six feet into the air. - Photo from Polk County Sheriff’s

Driver injured in high-speed accident

by Julie Holmquist DRESSER – An Amery man remained in serious condition Tuesday at Regions Hospital after he drove through a stop sign Friday night at high speed, and his car sailed six feet into the air.

Medical workers said Matthew Clausen was lucky to be found alive.

Clausen, 28, was found dazed and wandering near the intersection of Hwy. 35 and 113th Avenue around 11:30 p.m.

According to Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore, deputies at first believed Clausen was a pedestrian hit by a vehicle.

They later discovered his 1991 Honda Civic in the trees about 200 feet from the road.

"He wandered onto the road with a shattered kneecap, and his body temperature was down to 93 or 94 degrees," Moore said.

The car apparently was airborne for about 200 feet, clipping off treetops before hitting the ground and striking a large tree.

Moore said there were no vehicle tracks from the road, no marks in the snow from Hwy. 35 and no lights on the vehicle, so Clausen was fortunate to have made it to the road where someone could see him.

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.

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OFFICES Frederic

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

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

Siren

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

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

St. Croix Falls

Box 338, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

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

Clausen was airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

According to the accident report, excessive speed, alcohol, and inattentive driving were factors in the accident.

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

Burn now while there’s snow BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES Northwest Wisconsin is suffering the effects of an extreme drought with a precipitation deficit of nearly 10 inches in 2006.

The dry-weather trend continues with very little snowfall as we start 2007. The DNR is asking landowners to help mitigate the hazards of what could be the worst spring fire season in 20 years by tending to your brush piles now instead of waiting until the snow is gone.

This year, try leaving leaf and brush piles intact, they make great habitat for small mammals and other critters, or consider chipping or composting. But if you must dispose of a pile by burning, then do it now while there will likely be some snow on the ground for awhile.

Burning permits are not required, and there are no time restrictions on burning when the ground is snow covered. But please remember to check these burn piles as the weather warms and the snow melts to ensure they are out cold. Forest fires have been caused by debris piles that were burned several weeks earlier and assumed to be out when they were not.

If weather trends continue the DNR will likely ban all outdoor burning this spring because of hazardous forest fire conditions created by this drought. Please, do your part now to help protect lives, homes and our natural resources later this spring. – from the DNR

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Leader reporter awarded BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - An Inter-County Leader reporter received a journalism award last week from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

The award was presented during the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Julie Holmquist received an award for Reporting on Local Education in the 2006 Better Newspaper Contest. In that category, reporters were required to submit three education stories. Journalists from Minnesota judged the contest.

Holmquist received a third-place award for "Teen blogs, cell phones raise new issues," "How Special is Special Ed?" and "Truancy more of a concern." - with information from Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Bank fraud sentencing today Man’s “check kiting” included accounts at Grantsburg, Frederic, St. Paul banks MADISON – A former area man will be sentenced today (Feb. 14) for "kiting" checks at area banks.

Brian R. Nelson, 56, Minneapolis, faces 30 years in prison on each of three counts of bank fraud.

Nelson entered a guilty plea in December to the charges which alleged that between July 3, and Aug. 7, 2001, Nelson opened two checking accounts at the Indianhead Credit Union in Grantsburg and one at then Firstar Bank in St. Paul, now the U.S. Bank. Nelson then wrote checks between the three accounts to create the false impression that he had sufficient funds to cover the checks and tricked the bank into honoring them.

Approximately 95 percent of the funds deposited into the accounts consisted of kited checks, which didn’t have sufficient funds deposited in the accounts on which they were drawn. While the repeated check transactions made it appear that the combined Indianhead and Firstar accounts had a positive balance of more than $90,000, the accounts had negative balances in excess of $140,000.

In the second alleged fraud scheme Nelson maintained a checking account at First American Bank (now Bremer Bank) in Frederic in the name of Maple Height LTD and an account at the Ridgedale State Bank in Minneapolis in the name of 415 Corporation.

Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 10, 2001, Nelson floated or kited checks with insufficient funds between the accounts to make it appear there was a combined balance of $7,000 when the combined negative balance was in excess of $70,000.

The third alleged fraudulent scheme also involved the former First American Bank of Frederic, the Ridgedale State Bank and the Community National Bank in Lino Lakes, Minn.

Between Feb. 1, 2002, and March 8, 2002, Nelson wrote checks between accounts in the three banks creating a combined negative balance of $180,000.

The story of the sentencing will appear on our Web site (www.the-leader.net) as it will occur after this week’s paper has gone to press. It will also appear in next week’s print version of the Leader. – Gary

Fire destroys Bone Lake Store

Help being sought for survivors

BONE LAKE — Fire destroyed the Bone Lake Store east of Luck early this morning, Feb. 14.

Luck Fire Department was paged out shortly after 4 a.m., with Milltown and Frederic called to assist. The building was fully engulfed in flames

when firefighters arrived.

A neighbor reportedly saw the flames around 3:30 a.m. and called for help.

Meanwhile the two occupants of the building escaped the fire and were taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for treatment of smoke inhalation. The condition of Ernestine Hoffman and T.J. Otto, a student at Luck Schools, was unknown at press time. A third person, Danny Hoffman, was not at

the home at the store when the fire started. The Hoffmans reportedly operate the store year-round.

Persons wishing to help the family with donations of money or goods may call 715-554-2404 or 472-2783.

Located east of Luck on CTH I, the Bone Lake Store became an area landmark, in operation on the north end of Bone Lake for more than a half century. – Gary King

Frederic votes to join EDC

FREDERIC – Village trustees voted unanimously to join the Polk County Economic Development Corporation at their regular monthly meeting, Monday.

Present were village president Phil Knuf, administrator Dave Wondra and trustees Brad Harlander, John Boyer, Kay Friberg, Arlen Peterson and Jamie Worthington.

The decision to join the corporation comes following a presentation to the village board approximately a month

ago by EDC Director Mike Welch, who outlined the resources the council offers to municipalities regarding the recruitment of industry and jobs to their area.

Welch also addressed the Frederic Area Community Association members a few weeks ago where a few dozen area business owners were in attendance.

The EDC is funded equally by member municipalities, Polk County and the business community. It com-

piles a list of available commercial and industrial properties available in each community along with details regarding infrastructure and contact numbers.

Village administrator Dave Wondra said joining Polk EDC is a positive move for the village and will allow the village to have a vote with the group.

The cost for belonging to the EDC will be approximately $2,500 a year ($2 per capita). - Gary King

County holds first listening forum age creative, productive and constructive dialogue between county government and all those who have a stake in the county's present and future.

Additional meetings are planned for Thursday, Feb. 22, at Osceola Intermediate School, and Monday, Feb. 26, at Amery Middle School.

In addition to the public forums, the county strategic planning committee and UW-Extension have sent surveys to about 200 Polk County-based organizations.

There is also a link on the Polk County Web page for any person with a connection to Polk County wishing to submit their input without attending a meeting.

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — The first of three public forums to discuss the past, present and future direction of Polk County was held Monday night in Luck.

About 30 people, including six county board supervisors, were on hand to give input into the process.

Four general questions were put out to the group by facilitators Keith Rediske, county board supervisor and chair of the strategic planning committee, and Bob Kazmierski, community resource director with the UWExtension.

These questions were, "Where have we been?", "Where are we now?", "What's our preferred future?", and "How will we get there?" Comments and opinions were listed but not debated in order to compile as many ideas as possible.

Comments will be presented to the county board, one question each month, starting in March. The board will consider and discuss each question in order to come up with directional statements that can help guide the county.

The process was initiated to encour-

LEFT: County supervisor Keith Rediske, seated, and UW-Extension community resource development agent Bob Kazmierski facilitate the first community forum for countywide strategic planning. Other upcoming forums will be held in Osceola and Amery. Interested people can also give input through the Polk County Web site. – Photo

by M. Stirrat

Police investigate Luck theft LUCK - Police in Luck are investigating a theft that occurred Monday afternoon at The Bottle Shop.

Staff at the liquor store noticed money was missing from an office

area around 12:30 p.m., after one person was in the store, purchased something and used the bathroom, which is near the office.

Police Chief Dan Deiss said it was

simply a case of someone walking in and out of the store. No weapons or force were involved. - submitted

Watercross/from page 2 Rebecca Harlander, who lives across the street from Coon Lake, said she had to wear ear protection due to the noise produced by the snowmobiles, which use modified mufflers to create more power.

Arlen Peterson questioned the number of noise complaints, noting there was only one complaint on record, a letter.

For Worthington, shutting down the full park for two days – denying access to the general public for that long – was the major issue.

"That’s more of an issue than the noise, I think," she said.

Resident Sylvia Hansen, who lives a block from Coon Lake, said the snowmobile noise was "music to my ears."

Neither that noise, or the noise from Family Days, bothers her, she said.

"We need to think positive – otherwise we’ll become nothing but a pretty little town," she told members of the park board, Thursday. "We can’t keep turning things away."

Discussion did include finding another location or diminishing the noise of the machines somehow but it was noted there is no other suitable location in the area – and that the muffler used to increase power in the snowmobile engine is simply louder than a normal muffler – and power is needed to keep the snowmobiles going fast enough to avoid sinking.

Local Scout leader Richard Penberthy was present to stress the importance of the event as a potential fundraiser for his group.

New park board member Joy Friberg went on record as supporting

the event, noting it helps promote the village in general.

Following the meeting, the concensus of the park board as a group apparently remained unchanged.

One other factor was brought up at Thursday’s park board meeting – the level of Coon Lake, which remains at one of its lowest levels in years.

Organizer Danny Carlson promised village trustees that the event would not be held if the lake remained at that level, even if they granted permission to apply for an event permit.

Village president Knuf noted Tuesday that he would trust the group’s decision regarding that issue.

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

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

No public comments voiced at Siren hearing on off-sale liquor licensing

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – No public comments were made during a public hearing on offsale liquor licensing and regulation at the start of the Siren Village Board meeting Thursday, Feb. 8. The board is considering a request from Holiday Corporation that they be allowed to sell liquor in their Siren store. The village board is considering issues such as the number of licenses that are available, how liquor products are to be displayed and the location of the business in relation to schools, hospitals or churches.

Janet Hunter pointed out that Siren does have an ordinance that businesses selling liquor must be 300 feet from churches and schools; however, she said that the village board has the right to change that.

Jim Zeiler, general manager of the Siren Holiday store, said that his building, at the east door, is a little less than 255 feet from Bethany Lutheran Church.

Joan O’Fallon clarified that the public safety committee is to come back to the board, at its March meeting, with a recommendation. “I would like to see only a freestanding liquor store rather than worrying about groceries or gas,” Hunter commented.

Committee chair Paul Riemer said that his committee had struggled with the issue of liquor display, something the committee could use input on.

Other issues that came up Order of names for election to the village board at the April election ballot were chosen at this meeting. The order will be: Joan O’Fallon, Herb Howe, Dave Alden and Josh Henry.

Tom Mayfield from Minnesota Investment Services and Tim Wick, chief executive officer at Burnett

Medical Center, were at the meeting to clarify BMC’s request that the board act as the issuer of up to $5 million in revenue bonds for BMC expansion in 2007.

The understanding of this request is that any costs associated with the bonding would be reimbursed by BMC. After discussion and by roll-call vote, the board gave its preliminary agreement to go ahead with a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $5 million in revenue bonds for BMC. A public hearing on this will be held at 1:45 p.m. March 8, just prior to the March village board meeting.

“This is a big project for us, estimated at $15.1 million,” Wick told the board.

Adding in the cost of the existing longterm debt and of putting the financing together brings the total cost up to $16.85 million.

Groundbreaking for the expansion is to start in mid-April and take 18 months to complete, which would mean completion in the fall of 2008.

“It is a very exciting project for us,” Wick said. He clarified that the land where the expansion will go (south of Hwy. 70) has always been owned by the medical center with an easement allowed to the village of Grantsburg for its municipal golf course. Wick said it was not BMC’s intent to close the golf course, and that they are willing to work to provide an easement or path for crossover by golfers.

Mayfield pointed that, in order to make the finances work, it is necessary to divide the financing among three bank-qualified entities. BMC can handle $7 million in 2007, if the villages of Grantsburg and Siren would each be responsible for $5 million. Siren was chosen as the other village because its people are in proximity to use BMC

This is a preliminary street layout for the Main Street reconstruction project, with final plans to be available in about a week. Bids will be opened at 2 p.m. March 6, with the construction award to be made at the March 8 board meeting. Construction is to start by early- to mid-May, with substantial completion by mid-to-late June. Work on the east end of Main Street (storm sewer, water main, roadway, streetscaping and miscellaneous) has been estimated at $267,713.50. Work on the west end (storm sewer, water main, roadway and miscellaneous) at $95,318.75.

Paul Riemer, chairman of the Siren Village Board’s public safety committee, pointed out that his committee had struggled on the issue of liquor display in a convenience store such as Holiday Station. The station has requested that the village allow them an off-sale liquor license. This is still under consideration by the village board. - Photo by Nancy Jappe

Tom Mayfield (L) from Minnesota Investment Services listened as Tim Wick, chief executive officer at Burnett Medical Center, explained plans for BMC expansion and the need for the village of Siren to become a conduit issuer of bonds for them. The two men came to the Siren Village Board meeting Thursday, Feb. 8, at which time the board gave its approval for a public hearing to be held at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, March 8, prior to the March village board meeting. - Photo by Nancy Jappe facilities.

“Today we are looking for authorization for a public hearing at (your) early March meeting, after the village has checked with its legal and financial sources,” Mayfield said.

Other actions taken by the board The board authorized its roads, streets and utilities committee to make the final decision on construction plans for Main Street and authorize advertising and acceptance of bids before the March 8

board meeting, for consideration at that time. The hope is to have the project done by July 4.

Recommendations by the public safety committee to adopt the Eyewitness Identification Policy as part of the police department’s policies and procedures manual and approve the St. Patrick’s Day parade, including use of Hwy. 35/70 for March 10, were approved.

The board also allowed the use of Crooked Lake Park for the WSA Kid Pro Ice (Kiddy Kat) event Saturday, Feb. 24.

New postmaster at Siren Steve Youngblom, a 10-year United States Postal Service employee, took over as Siren’s postmaster Monday, Feb. 12. Youngblom, a native of Hinckley, Minn., comes to Siren from Menomonie. He describes himself as energetic, honest, hardworking, people-oriented and friendly. His and his family had cabins around Yellow Lake in past years, so he is familiar with the Siren area. His fiancee is from New Richmond. The two are planning an October wedding and moving to St. Croix Falls; however, Youngblom said he will be spending a lot of time up in Siren. His installation as postmaster will be done sometime in early spring, April or early May. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Frederic board, teachers agree to contract

Most of pay increase goes to health-insurance costs

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – Frederic school teachers will receive a total package increase of 4.1 percent in compensation and benefits for the past school year and the present school year which runs through June. A new master contract for 2005-06 and 2006-07 was signed by representa-

tives of Northwest United Educators on Feb. 11 and approved by the Frederic school board at a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 13. The board voted unanimously in favor of ratification.

Board president Kay Friberg and district Administrator Jerry Tischer said that most of the increase went to higher health-insurance costs, with some additional cash going into the teachers’ pockets. The school district pays 100 percent of the health insurance premium at a cost of about $20,500 per year

for a family policy. Tischer said that the new contract will cost about $120,000 per year, very close to the amount budgeted.

The settlement was the union’s response to a school-district counter proposal presented last December. The district had offered several options which would have granted higher totalpackage increases to the teachers in exchange for modifications on the health-insurance benefit. The district proposed that the teachers would pay

up to 10 percent of the premium cost and also proposed that new hires would only receive individual, not family, coverage as a paid benefit. The district would have granted an 8-percent total package increase if the concessions had been accepted.

The district and the union will now start the bargaining process for the coming years’ contract. A settlement of the associate staff contract for 2005-06 and 2006-07 is pending.

Benefit expenses add to staff costs

Contract details salaries

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – The cost of health insurance and other benefits the school district provides can increase the expense of hiring a new teacher by almost 84 percent. The gross salary during the 2006-07 year for a starting teacher with a BA degree is $29,510 under the newly ratified contract. (The teacher’s takehome pay after deductions would be less than that amount.) The additional cost to the district to provide benefits for this new teacher could reach $24,767.

That figure includes $20,500 for family plan health insurance, $1,918 for retirement at 6.5 percent of the gross salary, and $2,258 for the district’s share of Social Security and Medicare.

The contract for Frederic teachers includes a salary schedule that grants increased compensation based on years of employment and level of advanced education. A new teacher with a BA degree has a starting salary of $29,510 for the current school year. That salary increases roughly $1,100 for each year of service so that a teacher with a BA degree and 13 years of service would receive a salary of $43,598. Salaries also increase as teachers take more college

courses. A starting teacher with a master’s degree plus 16 additional credits would have a base salary of $33,038 and a teacher with 13 years in the district and that level of education tops out at $50,174.

The added district cost for the healthinsurance benefit is a flat expense but the expense for retirement at 6.5 percent of the salary and FICA at 7.65 percent of the salary increases with the wage.

The cost to the district for a sample teacher, 2006-07 Five years of service, BA degree, family health insurance [This is NOT the take-home pay for the teacher] Salary......................................................................................................$34,929 FICA (7.65%) ..............................................................................................2,672 Retirement (6.5%) ......................................................................................2,270 Family health insurance ........................................................................20,500 District cost............................................................................................$60,371

Andersen Foundations support new medical center in Amery AMERY – The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation and the Andersen Corporate Foundation donated $100,000 each to Amery Regional Medical Center for the development of the new health care facility located at 265 Griffin Street East in Amery. Both foundations, located in Bayport, Minn., are focused on improving and strengthening the communities in which Andersen employees work and live.

With the help of grantmakers and philanthropists like Hugh J. Andersen and the Andersen Corporate Foundations, Amery Regional Medical Center has forged ahead toward their mission – to provide accessible, comprehensive, quality health care and to promote the health and wellness of their communities. Vince Lombardi was quoted as saying, “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined

effort of each individual,” which wholly applies to the building of a community and its health care facility.

In addition, ARMC started an internal fundraising campaign in November to aid in the development of the new health care facility. The campaign’s purpose is to raise funds for the implementation of four special features at the future facility. These features include plants for the rain gardens instead of seeding these areas, installation of the green roof, additional furnishings for the chapel including a water feature, and a walking path along the Apple River for the community. The goal for the internal fundraising campaign has been set at $350,000. The ARMC Foundation donated $100,000 to the fund drive leaving a balance of $250,000 being requested from employees, management, medical staff, the board of

directors and the ARMC volunteer partners.

Amery Regional Medical Center originally broke ground at the future site in May of 2006 and has made tremendous strides with the construction of the new facility. The 120,000-square-foot facility, with an estimated cost of $36.5 million, is scheduled for completion September 2007. Currently, the facility is fully enclosed with over half of the exterior brick, block and window installation completed. Interior finishes are equally on pace for the September completion date.

The 28-acre lot, on which the new medical center is being built, will include additional clinic exam rooms, 25 private inpatient rooms, expanded emergency care area, increased space for surgical, laboratory and radiology services as well as a fixed MRI scanner.

Special amenities such as a chapel, expanded parking, educational spaces and a dining area will also be a part of the new facility.

“The tremendous support we have received from not only the Hugh J. Andersen and the Andersen Corporate Foundations’, but also from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation has demonstrated their belief in our medical center as well as the future of our community. Our commitment and promise has not changed; we will continue to provide quality health care while promoting wellness to the communities we serve. The new medical center is the foundation of the future and it will only help us strengthen our commitment to you,” stated Chief Executive Officer of Amery Regional Medical Center, Michael Karuschak, Jr. – from ARMC

Man faces cocaine, meth charges after arrest on Hwy. 8

by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - A Minnesota man was charged Friday in Polk County with felony drug charges.

David Heil, 42, of Sandstone, Minn., was charged last week with felony possession of methamphetamine, as well as two misdemeanor counts of cocaine and drug paraphernalia possession.

Heil was arrested Feb. 7 at 10:30 p.m. after a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the Super America gas station on Hwy. 8 for report of a

white male “acting very strange.”

St. Croix Falls Police also arrived at the scene, where they found Heil at the counter buying a large quantity of scratch-off lottery tickets.

Police requested to see his identification, then Heil reportedly hurried to his car even though an officer asked him to come back. Police reported seeing him open the glove box of the car.

When the officer came closer, he reported seeing Heil with a pocketknife refusing to exit the car.

After the officer assisted him out of the car, he saw a syringe on the passenger seat. According to the police report, Heil told officers that the syringe was a woman’s, and she was diabetic.

Police questioned the woman, who said she was not diabetic and did not know about any narcotic equipment in her car. Police later found paraphernalia and drugs in the car, and at the jail, a package of meth fell from Heil’s pants as he bent over.

According to the Polk County

Sheriff’s Department, Heil has a long criminal history in both Minnesota and Nevada, including several narcotic convictions, several counts of burglary, auto theft, battery, fleeing from an officer, forgery and receiving stolen property (firearm).

An initial court hearing is scheduled for April 10 in Branch 2 of Polk County Circuit Court.

If convicted of the felony charge, Heil faces a maximum sentence of three years and six months and a $10,000 fine.

Winners announced for Luck graduate fundraiser LUCK — The Luck Community Education Council’s annual fundraiser for the Luck Community Graduate Fund was held Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Luck School.

The event raised $3,200, which goes directly into the Luck Community Graduate Fund and is used to award each graduating senior with a $125 scholarship for continuing education.

The class of 2007 is the 11th class to receive the community education scholarships.

Luck and Frederic communities enjoyed the lasagna dinner before

watching the Luck-Frederic doubleheader basketball game. Following the dinner, the annual quilt raffle drawing was held.

Winners of the raffle prizes were as follows: Sue Johnson of Frederic won this year’s grand prize — a full-size heirloom quilt made by Donna Pedersen.

She purchased her ticket from senior Alexis Lowery. Cora Dversdall won the handmade, decorative snowshoe by Dan Beecroft. Eric Olson won the agate bookends made by Dan and Evie Beal.

Harvey Fjorden won the metal lawn

sculpture by Dennis O’Donnell. Betty Bohn won the framed watercolor print

by Vivian Byl. The hand-knitted cap by Amy Peterson was won by Monica Larson. Joan Chaffee, Kristin Boland, and Jennifer Tursso each won $10 gift certificates to Fibre Functions.

The diner was co-sponsored by Larsen Auto Center and Bernick’s Co’s, and the class of 2007 donated desserts.

Gratitude is extended to the sponsors, as well as Ione Denucci and Susan Carlson for overseeing the kitchen, and the many students, parents, council members and friends for help serving,

washing dishes and selling raffle tickets.

The students and council also express their appreciation to The Bottle Shop, Café Wren, Mike and Susan Carlson , Jensen Furniture, Luck Lumber, and Sterling Bank for donating matching funds for the raffle.

Luck Community Education Council has been recognized on a state level for its commitment to lifelong learning. For more information call 715-472-2152 ext.

103. — submitted by Luck Community Education

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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Use of weather radio advocated

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Burnett County Emergency Management Director Bobbi Sichta has a message she wants conveyed to the public. According to Sichta, weather radios will soon have the capacity to receive individual weather messages that are e-mailed to the U.S. Weather Service. This means that weather radio users can get messages regarding weather conditions for their specific area as soon as they are received by the weather service.

Sichta is a strong advocate for the use of weather radios, especially with the coming of April and the start of the tornado season not far away. She especially warns people that battery backup for those radios is essential.

Once a month, at the meeting of the Burnett County Law Enforcement Committee, Sichta gives a report along with Veterans Service Officer Doug Stubbe, jail administrator Terry Nesvold, Sheriff Dean Roland and chief Deputy Don Taylor. The February meeting was held Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Burnett County Government Center.

At that meeting, Sichta told the committee about the offer of a free demonstration and 30-day trial of a first-call emergency system, a system used by Douglas County that allows access to everyone’s home phone number for emergency notification.

“Douglas County has had it for two to three years, and is happy with it,” Sichta said. Sheriff Roland pointed out the need at times to notify members of the sheriff’s department SWAT team. He cited one instance. “It took 47 minutes to call out members of the SWAT team.

The shooting took four minutes. We were still calling 39 minutes after the need (for the team) was over,” he said.

“With one phone call, all 20 could be notified. For public safety issues, we really need this system.”

“The system could make 3,000 calls a minute,” Sichta said, adding that it could be set up for forest fires and tornado warnings. The committee gave her permission to check on the cost for the system, to set up the free demonstration and also to look at similar programs.

Stubbe got permission from the committee to present to the county board for approval a resolution supporting credit toward retirement for years of service in the military. Veterans have been excluded from this provision since the draft ended Jan. 1, 1974.

“This would affect all our vets, not just those wounded, who have served for a period of time. This would affect any veteran in the state of Wisconsin,” Stubbe said.

Committee chairman Eldon Freese brought up the subject of adherence to highway weight limits. “Every time you add more weight over the limit of the truck, you increase damage to the roads,” he commented. Someone else mentioned the danger in stopping for an overloaded truck.

“One officer could be trained on weights, but we would need a portable scale,” responded Sheriff Roland, adding that he would love to have a traffic unit in his department, and is willing to research the possibility. He will do so and report back to the committee at its April 10 meeting.

The sheriff reported that $1,300 was

saved the county on one one-hour video-conference call. The sheriff will be in Madison at the end of the month with the Badger State Sheriff’s Association, looking at alternatives to

incarceration, and recidivism issues (halfway houses, etc.).

Danbury Fire and Rescue donate to Helping Hands

Denny Blodgett, coordinator of Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution, and Barb Blodgett, chairman of Helping Hands, Christmas for Kids, accept a check from George Costello from Danbury Fire and Rescue.

The Christmas for Kids program provided toys for 508 children from 198 families this year. The food distribution, with help from Ruby’s Pantry, provided food for 387 families. “There is always the first donation that sets us on our way,” noted Blodgett. “These numbers are overwhelming.” – Photo submitted

Engineers to pay for design oversight

by Mary Stirrat MILLTOWN — The engineering firm that, while designing a Milltown street, failed to take into account elevation differences along the road will be paying the extra cost stemming from the oversight.

Tom Kuester of Cedar Corporation met with the Milltown Village Board in November to explain the problem and, since the project came in below bid, asked the village to pay the additional cost out of overall project savings.

Both Pember Excavating and Monarch Paving worked on the project, with Pember coming in $3,300 under bid. On the other hand, the oversight in project elevations meant that Monarch’s work was $4,500 over bid.

Bid amounts were $25,142 for Pember and $10,694 for Monarch. Pember’s final cost was $21,803.

At Monday night’s meeting of the Milltown Village Board, Kuester asked the board to consider putting the $3,300 toward Monarch’s bid, which would put the project right at the budgeted amount.

The board, however, felt it should be able to realize the savings from Pember coming in under bid, and voted to pay only Monarch’s original bid.

Uncollected taxes Three businesses in the community failed to pay their 2005 personal property taxes, and the board discussed applying for a charge back of the uncollected amounts.

The village has already forwarded the appropriate portions of these taxes to the other taxing entities — the state, county, the school, and WITC — and a charge back would require that these entities refund the amounts back to the village.

The village would still be out its own share of the taxes, and will continue to pursue payment from the businesses.

Owing 2005 personal property taxes are Tire Experts ($204), Mike’s Four Seasons ($102), and The Hall ($82).

The board discussed the possibility of putting the unpaid taxes on the property taxes as a special assessment, but when village clerk Joyce Stener contacted the Wisconsin Department of Revenue about the idea she was told this was not an option.

In other business, the board voted to grant a conditional use permit to Rick and Dorie Pederson to allow them to operate a driving school from their home on 2nd Avenue SW. The state of Wisconsin now requires that municipalities give permission to operate a driving school. The only concern expressed regarding the conditional use permit was whether the property would revert to strictly residential if the business ever moves, and the board assured that this would be the case.

Dorie Pederson explained to the board that no student drivers come to the house. Instructors come to the porch to pick up student files, she said, which is the extent of the traffic at the business.

Man arrested after driving in wrong lane POLK COUNTY - A Fitchburg man was arrested in Polk County Sunday for his fifth driving while intoxicated offense.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department arrested Levi Lauritsen, 27, at 1:48 a.m. after seeing a red pickup in the wrong lane on Hwy. 8 for about 100 feet, near 150th Street.

According to the report, Lauritsen told the deputy that the steering of his

truck “was all messed up.”

The windows of the truck were open, and the deputy reported the strong odor of breath mints or mint gum.

A preliminary test indicated an alcohol level of .13.

Lauritsen has a prior felony for burglary and a retail theft conviction on his record, as well as a history of operating while intoxicated. – Julie Holmquist

Luck Winter Carnival winners LUCK - Luck Winter Carnival pageant winners are: Queen, Krystal Stage; Miss Congeniality, Krystal Stage; pageant talent award, Krystal Stage; First Princess, Ashley Overby; Princess, Chelsea Anderson; Princess, Brianna Dietmeier, Little Miss Luck, Larissa Succo, Little Luck Princess, Paige Runnels..

Luck Winter Carnival raffle winners are: grand prize of $500 shopping in Luck, Tami Green of Ham Lake, Minn.; $350 cash, Jake Harvey of Luck and $100 cash, St. Croix Valley Hardwoods.

Luck Winter Carnival medallion winner of $150 is Gene Henriksen of Luck.

Roger Steen won a cordless telephone for the button prize. Winners of the fishing contest raffle were Jesse Eveland who won an ice auger and Gus Johansen who won a tip-up. Fishing contest fish winners were: for a 5.3-lb. walleye, Jason Christenson, winning $75; in the northern category Bob Marek won $75 for a 9.9-lb. northern; Don Dexter won $50 for a 3.1-lb. northern and Austin Holdt won $25 for a 3.0-lb northern; in the bass category Bob Marek won $75 for a 4.4-lb.

bass; Cain Lindquist won $50 for a 4.0lb. bass and Kathi Thompson won $25 for a 3.8-lb. bass. In the panfish category, four people tied, so they split total winnings of $25, $15 and $10, each winning $13: Devin Ellefson, Mitch Culver, Nick Bengston and Andrea Barstow, all with panfish weighing .5-lb.

Winners of the snowman-building contest were: Nicole Mathews, Austin Holdt and Jerod Hunter, all winning $5.

Winners of the torchlight parade were: Judge’s Award, Osceola float; Queen’s Award, Centuria float and President’s Award, Balsam Lake float.

Luck Booster Club Alumni basketball tournament winners were: Bruce Hansen, Jeremy Jensen, Ronnie Petersen, Ed Johansen, Travis Jansen, Corey Danielson and Amy Dueholm won first place and Kyle Petersen, Glenn Johansen, Tom Kreutzian, Nick Hetfeld, Shane Swanson, Dane Nelson and Shawn Olson won second place. – submitted

Kindergarten roundup ST. CROIX FALLS – The school district for St. Croix Falls will hold kindergarten roundup Friday, March 30. All children that will be 5 years old on or before Sept.

1, 2007, and plan to attend kindergarten for the 2007-2008 school year are asked

to attend kindergarten roundup. Please contact the elementary school office at 715-483-9823, extension 211 if you have a child that will be participating or if you have any questions. –submitted

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

L e a d e r We b Po l l Last week’s question: Do you use the Internet regularly?

1. Yes, and I’m over 50 69 votes (57 percent) 2. No, and I’m over 50 2 votes (1 percent) 3. Yes, and I’m under 50 50 votes (41 percent) 4. No, and I’m under 50 1 vote (1 percent) Total votes 122 This week’s question: Would you be willing to pay a monthly fee (not to exceed $5) to be able to access the entire contents of the Leader online each week?

1. Yes 2. No

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M Editor’s NOTEBOOK

B

Cost of fear

oston claims a recent promotional prank cost the city a half a million dollars.

It seems The Cartoon Network hired a few guys to go around the city and place three dozen plastic, lighted cariactures on bridges and in other locations around the city. All to promote a cartoon program. Authorities thought it was a terrorist threat and promptly went about evacuations and traffic rerouting.

They spent a half a million swiftly, apparently, in an effort to protect the public from possible terrorist threats.

We wonder what would have happened had the same type of stunt had been attempted in our neck of the woods. We could picture the same concern by authorities - or maybe not. Could you envision local village crew members firing up the lift bucket and taking down the cariactures not unlike Christmas decorations with little fanfare. No fanfare. Depending on their location, maybe they would become target practice for shooters.

Undoubtedly, someone would have witnessed them being placed.

Some tax dollars might be spent in response time and investigation. But nowhere near a half a million dollars could come out of local budgets.

Reporting of the Boston story has focused on the scorn aimed at two hapless fellows who were hired to pull off the prank - and how the head of the network lost his job. The city of Boston obviously was forced to take a hard stand in support of the seriousness of the prank and the need to protect the city and its residents.

They've even mustered support for creating a law that would put people who pull such pranks in prison.

Following 9-11, President Bush made an impassioned plea for Americans to go about their business. Continue to use the airlines - go on vacations - basically live their lives. Living in fear, he noted, lets the terrorists claim a victory.

The reaction to the lit-up plastic cartoons in Boston - while not the brightest promotional idea in light of the country's mood - tells us we're not only concerned, but perhaps becoming consumed, by terrorism. And it begs the question, "Is this a small victory for terrorists?"

Self-promotion

Gov. Doyle met with approximately 50 people from Northwest Wisconsin this week as part of the second-annual United St. Croix Valley Legislative Days in Madison.

“What is good for the St. Croix Valley is good for Wisconsin,” Doyle was quoted as saying to the group by the Pioneer Press.

Polk, along with Pierce and St. Croix counties, sent representatives who lobbied for legislation that will help our area - which is often, it seems, overlooked in regards to economic development promotion and legislation.

Funding for improvements to Hwy. 8, a border incentive program that would encourage job creation in areas that border another state, and expanding funding for the technology zone of which Polk County is a part of and which provides tax credit for high-tech companies - were some of the issues Polk representatives were interested in pushing.

Another interesting issue is the promotion of the creation of incentives to provide a greater bandwidth connection to the Internet which would foster greater competition in the world of technology.

Doyle recognizes that Northwest Wisconsin is the fastest growing part of the state - that’s a crucial element in forging a plan for our area, which needs help in areas of employment and competitive wages.

Winter Carnival

W h e re t o Wr i t e President George Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteers and organizers at Luck continue to amaze all of us through their hosting of a major summer (Lucky Days) and winter (Winter Carnival) event each year. An impressive feat for a village that size.

How many degrees of separation are there between the two? If you’re talking air temperature it may be about 100. Saturday’s evening torchlight parade was held in below-zero wind chill - and still managed to attract parade units from throughout the area - even Ellsworth - and brave souls to line the streets. Eating the candy that was thrown was another story.

Our archives here at the Leader show that the parade used to be a daytime event and some might argue it’s 10 to 15 degrees warmer in the daytime in the winter - even if that only brings the temperature up to 15.

But there’s some mark of pride in holding a parade in the dark and cold here in northern Wisconsin, and leaving talk of global warming for others - if for just a few hours.

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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

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

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FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

L e a d e r Views from across the S t a t e Minnesota must hold up own end of college pact

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t the risk of sounding patronizing, it's surprising that a bunch of well-educated, intelligent people can't figure out the kerfuffle between the universities of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The solution appears to be rather simple.

University officials in Minnesota are upset because the longstanding reciprocity agreement they have with the University of Wisconsin System — which allows Wisconsin students to attend Minnesota public colleges at the cost of a comparable UW school, and vice versa — is now favoring the Badger State.

Because of recent steep increases in tuition at University of Minnesota schools, Wisconsin students actually pay less to go there than Minnesota students; at the Twin Cities campus, they pay about $1,200 less annually.

But the deal also stipulates that if either state ends up with such an advantage, it must reimburse the other the difference in cost. Last year, Wisconsin paid Minnesota $6.5 million to make up the discrepancy.

So everyone should be even steven, right?

Not so, says Minnesota. Since the $6.5 million went into the state's general fund, and not university coffers, the University of Minnesota system is still out that money. Therefore, they want Wisconsin to renegotiate the reciprocity agreement.

With all due respect, this seems to be Minnesota's dilemma, not Wisconsin's. If the money isn't going where it's supposed to, then the Minnesota state legislature needs to fix the problem.

The University of Minnesota should take the payment Wisconsin made and apply it to tuition relief, thereby lowering rates for its students.

After all, Wisconsin doesn't complain about hosting 14,000 Minnesota students in its schools, compared to the 12,000 Wisconsin students in Minnesota.

Wisconsin signed on to a deal and surely understands holding up its end of the bargain. - Appleton Post-Crescent

C o m m u n i t y

is a tendency to react in certain ways.

These temperaments help determine not only the kinds of experiences that a growing child seeks out, but it is very likely that they will have inherited temperaments from one or both of their biological parents. If your t some point in your younger years, parent gets angry easily, you may too – but you have probably said to yourself: not because you inherited your parent's "I'm never going to be like my parents anger. It is because you inherited sensitivity when I grow up." However, every now LeAnn annoyances, or a tendency to react quickand then you may find yourself behaving the Mulroy to ly to situations. These in turn make you same way. It's common to have some positive prone to impulsive behavior such as angry and sometimes the not-so-positive traits of our outbursts. parents, despite our best intentions to avoid them.

You do have control over how you guide your inherI had a conversation with a few friends the other day and the subject turned towards our children, the ited tendencies. For example, a person who needs a things we did growing up, and how time has changed. lot of stimulation might end up as a criminal who None of us claims to be parents of the year; we have all takes risks. On the other hand, they could become a had our share of mistakes and hard times but are pro- law enforcement officer or an entertainer. Someone ductive members of society. Are our children really who is naturally cautious could end up an underlike us, will they make the same mistakes we did, will achiever, or a researcher, or a doctor.

Even though temperaments are inherited, the very they have mistake-free teenage years, and is it true traits that get us into trouble are the same ones that that, "the apple does not fall from the tree?"

One of the moms said she hopes her children do not can be put to constructive use. So even if the apple take the "scenic" route as she did. She worries her chil- does not fall far from the tree, and you have taken the dren will follow her path and take the long, hard road "scenic" route does not mean that you are not a good to get where she is finally today. Sometimes, despite person. It just takes some of us longer to get there. the parent’s efforts to raise responsible, hardworking Editor’s note: LeAnn is a Frederic High School graduate people, some children will not turn out that way. It is not always common to see well-adjusted children who with associate degrees in alcohol drug counseling and as a paralegal. She works full time as the Burnett County Crisis come from a highly dysfunctional family.

Environment helps shape personalities and family Intervention Coordinator for Community Referral life certainly affects how we behave. Kids will imitate Agency/Welcome Home shelter, working with victims of what they see and react differently to situations. Some domestic/sexual assault and child abuse. She works partof the similarities can be due to our heritage, other time as the Burnett County Safe and Stable Families Coordinator, working with community individuals and similarities are just learned. For example, if you hang organizations to provide resources and support for commuout with the loud crowd, you're going to be loud your- nity needs. She volunteers as the Burnett County self. If your family is not affectionate, you're not going Coordinated Community Response Coordinator and holds to be very affectionate either. Heredity has a big role positions with the Siren Ball Park Inc., the Siren Athletic in how you turn out, but it's not simply a matter of Association and does foster care. She lives in Siren with her "inheriting" your mother's outgoing nature or your two children, Haily, 14 and Caleb, 11. father's mood. We inherit their temperaments, which

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

C O R N E R

Treasures

e celebrated Joshua's seventh birthday Saturday.

I'm not sure why, but I wanted this birthday to be really special for him.

Maybe because his grandparents are usually here to share the day and this year they couldn't come.

Maybe because it seems like time is flying by too fast.

Friday night, after seeing Krystal Stage crowned Winter Carnival queen, Bill and I used a newspaper end roll (thank you, Inter-County Leader!) to make a huge birthday banner. We made another one to hang down in the door, cutting it in strips like streamers after we had decorated it all up. We blew up balloons and scattered them on his bedroom floor.

Bill and I had a great time with the colors and markers, then sneaking the balloons into his room after he was asleep. We were rewarded by Joshua's excitement the next morning.

It was really a perfect day for him. It started with the loss of one of his top front teeth. It ended, way past his bedtime and with a huge smile on his face, listening to birthday wishes and the birthday song on the answering machine.

In between, with his friends Eli and Tanner, were hours jam-packed with boy fun. They glued egg cartons, sticks, and pipe cleaners together into fantastic weapons. They painted their faces like warriors. They did construc-

V O I C E S

How far does the apple really fall from the tree?

S t a f f

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F O R U M

sion, with those quirky, spunky elderly ladies living together, laughing together, tion work, created thunderand working through their difstorms, and became famous ferences. rock stars. They climbed, ran, The women were each very crawled, and jumped for different from the others, hours. sometimes irritating each Like true friends, they other, yet always coming shared. Eli had two pieces of through for each other. gum. He gave one whole piece Mary We got word last week that to Joshua, because he was the Bill's great aunt Babs died in Stirrat birthday boy, then split the St. Louis. She was one of the other with Tanner. They made "golden girls" in his family, new friends and shared cupone of three widows from that generacakes with them. tion who were connected by bonds of They took turns. They listened to blood as well as love. each other (sometimes). They told Her memorial service was a testimojokes that made them laugh uproariny to her life of love, generosity and ously, even though Bill and I didn't get laughter. them.

I first met Babs at my wedding That night, as I was scrubbing off the where, in her pronounced Scottish face paint, he talked a mile a minute brogue, she did one of the readings for about the inventions and new movies us. At more than 70 years of age, she he is going to make with Eli and Tanner was energetic, witty, encouraging and when he grows up. thoughtful.

He is going to be a very busy grownBabs was a sister-in-law to my husup. Every other sentence starts with, band's grandfather. She lived with "When I grow up I'm going to . . ."

Winnie, her older sister, and Jean, a sisBut right now, I'm so glad he's a child, ter to Babs' husband and to Bill's grandand that he's our child. I'm glad we can father. take care of him for a while, enjoy him, We've been able to visit them in St. and bring him enjoyment. I'm glad that Louis a few times. One fond memory I he has birthdays and special friends to have is of Babs and Jean, both over 80 share them with, and then I'm glad we years old, holding pot lids on their ears can be home, snug and secure, together as they played pretend with our little as a family. boy. Another is of Joshua, sitting on ••• Winnie's lap, as she played the piano I remember a few years back watchwith him. ing the sitcom "Golden Girls" on televi-

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

They were always interested, always gracious. They were quick with a joke and a laugh, willing to share their wisdom without giving advice.

These three women immigrated to St. Louis from Scotland as young brides.

They were strong women, very independent in spirit yet understanding the need to work together and put the good of the whole above their own desires.

Bill's grandparents, Bill and Agnes, came first with their 6-year-old son — Bill's dad. Agnes' sister, Betty, followed, as did the three "golden girls" and other family members, all of them living with Bill and Agnes until they could get a start in this new country.

They did what some women nowadays would never consider. Each followed her husband to a distant place, where he had no assurance of a job, and where she would be living with his family.

They were strong enough to say yes to an adventure into the unknown, strong enough to carve out a home and life within the bigger family, strong enough to leave friends and family for what they hoped would be a better life.

And they weren't stingy with the better life they found. They opened their hearts and homes to others, sharing their time, energy and love. Judging by the several hundred people at Babs' service, and the memories they shared about her, she made a lasting, positive impact on many people.

They have certainly made our life richer.

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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

Open letter The Grantsburg School District Board of Education has great respect for the teaching staff in the Grantsburg schools.

Both the teachers and support staff are dedicated and tireless in their efforts to provide the best possible education for our students. Graduates of Grantsburg are well prepared for their future plans, whether it is college, a technical school, or a job in the field of their choice.

Tim Shultz, of the Northwest United Educators, submitted a letter to the editor in the Jan. 31, edition of the Sentinel in which he accused the board of not respecting the teachers. Respect is a core value that both teachers and school board members value highly, and show toward each other in both day-to-day work and in negotiating sessions. You may be interested to know that the NUE is a unified services organization, or Uni-serve. A Uni-serve is a regional organization of local teachers’ unions and is part of the Wisconsin Education Association Council which is the state teachers’ union. It is Mr. Shultz’s letter that we take issue with, and are responding to, with the following information.Shultz states some things that are true but does not tell you the whole story. For example, he does not mention that our offer for the 2005-2006 contract year is a total package increase of 4.25 percent and the salary increase of only 1.47 percent is for the teachers at the top of the pay scale. The rest of the teachers would see full step movement on the wage grid as well, so that the average wage increase is really 2.93 percent. He also does not tell you that the increase in insurance costs in the 2006-2007 contract year is 19.3 percent and that the family premium is now $19,197 per year. Lastly, when he states that the salary increase for 2006-2007 is only $185, he forgets to mention the full step movement for most of the teachers and that the actual average dollar increase is $705. This means paying 4 percent of the insurance premium will not cause the teachers to lose wages.

The real problem that the NUE is ignoring is health insurance. The insurance premium for a family is now at $19,197 per year and the school presently pays 100 percent of the premium.

There is no incentive on the part of the union to change to a cheaper plan because the teachers do not currently pay any part of the premium and the union would lose some profits from selling insurance. If the teachers had a stake in paying part of the insurance premium, maybe they would be more willing to help control costs and switch to a cheaper plan. The average premium contribution by the teachers in the rest of the Lakeland Conference is 3.5 percent. The offer by the board of 4.25 percent total package for 2005-2006 and 4.7 percent total package for 2006-2007 with a 4-percent insurance premium contribution by the teachers is a fair offer and still stands for the teachers to accept or reject. It is not about respect. It is about what makes sense.

Dave Dahlberg Jim Sundquist Cindy Jensen Grantsburg School Board – Personnel Committee Grantsburg

Praise for Doyle Wisconsin’s health professionals and advocates, like myself, have nothing but

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praise for the leadership Gov. Jim Doyle is showing in the fight to reduce the enormous burden tobacco puts on our population.

So we must protest the recent journalistic leap of logic in a statewide AP story, suggesting the governor would support a statewide ban on workplace smoking that exempts taverns.

In fact, he specifically said he would not support an exemption for taverns.

He said if he got 95 percent of what he proposed, he’d be happy. That’s how good negotiators think. But no bill has even been introduced. So it’s a little early to start journalistically inferring what those compromises might be.

The bottom line is a statewide ban on workplace smoking that exempts taverns makes no sense.

Statewide, there are 30 communities with indoor air rules. Tavern owners in those communities say they want uniform rules, so they don’t have to compete on an unlevel playing field with communities that allow smoking.

A statewide ban does exactly that.

Tavern owners have switched on the argument, lobbying furiously, that it infringes on their right to do business.

The rights in question here are people’s rights to breathe clean indoor air.

Secondhand smoke killed more people in Wisconsin last year than traffic accidents. A ban simply requires smokers to take it outside. There is no right to damage other people’s health.

A statewide ban is the right thing to do. It is what tavern owners have requested – and the state’s restaurants have endorsed. Best of all, it is excellent health policy.

Maureen Busalacchi, executive director Smoke Free Wisconsin Madison

Attacking war protestors In his Feb. 7 column entitled Blame the terrorists - not Bush and America, Wayne Anderson chooses to attack Iraq war protestors rather than address the cause of the Iraq mess we are in and offer suggestions on what to do next.

Wayne should put some of his “HooRa” energy into addressing the real problems and leave ridiculing those who disagree with him to Rush Limbaugh who does it so entertainingly.

People who oppose this war are now in the majority. They voted their protest in the recent county, state and national elections. Those who support the war must face the fact they are now in the minority - and are being blamed for getting us into a mess that seems to have no solution.

For the past three years, war supporters called anti-war protestors unpatriotic and not supportive of the troops.

They were able to ram through Congress everything they wanted to escalate the war at will. They were able to cut off all questioning of their actions.

The mess in Iraq has so disheartened Americans, that change has finally come requiring those running the war to be accountable for their actions and decisions.

Wayne exclaims he is “ready to sound the charge and lead a few good men into battle. Hoo Ra!” I haven’t heard any of that enthusiasm from my soldier friends and the Boy Scouts who were in my troop and have returned from Iraq only to be sent back time after time; who each day risk death trying to separate religious nuts bent on killing each other.

The only people who are winning from this war are those terrorists who hate America and can now get their recruits more easily, and of course the meanest of all terrorists, the oil companies who

hold our cars and winter heat hostage to their obscene profits.

An open and honest discussion is needed. It does not start by ridiculing those who disagree with you. The real questions that need to be addressed: 1. How did we get into this war?

Were we lied to? Why was there a failure in intelligence?

This must be answered so there won’t be a next time like this one. Vietnam and Iraq are two too many in my lifetime.

2. How are we going to get out of this war? There seem to be two courses more of the same being advocated: indefinitely; or give up and withdraw.

Both options will leave the United States worse off than when Saddam was in power and controlled Iraq’s religious fanatics and balanced Iran’s power.

Ridiculing those who disagree with you is really an admission you have no real argument to make for your own point of view. It is morally bankrupt.

Russell B. Hanson Cushing

Success Here I am, up at 3 a.m. and I can’t get my brain to shut down long enough to let me sleep. I have been trying to find a way to thank everyone who helped make Helping Hands – Christmas for Kids a success. My conclusion …there is no way I can do it without forgetting someone, so I am just letting you know we could not have done it without you.

The final tally is in. We provided toys for 508 children from 198 families. The food distribution in conjunction with Ruby’s Pantry provided food for 387 families. These numbers are overwhelming.

We think back to why and how this all happened. There were the major companies that donated and the anonymous individuals who gave large donations or the man who came in to give us $2.

We can’t even tell these people how much this all meant to us. Our volunteers were exceptional. For the most part, the entire project went pretty smoothly. A few glitches let us know what we have to do differently next year.

We kept thinking, do I name each donator or do I name just the major contributors or just how do we manage this? And so this brings me to sitting at my computer at 3 a.m. trying to figure out how we can let each and every person who did anything to make the project a success just how much they mean to Interfaith. In most cases the “giving was done in the spirit of Christmas” and I am not sure everyone would appreciate having their name in print. Suffice it to say that we gave away lots of toys and clothes.

We must acknowledge Norm and Jeannie Bickford and the Volunteer Firemen of Webster who allowed us to use the fire hall. Without them, we would have been in the street. We had outgrown our previous location and it seemed there was no where to go.

Norm simply said, “Sure, of course you can use it.” We are not sure if he knew what he was getting in to.

And now our hearts are full. Full of love and warmth that comes with knowing people really care.

We wish you every joy in the New Year. God bless you all, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Barb Blodgett, Chairman of Helping Hands, Christmas for Kids, Denny Blodgett, Coordinator of Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution Burnett County

Credit whereit s due Let’s give credit where credit is due – to the teachers!

