Leader|feb 18|2009

W E D N E S D AY, F E B R U A RY 1 8 , 2 0 0 9 • V O L U M E 7 6 • N O . 2 6 • 2 S E C T I O N S

W EEKEN D WA TCH :

• Chili cook-off/silent auction @ SCFalls • VFW fish fry @ Milltown • 123 Magic Class @ Siren • Mid-winter Sports Day @ Grantsburg • ‘50s Sock Hop @ Luck • Ice-fishing contests @ Osceola, Somerset • Valetine’s Bingo Party @ Frederic See Coming Events and stories

I NSI DE

Leader INTER-COUNTY

• SECTION A

www.the-leader.net

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Reaching more than 7,500 readers

$1

DNA solves copper theft

Screwdriver left at scene contains DNA that leads to arrest of two men accused of stealing $90,000 of copper and tools at Osceola quarry PAGE 3

Skiing as a lifestyle CURRENTS FEATURE

Siren referendum defeated

M y st e r y p r o je c t u n ve i l ed

11 vote difference; vote again in April?

PAGE 2

No fines for supervisors

Board relied on its attorneys, says judge PAGE 3

Call of the Wild series continues

CURRENTS, Page 10-11

Stimulus

Act should create 7,800 jobs in 7th Congressional District PAGE 4

Hope

The mystery project featured in last week’s Leader turned out to be a fish crib, a manmade habitat for fish and all levels of the water food chain. Frederic Boy Scouts completed the project this past week, and it was placed on the ice on Coon Lake. It will sink to the bottom of the lake once the ice melts. “Fred the Fish,” a wind sock created by the Frederic Arts group, sits atop the crib. More than 20 Leader readers correctly identified the project as a fish crib and were offered free subscriptions to the Leader’s e-edition. - Special photo

Profifilles in crayon

PAGE 4

Students mark Presidents Day CURRENTS, back page

N ew M i ss Lu c k

New home construction locally shows four-year decline

Federal stimulus package offers hope for Webster Schools

SPORTS

Seven proceed to sectionals Find out who in SPORTS Inside this section

Ashlyn Petersen, daughter of Rachel and Kent Petersen, was crowned Luck Winter Carnival Queen last week as part of the 50th-annual Luck Winter Carnival festivities.

More photos in Currents section. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

by Gary King BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – A glance at building permit numbers in Burnett and Polk counties shows new home construction has dropped dramatically over the past four years, roughly matching the decline nationwide.

From 2007 to 2008 alone, the number of new homes built dropped from 136 to 92 in Burnett County and from 186 to 123 in Polk County.

The drop in Polk County represents a decrease from $34 million to $24 million in money invested. Dollar figures for Burnett County were not readily available.

Also, building permit statistics for a handful of towns and villages are not among the numbers reported in this story.

Although the economic downturn that began in late 2007 and escalated seriously in late 2008 is a likely factor in the decline, numbers show a steady and dramatic decrease locally, beginning in 2004.

During that year in Burnett County

A potential site for a new home in Polk County awaits groundbreaking.

– Photo by Marty Seeger there were 220 building permits issued for new homes followed by 161 in 2005 and 135 in 2006. In Polk, the numbers drop from 381 in 2004 ($59.9 million) to See New home construction, page 4

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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

MANAGER Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net EDITOR Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net STAFF Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Brenda Sommerfeld brendals@centurytel.net Sherill Summer sherill33@gmail.com Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Carl Heidel cheidel389@centurytel.net Priscilla Bauer cilla@grantsburgtelcom.net Mary Stirrat marystirrat@hotmail.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net

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The Inter-County Leader [ISS No. 87509091] is published weekly. Subscription prices are $32/yr. in Polk and Burnett counties; $36/yr. in Barron, Chisago, Washburn, St. Croix counties; $39/yr. anywhere in the United States $22/yr. for servicemen or women; $22/yr. for students or schools (9 months). Payment is needed before we can start the subscription. No refunds on subscriptions. Persons may subscribe online at www.the-leader.net, write us at Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837, or stop by one of our three offices.

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

An award-winning newspaper 2008 Member

• National Newspaper Association • Wisconsin Newspaper Association

The Inter-County Leader is a qualified newspaper for the publication of legal notices, meeting the requirements as set forth in Chapter 985.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Every government official or board that handles public money should publish at regular intervals an accounting of it, showing where and how each dollar is spent.

We hold this to be a fundamental principle of democratic government.

Publisher reserves right to reject any advertisement or news release or letter of opinion at any time.

Siren School referendum fails

by Sherill Summer SIREN - Siren Schools Superintendent Scott Johnson admitted that he was disappointed that the school referendum lost by 11 votes, but he also admitted that he was perplexed by the low voter turnout.

“Barely 300 voters turned out for something as important as education,” he said.