The reason teachers are getting such bad publicity is that their salaries are paid for by our real estate taxes. The only way to change this is to find a better system to fund our schools and our teachers. Would the professions of doctors, lawyers, and nurses get your complaints if they were funded by your taxes? What about your government officials? You pay taxes to pay their salaries and they have the benefits you seem to be so against when it comes to teachers. Many government employees do not have and education beyond high school. Teachers are required to obtain their degrees and constantly keep furthering their education at their own expense. Your congressmen and legislators are paid by your taxes and have long-lasting benefits after they are out of office. You probably think nothing of going to a sporting event, movies, etc. and fund millionaires by supporting them. What more important profession do we have than the teaching profession? I know of a teacher in the local area school system, who, when trying to obtain a loan for a house, was told her income was below the poverty level.

The news media related just this week, that we should work diligently to keep students from dropping out of school because we pay so much more in taxes, because of dropouts. Now it’s suggested we cut teachers and their pay. I understand that you know nothing about the teaching profession, if you think this is the answer. Teachers do not have a say in what is to be taught.

Years ago, Russians were condemned for trying to educate babies in the cradle. We are nearing that with school for 4-year-old children. Have you been in a schoolroom situation to see firsthand what a teacher deals with? Do you really think that a teacher stands in front of his or her class for eight hours (without coffee breaks and noon hours other jobs enjoy) and then is done? Who do you think prepares these lessons and when?

Who has the job to correct work done in the classroom? These extras are done after the so-called eight hours spent with the students. There are teachers who not only spend their nights and weekends at school doing extras for the students, but are also at school in the summer months as well. Our schools are much like our country. They are expected to take in students of every culture, status and gender and try to mold them in to productive individuals.

The thanks they get seem to be in the form of complaints, rather than of support. We should be grateful that we have dedicated teachers who stick with the profession, because they love their jobs and the students they work with, rather than to leave the profession for more lucrative jobs.

If you are so burdened with taxes, perhaps you could write to your congressmen and senators to work out a solution where teachers are not paid by your taxes. The only other possible solution is to have people pay for the education out of their own pockets and do away with our present form of education for all. Maybe with the many online schools being formed, this is what the school of the future will be all about.

Lorraine Hoefs (Mother of three teachers) Grantsburg

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

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

Love battle Scientists call it a global warming.

Others call it the wrath of God - his anger and judgment is manifesting upon us! Wait a minute! God does only good! Anger and judgment of God went on the cross with Jesus as a sacrifice so that we may be right with God. So, who is to blame? Let me tell you a little secret that should become wellknown. There’s a love battle for your soul. The creator of heaven and earth who made you, wants to bless your heart, your will, your mind, your body, your finances and your future. But, there’s the enemy, Satan, who wants to kill, steal, and destroy your heart, your will, your mind, your body, your finances and your future. Actually, he wants to be complete destuctor of your life!

Satan loves to make God’s creations suffer, and he will do everything in his power to make sure you don’t receive the full blessings of God. If we don’t know the glorious, wonderful things of God through his son, Jesus, sin comes naturally. Satan is the teacher of sin. Sin connects us to death, and disconnects us from the blessings of God. Sin is basically the disobedience of the Ten Commandments! Sin is affecting our very own lives, our families, our schools, our churches, our society and our land.

We are seeing the results of sin in our own land through pollution, crime, addiction and poverty. The Old Testament is a love battle through the disobedience of the First Commandment. “Do not worship any other gods besides me”. (Deuteronomy 5) Jesus says in Revelation 2, we have

fallen out of love from our first love God himself. Deuteronomy 6 tells us to love God with all our heart, soul and strength.

The truth is, and this will offend many, the shepherds of the church of Jesus Christ are falling short.

Jeremiah 10:21 says, “shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer follow the Lord or ask what he wants of them. Therefore, they fall completely, and their flocks are scattered” all because they’ve lost their first love. Ezekiel 37 says without the breath of God, people are just a “heap of bones”. Where are the spirit-led people who will renounce sin, speak against immoral practices, and share God’s word with others even outside the church?

And so, our society and land suffers because the churches are not teaching the truth, the way, and the life of Jesus Christ, and the power of his holy spirit which could slow society’s deterioration.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on us sinners.

Instead of God bless America, America bow down and bless God. Susan Brandt Balsam Lake

Theories After calling Ken Java last night about History Mystery (Feb. 7 Leader) with thinking it may be from the sawdust pile, Ken said it was just a loggers camp, so I told him I would take this article to my nephew’s wife, Dr. Jan Kurtz, who works for the EPA. She analyzes a lot of environmental things like oil spills etc. as she works out of the EPA lab in

Sybers honored

Sgt. Bill Shafer (L) and Sgt. 1st Class Gary Robinson from the U. S. Army Reserve presented Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers with an appreciation plaque (closeup photo at right) during the Feb. 8 meeting of the Siren Village Board. Shafer, as a full-time Siren police office, works under Sybers. He said that the plaque was in recognition of Sybers’ use of military-like common sense and smarts in the work he does for the village and for the pride he has in Shafer’s service with the National Guard and for the village. — Photos by Nancy Jappe

Flu shots still available POLK COUNTY – It’s not too late for a flu shot! The strains of influenza occurring in Wisconsin and Minnesota match those in the vaccine, so those who’ve received the vaccine should have adequate protection from the disease.

The Polk County Health Department

still has influenza vaccine available. The vaccine is free for all children, and costs $15 for adults.

To obtain an influenza vaccination, contact the Polk County Health Department at 715-485-8500. – from PCHD

Pensacola, Fla. Of course, I can’t leave anything alone or stop thinking about it until I figure it out, and last night as I’m supposed to be sleeping, it occurred to me that those loggers’ horses, mules or oxen may have been tied there or just fenced in on those areas where nothing grows with their harnesses left on, or they could have hung the harnesses over the fence and with the combination of sweat and harness oil it could have caused a chemical reaction that stopped plant growth.

Another possibility may be something they used like oil on the sled runners to keep them from freezing to the ground while sitting over night.

It also dawned on me that my grandson, Matthew Kurtz, is studying forensics in college.

So he may be able to analyze a soil sample as well.

Or, those loggers were drinking some pretty strong moonshine and like dogs do - marking their territory!

Bill Kurtz St. Croix Falls

Misunderstanding?

In response to last week’s letter, Lord’s Battle, I strongly agree we Americans have a lot to pray about, especially our foreign policy and our military. Amen to that!

And is it just me, or did others find last week’s letter a bit scary? If I understood accurately, I heard the writer claiming the favor of Jesus for the U.S. in Iraq and our “spiritual military”. I heard a new cause for the war in Iraq, that is, conquest of the Garden of Eden first lost by Adam and Eve. I heard God favors Christians over Muslims. I heard

the Iraqis are godless, Mohammad (the Muslim prophet) is our enemy, and the solution to the war is the Iraqis’ conversion to Christianity. I assume the recommended “blood cover” is metaphorical, but if not, there may be enough shed blood in Iraq to do the job literally.

And I wonder, does the writer know Jews, Muslims and Christians all pray for goodness to the same God of Abraham? Is the writer advocating another Crusade in the Middle East?

Does the writer hear her violent language as highly similar to that of radical Muslims, e.g, “God is Great! Death to America!”?

And then, just as I’d concluded the writer was misguided, I was surprised to hear doubt that “guns and bombs are going to win this war.” Hmmm.

And now, I wonder, does the writer oppose the Iraq war? Perhaps she advocates for a victory not of violence, but as Christ may have, a victory of love, compassion, and respect for all God’s children? Perhaps she knows most Jews, Muslims and Christians would pray for the same. Perhaps the passionate metaphorical language of religious fundamentalists sounds unloving, bigoted and violent only to outsiders? Perhaps I have again fallen into a trap of cultural misunderstanding.

Respectfully, Norman Jensen Madison and Siren

Follow the Leader.

Promoting Frederic for 13 years FREDERIC – The Frederic Chamber of Commerce will host a community seminar on how Frederic is being promoted by the Polk County Information Center, Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., at the village office boardroom.

The Polk County Information Center has served as the visitor information network for Polk County communities and businesses for 13 years, and coordinates the marketing efforts of our area.

The information center has three distinct roles: Providing information to visitors and potential visitors, distributing information to businesses and individuals who may wish to relocate here and serving as the answering service and reception desk for Polk County government. This seminar will focus on how the first two directly impact Frederic.

Because of the Polk County Information Center, Frederic appears in more than a dozen state, regional and local publications that will be shown at the seminar. Frederic has been featured in two Discover Wisconsin promotional videos that have been shown multiple times on cable TV. They will be available for viewing.

Frederic is prominently featured in the annual Polk County Guidebook.

Thirty-five thousand copies are distributed annually by the center. Polk County has representation at more than a dozen recreation/sports/outdoor/travel shows each year. Many are staffed by volunteers from Frederic. The center’s Web site is visited by thousands from around the world and provides a link to Frederic.

Following the presentation, information center director, Sue Mathews, tourism council chairman, William F. Johnson IV and council member Roxanne C. White will host a discussion about marketing and promoting Frederic.

Frederic-area residents, business owners and chamber members are invited to attend. For more information , 715-327-4836 or 800-222-POLK. – submitted

Habitat for Humanity organizational meeting set at Amery AMERY – Amery Mayor Harvey Stower announced that there will be an exploratory-organization meeting of persons interested in establishing a Polk County Habitat for Humanity group.

The meeting will be held at Amery City Hall, 118 Center Street (across from Soo-Line Park), at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 19.

Stower stated that there are Habitat organizations in Burnett and St. Croix counties, and that some Polk County citizens are interested in exploring the possibilities. Gil Hoel, a leader in Wild Rivers Habitat, will meet with the group. All interested citizens, young and old, are welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be served. For more information call Amery City Hall, 715268-7486. – submitted

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PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Unity presents new athletic plan

Approval given for senior trip to Jellystone

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — After two years in the making, Unity’s athletic strategic plan has been completed and was accepted by the school board of education Tuesday night.

The process included a variety of meetings with those involved in the program as well as an athletic peer review. This review, the first of its kind in the state, brought in seven individuals ranging from WIAA athletic and activities directors to an NCAA athletic director to join parents and staff in looking at Unity’s athletic program.

One outcome of the process was an athletic strategic plan, which the board reviewed during the meeting.

The plan looks at 12 areas of improvement, such as communication, youth athletics, volunteering, professional development, pride in the program, curriculum continuity, definitions of the athletic director’s role and facilities improvements.

A series of strategies has been develUnity senior class officers at Tuesday’s school board meeting presented oped to address each of these areas of information on the senior trip to Jellystone Park. From left are class improvement, some of which have been Secretary Megan Johnson, President Tiffany Hallin and Vice President Cola ongoing, some of which will be implemented at this time, and some of which Hickethier. – Photo by Mary Stirrat will be implemented in the future.

Finally, the plan identifies who is responsible for carrying out or oversee- ment, a lack of pride in the programs, Thursday morning, May 10, and arrive ing each of the improvement strategies, not enough recognition of what is done back Saturday evening, May 12. along with a timeline and the projected well, and lack of school pride and idenOn the way to Jellystone, also known budget impact of each. tity due to poorly defined school colors. as Yogi Bear, the students’ Blackhawk Another outcome was a report on the The complete peer review report is Express bus will stop for lunch in Eau strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, available by contacting district Claire and at the Cranberry Discovery and threats to and within the program.

Administrator Brandon Robinson.

Center at Warrens.

Among the strengths that were indiThey will stay in three villas at the cated are strong support from staff, Senior trip approved resort, with 10 to 12 people in each. The administrators, students, and the comMembers of the class of 2007 will be three senior advisors with their spouses munity, cooperation among coaches heading to Jellystone Park Campground will be chaperones for the trip, one couregarding seasons, the fact that sports- and Waterpark near Tomah in May for ple in each villa chef. manship is valued and taught, the their senior class trip.

The villas have kitchens, and students newsletter, and the expectation that acaThe board gave approval for the trip will be taking food to prepare meals. demic and athletic excellence is not after class President Tiffany Hallin, Vice Thursday supper and Saturday breakmutually exclusive.

President Cola Hickethier, and Secretary fast will be prepared by each villa, but Weaknesses included not taking Megan Johnson gave a powerpoint Friday meals will be shared by the entire advantage of hiring qualified communi- presentation on the proposal. group, with each villa preparing one ty coaches, the sense that volunteers are An expected 30 members of the senior meal. Prizes will be given to the best not welcome, a lack of staff develop- class will leave from the high school chef villa.

X

There will be a campfire both Thursday and Friday evenings. Park regulations require quiet time beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday and 11:30 p.m.

Friday, and students will be in their own villas by midnight.

Saturday activities include the water park and helping with a charity weekend event at the resort. Several Green Bay Packers are expected to be volunteering at the charity event.

Checkout time Saturday is 11 a.m., with arrival back at Unity at 5 p.m.

Total cost for the rooms and bus is $2,500, which will be paid out of the senior activity account. The account has more than $5,000 in it, with only graduation flowers and the senior banquet yet to be paid out.

The only out-of-pocket expense for the students will be $20 each, to cover food, the water park, and the museum.

Other business • District administrator Brandon Robinson gave a reminder that the open enrollment deadline is Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

“No late applications can be accepted,” he said, adding that additional information can be obtained from the district office.

• Middle school Principal Elizabeth Jorgensen, who serves as the curriculum coordinator, reported that the curriculum review process will continue with a March 12-13 peer review of the “applied academics” and guidance curriculums.

Instructors from other schools and universities will review and evaluate family and consumer economics, vocational education, business education, agriculture and guidance. Results and recommendations will be presented sometime in the spring.

• The Community Education Advisory Council is offering a survey to find out what the community, parents, students and staff would like to see regarding programming and classes.

The survey will be available online, in printed form at the school, and at parent/teacher conferences March 6 and 8.

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Three problems facing theatre

Council hears update on maintenance report and plan

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The old Vaudeville theatre house in St. Croix Falls, known as St. Croix Festival Theatre, was recently placed on the Historic Register as a historic place in the city of St. Croix Falls.

The theatre was constructed in 1916 and opened the doors in 1917. It served as a live production house, a place for silent films to be played and a movie theatre in 1961 when a lobby addition was placed on the front of it. It also served as the offices for city hall and still houses the city library in the lower level.

The theatre group backing Festival, its board of directors and donors, patrons, and volunteers, have made many improvements to the facility to renovate it back to the old building. The 1961 addition has been removed, and original doors to the theatre have been restored due to work of volunteers.

A powerpoint presentation by the theatre’s new manager Danette Olson showed several photos of the changes

and a list of improvements made over the years to the theatre. The theater has three consistent problems facing it when it comes to the structure of the building.

Olson explained those three problems as keeping water out, improving the appearance of the building and implementing the HVAC system that was previously presented to the council.

The water coming into the building was described with photographs of the roof and areas where water can enter the building despite efforts of tar and other sealing to prevent water seepage.

Improvements to the building she explained as cosmetic but also functional include the handicap ramp that does not meet ADA requirements, the fire escape which is not completely functional, the rear doors and loading dock that do not allow for performers to unload their equipment, the small men’s rest room as examples.

Olson also said that the HVAC plan was studied to help better provide the building with heating and air conditioning in a more efficient and cost-saving way.

The theatre presentation was informational to the council. The theatre will come back to the council with a proposal to hire a professional architect/struc-

Meg Lurhs, standing, and Danette Olson, seated, spoke about Festival Theatre and its plans for maintenance and a report of improvements done at the city council meeting Feb. 12. –Photo by Tammi Milberg tural engineer to do a building master plan. Doing so would enable Festival Theatre to apply for grants to help make

necessary improvements.

TF calls a halt to new development Delay on zoning ordinances prompts move

by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS - The Taylors Falls City Council approved a six-month moratorium on new development Monday night in a split vote.

The vote was prompted by fear of future litigation because the city’s old zoning ordinances do not “match” the new comprehensive plan.

Kevin Buck, a 16-year resident of Taylors Falls and developer of the proposed Hunters Crest housing development, asked the council Monday night for a delay on that vote.

Buck asked the council to consider a 30-day delay so he could submit a plat and keep his development moving.

“This will directly affect my project,” he said. “We’ve come a long way in addressing concerns about our development and making it suitable.”

The vote to adopt the moratorium passed 3-2, with mayor Mike Buchite, Zara Kinnunen, and John Tangen voting in favor; vice mayor Ross Rivard and council member Larry Julik-Heine opposed.

Buck and RTS Development have been working with the Taylors Falls

Planning Commission to prepare a new preliminary plat for the 132-acre development since the commission voted against the original proposal in December 2006.

A delay in the vote would have allowed the development’s engineer to meet with the city engineer as planned this week and determine if the plat could be ready for the planning commission in 30 days.

“I’ve felt that we’ve come so far,” Buck said. “The latest meetings with the planning commission have been very useful and productive. After coming this far, we (the development) are not full of surprises.”

The city attorney recommended the moratorium as a legal safeguard after the resignation of the city planner left the unfinished zoning ordinances in limbo. Cliff Knettel, formerly of McCombs, Frank, Roos Company, resigned Jan. 22.

“Time is eroding our possibilities,” Buck said of the development he began planning three years ago. “The housing market is much different than it was three years ago. But I do understand the city’s position.”

The resignation “does put us in a different position,” Buchite said, “because our zoning ordinances are not in align-

ment with our new comprehensive plan.”

The new comprehensive plan was approved 10 months ago, with a timeline of creating the new zoning ordinances within six months. The new zoning ordinances basically translate the concepts of the comprehensive plan into enforceable codes.

According to attorney Trevor Oliver of Kelly & Fawcett, P.A., the moratorium will help the city “avoid the ambiguity and confusion that has led some other Minnesota cities into protractive and expensive litigation.”

The city contracted with McCombs, Frank, Roos Company in 2004 to complete the new ordinances. The contract with them included an estimated 115 hours of staff time, 20 copies of the document and an estimated six-month completion.

“Despite the 168 hours that we paid them to do this work, we still do not have a document,” wrote city clerk / treasurer Jo Everson in a memo to the city council.

The council had solicited quotes for a new planner, but Buchite also called the McCombs, Frank, Roos Co. to discuss the contract.

“They were completely surprised that it wasn’t completed,” Buchite said. The

Luck’s Middle School Solo and Ensemble participants Luck’s Middle School Solo and Ensemble participants are: Front row (L to R): Geoffrey MaidenMueller, Christa White, Alyssa Hutton, Karissa Giller and Dylan LeMay. Second row: Devon Nelson, Frankki Iverson, Morgan Pullin, Roger Steen and Morgan Third row: Denny.

Summer Johnson, Shabana Mishler, Julie Franzel, Scott Dahlke and Lindsey Stapel. Back row: Angela Schebo, Kristine Wortman, Rebecca Hutton and Kelly Stokes. – Photo submitted

company assigned a new planner, Bill Weber, to work on the ordinances, which are in draft form, and pledged to complete the project by Memorial Day. The council agreed that the city should not have to spend additional dollars for someone to review the draft and comprehensive plan, and voted to hire Weber as an interim planner.

The moratorium, Buchite said, would take the city “out of a dangerous situation.”

“I’m not looking to hinder anything,” he added, noting that Buck’s situation is through no fault of his own. “It’s just very unfortunate.”

Tangen agreed the situation was unfortunate.

“We need to defer to comments of the city attorney,” he said. ‘We need to complete it (the zoning ordinance). Then there will be no gray areas, no loopholes.”

Kinnunen agreed that the comprehensive plan was not applicable until the ordinances were complete.

Rivard, however, said delaying a moratorium vote for 30 days was reasonable, noting that it would be impossible for a new development plan to be submitted in that period of time.

“We’ve been waiting for this to be finished for over two years, and the city council’s been on the planner to finish it,” Rivard said. “The planning commission has been working with the developer, and I’d like to wait a month.

They’re almost ready to submit their plan. I think it’s the fair thing to do.”

Julik-Heine also wanted to see a “middle ground” in the decision.

“On the one hand, I see the comprehensive plan that people sweat bullets over, and it’s no good without ordinances,” Julik-Heine said. “On the other hand, declaring a moratorium puts out a pretty harsh message and unfortunately, people are affected by that.”

The moratorium halts approvals on building permits, site plans, lot splits or plat approvals in the city.

It does not include permits for building additions, expansions or remodeling of existing structures, or permits required for repairs or minor alterations.

Any development with preliminary approval of the city is not affected, including Cedar Grove Estates, Granite Lodge and Stannard Woods.

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TF “gets ready” for disaster with Red Cross program

by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS - Taylors Falls has accepted the American Red Cross challenge to “Get Ready” for emergencies like tornadoes, pandemic flu or even an old-fashioned winter storm.

At Monday night’s city council meeting, the council approved a resolution proclaiming 2007 as The Year to Get Ready.

The Red Cross launched the Get Ready program after a 2006 survey indicated that most Americans have not taken basic steps needed to prepare for common emergencies like a winter storm or a tornado.

The Twin Cities Chapter of the Red Cross wants to assist communities to prepare for, prevent and respond to emergencies by offering free education-

al presentations and discounted CPR and first-aid classes.

The Red Cross hopes to teach community members to prepare an emergency plan and a disaster kit. The kit needs to have enough supplies for each family member for three days in case supplies become limited due to a disaster.

“We’re looking at a quarterly activity with the Red Cross,” said Mayor Mike Buchite. “And the presentations are free. There is no dollar cost.”

Several programs are available, including SAFE, a 45-minute presentation targeted for neighborhood and social service agencies, new-parent classes and workplace seminars.

That includes the five steps to emergency preparedness for individuals, families, people with disabilities, senior

citizens and businesses, as well as pandemic preparedness and other topics.

Other programs include the Safety Mobile. The special vehicle travels with B. Safe Bear to schools and community centers teaching 20-minute safety lessons to kids in kindergarten to fifth grade.

The Health Speak program provides one-hour presentations for fourth- to eighth-graders on healthier habits of nutrition, fitness, preventing common illnesses, tobacco abuse, coping skills and violence prevention.

In other business Monday night, the council moved ahead with plans for creating a new city well, approving an agreement for plans and specifications for the well with the SEH engineering firm of St. Paul.

The cost over time will be $246,410 and will be paid from the city’s special well-drilling capital expense account in the water fund, but the council did not authorize a payment at the Monday night meeting.

The agreement covers the scope of work to be done by SEH and the timeline. Services will include design, bidding services, construction services and additional tasks.

The exact location of the well has not been determined and awaits the result of a test drill.

The council also approved a contract with Animal Control Services, Inc. of White Bear Lake, Minn., for animal control one hour a week in the city. Animal Control Services also provides services to North Branch and Chisago County.

City moves toward public access channel

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–Imagine being able to view a city council meeting on your TV set or computer at home or viewing highlights from a Friday night Saints football game on a Saturday evening. At the Feb. 12 St. Croix Falls City Council meeting, the city council discussed the possibility of getting set up for a public access channel or cable channel 23, and also showing the footage on the city’s Web page for those residents who do not have cable but have the Internet.

The idea has been started by Erik Barstow, a local individual who has taken the initiative to identify the steps needed to set up a cable access channel for St. Croix Falls. Barstow is providing his time at no expense to the city, because it is something he wants to see

implemented in the city. Councilman Jon Cermin also has been working on this idea with his film industry background.

Osceola has a cable access channel head in at the schools, and the administration does not seem to mind the idea of moving the head in to a more public accessible location according to Cermin, but Osceola has a contract with the cable company for the location that is a fouryear contract. Until that expires, St. Croix Falls would have to travel to Osceola to access the head in for broadcasting local programming to St. Croix Falls cable customers.

Cermin stated that the equipment necessary to fund a cable access channel could be funded by contracting with the cable company for a 15-cent charge per

month added to all cable subscribers in the city, which is an estimated 800 subscribers. Of that charge, 5 cents would go to the city into a cable access channel fund and 10 cents would go to the cable company if a contract were signed by the city and the cable company. The total cost annually for a cable subscriber would be $1.80, which Cermin indicated is not much but would be enough to purchase tapes and DVDs and equipment for recording such programs to broadcast.

The question was asked for those who do not receive cable, could they have access to view the materials? The answer was yes, so long as the city links the feed to the Web page, those who access the Internet could click on a program to view.

The council passed a motion to explore establishing local cable access programming for the city with the cable company. Because Cermin may volunteer time to doing the programming he abstained from the action of the council.

He added that the idea is for the channel access to pay for itself with the charge that would be applied, and the intent is not to have city tax dollars do it. Cermin said if he did work on the cable access programming, he would not be receiving any money for it, but felt it was best to abstain on ethical grounds.

More information will come back to the council for review once it is gathered

by Barstow and Cermin.

Local Legion recognizes elementary students

Students from St. Croix Falls Elementary were recognized by the state commander of the American Legion Post Feb. 13. Students in Mrs. Klawitter’s and Mrs. Bonneville’s second-grade classes, and Mrs. Trombley’s third-grade class and Mr. Mysiska’s fourth-grade class, are pictured with Jim Chapin former state legion commander who serves Legion Post 143 in St. Croix Falls. Chapin presented the students with a certificate of recognition signed by Charles Cooney, state American Legion commander. The students participated in the Cares Program after the American Legion Auxiliary in St. Croix Falls went to the school and asked if students would participate in the program. The Cares Program sends a care package to every injured soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The care package includes a DVD player, a DVD, a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops so that soldiers have something to wear when they come out of surgery or treatment for injuries. The students answered the call of the state commander to help boost morale of the troops. They wrote letters to soldiers and now, each box sent through the Cares Program will include a letter. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

St. Croix Falls Fire Dept. gets new tanker Members of the St. Croix Falls Fire Department stand in front of one of the new tankers the department received recently. The tankers have been detailed and are stored in the new fire hall on Pine Street.

–Photo by Tammi Milberg

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Mayor reports on Washington, D.C., trip

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–St. Croix Falls Mayor Brad Foss traveled to the nation’s capital last week and discussed issues facing the city including dollars for the wastewater treatment facility upgrade which Foss called a “big ticket item” for the city. He gave a brief update at the city council meeting Monday, Feb. 12, and reported in more detail in a mass e-mail.

Last Monday, he attended a fundraiser for Congressman Dave Obey. During the event, he met the congressman and his staff.

On Tuesday, he went to the national building museum and toured an exhibit on "the green house" and collected resources on principals of sustainability, ways to go green, and innovative “green products.” Then Tuesday evening, attended a "green mixer" in which people interested in promoting green designs gather to share information.

During this meeting, he met John Hanshaw who heads up the Guerrilla Film Fest. After describing our community, Hanshaw indicated his willingness to bring in Independent Films (this would tie in with the city’s efforts to define the "culture" of the downtown).

On Tuesday he also met Fred Widicus from Alternative Energy Matters. He explained the city could tap into the methane gases that probably escape out of the old city dump. We could then capture the methane and claim federal credits for environmental clean up and use the methane as an energy source to heat

city buildings. Methane, if left to seep into the environment, is detrimental.

Foss said Widicus also described the utility of using solar power to run city streetlights and other local energy needs. Again, this type of energy utilization comes with a tax credit. It is especially viable as a small-business tax break. The city will contact the resources offered by Widicus to determine local feasibility.

Wednesday, Foss met with Sen. Kohl and his staff to discuss ideas to collaborate in order to achieve the city’s commons goals including economic development and city infrastructure. Foss also met Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar's Administrative Assistance Bill Richard. “This meeting served to pave the way for future discussions about linking the city’s trail to the state park and Taylors Falls,” Foss said.

He also met with staff from Sen. Feingold's Office and explained this meeting was a "101" to the staff on what the city of St. Croix Falls plans within the upcoming years.

Wednesday afternoon, he met with Jason Hartke and Sandy Wiggins of the Green Building Council. Hartke will send electronic resources to augment the city’s efforts to build green. Foss also discussed the city’s water concerns and an idea developed into an effort designed to work with the school. He will forward curriculum designs to help kids begin a water conservation campaign. During the meeting, the possibility to a "toilet buy back program" was

discussed, in which the city offers to reimburse homeowners half the cost of a low-flow toilet."

Foss commented in the e-mail report on the trip that the city has been discussing its water issues. “The former administration sought the development of a well along Hwy. 8 and 35 at a proposed cost of $2.3 to $2.7 million for 150 gallons per minute (Cedar Corp). If 200 homes reduced, their toilet's water use by .3 gallons per flush, the city could generate a water savings of 300 gallons per day with an upper cost of this ‘toilet buy back’ program of $40,000. Given this model, the city could add 150-gallon-per-day capacity to its water system and not expend between 2.3 to 2.7 million. How much water does a showerhead use?

According to the United States Department of Energy, most showerheads installed before 1991 had high-end rates of 5.5 gallons of water per minute. Say that 200 homes in St. Croix Falls had showerheads that used 3 gallons per minute and installed showerheads that used 2.5 gallons per minute. The daily water savings for 200 homes with a family of two would be 2,000 gallons per day (here is the math: reduce use by .5 gallon per minute times a five-minute shower times two people taking a shower X 200 houses taking showers equals 2,000 gallons per day).

This is incredible and low-flow showerhead costs around $30 at the high end.”

Thursday, he met with Congressman Obey. During the initial portion of the meeting, he discussed the wastewater

treatment plant, the library concept, and the river trails with his Chief of Staff Will Painter. In regards to the wasterwater treatment plant, the city needs to finalize its conversations with the design team (Councilperson Arnie Carlson is heading this up) and then submit a formal request for an ear mark appropriation within the Energy and Water Bill. The formal request is due by March 7. Congressman Obey highlighted the Democratic position to limit ear marks within this budget cycle and thus highlighted a 50/50 chance that the appropriation will be granted during this budget cycle.

If not, the city will resubmit in 2008.

Foss explained Monday night, “This is not a crisis as the wasterwater treatment plant is meeting all discharge levels set by the state, and even though our permit expires in December of 2007, we can get an extension as long as we are working toward a solution.”

During the meeting with Painter, Foss discussed the library. The federal government is reluctant to provide "bricks and mortar" money for libraries. “I agree that a library should be a local initiative. Because it is the investment of those with a passion for the library that will not only bring it to life but also keep it going far into the future. Mr. Painter did direct me to a contact in the Wausau, office that knows of competitive grants for library technology,” he said.

Sales tax to reduce property tax?

City to legislate for one-half percent tax; Three-way stop at post office/tavern intersection probed

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The city of St. Croix Falls council voted Monday night to move forward for adding a one-half percent sales tax in the city to buffer burdens by property taxpayers in the city.

The resolution passed indicating that the mill rate for the city has been reduced from $8.19 in 2003 to $5.18 in

2007, but the rising property values make this mill rate reduction insufficient according to residents concerned about their property taxes.

The resolution is requesting legislation for a one-half percent sales tax be implemented, which would generate approximately $400,000 or more in revenue, which could ultimately reduce citizens’ property tax by nearly half, or a $2.59 mill rate.

The next step is for legislation to amend the premier resort area tax to allow St. Croix Falls to impose a sales tax as a means of reducing local property tax.

In other business, resident Bill Beattie discussed his idea of having a three-way

stop at the intersection of State and Washington Street, or where the St. Croix Tavern, Baker Building, Post Office location intersects Main Street or Washington Street.

He stated that the intersection makes it hard for drivers to get out onto Washington Street from State Street, and the location of the post office across the street complicates traffic patterns even more. He added that stop signs may also help to slow traffic on Main Street down as well.

Beattie’s idea is similar to the threeway stop Osceola placed at the 243 and Hwy. 35 intersection. He said he is willing to look at solving that intersection and working with people on a commit-

tee to improve the traffic in that area.

Councilman Darrell Anderson stated that the situation in Osceola was unbearable for travelers on 243 trying to get onto Hwy. 35. He indicated the three-way stop was the best thing that happened to that intersection.

The logistics of getting stop signs on the Main Street facing north and south on Washington would need to be worked out as well as determining if the three-way stop idea is the best solution for that intersection.

The council authorized Beattie to be part of the roads committee, and they will meet March 5, at 1 p.m. at city hall.

Teachers receive recognition Board goes with music addition

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The school board honored three teachers for their efforts in creating Wellness Day and the Culture Fair for students to participate in during the school year.

Wellness Day was held in November and the Culture Fair took place at the end of January.

Shanda Henk was instrumental in setting up Wellness Day and Sharlene Prinsen-Knapp and Tracie Crowley were instrumental in planning the Culture Fair. Crowley’s marketing class planned the speakers for the Culture Fair and Prinsen-Knapp wrote the grant

to fund the program.

In other business, the board looked at plans for the elementary building and selected the brick color. The floors for the classrooms have been poured, and bricking can go up shortly, after it is ordered and arrives. A further update on the building indicates the asbestos removal for the 1961 addition will begin in May, and the remaining piece of removal is to be completed over the summer when the building is not in use.

The board also discussed bidding the addition for music to the high school building. The plan is to create an addition to the southeast corner of the school for a larger music space, to locate three classrooms in the existing music space and to relocate the weight room.

www.the-leader.net

Teachers Shanda Henk, Sharlene Prinsen-Knapp and Tracie Crowley were recognized by the school board Tuesday, Feb. 13, for their efforts in coordinating school activities. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

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Development association’s focus is discussed during annual meeting

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – “We have more flexibility in the way we spend money than in the past,” said Burnett County Development Association President Ted Gerber in his introduction to the BCDA Annual Meeting at the Pour House Wednesday, Feb. 7. “The county is helping us with money turned over to us at the beginning of the year. What we do with it is what we choose, giving them an idea of what we are going to do with it.”

According to Gerber, the association will be talking about where they want to go with the Burnett County Web site to get a better focus for the site. There was talk about the BCDA’s continuing association with the Northwest Planning Commission.

Regional

Superior Days will not be supported by BCDA because no youth are involved this year. As to the BCDA-sponsored leadership academy, the association will wait to see if anyone is interested, and the BCDA will need to identify a project to be working on.

Chuck Govin suggested looking at the changing demographics in Burnett County. Advisor Mike Kornmann, the Burnett County UW-Extension community development agent, referred to a publication titled “Putting a Face on a Creative Industry – Craft Persons/Artists in Northwest Wisconsin.” Kornmann’s role will be to research this and other topics and bring them to the group for consideration.

Accomplishments for 2006 for BCDA include: 1) Holding the second-annual

(L to R) Mike Kornmann, Burnett County UW-Extension community development agent; Ted Gerber, BCDA president for 2006 and re-elected for 2007; and Mark Dahlberg, president of the village of Grantsburg, were among those who attended the Burnett County Development Association’s annual meeting at the Pour House, Siren, Wednesday, Feb. 7.

John Stroschine (L) from Northwest Regional Planning Commission, Spooner, presented the list of tasks he completed as consultant to the Burnett County Development Association during 2006. Mark Crowl (R), representing the Webb Lake area, was re-elected vice president during the BCDA annual meeting in Siren Feb. 7. - Photos by Nancy Jappe

business plan competition, with three businesses involved in an eight-week training course in Webster (co-sponsored by UW-Extension’s Small Business Development Center), and 2) three entering the contest.

Participation in the Superior Life Technology Zone.

Kleiss Gears, Grantsburg, was awarded $86,000 in tax credits through the zone for expansion and creation of several jobs. 3) Making 4) numerous business contacts.

Increasing BCDA’s visibility via a newsletter that was sent to over 500 businesses and elected officials. 5) Publishing the second edition of a business directory. 6) Providing four scholarships to participants in the Polk Burnett Leadership Academy (Group II). 7) Funding the $1,000 participation fee and participation for Burnett

County youth in Superior Days.

The www.burnettcounty.com Web site usage in 2006 was up slightly from 2005. The highest month was March with 87,000 page views. By visitor count, the highest month was December with over 34,000 visitors. The average monthly visitors for the year came out at 19,700. Thirty-four businesses sponsor the site, paying over 50 percent of the cost. This is five more sponsors than last year. Site updates continue on an ongoing basis.

The 2006 BCDA officers were elected to continue during 2007. They include: Ted Gerber, Community Bank, president. Mark Crowl, Webb Lake Area, vice president. Kelly Hibbs, Bremer Bank, secretary/treasurer.

Chazlyn Pet Boarding and Grooming is temporarily closed for repairs SIREN – A water pipe burst Monday, Feb. 5, at Chazlyn Pet Boarding and Grooming, 9086 Daniels 70, flooding the building and destroying the grooming/reception area. “We won’t be able to safely board or groom dogs until it is back to code,” said owners Lynne and Chuck Dahlen.

Repair crews from Quimby Construction, Burnett Plumbing and Maxwell Heating, along with representatives of the insurance company that covers the building, have been helpful in getting repairs started.

“We hope to have everything back together within six weeks. In the meantime, we’ll try to get the grooming business back up very shortly,” Lynne Dahlen said. “All my equipment was damaged and will have to be repaired. We’ll have to find a small building with a bathtub to set up temporary quarters.

“We’re still in shock, but we are not closing shop,” she stressed. “We intend to stay in this wonderful community for a long time.” – Information submitted

Grooming table

Grooming area

Ceiling fan The photos were taken at Chazlyn Pet Boarding and Grooming, 9086 Daniels 70, Siren, after a water pipe had burst and destroyed the grooming/reception area. “We are not closing shop,” said owners Lynne and Chuck Dahlen. “We hope to have everything back together within six weeks.”

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Restorative Justice has new staff

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Since Nov. 6, 2006, Brandy Horstman and Lisa Johnson have been the staff members responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Burnett County Restorative Justice Response.

Both work part time, sharing the responsibility. They have been keeping a low media profile as the programming is growing from victim-offender conferencing and victim-impact panels to include bullying and harassment, a youth educational shoplifting program called Y.E.S. and facilitation of offender community service for drug court.

According to the wording in their brochure, Restorative Justice is a community-based response to crime that invites those who are affected, meaning the victim, the offender and the community, to take a good look at the full impact of the crime and find ways to repair the harm that has been done.

“Restorative Justice is about healing for victims and accountability for offenders,” the brochure states.

Helping people restore themselves back into the community after committing an offense is a huge piece of the work that began back in September 2003 with a start-up grant from Gov. Jim Doyle. Another big aspect is communication between willing victims and their youthful offenders that promote understanding and, hopefully, healing.

About the Restorative Justice Response Victim Impact Panels consist of a small group of offenders who come together to listen to offenders and victims of drunk-driving tragedies tell how their lives have been affected by their crime. The panels are designed to change the drinking and driving behavior of offenders because listening to personal accounts of drunken driving

Oregon (a state she said just wasn’t home) for a year before moving to Webster in October 2006.

Horstman’s background has always been in finance and the office field. She and her husband, who works in construction, have two children, a 5-yearold and a 3-year-old.

About Lisa Johnson Lisa Johnson’s title is director of programming. She is responsible for the victim impact panels, victim-offender mediation for juveniles and young adults and the Y.E.S. program. Johnson was a behavioral science specialist in the U.S. Army, a 20-year veteran who retired in 2002 after serving in the first Gulf War and being a sergeant in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Program director Lisa Johnson (L) and director of administration Brandy She does foster parent training, and is Horstman share the responsibility for the Burnett County Restorative Justice involved in a new training program Response, along with a board of directors that includes Burnett County known as PACE which teaches indeJudge Mike Gableman. pendent living skills to foster children who will be going out to make their way makes offenders aware of the dangers the future. About 97 percent of juve- in the world. She has taken care of fosniles do not repeat the shoplifting ter children in her own home, probably and consequences of their behavior.

“The Victim Impact Panel is the most offense after completing the Y.E.S. pro- at least 20, she recalled, caring for two consistently successful aspect of the pro- gram, according to the descriptive long-term foster children until they gram,” Burnett County Judge Mike brochure. reached adulthood. These two are conA new area being addressed by sidered as a member of her family. She Gableman said.

Burnett County Restorative Justice Response has set Restorative Justice Response is bullying took care of children with problems, tryitself up as a model for demonstrating and harassment. Dave Kopecky, Siren, ing to provide a stable home atmosuse of the panels. According to Johnson, who is working on a criminal justice phere for them.

Polk County residents make up about degree from UW-Superior, will be doing For six years, from 1993-1999, she was half of the people on the panels, and his internship with RJR in this area. A the education coordinator for Fairview other counties are referring people to collaborative team is being formed with Hospital in Edina, Minn. the program. “We are drawing from the three Burnett County schools She and her husband, a law enforceother areas. Fortunately, we can pro- involving the guidance counselors and ment deputy sheriff, have a 5-year-old the principals in the middle and high and a 7-year-old, and Johnson enjoys vide the service,” she commented.

The Y.E.S. shoplifting program is a schools to address bullying and harass- the time she spends as a Brownie leader. home study/individualized instruction ment issues. Kopecky will also be facilThrough their work with Restorative program offered by the National itating the community service require- Justice Response, Johnson and Association for Shoplifting Prevention. ment for drug court offenders.

Horstman, along with Judge Gableman It helps juveniles see how shoplifting and the RJR governing board, are affects their lives, and gives kids caught About Brandy Horstman expanding and enhancing their efforts shoplifting a better chance to succeed in Brandy Horstman’s title is director of to provide quality programs for the administration. She is responsible for community – as a response to crime that the payroll, paying the bills, taking care repairs the harm and strengthens the of human relations, dealing with the community.

IRS, grant writing and searching out To learn more about the programs, grants as well as additional funding and call 715-349-2117.

The Restorative support.

Justice Response office hours are Horstman has had 12 years of office Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 administration experience. She was the a.m. to 3 p.m. Horstman and Johnson Mille Lac County, Minn., court adminis- share those hours, each working 15 trator for five years before coming to hours a week.

Wisconsin. Milaca, Minn., has been her home base, although she lived in

Wireless Internet may come to Grantsburg

BMC gets approval for next steps This display features the programs that are covered under Burnett County Restorative Justice Response, programs such as victim offender and community justice conferences, victim impact panels and the Y.E.S. youth shoplifting program. New areas to be covered include bullying and harassment along with coordination of the community service for drug court offenders. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Polk County divorces Kay and Harold Shores, Osceola. Married 1978. No minor children.

Kenneth Rumphol, South St. Paul, Minn., and Karen Carroll, Osceola. Married 2006. No children.

Linda and Karl Nelson, Star Prairie. Married 1984. Three children.

Theresa and James Knutson, Star Prairie.

Married 1977. Two children.

Kelly and James Baker, Centuria. Married 2003. One child.

Kerrie and Lyle Pohlen, Amery. Married 1987.

Three children.

Burnett County warrants William J. Beddo, 18, Siren, arrest warrant – complaint, Feb. 6.

Scott G. Buskirk, 26, Danbury, arrest warrant – complaint, Feb. 6.

Vadim A.Y. Chapchay, 38, Minneapolis, Minn., arrest warrant – complaint, Feb. 6.

Jermey J. Johnson, 27, Trego, warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 8.

Chad L. Lindberg, 29, Isanti, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 8.

Candy G. Meizo, Siren, warrant – failure to

appear, Feb. 9.

Nicole E. Steele, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, Feb. 8.

Burnett Co. deaths Roger W. Sjolander, 69, Anderson Township, Jan. 18.

Steven D. Clover, 65, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 19.

by Gregg Westigarg GRANTSBURG – Sara McLain and Joe Cremin say they are tired of experiencing poor service from a local Internet provider. And they decided to do something about it. If their plans work out, the Grantsburg and Siren communities will soon have high-speed wireless Internet access.

The Burnett County residents, coowners of NorthStar Wireless, appeared before the Grantsburg Village Council Monday night. They were seeking permission to mount antennas on the village’s north water tower as a link in the new system they plan to offer to Burnett County residents. If everything works as planned, their wireless network would start at a connection in Pine City and be relayed to the Grantsburg tower and towers on Penta Hill and Siren.

Signals would then relay to homes in the area.

The village agreed to do an engineering study to see if the antennas can be mounted on the tower. If that works and the Federal Aviation Authority has no problem with an increase in the tower’s

height, the project may move ahead.

The Burnett Medical Center expansion is moving ahead after council action at the meeting. The village agreed to sell BMC three small parcels of land and vacate a short section of village street. BMC now has the land it needs for construction of its enlarged hospital/clinic and for a stormwater pond.

BMC is paying $10,000 for .62 acre of land and offering an additional $50,000 to be used for golf course improvements.

The properties include two small triangles of land, a total of .36 acre, just south of the present clinic. That transfer, which was approved last year, would straighten out the BMC property line.

The village also sold about .26 acre of land just east of the hospital for a stormwater pond. That land, along the present BMC roadway, is now part of the golf course. The vacated street is Parkway Drive, the short road south of St. George Street between the clinic and the hospital.

BMC has offered a total of $60,000 last August in exchange for the property swaps. The council discussed how much of the money should be assigned to the land sale and how much should be considered a golf course donation.

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Local office holders make choices in Supreme Court race

Contest is only issue in primary next Tuesday

by Gregg Westigard NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – The election of judges is supposed to be a nonpolitical issue. Local-elected officials are not following party lines as they announce their endorsements of Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates in the primary election next Tuesday.

Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore, a Democrat, is joining Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland and Washburn County Sheriff Terry Dryden, both Republican, and 43 other sheriffs in support of Annette Ziegler. Moore says he was impressed by the fact that Ziegler visited every county in the state last fall.

He added that many sheriffs feel she understands the needs of law enforcement officers. Ziegler also has the backing of 41 district attorneys including Ken Kutz from Burnett County and Mike Bitney from Washburn County.

Amery Mayor and former Assembly member Harvey Stower, also a Democrat, is backing Joseph Sommers.

Stower says that Sommers has been an

advocate for the hungry and homeless and for the mentally ill, working to protect the interests of the underdog.

Stower calls Sommers an independent voice with a passion for justice who is committed to protecting the rights of all.

Area legislators Bob Jauch, Frank Boyle, Mary Hubler, and Ann Hraychuck, all Democrats, are on a long list of lawmakers and officials, including many Republicans, who are supporting Linda Clifford. The list of her supporters also includes Sen. Russ Feingold, Congressman Dave Obey, and former Governors Tony Earl, Patrick Lucey, Martin Schreiber and Lee Sherman Dreyfus.

Former Assemblyman Mark Pettis told the Leader he has not taken a stand in the race but would support a candidate who applies the laws within the constitution. Sen. Sheila Harsdorf has not made an endorsement, according to her office.

The contest for the open seat on the Supreme Court is the only issue on the primary election ballot in our threecounty area [unless you live in the Clear Lake School District]. Linda Clifford, Annette Ziegler, and Joseph Sommers are seeking to replace retiring Justice Jon

Knuf unopposed for Frederic president Five running for board FREDERIC – Phil Knuf will be running unopposed for Frederic Village president in the April 3 election. Jim Pearson was nominated for the office at the caucus but declined the nomination.

The date for filling nomination papers has now passed, and the candidate list is complete.

Wilcox. The top two vote-getters Tuesday will face each other April 3 in the spring election.

Linda Clifford, from Madison, is a practicing attorney and a partner in a Madison law firm. She has served on a number of committees seeking to improve the justice system. Earlier in her career, Clifford was an assistant attorney general in the Wisconsin Department of Justice, where she was involved in enforcement of environmental laws. She says that the court functions best when its members come from a variety of professional experiences.

Joseph Sommers is convinced that the integrity of the Wisconsin courts system is in jeopardy, and he is on a crusade to reform that system. A practicing defense lawyer, he specializes in criminal trial and appeals. Sommers says there is a growing indifference to the evil of wrongful convictions. He has been especially critical of practices in Dane County, which he says could spread statewide if not checked. Before becoming an attorney, he worked with the homeless and the chronically mentally ill.

Annette Ziegler says her experience as

a sitting judge will allow her to serve the community as soon as she takes her seat on the Supreme Court. She is the senior judge on the Washington County Circuit Court. Prior to her appointment to the court, she was a federal criminal prosecutor as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Ziegler points out that she is the only candidate who has served as a judge, a prosecutor, and in private practice. She has spent the past year visiting all 72 counties in the state listening to local issues.

While the seven-member Supreme Court is nonpartisan, news sources indicate that the court at present is closely divided into conservative and liberal groupings, with retiring Justice Wilcox included in the conservative camp. A Wisconsin Public Radio guest characterized Clifford as the liberal candidate, Ziegler as the conservative candidate and Sommers as a reformer.

Each candidate has an Internet Web site where more information can be found. judgezieglerforsupremecourt.com sommersforsupremecourt.com lindacliffordforjustice.org

The early days in St. Croix Falls

Five persons will be running for three seats on the village board. Incumbents John Boyer and Arlen Peterson will be facing Maria Ammend, William Johnson IV and Eleanor Carlson. There is one vacant seat on the board, created when Knuf was appointed village president after Charlie Wolden resigned the office.

The terms of council members Kay Friberg, Jamie Alexander and Brad Harlander run through next spring. Gregg Westigard

SCRMC offers free CPR class ST. CROIX FALLS–To celebrate February Healthy Heart Month, St. Croix Regional Medical Ceter is offering a free CPR class. Learn Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and choking first aid for use on adults or refresh your skills.

Essential knowledge and hands-on practice for general public based on the American Heart Association standards.

One-session will be offered Saturday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon. The class is

instructed by an emergency medical instructor. Class will be held in the learning resource center in the lower level of the hostial building in St. Croix Falls.

Pre-registration is required. Call 715-483This picture of life on Main (Washington) Street in St. Croix Falls in the 0431 or e-mail sarah.shaw@scrmc.org to sign up. Please note: this does not meet “early days,” is provided by Barbara Hoglund Newbury, whose parents were requirements needed for health care Dean Hoglund and Peggy Edgell Hoglund. Barbara writes that she isn’t sure when her great-grandfather sold the store, since she has a receipt indicating workers. –submitted that he was still in business in 1908, yet other records reflect that he sold the store in 1907. He died in 1909. —from Rosemarie Vezina Braatz

Village rejects reduced contract with T-Mobile

by Mary Stirrat LUCK — The Luck Village Board last Wednesday rejected a request from TMobile to reduce the monthly charge for use of the water tower.

Since early last year T-Mobile has been paying $700 per month to locate antennae on the north water tower.

Now in the second year of a five-year contract, T-Mobile requested that the present contract be terminated and that a new contract at $525 per month for six years be established.

The village budget for the current and upcoming years includes the $700 per month figure as revenue. At the recommendation of the finance committee, the board voted not to terminate the present contract.

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Finance, planning assistance Bill Bell, Turtle Lake administrator, has been contracted to assist the village in overall planning regarding street projects and smart growth (comprehensive planning) mandates from the state, and their financial implications.

The finance committee told the committee that it had contacted Bell, who is willing to assist the village for $30 per hour plus mileage.

The board voted to follow the recommendation of the finance committee, limiting Bell’s time to a total of 20 hours.

Village sign Village president Rich Callister informed the board that John Leonard

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will not be renewing his lease with the village for the sign on the south end of town welcoming travelers to Luck.

According to village clerk Kathy Hanson, Leonard has entered into a lease agreement with Sterling Bank for the sign.

The board discussed the two-sided 100th anniversary sign on Wood Goods property. The south side of the sign will be converted to a welcome sign, possibly in the future to include an invitation to the new museum and library, with a sign promoting the golf course on the north side.

Wood Goods charges the village nothing for the sign.

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Other business • At the recommendation of the finance and personnel committee, the board voted to hire Dennis Quinn under a two-year contract to do UDC inspections.

• Bookkeeping for the golf course will be transferred from the village clerk to Cardinal Accounting of Luck, at $4,500 for six months.

• The board voted to invoke a letter of credit from the bank against Tar Properties, developers of Wilderness Hills by the golf course. According to village clerk Kathy Hanson, there has been a disagreement about how to apply revenue from the sale of lots at Wilderness Hills.

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P O R T

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

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

Blizzard stop the train north to Superior!

Webster-SirenFrederic-LuckGrantsburg holds off Rails rally and advance to face Superior Spartans

Extra Points

Blizzard 6, Spooner 5

by Matt Blumkin SIREN – No need for a train, the Blizzard will take a bus or vans to Superior.

A 6-0 start proved to be enough to win their first-ever WIAA playoff game on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Before a packed Lodge Center Arena, the Spooner Rails managed to whittle the lead, but the Blizzard advanced 6-5 to play No. 1 seed Superior on Feb. 15.

“I told the guys it doesn’t matter how you win in the playoffs,” said Blizzard coach Greg Sears. “It’s if you win.”

WSFLG went ahead right away with a goal by Garrett Bennett at 0:53 seconds into the game, and they kept the momentum going with another quick goal by Josh Meyer at 2:27 into the action.

Meyer earned a hat trick with another goal in the first and second periods, and Cameron Hughes and Kevin Mossey each put in goals during the second for a 6-0 Blizzard lead.

“We couldn’t have come out any better to go up 6-0 on a team like that right away, but then we went into relax mode,” said Sears.

Deven Maki got the scoring going for the Rails with a goal at 9:55 into the second frame. Then, David Brown added a pair of goals, and the Rails trimmed the lead in half.

“The goals they got were unfortunate breaks for us, and all of a sudden, the puck was in front of the net and boom, it was in,” said Sears.

In the third period, the Rails entered having already cut the lead in half, and they did more damage with two powerplay goals. They also turned up the

Thumbs up! Blizzard forward Travis Close (left) and Josh Meyer (right) both coming off checks against a Rails player when the referee called for a stoppage in play. Meyer had a hat trick (three goals), and Close assisted on a couple in the Blizzard’s 6-5 win over Spooner in the first round of the WIAA boys hockey regionals on Tuesday, Feb. 13. – Photos by Matt Blumkin physical play on the Blizzard, and the Blizzard did the same, as both teams committed three penalties in the final period.

“We just did it back to them,” said Blizzard senior forward Cameron Hughes. “That’s all you can do.”

Justin Hughes had his hands full in net with the offensive onslaught by the Rails. Hughes stopped 12 shots in the second period and nine in the third.

“He really knows how to handle that pressure,” said Cameron Hughes. “He’s playing his best hockey now at the end

of the season.”

The Rails looked to avenge their defeat at home to the Blizzard on Feb. 2, when the Blizzard won 4-3 in overtime to earn the Northern Cup. The Blizzard swept the Rails in both meetings this season, and they now lead the all-time series (including playoffs) 31.

Next, they’ll head north to Superior for the regional finals against the Spartans (11-9). Though the Spartans sit just two games above .500, they play a strong schedule with Duluth, Minn., schools East, Denfeld and Marshall. All three teams are ranked in the top 10 in Minnesota. The Spartans also played No. 1-ranked Eau Claire Memorial (200-0) and North during the season, and they went 6-2 against Wisconsin schools. Consequently, the Spartans are ranked eighth in the state along with being the top seed in the section.

In their lone common opponent, Duluth Central, the Blizzard inked out a 5-4 overtime win in December. The Spartans crushed the Trojans 13-2 in January.

Team Spooner Blizzard

Train crash. Cameron Hughes knocks over a Rails player in going after the puck.

1 0 3

2 3 3

3 2 0

F 5 6

Scoring First Period – 1, B, Garrett Bennett (Josh Meyer), 0:53. 2, B, Meyer (Cameron Hughes, Travis Close), 2:27. 3, B, Meyer (Hughes, Ethan Hayes), 12:54.

Second Period – 4, B, Meyer, 2:31. 5, B, Kevin Mossey (Bennett), 2:43. 6, B, Hughes (Meyer, Close), 9:10. 7, S, Deven Maki, 9:55. 8, S, David Brown (Dana Sando, Jake Olson), 10:31. 9, S, Brown (Andrew Olson, J. Olson), 13:31.

Third Period – 10, S, Brown (J. Olson, Mitch Goering), 8:00. – , S, Goering (J. Olson) 8:00.

Goalies Saves – B, Justin Hughes (26). S, Sykes (23).

••• ST. CROIX FALLS – Meren Meister of St. Croix Falls will be training to compete in the 2007 Special Olympic World Games in China. Meister will train for the bowling competition. He will be going to a training camp in Nashville, Tenn., later this year for the Special Olympics. – Matt Blumkin ••• BEMIDJI, Minn. – One way to cure a losing streak is to schedule a winless team or hope for one to be the same conference. Webster native Nancy McConkey and the Bemidji State women’s basketball team ended their two-game slide with a dominating 8861 win over Minnesota-Crookston (023, 0-14). McConkey had 10 points and four boards against their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe on Feb. 10. She also nailed two 3-pointers and dished out two assists in 20 minutes of play. – Matt Blumkin ••• WEBSTER – The Webster Tigers boys basketball team had a famous alumus on hand to watch them dismantle the Siren Dragons on Friday, Feb. 9. Former Webster athlete and Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Jarrod Washburn came to watch the game.

Washburn lives in the area still. He will return to the Mariners for spring training in March. – submitted ••• MENOMONIE/STEVENS POINT – Former Webster student Char Edwards has helped the UW-Stout women’s basketball team be a conference contender this season. Edwards scored six points, grabbed eight boards and passed out three assists in Stout’s 79-51 win over UW-Superior.

Stout claimed at least a share of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Conference with the Feb. 7 win, but they’ll still need to keep winning to clinch the title outright. UW-Stevens Point edged Stout on Feb. 10 in a 74-71 contest. Edwards had seven points in the game, and she hit a three to cut the Pointers’ to three, 66-63 with 5:08 left in the game. That helped maintain an 8-0 run by Stout, though they came up shy in the end. – Matt Blumkin ••• NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Amanda Harder, a native of Webster, ran a oneminute, 16.48-second 400-meter dash for the UW-Stout women’s track team on Feb. 10. She took 14th in the event at the Border Battle meet at St. Olaf College. Harder competed in athletics for Spooner during high school. – Matt Blumkin ••• COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Siren native Molly Engstrom is on the preliminary roster for training with the U.S. women’s hockey team for the World Championships later this year.

The preliminary roster was set for the players to train at Grand Forks, N.D.’s Ralph Englestad Arena in late March for the World to prepare Championships. – Matt Blumkin with information from USA Hockey •••

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

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

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SCF Saints take second at team sectionals Saints couldnt get the edge with four overtime wins against Caddott

by Marty Seeger BOYCEVILLE – It just may have been one of the most exciting matches of the year for the Saints as they came within only a short distance away from the state tournament as a team.

“We kind of knew from the beginning of the year that it was going to be us against Cadott to try and get to the state tournament,” said Saints coach Dan Clark.

In the semifinal match the Saints defeated Mondovi 39-24, and as Clark predicted, it came down to Cadott for the final match of the evening—the one that would decide who goes to the Division 3 state tournament.

Unfortunately, the Saints fell just short as Cadott defeated the Saints 34-23.

“We just ended up giving up more bonus points with major decisions and we couldn’t score the pins,” Clark said. He also mentioned that Cadott was a very difficult team to pin.

Four matches were decided in overtime against Cadott, with Jake Bruns, Joe Raygor, Shawn Castorena and Jordan Beauvais all winning their overtime matches. Dustin Raygor remained undefeated at 152, with one pin against Mondovi and a win by tech fall over against Cadott.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from my kids, we just wrestled a good team, I’m very proud of what they did,” said Clark.

The Saints host sectionals at St. Croix Falls this Saturday, Feb. 17, and have a total of 10 kids competing individually to move to the next level.

Saints take regional title BALSAM LAKE – Shell Lake and St. Croix Falls traded punches, but the Saints came out ahead of the Lakers for the Division 3 regional title on Feb. 10.

“We really came together at the last round,” said Saints freshman wrestler Joe Raygor.

Justin Rikkola and Shawn Castorena

A trip for Cameron. St. Croix Falls’ Justin Holmdahl gets Cameron’s Derek Horn off his feet. Holmdahl advanced to sectionals after winning his weight class at the Unity regional. – Photo by Larry Samson. made different sorts of comebacks to help the Saints to victory, and three wrestlers pinned their way first.

“We had three wrestlers pin their way through the tournaments, and that’s big points,” said Saints coach Dan Clark, who’s team won with 262 points, five ahead of Shell Lake at 257.

It started with Rikkola at 103 pounds taking some pain but wrestling through it. Rikkola had taken a 7-1 lead on Shell Lake’s Cory Campbell, but Campbell caught Rikkola in a tough position and found himself laying on the mat apparently injured.

Yet, Rikkola got back up and finished off his opponent 7-3 in the third period for the win.

“Justin Rikkola got us pumped,” said Raygor.

Shawn Castorena of SCF fell behind Connor Schmidt of Shell Lake 7-0 by the second period of their 160-pound cham-

Unity’s Dennis McKinney with the upper hand on Shell Lake’s Willie Christ in the 130-pound regional championships. Yet, McKinney fell 8-0. – Photo by Larry Samson.

pionship match on Saturday as the regional title also hung in the balance for both teams. However, he rallied with a couple of back points and closed the gap to five, 9-4. Then, he flipped Schmidt and narrowed the margin to three, 9-6. They ended the second period tied 12-12. Castorena came up victorious in the third period with a 14-13 decision.

Dustin Raygor (152), Joe Raygor (145) and Jake Bruns (112) each pinned all of their opponents throughout the tournament for the Saints. Each earned 26 points for the winning cause. Mike Castorena also stepped up for the Saints with a second-place finish at 125.

“Mike Castorena wrestled well and beat a good kid in the semis from Cameron,” said Clark.

Castorena earned a major decision over Cameron’s Riley Hargrave (22-12), but he fell short in the first-place match to Dustin McKinney of Unity, 8-3.

Castorena then beat Hargrave again in the second-place match.

The Saints will also send Justin Holmdahl, Isaac Bont, Michael Lamirande and Jordan Beauvias to the sectional tournament at their home gym on Feb. 17. – Matt Blumkin

Unity sends three to sections BALSAM LAKE – Dustin McKinney knows well that it takes a team to make a wrestler successful.

After winning his first regional title, he credited the help of Tony Belvedere and his cousin, Ablie McKinney, who come to help out the Unity wrestlers regularly at practice. His brother, Dennis on the team, also helps him improve.

“Devon’s been a big help too,” said McKinney.

McKinney’s father also helped him become familiar with big tournaments at a young age since he took him to youth tournaments on the weekends.

He even one a youth wrestling state title. Now, he can work towards a high school one.

McKinney won the 125-pound weight class for the Division 3 regional tournament in an 8-3 decision over Mike Castorena of St. Croix Falls. The Eagles freshman went 2-0 on the day with a pin in the semifinal match also.

“Castorena is a good wrestler,” said McKinney. “I just had to work hard for it.”

His brother, Dennis, won’t be going to state for a second-straight year though.

“He had the toughest bracket here probably,” said Eagles coach Mark Ferguson. “It’s hard to go from 103 pounds to 130 pounds and compete at that same level.”

McKinney wrestled his way to state at 103 last season, but he fell to Justin Holmdahl of St. Croix Falls in the 130 second-place match in a 5-0 decision.

Only the top two finishers move on to sections. Both Holmdahl and Willie Christ of Shell Lake hold state rankings at 130.

Unity’s Devon Hoyt (29-2) will face a ranked wrestler in Caddot’s Greg Sonnetag (41-1) at the section tournament in SCF on Saturday, Feb. 17. Hoyt lost to Sonnetag at the Northern Badger invite in December. At the regionals on Feb. 10, Hoyt pinned through the tournament with a first-place finish at 119.

“If you aren’t at that level (with Devon), it’s hard to compete against him because he’s so fast, so strong for that weight,” said Ferguson. “He’s one of the best 119-pounders in the state.”

Zach Osborn-Gurtner also advanced to sectionals for the Eagles with a firstplace finish at 140. He won a 9-6 decision over Cameron’s Josh Malsom for the title and will enter the SCF sectional at 19-4 on the season. Osborn-Gurnter also beat Malsom at the conference tournament in Cameron.

Osborn-Gurtner, McKinney and Hoyt will represent their team in SCF, and they know that their team helped them get there. – Matt Blumkin

Dustin Raygor of SCF pinning Cameron’s Brandon Bronstad. – Photo by Larry Samson.

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Hanson, Harr advance to Spooner Robert Hanson wins his way to the next level after being out for much of the season

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — The Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg team was supposed to go into the regional finals with a six-man team, but as Luck would have it, Robert Hanson (125) made a surprise appearance and gave wrestling fans something more to cheer about last Saturday.

Hanson, a Grantsburg junior, was plagued with what was supposed to be a season-ending injury on Jan. 4, against Turtle-Lake/Clayton. Hanson’s coach, Chris Bartlett, said that people joked with him about making an effort to wrestle, and after checking it out with his parents and a doctor, he was able to make it happen. With a 1-0 record, Hanson entered into the regional meet in Frederic and took a secondplace finish to advance into the Division 2 sectional at Spooner.

“He had nothing to lose,” said coach Bartlett after Hanson’s first two matches. “That’s what you’ve got to do and that’s what I kept telling these guys, just to leave it all out on the mat.”

The level of intensity was at it peak for Hanson in his first match when he went up against Northwestern’s Jack Sundyick and pinned him in the first period with 59 seconds still left on the clock.

In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Hanson’s intensity carried through from the first match when he defeated the No. 1 seed, Louie Van Erp of Cumberland in a 7-4 decision with just seconds remaining on the clock.

“He pinned a kid in the first period, wrestled a six-minute match, and hadn’t done that all year long, so this is all new for him this year,” said Bartlett.

In the first-place match, Hanson ended up getting pinned by Barron’s Taylor Harmon, while reactivating the injury, but Bartlett says Hanson is feeling better and ready to wrestle this weekend in Spooner.

Russel Harr (189) also wrestled his way into the Spooner sectional after taking a strong second-place finish.

Harr received a bye from the quarterfinal match, and pinned Ryan Gervais in

It didn’t take Robert Hansen (125) long to pin Jack Sundyick in the quarterfinal match at Frederic last weekend. Hansen took second place to advance to the sectional meet at Spooner this weekend. -Photos by Marty Seeger

Russel Harr (189) had a bye in his first round at the regional meet in Frederic last weekend but easily pinned Ryan Gervais of Ashland. Harr took second place at the regional and will move on to the sectional in Spooner.

T.J. Ball wrestled hard up until the end in his match against Derek Riebe of Barron, but a questionable call in the final seconds was the deciding factor.

the semifinal match.

Harr was pinned in the first-place match, by Cumberland’s Zach Strickland, who is ranked No. 1 in the state, but coach Bartlett said that Harr is looking good for the upcoming meet in Spooner.

Travis Rikkola normally wrestles his weight at 103, but at Frederic he gave 112 a try and wrestled well to take a third-place finish. He won by pin over Spooner’s Brad Kent in the quarterfinal, but was pinned in the semifinal by Northwestern’s Nate Nelson. Rikkola bounced back in his third match over Gage Adams of Cumberland to take a third-place finish.

Senior T.J. Ball lost a difficult match in the semifinals to Derek Riebe, which was a major source of discussion after the match. Coach Bartlett was less than pleased with the referee’s decision afterwards.

“T.J.’s match got the whole team down because they knew how much he wanted it, and to have the ref make a judgment call with less than 10 seconds left in the match to lose, it’s a hard way for his hopes to end,” said Bartlett. “I wish I had more kids that have his work ethic. I will miss him in the wrestling room next year.”

Mike Skow (103) ended his season with a fifth-place finish, and won his last two matches by pin. Freshmen wrestlers Dylan Gaffney (135) and Kalob Harr (145) made it through their first sectional meet with sixth-place finishes, and coach Bartlett is hopeful that they learned a lot for next season.

Coach Chris Bartlett (L) and Larry Wright Sr. were not without words in any of the exciting matches last Saturday.

Travis Rikkola had to wrestle at the 112-pound weight class to increase his success at regional.

Rikkola finished third in a tough weight class.

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Lakers sail past Siren 66-47 Turtle Lakes, Kyle Wick, who shot five of six 3-pointers in the second half.

The Dragons did manage to keep the game at around 10 points for the early portion of the fourth quarter with the help a couple of nice baskets along the baseline, but it wasn’t enough.

Adam Daniels posted big numbers with 24 points, and Derek D’Jock added eight. Cremin and Ryan Keith contributed six points apiece.

Siren will play host to Northwood on Friday, Feb 16, in their final home game of the season before the regional playoff games begin.

Dragons faced with an outside threat in the second half Turtle Lake 66, Siren 47

by Marty Seeger SIREN — The Dragons had a tough time scoring in the first quarter on Tuesday, Feb. 13, but got back on track in the second period.

Turtle Lakes, Carpenter Roger opened up the quarter with a couple of big 3-pointers but Siren stuck close with a pair of twos from Adam Daniels and Derek D’Jock, which forced the Lakers to take a quick time-out to regroup. With the Lakers up 22-9, Siren mounted a comeback late in the quarter to bring the game to within five points.

Turtle Lake wouldn’t go away when they started to force a couple of costly turnovers, and with Nathan Roemhild’s second quarter 3-pointer with only seconds to go, it put Turtle Lake in position to take a 10-point lead at the half.

The Dragons fought hard in the second quarter but couldn’t seem to match the continuous 3-point shooting from

Ryan Keith stretches for a loose ball on Tuesday, Feb. 13, against Turtle Lake. The Dragons held the game close for three quarters, but couldn’t defend the Lakers long buckets from the outside. - Photo by Marty Seeger

Keith Cremin found it a bit crowded under the basket Tuesday night.

Vikings notch another conference win Vikings play well, and Luck shows better in second half than past games Frederic 50, Luck 32

by Marty Seeger LUCK — The Vikings took a solid lead from the start and didn’t look back in their win over the Cardinals last Thursday, Feb. 8. Ali Lake led the charge with 12 points and Jenny Murphy had a nice game with 10 points and created a strong presence under the basket with six rebounds.

Frederic took a big 27-8 lead at the half, which was aided by good freethrow shooting as the team shot 10 of 12 tries in the first half alone.

The Cardinals bounced back in the second half, however, outscoring the Vikings by four in the third and five in

Luck’s Sarah Petersen crosses paths with Frederic’s Ali Lake during their game last Thursday, Feb. 8. Petersen led the Cards with 11 points. - Photo by Marty Seeger

the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to get them as close as they needed to be.

“We need to play our man-to-man defense a little better than we did, so that was the only downside of it, but all-in-all I was real happy with the way we played,” said Vikings coach Troy Wink.

The Cardinals run in the second half came with some help from Sarah Peterson who had nine of her 11 points in the second half. Megan Hacker had nine points to go a long with seven rebounds, and Taryn Pilz added seven points and led Luck with nine rebounds.

“A definite improvement over our Tuesday game with Northwood,” said Cardinals coach Marty Messar, who also added that it was one of their best quarters in a long time.

“Coach Wink’s team showed great consistency on offense and good depth.

Frederic is an up-and-coming team that has a bright future. They just keep getting better,” said Messar.

Wildcats send four on to giant slopes Yet, the Wildcats ski teams did not fare as well overall at Spirit Mountain in Duluth. Both just fell shy of state with third-place finishes out of 17 teams. Only the top two teams advance.

“We may not have skied our best Thursday, but a I am proud for the kids in how they handle themselves win or not,” said Wildcats coach Dan Raedeke.

“They had a great season.”

The boys team had earned their fifthconsecutive North Suburban Conference title, and the girls won their seventh straight.

The four qualifiers will ski at the state meet on Thursday, Feb. 15 at Giants Ridge in Biwabik.

Four Wildcats skiers qualify for state meet at Giants Ridge

by Matt Blumkin DULUTH, Minn. – Wildcats skiers Dan Sandgren, Dominick Raedeke, Sarah Bottjen and Simone Raedeke will keep heading north to the state meet in Biwabik, Minn.

They each qualified at the section meet in Duluth, Minn., on Feb. 8.

Dominick Raedeke took third in the boys’ race, and Sandgren came in eighth. Bottjen earned a second-place finish in the girls’ race, and Simone Raedeke finished sixth. The top-ten racers each advance to the state meet.

ChisagoLakes-St. Croix Falls skiers (L to R) Simone Raedeke, Sarah Bottjen, Dan Sandgren and Dominick Raedeke are off to state. – Photo sub-

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Leave it to Schmidt, Jake signs as a Beaver!

Frederics Jake Schmidt signs admission letter of intent to play football at Bemidji State

by Matt Blumkin FREDERIC – After roaming in the Vikings’ defensive backfield, Frederic’s Jake Schmidt will head to the state of Minnesota for college football.

“This is fantastic,” said Vikings coach Ken Belanger who believes Schmidt can succeed at the collegiate level. “He’s the type of guy that has the work ethic.

He’s an excellent safety.”

Vikings safety/quarterback Jake Schmidt signed an admission letter of intent to play football with NCAA Division II Bemidji State University.

Vikings coach Ken Belanger had talked to Schmidt about playing college footJake Schmidt ball, and that led to a BSU coach contacting Schmidt to consider playing for the Beavers.

“I liked the campus,” said Schmidt about his visit to BSU. “They have a pretty good football team.”

The Beavers, traditionally a Division II doormat, turned things around last season with a 9-3 season. They won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title for the first time ever

Frederic’s Jake Schmidt scrambling against Flambeau in the playoffs in the fall of 2006. Schmidt signed a letter of intent to play football at Bemidji State University on Wednesday, Feb. 7. – Leader file photo by Marty Seeger with an 8-0 conference record, and they topped it off with their first-ever postseason berth in a trip to the Mineral Water Bowl at Excelsior Spring, Mo. They fell to No. 16 Pittsburg State (Kan.), a perennial power in Division II, 35-27. That will make the competition for positions on the team stiff.

In addition to the talent they’ll have returning, Belanger noted, “they bring

in as many players as they can.”

Schmidt will come in as one of 34 admission letter signees along with three other safeties. He will be competing for a safety position on a team that emphasizes pass defense.

“It’ll be an intensity level like nothing he’s ever seen,” said Belanger.

“Everyone there was an outstanding high school player.”

Schmidt will work out in the weight room and work out with Belanger this summer to get ready. In addition, he will play WIAA summer baseball with the Vikings, which ends in July.

Football at BSU starts in early August.

Schmidt has been part of the Vikings football resurgence at Frederic with four-consecutive playoff appearances during his career. The Vikes have gone 32-12 in that span. He also has competed with the basketball team and baseball team. In addition to varsity sports, Schmidt gives his time over at the Frederic elementary school to tutor elementary students. He also works with the Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness organization at the high school.

“His character is above reproach,” said Belanger. “He’s an outstanding student. He’s an outstanding citizen.”

Schmidt, who is considering business administration or accounting at BSU, displayed that character at practice and on the field for the Vikings.

“Jake’s not afraid to be vocal with his teammates,” said Belanger who added that Schmidt would also set an example with his actions.

Schmidt brought that onto the field, even in less-familiar roles. In 2005, their center went down with an injury against Shell Lake; Schmidt, the backup quarterback at the time, came in to play center for the first time.

“He could play any position,” said Belanger.

With his character, work ethic and skills, the two-year starter at safety for the Vikings could be roaming the Beavers’ defensive backfield in a matter of time.

Brookshaw has the Gophers’ number again!

Webster native Emily Brookshaw stops 28 shots as Beavers upset Gophers Bemidji State 2, Minnesota 0

by Matt Blumkin MINNEAPOLIS – Winning can be habit-forming.

Emily Brookshaw of Webster helped the Bemidji State Beavers upset the Minnesota Golden Gophers in women’s hockey for the second straight year. She stopped 28 shots in goal as Beavers ousted the No. 8 Gophers 2-0 on Friday, Webster native Emily Brookshaw (No. 30) anticipating a shot from Feb. 9.

On Jan. 7, 2006, Brookshaw and the Minnesota’s Natalie Darwitz during the 2004-05 season. Brookshaw has Beavers did about the same as they beat helped the Beavers steal a win on the Gophers’ home ice each of the past two the Gophers 2-1. The Gophers were seasons. – Photo submitted well,” said Beavers coach Steve Sertich. Brookshaw saved 38 shots, but the ranked fifth in the nation at the time.

She picked up the shutout, and she “She (Brookshaw) was great when we Gophers broke a 2-2 tie in the second picked up her 10th win of the season in needed to be, especially against their period with a pair of unanswered goals.

She also had little shot support as the goal for the Beavers. Teammates Jessica power play.”

Yet, the Beavers did not ride off with Gophers outshot the Beavers 29-11 in Pullar and Jen Sadler helped the wina sweep the next day as Gophers won the first two periods. ning cause with one goal each.

On a better note, the Beavers’ win “I thought our team played very on Feb. 10, with a 5-3 victory.

over the Gophers gave them their 22nd point in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play this season. That gives them their best point-total in conference play for the program’s history in Division I. They wrap up the regular season with a tough test at No. 2 Wisconsin in Madison on Feb. 16-17. Siren native and 2006 Olympian Molly Engstrom helps on the coaching staff with the defending national champion Badgers.

Engstrom played four years for the Badgers before playing with the U.S. women’s hockey team at the Turin, Italy, games.

“We know we’re up against No. 2 and what some say should be No. 1,” said Sertich. “We’ll need to play solid team defense.”

Sertich in his first year as the Beavers coach, had coached against Brookshaw when she played at Hill Murray High School in the Twin Cities. Sertich coached the Roseville, Minn., girls’ hockey team at the time. He recalls that their teams faced in his first game as Roseville’s coach, which the Raiders won 2-1.

Winkler Flyer tracks south to BSU Grandson of local Frederic residents seeks hockey career at Bemidji State University

by Marty Seeger MANITOBA, Canada — Aaron Lewadniuk recently signed a national letter of intent to play hockey at Bemidji

State University. Lewadniuk is the grandson of Dale and Donna Erickson of Frederic.

He and his mother, Dalene Erickson, formerly of Frederic, visit the area about once or twice a year.

The 17-year-old Lewadniuk currently plays for the Winkler Flyers, a Junior Hockey League team based out of Winkler, Manitoba, which is about 45 minutes from his home in Carman, Manitoba, where he attends high school.

“It’s a lot better level of hockey, and

my brother plays there as well,” Lewadniuk said.

Lewadniuk’s 20-year-old brother Tyson also plays for the Flyers team, but Lewadniuk isn’t sure who’s the better of the two, since his brother plays on defense while Lewadniuk plays offense.

“He keeps the pucks out and I try to put the pucks in,” said Lewadniuk.

Since Bemidji State is just over three hours from his hometown, Lewadniuk is happy to be closer to his grandparents here in Frederic.

“Now it’s close both ways, not only to

my grandma and grandpa, but close to Winkler and Carman,” he said.

The Winkler Flyers are currently in fourth place among 11 other teams in the league, and Lewadniuk is the team leader in scoring, and has been nominated rookie of the month four times and recently named as the player of the week. He plans on studying business at Bemidji State.

“If hockey doesn’t take me anywhere after college, I’ll come out with a fouryear degree and that will be great,” said Lewadniuk.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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Competition heating up across the area

total and Tyler Myers and Shawn Pavlik contributed nine points apiece.

The Pirates play host to Unity this Thursday, Feb. 15.

Area boys completing regular season games, finishing up final conference matchups

Webster 50, Birchwood 47 BIRCHWOOD — The Tigers escaped another close battle against a 10-7 Birchwood team on Tuesday night.

Paul Olesen dominated the inside with 25 points to give Webster the edge. The Tigers didn’t shoot well from the freethrow line shooting 2 of 10.

Other scorers on the evening included Brian Gibbs who had 10 points, and Peter Walsh contributed to seven points on the night.

Luck 68, Weyerhaeuser 20

by Marty Seeger LUCK — Luck demolished the Wildcats by 48 points on Monday, Feb. 12, and nearly every player was able to offer a contribution to the scoring scene.

Brennan Olson and Mike Christensen shot 12 points, while Adam Wallin, Mitchell Klatt and Cody Richert added eight. Christensen dominated the boards with 11 rebounds and Richert had eight.

St. Croix Falls 38, Shell Lake 34 SHELL LAKE — The Saints escaped Shell Lake on Monday, Feb. 12. Greg Kadrmas piled on 17 points and led the team with nine rebounds.

David Lund was next in line with 13 points and had eight rebounds. It was a low-scoring game in the first half, but it remained close until the end. Lund had a great third quarter with nine points, and the Saints only allowed the Lakers to gain by one point in the fourth.

Grantsburg 53, St. Croix Falls 31 ST. CROIX FALLS — The Pirates powered easily past the Saints last Friday, Feb. 9. Ben Larson had a high scoring game with 17 points, and Shawn Pavlik added 10. The Pirates took a 20-point lead in the first half and shot over 50 percent from the line.

Trygve Chinander and David Lund led the Saints with eight points, and Eric Thorstad and Greg Kadrmas pitched in four. Kadrmas led the team in rebounds with eight while Lund and Cory Gebhard had six rebounds and four steals.

Webster 66, Siren 43 WEBSTER — Webster led at halftime 26-17, but the Dragons brought the game back to within five after the third period.

It wasn’t until Paul Olesen’s 10 of 13 Team Clear Lake Unity

1 2 3 4 13 17 15 19 13 12 9 2 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A Clear Lake Jake Smith 0 0 0/0 Josh Wickboldt 5 0 0/0 3 3/4 Luke Grosskreutz 3 Mitch Gorres 1 1 0/0 Michael Anderson 1 0 3/5 0 0/0 Matt Thayer 1 Lance Winegar 4 0 3/4 Vance Friendship 7 0 0/4 4 9/17 22 Totals

F 2 3 1 2 1 0 1 1 11

Unity Chris Bugg Chad Strilzuk Justin Bader Matt Goulet Ryan Flaherty Merrill Leoso James Coen Lance Peper Totals

F TP 2 9 0 15 2 0 5 5 3 2 1 5 2 0 1 0 16 36

Team Webster Siren Webster Peter Walsh Brian Gibbs Nick Wolfe A.J. Holmquist Paul Olesen Brian Thill Kevin Ingalls Totals Siren Derek D’Jock Keith Cremin Adam Daniels Jordan Potvin Travis Freese Ryan Keith Jordan Decorah John Anderson Totals

2s 3 5 0 1 0 1 0 0 10

3s 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

FTM/A 0/0 5/6 0/0 3/3 2/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 10/11

1 2 3 4 16 10 10 30 8 9 14 12 Individual Statistics 3s FTM/A 2s 2 0 1/3 4 0 0/0 0/0 0 0 2 0 0/0 7 0 12/16 4/6 1 6 2 0 0/0 23 1 17/25 2s 4 1 7 1 0 0 0 0 13

3s 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3

FTM/A 2/2 0/0 5/7 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/2 0/0 8/11

F 64 36 TP 0 10 18 5 5 2 10 14 64

F 66 43 F 3 2 2 3 1 0 3 14

TP 5 8 0 4 26 19 4 66

F 4 2 4 1 3 3 4 1 22

TP 10 2 22 5 0 0 1 3 43

Clear Lake 64, Unity 36 BALSAM LAKE — The Clear Lake Warriors dominated Unity on Monday, Feb. 12, in nonconference action. Chad Strilzuk led the team with 15 points and Chris Bugg added nine. The team shot well from the free-throw line shooting 10 for 11.

The Eagles had difficulty scoring in the second half with only nine in the third and two points in the fourth.

Team Frederic Luck

Ben G. Anderson, Frederic, floats his way towards the basket last Thursday night against Luck. Luck’s Tyler Petersen attempts the block. Photo by Marty Seeger free throws in the fourth that the Tigers Luck 80, Northwood 37 LUCK — The Cardinals beat pulled away to win at home Friday, Feb. 9. Olesen pitched in 20 of his 26 Northwood on Tuesday, Feb. 13. This total points in the fourth quarter, and makes the second time this week that Brian Thill added 19 points for the Luck has defeated an opponent by game. Adam Daniels had another high- more than 40 points.

Brennan Olson led the Cardinals with scoring game for the Dragons with 22, 18 points, and Mike Christensen and and Derek D’Jock shot 10 points.

Mitchell Klatt added 12. Luck held only a one-point lead after the first quarter, Grantsburg 44, Shell Lake 41 but made the game wide open in the GRANTSBURG — The Pirates won a second half with 47 points to close battle last Thursday, Feb. 8, Northwood’s 17. against the Lakers of Shell Lake.The Pirates led the charge for much of the Grantsburg 66, Clayton 48 GRANTSBURG — Jason Jensen led first half, but Shell Lake made a 15-11 run in the fourth to make it a game. the Pirates against the Clayton Bears in Shawn Pavlik led the Pirates in points nonconference action on Tuesday, Feb with 13, and Jason Jensen wasn’t far 13, with 16 points.

Ben Larson added 10 points to the behind with 12, while Ben Larsen added nine points to the mix.

1 2 3 4 F Team 3 4 2 1 13 16 18 19 5 14 19 9 Individual Statistics Turtle Lake 2s 3s FTM/A Kyle Wick 0 5 0/0 0/0 2 Roger Carpenter 0 Nathan Roemhild 2 1 0/0 Nick Klingelhoets 0 0 0/2 1/2 Nick Knight 4 1 Tim Flanagan 3 0 0/0 Ross Morton 4 0 2/2 4/6 David Sollman 3 0 Totals 16 9 7/12

F 66 47 F TP 1 15 0 6 0 7 3 0 2 12 0 6 0 10 0 10 6 66

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/2 1/4 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/6

F TP 0 3 0 6 1 0 0 0 4 24 2 6 2 8 3 0 12 47

Team Turtle Lake Siren

Siren John Anderson Ryan Keith Travis Freese Thad Baasch Adam Daniels Keith Cremin Derek D’Jock Blake Hall Totals

2s 1 3 0 0 7 3 4 0 18

3s 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3

Team Northwood Luck

Clayton A.J. Lindsen D. Stesniak C. Chilson D. Effertz J. Lablanc R. Zemke B. Schaffer J. Anderson Totals

Team Weyerhaeuser Luck

F TP 4 8 3 5 2 5 2 5 4 3 3 5 3 6 21 37

Weyerhaeuser Marcus Olesiak Chris Ludvik Jeff Hauser Kyle Styczynski Bryan Czkolski Jose Marcus Joseph Wood Justin Hamholm Totals

Luck Brennan Olson Mike Christensen Harlan Opitz Travis Pilz Nick Morgan Cody Richert Mitchell Klatt Carson Giller Tyler Peterson Harry Severson Adam Wallin Totals

F 3 1 5 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 2 17

Luck Brennan Olson Mike Christensen Harlan Opitz Travis Pilz Nick Morgan Cody Richert Mitchell Klatt Carson Giller Tyler Peterson Harry Severson Adam Wallin Totals

3s 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

FTM/A 2/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 2/2 1/2 2/4 2/2 3/3 0/0 0/0 12/15

TP 18 12 5 8 2 11 12 2 7 0 3 80

18 18 7 5 17 20 16 13 Individual Statistics 3s FTM/A 2s 0 2/2 0 2 0 2/4 3/8 0 2 1 1/2 2 1 0 2/2 0 0/0 3 2/4 0 2 4 0 1/2 13/24 16 1

Grantsburg Brenton Thompson Kevin Johnson Ben Larson Shawn Pavlik Tyler Meyers Tim Josephson Jason Jensen Tyler Larsen Trent Bonneville Nate Dahlberg Totals

1 2 3 4 8 9 12 8 13 20 27 20 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A Northwood Reese Stariha 1 2 0/0 Derek Denninger 1 1 0/0 0/0 1 1 Kevin Brisky Joe Martin 2 0 1/2 Zach Haynes 1 0 1/3 1/2 0 2 Thomas Ross Kevin Pagorek 2 0 2/3 Totals 10 4 5/10 2s 8 6 1 4 0 5 5 0 2 0 1 32

F 37 80

Clayton Grantsburg

2s 2 0 3 4 3 4 7 0 0 2 25

3s 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

FTM/A 4/4 0/0 1/2 1/2 3/3 0/1 2/3 2/2 0/0 0/2 13/19

1 2 3 4 2 5 9 4 25 13 16 14 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A 1 0 0/0 1 0 0/0 0 1 0/0 2 0 0/0 0 1/2 0 0 0 1/2 0 0 5/8 0 2/4 0 4 1 9/16 2s 3 6 1 5 1 3 4 1 2 0 4 30

3s 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

FTM/A 0/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 2/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 2/4

48 66

F TP 2 1 3 6 2 7 8 0 2 4 2 6 3 6 2 9 15 48 F 4 1 4 2 0 2 1 0 2 3 19

TP 8 0 10 9 9 8 16 2 0 4 66

F 20 68 F TP 0 2 0 2 0 3 1 4 2 1 0 1 0 5 1 2 4 20 F 2 0 4 2 0 1 3 1 0 1 2 16

TP 12 12 2 10 2 8 8 2 4 0 8 68

1 2 3 4 12 14 6 8 16 21 19 4 Individual Statistics 3s FTM/A Frederic 2s Steve Lake 2 0 0/0 Nolan Neumann 0 0 1/2 Jake Schmidt 2 0 5/9 Ben G. Anderson 0 1 3/4 Zach Anderson 2 0 5/6 Kyle Swenson 3 1 2/2 Kanan Hackett 0 0 0/0 Brent Crandell 0 0 0/0 Totals 9 2 16/23

F TP 2 4 2 1 0 9 0 6 1 9 0 11 2 0 1 0 8 40

Luck Brennan Olson Mike Christensen Harlan Opitz Travis Pilz Nick Morgan Cody Richert Mitchell Klatt Tyler Peterson Harry Severson Adam Wallin Totals

F 1 2 3 3 1 1 3 3 0 1 18

Team Webster Birchwood Webster Peter Walsh Brian Gibbs A.J. Holmquist Paul Olesen Kevin Ingalls Totals Birchwood Aaron Hebert Zach Burch Eric Hrdlicka Andy Janetski Tyler Sunby Tyler Lebroucq Troy Bemis Totals

2s 11 2 2 5 0 2 2 4 0 0 28

3s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FTM/A 1/1 1/4 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 2/3 0/2 0/0 4/10

1 2 3 4 13 13 18 6 14 10 14 9 Individual Statistics 3s FTM/A 2s 0 1/2 3 5 0 0/2 0/1 0 3 1/4 0 12 1 0 0/0 0 2/9 24 2s 8 3 5 2 1 0 0 19

3s 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0

F 40 60

TP 23 5 4 10 0 4 4 10 0 0 60 F 50 47

F 4 1 2 1 2 10

TP 7 10 6 25 2 50

F 4 2 5 3 1 2 1 18

TP 16 9 13 7 2 0 0 47

Team St. Croix Falls Shell Lake

1 2 3 4 6 7 16 9 9 4 11 10 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls 2s 3s FTM/A Jacob Larcom 0 0 1/1 Trygve Chinander 0 0 1/3 Cory Gebhard 2 0 2/4 Eric Thorstad 0 0 0/0 David Lund 6 0 1/2 Greg Kadrmas 7 0 3/6 Totals 15 0 8/16

F 3 2 1 1 1 4 12

TP 1 1 6 0 13 17 38

FTM/A 0/0 1/2 2/3 0/2 2/2 1/1 6/10

F 3 3 4 2 2 2 16

TP 2 3 10 2 4 13 34

Shell Lake Jake McQuade John Cusick A.T. Pederson Tony Mikula Luke Gronning Sam Gronning Totals

2s 1 1 4 1 1 3 11

3s 0 0 0 0 0 2 2

F 38 34

1 2 3 8 13 5 17 10 6 Individual Statistics Shell Lake 2s 3s 2 3 Jake McQuade John Cusick 1 0 A.T. Pederson 6 0 1 2 Sam Gronning Tony Mikula 3 0 Luke Gronning 1 0 3 16 Totals

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 0/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/2

F TP 1 12 1 2 1 12 0 7 4 6 2 2 9 41

Grantsburg Ben Larson Shawn Pavlik Tim Josephson Jason Jensen Trent Bonneville Nathan Dahlberg Totals

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 0/0 2/4 0/0 0/1 2/5

F 1 2 2 3 1 1 10

Team Shell Lake Grantsburg

2s 3 2 2 5 2 1 15

3s 1 3 0 0 0 0 4

4 15 11

F 41 44

TP 9 13 4 12 4 2 44

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Grantsburg plows SCF, challenges Clayton which could help earn them the right to play in Spooner again at sectionals.

They open the postseason against Lac Courte Oreilles on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Pirates working their way toward locking up co-championship in West Lakeland

Weyerhaeuser 46, Luck 25 Clear Lake 57, Luck 33 LUCK – The young Cardinals dropped another pair of home games on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 12-13.

Megan Hacker had 13 points in their loss to Clear Lake. No Cards hit double figures against Weyerhaeuser.

The Cards will open regional play at Boyceville on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Grantsburg 57, St. Croix Falls 39

by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – The Pirates overcame a slow start to run away against the Saints on Friday, Feb. 9.

“They broke our press real easy,” said Pirates coach Lisa McKinley about the begining. “St. Croix is going to keep coming at you.”

“We changed our press a couple of times, so that helped us out a little bit,” she added.

With a tie for first in the West Lakeland alongside Siren, the Pirates had come up with a winning effort.

They close their conference season with Unity on Thursday, Feb. 15.

“We have to maintain,” said McKinley. “There’s times they struggle with it, but they’re starting to play better and starting to play harder.”

She also acknowledged that facing the third-through-seventh-place teams in the conference doesn’t get easier a second time around. Frederic gave them a tougher game in a 57-52 Pirates win after the Pirates won 51-40 the first time.

“They’ve improved tremendously,” said McKinley who added, “Webster really picked it up. They played really tough against us.”

The Pirates beat the Tigers by 29 both times though, and they’ll face them in the first round of the regionals at home on Tuesday, Feb. 20. How will a third time go?

Clayton 42, Grantsburg 34 Gransburg 71, Shell Lake 21 GRANTSBURG – The Pirates fought back from a 34-18 hole in the first half to make a game of it against Clayton (18-0, 11-0).

Miranda Kammeyer and Mollie Bjelland each score 10 for the Pirates.

The loss snapped a two-game winnig streak after the Pirates throttled Shell Lake 71-21 on Feb. 8 and beat St. Croix Team Weyerhaeuser Luck

1 2 3 4 14 13 12 7 5 4 2 14 Individual Statistics Weyerhaeuser 2s 3s FTM/A Nicole Hecimovich 2 0 0/0 Sammy Olesialo 2 2 1/2 Brittany Miller 0 0 0/0 Sami Kaminski 4 1 8/8 Kalley Kraczek 3 1 0/0 Kim Ludwikowski 0 0 1/2 Jessica Ludwigson 1 0 0/0 Totals 12 4 10/12

F 1 0 3 1 4 0 2 11

Luck Ashley Valentine Britta Giller Brianna Stage Megan Hacker Sarah Petersen Krystal Stage Chelsea Rasmussen Brittney Danielson Taryn Pilz Totals

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 2/4 1/2 0/0 1/2 0/0 0/2 0/0 4/10

F TP 0 3 2 0 0 6 0 5 1 0 1 3 0 2 3 0 0 6 7 25

1 2 3 4 6 11 19 6 4 2 4 10 Individual Statistics Siren 2s 3s FTM/A Jennifer Mitchell 0 0 1/4 Caitlin Flanigan 0 0 3/5 0/1 1 Courtney Daniels 0 Jena Coyour 1 0 0/0 Janey Emery 3 0 1/3 0 3/5 3 Brittany Jaskolka Brynn McBroom 0 0 0/1 Kim Lindberg 0 0 0/0 2 1/2 4 Amanda Peterson Lynn Renberg 1 0 0/0 Totals 12 3 9/21

F 42 20 F TP 1 1 4 3 1 3 3 2 2 7 2 9 1 0 1 0 1 15 0 2 15 42

Webster Sam Hogle Amanda Alberg Chelsie Benson Kathryn Krause Leah Jansen Chelsey Bereiter Shonne Stoll Beth Baer Katie Thill Totals

F TP 2 4 2 2 1 0 2 1 2 6 1 0 0 1 5 6 2 2 17 20

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

3s 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Team Siren Webster

2s 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 1 8

3s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FTM/A 0/0 2/4 0/0 2/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/1 4/7

F 46 25 TP 4 11 0 19 9 1 2 46

Clear Lake 48, Unty 35 BALSAM LAKE – Despite 20 points from Andrea Thompson of the Eagles, the Warriors beat another West Lakeland team.

The Warriors turned in a 28-14 second half on Monday, Feb. 12. Kacey Soderberg scored 21 points for the Warriors.

Unity will visit No. 2 seed Prescott first round of the regionals on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The Eagles close out the regular season at Grantsburg on Thursday, Feb. 15.

St. Croix Falls’ Amanda Larson going in for a shot against Grantsburg’s Jade Johnson. The Pirates cruised to another conference win as the look to lock up co-championship for the conference with Siren when they face Unity on Thursday, Feb. 15. – Photos by Matt Blumkin Falls 57-39 on Feb. 9. The Pirates close out their season against Unity on Thursday, Feb. 15, and they will clinch a share of the West Lakeland Conference title with a win.

Siren 78, Prairie Farm 24 Spooner 55, Siren 43 Siren 42, Webster 20 SIREN – The Dragons torched Prairie Farm 78-24 on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

They bounced back from their loss at Spooner. Their preview of visiting the Team Clear Lake Unity

1 2 3 4 11 15 13 9 10 11 7 7 Individual Statistics Clear Lake 2s 3s FTM/A Katie Weiss 0 1 0/0 Kelly Sullwold 1 0 0/0 0 1/2 Denise Fall 4 Jenny Griffin 2 0 0/1 Cassie Reed 0 0 0/0 0/0 3 0 Megan Reed Jesse Fouks 1 0 1/2 Kacey Soderberg 9 0 3/5 Totals 20 1 5/10

F TP 2 3 0 2 0 9 1 4 1 0 0 6 1 3 2 21 7 48

Unity Cola Hickethier Tina Edgell Allie Peterson Brianna Schmid Andrea Thompson Lindsay Turner Totals

F TP 1 5 1 0 3 0 2 8 4 20 2 2 13 35

2s 1 0 0 4 7 1 13

3s 0 0 0 0 2 0 2

FTM/A 3/4 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 3/4

F 48 35

Team Siren Spooner

1 2 3 4 2 16 13 12 6 18 15 16 Individual Statistics Siren 2s 3s FTM/A Jennifer Mitchell 1 0 2/2 Caitlin Flanigan 7 1 0/0 Jena Coyour 1 0 1/2 Janey Emery 1 0 8/8 Brittany Jaskolka 2 0 1/2 Brynn McBroom 1 0 0/0 Kim Lindberg 1 0 0/1 Amanda Peterson 0 0 0/1 Totals 13 1 14/17

F 3 4 5 4 2 1 1 1 21

TP 2 17 3 10 5 2 2 2 43

Spooner Sam Quenette Allyssa Foster Lindsay Bronson Amy Uell Bacca Maas Nicole S. Gabbi Griffith Kristen Vik Totals

F 0 2 2 4 0 4 1 3 16

TP 6 14 10 0 6 2 0 17 55

2s 1 2 2 0 2 1 0 6 15

3s 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

FTM/A 4/6 1/2 6/10 0/0 2/2 0/0 0/0 5/13 18/33

F 43 55

Spooner gym for the section tournament did not bode well as the Rails rallied in the second half with a 31-25 effort.

The Dragons also have clinched their share of the West Lakeland Conference title with their 42-20 win at Webster on Friday, Feb. 9. The Dragons hold the No. 1 seed in a WIAA Division 4 regional, 4 2 3 1 15 17 14 11 7 12 8 6 Individual Statistics Clear Lake 2s 3s FTM/A 2 0 1/2 Katie Weiss 1/2 Kelly Sullwold 2 1 0 0/0 Denise Fall 4 Jenny Griffin 0 1 1/2 0 2/2 Cassie Reed 2 1/3 0 Megan Reed 2 Jesse Fouks 5 0 2/2 0/0 2 1 Kacey Soderberg 2/2 H. Friendshal 0 0 Totals 19 3 10/15

F 57 33 F TP 1 5 1 8 8 0 0 4 6 2 0 5 1 12 7 2 2 3 11 57

Luck Britta Giller Brianna Stage Brianna Swenson Megan Hacker Sarah Petersen Brittney Danielson Taryn Pilz Totals

F TP 3 0 1 2 2 0 0 13 2 5 3 2 2 9 11 33

Team Clear Lake Luck

2s 0 1 1 5 1 1 4 13

3s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FTM/A 0/0 0/2 0/0 3/3 3/4 0/0 1/2 7/11

Team Grantsburg St. Croix Falls

1 2 3 4 17 17 12 11 12 4 10 13 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A Abby Vaksdal 0 0 0/2 1/4 0 3 Miranda Kammeyer 1 5/7 7 Molly Bjelland Megan Finch 4 1 0/0 1/3 0 4 Ingrid Ames 2 0 0/0 Vanessa Kleiss Alison McKinley 1 0 0/0 0/0 0 Lindsey Hedlund 0 0 0/2 1 Laura Skifstad Totals 22 2 7/18 St. Croix Falls Meghan Johnson Anne Confer Alex Randinzel Jennifer Benoy Alex Confer Marissa Campeau Kelsey Douglass-White Elle Kaskinen Amanda Larson Sasha.Bryant Totals

2s 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 1 0 0 13

3s 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/2 0/0 4/6 0/1 1/1 0/2 2/4 7/16

F 57 39 F 0 2 2 0 2 2 1 2 1 18

TP 0 7 22 11 9 4 2 0 2 57

F TP 0 2 2 4 0 2 2 6 2 1 0 18 3 2 3 2 0 0 4 0 17 39

Laura Skifstad has stepped in for the Pirates in the post in place of the injured Steph Jensen.