Preliminary election results show that while 156 voters in the district voted for the referendum, 167 voters voted no.

The referendum would have allowed the school district to maintain its current funding level for the next five years, a level which exceeds the revenue cap by $250,000.

Johnson insisted that he is still confident that the majority in the community are still pro-education, even if they were not the majority in this election, and he does hope to get some feedback from voters to find out what the objections are. Maybe steps can be taken to overcome voter apathy, he concluded The bottom line is that while he thinks Siren Schools is a very good school system with a very good staff, the kids will suffer as a result of this vote because there will be cuts.

Now that the votes are in, Johnson plans on meeting with the board to come up with the next step. There is the possibility that the board will decide to place another referendum on the April ballot.

Once the community understands what will be cut now that the referendum failed, maybe more of the community will come out and vote the next time.

Complete but unofficial YES Town of Daniels 24 LaFollette 11 Lincoln 0 5 Meenon Sand Lake 6 Siren 57 Village of Siren 53 TOTALS 156

votes NO 28 44 2 0 5 46 42 167

Some people voted in primary Cost per vote may exceed $25

by Gregg Westigard BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – Some people did vote for the state superintendent of public instruction in the primary Tuesday.

Excluding the votes in the Siren and Osceola school districts where local issues were on the ballot, there was an average of 21 voters per precinct in Burnett County and 19 voters per precinct in Polk County. This would be 640 voters in Polk County and 376 voters in Burnett who did not have a local issue and voted for the state primary.

That amounts to an estimated cost in these precincts of about $25 per vote cast. That figure includes a cost of $175 per precinct to program the voting machine (Polk County’s actual cost) and an estimated $325 per precinct for election workers. Each voting place needed to hire three persons to work from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. or later, at least 14 hours at an estimated $7.50 per hour.

These costs do not include training, travel, utilities for the voting place, and added costs such as a rented port-a-potty in one town.

The lowest turnouts in Burnett County were West Marshland – six votes, Anderson – seven votes, and Union – nine votes. Polk County’s lows were Clear Lake Town – eight votes, Centuria – nine votes, and Milltown Village – 10 votes. If it cost at least $500 to hold the election in each place, the cost per voter in these six places was about $50.

The April 7 spring election will have many more races, including seats on every school board, the members of every town board, village presidents and half the trustees and city council seats. There is a Supreme Court election. Circuit judges are up for election in Polk and Burnett counties. And there will be a face-off between Tony Evers and Rose Fernandez, the winners in the primary race yesterday.

Frederic of York

There are plenty of places around the world with the name of Frederick, but it’s not as common to find the name without a “K”. These are photos of Frederic Street in York, England, courtesy of Sam and Kate Tricker of Madison, who toured southern England last November. Nothing outstanding about the street itself, they noted, but the name – spelled without the “k” – made it photo worthy for Sam, who graduated from Frederic High School in 1997. – Special photos

Pioneer Press cuts back on home delivery

by Regan Kohler WASHBURN COUNTY – Indications of print media publications suffering have been prevalent lately, and Washburn County was recently touched by it.

Early in February, local residents who subscribe to the St. Paul Pioneer Press received a letter informing them that daily delivery would not continue. The letter, coming from the paper’s circulation department, said that home-delivery service would be stopping from Monday through Saturday, though the Sunday paper will still be delivered.

The letter attributed the high cost of

delivery to the reason for stopping six days of home delivery.

The newspaper’s circulation department and customer service representatives were evasive about which areas in Wisconsin were removed from the delivery, and did not return phone calls to answer questions.

Polk County, which is closer to the Minnesota border, still receives daily delivery of the Pioneer Press.

Monday, Feb. 9, was the first day customers stopped receiving the daily paper. However, they were credited in their accounts for the Sunday subscription, which costs $1.70.

New Veterans Service Offificcer Chris Sower started working as a County Veterans Service officer in Burnett County on Monday, Feb. 9, and he will hold down the office in Burnett County during C.V.S.O. Doug Stubbe’s upcoming military leave of absence. Sower is a retired Army first sergeant with 39 years in the military.

He moved to the Siren area about three years ago with his wife, Cora, who currently works in the Siren School. His message to all veterans in Burnett County: “The door is always open. I’m here to serve veterans.” Photo by Sherill Summer

Not so local news

This week the Inter-County Leader extended its readership into the South Pacific - Port Vila, Vanuatu, to be exact. Kierry Manassah, editor of the Vanuatu Daily Post, looks over the news in Northwest Wisconsin. The Post is a daily newspaper with a circulation of 3,000. It serves the island country of Vanuatu and several other Polynesian countries. Vanuatu, near Fiji, played an important role in WWII for American and Allied forces. - Photo Wayne Anderson

Briefly ST. CROIX FALLS - The Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra will present a spring concert on Sunday, March 1, at 4 p.m. at Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church on Adams Street. The proram, entitled “Reach the World,” features selections of Mozart and Brahms and some well-known gospel music. There is no charge and no reservation or ticket necessary to attend. A freewill offering will be taken with proceeds being given to the St. Croix Falls food shelf. A community supper will follow.