Team Clayton Grantsburg

1 2 3 4 14 9 5 14 12 4 10 13 Individual Statistics Clayton 2s 3s FTM/A Missy Trepanier 1 0 0/0 Danielle Reindahl 2 0 2/3 Brittni Hover 5 3 4/5 Becca Paulson 1 2 1/2 Kayla Anderson 0 0 0/0 1 0 0/0 Tawny Lien Totals 10 5 7/10

F TP 2 2 2 6 2 23 4 9 1 0 1 2 12 42

Grantsburg Sarah Wald Miranda Kammeyer Molly Bjelland Megan Finch Ingrid Ames Vanessa Kleiss Alison McKinley Lindsey Hedlund Laura Skifstad Totals

F 0 4 4 2 2 2 0 0 2 16

2s 1 5 5 2 1 1 1 2 0 18

3s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FTM/A 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 2/4 1/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 3/6

Team Siren Prairie Farm

F 42 34

TP 2 10 10 4 4 3 2 4 0 34

1 2 3 4 19 21 20 18 4 8 4 8 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A Siren Jennifer Mitchell 2 0 3/4 Caitlin Flanigan 5 3 3/3 Courtney Daniels 1 1 0/0 Jena Coyour 1 0 1/1 Alysha Alden 1 0 0/0 Janey Emery 7 0 1/1 Brittany Jaskolka 1 0 0/0 Brynn McBroom 1 0 1/2 Amanda Peterson 3 0 1/2 Lynn Renberg 6 0 1/2 Lauren Howe 0 0 0/0 Totals 28 4 11/15

F TP 2 7 0 22 0 5 1 3 0 2 0 15 1 2 0 3 1 7 0 13 1 0 5 78

Prairie Farm Bailee Geoge Brenna Anderson Emily Etlicher Kaela Huston T. Ferrera Renee Wirth Brittany George Totals

F TP 5 7 1 0 1 5 0 4 2 0 2 4 2 4 13 24

2s 2 0 1 2 0 2 2 9

3s 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

FTM/A 0/0 0/2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/2 0/4

F 78 24

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Grantsburg spoils Saints’ celebration

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by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – On the night where Saints faithful honored their unbeaten 1992 state championship team, the Grantsburg Pirates decided to crash the party.

“We came in here knowing St. Croix had just knocked off Webster, so we had to bring our ‘A’ game,” said Pirates sophomore Tyler Myers. It’s a good win having come off those couple losses. We had fun too.”

Things had not been lots of fun for the Pirates of late, losing six of their nine previous games. Yet, they started turning things around with a close win over Shell Lake the night before and winning by 22 at SCF. The Pirates struck right away against the Saints with a 9-2 run to start the game, and Ben Larson got going early in the second quarter with five unanswered points to build a 22-10 Pirate lead. Larson led the way for the Pirates with 17 points.

“We showed a much better effort in Webster,” said Saints coach Todd Anderson.

They did have a bright spot though with freshman Corey Gebhard coming off the bench, however. Gebhard, in his first varsity game, scored three points and showed penetration in the lane against the Pirates on several occasions.

“We’ve been holding him down on JV,” said Anderson. “It’ll be pretty hard to keep him out of the starting lineup now.”

Anderson brought him up from junior varsity since sophomore guard Sam Schmidt sprained his ankle during practice the day before the game. Anderson likes Gebhard’s ability to handle the ball and his court vision.

The Saints vision, for now, is gear up for regionals with Luck left on the

Saints freshman Cory Gebhard taking a shot in his first varsity game.

Grantsburg’s Shawn Pavlik went for the block.

Grantsburg’s Brenton Thompson (11) and Nathan Dahlberg (54) sandwiching St. Croix Falls’ Jacob Larcomm in going for a board. The Pirates pounded the Saints 53-31 on Friday, Feb. 9. – Photos by Matt Blumkin schedule. The Pirates can hurt Unity’s During halftime of the game, the SCF anniversary of the team with a picture slim conference title hopes on Thursday crowd honored the 1992 state champi- that will hang in the school. night meanwhile. onship team. They celebrated the 15th

The 1992 Saints state championship squad at halftime with a picture that will hang in the school. The Saints’ 1950 state title team has a similar picture hanging in the entrance to the gym. The 1992 team also earned a runner-up finish in 1993. The Saints won the 1992 state title with a 27-0 record, and they won the title game on a half-court shot

by Brett Brown. Leader Sports will run a feature commerating the 15th anniversary of their historic run at the close of the winter sports season in March.

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

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Frederic coach to compete at nationals Cross-country coach Nate Wilson qualifies for the National Snowshoe Championships

by Marty Seeger STILLWATER, Minn. — Frederic’s high school cross-country coach, Nate Wilson, competed at the National Qualifying Snowshoe race in Stillwater, Minn., on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Placing fifth overall guaranteed Wilson a spot at the National Masters, (10k) competition, which will be held at the Elk Creek Park Preserve in Maple Grove, Minn. on March 9-10.

“I am not expecting to do anything outstanding at Nationals,” said Wilson. “I am just excited to be part of it and representing our state along with the others from Wisconsin that have qualified or will qualify yet.”

The top-five competitors at the national event will then move on to the international race. Wilson said that he expects that he could finish in the top 30 out of the 200-plus competitors, if the racing conditions are good.

The conditions at nationals were less than perfect according to Wilson.

“The competition was tough and so was the course. The weather didn’t help much either, it was around minus 25 degree wind chill at 10-15 mph. I got just a little frostnip,” said Wilson.

Since the national competition is just under a month away, Wilson has been training on his own and recently

competed at the Luck snowshoe race last Saturday, Feb. 10. Since he’s already qualified, these races offer good conditioning to stay in the groove of competition. His next race is a seven-mile race the weekend before the national competition.

Wilson said that this is his sixth year of racing, and he owes a lot of gratitude toward his sister’s husband, who was the one who introduced him into snowshoe racing, and running marathons.

“He’s been my big inspiration for everything, I remind him every once in a while, and let him know that I really do appreciate it,” said Wilson.

Racing in snowshoes is not much different than running in cross-country competitions, and Wilson says that it’s about a 10-minute difference in comparison to running a regular cross-country competition. The snowshoes are just under a pound apiece and are made to go fast. But a fast finish isn’t what it’s all about for Wilson, he’s just happy to be out running and competing.

“There’s some good competition out there, and it’s fun just to meet new people and go out there and run, and see what you can do,” said Wilson.

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Youth hockey scores Burnett Youth Hockey Weekly Results February 9-11

PeeWees A Playdowns Blizzard 5, Amery 2 Goals: Aaron Dietmeier (3), Joe Englehart, Alex Hopkins Assists: Joe Engelhart, Anthong Dietmeier, Jacob Swenson Saves: Jimmy Richson (13) Blizzard 17, Spooner 0 Goals: Joe Englehart (4), Anthony Dietmeier (3), Alex Hopkins (5), Tyler Richison (2), Gino Lonetti, Jacob Swenson Assists: Joe Englehar (3)t, Aaron Dietmeier (2), Tyler Richison, Jacob Swenson, Anthony Dietmeier (2) Saves: Jimmy Richison (8) Blizzard 6, Grantsburg 2 Goals: Anthony Dietmeier (3), Joe Englehart (2), Aaron Dietmeier Assists: Joe Englehart (2), Tyler Richison, Anthony Dietmeier, Aaron Dietmeier Saves: Alex Hopkins (9) Blizzard 9, Ahsland 1 Goals: Joe Englehart (4), Aaron Dietmeier (2), Jacob Swenson (2), Tyler Richison Assists: Tyler Richison, Joe Englehart, Gino Lonetti, Shay Johnson Saves: Alex Hopkins (12) Squirts A Blizzard 4, Ashland 1 Goals: Ryan Curtis (4) Assists: D.J. Hunter Saves: Paige Young (19) Blizzard 5, AYHA Warriors 3 Goals: Ryan Curtis (4), D.J. Hunter Assists: Ryan Curtis, Vinny Larson Saves: Paige Young (11) Blizzard 6, Spooner 4 Goals: Ryan Curtis (6) Assists: Vinny Larson Saves: Paige Young (18) Bantam State Playdowns

Ashland 5, Grantsburg-Burnett 3 Goals: Dylna Franklin (2), Ben Jensen Assists: Ben Jensen (2) Saves: Thomas Labatt (17) Amery 4, Burnett-Grantsburg 2 Goals: Ben Jensen, Will Shipley Assists: Dylan Franklin, Ben Shives Saves: Thomas Labatt (14) U12 Girls State Playdowns Grantsburg-Burnett 7, Amery 0 Goals: Wendy Roberts, Danielle Pardon, Taylor Heatman (2), Mackenzie Omer, Kassie Lien, Ashley Dietmeier Assists: Paige Johnson, Ashley Dietmeier, Johanna Lauer, Tianna Stewart Saves: Gabby Schiller (2), Hope Tucker Grantsburg-Burnett 2, Chippewa Falls 1 Goals: Wendy Roberts, Ashley Dietmeier Assists: Paige Johsno Saves: Paige Johnson, Gabby Schiller (5) Grantsburg-Burnett 3, Superior 2 Goals: Kassie LIen, Paige Johnson, Ashley Dietmeier Assists: Kassie Lien, Ashley Dietmeier, Tianna Stewart Saves: Gabby Schiller (10)

River Valley Youth Hockey Weekly Results February 9-11

Atoms Burnett 5, River Valley 4 Goals: Branden Aikin (2), Matt Schultz (2) River Valley 5, Barron 5 Goals: Nick Courteau (3), Branden Aikin (2) Amery 9, River Valley 2 Goals: Matt Schultz, Nick Courteau Squirts Chisago Lakes 12, River Valley 0 Saves: Chase Belisle (33) St. Paul Como 14, River Valley 0 Saves: Chase Belisle (28) Highland Central 8, River Valley 3 Goals: Henry Klein (3) Assists: Charlie Vezina, Jesse Loen Saves: Chase Belisle (34)

Read Leader Sports Successful bowlers

Nate Wilson

Luck Snoshoe results Results for New World Snowshoe 20 Km (Male) Pl 1 2

Name Eric Olson Jeff Martin

Age 31 44

Time 2:34:41.54 3:08:16.31

Results for New World Snow Shoe 20 Km (Female) Pl Name Age Time 38 2:38:30.90 Shelly Wilson 1 3:10:32.66 55 Karyn Rasmussen 2 3 Ann Amundson 58 00 Results for New World Snow Shoe 10 Km (Male) Pl Name Age 1 Brent Kann 20 2 Jeremiah Kelley 25 Victor Vilar 27 3 36 Cory Anderson 4 36 Byron Johnson 5 6 Nathaniel Wilson 31 54 7 John Kann 8 Jim McDonell 53 9 Judd Johnston 55 47 Danny Hill 10

Time 50:18.07 54:13.68 54:22.10 54:36.93 55:15.94 56:05.23 57:18.40 58:20.37 58:56.11 59:30.50

City Luck Chetek City River Falls Hayward Cable City Rice Lake Duluth, Minn.

Germantown Lake Geneva Duluth, Minn.

Frederic Rice Lake Woodbury, Minn.

Marquette, Mich.

Ishpeming, Mich.

Results for New World Snow Shoe 10 Km (Female) Age Time Name Pl Cindy Brochman 41 1:02:07.03 1 2 Lisa Ann Trainor 47 1:06:33.28 Rachel Van Hale 25 1:17:10.47 3 4 Roxanne Thomas 52 1:21:09.34 5 Kelly Wonder 30 1:28:26.02 6 Carol Klitzke 60 1:38:11.17

City Maplewood, Minn.

Maple Grove, Minn.

St. Paul, Minn.

Hayward Eau Claire Maple Grove, Minn.

Results for New World Snow Shoe 5 Km (Male) Pl Name Age 55 Tim Zbikowski 1 2 Carl Bostrom 41 3 Dale Lawcewicz 28 4 Dennis Dewing 64 5 Steve Brandt 55 6 Carl Holmgren 62 37 7 Matt Dallmann 8 John Verplank 31 9 Tom Wardon 51 29 Pat Schiltgen 10 11 Brad Ayers 71

City Maple Grove, Minn.

St. Paul, Minn.

Withee Fridley, Minn.

Minneapolis, Minn.

Balsam Lake Osceola St. Louis Park, Minn.

Chetek Hudson Frederic

Time 31:49.37 36:30.02 38:21.71 39:40.76 44:13.61 45:12.23 47:58.68 49:31.68 51:31.07 52:46.03 54:57.50

Results for New World Snow Shoe 5 Km (Female) Pl Name Age Time 1 Michayla Heil 15 33:50.59 40:08.32 36 Jona Hattlestad 2 3 Norma Bilderback 59 1:05:41.17

City Medford Withee Eau Claire

Ed Bitler of Frederic bowled a perfect game on Sunday, Feb. 11, during the USBC open singles and doubles tournament at Hacker’s Lanes. The game is sanctioned according to Sandy Hacker of Hacker’s Lanes, and Bitler will receive Ron Skow of Luck bowled his first a ring highlighting his perfect game.

800 series during the Saturday night “He’s been so close so many times, and mixed league at Hacker’s Lanes. – we’re so glad to see him do it,” said Photos courtesy of Hacker’s Lanes Hacker.

Norm “Big Shooter” Hansen was just about perfect for one game Tuesday night at McKenzie Lanes.

Hansen shot a 299 game, while his other games were 236 and 194 for a series of 729. – Photo courtesy of McKenzie Lanes

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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Tournament time!

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LEFT: Ingrid Ames of Grantsburg attempting to block a shot against Shell Lake on Thursday, Feb. 8. The Pirates and other area teams are gearing up for regionals. The girls begin regional play on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and the boys begin regional competition on Tuesday, Feb. 27. RIGHT: Greg Kadramas of St. Croix Falls taking a shot against Shell Lake on Monday, Feb. 12. The Saints edged the Lakers 38-34. – Photos by Larry Samson

2007 Division 4 Girls Basketball Regional Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Tues., Feb. 20

Thurs., Feb. 22

Siren (#1+ @ Siren La Courte Oreilles (#8+

Finals Sat., Feb. 24

2007 Division 4 Girls Basketball Regional Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Tues., Feb. 20

Thurs.,

Clayton (#1+

Siren/LCO

@ Clayton

Finals

eb. 22

Sat., Feb. 24

Clayton/Prairie Farm

Prairie Farm (#8+ @ TBA

TBA

@ TBA

TBA

Frederic (#5+

Drummond (#5+ @ South Shore South Shore (#4+

Drummond/South Shore

@ Bruce

Frederic/Bruce

Bruce (#4+ @ Cumberland

@ Webster Birchwood (#3+

Northwood (#3+ @ Gilman

Northwood/Bayfield

@ Birchwood

Birchwood/Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake (#6+

Bayfield (#6+

@ TBA

Shell Lake (#7+ @ Solon Springs Solon Springs (#2+

TBA Weyerhaeuser (#7+ @ Clear Lake

Shell Lake/Solon Springs

Clear Lake (#2+

2007 Division 3 Girls Basketball Regional Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Tues., Feb. 20

Thurs.,

Bye

Finals

eb. 22

Sat., Feb. 24

Clear Lake/Weyerhaeuser

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Tues., Feb. 20

Thurs., Feb. 22

Bye

Finals Sat., Feb. 24

Eau Claire Regis (#1+

TBA

@ Regis

Cumberland (#5+

TBA

2007 Division 3 Girls Basketball Regional

Colfax (#1+

@ Colfax @ Glenwood City Glenwood City (#4+

@ TBA

TBA

St. Croix Falls (#5+

Cumberland/Glenwood City

@ St. Croix Central St. Croix Central (#4+

St. Croix Central/SCF

@ Amery Grantsburg (#3+ @ Grantsburg

@ Hudson Spring Valley (#3+

Grantsburg/Webster

@ Spring Valley

Webster (#6+

Spring Valley/Elk Mound

Elk Mound (#6+

@ TBA

Luck (#7+ @ Flambeau Boyceville (#2+

TBA

@ TBA

Unity (#7+ @ Prescott

Luck/Boyceville Prescott (#2+

2007 WIAA Boys Hockey Playoffs Regionals Tues., Feb. 13

Thurs./Fri. Feb. 15-16

Unity/Prescott

2007 WIAA Girls Hockey Playoffs

Sectionals

Regionals

Tues., Feb 20

Thurs./Fri. Feb. 15-16

Sectionals Tues., Feb. 20

Superior (#1+

Fri./Sat. Feb. 23-

Superior (#1+

@ Superior

Superior/Blizzard

@ Superior

Spooner (#9+ Blizzard 6-5

TBA

TBA

Rhinelander (#5+

Blizzard (#8+

@ Hayward

Blizzard (#8+

Rhinelander/Hayward

Hayward (#4+ @ TBA

@ Superior Lady Blizzard (#3+

Amery (#5+

@ Siren

Lady Blizzard/Tomahawk

Tomahawk (#6+

@ River Falls River Falls (#4+

Amery/River Falls

@ TBA Northland Pines (#2+

TBA

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

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Lady Blizzard on home ice for playoffs

by Matt Blumkin SIREN – If the Lady Blizzard equal their regular season win total in the coming week and a half, they win a trip to Madison.

To compete in the WIAA girls state hockey tournament that is.

“We have been trying to get the girls to realize that they are three games from playing in Madison and they have just as good a chance as any other team,” said Lady Blizzard coach Greg Norman.

In just their second season, the Lady

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R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Underdogs 29, Spare-Us 27, Storm Chasers 24, Hot Shots 22, Sandbaggers 21, Gems 19, Flame Throwers 15, Misfits 11.

Men’s games: Scott Morrison (Gems) 210, Jim Loomis (Spare-Us) 193, Mac McCann (Underdogs) 192.

Men’s series: Shane Nyland (Hot Shots) 529, Scott Morrison (Gems) 529, Mac McCann (Underdogs) 522.

Women’s games: Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 203, Barb Morgan (Flame Throwers) 203, Lori Dake (Gems) 175, Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 175.

Women’s series: Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 552, Barb Morgan (Flame Throwers) 540, Gail Linke (Storm Chasers) 511.

Team games: Hot Shots 850, Spare-Us 828, Flame Throwers 818.

Team series: Hot Shots 2441, Gems 2345, Underdogs 2339.

Games 50 or more above average: Brandon Barfknecht (+5).

Series 100 or more above average: Barb Morgan (+57).

Series 100 or more above average: Barb Morgan (+102).

Splits converted: 5-8-10: Chris Cameron, Dorothy Barfknecht.

Monday Afternoon Retired Standings: Eagles 12, Badgers 8, Swans 7, Nite Hawks 5.

Men’s games: Roger Messer (Eagles) 199, Tom Johnson (Nite Hawks) 198, Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 182.

Men’s series: Dick Coen (Nite Hawks) 513, Roger Messer (Eagles) 510, Tom Johnson (Nite Hawks) 509.

Women’s games: Lila Larson (Badgers) 191, Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 170, Mary Jane Anderson (Badgers) 146.

Women’s series: Lila Larson (Badgers) 476, Lucy Hansen (Eagles) 424, Thelma Hendricks (Nite Hawks) 395.

Team games: Nite Hawks 634, Swans 623, Eagles 610.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1796, Swans 1697, Eagles 1650.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Adventures 30, The Bottle Shop 29, House of Wood 25, Mane Attractions 22, Hacker’s Lanes 21, S&C Bank 18, Radio Shack 15, Miller Chicks 8.

Individual games: Kathy Josephson (S&C) 214, Nancy Anderson (HL) 195, Merry Yates (HL) 193, Linda Giller (S&C) 193.

Individual series: Merry Yates (HL) 547, Nancy Anderson (HL) 541, Julie Hall (MA) 507.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 696, S&C Bank 654, Mane Attractions 639.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 2028, Mane Attractions 1871, S&C Bank 1703.

Tuesday Youth (2 games) Standings: King Pin 11, J.K.A. Bowlers 8, LAM Bowlers 7, Pin Patrol 6, The Pin Heads 5, Rock Hard Bowlers 4, Frederic Bowlers 4, Strikes “R” Us 3.

Boys games: Logan Hacker 190 & 172, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 178.

Boys series: Logan Hacker 362, A.J. Walsh Brenizer 303, Kyle Hunter 269.

Girls games: Avery Steen 156 & 133, Alicia Sund 100.

Girls series: Avery Steen 289, Alicia Sund 188.

Team games: LAM Bowlers 460 & 382, J.K.A. Bowlers 440.

Team series: LAM Bowlers 842, J.K.A. Bowlers 803, The Pin Heads 622.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 63, Bottle

Blizzard tripled their win total from one to three games; they host a playoff game on Thursday, Feb. 15, as the third seed in their section. Their opponent will be new one as Tomahawk comes to town.

“We have not played Tomahawk in the past two years so whatever they bring will be new to us,” said Norman.

“We need to take Tomahawk seriously and play our best game of the year against them.”

After that, the Lady Blizzard could fly under the section’s Doppler radar.

“We know we can compete with

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Superior and Northland Pines and give them a game,” said Norman.

That could punch them a ticket to Madison.

St. Croix Valley 7, Lady Blizzard 0 BALDWIN – In the final game of their regular season, the Lady Blizzard saw game get fused in the loss column.

The St. Croix Valley Fusion (15-5-0) scored seven unanswered goals over the three periods, and they shut out the Lady Blizzard in the process.

O W L I N G

Shop 53.5, Great Northern Outdoors 47, Yellow Lake Lodge 43, Hog Wild 38, Oddballs 27, Ward Lake Services 24.5, Pioneer Bar 17.

Men’s games: Ed Bitler 268, Shane Nyland 256, Gene Ackland 254.

Men’s series: Ed Bitler 676, Gene Ackland 674, Ken Tonsager 667.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 689, Yellow Lake Lodge 650, Bottle Shop 613.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1869, Yellow Lake Lodge 1856, Great Northern Outdoors 1713.

Tuesday Late Mixed Standings: Pumpkin Heads 33-9, RTs 23-19, McCurdy Farms 22-20, Rat Pack 22-20, Packer Backers 18-24, Rock and Bowl 8-34.

Men’s games: Chad Brugman 264, Ron Pitts 223, Randy McCurdy 223.

Men’s series: Chad Brugman 668, Randy McCurdy 622, Ron Pitts 599.

Women’s games: Cyndie Omer 161, Rose Burnham 151, Sharon Holt 146.

Women’s series: Cyndie Omer 469, Sharon Holt 410, Rose Burnham 401.

Team games: Packer Backers 698, McCurdy Farms 687, Pumpkin Heads 632.

Team series: Packer Backers 1992, McCurdy Farms 1948, Pumpkin Heads 1836.

Splits converted: 3-6-7-10: Randy McCurdy.

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies Standings: Pioneer Bar 7-38, Frandsen Dairy 7-33, All Around Gals 5-32, Crazy Ladies 0-23, Hacker’s Lanes 2-17.

Individual games: Diana Erickson (PB) 195, Char Sandberg (PB) 190, Diana Erickson (PB) 186.

Individual series: Diana Erickson (PB) 535, Char Sandberg (PB) 498, Ernie Meyer (CL) 468.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 789, Pioneer Bar 763 & 754.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 2224, Hacker’s Lanes 2103, Crazy Ladies 2044.

Wednesday Night Early Men Standings: Skol Bar 18, Lewis Silo 17, Parker 14, A-1 Machine 14, Cummings Lumber 14, Jack Pine Trading 9, Pioneer Bar 7, Bye 3.

Individual games: Josh Henry (JT) 235, Jake Anderson (A-1) 230, Bruce Gravelle (P) 230.

Individual series: Josh Henry (JT) 638, Duane Doolittle (LS) 622, Bruce Gravelle (P) 621.

Team games: Lewis Silo 942, Parker 941, A-1 Machine 941.

Team series: Lewis Silo 2759, A-1 Machine 2712, Parker 2675.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: K-Wood (7.5) 51.5, Frontier Trails (7) 43, Full Timers (3) 39, Fab Four (10) 39, Wikstrom Construction (10) 36, Grindell Law Offices (5.5) 35.5, CenturyTel (6) 35.5, Hell Raisers (3) 32.5.

Individual games: Ed Bitler (KW) 268, Mike Sullivan (WC) 253, Don McKinney (FF) 245.

Individual series: Ed Bitler (KW) 726, Mike Sullivan (WC) 679, Dave Grindell (GLO) 651.

Team games: K-Wood 651, Grindell Law Offices 637, Fab Four 628.

Team series: K-Wood 1888, Fab Four 1794, Grindell Law Offices 1730.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Ed Bitler (KW) 7x = 268, Don McKinney (FF) 7x = 245, Mike Sullivan (WC) 6x = 253,Tim Pederson (FF) 6x = 235, Chad Kraska (KW) 6x = 226, Ed Bitler (KW) 5x = 237, Chad Kraska (KW) 5x = 228.

Games 50 or more above average: Len Knauber (FrT) 235 (64), Ed Bitler (KW) 268 (55), Tim Pederson (FF) 235 (54),

Mike Sullivan (WC) 253 (50). On 2/1/07 Dave Grindell (GLO) 245 (53) Splits converted: 3-9-10: Don McKinney. 6-7-9-10: Bruce Wikstrom. 510: Tim Pederson.

Thursday Late Standings: Wardlake Services 19-5, Stotz & Company 14-10, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 13-11, Hansen Farms Inc. 9-15, Fisk Trucking 9-15, Johnson Upholstery 8-16.

Individual games: Gene Wynn Jr. 269, Norm Hansen 241, John Ellefson 231.

Individual series: Norm Hansen 658, Gene Wynn Jr. 635, John Ellefson 626, Dale Frandsen 614.

Team games: Wardlake Services 1052, Stotz & Company 951, Hansen Farms Inc. 900.

Team series: Wardlake Services 2898, Stotz & Company 2766, Hansen Farms Inc. 2552.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Meyer’s Plus 36, The Leader 30, Skol Bar 26, Tin Cup Promotions 26, Hole in the Wall 25, Brad’s Ringneck 24, 4-Season Travel 23, Bye 6.

Individual games: Edla Meyer 226, Missy Hernandez 204, Paula Denn 203.

Individual series: Edla Meyer 560, Missy Hernandez 525, Dorothy Barfknecht 520.

Team games: Brad’s Ringneck 688, The Leader 667, Meyers Plus 663.

Team series: Brad’s Ringneck 1944, The Leader 1914, Meyers Plus 1871.

Games 50 or more above average: Edla Meyer Splits converted: 3-6-7-10: Karen Carlson.

McKenzie Lanes Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Fisk Trucking 32, Eureka Bombers 29, Tiger Express 26, Happy Campers 25.5, The Whippersnappers 23.5, Roller Coasters 23, The In-Laws 23, The Eagles 22.

Men’s games: Gene Braund 252, Roger Fisk 246, Gene Braund 243.

Men’s series: Gene Braund 664, Roger Fisk 601, Gordy Johnson 584.

Women’s games: Louise Clark 194, Kim Delaney 192, Janelle Johnson 175.

Women’s series: Louise Clark 507, Janelle Johnson 487, Kim Delaney 470.

Monday Madness Standings: Scottay’s Trucking 32, State Farm Ins. 30, Peper Tire & Align. 28, Pepie’s Gals 26, McKenzie Lanes 21, Frederic Larsen Auto 19, Osceola Plumbing & Htg. 18, Alleycats 18.

Individual games: Brenda Carlson 190, Debbie Swanson 187, Linette Erickson 175.

Individual series: Debbie Swanson 511, Brenda Carlson 485, Linette Erickson 477.

Team games: Peper Tire & Align. 627.

Team series: State Farm Ins. 1790.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: McKenzie Lanes 17, Wolf

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1 0 1

2 0 2

3 0 4

F 0 7

Scoring First Period – 1, SC, Lily Cranston, 3:12.

Second Period – 2, SC, Tracy Klingler (Cranston, Karlyn Sturtevant), 5:59. 3, SC, Klingler (Cranston), 12:44. Third Period – 4, SC, Taris Klingler, 4:38. 5, SC, Elizabeth Lindquist (Heidi VanDell), 4:47. 6, SC, Niicole Swenson (Megan Murphy), 3:57. 7, SC, Taris Klingler, 14:49.

Goalies Saves – LB, Chelsea Hunter (33). SC, Maddie Otis (12).

E S U L T S

Creek Log Furniture 15.5, Sam’s Carpentry 13, Metal Products 13, Edina Divas 7, Milltown Appliance 7, Jericho Trucking 4.5, Bont Chiropractic 3.

Individual games: Amber Duncan 227, Erlene Johnson 199, Lois Hermanson & Linda McCurdy 192.

Individual series: Dana Amundson 541, Shirley Wilson 539, Pattie Johnson 519.

Team games: Sam’s Carpentry 1050, Edina Divas 1001.

Team series: Wolf Creek Log Furniture 2851, Sam’s Carpentry 2800.

Tuesday Early Mix Standings: Gutter Gals 16, Lane Crashers 12, Still Standing 8, The Gumegu’s 6, 2 Stooges & Princess 4, Bye 0.

Men’s games: Alex Ambrozik 213, Erv Lehmann 177, Tim Katzmark 172.

Men’s series: Alex Ambrozik 624, Erv Lehmann 512, Tim Katzmark 465.

Women’s games: Jan Lehmann 180, Lisa Gunderson 177, Lonnie Curtiss 172.

Women’s series: Lonnie Curtiss 497, Jan Lehmann 480, Dawn Metcalf 427.

Team games: Still Standing 529.

Team series: Still Standing 1489.

Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: Gutter Dusters 71, Country Gals 71, Kassel Tap 69.5, Custom Outfitter 66.5, A-1 Machine 62, B&H Builders 61, Hauge Dental 48, Bye 27.

Individual games: Jane Smith 213, Annette Norlander 199, Betty Lehmann 185.

Individual series: Jane Smith 533, Denise F. Donaghue 521, Kelley Hill 504.

Team games: Hauge Dental 815, Kassel Tap 792.

Team series: Hauge Dental 2249, Kassel Tap 2208.

Tuesday Night Men Standings: Hack’s Pub 38, Glass Bar 30, Steve’s Appliance 30, McKenzie Lanes 28, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 28, Dream Lawn 26, The Dugout 23, Greatland Trans. 21.

Individual games: Norm Hansen 299, Michael Fox 277, Darren McKenzie 269.

Individual series: Norm Hansen 729, Michael Hill 716, Rick Fox 706.

Team games: Glass Bar 1082, Hack’s Pub 1080.

Team series: Hack’s Pub 3071, Glass Bar 3045.

Wednesday Early Mix Standings: Lite House 38, Tri-County Imp. 35, Hendrick’s Motor 33, Holiday Stationstores 30, Fox Den 29, Fox Den II 24, Larsen Auto Frederic 18, Cutting Edge 17.

Men’s games: Mike Welling 262, Ben Cox 253, Alex Ambrozik 237.

Men’s series: Ben Cox 661, Alex Ambrozik 647, Mike Welling 637.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 188, Jeanne Kizer 162, Tiffany Anderson & Amy Eibs 157.

Women’s series: Janice Fox 485, Jeanne Kizer 451, Amy Eibs 432.

Team games: Hendrick’s Motor 682, Cutting Edge 671.

Team series: Cutting Edge 1887, Holiday Stationstores 1815.

Wednesday Night Men Standings: Tiger Express 42, Dalles Electrical 40, McKenzie Lanes 34, Harvest Moon 30, Reed’s Marina 20, Embroidery Plus 20, Hanjo Farms 20, Davy’s Construction 18.

Individual games: Daryn Sylvester 279, Mike Oryan 279, Alan Vold 245.

Individual series: Mike Oryan 712, Brandon Winge 676, Daryn Sylvester 654.

Team games: Davy’s Construction 1041.

Team series: Harvest Moon 2926.

Thursday Women Standings: K.C. Electrical 29, Eagle

Valley Bank 27, Hauge Dental 23.5, Century 21 22, Balsam Lake Hardware 19, Hack’s Pub 17, RiverBank 16.5, Deer Lake Block 6.

Individual games: Louise Clark 214, Shawn Busby 199, Kathy McKenzie 197.

Individual series: Louise Clark 541, Kathy McKenzie 536, Shawn Busby & Norma Hauge 501.

Team games: Eagle Valley Bank 977.

Team series: Eagle Valley Bank 2839.

Black & Orange Early Birds Standings: 10th Hole 19-13, Black & Orange 16-16, Gandy Dancer Saloon 1616, Log Cabin Store 13-19.

Individual games: Rita Tesch (10th) 175, Lynn Toivola (LCS) 168, Carol Gullickson (GDS) 167, Dot Fouks (B&O) 168.

Individual series: Carol Gullickson (GDS) 443, Dot Fouks (B&O) 440, Peggy Rodacker (10th) 437, Marion Obszarny (10th) 437.

Team games: Log Cabin Store 861, 10th Hole 855, Black & Orange 836, Team series: 10th Hole 2570, Black & Orange 2429, Log Cabin Store 2383.

Monday Night Men Standings: Larry’s LP 17-7, Bruce’s Auto 16-8, Pope’s Construction 16-8, Parker 14-10, Glass & Mirror Works 9-15.

Individual games: Bob Brown (PC) 210, Vern Notton (P) 204, Curt Phelps (BA) 202.

Individual series: Curt Phelps (BA) 587, George Kern (P) 518, Art Bliven (L) 511.

Team games: Pope’s Construction 968, Parker 935, Bruce’s Auto 922.

Team series: Pope’s Construction 2799, Bruce’s Auto 2673, Parker 2635.

TNT Ladies Standings: Flower Power 18-10, Cashco 16-12, Larry’s LP 14-14, Wild Bill’s 8-20.

Individual games: Sue Eytcheson (FP) 193, Cheryl Hansen (WB) 179, Mary Reese (FP) 177.

Individual series: Cheryl Hansen (WB) 503, Robin Willard (WB) 467, Jennifer Kern (L) 462.

Team games: Flower Power 787, Wild Bill’s 669, Larry’s LP 661.

Team series: Flower Power 2040, Wild Bill’s 1978, Cashco 1939.

Wednesday Night Men Standings: T&P Tree Service 19-5, Lions 17-7, Cashco 13-11, 10th Hole 11.5-12.5, Northview Drive Inn 11-13, Blasters 9-15, Black & Orange 8.5-15.5, Lynch Mob 717.

Individual games: Ed Phelps (C) 232, Art Bliven (L) 188, Curt Phelps (C) 187.

Individual series: Ed Phelps (C) 592, Curt Phelps (C) 542, Myron Mansfield (N) 499.

Team games: Northview Drive Inn 958, Blasters 944, Cashco 919.

Team series: Northview Drive Inn 2779, Blasters 2757, Cashco 2630.

Games 50 or more above average: Ed Phelps 232 +60.

Early Risers Standings: 10th Hole 31, Hole in the Wall 29, Gandy Dancers 21, A+ Sanitation 17.

Individual games: Lylah Nelson (A+) 168, Lucy Hansen (HITW) 164, Donna Koon (10th) 161.

Individual series: Donna Koon (10th) 455, Lylah Nelson (A+) 451, Lucy Hansen (HITW) 434.

Team games: Hole in the Wall 592, 10th Hole 567, Gandy Dancers 550.

Team series: Hole in theWall 1694, A+ Sanitation 1593, 10th Hole 1590.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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Winter wonderland What a winter sports season so far! This season has been filled with great games so far, and the best is yet to come with the playoffs looming for local Matt teams. So much for Blumkin winter doldrums.

Webster and Luck T H E basketball boys clashed in late January to an exciting 39-38 finish, and Tiger fans the stormed the floor in the end as if it was March already. The Tigers also pulled off a big overtime upset in Grantsburg the week before that, and they get the chance to pull off a season sweep later this month.

The Tigers also escaped defeat 44-42 against St. Croix Falls in dramatic fashion, but then the Saints pulled the big shocker with an upset in Webster. They beat the Tigers 41-40 on Tuesday, Feb. 6, just hours before this ink dried.

There’s no “just another night at the office” in the West Lakeland this season. The Cards also found themselves playing a close and tough early season game against Eau Claire Regis, ranked No. 10 in Division 3, before those Ramblers found a way to pull away.

Girls basketball has offered lots of close games as even matchups seem to pop up nearly every night. The Pirates and Dragons split their two games, both of which were hotly contested.

Siren is currently No. 14 in Division 4.

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– Marty Seeger NAME:Marissa Campeau SCHOOL: St.Croix Falls YEAR: Freshman COMMENTS: This Saints freshman demonstrated that she has a nice golf swing this past fall when the Saints took second at state. This winter, she’s also demon- Marissa Campeau strated her shooting ability with the basketball. Campeau leads the Saints in scoring this season with 8.4 points per game, and she recently scored 18 against Grantsburg on Friday, Feb. 9. She has the ability to post up and hit from long range. Campeau hit two threes against the Pirates, and she’s connected from downtown seven times this season.

She’s also a threat defensively in the paint. –

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Next: Hornets, Nuggets The Bucks are dead last in the Central Division, 11 games behind the first-place Pistons, and still without their leading scorer Michael Redd. WIth that said, it will comfort Bucks fans to know that Redd will be back again real soon, which should certainly turn things around for the Bucks and get them back to winning ways. With Redd still out, Mo Williams has had to be there to take his place, and he proved some skills in Milwaukee’s loss to the Heat when he rallied for a career-high 38 points. Despite the scoring bonanza, Williams has been forced to shoot the ball more than he’s used to, and we need Redd back to even things out.

Milwaukee did lose another player in their game against the Heat. Dan Gadzurik will be out for six weeks with a dislocated shoulder.

Gadzurik played 44 of the Bucks last 46 games and averaged just over three points.

With Redd back soon, the injury may not matter. – Marty Seeger

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Unity and St. Croix Falls went down to the wire, and many other games between the younger teams in the conference went decided by 10 points or less. The young Cardinals played a competitive overtime game against Asker, Norway, in a 55-50 loss.

Blizzard hockey has brought some thrills with the boys team winning two overtime games this season. Cameron Hughes put in a game-winning goal for a 5-4 win over Duluth, Minn., Central on Dec. 22. The Blizzard showed more ice in their veins with Josh Meyer’s tip in from Ethan Hayes’ shot as they won their second Northern Cup over Spooner on Feb. 3.

The Lady Blizzard pulled off a 1-0 overtime win over Menomonie on Feb. 1, and they skated to a 1-1 tie with Hayward on Jan. 18. They also gave New Richmond a run for their money on Nov. 28 in a 4-3 overtime loss.

St. Croix Falls wrestling and ChisagoLakes-St. Croix Falls skiing have made some nice runs as well this season.

It’s all about love?

Many high school athletes really love the sports they play, and they put a lot of work into it. Many also look to get the most out of life too. While a lot is expected from high school athletes, the expectations seem benign in comparison for teens in general regarding much more serious matters. Other extracurricular activities and academics could also go in place of sports for this comparison. Think about it.

OF THE

NAME: Robert Hansen SCHOOL:Grantsburg YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Robert Hansen (125) had been out for much of the season due to a recurring injury, but managed to get healthy enough to compete at the regional finals in Frederic on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Robert Hansen Hansen won his first match by pin over Jack Sundyick from Northwestern, and defeated Louie Van Erp in the semifinal to take a second-place finish and advance to the sectional meet in Spooner coming up this weekend. Hansen will face Senior Jordon Eder (30-6) of Bloomer in his first match this Saturday, and according to coach Chris Bartlett, Hansen is feeling great and ready to go.

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Next: Nuggets, Wizards, Bobcats Ricky Davis saved the Wolves from utter embarrassment against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Feb. 11, when he hit a jumper to beat the Celtics 109-107. Once basketball’s greatest dynasty, the Celtics have fallen on hard times with an 18-game losing streak.

The Wolves already had lost to the Memphis Grizzlies (13-38 at the time) several days before in a 105-97 overtime loss. That loss came despite a strong by game by Wolves center Mark Blount with 25 points and nine boards. Davis had a near triple-double in the game also with 16 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. The Wolves did beat the Golden State Warriors quite convincingly 121-93 in the past week, however. Kevin Garnett had a triple-double of 17 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists - not what the Warriors ordered. He did the same against the Celtics with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. – Matt Blumkin

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West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Luck Webster Unity Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Frederic Siren

Conf.

8-1 8-2 7-3 6-4 3-7 3-8 0-11

Scores

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Overall 15-3 16-2 11-5 9-9 6-11 8-10 3-15

Thursday, February 8 Grantsburg 44, Shell Lake 41 Luck 60, Frederic 40 Friday, February 9 Webster 66, Siren 43 Grantsburg 53, St. Croix Falls 31 Monday, February 12 Luck 68, Weyerhaeuser 20 St. Croix Falls 38, Shell Lake 34 Tuesday, February 13 Turtle Lake 66, Siren 47 Grantsburg 66, Clayton 48 Luck 80, Northwood 37 Webster 50, Birchwood 47

Coming up

Thursday, February 15 Unity at Grantsburg, 7:30 p.m.

Frederic at Webster, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 16 Northwood at Siren, 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Luck, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, February 19 Luck at Clear Lake, 7:30 p.m.

Unity at Cameron, 7:30 p.m.

BOYS HOCKEY Blizzard

Standings

Team Siren Grantsburg Frederic St. Croix Falls Webster Unity Luck

Scores

Conf.

11-1 10-1 7-4 5-6 3-8 3-8 0-11

Overall 16-3 13-6 12-6 7-10 6-12 3-15 1-17

Thursday, February 8 Grantsburg 71, Shell Lake 21 Frederic 50, Luck 32 Friday, February 9 Siren 42, Webster 20 Grantsburg 57, St. Croix Falls 39 Monday, February 12 Weyerhaeuser 46, Luck 25 Spooner 55, Siren 43 Clear Lake 48, Unity 35 Tuesday, February 13 Clear Lake 46, Luck 25 Clayton 42, Grantsburg 34 Siren 78, Prairie Farm 24 Cameron 55, St. Croix Falls 29

Coming up

Thursday, February 15 Unity at Grantsburg, 6 p.m.

Frederic at Webster, 6 p.m.

Friday, February 16 Northwood at Siren, 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Luck, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, February 17 Clear Lake at Luck, 6 p.m.

Clayton at Grantsburg, 6 p.m.

Siren at Prairie Farm, 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Cameron, 7:30 p.m.

15-5-1

GYMNASTICS

Scores

Coming up

Tuesday, February 13 WIAA Regionals (#8) Blizzard 6, (#9) Spooner 5

Coming up

Thursday, February 15 WIAA Regionals (#8) Blizzard at (#1) Superior, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING Coming up

Saturday, February 17 Division 2 Sectional Tournament at Spooner, 10 a.m.

(Luck-Frederic-Grantsburg) Division 3 Sectional Tournament at Unity, 10 a.m.

(St. Croix Falls, Unity)

GIRLS HOCKEY Lady Blizzard

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Standings 3-15-1

Scores

Monday, February 12 St. Croix Valley Fusion 7, Lady Blizzard 0

Coming Up

Friday, February 23 Sectionals, TBA

BOYS/GIRLS ALPINE SKIING Coming up

Thursday, February 15 Minnesota State Meet, Biwabik, Minn., TBA (Chisago Lakes-St. Croix Falls)

POOL SCORES

Week of February 6

Blacksmith Greg’s Gals Wise Guys Harvest Moon #2 Suzy Q’s Harvest Moon #1 Hack’s 10’ers Kassel Tap Glass Bar

98 98 97 89 87 78 78 68 61 51

Friday, February 16 WIAA Regionals (#6) Tomahawk at (#3) Lady Blizzard, 7 p.m.

The Swami maintained his 84 percent success rate as he checked in with a 16-3 record last week, which brought his overall mark to 123-24.

“Consistency has been my hallmark this season,” he said Wednesday morning.

“I’ve been hovering in the mid-80s for THE SWAMI quite some time.”

He noted that fans continue to be impressed with the accuracy of his predictions. “They’re amazed that I pick the actual scores so closely and not just the point spread,” he added.

The Swami

PREDICTS

Girls games Grantsburg 57, Unity 29: The co-champs are happy to finish with a West Lakeland foe.

Frederic 53, Webster 30: The FHS program continues to blossom. The Vikes finish 14-6.

St. Croix Falls 48, Luck 29: This will give the young Saints their eighth victory.

Siren 52, Northwood 40: The co-champs are happy to finish with a Central Lakeland foe.

Tournament games St. Croix Central 53, St. Croix Falls 36: The Panthers win the battle of the St. Croixs.

Grantsburg 56, Webster 33: The Pirates take this Burnett grudge match.

Boyceville 88, Luck 19: This won’t be close.

Prescott 60, Unity 27: The Cardinals destroy the Eagles.

Siren 79, LCO 17: The Dragons will add another regional title next week.

Bruce 55, Frederic 45: The Vikes can’t overcome their tough seed.

Boys games Grantsburg 60, Unity 53: The Pirates cap a much-needed four-game winning streak.

Webster 60, Frederic 39: The Tigers tune up for their tourney run.

Luck 60, St. Croix Falls 35: The Cards play well while looking ahead to next Friday’s clincher.

Siren 44, Northwood 43: Keeping the faith, the Swami takes one last shot at a Dragon win.

Luck 57, Clear Lake 55: A crucial game for both teams as they enter tourney play.

Cameron 55, Unity 45: The Eagles may be looking at four straight losses to end the season.

The Swami answers all e-mails from coaches, players, and fans and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com.

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

O UTDOORS INTER- COUNTY LEADER

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

By endurance we shall conquer

Hello friends, Just in case you’re wondering what the above subtitle means, it is my motto.

I read it while winter camping back in the early ‘90s and Mark have lived by it for Walters most of my life.

I chose to stay home the past seven OUTDOORSMAN’S days due to extremely cold weather and feel I have come up with a decent column concerning past winter camping trips as well as the future.

First, many of you may have read about the organization that I am starting to help kids that do not have a way to go hunting, fishing or camping find adults to take them.

I put my e-mail address out in early January and am happy to say that Ladysmith, Rhinelander, Lake Delton and the Iron Mountain area will be the first chapters of this new and very positive group.

Our first meetings will be the last week in February, and any interested people can email me at sunsetoutdoors@tds.net. I will be coming to each of these towns and would be happy to talk to and listen to people about what we need to do to make this club a success.

I recently found out about a blunder I put in this column, when I wrote about seeing a pack of what I thought was unusually tame wolves in the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge of

JOURNAL

Mark Walter’s golden retriever, Ice, learned how to pull a sled on the North Country Trail. – Photo submitted which two of them had porcupine quills in their muzzles. The pack of four was reduced to three via a car kill and then captured and determined to be released German shepherds and two had a wolf-mix look to them, oops!

I will finish this column with a few notes about some of the coldest winter trips I ever went on, or should I say most dangerous.

I hiked the Lake Superior shoreline on the ice of Wisconsin back in 1993. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and should have died several times each day due to a constant habit of jumping open water leads while pulling a sled.

What was more incredible about that trip was that my golden retriever, Star, pulled her own sled, and inside of it, along with plenty of camping gear, was her 10-week-old pup Pearl (Ice’s grandmother and mother).

I did not even bring a tent on that 17-

day trip, and on the last day, which was from Ashland to Saxon Harbor, I experienced both a physical and close to a mental break-down as I floundered over a section ice heaves while jumping leads reaching Saxon Harbor at midnight.

The North Country Trail from Mellen to Iron River covers about 65 miles and runs through beautiful country that is extremely remote, very hilly and densely forested.

Along with my golden retrievers, I have completed six round trips of this section of the NCT, three were in the winter and three were in the summer.

The first two winter treks were in the early to mid-1990s when there was still plenty of snow, and 20 degrees to 30 degrees below were common lows in that part of the state.

I had two goldens pulling individual sleds behind me, the snow was 1 to 4 feet deep, and my body was the chief

trail groomer. I did not use a tent on the second trip, became completely wore down and the proud owner of a case of long-term hypothermia.

The body craves fat so badly on a journey like that, that it is almost impossible to believe. I would cook a pound of bacon and relish the thought of drinking every last drop of the bacon fat before it could solidify in a pan. I was living near Mellen back than and remember going and seeing my pal, Jim Christl, owner of The Mellen Weekly Record, before I went home. I told Jim I thought I was suffering from a case of long-term hypothermia. After awhile of visiting with Jim in the office of The Mellen Weekly Record, Jim realized I was correct and told me to go home and sleep for a few days. By the end of the winter, everyone I was close with knew the story, and whenever I would do something stupid they would say “hypothermia.”

I could probably write a book about the subject of winter camping from every facet including victory and defeat.

To sum up this week’s column please remember to check out the above email if you live in an area where our kids organization will begin, don’t worry if you do not live near Rhinelander, Iron Ladysmith, Mountain or Lake Delton, every part of Wisconsin will eventually have one.

Remember not to call German shepherds, wolves hypothermia; most importantly do not lower your body and brain temperature so much that permanent damage results.

Oh yeah, this one works for this lowbudget, highly sophisticated outdoor journalist.

By endurance we shall conquer!

Sunset

Brought to you by the following sponsors:

Butch’s Northwest Archery Bowhunting League Week 5 Team Whitetail Lodge: 574 Knoop Construction: 552 A&H Taxidermy: 550 Century 21 Siren: 535 White Birch Printing: 534 B&B Disposal: 533 Gronning’s Tree Service: 529 A&H Country Market: 488 Bank of the West: 477 Melton Sandblasting: 468 Bulldog Taxidermy: 454 Becky’s: 437 The Shop: 428 Theoutpostmall.com: 427 Snags Sports Bar: 396 Big Mike’s Sport Shop: 374 Gluek: 350 Women’s Teams Chicog Pub: 459 Wild Bill’s: 410 Bass Lake Inn: 208 Father son-daughter team Glennco Transmission: 525 Dan King Agency: 506 Boom Truck Service: 445 Weis Guys: 389 Juniors Lipsie Pines: 418 Husband & wife teams Bluegill Bar: 516 Sportsman’s Headquarters: 478 Scenic View Campgrounds: 432 Larsen Chev: 420 Audie’s Barn Board Crafts: 396 Parson’s Auto Body: 316 Traditional Teams Peterson Construction: 420 Wishful Thinking: 396 Shell Lake Pharmacy: 358 C&J Sport Shop: 322

Crappie time!

On track...

According to the DNR, 2006 was the third-highest deer harvest in history. Hunters harvested just under 500,000 deer across the state, which means that there will be no statewide antlerless deer hunt at the end of October this fall.

The DNR still claims that just because an October gun deer hunt is not planned for this fall, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be an October hunt in 2008. Hunters will need to continue to harvest does as they have done in the past to meet the 2-to-1 doe-to-buck ratio the DNR wants in order to keep a healthy deer herd. – Marty Seeger with information from the DNR

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This year Wisconsin is offering its first-ever youth spring turkey hunt. Hunters between the ages of 12 and 15 who have successfully completed the hunter education program, and have drawn a turkey hunting license and carcass tag, will be able to participate on April 7 and 8, regardless of what season they may have drawn.

They must hunt in the management zone in which their tag was issued, and they may only harvest one turkey. If they do not harvest a turkey during this time, they may use their tag during the time period, and in the zone for which the tags were issued – Marty Seeger with information from the DNR

•••

Bert Barnes of Siren caught this 2pound, 1.5-ounce crappie on Jan. 25. Photo courtesy of Big Mike’s Outdoor Sports.

The DNR wants turkey hunters to take note of an incorrectly stated bag limit in the turkey regulations. Only one male or bearded turkey may be harvested during the youth hunt April 7 and 8. If the hunter has more than one tag it doesn’t matter which one they use, as long as it is in the zone they will be hunting in.– Marty Seeger with information from the DNR

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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Burnett County hires new game warden Burnett Countys new warden boasts dedication and a love for everything outdoors

by Marty Seeger BURNETT COUNTY — His first visit to the area was on vacation last summer, and it didn’t take long for Chris Spaight, Burnett County’s newest game warden, to fall in love with the area. His first experience of Crex Meadows involved a deer standing in a pond, taking a drink of water.

“That was my first vision of Crex, and I said ‘Wow, I really like this place,’ and so here we are six or seven months later,” said Spaight.

He and his wife of four years, Stacy, recently moved to the Grantsburg area from eastern Milwaukee County, which is the core area Spaight worked before transferring to his new post in Burnett County.

While in Milwaukee County, Spaight worked mostly fishing enforcement on Lake Michigan, patrolling commercial fisherman, and covering the many outlets where anglers fish various trout

and salmon runs throughout the year.

He also worked hunter safety and boating classes as well as everything else a warden might expect with the job.

“I also spent a couple of years in Hazelhurst and Minocqua so I’m pretty familiar with the northwoods, but it’s a big change,” said Spaight, who grew up south of Milwaukee in Racine County, and graduated from Waterford High School.

Spaight remembers the moment when he first realized that he wanted to work with the DNR in at least some way. It was on a deer hunt with his father before he was even old enough to hunt, and he says that he can nearly remember the exact day that it happened.

“I knew right away that I wanted to be involved with protecting this. It’s one of those father-son moments that you never forget,” said Spaight.

Of course, hunting is still very much a part of Spaight’s activities outside of work. He also enjoys fishing, canoeing, kayaking and just about everything else an outdoors enthusiast might enjoy.

Although he hasn’t had time to hunt or fish in the area yet, he says that he always finds time to do the things he loves to do, it’s just a matter of making time for it. He mentioned that you definitely have to pick and choose, but if you like to do it, you can find the time.

“Right now I’m pretty focused on trying to learn the area. Not fishing doesn’t bother me right now, but come this fall, not being able to bow hunt as much, that might bother me a little bit,” Spaight said.

Spaight admits that there is a level of stress at times and a constant workload, but that’s something he’s used to, and he understands that that is just part of the job.

“When you get into this job you look at it and say ‘Am I in this? Is this for me?’ And you’re either on one side or the other, and you take it as a whole, but I love my job,” he said.

Spaight has a large area to cover, and his main area is the western portion of Burnett County, while Paul Martin covers the eastern portion of the county.

Since his start in January, Spaight says that the community has been very kind.

“People have been great, and the locals are very passionate about their resources,” Spaight said, which is one of the things he loves most about his job.

“It’s a constant change, and you deal with everything, but I like to deal with people. This job starts and ends with people. I think that’s one of my favorite parts of the job, is just interacting with the public while they’re doing something they enjoy.”

Burnett County’s new game warden, Chris Spaight, says that he’s proud to be a warden and loves to work with people. - Photo by Marty Seeger

Ducks Unlimited fundraising banquet set BURNETT COUNTY — Ducks Unlimited played a major role in the recent completion of two wetland habitat projects in Burnett County. DU is a private nonprofit group dedicated to the conservation of North American wetlands and wetland wildlife. DU was started over 60 years ago by a group of U.S. waterfowl hunters concerned about the loss of wetlands and the drastic decline of duck and goose populations during the drought and dustbowl of the 1930s.

DU has spent $700,000 through the years in wetland restoration and enhancement projects in the Crex Meadows, Fish Lake and Amsterdam Sloughs state wildlife areas in western Burnett County. During this same period, DU’s Crex Meadows Chapter, head-

quartered in Grantsburg, has raised about $300,000 for DU and the ducks.

For every dollar raised locally and sent to DU, over two dollars has been returned by the group for local wetland projects.

In 2005, DU helped complete the construction of a half-mile-long dam or dike in the northeast corner of the Fish Lake Wildlife Area. The dike plugs four different drainage ditches that were probably dug over a century ago in the marshes when homesteaders attempted to farm Burnett County’s sandy pine barrens. The newly restored wetland, named Assembly Road Flowage, was filled during the record 10-inch rainfall in October of that year. About 150 acres of wetland were restored in this project.

DU contributed $37,500 in funds.

Spafford bass

The second DU project completed in 2005 was the reconstruction of the water-control structure in the Black Brook dike in the Amsterdam Sloughs Wildlife Area. The large water control structure was completed in 1969 and had deteriorated to a point where restoration was needed to safely impound water in the 383-acre Black Brook Flowage. DU engineered and supervised repair of the concrete, steel, and stop-log structure that controls water levels in the flowage.

In addition, over $285,000 to date of DU funds has been spent in neighboring Polk County. This has restored 2078 acres of wetlands and 2996 acres of grassland nesting cover. Ducks and geese, furbearers and pheasants have all benefited from these habitat

Pair of whoppers

improvement efforts in Polk County, on both public and private lands.

Current members of the Crex Meadows Chapter committee are Steve Andersen, Don Anderson, Mike Cole, Jim Evrard, Bob Hanson, Scott Johnson, Paul Kooiker, Mike Nelson, John Sauerberg, Dennis Solomonson, Tim Spielman and Bruce Teigen.

The Crex Meadows Chapter of DU will host its annual fundraising banquet at The Experience banquet center in Siren on Saturday, Feb. 24. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Contact Bruce Teigen (715-689-2923) for tickets, more information or to ask about joining the committee (volunteers always needed). — Submitted

Free turkey hunting clinic SPOONER – Spooner Wildlife Management will be holding a Turkey Hunter Education Clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. Are you new to turkey hunting or wish to brush up on your skills? This clinic is designed to offer new techniques to help you hunt the elusive wild turkey. Typically lasting 2.5-3 hours, the clinic will cover turkey biology and behavior, hunting methods, regulations, safety precautions and landowner/hunter ethics. You can also look forward to information on in-depth hunting techniques and turkey calling.

Last year the clinic had a great turnout and people had a lot of fun. Advance registration is not required. If you have any questions contact: Gary Dunsmoor 715635-4092 or Nancy Christel 635-4091 – Submitted

Mitch Spafford caught this nice 3-pound bass on the Clam Jan. 22.

Tim Murphy of South St. Paul caught the 1-pound, 9.5-ounce crappie and 4-pound, 14.5-ounce bass on Jan. 5. -Photo courtesy of Big Mike’s Outdoor Sports

At the Spooner Agricultural Research Center W6646 Hwy 70, Spooner.

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Jan. 28, 3:59 p.m., Georgetown Township, 78th Street, 40’ N. of CTH G/190th Avenue, IBRAHIM B. ALSAID, 23, Hudson, was traveling eastbound on CTH G/190th Avenue. Driver made a left turn onto 78th Street, which was covered by packed snow. Vehicle spun 90 degrees to the left, crossed the lane of traffic and entered the left-hand ditch (southbound lane) of 78th Street. Vehicle struck and came to rest on the telephone junction box owned by Lakeland Communications. Driver was issued a citation for failure to report an accident to the police.

Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m., Luck Township, 170th St, .2 mile south of 290th Avenue, FREDERICK G. SAMPE, 68, Frederic, was traveling south on 170th Street.

The driver indicated he blacked/passed out. The vehicle traveled left of center and entered the east ditch. After entering the ditch, the vehicle traveled a short distance before striking a tree head on. The vehicle stopped immediately.

Jan. 30, 12:32 p.m., Balsam Lake Township, Tanglewood Trail, .2 mile E. of 180th Street; #1— WILLIAM F. STARKEY, 59, Centuria; #2—DAVID J. NELSON, 45, Spooner. Unit 1 was backing out of a driveway at 1771. Unit 2 was northbound on Tanglewood Trail. Visibility was obscured for both units by brush and trees. Unit 2 was unable to stop due to snow/ice on the roadway.

Jan. 30, 3:58 p.m., Clear Lake Township, CTH F at Hwy. 63; #1—THOMAS N. AMUNDSEN, 35, Amery; #2—BONNY S. BASTYR, 45, Stillwater, Minn. Unit 1 was westbound on CTH F, stopped at the intersection of Hwy. 63, then attempted to cross 63. Unit 1 was struck by southbound unit 2.

Both vehicles sustained minor damage.

Jan. 31, 3:03 p.m., Eureka Township, 200th Street at CTH G; #1—ANTHONY R. HACH, 22, St. Croix Falls; #2—JOSEPH S. FOLZ, 35, Centuria. Unit 1 was making a right turn from CTH G onto 200th Street, southbound. Unit 2 was slowing to stop at the stop sign on 200th Street at CTH G. Due to snow, unit 1 collided with unit 2 at an angle.

Feb. 1, 5:08 a.m., St. Croix Falls (city), Hwy. 8, .1 mile W. of Hwy. 87, ALAN L. LORGE, 23, St. Paul, Minn., was eastbound on Hwy. 8 when the vehicle crossed the Hwy. 8 bridge and lost control.

Unit 1 hit the south guardrail on the Hwy. 8 bridge and then traveled along the guardrail for a little while. Unit 1 then drove to the gas station .2 mile east and stopped. Driver cited for OMVWI. Feb. 1, 7:37 a.m., Lincoln Township, Highland Drive, .2 mile W. of 85th Street, LORI A. BUMP, 44, Amery, was southbound on Highland Drive.

Operator lost control on the snow/ice. Unit 1 left the roadway to the right and crashed into trees and a large tree stump.

Feb. 2, 8:55 p.m., West Sweden Township, Hwy. 35, .5 mile south of 150th Street, JASON D.

McKENZIE, 25, Milltown, was northbound on Hwy. 35 when he struck a large buck deer with his vehicle.

Feb. 2, 9:04 p.m., Alden Township, CTH K, .2 mile west of 140th Street, KELLY J. LARSON, 16, Osceola, was westbound on CTH K, attempting to negotiate a curve. Unit 1 was traveling on slippery, snow-covered roads. Unit 1 continued forward at the curve. Driver of unit 1 was unable to maintain control, crossed over the centerline, over the eastbound lane and into the south ditch. Unit 1 struck and damaged an approximate 20’ section of guardrail. Driver cited for failure to notify police of an accident and failure to maintain control of vehicle.

Feb. 3, 3:30 a.m., village of Balsam Lake, Pleasant Avenue, .2 mile east of Hwy. 46, DEBRA A. BERGSTROM, 49, Milltown, was traveling southbound on Pleasant Avenue, attempting to negotiate a curve. The vehicle was unable to make the corner and entered the ditch on the south side of the curve and struck a tree. Driver cited for a seat belt violation.

Feb. 3, 2:40 p.m., Luck (village), Butternut Avenue, 50’ W. of 5th Street, KYLE J. MELIN, 16, Luck, was traveling westbound on Butternut Avenue. As the vehicle approached 5th Street, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle went off the road and struck the street sign. The vehicle went into the yard on the northwest side of the intersection. The vehicle then struck a tree.

The vehicle rotated off the tree and came to rest facing north. Passenger, RYAN A. FLODIN, 16, Luck, sustained a minor injury (wearing seat belt/no EMS/both air bags deployed).

Feb. 3, 4:20 p.m., Black Brook Township, County Line Avenue at 70th Street, MIRASOL U. TONRUD, 28, Clear Lake, was traveling westbound on County Line Avenue (Polk/St. Croix).

The driver attempted to negotiate a left turn onto St. Croix County 250th Street but was unable to do so due to ice/snow-covered roadway. The vehicle struck the left arrow sign, snapping the wooden post. There was very minor damage to the vehicle.

Feb. 3, 9:55 p.m., Lincoln Township, 60th Avenue at CTH F, #1—SARAH E. PETERSON, 18, Dresser; #2—STACEY L. KIRKVOLD, 22, Amery; #3—CHARLES W. BABCOCK, 53, Amery; Unit 1 was traveling westbound on 60th Avenue. Unit 1 was observed stopping at the stop sign then proceeding westbound. Unit 2 was traveling southbound on CTH F, struck unit 1 in the passenger door. Unit 1 slid into unit 3, which was eastbound on 60th Avenue and currently stopped at the stop sign. Unit 2 and unit 3 drivers stated that unit 2 was traveling at approx. the posted speed limit and unit 1 did not stop for said sign and continued westbound where unit 1 was struck.

Driver of unit 1 stated she saw unit 2 but thought she was farther away than she actually was. No skid marks on scene. Unit 1 driver cited for failure

to yield right of way.

Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m., village of Clear Lake, Hwy. 63, .10 mile north of CTH F, NICOLE C. OLSEN, 17, Clear Lake, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 63. Driver of unit 1 states she hit a slippery spot on the highway and lost control of the vehicle, which slid sideways. Vehicle entered the west side of the ditch sideways and struck a tree with the rear passenger side, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Feb. 6, 9:46 a.m., Georgetown Township, Round Lake Road, .4 mile north of 230th Avenue, #1—CHESTER A. ADAMS, 44, Luck; #2—DAVID A. STRENKE, 18, Luck. Unit 1 was southbound on Round Lake Road. Operator of unit 1 said that unit 2 came “flying” out of the driveway of 2339.

Operator of unit 1 attempted evasive action, however, due to ice/snow on roadway it was not effective and units 1 and 2 crashed. Neither operator was wearing safety equipment, both were injured; only driver of unit 1 was transported by EMS. Driver of unit 1 was cited for seat belt violation.

Driver of unit 2 was cited for failure to yield right of way.

Feb. 9, 5:14 p.m., Garfield Twp., 130th Street, .27 mile south of 120th Avenue, SHELLEY A. FROST, 46, Amery, was traveling southbound on 130th Street. Unit 1 went into the west ditch and collided with a tree. Driver cited for unreasonable speed.

Feb. 9, 11:32 p.m., St. Croix Falls Twp., Hwy. 35 at 113th Avenue, MATTHEW A. CLAUSEN, 28, Amery, was traveling eastbound on 113th Avenue.

Unit 1 drove through a stop sign, crossed Hwy. 35, became airborne, traveled for approx 200 feet, landed and struck a large tree. Driver was possibly ejected. Driver was medically unable to describe the accident. There were no marks in the snow from Hwy. 35 to the “landing point” in the tree line. Driver seriously injured (no safety equipment worn) and was cited for OWI. (transported by EMS).

Feb. 11, 10:31 a.m., village of Luck, South Shore Drive, .5 mile east of 150th Street, MELODY R. VITZTHUM, 19, Milltown, was negotiating a curve when the vehicle went into the southbound ditch and struck a tree. Unit 1 was going westbound on South Shore Drive when the accident happened.

Feb. 4, midnight, Milltown Township, 170th Street, .3 mile south of 240th Avenue, JENNIFER A. MICHAELSON, 26, Balsam Lake, pulled into the driveway at 2371 170th Street. As the driver began to back out of the driveway the vehicle struck a wooden fence (owner: Samuel DeHaven, Luck). The vehicle backed out onto 170th Street and began to travel south. The vehicle crossed the northbound lane of travel and struck a mailbox (owned by Brent Priebe, Luck). The driver continued south and eventually went into the ditch, still dragging pieces of the fence. The driver left the

scene. The crash was later discovered by a deputy on patrol. Driver was cited for failure to report an accident to police.

Feb. 4, 2 a.m., McKinley Township, Polk/Barron Street, .25 mile south of Hwy. 48, EMERY B. SKINAWAY, 35, Luck, was westbound on 23-3/4 Avenue, failed to stop at Polk/Barron Street, hit the ditch, trees and a telephone box. Passenger ESTELLA A. MERRILL, 31, Luck, was injured (not wearing safety equipment) and was transported by ambulance. Driver was cited for operating without a driver’s license.

Feb. 5, 12:32 a.m., Balsam Lake Twp., CTH I, 2 miles east of Hwy. 46, MARK J. NELSON, 48, Milltown, was traveling eastbound, entered the southern ditch, traveled 100’, crossed a driveway and came to rest blocking the eastbound lane.

The vehicle struck trees and brush, causing moderate damage to the front part of the vehicle.

Driver was cited for OMVWI. Feb. 6, 6:41 p.m., Milltown Twp., #2461 150th Street, ANTHONY D. ROSITZKI, 18, Luck, was northbound on 150th Street when he lost control, hit a mailbox and a rock bed and wall at the THOMAS J. WERRAN, RR Luck, residence.

Driver cited for operating without a valid license.

Other incidents Jan. 19, ROGER BERGSTRAND, Amery, reported someone had broken into his garage, broke a window out of the topper of his pickup truck, stole ice-fishing equipment and a Jonsered chain saw, Lincoln Township.

Jan. 29, RICKY W. SCHMUDLACH, RR Centuria, reported his ice-fishing shack, located on Big Round Lake, was burglarized. He is missing a 40-pound, green, propane tank, along with ice fishing equipment and an older AM/FM radio.

Feb. 2, IVAN L. SCHLOUGH, Boyceville, reported his ice-fishing shack was burglarized while it was located on Lake Magnor in Clayton Township.

Missing is a propane heater and hoses, a folding chair and a wrench.

Jan. 31, LAD AUTO, Osceola Township, reported a theft of a 100-gallon aluminum fuel tank and a truck radiator from their property.

Feb. 5, an employee of CENTURYTEL SERVICE GROUP reported the theft of copper wire, tools and a 2004 Ford E250 cargo van (white in color) from the CenturyTel property in Osceola Township.

Feb. 7, DOUGLAS MARCINIAK JR., RR Amery, reported a burglary to his garage on this date.

Taken were an Otter brand portable ice shack, purple and black in color, Strikemaster 10” ice auger, Vexlar fish locater, toolbox with miscellaneous ice-fishing gear, lantern, Garmin depth finder, two seats for the sled, ice rod/reel and two rod holders.

Polk County civil court Civil Wachovia Bank, N.A., West Palm Beach, Fla., plaintiff. Debra Richter, Dresser, defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for amount of $99,386.68.

WM Specialty Mortgage, LLC, Orange, Calif., plaintiff. Tambra Grevich, Star Prairie, defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for amount of $162,391.79.

Capital One Bank, plaintiff. Anthony Moline, Dresser, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default on credit card account payments of $10,007.76.

Jessica Hart, Clayton, plaintiff. Jeffrey Skinner, Poskin, West Bend Mutual Ins. Co. and State Farm Auto Insurance Co., defendants.

Plaintiff alleges negligence by Skinner in a March 25, 2004, accident in which Hart was seriously injured and seeks damages for medical costs and

loss of earnings.

Avelo Mortgage, LLC, Irving, Texas, plaintiff.

James and Lynsay Hanson, Osceola and Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc., Ocala, Fla., defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure of property at 401 Mill St., Osceola.

David Knutson, Balsam Lake, plaintiff. Jereme Peltier, Punta Gorda, Fla., defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure on property in Balsam Lake sold on land contract to Peltier.

Plaintiff alleges default on contract and failure to pay $38,206.02 in payments and taxes.

Household Finance Corp., Elmhurst, Ill., plaintiff. Todd Walters, Luck, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for amount of $158,877.10 in principal payments and $21,326.07 in interest.

Patrick and Amy Hagen, Falcon Heights, Minn., and Tammy Quant, Minneapolis, Minn.,

Burnett County criminal court Peggy S. Skold, 47, Siren, OWI, $1,020.00, alcohol assessment, 20 days’ jail time, license revoked 16 months.

Jenae A. Barber, 18, Ladysmith, issue worthless checks, $325.92.

Michael J. Belisle, 33, Shell Lake, OWI, $2,729.00, alcohol assessment, 110 days’ jail time, Huber granted for employment only, license revoked 30 months.

Michael J. Belisle, 33, Shell Lake, OWI, $1,020.00, alcohol assessment, 20 days’ jail time, Huber granted for employment only, license revoked 16 months - concurrent to any prior suspension; unreasonable and imprudent speed, $198.60.

Laura M. Moose, 43, Webster, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10 days’ jail time, Huber granted for employment only, license revoked 12 months.

Thomas W. Kamiske, 52, Minneapolis, Minn., OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10 days’ jail time, license revoked 12 months.

Jon G. Isker, 40, Grantsburg, OWI, $957.00, 10 days’ jail time, Huber for employment and or treatment, license revoked 14 months.

Shelly M. Campeau, 29, St. Paul, Minn., issue worthless checks > $2,500.00-felony E, two years’ prison followed by 18 months’ extended supervision, restitution-$12,615.17, fines - $95.00; issue worthless checks < $2,500.00 - misdemeanor A, nine months’ jail time - concurrent with above sentence, $75.00.

Galen A. Vandervelden, 28, Grantsburg, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10 days’ jail time, Huber privileges granted, license revoked 12

months.

Bonnie L. Anderson, 48, St. Croix Falls, OWI, $2,729.00, alcohol assessment, 110 days’ jail time, Huber privileges granted, license revoked 30 months.

Abraham A. Ace, 24, Appleton, burglary - building or dwelling, sentence withheld, 4 years’ probation, conditions of probation - six months jail time, defendant shall become employed and stay employed - wages applied to restitution, provide DNA sample, alcohol assessment, $4,384.47 restitution - joint and several with co-defendants, $347.00.

Troy W. Lidel, 47, Bloomington, Minn., operating with PAC > .08 < .10, license revoked six months, $250.00.

Mitchell J. Ludden, 43, Webster, repeated second-degree sexual assault - same child, 25 years’ prison followed by 15 years’ extended supervision, no contact with children under 18 years of age, provide DNA sample, register as sex offender, restitution-$3,579.12, fines - $363.00; two counts battery, fourth-degree sexual assault, three consecutive nine-month sentences at local jail, $70.00.

Burnett Co. civil court Shell Lake Clinic vs. Veronica Songetay, Danbury, $586.00.

Burnett Medical Center vs. Tammy T. Horky, Grantsburg, $890.56.

Mudge, Porter, Lundeen &Seguin, S.C. vs.

Christine Goldman, Siren, $1,635.42.

plaintiffs. Jim Palas, Comstock, defendant.

Plaintiffs entered a contract with Palas in which Palas would improve a property located at 1624 N. Horseshoe Court in the town of Turtle Lake.

Plaintiff alleges that Palas committed fraud and defaulted on a construction agreement to build a dwelling for $43,920. Plaintiffs also allege that Palas received sole benefit of the plaintiffs’ funds in the amount of $38,579.60, was unjustly enriched and misrepresented rental opportunities of planned dwelling in amount of $9,000. Plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $50,000.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., plaintiff. Adam Johnson, Edina, Minn., defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for amount of $472,500 for property located at 859 207 St., Dresser.

Ohio Savings Bank, Cleveland, Ohio, plaintiff.

Shelly and Donald Arechigo, Frederic. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure in amount of $223,943.44 plus interest.

IndyMac Bank, Pasadena, Calif., plaintiff. Glen and Teresa Hammond, Hayward, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure in amount of $149,892.79 plus interest for property located at 2194 89th Ave., Osceola.

Polk County criminal court Arnold Herwick, 79, Milltown, operating while intoxicated, operating with PAC .02 or more.

Signature bond set of $10,000.

Thomas Haugland, Amery, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tereso Alvarado, 29, failure to report to jail.

Preliminary hearing set for March 12.

Tyler Hoffman, 21, Luck, intimidate witness / threaten force, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Signature bond set of $5,000. Preliminary hearing set for March 12.

Marcia Thatcher, 27, Balsam Lake, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Cash bond set of $150. Review set for May 18.

Clarence Linder, Clayton, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct – domestic abuse. Court review April 17. Defense attorney requested that a nocontact order be lifted and court granted request.

Jason Reis, 29, pled guilty to disorderly conduct. Court accepted plea and found him guilty.

Sentencing hearing is set for April 9. A cash bond of $150 was set with conditions of not being in the village of Osceola and a no-contact order.

Tyman Fialo, 19, Osceola, pled not guilty to battery, disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. Review set for April 6.

Leland Harr Jr., 48, pled not guilty to battery , intentionally pointing a firearm at a person and operating firearm while intoxicated. Court lifted the no-contact order. Pretrial conference set for March 16.

William Dulas, 23, pled not guilty to disorderly conduct – domestic abuse. Cash bond of $150 continues.

Dwight Kraemer, 42, Webster, pled not guilty to operating while revoked. Review set for Feb. 16.

Scott Olson, 45, Amery, OWI, operating with PAC .08 or more. Signature bond set of $1,000.

Review set for May 18.

Burnett County sheriff’s report Warrant arrests/other arrests Village of Siren, Feb.8: Jordan M. Rogers, 17, Webster, was arrested on a warrant. He was given an additional citation for obstructing by giving a false name.

Town of Wood River, Feb. 9: Stephen J. Stevens Jr., 24, Webster, was arrest on a Polk County arrest warrant. He was given an additional citation for OAR. Town of Wood River, Feb. 10: Harold E. Leffelman, 53, Grantsburg, was issued a citation for domestic battery and arrested.

Other incidents Town of Wood River, Feb. 6: Christina C. Allred, 27, Grantsburg, reported her vehicle stolen while she was shopping at Burnett Dairy Cheese

Store.

Christopher L. Rousseau, 19, Maplewood, Minn., was eventually arrested for the theft after a high-speed chase into Pine County, Minn.

Town of Siren, Feb. 11: Arlan J. Pope, 39, Webster reported the theft of copper cable taken from his crushing machinery.

Town of Roosevelt, Feb. 10: Richard A. Nyhus, 52, Barronett, reported tools needed for concrete work were taken from his garage.

Town of Grantsburg, Feb. 6: Gary L. Marek, 57, Grantsburg reported a burlargy in progress at a neighbors residence. Jenna L Senholtz, 23, Rush City, Minn., and Jason A. Graham, 37, Forest Lake, Minn., were both issued two citations and arrested.

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Real Estate/Employment

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Notices/Employment Opportunities

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Notices/Employment Opportunities

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Notices

PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Notices

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

H E A D L I N E S

Physics students get hands-on lesson from engineers GRANTSBURG – E=mc2 and other tenAnts of physics came to life recently for students of Mark Johnson’s physics class at Grantsburg High School. Ben Anderson and Melissa Anderson, Alion Science and Technology project engineers at the Alion-McNally Center for Production Technologies located in Grantsburg, conducted an in-class presentation that outlined real-life applications of indispensable scientific principles.

As Alion engineers, Ben and Melissa work at A-M CPT to provide rapid engineering solutions for its primary customer, the U.S. Army. They were able to bring actual examples of questions and problems to the class that were posed to them at the beginning of recent projects.

One of their tasks was to design a product to lift heavy and awkward rotor blades from a Black Hawk helicopter without damage to the blade or the aircraft, or injury to the attending personnel.

Johnson was pleased with the class session, noting that one of the best outcomes was that students had a chance to see what engineers actually do and how the math learned in high school is applicable to real life.

“We work so many story problems out of the textbooks, which always challenge the students,” Johnson commented, “and it is good for them to see that the real world is a bunch of story problems.”

Students in Mark Johnson’s physics class at Grantsburg High School received a hands-on lesson in applied science principles when Alion Science engineers Ben Anderson and Melissa Anderson gave a presentation to the class and worked with them to solve equation-based problems. From left: Alion project engineer Ben Anderson, students Ashley Larson, Amanda Huehn and Nicole Paq. – Photo submitted Many concepts of physics were engaged for such a design challenge, including the understanding of motion and torques, as well as stresses the product would need to withstand from external forces. Ben and Melissa presented a

Danbury Fire donates

Food pantry director at Indianhead Community Action Agency in Webster, Mary Andrea, and Rhunae Buskirk are looking over the Wayne’s Foods Plus gift certificates donated by the Danbury Fire and Rescue. This is the second set of gift certificates donated this winter by the Danbury Fire and Rescue. – Photo submitted

scaled-down version of the actual problems to the students. They then divided the class into smaller groups to work on the problems, using physics equations and mathematics to arrive at potential solutions.

Melissa Anderson noted, “Often times, real-world problems are not something you have specifically dealt with before, so it is important to learn the skill of problem solving. By presenting a type of problem the students had never seen before, we hope that they realize how physics skills can be used outside of the classroom.”

According to Johnson, the reaction of the students was positive. “Not that they are all going to run out and become engineers,” he said and then continued, “Working with Ben and Melissa reinforced the idea of taking a problem and looking at what you are given and then applying formulas and manipulating the numbers to see if what you are investigating will work.” Those lifeskills, both the instructor and engineers noted, are valuable in any environment.

Johnson concluded, “Thank you to Alion Science for being willing to share with the high school students what is out there in the engineering and science fields. I look forward to working with them again in the future.” The engineers are counting on that, added Melissa Anderson, “Ben and I are already thinking of ways of expanding our presentation for next time.”

Perhaps by then, a few of these students will be applying the problem-solving lessons they learned to even more demanding challenges in college courses. – submitted

Klondike Sam returns CLEAR LAKE – Klondike Sam just finished his 36th Klondike Derby this last weekend, Feb. 10 and 11.

With Scouts, leaders and other helpers, there were approximately 150 people to enjoy the weekend.

Saturday morning started out to be 18 degrees below zero. It really didn’t seem to be that cold. There were a lot of activities going on for everyone. There was the compass course of spear throwing, log sawing, boiling water in a paper cup, the traverse race, the mouse trap and the first aid station.

Each boy, after the flag-raising ceremony, hit the trail after cooking their own dinner on the trail.

A couple of volunteers spent the day preparing a good supper for everyone.

All the boys who spent the night in snow houses had a good breakfast of French toast and sausage.

Klondike Sam noticed everyone had a wonderful time.

Every year there is some worry about the weather, and if it’s really necessary, we can always talk to the man upstairs.

He’s always there to help us out.

Amen to him. –submitted

Siren Chamber ribbon cutting at Acorn Pantry Members of the Siren Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Friday, Feb. 9, at the Acorn Pantry, one of The Shops at the Lodge.

Pictured during the ceremony were (L to R) front row: Heather Wendt representing Kinetico Soft Water and 104.9/105.7 radio, Luck; owner Holly Mangelsen; Nancy Bergman and JoAnn Yourchuck from the chamber. Back row: Ron Revere, general manager of 104.9/105.7 radio; Kim Jewell, general manager of the Acorn Pantry; Jake Mangelsen (“I am excited to be in business in the town I grew up in”); Mary Charmoli, Ryan Benson and Dave Walters from the chamber. The business, opened originally by Peggy Tobert, is now owned by Holly and Jake Mangelsen. A grand reopening party will be held at the store Feb. 23-25, with drawings every hour, food samples, cooking demonstrations and knife sharpening. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Klondike Sam

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Not on the fence

Splash from the Past III coming BURNETT COUNTY - There may not be enough snow for the area’s snowmobile trails,but the cold weather has provided lots of ice. That is just what Danbury Fire & Rescue needs as they prepare for their third-annual water skip on Yellow Lake.

The water skip event, Splash From the Past III, is planned for Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Yellow Lake narrows. More than 200 racers will attempt to cross over open water in timed trials. Highlights of last year’s water skip included jumps and tricks by professional racers, and a crowd-pleasing competition called Most on a Sled.

Like last year, the event will also include a snowmobile radar run. Radar run competitors do not cross open water, but do reach speeds of 100 miles per hour.

Splash From the Past is a fundraising event sponsored by the Danbury Fire Department. The department hopes to raise enough money to purchase needed rescue equipment and provide $3,500 in

An eastern Burnett County resident made a bold statement about their patriotism by placing this American flag on a fencepost along a rural road. - Photo by Gary King

Backyard albino

scholarships for students at Webster High School.

The fire department will set over two miles of fence on the lake this Saturday and will begin cutting ice to enlarge and define the skip area. The fencing provides safety areas and gives spectators viewing areas on the water’s edge.

Splash From the Past is a permitted event. The organizational plans include safety and security personnel, on-ice parking, and a one-way traffic route from CTH U to CTH F. Spectators must purchase admittance buttons that are available at local restaurants and at the gate on the day of the event.

The water skip is a community event with over more than 60 volunteers and 45 business sponsors. In a time when the lack of snow is hurting the local economy, the water skip fills hotels and provides a boost to area restaurants and other businesses. – from Danbury Fire Department

This year’s Splash from the Past event will include jumps and tricks by professional racers, and a crowd-pleasing competition called Most on a Sled. – Photo submitted

Chief warns of thin ice SIREN – "Springs are starting to pop on some lakes in the area, making ice unsafe," warned Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers during the Siren Village Board meeting Thursday, Feb. 8.

Sybers referred to one of the small lakes within the village of Siren that has

developed two holes and resultant open water. "Lake levels differ. We don’t want anyone to get hurt," Sybers commented, stressing that parents need to be alert about the dangers of unsafe ice in local lakes. – Nancy Jappe

Dresser man found dead CUMBERLAND - A 49-year-old Dresser man was found deceased inside a truck parked on Hwy. 48 just west of the city of Cumberland on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 13.

Thomas L. Wasilensky was pronounced dead at the scene, the victim of an appar-

ent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Barron County Sheriff’s Department.

The matter remains under investigation by the sheriff’s department. - from the BCSD

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE Leo Richards of Webster captured this sight in his backyard using a digital camera. – Photo submitted

www.the-leader.net

‘Follow the Leader’

Feb ruar y 14, 2007 • 2 nd Se c t i on B• I nter-Co unty Le a de r

Currents N O R T H E R N

THE LEADER’S COMMUNITY NEWS

God’s glory in northern Uganda

‘

Local missionary Diane Brask returns from one of her most inspiring trips

by Nancy Jappe GRANTSBURG – Diane Brask, who headquarters her world-missions work from the Brask family farm, near Grantsburg, didn’t really need another country to concentrate on.

She was already working with growing, indigenous partnerships in the Philippines, China and India. But the burden on her heart included the suffering people of Africa, particularly the people in Uganda, an independent state in East Africa near Kenya.

Brask’s opportunity came when she met Anne Mwangi, director of the International Leadership Training Program, in Anne Mwangi Uganda’s capital city of Kampala. Brask met Mwangi in January 2005, in Hong Kong, when the two of them were roommates while attending a missions conference for international leaders. “My heart leaped inside of me when I met her and found out she was from Uganda,” Brask said. “I just knew God had planned our meeting because he wanted me to go to Uganda sometime in the near future.”

Because of unfinished business related to three projects in China, Brask was unable to immediately accept Mwangi’s invitation to visit her country. “I needed to finish what I had started before starting something new,” Brask said. So Brask worked hard that year to finish an oral translation project for an illiterate people group in a Tibetan area, as well as raising funds to start nearly 50 more Bible schools in rural areas of China in cooperation with the house church leadership network there.

Then, an invitation came to go to Kenya to attend the Movement of African National Initiatives Conference

Sometimes she thought that people overseas had no room in their heart for Africa, because nobody had ever told them that African people were just the same - from Alexander McCall

More often than not, children are orphans in the African country of Uganda where an area of 1.6 million displaced people have been forced from their lands and homes into refugee camps like the one shown below.

Photos by Jeremy Hess

Diane Brask

’

Smith’s “Tears of the Giraffe,” the second in his No. One Ladies’ Detective Agency series about Africa

in Nairobi, Kenya, in February of 2006.

Brask received the invitation because of her established track record of partnering to support nationals who were raising up leaders within their own needy countries. “It was an honor to be invited.

There was over 500 leaders representing nearly every country on the continent, and it was a conference totally run by Africans,” Brask explained, adding that she was one of only 50 “outsiders” who were invited. It gave Brask a chance to understand the problems of Africa (poverty, AIDS, drought, financial survival and tribal wars), getting inside information from grass-roots African leaders themselves, rather than filtered through the eyes of American leaders as seen through their own lenses.

During February and March 2006, Brask spent three weeks in Kenya and two weeks in Uganda. While in Uganda,

she lived with Mwangi and three adult orphans in a slum on the outskirts of Kampala. Mwangi, whom Brask describes as an amazing woman, runs a small Bible school, out of which she has trained 140 students from seven or eight different African countries. Her goal is to train African leaders who will go into places where the poorest of the poor and the neediest people live. Brask also paid a visit to Carole Vezey, who lives in Gulu. Her story was featured in an article in the Inter-County Leader in the summer of 2006.

Glory came into Brask’s mind “Everybody was telling the story of the gory. The stories of the horrors of Northern Uganda have been featured on Dateline, Oprah Winfrey, and in numerous articles in magazines and newspapers. I wanted to go to Uganda and find

out what God is doing, and then tell the story of his glory in the midst of some of the most difficult challenges on earth and have that be the feature story.” Brask is a firm believer that wherever there is a “Goliath” intimidating a people in their own land, then God is most likely raising up someone with the courage of a “David” to confront him.

“Initially, the idea for this trip grew out of conversations between Jeremy Hess, professional photographer friend, and I. We desired to go to Africa to attempt to uncover the inside story of what God is doing in the midst of evil to raise up a people for his glory. We were convinced that God would have his people working there as well -bringing love, comfort, hope and a brighter future. We felt certain that we would discover leaders, whose stories needed to be told to the world, and then certainly people would respond and help would follow.”

What started out as a trip with Brask and Hess, grew to a team of eight people, who never met one another until they landed in Amsterdam, Holland, on the way to Uganda. Dennis Regitz, a pastor in Pennsylvania, signed on. Steve Funk, owner of one of Pennsylvania’s finest vegetable farms, asked to come along to see how he could help farmers learn how to raise more food to feed their people. Walt and Annie Manis, who work with Initiative 360, in Denver, Colo., also were added to the team. Walt is a gifted videographer, and Annie has communication skills in teaching, speaking and writing. “I have never seen anything like this,” Brask said. “It was not their organization ministry’s focus, yet this organization gifted me with two of their talented staff and their brand-new video equipment at no charge.” Carl Gaede, a Polk County (Wisconsin) social worker and therapist, picked up the Inter-County Leader that featured the article on Carole Vezey’s ministry from a coffee table in his workplace. “Wow,” he said. “I am supposed to meet this lady.”

According to Brask, Gaede had been praying for Uganda for years. When he saw the Leader article, he knew he had to go on this trip and try to do something

See God’s glory, page 2

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

God’s glory/from page 1 to help children who were burdened by the trauma of war. Jolene Stoel, a software engineer, who was born in Wisconsin but now lives in Denver, was the last person added to the team. Computers are her business but not her passion. Her goal is to run an orphanage someday with kids who have lost their innocence or have been hurt by circumstances and situations that were beyond their control.

The eight members of the team raised money to cover the expenses of the trip, and then raised an additional $25,000 to give to African leaders for use with their own ministries in Kampala, Gulu and Juba. The team is continuing to raise funds to invest in various ongoing projects as well. Recently, $9,525 came in to purchase land to build a Bible school to raise up native pastors. But the focus of the team’s trip to Uganda was Vezey and her work in Gulu.

A human parade enters the village of Anaka on graduation day.

Carol Vezey Carole Vezey’s work in Gulu “There is jaw-dropping stuff going on.

She is doing an unbelievable ministry,” Brask commented about Vezey. Vezey has been in Gulu for two years. The first six months she was there, all she did was pray. Since then, she has raised up a multifaceted ministry, which includes a children’s home where 21 children live.

There is a long waiting list of needy orphans ready to move into the home once funds are received. Vezey’s work is an extremely challenging work as she lives in the center of an area of 1.6 million internally displaced people camps, who have been forced from their lands and homes because of 20 years of rebel activity. Now these people live in 140 refugeelike camps that Brask describes as “hell

Giving the gift from Burnett County. on earth.”

A family in Burnett County heard about Brask’s team going to Gulu. They decided to give up their Christmas so that the 21 children in Vezey’s House of Hope orphanage could have Christmas.

It was the very first Christmas party any of the children had ever had. “This family, giving up their own family’s Christmas, so that these African children could have Christmas, was one of the greatest sacrificial demonstrations I have ever seen,” Brask said, adding that she was convinced that this family learned firsthand that there was greater joy in giving than in receiving. The result was a celebration that Brask had no words to describe, an unforgettable occasion in her life as each child received gifts in a metal storage box with the child’s name on it, clothing and shoes, books, a

TV/VCR/DVD, playground equipment, and recreational equipment like footballs and basketballs. Brask bought 12 chickens which they barbecued, and she had all the ingredients for making Smores.

Tears were running down the faces of everyone who was there.

Another celebration included a church dedication. After her first visit to Gulu, in March of 2006, Brask was asked to speak at a women’s retreat at Christian Fellowship Church in Pennsylvania. The women were moved by Brask’s stories and gave a spontaneous love offering to go to Unyama, one of the IDP camps outside Gulu. Enough money was received from that one group of generous women to build a church which the African people completed right before the team came. The December 2006 team were there just in time for the dedication of the

taught the people about Jesus and his power over the spirit world. They cast out demons from hundreds of people through the power of Jesus name.

Brask’s team arrived in that village (a 21/2 hour drive from Gulu) on their graduation day from the school. The people were so excited to see them. They formed a human parade to welcome them to their village, dancing in the road and singing, “Jesus is number one!” Fear had been replaced by joy.

Sarah Awidi, 14, wrote a poem titled “O African Child.”

A new church. new church. Brask was treated like a “queen for the day” at the dedication, and the people in the camp couldn’t thank her enough. She was given gifts of a winnowing basket, freshly ground sesame-seed butter wrapped in gold paper, and the village’s largest rooster, which the team had for dinner when they got back to Gulu.

The team was also exposed to some of the harsher realities of IDP camp life. The village chief of Anaka recently came to Vezey and asked her to bring a team to his village. A powerful witch doctor had taken control of the village and was demanding human sacrifices to appease the angry spirits. The village was paralyzed by fear and unexplainable, bizarre events were happening on a daily basis.

So Vezey and her team came into the village with a “Portable Bible School” and

Toward the end of the trip, Hess and Brask left the rest of the group, and along with a driver, went deeper into the bush to visit two of Anne Mwangi’s students in Oyam village. While they were there, they listened to two of the students at the village school recite poems they had written in English as a gift to their guests. One of those students, 14-yearold Sarah Awidi, wrote a poem entitled, O African Child.” Lines from the poem include: “O African child, how grieved are you among the children on earth. “O African child, how unhappy are you among the children on earth.

Hunger...rape…defilement…and child labor…all targeted on you. O African child, I call upon parents and guardians, governments, NGO’s and international bodies, to come to your rescue.”

Summing up the trip Everyone who knows Diane Brask knows that she is a world traveler who has seen a lot during those travels. What

Hungry for change. she saw in Uganda has touched her more than anything else. “It is the most desperate, most horrible situation I have ever seen. It felt like living a yard from the gate of hell,” she said. “That is the dark side, but I have also never seen any place where God’s presence was more evident. I saw God intervening to bring hope and light to people that have been crushed for 20 years. He is doing it through Carole Vezey and her Favor of God ministry.”

“Carole prayed for years, ‘Lord, send me to a place and a people where no one else wants to go, to do something no one else wants to do.’ God answered her prayer, and sent her to Northern Uganda. She and her people are doing amazing work through the Bible schools, the orphanage, and work in the IDT camps,” Brask continued, “My entire team felt it was an honor and privilege to serve among such unselfish heroes.

In summing up the trip, Brask said: “It is our goal to tell the story of God’s glory in that place. We intend to do it by producing two DVDs of our trip. One version will be aimed at the secular audience; the other for church audiences.

The accompanying two-sided prayer guide would contain photos and stories on one side, and catalog of needs and how to get involved on the other. If you would like to learn more about Uganda, or would like Diane to speak at your church or other meeting, or feel you would like to help in some way, you can contact Diane Brask at 715-463-2757 or email her at gobraski@yahoo.com.

Carol prays.

The missionary team (L to R): Jeremy Hess, Carl Gaede, Jolene Stoel, Annie and Walt Manis, Steve Funk, Diane Brask and Dennis Regitz. - Special photo

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Writers’ Corner A Valentine’s Day Story

by Mary Jacobsen Once upon a time, there lived a king and queen whose most prized jewel was their beautiful daughter, Princess Pearl. On the day Princess Pearl turned 16, the king and queen sat at breakfast, as on any other day, eating eggs and toast. While drinking his second cup of coffee, the king said to the queen, “My dear, it’s time for our darling daughter to choose a husband.”

But the queen couldn’t bear to lose her daughter so soon.

She said to the king, “We three are happy just as we are. How can you think of marrying off our daughter when she’s still so young? She isn’t yet capable of choosing wisely.”

“But of course she’s capable of choosing wisely,” said the king. “She has the perfect role model – her father. Nevertheless, we’ll wait one more year.” Then they each drank another cup of coffee, donned their jewel-encrusted crowns, and wended their way to the throne room to sit on their matching, golden thrones.

This same breakfast conversation took place on the princess’s 17th birthday. And on her 18th. Finally, on the day Princess Pearl turned 19, she announced her readiness to select a husband. “But, he must be perfect,” she insisted.

“Of course,” the king said.

“Of course,” added the queen.

The announcement went out over the land: Princess Pearl will choose a prince to be her husband. Suitors will be interviewed by the princess herself. Her choice will be announced on the 14th of February.

From far and near princes began to arrive at the palace. By Feb. 13 the princess had refused 200 suitors. In not a single one did she find perfection. The king and queen were very upset and summoned their daughter to the throne room. As the princess entered, the king set aside the sports page of his favorite newspaper, and the queen hurriedly finished the crossword puzzle. They placed their jewel-encrusted crowns on their heads and confronted Princess Pearl who enumerated her suitors’ imperfections — “nose too long...big feet...socks don’t match jacket....”

“She’ll never find a husband,” lamented the queen.

“Maybe you should lower your standards,” the king suggested.

“At least a little,” said the queen.

“No,” said Princess Pearl. “The one I choose for my hus-

band must be perfect. Like Daddy.”

“But,” began the queen, “Daddy isn’t....” “Ahem,” the king interrupted.

The princess continued, “The very worst thing of all — they were boring. All 200 of them.” What to do?

Just then the chief doorkeeper came and said that another prince had arrived to ask for Princess Pearl’s hand. A trumpet blast and the announcement, “Prince Pomegranate!”

As soon as they beheld this latest suitor, the king and queen knew he’d soon join the ranks of the unchosen. A pity, for he had a good-natured, kindly look. It couldn’t be denied, though, that his nose was a trifle long. And his feet! A size 12 for sure. His scarlet coat was princely, but those blazeorange socks!

The prince approached the king and queen, bowed low with a flourish, and stated, “I’ve come to announce my intention of marrying your daughter, Princess Pearl.” This made the royal couple feel very sorry, for they knew that he too would soon be, without a doubt, refused.

Then Prince Pomegranate sprang up, executed a back flip and a couple of cartwheels, and landed at the feet of the startled princess. He rose, circled her waist with his arm, and with a “one, two, three,” waltzed her around and around the throne room.

“At least,” the king whispered to the queen, “this Pomegranate isn’t boring.”

They couldn’t hear what the prince said to the princess, but she laughed so hard she could hardly continue dancing.

“Tra la la la la, “ sang the prince as he twirled Princess Pearl out of the room.

The following morning, February 14, the princess told her parents she’d chosen Pommy to be her husband.

“Who?” “Prince Pomegranate.”

“But why?” asked the king.

“He makes me laugh,” the princess replied.

“But I thought you wanted someone perfect,” said the queen.

“He is perfect.”

(This story was written as an assignment for this month’s Northwest Regional Writers meeting which is held the second Friday of the month in either Grantsburg of Frederic.)

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 theleader@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 715-3274236. - Editor

Local Oscars Gala set ST. CROIX FALLS - The Seventh-Annual Academy Awards and Chicks Gala will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in St. Croix Falls. This is a ladies only evening of fun, food, laughter, camaraderie, and raising funds for a good cause – The Taylors Falls Community Parks.

Come and enjoy preshow music provided by the Oscars Gala Trio, delicious appetizers from Eichten’s World of Gourmet Foods, along with tasty beverages.

Test your movie knowledge by participating in the Oscars

Trivia contest. Interested guests can bring the evening home by purchasing a souvenir photo of themself and a real live Oscar or an Oscars Gala glass raffle ticket. Once again, seek out bargains found at their silent auction.

Throughout the evening door prizes will be awarded.

Wrapping up the night will be the best evening attire presentations to winners chosen by gala guests.

Advance-only nonrefundable tickets are again only $35 (includes food and drinks). Don’t miss out on this social event.

For more information or reservations, call Deb Julik-Heine at

Free tax prep available at WITC NEW RICHMOND – It’s that time of year again – tax time – and the VITA program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is ready for another filing season. A new hotline also provides helpful information around the clock: 800-243-9482, ext VITA or 8482. VITA, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, provides free tax preparation for low-income taxpayers and is provided on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. Tax preparers are available Tuesdays, Feb. 13 through April 10, except Tuesday, March 13 (WITC’s spring break), 5:30 to 8 p.m. on a walk-in basis only. A Spanish language translator is available by appointment only. The VITA tax preparers are WITC students and other volunteers who are trained with materials provided by the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The returns are prepared with state-of-the-art software and electronically filed. Federal and state refunds can even be transmitted directly to a taxpayer’s bank account, eliminating weeks of waiting time compared to a mailed-in return. The free tax preparation is available for individual taxpayers whose income was $25,000

or below, or families up to $40,000. Preparers are ready to work on the following types of return: 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040, including schedules A, B, C-EZ, and D (unless complex).

To have taxes prepared free by VITA, bring to the first appointment: • A picture ID; • Social Security cards for anyone shown on the return; • All forms W-2 and 1099; • Information on any other income; • Information for all deductions/credits; • Property tax statement or certificate of rent paid from landlord; • A deposit slip from the bank for automatic deposit of the refund; • Anything else that clients think may be needed; • A copy of last year’s return.

Questions about the program may be directed to a toll-free hotline: 800-243-9482, ext. VITA (8482). - from WITC

ETC.

SUPERIOR – Educator and speaker Tony Carr presents “Lest We Forget,” a program in which he uses black memorabilia depicting stereotypes as a means of teaching about the struggles of African-Americans, at noon and again at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the Multicultural Center at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The presentations are free and open to the public.

Carr has been collecting black memorabilia since 1986. He has acquired more than 500 rare and historic items depicting anti-black stereotyping in advertising, toys, postcards, music and household products. “I want to share these dehumanizing images in an effort to teach others about the struggles my parents and grandparents and many other African-Americans had to endure,” Carr said. “It is my hope that by educating people, the injustices of the past will never be repeated.” The Multicultural Center is located in UW-Superior’s Old Main, Room 232. Public parking for the noon presentation is available in meter spaces on campus.

Parking for the evening presentation is free in all nonreserve spaces. For maps and directions to campus, please visit www.uwsuper.edu/directions.

For more information, contact UW-Superior’s Office of Multicultural Affairs at 715-394-8084. Carr’s presentation is one of several events being held at UWSuperior in February to mark Black History Month. For other events, go to the university Web site at www.uwsuper.edu/news. - from UWS ••• STATEWIDE - Division of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Centers and phone centers throughout the state will be closed for business on Monday, Feb. 19, 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. from the DOT

Genealogical Society meeting set OSCEOLA - The Polk County Genealogical Society will meet Monday, Feb. 26, at the Osceola Public Library.

This month’s topic will be Getting Ready for a Research Trip with Richard Kretzschmar. Refreshments will follow. Anyone planning a research trip is welcome to attend.

The facility is handicap accessible. For additional information contact 715-2943447. - submitted

DNR guest to speak about Straight Lake Park LUCK - The Luck library and the Luck Area Historical Society are pleased to announce a presentation Straight Lake Park: Past, Present and Future on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Jeff Krueger and Paul Kooiker from the Wisconsin DNR will describe the new park, its history, features and the ongoing process of its development. There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation.

This is the third program in which the Luck library and historical society have cooperated to feature interesting topics and speakers. The meeting will be held at the Luck Public Library and begin at 7 p.m. A short business meeting will precede the featured speakers. As always, everyone is welcome. Call the Luck library at 472-2770 if you have questions. - submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Thrashing Jack Pine Savages

Maple syrup making meeting Don’t miss the SELHS Making Maple Syrup in Your Backyard presentation Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Cushing Community Center.