Further information is available by contacting Rebecca Ellsworth at 651-528-7211 or Redeemer Lutheran Church at 715-4833401. - With submitted information ••• NEW RICHMOND - The “New” Mix 105 & AM 1260 WXCE Radio will present their Annual Women’s Expo on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the R & D Banquet Center on Hwy. 65, just south of New Richmond. Admission is free. The expo will feature dozens of exhibitors displaying their products and services in the areas of health, fitness, nutrition, home, career, finance and travel and leisure. To be a part of this year’s expo contact Ron Revere at 715-268-7185 or via e-mail: ron@1049online.com - with submitted information ••• MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking nominations for its WDVA 2008 Annual Veterans Awards, to be presented March 31 in Madison. The awards are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to underscore its commitment to recognizing those who advocate for and serve Wisconsin veterans. Nominations for the awards must be submitted by March 16. Access a form on the WDVA’s Forms Web page, at www.WisVets.com. For more information see www.wisvets.com or call toll-free, 800947-8387. - from WDVA

Names released

SIREN - Last week, the Siren Police Department released a photo showing recovered loot from a storage unit burglary in November of 2008 (page 3, Feb. 11 Leader). This week, names responsible for the burglary were released.

The subjects charges are burglary, receiving stolen property and possession of burglarious tools for both James L. Emerson, 25, Eau Claire and Kyle L. Frolik, 26, Rice Lake.

A search warrant was served and the stolen property discovered in Eau Claire with the help of Eau Claire police on Friday, Feb. 6.

An anonymous informant helped solve the case. - Sherill Summer with information released by the Siren Police Department

“Wrong on Sollman,” Harrington says

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – “I think I was wrong on the Sollman case,” Judge Eugene Harrington said in court last Thursday. “I had only 48 hours to study the case. The Court of Appeals set it right.”

Judge Harrington was talking about his ruling last March that Polk County had the right to sell Golden Age Manor.

His ruling came just days before the nursing home was to be transferred to the new owners. Harrington had been assigned to the case after a series of judges had been taken off the case for conflicts of interest. The Court of Appeals overturned Harrington’s decision and the state Supreme Court refused to review that action, ending the legal process.

“Most law is not black-and-white,” Harrington said. “We interpret gray areas. Judges make decisions based on the time available. I had very little time for the Sollman (case where the sale of GAM was allowed to proceed). I was wrong. I had more time for this case.”

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

DNA on screwdriver leads to arrests

Sheriff praises adding workers at crime lab

by Gary King POLK COUNTY – The DNA found on a screwdriver left at a crime scene has helped solve a case involving the theft of over 3,000 feet of heavy-gauge copper wire and tools from an Osceola rock quarry last October, with losses and damages exceeding $90,000.

Edward G. Nohava, 42, of Linwood, Minn., and his nephew, Bradley C. Wendell, 23, of St. Paul, Minn., face charges in connection with the theft from Rybak Aggregate. Two others involved in the theft have yet to be found.

According to Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore, part of the significance of the case is in how it was solved.

“Simply put, a screwdriver was left inside an electrical box on the site of the burglary,” Moore said. “Employees found that screwdriver as they were making repairs. It was apparent to them that it was not theirs and may belong to the suspect(s). One of my investigators took possession of the screwdriver and sent it to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab for analysis.”

Word came back from the crime lab Feb. 5 that not only had the lab retrieved DNA, it was a positive match to a convicted offender in Minnesota.

“The waiting period for DNA analysis at the state crime lab was three to four years until approximately two

years ago when the state budget included over 30 new DNA analysts to work on the backlog,” Moore noted.

“There is no doubt that we stood a strong chance of not Wendell solving this crime had it not been for the state crime lab.

“I personally believe that this was a wise investment by the state and hope we can solve more felony cases for victims in Polk County.”

According to a criminal complaint, the suspects used a bolt cutter to cut a padlock on a storage trailer from which they took a set of oxygen acetylene tanks complete with hoses and gauges and then used the cutter to remove high-voltage copper cables from several conveyor elevators. Then they entered the generator trailer and disconnected approximately 200 feet of high-voltage copper cables. There was also a cone crusher trailer attached to a semi truck parked in the area, with approximately 500 to 600 feet of highvoltage cable removed from the crusher.

Sheriff’s investigator Rick Gearhart spoke to employees at the quarry and an electrician, coming up with an estimate of approximately 3,200 to 3,500 feet of heavy copper wire that had been stolen.