Free!

Open to the public! Refreshments.

Maple syrup door prizes! Sponsored by the Sterling Eureka and Laketown Historical Society (business meeting 5:45 - 7 p.m. preceding the program).

Russ Hanson will give a short history of syruping in Polk and Burnett counties, followed by a short Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producer’s Association movie on how to do it yourself and a questionand-answer session. Everything you need to know to make 1 gallon to 1000 gallons! Do you make syrup already?

Then come and share how you do it!

Threshing Meals Cousin Pat Goetz sent a clipping from our Grandma Hannah Hanson’s old papers stuck in her Bible. She used the Bible a little like a filing cabinet. It is dated July 17, 1937, from the Wisconsin Agriculturist and Farmer. Grandma died back in the early 1950s, just as the modern era of farming, electricity, refrigerators, freezers etc came to the farm, and feeding a 20-man threshing crew was quite a production! She lived on the River Road with grandpa, P.H. Hanson (Pearl used his initials to keep from getting letters addressed to him as Mrs. Pearl Hanson. The newly arrived Swedes did not always know which names were for men and which for women. Dad was named Vivian, and went by V.R. for the same reason).

The clipping, Home Made and Abundant Threshing Meals, tells how to prepare meals for the large threshing crews that came to the farm each fall for a few days to thresh the oats. Mrs. G. W. McCarthy of Richland County, Wis., and Mrs. Don J. Franks of Clark County, gave their advice.

Mrs. McCarthy: “I prefer one competent helper. Too much chatting distracts my mind from my work. I kill and clean two large, fat hens the evening before and let stand in salted water overnight. Early the next morning, I put them on to cook in fresh water.

I cook them slowly so they meat will be tender.

The apple pies (three) and pastry for three mock lemon pies are also made the day before. Boiled spice cake and plain white cake are made the

Threshing navy beans at the Peterson farm of Trade River. Photo from the Gary Peterson collection. day before, as they keep nicely in a cake box.

I buy one large package of fine-cut egg noodles. I boil these in water about 11 o’clock. When time to put them in the soup, I remove the chicken, drain the noodles and in about 10 minutes they are ready to serve. The chicken is browned lightly in an iron skillet containing lard and butter.

Three-fourths peck of potatoes, three cans baked beans and one quart sliced carrots serves 18 or 20.

After dinner, I cook one peck of potatoes, half for salad and half for creamed potatoes, two pounds of elbow macaroni, cooked in boiling salted water until tender. The beef, about 6 pounds, is roasted during the morning.

At supper time, it takes only a short time to make cream sauce for potatoes, combine macaroni with one quart tomatoes and one-quarter pound grated cheese and bake in oven about one-half hour. “ Mrs. Franks: “I rather enjoy getting a good meal for a bunch of hungry men and boys. I try to keep in mind a balanced meal, but my main object is to satisfy them, so they can answer for a good meal if asked by their wives or mothers.

I try to keep down costs by using vegetables and fruits from my own garden and orchard. I plan my meal beforehand and ask only one or two neighbor women for help; more makes one nervous so that the work cannot be handled systematically.

Following is my favorite dinner menu which will easily serve 17 – 18 men. A 5-quart kettle of mashed potatoes, 10 to

Monte Blue Johnson’s drawing of a Jack Pine Savage. Do you think it might be a selfportrait?

12 pounds of good roast beef, a soup bone or three pounds of good flank to be used for noodles and extra stock for gravy (I like homemade noodles best, made the day before and dried), creamed peas and carrots mixed (if peas are out of season I use string beans in their place), two quarts of shelled peas and two quarts of diced carrots, fixed with white sauce, two bowls of sliced tomatoes, bread or rolls with butter and jam. If bread is used, I bake it the day before. For dessert, a generous piece of fresh apple pie with cheese, cookies and coffee.

The following supper menu I serve very easily, as I make everything except potatoes and salad beforehand: Fourquart pan of escalloped potatoes, cold sliced meat loaf made form homecanned meat, two bowls of cabbage salad, fresh pickled beets, bread and butter, cheese, devils food cake, canned raspberries or cherries, tea or coffee.”

I tried to find an old picture of preparing meals inside the house, but couldn’t. It might be that the women didn’t want their pictures taken when they weren’t dressed up for church, or maybe the old box cameras just didn’t work inside. Putting on a good threshing meal was an important event for the farm wife. All of the neighbors knew the good food stops on the threshing ring. It was a friendly, but intense, competition to be known as a good threshing cook! Mom and my grandmothers were excellent threshing cooks!

In the 1950s we would have Roy and Kermit Rutsch, Bert and Floyd Brenizer, Leonard and Raymond Noyes, Eugene, Pearl, Chancey, Lloyd and Maurice Hanson, Clarence Westlund, and a few more neighbors in one threshing ring all eating dinner and supper for two days. The Bass Lake ring to the east had Gullicksons, Swansons, Nelsons and others, and up the road were the Swensons, Granquists and Orrs. We boys were eager to be where the action was, but too often ended up shoveling in the dusty, hot granary; taking a week to get our lungs cleared out after it was over. When we got old enough to eat at the table with the men, we knew we knew we were pulling our share of the work.

www.teamjsi.com to show off some of his latest inventions, including the newest, a feeder for big round bales that prevents wasting hay that works especially well with horses.

He also is working on alternate energy projects.

“The government really doesn’t want electric cars because they haven’t figured out how to replace the gas tax for roads,” Bill commented. It makes you think!

Bill grew up on the Tollander farm on the River Road. This large sand farm bordered the River Road and the Burnett/Polk County line road. He remembers the Trade River store fondly.

The Tollander farm was later owned by my Grandpa P.H. and then Chauncey and Marley Hanson.

Grandpa said the first time he planted corn on the sandy fields, the corn was short, yellow and spindly except for one small spot where it was lush, tall and dark green. Grandpa dug into the ground in that spot to see what he needed to do to get a decent crop on the sandy land. It was where the manure spreader had broken and the whole load was pitched off in a single spot!

All it needed was 1 foot deep of manure spread over the whole field! He bought the huge manure pile of farmer Milner across the road, mixed it with marl and spread it across the fields, and his crops Although Bill’s improved greatly. family and the Hanson’s called the farm the Tollander place, that family must have been the original owners sometime before the 1940s. Bill would like to find a picture of the farmhouse and buildings where he grew up.

Mom, Alberta Hanson, says that Jack Pine Savage was first applied to the Indians who lived in our area. In the old days, the Indians were called savages by white people. The Indians living along the St. Croix in the jack pine barrens were called Jack Pine Savages.

The earliest white settlers in our area often married Indians. Their children who chose to live traditional Indian lives were Jack Pine Savages. Later it seems to have been broadened to anyone living in jack pines.

Since there are jack pine forests in Michigan and in the eastern U.S., the name may have come along with the settlers.

Our house in Pine Island has a jack pine kitchen floor. It has a beautiful yellow color that darkens with age. We cut the jack pines down from our River Road land; sawed them on our 100year-old sawmill; planed them and dried them in the hay mow for a few years and then nailed them down as plank floors. The tax assessor was very impressed!

The printing gremlins got in the Leader and our phone number and email address were both messed up in previous weeks, so we will try again: russhan@rconnect.com 507-356-8877 15937 Co 27 Blvd, Pine Island, MN 55963. We are eager to tap the maples in mid-March and move back to the Cushing suburbs! Keep those stories, pictures and questions coming!

Jack Pine Savages A Jack Pine Savage eats dinner at noon, says one of our readers, and dinner out means something off the dollar menu.

Celebrate Jack Pine Savage Days Aug. 2-5, in Spooner.

Bill Kurtz tells me that his inventions company, JSI, between Eureka and Cushing, stands for Jackpine Savage Innovations, the name coming from his growing up on the River Road just into Burnett This recipe comes from a 1937 Wisconsin County.

Agriculturist article on threshing meals for Bill is setting up an im- 18-20 men. Three lemon and three apple pies proved Web site at were suggested for noon dinner.

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

The meeting It all began when we said hello. We were standing in the big old depot on the shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee in 1943.

He was wearing his military uniform along with a heavy overcoat, as it was wintertime. I was wearing a black coat, cut on princess lines with many buttons down the front. The coat had a fake fur red fox collar.

A pillbox hat perched on my head. We smiled at each other. I was shy as we had never before met in person.

We had been pen pals for many years. In college in my freshman year, Mary Varden said, “I know just the man for you! He likes poetry, too, just like you.” Mary Varden lived in the same college dorm. For the life of me I can’t recall who wrote first. At any rate, letters came back and forth to McLaren Hall in Milwaukee and the Air Force base, at Cherry Point, N. C., Hollywood, Fla. and then Olathe, Kan. He told about his experiences learning to fly a Steerman plane and then teaching British and French cadets how to fly. I worried along with him until he earned his wings of gold.

I told him about the classes I was taking at the allgirl college, anecdotes about my teachers, about my home in the country.

After four years of correspondence, he was close enough to visit in Milwaukee, when he was stationed at the Bunker Hill air base in Peru, Ind. By then, I had graduated from college and was living at home, taking care of my mother who was ill, helping my father to cope.

By arrangement we met in the depot that chilly day in early winter. “Hello,” I said again, and I turned to Elizabeth standing beside me. “This is Elizabeth,” I said. “She is like an aunt to me, and I’m spending the night at her house.”

Surely he didn’t think I’d venture out alone in the big city to meet him for the first time. He was very nice to her, smiled and shook hands, and in the next breath said, “Can we take you somewhere?” but she said “no” she would take the bus home as it stopped right on her corner, and her mother would be expecting her.

“Well,” I said as I saw my chaperone leave. How had he accomplished that so fast? Very smooth! He smiled. He had the whitest teeth I’d ever seen, but his voice was his most arresting quality. Deep and resonant.

He had once written that he liked little, short blond girls. Here I was a tall brunette wearing glasses. I fell so short of his ideal that I could be myself. My aunt was no longer there to tell me to take off my glasses to show my yellow eyes.

We sat down on one of the benches in the big waiting room in the depot. We talked easily together. We were both hungry as it was the dinner hour, so we walked to a nearby hotel where he had made a reservation for himself for the night. He left his small zippered bag at the desk, Bernice and we went to the dining room Abrahamzon for the evening meal. We stretched out that dinner for several hours. We sat across from each other at the table, seeing for the first time how we looked, listening to each others’ voices, sharing our opinions.

When the dining room closed we drifted into the lounge.

It was not as simple as it seems. He was engaged to a model in Kansas City, and I was engaged to a man stationed overseas in the Signal Corps. It was, after all, during the war, when emotions were very near the surface. We felt drawn to each other, but neither one of us was fancy free.

We both had Scandinavian backgrounds, we both liked living in the country, close to nature and animals. We had similar educational backgrounds. We liked literature and poetry and reading. I was Aquarius; he was Leo. He held my hand across the table. It was as if a single pulse beat between us. What a warm, firm, masculine hand. No jewelry except a heavy watch on his wrist.

“Well,” I said with some reluctance, “I suppose I had better get going.” I felt as if I was in a strange euphoria, drawn to this dark-haired stranger. Yet through our letters we knew each other better than most, as we had shared our most private thoughts.

He was a true gentleman, calling a taxi and accompanying me all the way into the suburb in Milwaukee to Elizabeth’s home. He walked me to the door. Perhaps he might have given me a brief kiss, but I’ll never know. The minute the taxicab stopped, the light over the door of the house snapped on. Elizabeth was being vigilant.

(Note: The above essay is taken from my latest book, “Home is Where I Lay My Head,” and I am sharing it for Valentine’s Day. If you’d like to read more, the book is available at the Leader office at Frederic.)

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Red Cross urges caution heating homes this winter Home heating fires are the leading cause of winter fires, and the third leading cause of deaths STATEWIDE – As temperatures continue to dip across the country, the American Red Cross urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to prepare ahead for the possibility of a home fire. Home heating fires increase during the winter months, and portable heating fires are more deadly than others. A recent Red Cross poll found that nearly half of American families use heating alternatives such as a space heater, fireplace or wood/coal stove to stay warm.

Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, and the Red Cross urges families to develop a fire escape plan and to take steps toward fire prevention and safety. To prevent heating-related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping all potential fuel sources, including newspapers, matches, bedding and clothing, at least 3 feet away from heat sources such as a space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. In addition, portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how, when and where to safely use heating equipment, such as space heaters and wood stoves.

“The good news is that preparing for a home fire doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or training,” said Red Cross emergency preparedness staff member, Anne McNamara. “In addition to functioning smoke alarms, one of the easiest ways to prepare is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that

every family member, including young children and the elderly, can escape quickly and safely.”

Fire escape plans include at least two exit routes for every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire. Escape ladders should be used and stored near windows in floors above ground level, and all family members should know how to locate and use the ladders safely. Families should practice their escape plan at least twice a year.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, please visit www.redcross.org.

Simple Tips to Prevent Home Heating Fires • Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least 3 feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.

• Provide constant adult supervision in rooms with lit candles or fires.

• Keep fire in the fireplace by using glass or metal fire screens.

• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary.

• If you must use space heaters, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.

Keep children and pets away from space heaters. – sub-

Wisconsin Interstate 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. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information, call Julie at 715-483-3747. – from Interstate Park

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago A fishing contest was held on Big Wood Lake, Sunday, Feb. 10.-A fishing contest was also held Sunday, Feb. 3, at Devils Lake.-Also a fishing contest on Feb. 10, at Spencer Lake.-Lorraine Knutson was selected as winter carnival queen at Frederic.-Over 175 attended the Land O’ Lakes District 20 dinner at Luck.The Holy Names Society of St. John’s Parish of Webster planned a pancake supper for Saturday, Feb. 16.-A Minstrel show was held Feb. 13, at the Siren School auditorium, with over 40 people involved.Hagberg’s at Frederic had a midwinter sale on ladies hats at half price, children’s oxfords at $2.88 and men’s sweatshirts at $1.-Heart-shaped boxes of candy were Valentine’s specials at Ben Franklin Store at Frederic at 1/2-lb. box at 59¢ and 1-lb. box at 95¢.

Sweetheart candy mixes were 25¢ lb. and up.-A special at Windies Apparel was hammered aluminum ware at $1 to $3.98 in the giftware department.-Webster High School senior, Beverly Newcomb, won the DAR award.-Siren businessmen were getting bouncing checks.-Firemen responded to a chimney fire at the John Nyberg farm near Siren. It was caused by the kitchen range.-The film “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” was playing at the Frederic Theatre, starring Fred MacMurray, Sylvia Sidney and Henry Fonda.

40 Years Ago The complete tax list for Webb Lake was published in this newspaper.-Eight new students enrolled at Polk County Teachers College including Carol Harmon, Frederic; Beverly Ann Jones, Deer Park; Dorothy Annett, Frederic; Georgia Wulf, Osceola; John Wulf, Osceola; Carol Morfitt, Amery; Margaret Burton, Deer Park and Louis Hanson, Milltown.-Officers elected at the Milltown Commerical annual meeting were Arnie Sorensen, Russ Voss, Kenneth Rogers and Frank Reynolds.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, were bacon at 39¢ lb., popcorn at 4 lbs. for 39¢, grapefruit at 10 for 59¢ and round steak at 79/¢ lb.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op were celery at 17¢, red Emperor grapes at 2 lbs. for 29¢ and country-style pork sausage at 49¢ lb.-There were many prize winners at the Grand Opening of Nelson’s Store, Siren.-Siren snowbolers won many prizes at a Hayward contest.-An elderly Burnett County man was found frozen after a storm. His name was Chris Olson, 73, Danbury. His vehicle got stuck on Yellow Lake Lodge Road, and he got out of his vehicle, walked a short distance and collapsed.Obituaries included Elsie Frazier, Esther Anderson, Harold Fred Nelson and Emil Wiik.-Jane Falk and Richard Balkus were featured at a piano concert at the Centuria School gym on Feb. 4.

20 Years Ago A retirement party was held for Vera Wicklund on Jan. 10, who retired from her position as clerk of courts, Burnett County, for 16 years.-Medicare enrollment was open through March, according to the Social Security manager at Rice Lake, Neil Tollander.-A career awareness program was under way at Frederic, Siren and Webster schools.-The Frederic Clinic held a Ramsey affiliation with an open house on Jan. 31.-Dave Gustafson declined nomination for a second term as village president at Frederic.-The Luck school decided to keep pole vaulting as a sporting event.Firefighters responded to a call at the Evald Gjerning residence in Frederic to clear a blocked chimney.-Beth Johnson, Frederic, wrote about a pet dog being shot by a hunter on their land.-Officers of the Polk County Democratic party were re-elected, including Gregg Westigard, David Anderson, Mel Madsen and Jeff Peterson.-A snow ball dance was held at the 300 Club, Frederic.-Richard Vilstrup of Luck was featured in an issue of Current magazine highlighting his work with Mutual Service Insurance and University extension.The Polk County board chairman spoke at a retirement party for Elroy Spangenberg, Polk County clerk for 28 years. The party was held at the 300 Club, Frederic, Jan. 17.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 320-242-3933 Most of us out here in the townships of New Dosey and Arna are hunkering down due to the very cold weather. Sometimes it is rather mellow to slow the pace somewhat and simply take care of the home front.

Bob Brewster has ordered all of his garden ’07 seeds and is thinking about spring, while Patty Koehler has decided to grow plants that she can use for dying wool.

Taking care of the homestead has kept Eleanor and Mel Elliott busy these past weeks. Because they can’t always get the tractor started to haul the big round bales to the cattle, they are feeding them the smaller square bales. The Elliott’s do manage to get over the Hay Creek Outpost at least once a week for hot chocolate and supper. Their son, Todd, and his wife, Vicki, own the place.

Things are quiet around the Allen Wolf home also. They enjoy watching the wild birds, three rabbits and the deer that they are feeding this year. Most of the viewing of this winter scene is from the kitchen table by the window while they are playing their morning games of cribbage.

Sitting in front of the fire or cooking lots of soup has been the main activities of Shirley and Jerry Blokzyl.

The fox that has been coming to the yard of Fran and Monte Ferguson has disappeared, but they, too, have plenty of birds and deer coming around. Fran did venture out on Tuesday to enjoy a Chinese meal

Fran Levings

Cloverton - Markville and bingo with the seniors at the dining center in Cozy Corner.

Not all of us have snuggled in out here however. Carol and Gordy Hasledalen used some tickets they received to enjoy free rooms recently at the Treasure Island Casino down by Hastings, Minn. Some family members joined then in the fun. On the way home, they stopped to visit Gordy’s mom, Edith, in the Twin Cities.

On Saturday night, the Hasledalens attended the surprise 60th birthday party for his sister, Nancy, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Nancy’s children had decorated the downstairs as a casino and everyone had a really good time.

Jan Streiff also celebrated a birthday when she joined her friend Brom at the Cascade River Café in Duluth, Minn., to honor his 70th. Jan spent an overnight last week in Brainerd with her friend, Jeannette Holman, whom she hadn’t seen since November.

Many deer, as many as 15 one day, come to feed on the corn in Deloris Schirmer‘s yard.

Dave and I are also enjoying the fireplace and wood stove on these cold days.

Our three dogs and three cats do likewise.

My daughter-in-law, along with our two Thai granddaughters, and I spent a morning in a beautiful city park in Bangkok while I was over there. A special feature of this park is a butterfly arboretum. It was created to preserve the butterflies from disap-

pearing due to the pollution in Bangkok.

About half a block in size, it is totally enclosed and provides a beautiful habitat for hundreds of gorgeous flowers, plants and, of course, butterflies. I was impressed with the foresight of the government in thinking of doing this.

A friend of mine since our 4-H days in

northern Wisconsin in the ‘50s, came for an overnight visit this week. Roger Johnson is his name and he is the person who tuned the piano in the Cloverton Town Hall a few years ago.

Grab your mittens and gloves, wherever you are.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center We are busy at the center again. We have Tuesday morning exercise by the YMCA. In the afternoon is dominos and 500 cards. The domino winners were: Jean McIntyre in first place, Ione Meixner in second place and Deloris Benson in third place. The 500 card winners were: Elroy Petzel in first place, Donna Lindh in second place, Laurice Lambert in third place and Bernice Olson in fourth place.

Feb. 21, AARP tax aid will be here from 9 a.m. to noon. And again on Mar. 21. For a reservation call Marvin Nevala at 715268-7884.

Practices to good-hearted living: 1. Compliments: as an antidote for the tendency to be overly critical or judgmental. Look for good in others and pay compliments; 2.

Flexibility: as an antidote to rigid, narrowminded ways of thinking, and habits that turn into ruts. Try something new – be

Dottie Adams

open, be flexible; 3. Gratitude: as an antidote for self-pity and the misery-producing desire for more. Be thankful for what you have, be thankful for bad things that did not happen to you.

Our Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Ron Flostrand in first place, Phil Mevissen in second place, Don Anderson in third place and Cliff Qualle in fourth place.

We are looking for used wool that is no longer in use, like sweaters, skirts or coats.

Please drop them off at the senior center.

New is the time to get your rental in for the senior center. It is real nice for birthday parties, graduations, family gathers, etc. It is roomy, so you have space to move around. Call Joyce at 715-483-3466 to set up your reservatioin.

A Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Happy Tails Await

Williamson/Wilson Kerry Williamson and Orin Wilson are pleased to announce their engagement.

The bride’s parents are Darien and Liz Williamson of St. Croix Falls and the groom’s parents are Mike and Lil Wilson of Luck.

Kerry is a graduate of St. Croix Falls High School and is employed at Eagle Valley Bank in Hudson. Orin is employed at Williamson Concrete in St. Croix Falls.

The couple are planning to be married Feb. 24, at McKinley.

Siren Senior Center

349-7249

Barb Munger

Happy Valentine’s Day. I plan on hibernating for the next few weeks, so I will fill you in on what is going to happen at the center for the rest of the month.

Feb. 20, the monthly senior meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. This is also the day that the February birthdays are celebrated with a birthday cake served at the noon dinner.

On Feb. 26, the friends from the fourth grade of the Siren School will visit at 12:15 p.m. Reminder to all the senior friends that our little friends are treating us to an outing on March 15 to the Twin Cities. A production of “Huck Finn” will be attended and also free bus transportation to and fro.

The finer details will be discussed at the Feb. 26 get-together.

The Dining at Five dinner will be served on March 1. At this time I have not been informed what will be served, but we know it will be delicious so make your reservations by calling 349-2845 and put your name on the list.

Our lending library has a great selection for some fine reading and the coffee pot is always on. Millie has some new articles in the craft room and invites everyone to come in and take a peek. Greeting cards for every occasion are available for only 35

349-2964

cents each or 3 for $1, can’t beat that.

The winners at 500 cards this week were, Gerry Vogel, Dorothy Cronquist, Jim Bly, Ed Berdal and Inez Pearson.

Friday Spades winners were, Gerry Vogel, Jim Bly, Joyce McKinney and Marie Bentley. Remember, we play every Wednesday and Friday beginning at 1 p.m. sharp. Everyone is welcome.

Dime-bingo only had three tables this past Tuesday; I believe the small attendance was due to this beastly weather.

Nevertheless it is amazing that so many seniors brave this weather. No one can say they are sissies.

I am enclosing the names and addresses of three of our senior’s who unfortunately are not in this area. If you have the time they would appreciate a card to remind them that are missed by all their friends from the Siren Senior Center.

They are Ralph Selvig, Middle River Health and Rehab Center, 8274 E. San Rd., South Range, WI 54874.

Larry Caucutt, W. 12524 Co. Rd. C, Ettrick, WI 54627 Harris Johnson, Aicota Health Care Center, 850 2nd St. N.W., Aitkin, MN 56431.

Stay warm and healthy.

Siren

Get ready, there’s supposed to be a light at the end of our frigid weather tunnel, so to speak. The TV weathermen say it will start to warm up some by the end of the week. If we heed the wisdom of the Native Americans and listen to the sounds of nature and her creatures, we will know spring isn’t far away. The chipper little chickadees have already changed their songs of winter to one of spring.

The Polk-Burnett Electric Company is having a 2007 youth art coloring contest.

This event is for all students in grades one through five. You will find the contest entry forms at the elementary school office in your schools or at either their offices in Siren or Centuria. For more info, call 1-800421-0283, ext. 333. The last date to enter this contest is March 15.

There is an ice-fishing contest at Clam Falls this Sunday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are many prizes, plus adult games will be held at the Clam Falls Tavern. Entry fees for this event are $5.

Sympathy to the family of Louise A. Wicklund who passed away Jan. 27.

Sympathy to the family of Larry E. Reese, who passed away Jan. 30.

Bev Beckmark

The Siren School is holding their Winterfest week from Feb. 20 to 23. The high school has many activities from dress-up day, faculty-against-students games, a snow-sculpture contest, plus many more activities. On Friday, Feb. 23, after the boys basketball game, a semiformal dance will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight with a coronation to take place at 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and watch.

The ninth-annual fishing contest at the Clam Lake Narrows sponsored by the Siren Lions will be held Sat., Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a huge event, with door prizes drawn every five minute. Also a raffle going on during the day for lots of prizes.

Tickets are $5 in advance or $6 on the day of the contest. For more info call 715-3492400.

The food and friends supper will be held at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Webster on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Dinner is from 5 to 6 p.m., come early as the food goes fast. The meal is free.

Art and Bev Beckmark spent Sunday afternoon visiting Peggy Strabel out on Waldora Road.

Mack is an 8-month-old, leggy, male, husky mix with baby-blue eyes. Mack has a dense, soft, wool-like coat with beautiful markings. He is a calm pup.

He is playful, full of spunk and yet thoughtful and intelligent. He is a great young dog, ripe for becoming the perfect companion for outdoor winter fun and games. He loves to play fetch and can entertain himself with a ball on a rope, but he prefers an audience.

Mack will make a great addition to any family.

Nonprofit organizations depend on the kindness of strangers to help them provide a public service. I am constantly in awe of these “strangers” who volunteer their time and dollars.

Arnell is ever so lucky to have four exceptional dog walkers who donate hours out of their lives each week to make sure the dogs at Arnell are exercised and given a spot of love on their way to a new home. Don, Sherry, Ed and Sally make the lives our dogs better because they make the effort.

Many people want to contribute to the shelter, but because of time constraints, are unable to do so. The folks at MarketPlace Foods in St. Croix Falls have offered their time and effort to help people contribute to the animals at Arnell. Through March, they are bagging up Arnell “Wish List” items and offering them at cost to their customers. Donating to the animals at Arnell has never been easier.

MarketPlace Foods has taken the selection and delivery time out of the equation, allowing customers to donate as they check out during their regular shopping visit. What a great way to Hello, Fritz here! Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope all my human friends have someone to cuddle up with today and, if not, my canine companions and I are waiting at the shelter!

Arooo! Dogs are great at snuggling and we’ll love and adore you even when you gain a few pounds and start to bald!

The first of the bulldog-mix puppies went to their furever family this week.

A family came all the way from Pewaukee for Molly. The other seven will also go home in the next couple days.

Joe went to a German shepherd rescue where he will have a better chance of finding a good home. Vance and Tyson, my two big, energetic buddies also went home this week. They were so happy to go, but I’ll miss them. I think the energy level here at the shelter must have dropped by about half when they left! But Sheba, the young yellow lab, and Ralph, my old golden retriever buddy, are still here, they keep me company. And a young beagle named Snoopy has joined us.

Snoopy is 11 months old with a hand-

Kobs wins at Grand Casino Hinckley Brad Kobs, of Centuria, won $25,780 playing $1 Enchanted Unicorn at Grand Casino Hinckley, Minn., on Jan. 29.

Grand Casino Hinckley, which is located one hour north of the Twin Cities, is owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

It offers gaming, accommodations, dining, conference and banquet facilities, and live entertainment. – submitted

Mack donate the time and products needed for the animals.

This past week, Arnell was once again called to rescue animals in desperate need. An 80-year-old gentleman in Clam Falls Township had his heart in the right place, but was no longer able to care for the large number of dogs and cats he had taken in.

Living conditions at the home were less than adequate, and many of the animals were suffering from severe parasite infestation, dehydration, physical injuries, frostbite and a general lack of medical care. Without heat, water or septic, he and the 32 living animals were in need of rescue.

Among those available for adoption are four shar-pei mix puppies, Labrador mixes and an older schnoodle.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E, Amery 715-268-7387 (PETS) or online: www.amhs.petfinder.com.

some red patch on his head. He was a bit too energetic for the older person who owned him first.

Jackson, a young yellow Lab was also surrendered to the shelter.

So I still have Fritz plenty of friends to NEWS FROM keep me company!

If you’re wondering what us dogs at the shelter would like for Valentine’s Day, we would really enjoy some pig ears.

The angels say we have lots of dog biscuits and that some of us eat rawhide strips too fast and choke. But we really like pig ears, and it helps pass the long winter day if we have a good ear to chew on! I have a huge slobber kiss and tail wags this Valentine’s Day for all of my human friends who help provide for us here at the shelter, thank you!

With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org.

YOUR SHELTER

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Lewis

653-4281 Members of the Lewis church lingered after Sunday services for the pancake breakfast. Nice too, to greet visitors. Sunday’s breakfast was sponsored by the Tuesday night Bible study class.

No matter if it’s a breakfast or a supper, everyone enjoys those pancakes!

One of the class members had written on the bulletin board, “A life stitched together with prayer cannot unravel.”

Sylivia Schaetzel sang a solo during Sunday’s service.

LouAnn Gackle had made Sunday school valentines for the children. They said, “I am thumbbody special. Jesus loves me.”

The NW Regional Writers met Friday at Sunrise Apts., Frederic. Our new president, Mary Jacobsen, was in charge. Present were Arleth Erickson, Eunice Kanne, Kurt Holtz, Boyd Sutton, Josie Fisk, Delores Reed, Bob MacKean, Bernice Abrahamzon, plus a guest, Gary Hetts, of

Solon Springs.

The next meeting will be the second Friday in March at Grantsburg on March 9, with the assignment “___ miles to go.”

Did you get to the fabulous book sale at the Frederic Public Library last Thursday, Friday or Saturday morning?

Your correspondent cannot bear to miss a book sale, and when her arms were full of books, she was grateful to have two volunteer helpers, Laura and Jordan, offer to help her get all those finds to the cashier, Brian Rogers.

Coffee was an added treat.

Did you ever sit there in the library and relax and look at the coffee table books laid out there for you to enjoy? One book has many pictures of pet dogs, and one shot showed a big dog sprawled on the lap of his mistress. The catch line was “Love is never having to say anything at all.”

(True!)

Bernice Abrahamzon You’ve heard that old saying, “No news is good news.”

Not true when you’re trying to write a column!

It must be spring? Lambs are arriving at the Abrahamzon farm with several sets of twins, so far.

Potatoes in the basement are growing long, pale fingers. They think it’s planting time. Boy, are they wrong!

My middle son had a birthday on Feb. 5, and today a good friend brought up redemption bars because she forgot his special day. How is that for a good name?

Looking ahead to March, it is an exact duplicate of February, except it has three extra days.

LaVerne Leep and friends met last Thursday for lunch at Luck. She also went to the Frederic Care Center to visit residents that day.

Well, that’s all. No news is no news!

Webster Senior Center Due to the extreme cold weather, the Webster School District closed their schools for the day and, therefore, our center was closed too. Some people reported having minus 27 to minus 30 degrees below zero, and it was a good day to stay inside and keep warm. In fact, I stayed home until Wednesday when I went in for lunch with Salle Bachman, RN, and Marcia Spies, LPN, and they talked to our seniors about foot care. Don’t forget that the very first Feet First, Inc. foot clinic is at the center on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. You can sign up at the Center. We had 16 players for dime bingo and it was nice to have Faye Russ and Sam Williamson join the group. The sounds of merriment didn’t keep Bruce Behrens and Harold Peterson from playing a few games of pool.

Members of the Harmony Homemakers Club serve a buffet-style dinner to residents of Cedarwood Manor on Tuesday. Lavonne O’Brien roasted a 17-lb. turkey for the meal. Dave Wardean ordered a new kitchen grinder for our cook, Deb, and then repaired the kitchen stove oven door.

There was much fun and laughter happening at the center on Thursday evening with eight gentlemen playing pool and nine ladies playing golf cards, including Margel Ruck’s mother, Olive Gehrke of Balsam Lake. “Pretending” not to play very well, Olive managed to get four corners right away in the very first hand and give us all 20 points added to our score. We’ll get even next time, Olive! A large array of goodies was enjoyed by all, including Margel’s lemon pies. Two pies and they just went “poof.” The way they disappeared, you would think we were starving!

On Thursday morning I met with the Knit Wits group at Burnett Community Library conference room and began learning how to crochet a rug. I am making a large ovalshaped Red Hat purple and red rug for my bedroom. It’s going pretty good, so far.

AARP income tax assistance was held at the center on Friday afternoon. The next dates are March 9 and 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Webster Lioness buffet luncheon/bingo party was well attended on Saturday afternoon with the best attendance in four years. There were a large variety of foods made by Lioness members. The left over prizes were donated to our senior center to be used for our free luncheon/free bingo party on Saturday, Feb. 17, that is from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served promptly at noon with

468-2520

bingo to follow.

My daughter Barb and Rod Preddy, and my namesake granddaughter Mary Jane, Menomonie, visited Elden and I on Saturday and we enjoyed having them stay for a late lunch/early dinner. I was very grateful to have Barb install my new Internet and e-mail program for me in my computer. They also visited at the home of Heather and Greg Stahl, Ricky and Gabrielle.

The First Baptist Church Webster youth group sponsored a fundraiser Valentine’s Day with a Hawaiian theme dinner on Saturday evening at the church with approximately 40 people attending. The SIGN youth group are raising money for eight youths and four adults to go on a mission trip to New Orleans on March 31 where they will be spending a week helping with hurricane cleanup and repair, etc. They need $600 per person and anyone interested in helping may send their donations to the church earmarked “New Orleans Trip.” They are also looking for a 15-passenger van, in good condition, to rent or possibly borrow. If anyone has one available, call L. Weber at 8664784.

The Webster Senior Center is a sponsor for the Curves Get Fit in 2007 contest to exercise, get fit and lose weight.

Team members are Debbie Korhonen, Judy Baker, Carol Berglind, Linda Moritz and Gladys Beers, and their team name is “Debbie’s Dieting Divas. We wish our team the best of luck or loss! The winning team keeps the trophy until next season.

Our next senior meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 19, at 12:30 p.m. We hope to have more participation in this one. The next Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Wild Waters Sports Bar & Restaurant, Main Street, Danbury. They are closed for business on Tuesdays so it will be a private party. February birthdays will be celebrated and, yes Lucille, Leap Year birthdays are included!

Our gratitude goes out to the unknown donor of two bags of aluminum cans. Our stockpile has started to grow again. Our last collection was 550 lbs. Let’s do it again.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Kathy Beyer, Ray Hammerschmidt, Arlene Clendening, and Norma and Bud Martin. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to the family of Alta Anderson in her recent passing.

In the mid-1800s, a ship was wrecked off the Scilly Isles

Dewey - LaFollette

Visitors of Donna and Gerry Hines Monday evening were Don and Lida Nordquist.

Clam River Tuesday Club met Feb. 7 at the home of Marian Brincken. There was an exchange of Valentine gifts and then a lively round of the dice game was played. The next meeting will be March 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Sandra Redding.

Thursday afternoon Clam River Tuesday Club led a sing-along at Capeside Cove. They then served ice cream and cake for coffee time. The cake was provided by Gerry and Donna Hines to help Dorothy Hines celebrate her 98th birthday.

Lida and Don Nordquist were Thursday evening visitors of Inez and Arvin Pearson.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen were supper guests of Sue and Roger Mroszak Thursday. They then played some cards and a dice game.

Visitors of Don and Lida Nordquist over the weekend

Karen Mangelsen

were Randi and Robb Funk and Chrissy Dahling. Jan, Caleb and Hannah Schott visited there Saturday afternoon.

Roger and Sue Mroszak went to Brainerd, Minn., Saturday to visit Chuck and Marie Jorgenson. Other friends were there also, and they enjoyed an afternoon and evening of playing cards. Sue and Roger came home Sunday.

Supper guests of Karen and Hank Mangelsen Saturday were Hannah and Grace Mangelsen and Patty and Mandy Close.

Carol and Ron Grunewald and Beverly Brunclik were Saturday evening visitors of Judy Albee.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited John and Diana Mangelsen Sunday afternoon.

Dick and Deb Schlapper were Sunday supper guests of Judy Albee.

Congratulations to Jake and Holly Mangelsen, who are the new owners of Acorn Pantry, a quality kitchenware store located at The Shops at the Lodge in Siren. They will have a grand reopening Feb. 23, 24 and 25.

We’re on the Web: www.the-leader.net

Mary Klar near the coast of England. The sea was calm and the weather clear, but the ship was caught in a treacherous current that slowly pulled it off its course. Before the captain and crew realized what had happened, it had crashed onto the rocks. In life, powerful currents of compromise can catch the soul and cause it to shipwreck. Spiritual drifting is usually a slow and imperceptible process. We only know it has occurred when we have lost the strong resistance to evil and the passionate desire for truth we once knew. Do you really want to change your life? Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Allow God to step in and make a difference - we can’t save ourselves.

“I can’t - he can - Let him!” “Help me Lord to get through this day, when I feel lost please show me the way. Guide me each moment in all that I do, may my whole life be focused on you.”-m.smith. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”- Proverbs 3:6. See you at the center!

Fran Krause

Orange

LaVonne O’Brien

The Harmony HCE Club were hosts for the annual Valentine’s dinner at Cedarwood Manor for the residents Tuesday evening.

Weekend visitors at Marvel Merriam were Julie Freeborn from River Falls, Gary and Billie Gravesen and Dennis and Carol Gravesen.

Helen Stone from Borger, Texas, is spending a few weeks with Maxine Stone and the Brad Peterson family.

Other visitors on Sunday were Iola Rachner and Darelene Nelson. Brad Peterson celebrated his birthday on Sunday.

Ethel Daniels has returned home after visiting her sister and husband, Elaine and Charles Scott in Napa, Calif.

The John and Reeny Neinstadt family, Natalie Bray and children, Bud Flagstad and Sandy and Lamar Johnson and family have returned home following a three-week vacation spent in Florida and a cruise to Jamaica and other islands.

Fran Krause enjoyed turkey supper with the Mark Krause family Sunday evening.

Frederic Senior Center

Ardyce Knauber

The weather closed our center on Monday. When there is no school or nutrition center, we are closed.

Tuesday a few hardy people had a couple of card games.

Wednesday pokeno players enjoyed playing, in spite of the weather.

Thursday was tax aide day and 22 people were helped with their tax applications. We areally appreciate the volunteer tax aides who so efficiently help us at the center each year. The tax aide will be back March 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Come get a number and have coffee and goodies with us. Thursday our guests enjoyed themselves while waiting.

Thursday night 500 card winners were: Eleanore Bonneville in first place, Myrna Wyck in second place, Helen Severson in third place and Arnie Borchert in fourth place.

We will celebrate our Feburary birthdays on Saturday, Feb. 17. Birthdays are Lloyd Nelson, Jean Hinrichs and Eleanore Bonneville. Einar Anderson, who now resides at Shady Knoll at Grantsburg, also has a February birthday.

Happy birthday Einar.

Friday pokeno was enjoyed by our faithful players.

Saturday share-a-lunch was well attended. Bingo and cards were played after dinner. We always enjoy afternoon coffee after 3 p.m.

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Indianhead Barbershop Chorus Ladies’ Night / Awards Night held

LUCK – Once a year the members of the Indianhead Chours invite the most important ladies in their life to a special evening of dining and music. It is their tangeable way to say, “Thank You” for letting letting them go every Monday night to practice at Balsam Lake and to the many performances during the year.

The Ladies Night celebration this year featured a good meal of barbequed chicken and pork at Hog Wild in Luck on Sat., Feb. 3. The program for the evening included a greeting from Joe Houser, the district vice president who introduced the new chapter coach, Peter Jarnberg. There was music by the whole chorus as well as Registered Harmony and the Out of Luck quartets.

They are two of the three quartets that will be available to do singing valentines on Feb. 14. To have them sing for your Valentine, call 715-483-9797.

The new chapter coach, Peter Jarnberg,

from Minneapolis, installed the officers for 2007. They include: president, Archie Lessard; secretaray/treasurer, Larry Fisk; vice president marketing & public relations - bulletin & Web editor, Ken Mettler; vice president music, Clint Gjerde; vice president membership, Mark Nelson; assistant music director, Karl Wicklund; music director, Steve Swenson; members at large, Tom Fedje, Gary Merchant and Gene Jaremczuk.

Each year on Ladies Night, the Barbershopper of the Year is announced. The criteria used to select the recepient are attendance, serving as an officer, performance coordination, quartet activity, fiscal promotion, performance instruction, recruitment, serving on committees, district activities, and contributions to the chorus newsletter (The Smoke Signal can be seen on This www.indianheadchorus.com). year, Ken Mettler, last year’s recipient,

Births Born at Amery Regional Medical Center: A boy, Braidyn Michael Brusletten, born Jan. 24, to Kayla Lehrke and Michael Brusletten, Deer Park. Braidyn weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz.

••• A girl, Rena Hermoine Wetzel Curtis, born Jan. 26, to Nadine Wetzel and Bryan Curtis, Glenwood City. Rena weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Ellen Dee Ann Lehman, born Jan. 27, to Tiffany Ostrowski and Andrew Lehman, Milltown. Ellen weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.

•••

The Leader is a cooperativeowned newspaper

A boy, Nathan Corbin Wundrow, born Feb. 2, to Laura and Corey Wundrow, Amery. Nathan weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A boy, Daniel Robert Thomas, born Feb. 3, to Rebecca and Ryan Thomas, Clear Lake. Daniel weighed 6 lbs., 8 oz.

••• A girl, Madison Rose Rondeau, born Feb. 4, to Sasha and Andrew Rondeau, Clear Lake. Madison weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz.

••• A girl, Gracie Lee Johnston, born Feb. 4, to Jennifer Olson and Scott Johnson, Amery. Gracie weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz.

•••

gave out the new award to Karl Wicklund. Wicklund was given a plaque to commorate the event. Besides being the assistant director of the chorus, Wicklund is a member of Registered Harmony, the 2006 Novice Quartet Division Champion. A committee of the three previous BOTY recipients selects the newest Barbershopper of the Year. Jon Buss, Duane Morris and Ken Mettler served on the committee. ”I am honored to receive the BOTY award. There are a lot of other people working very hard to make this organization great, and I am proud to be working alongside them. I am lucky enough that my schedule allowed me to go above and beyond this year. The music and the fellowship make the extra hours more than worth it,” said Karl Wicklund.

– submitted Karl Wicklund

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009. The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting on the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

the theme will be ABC and 1,2,3! Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more! There will be no story time on Feb. 15, while Mrs. Ellefson attends a workshop in Eau Claire.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The library will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day. Federal income tax forms are available at the library. The Internet is a great source for downloading additional forms you need for only 5 cents per copy!

Focus on Library Book Club: Anyone interested, please contact the library at 715-755-2944. An organizational meeting will be planned in mid-February.

Focus on: “Driver-Zed” is a CD produced by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Targeting teen drivers, this interactive risk-management training program helps young adults manage the risks and master the road. Fasten your seat belts for a fun ride!

Three Internet computers: You must physically present a MORE library card to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

Story time Lapsitter and preschool story times begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Feb. 8

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.

Centuria Public Library Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from

noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Polk County Library Federation Annual reports completed The Public Libraries of Polk County have completed another annual report for the 2006 fiscal year. Everyone is putting away their pencils, calculators and statistical information for another year.

This 11-page report summarizes any library activity for the entire year.

The publication entitled the Wisconsin Public Library Service Data is the reference to the following information relates.

Public Libraries of Wisconsin are required to submit an annual report to the Department of Public Instruction, the Division of Libraries, Technology and

Osceola Public Library Special announcement The library will be closed for staff training on Wednesday, Feb. 14, until 3 p.m.

Open house Join us as we celebrate Freedom to Read week at the libraries Meet, Greet and Eat, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 3 - 7 p.m.

Dr. Seuss story time Dr. Seuss story time will be held Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m.

Amery Public Library “American Bloomsbury: Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Margaret Fuller, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau Their Lives, Their Loves and Their Work.”

by Susan Cheever Having visited the Concord, Mass., area a couple of years ago, this book seemed an appealing glimpse into the lives, loves and work of the people who caused an intellectual foment in that place in the middle of the 19th century.

Known as the Transcendentalists, these people’s writing and philosophies are still read and studied.

Louise May Alcott lived across the street from Emerson and Hawthorne lived down the block in Concord. Henry David Thoreau received a piece of land from Emerson to build his famous cabin where “ I Went to the Woods” was written. Margaret Fuller was, at times, boarding with one or another of these neighbors. The relationships were complex: Louisa May Alcott pined for Henry David Thoreau, who pined for the woman his brother loved. Emerson had a wife, Lidian, but carried on flirtations with some other women.

Out of this supercharged atmosphere came some of America’s greatest literature, Alcott’s “Little Women,” Emerson’s essays, Thoreau’s “Walden,” and Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” and “The House of Seven Gables.”

The Cheever book is an overview of these people’s lives but could lead the reader to revisit some of these classic books or to read other more detailed biographies of these people. The books listed above are all available at the Amery Public Library.

Library notes: The Friends of the Library Book sale will be held on Feb. 23 and 24 during library hours. If you

would like to help at this sale, there is a sign-up sheet at the circulation desk. We need workers for setup on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Everyone is welcome for songs and stories. The Friends of the Library book group will meet on Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. to discuss “Empire Falls” by Richard Russo.

We have lots of copies of this book, so join us for exciting book talk. The Great Stories book group meets at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 to discuss “The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver.

The Teens READ book group meets to discuss a science fiction novel called “Archangel Protocol” by Lyda Morehouse on Feb. 26. Join us from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. if you are a teen, for a light snack and book discussion.

The Otaku Club meets every Tuesday to discuss Japanese manga and anime.

Stop in and check out this teen-led group if you are a teen.

Remember that the Amery Public Library has tax forms, Federal, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Stop in and pick up what you need. We are not tax experts, but we will help you find the right form.

The History Group books have arrived, so if you are interested in reading about the Exploration of America in a group led by Professor Herb Cederberg, the group will meet in March, April and May and read three books. Call the Amery Public Library if you are interested in this discussion group at 2689340.

Library hours: Mon. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Closed on Feb. 19 for Presidents Day.

Milltown Public Library

Community Learning (the library section for school, public, library systems and university libraries). This report details the libraries number of holdings (amount of books, audio visuals materials, magazines and so on), financial information (budget information), staffing (number of staff and if staff has an advanced-degree master’s in library science) and programming offerings. The complete document from 2005 can be found on the following link http://www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/dm-libstat.html on the Department of Public Instruction Web Site.

Book discussion Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 5:30 p.m. Nine short stories. Multigenre assortment of quality short stories written in the last 80 years. Copies will be available at the circulation desk of the library.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Milltown Public Library We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our new, free, fast wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer! Surf the net from a comfortable chair! No time limits!

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make it in the morning? We will repeat the pro-

gram at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

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.

Clear Lake Public Library Book group The Clear Lake Public Library book group will meet Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m. to discuss the book “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson. This book won the American Booksellers Association Book of the Year Award. All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served.

February is Food For Fines Month at the Clear Lake Public Library. For every nonperishable food 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.

Story time Story time is every Thursday at 10 and 11 a.m. Come hear stories, play some games and color.

Book Sale The Friends of the Library have an ongoing book sale set up at the library.

New and used books are added regularly. Magazines are 10 cents; paperbacks are 25 cents; and hardcovers are 50 cents. The money raised helps support our children’s programs.

Hours Monday: noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday: noon - 5 p.m.; Wednesday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Amery Public Library

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS

Balsam Lake Public Library Happy Valentine’s Day –if you have been wondering what those old valentine cards are worth, we can find a price book for all your collectibles. See you at the library.

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. Please join us for this funpacked hour.

New books for February “Double Bind,”: by Chris Bohjalian, “Family Tree” by Barbara Delinsky, “Irish Linen” by Andrew Greeley, “Sisters” by Danielle Steele “Step on a Crack” by James Patterson, New DVDs include “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Curious George,” “Open Season” and “The Guardian”. We also have new books on CD. Come and browse.

Knitting group Join us for an evening of knitting and crocheting on Monday, Feb. 19, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Beginners encouraged and welcome, lessons will be given. Bring a project or start a project here. Good conversation and helpful hints are guaranteed.

Book club We will meet again Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. here at the library. Everyone and all ages are welcome. February’s book is “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson.

In “The Devil in the White City,” Erik Larson, author of “Isaac’s Storm,” tells the spellbinding true story of two men, an architect and a serial killer, whose fates were linked by the greatest fair in American history: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, nicknamed the White City.

Friends of the Library Love those Used Books Sale will be Saturday, Feb. 17, here at the library. Get rid of the winter blues by curling up with a good book. We have hundreds of great books to buy.

Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake.

Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site h t t p : / / w w w. b a l s a m l a k e publiclibrary.org.

Frederic Public Library Story time Wednesday mornings Frederic Library story time is open to all young children accompanied by their caregivers. Please join us Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. for 45 minutes of activities and stories all about circus.

Tax forms are available The basic tax forms are here, including the Wisconsin homestead credit and rent certificate schedules. We will also be happy to download other tax forms from the Web for you.

Why not try two?

If you like to talk about books, consider joining one of the book groups at the library. The day group meets once a month at 10:30 a.m. on a Thursday, and the evening group meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Each group reads a different book, so you can attend

both discussions!

The evening book group will meet Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Glass Castle”

by Jeannette Walls, an amazing memoir of growing up in a dysfunctional yet brilliant family.

The Thursday morning reading group will meet Thursday, Feb. 22, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “House of Sand and Fog” by Andre Dubus III, an Oprah choice novel.

Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Mon. 10 a.m.

- 7 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays.

How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak St. West.

715-327-4979. fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Ag Club announces recipients of scholarship SIREN – The Siren Ag Club Ag Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the annual Dairy Breakfast Scholarship Awards. Some of the criteria used to select these people are as follows: * Active participation with the dairy breakfast. Not just the day of, but before and after as well. This also includes help done by their family. * Involved with other group activities * Church and charity work * Community service * Being in good standing with the posthigh school educational facility that they are enrolled in.

All secondary students are welcome to participate in these activities and be eligi-

ble for scholarships.

These funds are made possible with the annual dairy breakfast hosted by an area dairy farmer. The 2006 dairy breakfast was held at the beautiful Krause Century dairy farm near Webster. We truly appreciate them for making this farm exposure, and the scholarships possible to so many people. Their hard work and efforts will live on in the lives of the hundreds of participants in this event.

Gratitude is extended again to the Krause family and all of their wonderful family and friends that helped.