It was also estimated that the cost of replacing copper wire at the business

and labor for fixing the damages caused by the incident, came to a total of $84,631.56. That estimate does not include loss of revenue, as the quarry was closed for several weeks in a peak season.

The state crime lab reported that the DNA found on the screwdriver matched that of Wendell, whose DNA was part of a data bank from when he was convicted in Minnesota for stealing a vehicle and “crimes against administration of justice and conspiracy to commit crime.” He had been on probation in Ramsey County.

Wendell was arrested Feb. 10 by the St. Paul Police Department. He later admitted to Gearhart that he was living in Winona, Minn., last October when he received a phone call from his uncle, Nohava, who asked him if he “wanted to make some money.”

Wendell said his uncle picked him up at 10 p.m. that evening and there was a third person in the vehicle who he didn’t know. When they arrived at the gravel pit, a fourth person, driving a pickup truck, arrived. Wendell said he knew this person only as “Marty.” He described the pickup truck as a white Chevy, regular cab, possibly gray in color. He said he was dropped off back in Winona and given some of the copper wire as he was dropped off.

A criminal history check on Nohava found that he is a convicted felon out of Minnesota.

No fines for supervisors in Drabek case Board relied on its attorneys, says judge

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – “Government needs to be open and transparent,” Circuit Judge Eugene Harrington said in court last Thursday, Feb. 12.

“Government will have to make some important decisions on how to spend money. These will be difficult decisions. The parties must listen and be respectful. The law has at its core a method for a public decision-making process. I expect the board to fol- Circuit Judge low that Eugene Harrington process.” has been involved H a r r i n g t o n in two Golden Age also said that the Manor cases. The defendants in the judge said he was Drabek case, the wrong in his first 23 members of ruling allowing the the previous sale of GAM to proPolk County ceed.

Board, had relied on their legal counsel when they voted to hold closed meetings. The judge said that reliance was reasonable and imposed no fines or sanctions on the supervisors.

Last April, county resident James Drabek filed a court action against the supervisors on the Polk County Board for violating open meeting laws in a number of finance committee and county board meetings leading up to the sale of Golden Age Manor. Those meetings were held in the fall of 2007 and in January 2008. In December, Harrington ruled that the meeting should have been held in open session.

The Thursday court date was held to impose sanctions on the supervisors.

The meetings in question related to Polk County working out details for the sale of the nursing home in Amery to Rice Partners, the proposed buyer.

The sale process generated a large amount of controversy. The county, in its brief on why the meetings should be

closed, said that the buyers might walk away from the deal if their names were released in this “extremely contentious” setting.

“Merely because a governing decision is contentious does not warrant a closed meeting,” Harrington wrote in his Dec. 26 decision.

“Contentious decisions of a public body ought to have more public discourse, not less.

The people A happy James impacted by these Drabek, citizen decisions – activist, at the patients, employ- conclusion of the ees, taxpayers – hearing Feb. 12. have a right to Drabek brought express their view an open meeting openly. Likewise violation charge policy makers against the Polk have an obligation County Board to decide openly and won. and publicly such that the public not only is aware of the policy, but also can express its collective displeasure at the polls. Those are the goals of the open meetings law. Polk County did not accommodate those goals.”

Larry Jepsen was county board chair and Gary Bergstrom was acting finance committee chair at the time the closed sessions were held. Harrington noted that they sought the advice of the corporation counsel before posting the agendas for the meetings.

“In all respects, Larry Jepsen, Gary Bergstrom, and others expressed their concerns,” Harrington said. “They relied on standard procedure before a closed session. They relied on the advice of counsel. When people rely on what lawyers relate to them and if reliance is reasonable, then liability for sanctions is excused.”

Harrington said he expects that Jeff

A group of Polk County supervisors await their sanctions for violating the Open Meetings Law. - Photos

by Gregg Westigard Fuge, corporation counsel for Polk County, will read the decision.

The day in court Courtroom 3 in Balsam Lake was full last Thursday for the sanctions hearing. Ten of the county board members were there awaiting their possible fines. Many members of the public, who have followed the possible sale of Golden Age Manor for almost two years, were there. And the entire media contingent of the area, including Amery cable television, was present.

Drabek, the citizen who started the court action last April when his complaint to the district attorney’s about open meeting violations drew no response, presented his arguments to the judge. The county supervisors, and specifically Larry Jepsen and Gary Bergstrom, the chairs of the meetings in question, were represented by an attorney hired by the county’s insurance provider.

At the start of the meeting, Harrington issued a stern warning to all in the courtroom: Any cell phones that rang would be taken by the court.