It is the fantastic amount of work and cooperation by a multitude of people and groups that make this event and the

scholarships possible. Everyone is to be commended and gratitude extended for their help. This year’s distribution of proceeds from the breakfast makes a total of $67,000 awarded over the 22-year history of the Siren Community Ag Club – Ag Association.

This year’s recipients are as follows: Christine Daniels, UW-River Falls, elementary education Dave Kopecky, UW-Superior, criminal justice Theresa Hunter, UW-River Falls, elementary education Michelle Taczala, UW-Green Bay, psychology Nate Lund, UW-Superior, criminal jus-

tice Stephanie Daniels, UW-River Falls, journalism Sarah Imme, Hamline University, English education Nathan Nyren, UW-Eau Claire, history Ryan Schmidt, UW-River Falls, physical education If anyone is interested in hosting a dairy breakfast on their farm, please contact: Fudd Lund, 349-5544, Jack Hedlund 349-5152, Grant Burdick 327-8861, Julie Dalsveen 349-8540 or Howard Kopecky 349-2243.

Your help is necessary to continue this local educational function. – submitted

Tech colleges serve half of Wisconsin’s adults MADISON — A study of Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges shows more than half of all adults in the state have used the technical colleges for education and training over the last decade. According to the Wisconsin Technical College System, more than 2 million adults, or 51 percent of all individuals 18 or older, have taken courses at the colleges from 1995 through 2004.

“This means much of our workforce has acquired skills from our technical colleges, and significant numbers of our businesses have benefited from these skills,” said Dan Clancy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System. “These numbers clearly demonstrate

the economic impact our colleges have on the state,” Clancy added.

Most students in the technical college system are 19 and 20 years old, but the median age of career program students is over 30 years old. Individuals access the technical colleges at various times throughout their working adult lives.

“It’s nearly impossible to go through a day without encountering one of our graduates providing services necessary to everyday life because our graduates are everywhere,” said Clancy. Most people don’t realize that the overwhelming majority of health care professionals are educated at the technical colleges, or that virtually all public protection professionals like firefighters and police officers are trained at the technical colleges.”

The system also reports that most technical college students are focusing on jobs in addition to their studies. Approximately nine out of every 10 students en-

rolled in career programs are working adults.

“The technical colleges are known as places individuals turn when they need to improve their job skills for current or future positions or bolster their jobs skills for career advancement,” Clancy said. “There is no postsecondary system of higher learning that serves more workers in this state.”

The Wisconsin Technical College System has 16 technical college districts throughout Wisconsin, which offer more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the system is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. Nearly a half million individuals are educated by Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges each year.

Find more about educational programs at www.witechcolleges.org. — from WITC

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Another “chilling” Winter Carnival “I survived the Luck Winter Carnival Parade,” might be an appropriate slogan to print on a T-shirt - or sweatshirt - for those who attended Saturday’s event on Luck’s Main Street. A robe to keep her warm, new Miss Luck Krystal Stage (right) waved to parade-goers. At left, a mom tried to keep her son warm as he watches from the sidewalk. Queens from Ellsworth, Amery, Milltown, Centuria, Siren and other area communities sent their royalty to represent them. Below are royalty from Frederic and Milltown. How cold was it?

Temperature at the 7 p.m. parade start time was in the single digits with a wind chill of well below zero.

Photos by Gary King

Saturday’s activities at the Luck Winter Carnival included searching for cash in the sawdust pile near the DBS Hall.

A young man (left) was one of the warmer spectators at the sawdust pile search. - Photos by Gary King

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Krystal Stage crowned Miss Luck

The 2007 Luck Winter Carnival royalty posed together after the pageant Friday night. In front (L to R) are Little Luck Princess Paige Runnels and Little Miss Luck Larissa Succo. In back are princesses Brianna Dietmeier and Chelsie Anderson, Queen Krystal Stage, and First Princess Ashley Overby.

2006 Little Miss Luck Maddie Emerson, with microphone, closes her year by thanking all those who helped her represent the village.

The 2006 Winter Carnival royalty passed on bits of advice to the 2007 candidates, including how to wave and how to get into a vehicle while wearing a crown. From left are second princess Tanya Pardun, queen Alyssa Mellon, Little Miss Maddie Emerson and Little Princess Shyyanne Mattson.

Photos by Mary Stirrat

Alyssa Mellon, 2006 Winter Carnival Queen, takes her final walk down the runway.

Newly crowned 2007 Luck Winter Carnival Queen Krystal Ann Stage with proud parents Jeff and Joni Stage.

Jarod Buck, center, serenades the four contestants for Luck Winter Carnival Queen. In evening gowns (L to R) are Krystal Stage, Ashley Overby, Chelsie Anderson and Brianna Dietmeier. Other special entertainmnet was provided by 2006 talent winner Alyssa Mellon, Ashlyn Petersen, Sarah Peterson and Chelsea Rasmussen.

Little Miss Luck contestants dance to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do You Believe in Magic.â&#x20AC;?

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Queen pageant/continued

Wild Waters has a new owner and a new look

Ashley Overby performed a Brazillian dance as her talent presentation. She was sponsored by Bella Salon and Sterling Bank.

As her talent, queen candidate Brianna Dietmeier presented an original monologue about her ice-skating experiences. She was sponsored by Holiday and Harvey’s Woodworking.

Marty Clendening, operator of Lazy Log Craft in Danbury, created all the tables and added the log trim to the bar. – Photos by Sherill Summer

by Sherill Summer DANBURY - Walking into Wild Waters in downtown Danbury, you would never know that the building is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Danbury.

Dave Schnoechar bought the building in Febuary of 2004, closed the doors later that summer and set to work remodeling the place. The curious had to wait quite awhile to see the result of the remodeling, but the wait is over. Half of the building is open for business.

The building now has a northwoods sports bar look filled with windows, logaccented, knotty-pine tables and bar and a large plasma TV over the bar. A local craftsperson who makes log furniture, Marty Clendening, made the tables and added much of the northwood’s character found throughout Wild Waters.

Inexpensive food has become the mainstay of area bars, and Wild Waters is no exception. Examples of good deals found are 50-cent tacos on Thursdays and 25-cent Buffalo Wings on Sundays.

Additional good deals can be had during happy hours. Wild Waters sports two daily happy hours, the traditional happy hour from 4 to 6 pm, and a second, late-night happy hour, from 10 to close. Naturally, there is also an all-youcan-eat fish fry on Fridays.

A nonsmoking dinning room will be ready for use before summer. Because the owner of the bar has another job in the Twin Cities, a manager, Carrie Holter, is in charge of getting staff ready for when the dining room is open. An expanded menu will be in place by then as well.

Krystal Stage performed an original monologue on the typical teenager’s room.

Her performance included (after cleaning her room uncovered both a music CD and a red boa) a lip sync version of “You’re the One that I Want” from “Grease.” She took first place in the talent competition and was also named Miss Congeniality.

Bartender Celia Leehe and manager Carrie Holter at the Wild Waters sports bar and restaurant in downtown Danbury.

Chelsie Anderson performs a flag routine for her talent presentation during the Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant.

She was sponsored by Van Meter’s Meats and Maurer Power.

The newly remodeled Wild Waters bar in downtown Danbury.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Luck students celebrate Spirit Week

LUCK – During this past week, the students and faculty of Luck High School were busy with a variety of activities while celebrating Spirit Week 2007. Although the unceasing frigidly cold weather caused the cancellation of school on Monday, all of Monday’s Spirit week events, and eventually the cancellation of all of the traditional outdoor activities, it didn’t limit the spirit and enthusiasm displayed throughout the week. This included students participating in the following dress-up days: Tuesday – Time Machine / Wacky / Wild West / Fake Injuries Day; Wednesday – Character Day or International Day, Thursday – Cardinal Pride Day, and Friday – Thrift Shop Prom / Red Carpet / Hunting Day. By dressing up each day, the students not only showed their spirit, they also earned points for their class.

In the class dress-up day participation contest, Sophomores Jeff Gackle and Fourth place = Seniors 28-percent particiTido use some of the proStephanie pation vided props to tell a story during a creThird place = Freshmen 31-percent particiativity competition at Friday’s pation Second place = Sophomores 34-percent Senior Adam Wallin and freshman Bailee Swenson cut letters to be used dur- Spirit-fest. – Photos by Lori Nelson participation ing the class hall decorating.

Next, each class had the opportunity to presFirst place = Juniors 38-percent participation that they could raise money for their classes mussen and Sarah Petersen who tap dancing ent a skit. In the class skit competition, Fourth place = Sophomores Junior and senior boys who chose to be and the Spirit Club. The chocolate or vanilla Overall, in the talent contest (total points Third place = Seniors candidates for the coveted title of King Freeze pudding pies were auctioned off by social earned per class) Second place = Freshmen were: Alex McCabe, Travis Close, Mitchell studies teacher Greg Netys. The minimum Fourth place = Sophomores First place = Juniors Klatt and Kody Erickson. The boys com- bid was $3, and Travis Close was the volunthird place = Seniors The third game of the afternoon involved peted in the national costume, talent, formal- teer whose pie sold for the most at $9. A total Second place = Freshmen passing an orange, and the results were: wear, and interview contests. During of $118.50 was raised.

First place = Juniors Fourth place = Freshmen Friday’s Spirit Fest, junior Travis Close was On Thursday and Friday, a number of high On Friday, the students also participated in Third place = Sophomores crowned as King Freeze 2007. school students displayed their skills dur- a Spirit Fest that included games and skits, as Second place = Seniors The week also included Friday’s volleyball ing a talent contest. well as the crowning of King Freeze. In the First place = Juniors tournament and Tuesday and Wednesday’s Eleventh place = Sophomores Dakota first game, class members had the opportudodgeball tournament. The results were: Krout and Ricky Nelson yodeling nity to create caricatures of math teacher Josh In the hall decorating contest, Fourth place = Seniors – The Seniors Are Volleyball tournament Tenth place = Seniors Alyssa Mellon, Hetfeld and English student teacher Karl “Smarties,” but They’re Sweet Too! Fourth place = Freshmen Brooke Olson, Felicia Lane, Alicia Schleif, Wicklund.

Third place = Juniors – A Salute to the Third place = Juniors Jenny Seck, Natalie Gubrud, and Iqra Mian In the caricature contest, Disco Era and the song, “Stayin’ Alive” Second place = Seniors lip synching to “Summer Nights” Fourth place = Seniors Second place = Freshmen – A Salute to the First place = Sophomores Ninth place = Senior Tom Lobeck and his Third place = Freshmen Flower Power Era of the ‘60s and ‘70s Dodgeball tournament “Talking Belly” Second place = Sophomores First place = Sophomores – Sophomore Fourth place = Freshmen Eighth place = Juniors Jordan Gross and First place = Juniors Third place = Seniors Travis Close lip synching/singing “Hillbilly In the second game, students got to drop Super “Stars” and A Salute to a Outer Space Overall in the most spirited class competiSecond place = Juniors chocolate-covered marshmallows into the Deluxe” First place = Sophomores Seventh place = Freshman Nick Emerson mouth of a classmate. In the marshmal- tion, the freshmen earned 285 points, the sophomores earned 385 points, the juniors Wednesday was also the day when a num- dancing low drop contest, ber of students volunteered “to be pied’ so Second place (tie) = Freshmen, Juniors, and earned 452 points and the seniors earned 300 Sixth place = Freshmen Taylor Horsager points. The junior class was declared winner and Alex Smith lip synching/singing as Seniors of the most spirited class trophy. - submitted First place = Sophomores “Starsky and Hutch” Fifth place = Senior Natalie Gubrud dancing to “Run for Cover” Fourth place = Freshmen Jordan Hall and Jake Monahan performing a drum and guitar duet Third place = Junior Wally Rich performing a guitar solo Second place = Sophomores Grace Jenson and Ashley Valentine, singing Sophomore Keighley James paints and playing an a solar system mural which was used original song, “I’ll to decorate the lockers of the sopho- Find My Way” Junior Travis Close is crowned King Freeze by classmate Jordan Gross as Kody Erickson, Travis First place = junmores’ “Outer Space” hall.

Pilz (substituting for Alex McCabe), and Mitchell Klatt watch. iors Chelsea Ras-

Hikers and stars turn out for Candlelight Night

by Wayne M. Anderson ST. CROIX FALLS – Friends and family from as far away as Plymouth, Minn., came to hike the trails, huddled around campfires and gathered under the stars at the 18th-annual Candlelight Night at the park.

The event was held last Saturday evening at the Wisconsin Interstate State Park, located one-half mile south of Hwy. 8 on Hwy. 35.

“This year we had about 150 people,” said Julie Fox, DNR educator. Attendance was down this year due to subzero temperatures and the lack of snow.

“But everyone that was there enjoyed themselves,” she said.

This year a “hardy staff” of six members and about a half-dozen volunteers spent some 30 hours preparing the park for the winter event. Almost two miles of road and trails were lined with hundreds of candles set in paper bags packed in snow, to accentuate and guide nature walkers around the popular park.

People took advantage of cross-coun-

try skiing, snowshoeing and hiking along the St. Croix River. The park provides some equipment free of charge.

Marshmallows for roasting, hot chocolate and hot cider were available for a minimal charge.

The annual event takes place every second Saturday in February. For more information call: 715-483-3747.

Bonnie Anderson of Frederic is illuminated by one of the hundreds of candles set up around Interstate Park for Candlelight Night. - Photo by Wayne M. Anderson

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Webster Honor Roll A Honor Roll Grade 5 Megan Hophan, Kristine Watral, Evon Maxwell, Sarah Thielke and Janie Waltzing.

Grade 10 Brittany Flatten, Rose Kopecky, Alisa Miller, Catie Mahlen, Kelsey Tretsven, Eric Plath, Olivia Main, Mitchell Elliott and Dakota Gardner.

Grade 6 Brooke Bird, Amber Davis, Taylor Heathman, Jacob Hunter, Charles Mahlen, Chelsey McIntyre, Brianna Phernetton, Rebecca Saraceno, Kaleiah Schiller, Danielle Formanek, Samantha Perius, Tessa Schiller, Alyxandria Hatfield, Emma Kelby, Nikkita Emberson, Jaclyn Loiland, Amber Friel, Justin Lemieux, Cheyenne Matrious, Ryan Phernetton, Matthew Smith and Brenna Nutt.

Grade 11 Elizabeth Baer, Deborah Faught, Jamie Kopecky, Anthony Mensen, Aimee Rinnman, Brian Thill, Katie Waltzing, Brian Gibbs, Leighann Flatten, Avery Pierce, Eleonora Seu, Kathryn Krause, Shannon Conroy, Barbie Antill, Chelsey Bereiter, Alex Main, Asa Olson, Camilla Sogaard, Nick Wolfe, Amanda Taylor, Andrew Holmquist, Cody Mattison, Dustin Gramer and Leah Janssen.

Grade 7 Mary Arnold, Mackenzie Koelz, Brittany Maxwell, Olivia Kopecky, Danielle Dyson, Tasia Lemieux, Chelsea Larson, Shauna Rein, Matthew Hophan, Austin Bork, Miranda Burger, Tatyana Pope, Melissa Gustavson, Garrett Eichman and Matt Elmgren.

Grade 12 Paul Olesen, Trever Greene, Kevin Ingalls, Chelsie Benson, Kristy Echeverria, Gabriela Santisteban, Darancharas Sukheviriya, Melinda Tyson, Casey Ince, Justin Hughes, Derek Petersen, Nicholas Proulx, Nicole Roedl, Tiffani Quigley, Galina Liljenberg, Benjamin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Stephanie Bakke, Ben Ries, Kiel Bereiter, Casey Davis and Alicia Roper.

Grade 8 Jenna Anderson, Mason Kriegel, Siiri Larsen, Greg McIntyre, Shaina Pardun, Breeanna Watral, Kayce Rachner, Annie Kelby, Samantha Kopecky, Connor Pierce, Alyssa Main, Siara Erickson, Devin Greene, Elise Windbiel, Steven Puttbrese, Michelle Gibbs, Rachel Salas, Brittani Hopkins and Austin Elliott.

Grade 9 Bryan Krause, Nolan Kriegel, Benjamin Shives, Nick Doriott, Torah Pope, Phillip Preston, Nicholas Koelz, Chaz Heinz, Andrew Larson, Joseph Cook, Allison Leef, Ashley Kuhn, Ellie Isaacson, Nicole Steiner, John Elmgren and Kevin Packard.

B Honor Roll Grade 5 William Arnold, Marissa Elliott, Mikayla Hatfield, Aleah Heinz, Alexandria Holmstrom, Ashley Dietmeier, Cybil Mulroy and Jamie Moe. Grade 6 Ashley Nordin, Jacob Sargent, Samantha Schindeldecker, Danielle Curtis, James Pijanowski Jr., Ben Weis, Victoria Pope, Nathan Puttbrese, Felicity Bell and Summer Songetay.

Grade 7 Joey Erickson, Bradley Krause, Leslea Wiggins, Christian Weeks, Taylor Heinz, Saronah Clark, Kristina Marcyan, Anthony Nordin, Sarah Nyberg, Carenna Berrisford, Benjamin Leef and Katlyn Payson.

Grade 8 Billie Ingalls, Jacob Kuhn, Kayla Duclon, Allison Rydel, James Wethern, Jack Taylor, Mary Johnson, Michael Thielke and Daniel Dochniax.

Grade 9 Ashley Robinson-Madsen, Karl Weber, Matthew Whiteside, Bethany Nutt, Seth Pardun and Chad French.

Grade 10 Bradley Nutt, Abigail Ingalls, Nicholas Krinkie, Kara Gall, Quentin Johnson, Rebecca Schrooten, Adam Baum, Charles Bentley, Adam Rinman, Ryan Estridge and Scott Stromberg.

Grade 11 Anthony Nowling, Joshua Johnson, Amanda Alberg, Elise Eichman, Colleen Foote, Shannon Steiner, Peter Walsh, William Fish, Bryan Holmstrom, Michael Kurkowski, Brandie Sjoholm, Daniel Cramer, Madeline Winslow, Melissa Erickson, Alyssa Damewood, Cameron Hughes, Johnathon Packard, Jesse Bentley and Matthew Stress.

Grade 12 Samantha Bump, Katie Thill, Amanda Ramstrom, Rebecca Lewis, Jessica Petrangelo, Gregory Stanton, Ashley Ince, Cassondra Artz, Anthony Petersen, Whitney Hunter, Amy French, Michael Curtis, Travis Karrow, Jessica Anderson, Joshua Benton and Jordan Weber.

St. Croix Falls Honor Roll Grade 12 Jessica Ahles, Courtney Anderson, Jared Anderson, Sarah Andrewson, Jordan Beauvais, Isaac Bont, Michael Castorena, Adam Critton, Nichole Cuddihy-Katzmark, Eliahd Damawand, Paige Gutzmer, Jeremy Hall, Weston Hamilton, Sarah Hankel, Hans Hanson, Daniel Harrington, Justin Holmdahl, Katie Jacobson, Jaclyn Jerrick, Alyssa Kaiser, Molly Kalmoe, Elle Kaskinen, Kody Koch, Ashley Larsen, Samantha Larson, Rebecca Liemandt, Annabel Lindstrom, Jacob Loen, Dustin Lumsden, Brenna Martens, McKenzie Martin, Erin McCormack, Jessica Oldenburg, Sara Palmer, Emily Pfaltzgraff, Dustin Raygor, Jessica Reddy, Kelly Rounsville, Eric Roush, Mary Ryan, David Smith, Micah Solano, Anthony Sommer, Ryan Stark, L. Lark Starkey, Laurana Sveback, Emily Thayer, Eric Thorstad, Ian Virchow, Nicholas Ward, Peter Weber, Katherine Weinberg, John Werner and Tanner Wilson.

Grade 11 Rebecca Alden, Melinda Beyer, Erinn Bloomer, Trygve Chinander, Samantha Clausen, Jeanna Colombo, Alexander Daniel, Farrah De Smet, Paige Dillman, Alicia Dorsey, Kelsey DouglassWhite, Gabrielle Dubois, Erica Frokjer, Steven Gebhard, Enya

Hinck, Chelsi Hoag, Marielle Hoag, Jameson Hoffman, Jonathan Huttner, Justin Johnson, Terena Johnson, Gregory Kadrmas, Dustin Kieckhoefer, Michael Kingery, Jacob Larcom, Breanna Larson, Daniel Larson, Melinda Linke, David Lund, Kysaundra Luttinen, Karissa Mewes, Jacob Miller, Joshua Newell, Kallyn Norlander, Travis Pomeroy, Alexandra Radinzel, Justin Rikkola, Daniel Roach, Jodi Sandgren, David Siqueiros, William Springer, Sarina Stage, Steven Tucker, Jordyn Vanderwerf, Chase Walters, Kaelie Ward, Ryan Wedekind and Marisa Williamson.

Grade 10 Alexander Anderson, Ryan Andrie, Andrew Austin-White, Shelby Ayde, Jennifer Benoy, Brittany Bess, Travis Binkley, Brittany Brenholt, Priscilla Castorena, Ashley Chapman, Thomas Colombo, Alexandra Confer, Annie Confer, Shelby Emerson, Cassandra Gray, Jessica Hall, Pierce Hanson, Scott Hendrickson, Stephan Hoag, Victoria Houliston, Zachary Johnston, Ashley Kes, Amanda Larson, Megan Larson, Carissa Libbenga, Paige Marek, Kaisha Merrick, Mason Millermon, Tyler Nelson, Derek Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Adam Offerdahl, Jessica Rohm, Brandyn Rudolph, Sam Schmidt, David Shangraw, Meghan Smith, Katherine Standing, Abigail Swenson, Laura Swenson, Samantha

Wheeler, Sharanda Whittaker, Katherine Wright, Joshua Yunker and Zachary Zelinski.

Grade 9 Ben Anderson, Nicole Berganini, Jenna Brousil, Tryn Bryant, Katherine Burns-Penn, Nicholas Campbell, Marissa Campeau, Josiah Casterton, Kyle Christensen, Kayla Cross, Abby Culver, Kim Culver, Jordan Fehlen, Sierra Fickbohm, Kristina (Renstrom) Flandrena, Zane Foeller, Cory Gebhard, Samantha Grange, Stephanie Graupner, Alicha Greenlee, Jedidi Gustafson, Racheal Hansen, Danielle Heilig, Karisa Heinz, Cassondra Hoyt, Gus Koecher, Nicholas Krenz, Mackenzy Kuhlmann, Joshua Larcom, Ryan Larson, Paul Manoppo, John J. Mikl, Kyle Miller, Zachary Nelson, Daniel Norgard, Gabrielle Nuckles, Sarah Perszyk, Dillon Peterson, Michelle Peterson, Cassondra Petherbridge, Brittany Petznick, Cortney Rasmussen, Joseph Raygor, Zachary Rintoul, Jamie Rohm, Brittany Rudolph, Emily Scheuermann, Sarah Schuler, Angela Sommer, Christopher Stenberg, Jessica Sveback, Matthew Vold, Emily Ward, Rhett Werner, Bailey Wheeler, Austin Whittenberger, Kelsey Willow, Christian Wolfe, Blake Yunker and Megan Yunker.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Siren Honor Roll

A Honor Roll Grade 7 Heather Bearheart, Luke Bollant, Andrew Brown, Rachel Gloodt, Kaylene Johnson, Ian Martin, Abigail Mitchell, Evan Oachs, Leanne Pigman, Tyler Richison and Isaac Wegner.

Grade 8 Danielle Keller, Nathaniel Larson, Jayme Mitchell, Jessica Morris, Tadd Oachs, Elizabeth Otto, Jacob Stiemann, Stephanie Taylor and Michael Wampfler.

Grade 9 Sarah Howe and Mackenzie Swenson.

Grade 10 Emily Muus.

Grade 11 Sydney Berreth-Doran, Courtney Daniels, Jennifer Mitchell and Britteny Muus.

Grade 12 Ashley Cummings, Caitlin Flanigan, Lauren Howe, Brittany Jaskolka and Kimberly Lindberg.

B Honor Roll Grade 7 Tayler Frederickson, William Haines, Amber Hall, Leo Hanson, Elijah Hinze, Tricia Kopecky, Jennica Kosloski, Sara Long, Christina Luna, Jessica Lysdahl, Tori Moose, Adam Neurer, Taylor Renberg, Jacob Stener and Alan Strabel.

Grade 8 Ashley Bjornstad, Carley Emery, Ashley Guevara, Tiara Hanson, Christopher Honeysett, Rhiannon Honeysett, Byron Jeffers, Catrina Luna, Cody Maslow, Brittany Moose, Coty Reh, Makayla Reynolds, Samantha Rosado, Kristen Sexton, Cody Spafford, Seth Stoner and Jeremy Wikstrom.

Grade 9 Jeffrey Alden, Meghan Baasch, Tyler Finch, Christian Hall, Jenna Jarrell, Derek Jaskolka, Jacob Neurer and William Shipley.

Grade 10 Amanda Bachman, Charles Brown IV, Christina Conrow, Allison Didier, Janey Emery, Aaron Engstrand, Jesse Hinze, Michael Hunter and Kevin Niedenfuer.

Grade 11 Larissa Batheidel, Jace Carter, Thomas Chosa, Adam Daniels, Elizabeth Daniels, Renee Fischbach, Travis Freese, Dylan Geske, Timothy Jewell, Kyle Malm, Mikala Moody, Marcus Morris, Charisse Phernetton, Jordan Potvin, Lynette Renberg and Amanda Shipley.

Grade 12 Hannah Anderson, John Anderson, Jena Coyour, Keith Cremin, Jacob Didier, Derek Djock, Misty Hunter, Kacey Lamphere, Lyndsey Lee, Matthew Lester, Ashley Maslow, Brynn McBroom, Amanda Peterson, Aundrea Proulx, Robert Smith and Amalie Vestergaard.

Unity Community Education To register for Unity Community Education classes and events, please call Tanna at 715-825-3510.

DNR Hunter Safety Certification. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 27 – March 29 (skip March 6 and 8), 7 – 9:30 p.m. Cost: $10, payable to DNR on the first night of class. Please call Community Education to register.

Water Aerobics. WITC #42-807-412. Six weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 27, April 10 and May 22. Cost: $30.10 ($4 for seniors age 62+).

Yogo. Wednesdays, Feb. 28 – April 4, 6 – 6:45 p.m. Cost: $35 per person. Please bring a yoga mat.

Treating Your Tootsies – Learn the Art of Foot Massage. Tuesday, March 13, 7 – 9 p.m. Cost: $17 per person.

Investing Basics. Thursdays, March 15 – April 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Cost: $20, includes all class materials.

Head and Neck Massage. Tuesday, March 20, 7 – 9 p.m. Cost: $17 per person.

Introduction to Palmistry. Thursday, March 29, 6 – 7:15 p.m. Cost: $20.

Metaphysical Stones 4. Thursdays, March 29, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Cost: $25.

Water Aerobics. WITC #42-807-412. Tuesdays and Thursdays, six weeks, April 10 – May 22, 5 – 5:45 p.m. Cost: $30.10 (44 seniors age 62 and older.

Responsible Beverage Service. WITC 47-311-400, #25967. Monday, April 23, 6 – 10 p.m. Cost: $12.70($4 seniors 62+).

Water Aerobics. WITC #42-807-412. Tuesdays and Thursdays, six weeks beginning May 22, 5 – 5:45 p.m. Cost: $30.10 ($4 seniors age 62 and older.

Frederic Community Education To register call Ann Fawver at 715-327-4868, e-mail fawvera@frederic.k12.wi.us, online go to www.witc.edu “Search and Register for Courses,” or call WITC at 800-243-9482, ext. 4221.

Mosaics with ceramic, tile and glass WITC: 27005, Tuesdays, Feb. 20 and 27, 6 – 9 p.m. #42-815-405.

Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. 62+.

CPR & AED (Infant, Child & Adult) Thursday, March 8 and Tuesday, April 24, 6 - 8 p.m. Call Community Education, 715-327-4868. Fee: $25, optional book $10.

Health Care Provider CPR Tuesdays, March 13 and April 10, 6 - 9 p.m. Instructor: Jim Tinman.

Call Community Education, 715-327-4868. Fee: $37.50, optional book $10.

Quilted Jacket WITC #26809, #42-304-435. Tuesdays, March 6 - 20, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Computers: Independent projects.

WITC #26738, #42-103-448. Mondays, March 8 - 20, 5 - 7 p.m. Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Weight Room Training for Women WITC #27001/#42-807-408. Tuesdays, March 6 - 27, 4 - 6 p.m. Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Mosaic Stained-Glass Suncatcher WITC #27007/#42-815-405. Thursdays, March 8, 6 - 9 p.m. and March 15, 6 - 8 p.m. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. 62+.

Creative Stamping WITC #2605, #42-815-408. Mondays, March 19 - April 2. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. 62+.

Preschool Tumbling.

WITC 5:30 class #26818, 6:30 class #2819, #42-807-408. Six Tuesdays, March 20 – April 24. Two classes offered 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Fee: $17.05.

Responsible Beverage Service WITC #25966. Monday, March 26, 6 - 10 p.m. Fee: $12.70.

Sign Language with Your Toddler WITC #47-533-405. Tuesday and Thursday, March 27 - April 5, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Fee: $17.05.

Sign Language for Youth WITC #47-533-405. Tuesday and Thursday, March 27 - April 5, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Fee: $17.05.

Introduction to Norwegian WITC #42-802-405. Tuesday and Thursday, March 27 - April 5, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Fee: $21.40/$4 Sr. 62+.

Mimi’s 2007 Creative Memories Workshop $5 RSVP with Mimi if you’d like to attend, 715-327-8122, Saturday, March 10, 9 a.m. – noon, making fun tags; Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m.

– 3 p.m., memoranza with a touch of the tropics.

Also this winter watch for: quilted jacket, computers: Independent projects, Mosaic stained glass suncatcher, creative stamping, preschool tumbling, sign for youth and with your preschooler, introduction to Norwegian, Prairie Fire Theatre.

“Peter Pan” with Prairie Fire Theatre, mark your calendars for March 12-17. Auditions Monday, Mar. 12, performances Mar. 16 & 17.

Ongoing Activities Craft Club Youth meet every Thursday at the elementary school. Classes begin at 3:15 p.m.

Open Ice Skating for Families At Frederic’s skating rink, located east of the elementary school. Rink and warming house open daily from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Families are responsible for supervising their children - rules are posted at the rink.

Men’s Basketball League Frederic High School Sundays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. $1 fee/time.

Open Weight Room For public use at the high school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 - 8 a.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m. No fee.

Winter Walking Birch Street Elementary School. Monday - Friday, 7 - 8 a.m. and 4 6 p.m. No fee. Sign in/out outside of the school office.

Driver’s Education Classroom course for students 15 years and older with Safe Start Driving School. Monday - Thursday, Feb. 26 through March 22, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, 5 - 7 p.m. Fee: $75.

Osceola Community Education New classes are posted for winter/spring. For complete details on classes and to print registration forms, please visit the Osceola School District Web site at www.osceola.k12.wi.us and click on the Community Education link. If you have questions, contact Lala Graf – Community Education director at 715-294-2127 Ext. 407 or by email at ComEd@osceola.k12.wi.us. Please remember to preregister as classes are run by user participation and do get cancelled due to low enrollment.

Open Computer Lab – Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 24, OHS 3:30-5:30 p.m., on school days.

Tae Kwon Do – Wednesdays through spring, OES, 7-7:45 p.m., $25/month.

Graduation Scrapbooking – Mondays and Thursdays, Feb. 26 March 5, OHS, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $30.

Adult Dog Obedience – Tuesdays, Feb. 27 - April 3, OHS, 7 - 8:30 p.m., (first night) 7-7:30 p.m. (other nights). Cost $45.

Adult Social Dancing for Beginners – Fridays, March 2 - 30, OHS, 7- 8 p.m. Cost $50/couple.

Jewelry Making – Tuesday, March 6, OHS, 7 - 8 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $10.

Design Your Own Pond and Waterfall - Tuesdays, March 6, OHS, 7 - 9 p.m. Cost $5.

Puppy Manners – Tuesdays, March 6 - 27, OHS, 7:30-9 p.m., (first

night), 7:30-8 p.m. (other nights). Cost $35.

All-occasion Card Stamp-a-Stack – Monday, March 12, OIS, 6:308:30 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $20.

Microphone Use - Make Yourself Heard - Monday, March 12 and 19, OHS, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $10.

Parent Ed. – Overindulgence – Monday, March 19, OHS, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $11.

Women’s Dance – Wednesdays, April 3 - 25, OHS, 6-7 p.m. Cost $25.

Baby 6x6 Scrapbook – Monday, April 16, OIS, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $40.

Brain Blitz for Seniors – Tuesday, April 17, OIS, 9:30-11 a.m. Cost $5.

One-Stroke Painting – Tuesdays, April 17 - May 1, OHS, 7-9 p.m.

Cost $30, supplies $6.

Parent Ed. - Sleep – Monday, April 23, OHS, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $11.

All Occasion Card Stamp-a-Stack - Monday, May 7, OIS, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $5, supplies $20.

Children’s Classes Tae Kwon Do – Wednesdays through spring. Times vary. $25/month.

DNR Boater Safety – Monday and Wednesdays, June 4-6, OHS, 6 - 9 p.m. Cost $10, payable to DNR.

Ongoing Events

AA Meetings: United Methodist Church, Danbury, 1 block north of Main Street on 1st Street. Thursdays, noon.

AA and Al-Anon Meetings: Every Monday night at Frederic Pilgrim Lutheran Church basement at 7 p.m.

Amateur (Ham) Radio, holds its monthly breakfast the second Saturday of every month, 8 a.m. at the Fox Den in Balsam Lake with a meeting at approx. 9 a.m. at the Polk County Government Center.

Amery - Truckload of food provided each month by Polk County Christians in Action on the second and fifth Saturdays at the Congregational Church in Amery at 201 Harriman Ave. N, 268-7390. Donation of $10 per family requested. Persons will receive fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and other food as available.

Amery - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar meets Monday at 7 p.m., for 13 weeks, at Apple River Community Church, located on Hwy. 8. Call Bruce Tanner for information at 715268-8360 or Gary Alexander at 715-268-2724.

Balsam Lake Community Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m., at Balsam Lake Village Hall.

Boy Scout Troop #128 is holding an ongoing aluminum can collection fundraiser. Contributions can be dropped off at the trailer parked at Great Northern Outdoors in Frederic.

Burnett County Adult Day Care meets every Tuesday at Birchwood Manor in Siren from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and every Thursday at Cedarwood Manor in Webster from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Burnett County Citizen Patrol, meets the 4th Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., government center.

Burnett Community Library Adult Craft Club, meets every Thursday, 10 a.m. - noon at the library in Webster.

Caregivers Support Group meets every third Wednesday at Capeside Cove, 4 p.m.

500 Cards at Cushing Community Center, every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dresser - Tot-Time, an hour of Bible stories, music, crafts and a snack, is held at the first and third Tuesdays, Sept. through May, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church.

Please contact the church office to register at 755-2515.

Family Child Care Professionals Network, meets the third Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Call 715-483-1482 for info.

Family child care providers welcome!

Frederic American Legion Post & Unit #249, meets the third Monday of every month at the Legion Hall, 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise announced.

Frederic Booster Club meets the first Sunday each month at 6 p.m. in the high school.

Frederic Historical Society to meet the fourth Thursday of every month at the Golden Oaks Apartments, 6:30 p.m.

Frederic Senior Center welcomes everyone. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily except Sundays. Mondays, Spades played at 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays Pokeno played at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 500 cards played at 6:30 p.m. Bingo at 1:30 p.m. and pool or other card games during the afternoon. Business meeting the first Friday of each month.

Frederic TOPS meets 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Comforts of Home community room, contact Nancy 715-327-8063 or tops.org.

Frederic Welcome Wagon, new residents who’d like community information, and businesses and organizations who’d like to offer coupons, discounts and promotions to new residents are invited to call 715-327-8972 or 715-327-4271.

Gamblers Anonymous, every Monday, 5 p.m., New Beginnings Alano Club, 7707 Main Street, Siren, 715-349-2588.

Head Injury Support Group to meet every second Sunday at the Siren Covenant Church, 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Caregivers are welcome. For further information please call Jerry or Karen at 715-349-8985.

Humane Society of Burnett County meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. at the Humane Society on Midtown Rd., Siren. We are collecting used printer ink cartridges and used digital cell phones. Call 715-866-4096.

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, open Tuesday & Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 400 Main St. So., Luck, go to back door.

Luck Senior Center, open Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Open Wednesday through Fridays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for coffee and fellowship. Come in and play pool, cards or work on a jigsaw puzzle. Everyone welcome.

Milltown Senior Center, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 500 cards every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Obesity Surgery Support Group of the River Valley, meets every 2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m. at Adventures Restaurant, Hwy. 35, North Osceola. For more info call 715755-3474 or Jepsen@centurytel.net.

Osceola - DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group meets at the First Baptist Church each Monday, 7 p.m. Sessions for adults and children. The church is located at 722 Seminole Avenue (Hwy. M). For information call 715-2944222 or 651-214-5251 after 5 p.m.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center, open Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Regular meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. blood pressure checks; 12:30 potluck, followed by business meeting and entertainment.

500 cards and dominoes, and exercises by YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. Craft Making 1st, 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.

Siren Alano Club: Tuesday noon, women’s group; Wednesday, 7 p.m. AA; Thursday, 7 p.m., NA; Sunday, 9 a.m., AA; Sunday, 7 p.m. NA; First Saturday of the month, open meeting, 5:30 potluck, 7 p.m. speaker and pin night.

The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus practices every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level of the old courthouse in Balsam Lake, CTH I and Hwy. 46. Call 715-483-9202, 715-463-5202 or 715-327-8091.

Webster Area Chamber of Commerce meets the first Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Webster chamber office.

Webster Tops, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

Quakers. Northern Pines Friends Worship Group, 11 a.m.

Every other Saturday, 6020 Peterson Rd., Webster, 866-8802 or 866-7798.

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Grantsburg Community Education February 24 - The Lipizzan Stallions at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Leave Grantsburg at 11:30 a.m., show at 2 p.m. Cost for show and coach is $48.

March 8 - Mystery Trip/Lunch – This unique experience is cheap, funny and good, so will fill up fast. Bring a friend or two.

Thursdays, March 8. Cost: $30.

Leave Grantsburg 10:15 a.m.

For more info call Cindy at 715463-5165 ext. 160.

March 21 - April 1 - Hurricane Katrina Relief Trip- $260 (includes coach, meals and lodging). Travel with a church from Stacy, Minn., down to the New Orleans area to help some families who have fallen through the cracks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a difference in someone’s life.

Guaranteed to make a difference in your life too!

March 28: Mall of America.

Travel with us to enjoy Easter fun at the Mall of America and the spring shopping. We will spend the day. We will drop any interested at IKEA as well. Cost: $20. Leave Grantsburg at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 31: “Beyond the Cross” 2000 years ago, one man altered the course of history. Join in for an incredible

Easter experience. This inspiring musical production is hosted by Lowell Lundstrom. Journey back in time when Jesus transformed the lives of ordinary people, one person at a time. Leave Grantsburg: 9:30 a.m. Includes coach, meal, and show. Lunch will be eaten on the way down.

Spring Community Education Classes INDOOR WALKING: The Grantsburg High School is open daily for your winter walking from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and again after the school day, starting at 4 p.m.

In the morning, please enter at the district office entrance.

Please wear rubber soled shoes.

Any questions, call Cindi at 715463-5165 ext. 160.

ADULT VOLLEYBALL: Every Wednesday night. Two courts used with a relaxed group and a more competitive one. Everyone is welcome! Call Cindi at 715463-5165 ext. 160 for more info.

PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME: Join us, Pete and Deb Johnson, for our 10th-annual open gym for preschoolers. All children must be accompanied by an adult who remains with them the entire time (infants welcome also).

There will be play equipment available, but no structured activities. You may bring outdoortype and riding toys if they are

clean. This is a good opportunity for parents to interact while their youngsters run around and have fun with others – a good outing during the long winter months.

Mondays – Jan., Feb. and March, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fee: $5 season pass or $1 for each session. Grantsburg Elementary.

PILATES: This class consists of mat exercises that strengthen the core – the abdominals and back muscles. Participants must bring their own mat and light pair of free weights. Six Tuesday sessions began Jan. 30, 6 to 7 p.m., Grantsburg Elementary School gym. Cost: $30. Instructor: Natalie Doornink, certified in personal training and pilates.

February PRESCHOOL SIGN LANGUAGE (ITV Class): Learn to sign with toddlers and preschoolers. Signing with children can improve memory, vocabulary, reading skills later in life. Three Monday sessions, began Feb. 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Grantsburg High School ITV Room. Cost: $20.

March MONEY MANAGEMENT – MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR FUTURE (ITV Class): This class focuses on the basics of personal money management.

Specifically, we will cover savings and investing, budgeting, insurance programs and other issues that will help you plan for your financial futures. One session, Thursday, March 1, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Cost: $8. Grantsburg High School ITV Room. (Class repeated on March 29).

JOURNALING: Come and learn more about the art of journaling.

Bring a notebook to journal in and a pen. Four Tuesday sessions beginning March 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10. Instructor: Mandi Amundson. Grantsburg High School.

STAINED GLASS: Create stained glass light catchers, windows, boxes or panels. Beginning techniques of cutting, breaking, grinding, foiling and soldering will be covered. Three Monday sessions, 6 to 8 p.m., beginning March 5. Cost: $20.

Instructor: Bruce Teigen. Grantsburg High School Art Room.

INTRODUCTION TO POWERPOINT: This course will provide you with the skills to create effective presentations with PowerPoint 2003. Six Tuesday sessions, 5 – 6:30 p.m., beginning March 6. Cost: $23. Instructor: Greg Stager. Grantsburg High School, Room 140.

BABYSITTING CLASS: Topics include safety, general care of in-

fants, toddlers and school-age children. This class is for grades 5-6 only. Class limit of 20. Two sessions, Tuesday and Thursday, March 6 and 8, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Cost: $5. Instructor: Debi Fleishauer. GMS Library.

HOW TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE (ITV Class): This class is designed to help you with your education funding concerns and needs. One Thursday session, March 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $8.

Grantsburg High School ITV Room.

INTRODUCTION TO UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING: Discover the exciting process of creating traditional Ukrainian Easter Eggs (pysanky). Using real eggs, beeswax, brilliant dyes and a candle flame, participants will complete a simple three-color pysanka in class.

One Monday session, March 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $12 plus $4 materials. Instructor: Becky Utecht. GHS Room 109.

CROCHETING: You will need to bring one skein of 4-ply yarn that is 3-1/2 or 4 oz. and a “G” crochet hook to make a pillow the first night. Three Thursday sessions, 7 to 8:30 p.m., beginning March 15. Cost: $12. Instructor: Maggie Hess. GHS FACE Room.

JEWELRY BASICS FOR BEGINNERS (Adults and children 8 and up accompanied by a parent): Learn how to use different types of wire, basic clasps and a variety of beads to string a matching set of necklace, earrings and bracelet. One Saturday session, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 24. Cost: $20 plus materials. Instructor: Janna Levings.

Grantsburg Elem. Library.

April BEGINNING DOG OBEDIENCE: A professional dog trainer will guide you through the basics: focus, come, sit, down and walk nice on a leash and possibly start the heeling exercise. Class size will be kept small for individual attention. Please bring with you to all of the classes: 1) your dog, 2) a flat nylon or leather collar, 3) a favorite toy and a sandwich bag of treats, half-full with cheese or summer sausage, cheap hot dogs, etc…try to avoid bringing biscuits if possible, 4) a long line, preferably 10 ft., no recoil leashes or halters will be needed. A 6-ft. leash will work if a long line is not available, 5) a positive attitude. Six Tuesday sessions, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning April 10. Cost: $50. Instructor: Mitch Keating.

Grantsburg Elementary Gym or outside.

Siren-Webster Community Education Basic Baby-sitter Training.

Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fee: $12.50 plus $2.50 material fee. Class held at the Webster High School.

Preregistratiion is required. Call 715-349-7070.

Digital Cameras, Intermediate. WITC #42-103-493, ID# 26839. Class to be held at the Siren High School. Two Tuesdays, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, 6 – 9 p.m. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. Prerequsite: Digital Cameras Basic Class or competency. Preregistration required. Call WITC 1800-243-9482, ext. 4221 or Comm. Ed. Office 715-3497070.

Entry Level Firefighter I, Part 1. WITC #47-503-401, ID# 27303, held at the Webster Fire Dept. 10 Wednesdays, Feb. 21 – April 25, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fee: $76.50/$11.25 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1800-243-9482, ext. 4221.

Dog Obedience. WITC #42091-403. ID# 268323 at the Siren High School. Eight Wednesdays, Feb. 28 to April 28, 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $24.60/$7.20 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1-800-243-9482, ext.

4221 or call Comm. Ed. Office 715-349-7070.

Belly Dance. WITC #42-807408, ID#26826, at the Siren High School. Six Mondays, March 5 to

April 9, 6 – 7 p.m. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1-800-2439482, ext. 4221 or call Comm.

Ed. 715-349-7070.

Social Ballroom Dance (2).

WITC #42-807-408, ID#26827, at the Siren High School. Six Mondays, March 5 to April 9, 7 – 8 p.m. Fee $17.05/$4 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1-800-243-9482, ext. 4221 or call Comm. Ed. 715-349-7070.

Intro to EFT for Effective Parenting. At the Siren High School.

Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Fee: $10 person/$15 couple. Preregistration required. Call Comm. Ed. 715-349-7070.

Buying Your First Home at the Siren High School. Tuesday, March 6, 6 – 8 p.m. Fee: TBD. Preregistration required. Call Comm. Ed. 715-349-7070.

Introduction to Painting. WITC #42-815-408, ID#26830, at the Siren High School. Four Thursdays, March 8 to March 29, 6 – 9 p.m. Fee: $30.19/$4 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1-800-243-9482, ext. 4221 or call Comm. Ed. 715-349-7070.

MS Word Special Projects.

WITC #42-103-448, ID#26840, at the Siren High School. Three Tuesdays, March 13 to March 27, 6 – 8 p.m. Fee: $17.05/$4 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1-800-243-9482, ext.

4221 or call Comm. Ed. 715349-7070.

MS Excel. WITC #47-103-401, ID#26841, at the Siren High School. Four Thursday, March 15 to April 5, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Fee: $25.75/$4 Sr. Preregistration required. Call WITC at 1-800-2439482, ext. 4221 or call Comm.

Ed. 715-349-7070.

House Plants Dos and Don’ts.

Class to be held at the Webster High School. Thursday, March 15, 6 – 9 p.m. Fee: $5. Preregistration required. Call Comm.

Ed. 715-349-7070.

Kids: Preballet and Tap Dance, quarter 4, at the Siren High School. Eight Tuesdays, March 20 to May 8, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m.

Fee: $45. Ballet and tap shoes required. Preregistration required. Call Comm. Ed. 715-3497070.

Siren H.S. Gym: Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m. Siren VB begins Monday, Oct. 16; Webster H.S. Gym: Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Webster VB begins Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Winter Hall Walking for Adults.

Siren and Webster High Schools: Weekdays 7-8 a.m.

Please check in with office staff in each building to get a school pass to wear while you walk in the building.

Luck Community Education To register for classes, call Barb Kass at 715-472-2152, ext.

103, or WITC at 1-800-2439482, ext. 4221 or visit the WITC Web site at http://www.witc.edu, click Adult Evening classes, Registration for Spring, 2007, locate the class and register online.

Felted Petal Hats with Audrey Anderson. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6 - 10 p.m. Fee: $25 plus materials. Call to register and for the supply list 472-2152, ext.

103.

Massage for Families and Friend, Thursday, March 1 - 15, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Class ID 27000.

Fee: $17.05 per person, couple $25.55, $4 seniors 62+. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

Write right now: Part 2.

March 1 – April 5, 4 – 6 p.m.

Class Cat: #42-801-402. Fee: $10. Call 472-2152, ext. 103 to register.

Stained Glass: Leaded and Plated Candy Basket. March 5, 6 - 9 p.m. Fee: $18 with supply fee, $18 per basket, plating is an additional $5 - $7. Call 4722152, ext. 103 to register.

A People’s History of the United States. The Narrative of History and the Historical Novel part 2 Civil War – present. Monday, March 5 - April 2, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Fee: $10. Call 472-2152, ext. 103 to register.

Spring Floral Watercolor with Gloria Adrian Mondays, March 5 - April 2 (no class March 19), 6:30 - 9 p.m. Class ID #27006, Cat. #42-815-408. Fee $25.75/$4 seniors 62+.

Social Dance with Rosio Carlson March 6 - 27, 7 - 8 p.m.

Cost: $40 per couple.

The Hows and Why of Solar Power. Monday, March 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Fee: $10. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

Armchair Traveler: A Taste of Guatemala Thursday, March 15, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Fee: $5.

Please preregister 472-2152, ext. 103.

Dare to Repair! Home Repair for Women: Drywall and Plumbing Saturdays, March 17 and 31; 9 a.m.-noon in the high school shop. Class ID # 27025, Cat. #42-410-473.

Fee: $17.05/$4 seniors 62+. Insturctor: Chris Mailand.

Mosaic. Tuesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 22, 6 - 9 p.m. at the high school art room.

Cat. # 42-815-405. Fee: $30.10.$4 for seniors 62+. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

Women’s Evening Out: It’s all about attitude! Thursday, March 29, 5:30 p.m. at Café Wren. Fee: $20 for dinner and workshop. To register call 4722152, ext. 103 or Ann 327-4868.

Stained Glass with Peg

Kuhl. Garden Critters. Monday, April 2, 6 - 9 p.m. at the high school shop. Fee: $18 plus $10 supply fee per project. Plating is extra. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

Make and Take Hanging Baskets. Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Class ID #27026, Cat. # 47-001-435. Fee: $10.53/$6.18 for 62+ ($15 material fee will be collected the evening of class.) Class to be held at the bus garage. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

Social Dance with Rosio Carlson. May 3 - 24, 7 - 8 p.m.

Cost: $40 per couple. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

All About Rain Gardens.

Tuesday, May 8, Fee: $5. To register call 472-2152, ext. 103.

Responsible Beverage Service. Monday, May 14, 6 - 10 p.m. Class ID #26223, Cat. #47311-400. Fee: $12.70/$4 for sen-

iors 62+. To register call 4722152, ext. 103.

Ongoing classes: Chess Club Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5 p.m., in room 207. For information contact Lydia at rennicke@centurytel.net.

Judo Club Fridays, 6:30 p.m. in the wrestling room. For information contact Lydia at rennicke@centurytel.net.

Guitar Riffs at the Riff Factory Wednesdays, 7 - 8 p.m. New classes start monthly! Fee: $45.

Dust off that guitar and learn some tunes at the Riff Factory in Luck. Luck Community Ed is partnering with the Riff Factory to offer group guitar lessons to new students at a special introductory rate. All materials supplied, bring your own guitar. To register, call Barb Kass.

Reader’s group

March 19: “Saving Fish from Drowning” by Amy Tan April 23: “My Dog Tulip” by J.R. Ackerley and Elizabeth Marshall May 21: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak Readers meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Luck elementary media center. New members are always welcome to this lively and informal discussion group. Please use the north entrance to the school. For other dates and book titles, people with e-mail addresses may send an e-mail to Sue Mattson at smattson@lakeland.ws, or call the Community Education Office.

Just a glimpse of what’s coming up: Photoshop (call for dates) Planning Children’s Parties Luck Volunteer Luncheon – May 3, 12:45 - 2 p.m. at the Luck Cafeteria.

St. Croix Falls Community Education Open adult volleyball league began Monday, Jan. 15, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Valley Christian School. Adults, 18 and over.

Cost is $3 per person or $5 per couple.

Braid a chair pad. Classes held at In the Wool at St. Croix Falls. $40 for wool/instructions and braiding supplies for an additional $26.25. Call 715-483-1433 to register.

Beginning rug hooking classes. Classes held at In the Wool at St. Croix Falls. Class fee $60 and includes instruction,

pattern and wool to complete project. Hook and hoop are extra. Call 715-483-1433 to register.

Color It Mine Ceramics classes. Hoppin’ Good Time – March 8, 3:30 – 5 p.m., grades 1 – 6. Cost: $13. Hoppin’ Good Time 2 – March 29, 3:30 – 5 p.m., grades 1-6. Cost $13.

Adults Wet Green Ware, Feb. 15 for creating, Feb. 22 for glazing, 6 p.m. until done. Cost: $27.

Classes held at Simpler Times Ceramics, St. Croix Falls.

Open Basketball Gym. Every

Wednesday from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls High School, $1.50 per week.

TaeKwonDo. Classes will be held at the St. Croix Falls High School, every Tuesday.

Grasshoppers I, 3:30-4:15 p.m., $20, beginners (white belts); Grasshoppers II, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m., $20, older white belts and orange belts; Grasshoppers III, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., $20, yellow belts and up; Ages 16 – 130, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., $20, adults.

Abstract Landscapes.

Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 – 9

p.m. for 4 sessions. Cost: $50 per student.

Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk – Not too late to get started! First – Third grade, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.; 4th – 6th grade 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., 7th & 8th grade 6 – 7 p.m., HS – adult, 7 – 8 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Elementary School.

St. Croix Valley Orchestra.

Practices at the St. Croix Falls High School band room. Rehearsals 7 – 9 p.m. Mondays.

Latchkey the place to be!

Kindergarten through sixth

grade.

Students attending Dresser Elementary may ride the bus to the St. Croix Falls. Open 3:15 – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday on regular school days for children in the St. Croix Falls School District. Cost is $4 per day, per first child and $3.50 per day for second child, $3 per day for every child thereafter per day.

Services are available on earlyrelease days and some in-service days. If the child is not picked up by 6 p.m. there will be a $2.50 penalty for each five minutes after that time for added ex-

penses. Please call the elementary office at 715-483-9823, ext.

211.

Supervised Weight Room at the St. Croix Falls High School, 6:45 – 7:45 a.m. Monday – Friday; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Thursdays on student school days. Please call to preregister 715-483-9823, ext. 224.

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Grantsburg Honor Roll A Honor Roll Grade 9 Jessica Banks, Cody Crawford, Jessika Ilgen, Kelsey Lien, Ethan Prazak, John Schneider, Kallie Thoreson, Cody Tromberg, Aimee VanTatenhove, Sarah Wald, Emma Walker and Larissa Wilhelm.

Johnson, Vanessa Kleiss, Ashley Larson, Khrystyne Lindgren, Alison McKinley, Lukas Olson, Katty Peterson, Emily Prazak, Rebecca Radtke, Alyssa Ryan, Laura Skifstad and Donald Syring.

Grade 10 Lydia Benge Briggs, Bradley Berner, Nicole Davis, Justine Diffee, Mitchell Evenson, Gretchen Hedlund, Jennifer Lisiecki, Nathan McConnell, Jessica Moyer, Tyler Myers, Kathleen Preissing, Kaitlin Unbehaun, Abbey Vaksdal and Tina Zimmermann.

Grade 12 Lenora Benge Briggs, Mollie Bjelland, Aundrea Cutler, Paul Edling, David Faulhaber, Olivia Finch, Sarah Frommader, Lindsey Hedlund, Timothy Josephson, Miranda Kammeyer, Amy Lindh, Crystal Moris, Michael Myers, Tracey Nordrum, Rebecca Olson, Thomas Olson, Zachary Phillipps, Andrew Radtke and Cari Skifstad.

Grade 11 Jennifer Anderson, Maarja Anderson, Ausha Arnold, Megan Branstad, Melissa Burton, Adam Dahl, Amanda Durand, Madison Graves, Kevin

B Honor Roll Grade 9 Steven Alderton, Carinna Coy, Casey Crawford, Heather Davison, Austin Eskola, Lindsey

Fallstrom, Mitchell Frommader, Daniel Gaffney, David Gaffney, Allen Lindus, Cerenity Louis, Michelle Lund, Dylan Marohn, Christopher Olson, Joshua Phillipps, Lauren Romanowski, Michael Roper, Dustin Ryan, Lauren Shoebroek, Leah Ticknor, Rachel Tober and Matthew Wood.

Grade 10 Kaylynn Anderson, Kevin Berry, Alexander Casler, Benjamin Cole, Jonathan DeRocker, Shawn Downard, Bobbie Durand, Megan Finch, Connar Goetz, Tessa Hane, David Larsen, Thane Larson, Lauren Leonard, Keegan Marek, Jake Ryan, Lauren Stavne and Kristin Zastrow.

Grade 11 Allison Briggs, Sasha Chell, Zachary Corbin, Michael Corty, Nathan Dahlberg, Michelle Davidsavor, Alysia Fehrman, Robert Hanson,

Kirsten Ilgen, Chandra Krout, Anthony LaMere, Nicholas Larsen, Dominic Leibel, Cody Marek, Brandon Mogel, Alex Nelson, LaShawn Nohrenberg, Shawn Pavlik, Amanda Peterson, Michael Preissing, Jeanne Reis and Simone Workman.

Grade 12 Lauren Amundson, Alicia Byers, Ami Cunderla, Ashley Fallstrom, Cody Franklin, Ashley Goepfert, Amanda Huehn, Jade Johnson, James Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Brandon Kaiser, Tyler Larsen, Jamie Lund, Katelyn Mack, Senja Melin, Paul Nelson, Nicole Paquette, Sarina Rogers, Jeremy Simon, Nicole Simon, Shawn Solomonson, John Sullivan, Shawn Swanson, Tabitha VanDeusen and Jonathan Wick.

Luck Honor Roll The Cardinal Intelligence Agency was created at Luck High School 15 years ago as a program to recognize and reward student achievement.

It was designed to help students to focus on academics, while also encouraging positive overall behavior. As a part of this, an incentive program has been established. Its concept is to recognize students with short-term tangible incentives, just as is done in the world of business.

Gold Cards indicate that the full-time student has earned an A- or above grade point average, has earned no failing grades or incompletes, has no unexcused absences, unserved detentions, or extra-curricular code violations, has no more than one disciplinary referral, and no suspensions.

Red Cards indicate that the full-time student has earned a B- or above grade point average, has earned no failing grades or incompletes, has no unexcused absences, unserved detentions, or extracurricular code violations, has no more than two disciplinary referrals, and no suspensions.

Cardinal Cards indicate that the full-time student has earned a C- or above grade point average, has earned no failing grades or incompletes, has no unexcused absences, unserved detentions, or extracurricular code violations, has no more than three disciplinary referrals, and no suspensions.

Honor roll Seniors T. J. Ball, Josh Bazey (G), Kristine Clarke

(G), Natalie Gubrud (R), Peter Hall (G), Sam Hochstetler (G), Bryce Holm (G), Felicia Lane, Alyssa Mellon (G), Iqra Mian (G), Brooke Olson (G), Jenny Roberts (G), Peter Rozumalski (R), Jesse Schallenberger (G), Jenny Seck (R), Jesse Sorenson (G), Chris Valentine (G) and Adam Wallin (R).

Juniors Chelsie Anderson (R), Jessica Antonson (R), Gina Armour (G), Laura Byl (G), Brianna Dietmeier (R), Melissa Erickson (R), Britta Giller (R), Megan Hacker (G), Russell Harr (R), Brett Holdt (R), Tanya Holm (G), Cassie Johnson, Kelly Johnson (G), Mitchell Klatt (R**), Jordyn McGinnity (G), Nate Nelson (G), Daniel Nentwich (R), Sarah Olson (G), Harlan Opitz, Ben Panek (G), Sarah Petersen (G), Tyler Petersen, Chelsea Rasmussen (G), Wally Rich (G**), Ashley Schebo (G), Lacy Sellent (G), Emily Smith (R**), Briana Stage (R) and Sami Talmadge (R).

Sophomores Adam Anderson (G), Shane Buchholz, Clare Cadogan (G), Melita Ericksen (R), Christine Franzel (G), Keighley James (G), Grace Jenson (G), Melissa Jenssen (G), Kasey Johnson, Brett Larson (G), Alyssa Lehmann (G), Derek Letch (R), James Longhenry (G), Christian McCabe (R), Jimmy Mellon (R), Nick Morgan (G), Brennan Olson (G), Ashley Overby (G), Megan Panek (G), Jenny Roettger (R), Marnie Rozumalski (G), Harry Seversen-Dickinson (R), Noah Thatcher (R), Stephanie Tido (G), Ashley Valen-

tine (G), Justin Virkus (R) and Andy Wortman.

Freshmen Derek Buck (R), Bryson Clemenson (R*), Gary Ekholm, Nick Emerson (R), Samantha Fenning (R), Carson Giller (R), Taylor Horsager (G), Kassi Ingram, Diana Kufalk (R*), Peter Langeness (G), Mitchell Larson (G), Aleah Lemieux (G*), Mary MaidenMueller (G), Jake Monahan, Jason Nelson (R*), Aaron Norlund (R), Emily Phillips (G*), Taryn Pilz, Bailee Swenson (R) and Rachel Virkus (G).

Honorable mention Seniors Todd Anderson, Mike Christensen (R), Jarica Hoisington, Tom Lobeck, Alex McCabe, Travis Pilz (R) and Alicia Schleif.

Additional Red Cards Seniors Joe Adair, Nick Elert and Josh Harvey.

Juniors Casey Hatten, Matt Petersen and Cole Wickstrom**.

Sophomores Tim Kowalik and Ricky Nelson.

Freshmen Dana Ericksen and Alex Smith Cardinal Cards Seniors Tanya Pardun

Juniors Darcy Brenholt (M), Kody Erickson (R), Iner Jeppesen (R**), Mason Potvin and Cody Richert.

Juniors Steven Ball, Kayla Bubendorf*, Jil Goeres, Aalyssa Holdt, Samantha LaBoda, Brent Moore and Tyler Otlo.

Sophomores Kaylyn Ball (R), Sheri Belisle (R), Aushleana Branville (R), Dylan Fultz, Dakota Krout (R), Hannah Melin (R), Cindie Simon (R*) and Krystal Stage (R).

Sophomores Susan Boatman*, Cody Borresen, Jerod Buck, Brittany Douglas, Dylan Fjorden, Jared Jensen and Ryan Moore*.

Freshmen Joe Dahlke (R*), Sarah Goneau (R*), Keenan Nemeth (R*), Alecia Ouellette (R*), Amanda Shannon (R) and Eryn Taber.

Freshmen Chris Aldrich*, Joe Grovum*, Jordan Hall and Aaron Sorenson*. * First-time Card-earner ** Ninth-time Red or Gold Card-earner

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

OBITUARIES Phyllis G. Sedlacek

Vernon W. Friberg

Mervin “Mike” Hill

Phyllis G. Sedlacek, nee Greenlee, Wyoming, Minn., died peacefully Feb. 8, 2007. She was 91 years old.

Phyllis was born Oct. 12, 1915, on her parents’ farm in Keokuk County, Iowa, the sixth child and third daughter of Frank Oliver and Mary Alice (Hotchkiss) Greenlee. The family also lived in North English and Keswick, Iowa, before moving to St. Croix Falls, in 1923.

Phyllis first attended school in Keswick, and graduated from St. Croix Falls High in 1933. She then attended the one-year course at Polk County Normal and taught at several rural schools before meeting and marrying Carl W. Ostrom at Mason City, Iowa, Aug. 13, 1938. They lived for a time in the Twin Cities before moving to the Greenlee farm to care for her elderly parents and so their children could have the advantage of a small-town school. Phyllis was active in several clubs and especially enjoyed playing bridge with her hometown group as long as she could drive.

Carl Ostrom died June 13, 1961, and Phyllis returned to Polk County Normal to renew her teaching certificate and took classes at Wisconsin-River Falls. She also learned to play golf.

Early in 1964, mutual friends introduced Phyllis to widower George Sedlacek, and they married Sept. 18, 1964. George and Phyllis enjoyed 37 happy years together. She substitute taught in the Forest Lake district, and they enjoyed bridge, golf, and their many friends.

This happy period was marred by the deaths of Phyllis’s son, Lee Ostrom, in 1986 and George’s son, Edward, in 1988. Phyllis and George especially enjoyed their winters as snowbirds in Texas after his 1973 retirement and the atmosphere and friendly neighbors in Scandia Cottages. George Sedlacek died Oct. 13, 2001.

It was with reluctance that Phyllis moved from Scandia to Meadows on Fairview assisted living in Wyoming, Minn., in 2004.

Phyllis is survived by daughter, Christine (Ken) Stannard of Colorado; sister, Evelyn Pellow of Michigan; step-daughter, Kathryn (Glenn) Grubbs; daughter-inlaw, Denise Ostrom, two step-granddaughters, Kim (Nathan) Harvey and Megan (Josh) Peschman; and three great-grandchildren, all of Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by son, Lee Ostrom; husbands, Carl Ostrom and George Sedlacek; three brothers, and two sisters.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail North, Scandia. The family will greet friends one half hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be send to Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025, which will be directed to the Ebenezer Foundation/Meadows on Fairview and the American Cancer Society. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

The Mattson Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Forest Lake was entrusted with arrangements.

Vernon W. Friberg, 91, died Monday Feb. 6, 2007, at Homestead Nursing Home in Lincoln, Neb. Vernon was born March 10, 1915, in Frederic to Martin and Victoria Friberg, He grew up on the family farm in Daniels Township where he walked with his sister Lillian to Wood Creek grade school. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in West Sweden. As a teenager, he helped his father build the house he lived in all his life.

On June 12, 1948 he married Lola Hastings of Trade Lake. They settled at the dairy farm on County Line road where they raised three sons; Vern, Gerry and Jim. He enjoyed animals, birds, fishing, hunting and working in the woods. He retired from dairy farming in 1986.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Lola in 1997. After that time, he spent winters in Nebraska with his son Gerry and family. He enjoyed gardening during the summers at his home in Wisconsin. At both locations, he loved the food and company at the senior center each noon.

He is survived by his sister, Lillian Anderson; sons, Vern, Gerry and Jim; nephew, Lonnie Anderson; six grandchildren and four great-grand children.

Funeral services are planned at Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden, Friday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m., with Pastor David Almlie officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 15, 4 - 7 p.m. at the Rowe Funeral home in Frederic.

The Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic, was entrusted with arrangements.

Mervin “Mike” Hill, 78, of Balsam Lake, died Sunday, Feb. 11, in St. Paul, Minn.

Mike was born to Melvin and Eliza (Johnson) Hill at Kanawha, Iowa, on May 11, 1928, where he grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Corwith High School, he attended Midland Linotype School. He came to Balsam Lake in 1956, where he worked as a typesetter at the Polk County Ledger for 22 years. In 1959, he was united in marriage to Connie Crane and five children were born to this union. From 1978 to 1987, they owned and operated the Polk Inn Restaurant in Balsam Lake. He retired from Polaris Industries in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; children, Michael (Carolina) Hill of Chicago, Ill., Melanie Hill (Knut Loras) of Steinkjer, Norway, Valerie Hill (Jeffrey Kraker) of Minneapolis, Minn., Brian Hill (Katherine Korsgaard) of St. Paul, Minn., Sally (Bob) Wolff of Amery; grandchildren, Alexander, Samuel, Eliza Kraker, Madelein and Amanda Loras, Rosalie Wolff; brother, Darold (Clara) Hill of Wilmington, Ill.; sister, Darlene Larson of Forest City, Iowa; nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Myrna Jean; grandchildren, Anna Marie and Andrew Nathan Wolff; brother-in-law Robert Larson.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake. Visitation will be on Friday, from 4 – 7 p.m., at the Kolstad-Rowe Funeral Home in Centuria, and again at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at the Balsam Lake Cemtery.

The Kolstad-Rowe Funeral Home, Centuria, was entrusted with arrangements.

Hollylea M. Mosay Hollylea M. Mosay, 40, of Balsam Lake, died on Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Funeral services will be held at Word of Life Fellowship Church in Clear Lake, on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Kolstad-Rowe Funeral Home in Centuria on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., and again at the church, one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday. Interment will be at the Balsam Lake Cemetery.

Kolstand-Rowe Funeral Home of Centuria is entrusted with the arrangements.

Paul David Carlson Paul David Carlson, age 71, Merritt Island, Fla., died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at Cape Canaveral Hospital.

Paul was born in Frederic, to Oscar and Marion Johnson Carlson, of Siren. He attended Siren schools through high school. Paul graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1958 with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as a senior electrical engineer in the manned and unmanned space programs for 47 years. The programs he participated in were Mercury, Gemini, Apollo-Soyuz Skylab and the Space Shuttle.

In 2001, the Siren Board of Education recognized Paul for his distinguished service to the NASA Space Program by introducing him into the Wall of Honor at Siren High School. He was a life member in the IEEE. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dellene Devlin Carlson, of Merritt Island; sister, Audrey (David) Marquardt of Erie, Colo.; niece, Kelly Marquardt of Seattle, Wash.; and two nephews, Kristopher (Heather) Marquardt and Eric (Lori) Marquardt of Colo.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joanie and Fred Smith of Rockledge, Fla. Visitation and a memorial service were held Saturday, Feb. 3, at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Homes on Merritt Island. There was no graveside ceremony. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the American Lung Association, 1333 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.

Carlie Stellrecht Carlie Stellrecht, Spooner, and a longtime resident of the town of Rusk, Burnett County, died Feb. 5, 2007, at Spooner. He was 99 years old.

Carlie was born June 16, 2007, to Karl and Minnie (Hagner) Stellrecht, in the town of Rusk where he was raised. He attended the Green Grove School.

On June 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Anna Mary Jalkos at Couderay. They resided in Rusk Township where they farmed until 1977. Anna preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1987. He married Beverly Norling on April 23, 1994, in Grantsburg and they resided there. Beverly preceded him in death on Aug. 17, 2004. He had been a resident at Care Partners Assisted Living in Spooner for the past few months. Carlie enjoyed dancing and the outdoors.

In addition to his two wives, Carlie was preceded in death by four brothers and six sisters.

He is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and the staff and residents of Care Partners.

Funeral services were held Feb. 9 at Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home, Spooner, with the Rev. Martin Nolet officiating. Interment followed at the Calvary Cemetery in Spooner.

The Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home, Spooner, was entrusted with arrangements.

Eugene Fredrick White Jr. Eugene Fredrick White Jr., 63, of Anoka, Minn., formerly of New Richmond, died at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minn. after a fatal accident.

He was born Sept. 10, 1943, in St. Paul to Eugene and Mary (Hunt) White. In 1955, they moved to a farm in New Richmond where he lived until after graduating high school in 1962.

He married Ellen (Grant) in 1962. They had five children and he had another son with his second wife, Mary (Iverson). In 1983, he married Joan (Young). He loved to cook, and owned restaurants in Woodville and Lakeland, Minn., which he later sold. He started Twin Cities Flag Source in 1983. He enjoyed his family and friends and spending time at their lake home on Half Moon Lake in northern Wisconsin.

He was a beloved man who will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and anyone who had the good fortune of meeting him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Brandon Rojas.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Aleta (Jesus) Rojas White; five sons, Eugene (Sherry) Louisville, Ky., Lance (Linda) Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Caleb (Deirdre) stationed in Japan., Aaron of Welch, Minn., and Jason of Trinidad, Colo.; 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; one sister, Kathleen (Otto) Dyg of New Richmond; one brother, Patrick (Sherry) of Luck; his aunts, Delores Franke of West St. Paul, Minn., Ruth (Fred) Meyer of Bradenton, Fla.; his uncle, Fred (Terry) White of Richfield, Minn.; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 29, in Luck.

Charles E. Fahland Charles E. Fahland, of Good Samaritan Care Center, St. Croix Falls, formerly of Lewis, died Saturday, Feb. 10.

Complete obituary will be printed in a future publication.

F o l l o w t h e L e a d e r

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

OBITUARIES

CHURCH NEWS

Travis Reed Donald

Kenneth Lahners is guest pastor at Bethany Lutheran

Travis Reed Donald, Frederic, died Feb. 3, 2007, on his 27th birthday.

Travis was born Feb. 3, 1980, to Walter and Kathryn (Conrad) Donald in Frederic. He was born with spina bifida and overcame many difficulties in his life, all a with positive attitude.

He graduated from Luck High School in 2000. Some of Travis’ interest were hunting, fishing, playing cards, visiting with family and friends, using his computer and talking on the phone. He loved to joke around with people. Travis loved his dog, Greta, who died four weeks ago.

He is survived by his mother, Kathryn Donald of Frederic; five sisters, Dana Donald of Frederic, Julia Amrhien (John) of Centuria, Lori (Doug) Johnson of Luck, Dawn (Mike) Lunsmann of Milltown, Darcy (Tom) Binfet of Fox Creek; three brothers, Dustin (Audry) Donald of Frederic, Cody (Rachel) Donald of Luck, Clint (Karla) Donald of Lewis; nieces and nephews, Chelsie, Savannah, Tanner, Jeremiah, Reid, Alex, Garrett, Paige, Curtis, Brittany, Madisyn, Taylor and Kennady; aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Donald; maternal grandparents, Gordon and Avis Conrad; paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Esther Donald.

Pallbearers were Clint Donald, Dustin Donald, Cody Donald, Doug Johnson, Tom Binfet, Mike Lunsmann, John Amrhien, Jeremy Hiller, Pete Dueholm and Gene Mueller.

Visitation was at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck. Funeral services were held at Bone Lake Lutheran Church in Luck. Interment will be in this spring at McKinley Cemetery in McKinley Township.

Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, was entrusted with arrangements.

Adehl Burch Adehl Burch, 94, of St. Croix Falls, died Feb. 9, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Croix Falls.

Adehl was born June 10, 1912, the daughter of Ole and Mary Bystrom. On Sept. 23, 1933, she was united in marriage to Joe Burch, who preceded her in death on July 5, 1998.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Burch; daughter-in-law, Louise Burch; two grandchildren, Denise Donahue and Dawn Burch.

She is survived by daughters, Joan (Charles) Zeigler, Joyce (Edward) Emerson, Judy (Jack) Stahl and Jane (Edward) Olson; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She lived her entire life in the Eureka area.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 13, at First Lutheran Church, Cushing. Pastor Charles Arndt officiated. Interment was at New Home Cemetery.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

EDLING FUNERALHOME 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI (715) 483-3141

E

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SIREN – Kenneth Lahners led the worship service at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren Feb. 11, the sixth Sunday after Epiphany, while Pastor John Clasen was out of town with his family. Lahners’ sermon and the day’s Gospel lesson were taken from Luke 6, verse 20, “…blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” The day’s readings were shared by Beth Greiff and children, Amy Sue and David Greiff. Bethany holds worship services every Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with fellowship activities for all ages on Wednesday evenings. During the next few weeks, Bethany will host an adult course each Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. called, “Introduction to Islam,” and Feb. 23 is a family skate night in Rice Lake. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 715-349-5280.– from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

Christian Women’s Club After 5 to meet SIREN/WEBSTER – All ladies are cordially invited to the Webster Area Christian Women’s Club After 5 dinner meeting to be held at the Channel House Restaurant beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18.

There will be a Heart Craft Ideas special feature presented by Gia Gunerius of Andover, Minn., and Bonnie Cain from Siren will entertain us with music on her

harp. The special speaker will be Bev Woldhius from Chippewa Falls. Bev and her husband, married for 35 years, have three children and three grandchildren. She loves fishing with her husband in the summer, and she is also interested in reading and music. Please call Jan at 866-8106 or Carol at 349-7006 to make your reservation - submitted

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

CHURCH NEWS

Instant answers

Eagles and hawks perch on wires or in trees, almost motionless for hours sometimes, as they scan the fields below in hopes of a meal.

They sit on their perch all day, if that’s what it takes for them to find their prey.

Sally Bair How many of us are as patient and steadfast in our waiting? We live in an I-must-have-it-now soci- PERSPECTIVES ety. For breakfast, it’s often instant hot cereal or a toaster waffle. Dinner may be a microwave-in-the-package meal. We opt to lose 14 pounds in 14 days rather than take up a slower, more natural eating plan. We buy cars…homes…household items…sports toys…on credit so we can enjoy them now. We multitask at home, on the job, even while driving, in order to gain minutes of leisure time with family and friends or to earn more money so we can spend more money.

Our drive to obtain everything the fastest way possible seems to have no end. American society in general has given up on the old-fashioned way of living simpler, slower, saner. In fact, it has pervaded our spiritual lives as well.

Take prayer, for example. Nowadays, we expect God to move as fast as we do. But much of the time he moves too slowly to suit our wishes.

When we pray for healing, God sometimes moves supernaturally to give us instant wellness. When he waits, however, it may be because of sin in our lives that blocks the healing. Unforgiveness, fear, or anger can block God’s immediate answer. Other times, God waits because he wants us to mature in our faith.

And sometimes we simply don’t recognize God’s answer until much later.

We would do well to take a lesson from the steadfast eagle or hawk, vowing to believe that God will indeed, and in his own time, answer our prayers. We would do well to follow King David’s example, too, a godly man who was promised Israel’s throne but had to wait many years to take possession of it. During his long wait, he had to live in caves, hunted like an animal by his enemy, losing his wife to another man in the process.

David—and others—grew steadfast in their waiting by living day by day in God’s grace. That’s what God wants us to do, too, while we wait for our prayers to be answered. James 5:7 says, “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.”

Lord, forgive our impatience, our desire for instant answers. Give us a steadfast and faithful heart in all that we ask. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

Yellow Lake Lutheran Church set services DANBURY – The Yellow Lake Lutheran Church has set their Ash Wednesday service for Feb. 21, 4 p.m. The soup supper will follow. – submitted

Immanuel Lutheran sets Lenten schedule FREDERIC – Services will be held on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. The Ash Wednesday communion service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20. The remaining services – Feb. 27, March 6, 13, 20 and 27. The theme for the Lenten services is prophets of repentence.

The Good Friday communion service will be Friday, April 6, at 1 p.m.

Easter Sunday services are April 11, at 10:30 a.m.

Public welcome. - submitted

All Sufficient

2) For Reproof – Reproof means, to prove again and again what the difference is between (Part 6 in a series) right or wrong. When used in the scriptures, it is associated with the idea of testing, searching out “Blessed is he that readeth… and keep those or cross-examining evidence to find the truth. things which are written therein…” (RevelaWhen we wish to learn, what we need to correct tion 1:3). in our lives, an honest examination of the scripIn Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he tells tures will always lead to the truth. They tell us him to continue in the things, which he has What’s Not Right.

Garret learned directly from Paul and from the scrip3) For Correction – Correction means, fixing tures (2Timothy 3:14-15). Paul then continues Derouin that which has been proven wrong. Like fixing a on to tell him that “All Scripture is given by incar, diagnosing the problem is only half the job. spiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for You still need to know how to fix the problem.

THE reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousWhen we wish to learn how to fix the problems ness: That the man of God may be perfect, thor- PREACHER’S in our lives, the Word of God is the light that oughly furnished unto all good works” (2Timothy guides us. It tells us How to Get Right.

3:16-17). Paul is saying that the scriptures are 4) For Instruction in Righteousness – This “All Sufficient” for man’s needs. That with type of instruction encompasses all the ideas of them, man has everything needed to make himself per- training, education, chastisement and nurturing rolled into fect (The Greek word here does not imply sinless perfec- one. Like fixing a car again, once the problem is fixed, tion, but completeness, or full-grown maturity). How is we want to prevent it from breaking again, or better yet it that God’s Word, the scriptures, is “All Sufficient” for learn how we could have avoided having it break in the our needs? It is because of its Origin, its Purpose and the first place. When we wish to learn the best preventative Result that they produce. maintenance for our lives, the righteousness taught by The Origin of the scriptures is from God, exactly as we God’s Word is unbeatable. “For therein is the righteoushave been talking about in the previous articles. The ness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written” scriptures are not the outgrowth of man’s thinking, wis- (Romans 1:17). The scriptures tell us How to Stay Right dom or experience; they are “of God.” The Result that occurs from a knowledge and underThe Purpose of the scriptures is that they are prof- standing of God’s Word? It equips Christians. It makes itable. The scriptures are not meant to be entertaining them… mature in the faith. It makes them… fully equipped reading material. They are meant to aid our development for service to God. as Christians, but in what ways?

If readers have questions or simply wish to know more 1) For Doctrine - Doctrine means, that which is taught. about the Church of Christ, we invite you to call 715-866The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths 7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 W. Birch St. taught by Christ and his apostles. When we wish to learn in Webster. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 9 how to live as a Christian we should learn from the scrip- a.m.-noon. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m., Wortures, God gave them for that particular purpose. They ship is at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday evening class is at 7 tell us What’s Right. p.m.

PEN

Pilgrim Lutheran invites all to attend their Lenten worship FREDERIC – Pilgrim Lutheran Church invites all to attend their Lenten series called, “The Symbols of Lent.” The series begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, at a 6:30 p.m. service and concludes on Maundy Thursday, April 5, at a 6:30 p.m. service. The Lenten series will focus on different symbols of Lent that help to tell the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Each week every family that attends will receive an item that will help tell Christ’s story. Among the items that will by handed out are a wooden cross, a stone, a money bag with coins, a purple cloth and other symbols that help to tell the story of the Passion of Christ.

All are invited on the nights of Wednesday, Feb. 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, to come to a soup supper that begins at 5:30 p.m. The service will begin after the supper at 6:30 a.m.

Pilgrim’s hope is that all will attend these special events and encourage everyone to come each week to receive all the pieces of the puzzle that will help to understand Christ’s journey to the cross.

Questions, please contact Pilgrim Lutheran Church at 715-327-8637. Pilgrim Lutheran Church is located on 507 Wisconsin Ave., North, behind the water tower. – submitted

West Denmark Lutheran Church to celebrate Fastelavns LUCK – The West Denmark Lutheran Church will be celebrating its pre-Lenten “Fastelavns” on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the West Denmark Parish Hall.

The celebration of Fastelavns dates back centuries as a pagen celebration. After Denmark was converted to Christianity, it became a Christian event. Translated from Danish, fastelavns literally means “with an empty stomach,” more commonly referred to as a “fast.” Before the “fast” of Lent comes the celebration. Early in West Denmark’s history this meant a day off from school for the children for fun, games and food. Today,

Bethany Lutheran sets Ash Wednesday service GRANTSBURG - Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg will be holding an Ash Wednesday communion service with imposition of ashes at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21. During the Lenten season, in addition to Sunday worship services at 11 a.m., there will be Wednesday evening services beginning at 6 p.m. with a soup supper followed by worship at 7 p.m. All are welcome, Jan Rozumalski, Karsten Petersen, Austin Holm they would love to have you come and worship with and Pam Petersen watch candy, coins and straw fly them. If you have any questions or desire any addithrough the air as Roger Petersen cracks open the tional information, please contact Pastor Jay at 463-5746.

Fastelavns barrel at last year’s pre-Lenten celebra- submitted tion at West Denmark Lutheran Church, Luck. – Photo submitted

as society has changed so has this event.

The game that has survived over the decades consists of hanging a wooden barrel from the high ceiling of the hall. It is filled with candy, coins and a “plush” cat. Participants take turns clubbing the barrel, and children scurry for the spilling contents until the barrel is completely emptied. The person who releases the cat tied into the barrel becomes the King, Queen, Prince or Princess of West Denmark. There are three barrels used for the games, one each for women, men and children.

By tradition, the black cat represented winter and needed to be driven away so that spring could come.

The public is invited to this celebration starting at 5 p.m. with a potluck supper on Sunday, Feb. 18. The games will follow the supper at about 6:30 p.m. West Denmark Parish Hall is located at 2490 170th Street, Luck. Take CTH N west of Luck at 170th Street and turn south (left). For further information call 472-4196.

- submitted

Taylors Falls Christian Women’s Club to meet TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The Taylors Falls Christian Women’s Club will be meeting Monday, Feb. 19, at 11:30 am., at the St. Croix Falls Senior Center. They will welcome Leann Roggemann and Wendy Young, from the Fairview Lakes Clinic, with Heart Health as their special feature. They will also hear Bev Woldhuis as she speaks to them on Finding Peace Amidst the Storm, and Julaine Bergland as she provides the special music. The cost is $8 inclusive per person. Please call 651-257-1768 or 715-857-5573 for reservations. - submitted

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

CHURCH Trend toward early puberty may be changing course Q: Are there limits to the trend toward younger and younger sexual development? If not, the kids of the future may enter puberty in the middle of childhood. That could create enormous problems if sexual awareness precedes emotional maturity by a decade or more.

DR. DOBSON: It could happen, but that isn't likely.

Actually, studies now indicate that a leveling off and perhaps a reversal of this trend are occurring. In 1988, the average age of the menarche reached a low point of 12.5. By 1993, however, a study found that the curve had begun to swing back in the other direction. Puberty appears to be arriving slightly later.

Why? Well, just as better nutrition and health care caused the average age to drop in the recent past, the present emphasis on ultra thin bodies and intense exercise is apparently delaying development somewhat.

Many physicians are concerned about today's obsession with what used to be called "skinniness." Extremes, they say, are rarely beneficial to human beings whether they are manifested in grossly overweight bodies or those that are bone thin.

A famous biochemist at the University of Southern California, Dr. Sam Bessman, once told me: "Remember that the body never stops eating. If you don't feed it properly, it will begin to consume itself." That is precisely what happens in the girl who consumes too few calories; she may have no periods for years at a time.

••• Q: I'm in my early 20s and trying to figure out a career path and general direction for my life. Do you have any suggestions?

DR. DOBSON: First, you need information. You might begin by going to an occupational psychologist or another knowledgeable counselor who can assess your skills and interests. There are excellent psychometric tests available today that will acquaint you with your own abilities. Computers will analyze your re- Dr. James sponses and correlate them with Dobson those of people who are successful and contented in given professions.

You might be surprised at what you can learn about yourself from an occupational inventory.

Second, you should begin an energetic exploration of eight or nine occupations that you might find exciting. Visit people who are working in those fields and ask them for advice and counsel. Attack this problem like a private investigator who is determined to unravel a mystery.

Leave no stone unturned.

Third, when you've identified the area of greatest interest, commit to it. Beyond that point there's no looking back. Even if there might be a more attractive goal out there somewhere, there comes a point where you have to get on with life. Take your best shot and stay with it until you have a more secure and certain alternative to chase. Millions of others have been where you are now. They eventually got the rockets to fire. I believe you will too.

••• Q: You have said that every healthy married couple should learn how to fight. What do you mean by that?

DR. DOBSON: What I have said is that people need to learn how to fight fair, because there is a big differ-

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

ence between healthy and unhealthy combat in marriage. In an unstable marriage, hostility is aimed at the partner's soft underbelly with comments like: "You never do anything right!" and "Why did I marry you in the first place?" and "You're getting more like your mother every day!" These offensive remarks strike at the very heart of the mate's self-worth.

Healthy conflict, by contrast, is focused on the issues that cause disagreement. For example: "It upsets me when you don't tell me you're going to be late for dinner." Or: "I was embarrassed when you made me look foolish at the party last night."

Can you hear the difference in these two sets of examples? The first approach assaults the dignity of the partner while the second is addressed to the source of conflict. When couples learn this important distinction, they can work through their disagreements without wounding and insulting each other.

Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House.

COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC. DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; 816-932 6600.

Brought to you by:

Siren/Lewis United Methodist Churches Siren, Wis.

Lewis, Wis.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

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Tuition loans available. 913319-2603. www.RailroadTraining.com REGISTERED SANITARIAN, Bayfield County, WI. Permanent Full Time Position Opening.

BS in Environmental Health or related field, required. Contact www.bayfieldcounty.org (715)373-6181 Deadline, March 2.

REAL ESTATE BUILDING SALE...Feb/March delivery or deposit holds till Spring. 25’x40’x12’ $48,000.

40’x60’x16’ $12,800. Front end optional. Rear end included. MANY OTHERS! Pioneer, 1-800-668-5422. www,pioneersteel.com MID WINTER SALE! Golf Homesites Just $89,000.

MAKE NO PAYMENTS UNTIL 2008! Pristine wooded homesites. Spectacular golf community.

Mountains of SC. Limited time offer. Call 866-334-3253, x 1194. Michaels Inland Management. Wednesday, February 07, 2007 04:16 PM WINTER LAND SALE SAVE UP TO $22,000 Lake Property and wooded acreage w/ boat slip on 2,000 acre lake. Savings on March 3rd only. $49,900. $0 down and no payments till 2008. McKeough Land Co. 800-240-LAND (5263) WINTER LAND SALE SAVE UP TO $22,000 Lake Property and wooded acreage w/ boat slip on 2,000 acre lake. Savings on March 3rd only. Big water, big woods, huge opportunity. Start @ $49,900. Zero down and no payments till 2008. McKeough Land Co. 800-240-LAND (5263) VACATION RENTALS FLORIDA, MARCO ISLAND, Vacation Rentals/Sales.

Beachfront condos, private homes w/ pools.

Enjoy warmth, relaxation & great beaches. Century 21 1st Southern Trust 888-393-5907 www.c21marco.com

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 NEWER 2-BR TWIN HOME: Washer/dryer, dishwasher, 1-car heated garage, St. Croix Falls, 715648-5267. 24Ltfc

PRIVATE PARTY LOOKING FOR LAND: Large or small parcel, in Polk or Burnett counties, 715-829-1738. 2225Lp PUBLIC AUCTION FEB. 26: Frederic Mini Storage, 9:30 a.m. Personal effects, household goods & misc. items belonging to the following: Josh Sahr, #17 and Chad Giller, #48. 25-26Lc

PUBLIC AUCTION FEB. 26: Siren Mini Storage, 10 a.m.

Personal effects, household goods & misc. items belonging to the following: Derrick Ryan #9 and Matthew Collier #49. 2526Lc PUBLIC AUCTION FEB. 26: Balsam Lake Mini Storage, 8:30 a.m. Personal effects, household goods & misc. items belonging to the following: Laurie Bull #BA20 and Jay Johnson, units #71, 89 & 90. 25-26Lc

FEBRUARY 14, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Rachel Thomas has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and is the daughter of Scott and Elaine Thomas. Rachel is an excellent student who always has time to help others. Her hobbies are horse riding, spending time with pets, reading horse books, playing piano, basketball and shopping with mom.

Krysta Laqua has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Mike and Lori Laqua. Krysta works to her ability and has a strong desire to be successful and cooperative. She does what is asked of her in a positive manner. She is involved in volleyball, basketball and softball. Krysta works at Main Street Cafe. Future plans include college.

Tiffany Peterson has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is a fifth-grader and the daughter of Kevin and Julie Peterson. Tiffany enjoys the outdoors. Her favorite thing to do is go on vacations and stay at hotels with her family. She really likes school. She is a model student and always does her best work. She has a real passion for art and writing. She plays the flute in the school band.

Alexandra Puetz has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daugher of Elisabeth Franzen and Stephen Puetz.

Alexandra is an honor student who takes challenging courses.

She has a very good work ethic, is creative and likes challenges. She is involved in FFA, drama club and track. Her hobbies include reading, horses, building and making things.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Preston Lane has been chosen as Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Tamara Eley and Isaac Lane. Preston is a very good student and works hard. He gets along well with others. Preston’s favorite class is phy. ed.

After school he loves to build things with Legos.

Angela Schebo has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Joanne and Les Schebo. Angela is a very friendly, fun young lady.

She is always happy. Angela is involved in band, choir, volleyball, cross country, basketball and track. In her spare time, she enjoys riding horse, snowmobiling, reading, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.

Glenn Mishler has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is the son of Shea Mishler and a sophomore. He is a student who goes out of his way to be helpful to teachers and students.

He enjoys facing challenges and has used his problem solving to come up with unique solutions to problems. He is involved in Kinship.

In his spare time, he enjoys fourwheeling and snowmobiling, driving big red trucks and working with his uncle on cars. He plans to be a racer or an actor.

Sean Schaber has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Pam and Jerry Schaber. Sean really likes recess and likes to go on the slides. At home he enjoys sledding with his sister and hanging out with his brother.

SIREN

Michael Conrow has been chosen Siren Elementary’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade.

Michael was nominated for being a helpful student in class. He enjoys school and works hard to accomplish the work given to him.

Michael’s favorite class is math.

He enjoys playing with his friends.

Jake Ryan has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Marshall and Beth Ryan. Jake is a hard-working cooperative and bright student. He always has a positive attitude and works well with all types of people. He is hardworking, intelligent, patient and fun to be around. He is interested in sports, things that take patience and time to finish, models and puzzles.

Jessica Joy Morris has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Brad and Wendy Morris. She has a contagious, joyous attitude toward school and life. She loves to read and says acting is her passion.

She is involved in volleyball, forensics, band, choir, soccer, track and softball. She enjoys dancing, playing video games, shopping, cooking and typing on the computer.

Jenna Van Soelen has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daugher of Jack and Meerilee Van Soelen. She has one sister, Megan. Her favoirte pastimes are skiing and softball. Jenna is involved in singing, band and plays at the Art Barn. Language arts is her favorite subject because it is fun, and she is good at it.

Carissa Libbenga has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomre and the daughter of Christie and Steve Libbenga. She is a very active student and is involved in many activities. She was on the girls’ volleyball team this past fall, a huge asset in our S.P.A.R.K.S. tutoring program, is active in DECA, on the honor roll, and is a very harworking student.

WEBSTER

Kaela Lundeen has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Pam Ott. Kaela has an excellent attitude toward school. She works hard and always does her best.

She is a very dependable student who likes to help out in the classroom. She enjoys reading, drawing and being with her family.

Evon Maxwell has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade.

Evon gets good grades, attends school regularly and always comes to school with a positive attitude. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates. Evon enjoys listening to music and collecting rocks.

Travis Moser has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Scott Moser and Carolyn Hopkins. Travis has good attendance, is bright and has a good sense of humor. Travis works at Wayne’s, lifts weights and trains for football. He is interested in snowboarding and boxing. He plans to go to college and become a pharmacist. He would also like to play college football.

UNITY

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Josh Magnuson has been chosen as the Valley Christian student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Steve and Sarah Magnuson of Lindstrom, Minn. His favorite subject is literature. His favorite foods are spicy.

His favorite sports activity is soccer. He has two sisters and one brother. His dad is a teacher and his mom is a Mary Kay director.

After school he likes to go home and go outside in the woods.

Riley Carnes has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of James and Sarah Carnes. Riley has shown great academic performance, effort and a positive attitude. He has great work habits in all classes and a genuine desire to be successful in school.

Nate Kahl has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Alan and Kim Kahl. Nate was chosen by the exploratory team because he is an easygoing polite student that is a pleasure to have in class. He has shown improvement throughout the school year.

Sam Bengtson has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Jeremy and Lisa Bengtson of Balsam Lake. Sam has excellent work ethic in several classes.

He is a very good student and also kind and polite. He enjoys golf, basketball and snowboarding. He plans to attend college after high school.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- FEBRUARY 14, 2007

Coming events

FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY/14 Frederic

• Valentine Dinner, 5:30 social hour, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:45 p.m. program, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Reservations required, 715-327-8012.

Siren

• Wild River Habitat for Humanity’s thirdannual Valentine’s Dinner Dance, 5:30 p.m., happy hour; 6 p.m., dinner; 7-9:30 p.m., dance, at the Lodge on Crooked Lake.

Call 715-349-7477 or 715-463-2894 for more info.

Hudson

Luck

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 5-6:30 p.m. at the senior center. Contact Ellen Jepsen, 715-472-2877 or use 715-294-3750 as contact for other areas.

Balsam Lake

• Family Child Care Professionals Network meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the gov’t. center. For more info, call Beth Neely at 715-483-1482.

• Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution, noon2 p.m. at the Luck School Bus Garage. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Questions?

Contact 715-472-2535.

Cushing

• S.E.L. Historical Society meeting, 5:45, program 7 p.m., with mystery speaker.

• DNR presentation of Straight Lake Park, 7 p.m. at the library, 715-472-2770.

• Maple Syruping in Your Backyard, 7-9 p.m. at the community center.

New Richmond

• Astronomy class at WITC, 7-9 p.m. Preregistration required at 715-246-6561, ext.

421.

Frederic

• ALPHA Celebration Dinner and Video, 6:30 p.m. at the Oak Forest Center. For info contact Pastor Maggie at 715-825-3559.

Turtle Lake

• 500 card night, 6:30 p.m. at the center.

Luck

• American Legion #255 & Auxiliary meeting, 7 p.m. at the village hall.

• Barron & Polk counties deer management meeting, 7-9 p.m. at the high school, 715-637-6867.

Fireworks lit the sky over Big Butternut Lake in the grand finale of the 2007 Luck Winter Carnival. – Photo by Mary Stirrat

Rice Lake

• NW Wisconsin Regional Inventors & Entrepreneurship Club meets, 6 p.m., registration, 6:30 p.m., product set up, 7 p.m., meeting, at WITC, rm. 241-243. Call 715-637-6871 for more info.

Siren

• Lund Brown Post 132 American Legion meeting, 7 p.m. at the village hall.

• AARP Tax Aide help, 1-4 p.m., at senior center.

FRIDAY/16 Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

• Fish Fry, 4:30 p.m.-?, at the United VFW.

SAT.-SUN./17 & 18 Balsam Lake

• Sportscar Racing on lake in front of Paradise Landing, 612-237-3860.

SATURDAY/17 A&H

• 15th-annual Barrens Chicken BBQ and snowmobile raffle, noon - 4 p.m.

to preregister.

Clam Falls

• Winter Carnival, snow volleyball tournament beginning at noon; medallion hunt starts at 11 a.m.

Dresser

• Peace Lutheran Church Spaghetti Supper, 5-7 p.m.

Frederic

• Senior Center noon potluck lunch, bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. for cards, pool or fellowship. Birthday cake & ice cream served at 3 p.m.

• Spades are played, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

• Indian Creek Tavern Indoor Fishing Contest, 2-6 p.m., 715-566-2526.

Rice Lake

• Graziers conference at WITC, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info call 715-537-6250, 715-6353506 or 715-485-8400.

St. Croix Falls

Clayton

• Richardson Sportsmen’s Club Ice-Fishing Contest on Lake Magnor, 1-4 p.m.

Luck

• Pre-Lenten Fastelavans, at West Denmark Lutheran Church, 5 p.m. potluck, 6:30 p.m. games, 715-472-4196.

McKinley

• Palt Dinner, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• American Legion Post 143 breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon at the hall. Everyone welcome.

MONDAY/19 Frederic Luck

Webster

• New-home-builidng seminar, 1-2:30 p.m. at 510 Hwy. 35 Model Home. Call 715-646-9347

• Winter Carnival, South Fork Sporting Club Ice-Fishing Contest & Raffle on Clam Flowage, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; bingo; kids sawdust pile at 4 p.m.; raffles; medallion hunt continued if needed.

Siren

Balsam Lake

• “Love Those Used Book Sales,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the library.

Clam Falls

• Spades are played, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

Amery

• Hymn Sing - Her Sing, 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts. Favorite audience sing-along hymns accompanied by NL Chamber Orchestra and the NL pipe-organ.

Lake, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 715-485-3334, Pat .

• “Love Letters” at Festival Theatre, 7 p.m.

715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002.

• Lake Country Riders Snowmobile Club 3rd-annual Poker Run, cards dealt at 6 p.m. at the Channel House. Call for more info, 715349-7586 or 715-349-7340.

Centuria

cia Bergman. For reservations call Pam at 715-463-5953.

• Crossroads Adoption Services meeting, 6 p.m., at 911 4th St., call 715-3865550.

THURSDAY/15

• Lioness meeting, 7 p.m. at Sunrise Apts. community room. Bingo at 6 p.m. for residents and their guests.

Coming event items are published as a public service. Items must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Mondays to be assured of publication in that week’s issue.

• Senior Center lunch & bingo w/prizes, noon-3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

SUNDAY/18 Balsam Lake

• First-annual Ice-Fishing contest on Balsam

Siren Community Learning Center SIREN – The Community Learning Center from the Siren School District has been running strong this school year. We have tutoring for grades three though 12 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening. We’ve had a great turnout and we hope to keep it up throughout the rest of the school year!

CLC has had a couple of special guests here for the third- through sixthgrade students. The first one was on Oct. 25, 2006. The school had early release that day, so from 1 to 3:30 p.m., the CLC students stayed at school for an in-house field trip. Julie Fox from the DNR came in and did a presentation and fun activities with CLC students. Since it was around Halloween, she talked about bats. The students had a lot of fun with the activities that went along with the presentation.

Also, on Jan. 17, we had Julie Yezek from the UW-Extension come in and do some nutrition activities with the students. This was also an early-release day for the students. They did a physical activity which they said was hard work, but fun! Also, Yesek made fresh salsa and soymilk smoothies with the students.

The students enjoyed having both Julies come to school, and hope to have them back again sometime soon! – submitted

• Danish Brotherhood Society meeting, noon at the DBS hall. Potluck dinner, meeting to follow & games. New members welcome!

MON.-MON./19-26 Rice Lake

• Boat Show at Cedar Mall.

WEDNESDAY/21 Danbury

• Cabin Party & Trail Ride, 10 a.m., sponsored by Houman’s Resort, 715-656-7299.

Frederic

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

Siren

• DMV office open, 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m. at the community center.

• Alzheimer’s & Other Dementia Support Group, 4 p.m., at Capeside Cove, 715-3492292.

THURSDAY/22 Frederic

• 500 card night, 6:30 p.m. at the center.

Osceola

• Polk County Community Forum, 7-9 p.m. at the intermediate school. Call 715-485-8600 for more info.

Hertel

• Washburn & Burnett counties deer management meeting, 7 p.m. at St. Croix Tribal Clinic, 715-635-4091.

New Richmond

• St. Croix Valley Job Fair, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at WITC, 715-426-0388.

FRIDAY/23 Baldwin

• New Product Expo at Value Implement, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., huge indoor equipment display, 715-684-3259.

Frederic

TUESDAY/20

• Pokeno, 1 p.m., at the senior center. Everyone welcome.

• Christian Women meet, 9-10:30 a.m., at the senior center. Speaker, Bev Woldhius; music, John Bosak; feature, monogramming w/Patri-

Cable/Hayward

Grantsburg

THURS. - SAT./22-24