Midway through the trial, the telephone on the judge’s bench rang. Judge Harrington looked at the phone in disbelief, picked up the receiver and hung it up, and then picked up the phone itself and unplugged it. Everyone in the courtroom laughed.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Act will create 7,800 new jobs in 7th District

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by the U.S. House and Senate last Wednesday, Feb. 11, will create 7,800 new jobs in the 7th Congressional District, which encompasses 20 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, including Burnett, Polk and Washburn counties.

The act is an effort to create jobs, jump-start growth and transform the economy to compete in the 21st century, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The compromise package of $789 billion will create or save 3.5 million jobs nationwide over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90 percent in the private sector.

In Wisconsin, this package will deliver immediate, tangible impacts, including: • Creating or saving 70,000 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90 percent in the private sector. Source: White House Estimate based on Romer and Bernstein, The Job Impact of the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.”Jan. 9, 2009.

• Providing a making-work-pay tax cut of up to $800 for 2.2 million workers and their families. The plan will make a down payment on the president’s making-work-pay tax cut for 95 percent of workers and their families, designed to pay out immediately into workers paychecks. Source: White House Estimate based on IRS Statistics of Income.

• Making 63,000 families eligible for a new American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college affordable. By creating a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for four years of college, this plan will give 3.8 million families nationwide – and 63,000 families in Wisconsin – new assistance to put college within their reach. Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of U.S. Census data.

• Offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits to 553,000 workers in Wisconsin who have lost their jobs in this recession, and providing extended unemployment benefits to an additional 74,000 laid-off workers. Source: National Employment Law Project.

• Providing funding sufficient to modernize at least 138 schools in Wisconsin so our children have the labs, classrooms and libraries they need to compete in the 21st century economy. Source: White House Estimate.

In addition to this immediate assistance for Wisconsin, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help transform our economy by: • Doubling renewable energy generating capacity over three years, creating enough renewable energy to power 6 million American homes.

• Computerizing every American’s health record in five years, reducing medical errors and saving billions of dollars in health care costs.

• Enact the most significant expansion in tax cuts for low- and moderate-income households ever.

• Enacting the largest investment increase in our nation’s roads, bridges and mass transit systems since the creation of the national highway system in the 1950s. – with information from U.S. Department of Labor and the office of Gov. Jim Doyle

Federal stimulus package offers hope for Webster Schools

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - Webster’s school administrator, Jim Erickson, had both good news and bad news for the school board at its meeting Monday night. He said the schools anticipated receiving funds from the Obama economic stimulus package, but the funds might not be in the categories where there is most need, and they might not be as much as hoped for.

Erickson explained that the first information given to him suggested that coming dollars could be applied to construction project indebtedness, and he had begun to plan accordingly. He said, however, that the package as amended by Congress has eliminated those funds.

At the same time, the new plan adds money for new technologies and for funding special needs programs.

“Anything we can get is good,” said Erickson, but he told the board that there is no sense in attempting any planning for the coming dollars until some clarification as to the ways in which the money can be spent comes from the state.

In regard to school funding and expenditures, visitor Wendy Larson asked whether the schools were eliminating the position of school nurse. Erickson said that although $70,000-$280,000 would have to be trimmed from the 2009-2010 budget, the schools would continue to have on staff a part-time nurse, a 20-hour-a-week position.

Also figured into the budget are the costs for operating a summer school program again this year.

According to Erickson, the program will begin immediately after the end of the regular school year and will run from June 8 through June 26. (Editor’s note: see related story.)

Reports from the building principals held encouraging news. Jeff Walsh, elementary principal, reported that as of the end of January 39 students in grades K-6 have perfect attendance.

Last year students who completed the entire school year with perfect attendance were given a free bicycle as a prize. “If this (39 students with perfect attendance) continues,” said Walsh, “I’m going to need a fundraiser to pay for the bikes.”

Walsh also reported a dramatic drop in the number of failing grades issued to students in grades five and six after the first grading period. “We need to compliment the teachers and kids for their hard work,” he told the board.

Tim Widiker, high school principal, added to the encouraging academic news. He told the board that 35 sophomore, junior and senior students qualified for admission to the National Honor Society chapter being formed in the high school, and that at least 33 will make application for admission into the NHS.

In other business, the board: • approved the CESA shared services contract for 2009-2010; • approved new staff contracts for Clare Wright (part-time school nurse), and Julie Merle (part-time

Webster Schools announce summer school program

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - Webster Schools have announced that it will operate a summer school program again this year for students in grades 4K- 8. The program will begin June 8 and run for three consecutive weeks through June 26.

Schools Superintendent Jim Erickson is encouraging parents to take note of these dates so that they can make plans in plenty of time for their children to be included in these learning activities. He noted that last year some parents didn’t register their children for the program until after the registration deadline. This created problems for the parents and for the schools since the bus routes had already been established, and classes had already been structured.

Erickson’s advice to parents is to watch for further announcements from the schools and The InterCounty Leader so that children can be registered in plenty of time. community assistant); • approved Mike Murphy as volunteer assistant high school softball coach, and Deanna Krause as volunteer assistant high school track coach.

Webster library to offer Lyme disease film

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - With the incidence of Lyme disease increasing in Wisconsin, the Burnett Community Library in Webster will show an award-winning film called “Under Our Skin; The Untold Story of Lyme Disease,” on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s community room. The showing is sponsored by the Western Wisconsin Lyme Action Group, and it will include an opportunity for the audience to ask questions about the disease and its treatment.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. The

usual hosts for these ticks locally are the white-tailed deer, which inhabit the Wisconsin forests. Maps plotting the location of the disease show a heavy concentration of cases in the regions of the country with heavy deer populations, primarily along the east coast and in the Wisconsin-Minnesota region.

The bacteria cause fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash. If left untreated, the disease can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

The information on the film describes it as “a dramatic tale of microbes, medicine and money,” a film

New home construction/from page 1 drop from 381 in 2004 ($59.9 million) to 297 in 2005 ($52.3 million), and 249 in 2006 ($45.3 million).

Nationwide, new home construction is at its lowest level since the Commerce Department began keeping records in 1959. According to the National Association of Home Builders, this means there is less new inventory to compete with existing home sales and also a signal that the housing market is reaching a bottom, and thus a good time to buy a home.

Construction-related jobs make up approximately 8 percent of the workforce in Burnett County and slightly less in Polk County.

In Polk County, according to thorough records kept by the zoning office in Balsam Lake, most new homes built since 2004 have been in the growing communities of Osceola, Alden and Eureka. The town of Osceola saw 138 new homes from 2004 through 2008, and Alden and Eureka, 112 new homes each.

In northern Polk County, building permit numbers show the town of Milltown with 61 new homes in that time period, followed by the town of Luck with 40, the town of Bone Lake with 28, and the towns of Clam Falls and West Sweden with 27 each.

F o l l o w

t h e

that “investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic larger than AIDS.” Using true stories of patients and physicians, the film examines our health care system and its ability to cope with the disease.

Following the movie the library will offer refreshments. Library director Patti Meyer asks those who plan to attend to please call the library at 715-866-7697 in advance so that the staff can prepare a sufficient amount of refreshments.

Call for artists SHELL LAKE — Applications for the seventhannual Shell Lake Fine Art Festival are now available. The art festival is Saturday, July 4, at Memorial Park in Shell Lake.

Applications can be picked up at the Shell Lake City Hall or by contacting art festival director David Haessig at dnjhae@centurytel.net.

Application deadline is March 31.

This is a juried fine art and fine craft show, and applications are juried by three slides or photographs of current work. Local fine artists and craftspeople are encouraged to apply. — from the Fine Art Festival

L e a d e r .

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

S T .

C R O I X

V A L L E Y

H E A D L I N E S

Bidding process begins for library

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – Advertisements for bids went out in the paper this week for the St. Croix Falls Public Library. The 8,000 square-foot project is located in the former Holiday Foods building in downtown St. Croix Falls.

The project estimate is around $1.1 million and Sarah Adams, the library’s director, hopes the bids come in close to that number as the fundraising efforts continue for the project.

She reviewed the basic floor plan and design layout this week. Adams stated the design is to have a flow from the entryway from lots of activity and interaction to quiet study, and reading areas as you make your way to the back in a gradual transition.

As you enter the building, there will be a community learning center that can be used for classes. Adams said hopefully in the future the room could be used for adult online distance-education classes.

There is a kids room and casual reading area as you make your way through the building. There will be a seating area and periodicals and new fiction located in that area also.

At the heart of the design is the circulation desk, which is centrally located and has sight lines to all the areas of the library.

This is a floor plan showing several areas of the library, including a centralized circulation desk, classroom area, conference room, computer lab, kids area and more.

“We think we can have one person run the library from the central circulation desk,” said Adams. “We want to try to keep operation costs down and be able to operate with one employee. If we double our circulation, we may need to increase staff to two people, but we plan on one person at the desk for now.”

There will be a staff work area and

offices in the building as you move toward the back, as well as book collection stacks and a computer lab with eight computers. The library currently has five computers for public use.

There are private study areas as well as two private study rooms toward the back planned and three conference tables for being able to set out materials being worked on.

In the back corner is an area set aside by and for the St. Croix Coalition and Scenic Byway. This area is a conference room and will serve as the headquarters of the coalition.

“It is a collection area of Gaylord Nelson artifacts and will celebrate, educate and engage people about the river and toward the river,” said Adams. “It will feature information on the National Scenic and Wild Rivers Act, Wisconsin conservation and recreation and geography that focuses on our region.”

The library will be equipped with wireless Internet services. The façade will change from the brick Holiday building to one with many windows for natural lighting. The plans for heating the building are solar panels on the rooftop, which has changed from a green roof to a regular flat roof. Finances did not allow for the once-planned green roof, but the solar panels are something Adams said would be a costThis is the latest rendering of the St. Croix Falls Public Library exterior effective measure for heating the buildplans. Drafted in November 2008. The project goes out to bid this week. – ing over the years.

Photos submitted “Do we want to have a city-owned

facility that costs more and more to operate? Or, do we want to find an economical way to heat a building space like this?” she posed. “The solar is $200,000, and we would have to wait 10 to 15 years to see a return on the investment.”

Adams said that if the bids come in high, the solar might be one area that would be cut from the scope of the project.

The rest of the building heating setup, as a backup to the solar, includes a highefficiency HV unit on the rooftop, a radiant floor heat component, and an energy-efficient boiler.

The bids will be reviewed and potentially awarded at the March 9 city council meeting.

Adams said that the project design is by architect Brent Norsman and the construction manager is Gene Johnson.

Adams said the library fundraising has gone well and they are $300,000 away from their goal. She said that they would be gearing up for this year’s Otto Bremer match grant shortly. The grant is a two-year match in which, last year, the library raised $50,000 and Bremer matched $50,000. This year, the offer is the same – Bremer will match, dollarfor-dollar, up to $50,000.

Adams said that the construction phase is expected to take five months.

The plan is to unveil the new library during the last weekend of September during Autumn Fest.

Roundabout planned at Hwy. 8 intersection

DOT will hold informational meetings

ST. CROIX FALLS - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced plans to make safety and operational improvements to the Hwy. 8/208th Street intersection in St. Croix Falls.

The intersection improvement consists of the reconstruction of approximately one-half mile of Hwy. 8 and 600 feet of 208th Street. The department has been considering two design alternatives – a permanent traffic signal and a roundabout. After considerable analysis and feedback from local officials, the department has determined the roundabout to be the preferred alternative for this intersection.

“We analyzed traffic patterns and counts for this intersection and we have determined the roundabout is the pre-

ferred choice both for operational and safety reasons,” said project supervisor Bob Anderson.

“Roundabouts eliminate the dangerous, and often fatal, T-bone crashes.

They also keep traffic moving to reduce congestion commonly found at signalized intersections.”

WisDOT will hold additional public information meetings just prior to real estate acquisition and to educate the public on this new improvement project.

Construction of the roundabout is scheduled to occur in the spring of 2010. – from the DOT The intersection at Hwy. 8 and 208th Street. - Photo by Tammi Milberg

Story time at Interstate Park 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 a half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a state park sticker is required to enter the park. For more

information call Julie at 715-483-3747. – from Interstate Park

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 11, 2009

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Fire trucks respond to Holiday store

The Grantsburg Fire Department responded to a call at the Grantsburg Holiday StationStore last Thursday. An electrical problem occurred under the bakery case in the deli causing smoke. The fire department was called to check for any hot wires and to help clear smoke from the building. Damage was limited to the bakery case. – Photos

by Priscilla Bauer

Surgeon joins OMC staff Dr. Warren Abell, DO, a 20-year veteran of the operating room, has joined the medical staff at Osceola Medical Center as general surgeon. Abell is a graduate of the University of Health Services, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Mo. He completed his internship at Normandy Osteopathic Hospitals, St. Louis, Mo., and his residency at Mount Clemens General Hospital, Mount Clemens, Mich.

Board-certified with the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, Abell is a member of the Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Surgical Society and American Osteopathic Association. “I’ve always tried to treat my patients as if they were family members,” Abell said. “If I’m not able to provide the best possible care for a certain problem, I refer them to an appropriate specialist who can.” Abell joins OMC within the first few months after it opening its new facility. The new John Simenstad Surgery Center, a centerpiece within the new state-of-the-art medical center, combines high technology with a personal approach. A father of three grown children, Abell and his wife will be moving from Red Wing, Minn., to the Osceola area. He enjoys golf, backpacking, white-water canoeing and

Feingold: Stimulus bill not perfect, but vital

STATEWIDE - President Barack Obama is scheduled to sign the $787-billion economic stimulus bill today. One U.S. Senator has his take on the final version of the stimulus package.

Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold called the economic stimulus bill a sincere effort on behalf of lawmakers to jolt life back into the nation’s ailing economy. However, Feingold says there are some items put into the bill that should have been left out or put into separate legislation.

“The President asks that there be no earmarks, in other words, where somebody Congressionally-directed spending to particular things, nothing in here fits that requirement. But, there are things in there you might call “pork”. There’s a difference there between things that are just for one congressional district. There’s very little of that in this bill. There are other things in there that might not be seen as the best way to stimulate jobs. I’m not saying they got everything, but there was far less of this stuff than you’d expect. There have been a lot smaller bills that had a lot more of this kind of stuff.”

Feingold says there were some add-ons that he feels were important to include.

Those items were additional funding for Pell Grants, the Wisconsin Byrne Grant program, and a provision requiring public building and works projects to “Buy American” to support American workers. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Danielle Kaeding)

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Mileage expense for volunteer drivers soars

by Sherill Summer SIREN - One of the more obvious tasks of a Burnett County department manager is striving to keep their department within an annual budget, and when Burnett County Health and Human Services Director Kate Peterson feared that the mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers, that drove patients to medical appointments, might be more than she budgeted, she looked for a solution.

Basically, HHS coordinates volunteers to drive patients to medical appointments when the patient is unable to drive. The volunteers are not paid for their time, but are reimbursed for the miles they drive.

Because patients typically have to travel a long distance to appointments, volunteer drivers in the county’s program are reimbursed for thousands of miles. Last year, the program recorded about 160,000 miles driven by volunteers for medical appointments. Burnett County typically ranks near the top for miles traveled in this state-mandated program.

Each year the IRS sets a standard mileage reimbursement rate that is adjusted annually to reflect the price of gas.

Last year, when the price of gas rose dramatically, the IRS adjusted the standard mileage rate midyear from 50-1/2 cents per mile to 58-1/2 cents per mile.

This unbudgeted 8 cent raise wreaked havoc on the overall budget. In addition, the demand for service was up in

2008.

Compounding the stress on the reimbursement budget is that Medical Assistance only contributes 33 cents per mile. The county had always bridged the gap between what the drivers received and the rate that drivers for non-Medical Assistance patients received, so that all receive the same rate of reimbursement. The increase in rates resulted in the mileage reimbursement expenses going approximately $100,000 over budget.

During November and December of last year, the reimbursement rate was decreased to 48 cents per mile (well below the IRS standard) to help control costs.

The IRS reduced the 2009 rate to 55 cents per mile, but Peterson came before the health and human services committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to request that the reimbursement rate again be set below the IRS rate in 2009.

With the recession, demand for service is expected to increase, and Peterson is already worried that there will not be enough in the budget to reimburse drivers.

About a half-a-dozen drivers were also at the committee meeting explaining that a rate below the IRS rate does not cover cost associated with volunteer driving and asked that it remain at the IRS rate.

In the end, the committee voted to continue reimbursing at the IRS rate, but that decision would be re-evaluated every couple of months.

First-annual fifisshing contest held on Big Sand Lake Trey Nelson is shown holding the 2.2-pound bass that he caught on Saturday, Feb. 14.

He was taking part in the firstannual fish contest hosted by the St. Croix Tribal Police and the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department on Big Sand Lake in Hertel. The contested was funded by a community development grant and was open to the St. Croix Chippewa and tribal police or sheriff’s department officers and their families. Up for grabs was a power auger, portable ice-fishing shelter and a fish finder for the adults and a $200, $100 or $50 gift certificate for the winners in the youth category, 17 and under. Tribal police Chief Frank Taylor reported that the contest was a success and that there are already planning for next year. - Photo by Sherill Summer

Follow t h e L e a d e r.

Sue Orfifieeld will perform again for Lamar LUCK - Following two tours in Europe, Sue Orfield returns in benefit for Lamar on Friday, March 6, from 8-11 p.m. at Cafe Wren, 2596 Hwy. 35, Luck.

Orfield, voted Blues Saxophonist of the Year for five years while living in Seattle, will be performing new, original jazz and blues and old favorites. Lamar – A Historic Center for Community located in rural St. Croix Falls, is dedicated to promoting community vitality through preservation, the arts and sustainable living. Tickets are $10 -$20 (more or less) at the door. submitted

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Results from last week’s poll:

L e a d e r

We b Po l l

This week’s question

Should the mother of octuplets, who now has 14 children, be entitled to government aid?

1. Yes 2. No To take part in our poll, go to www.theleader.net and scroll down to the lower left portion of the screen

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M Warm hand for our coldest celebration

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t had to be a committee of sturdy Scandinavians who thought up the idea of holding a parade at night in mid-February as part of Luck’s annual winter carnival.

The good news is that they pulled it off again and quite nicely, not counting the sound of chattering teeth.

Despite a recent run of warmer weather, it never seems to warm up for the winter carnival parade - and that may be part of its charm. It was bitterly cold on Saturday night, but the huddled parade-goers didn’t seem to mind. There were 200-pound chunks of ice serving as candleholders along the parade route and, in one instance, a young man sitting on the curb, eating french fries, looking as comfortable as if it were a sunny Saturday in July, waiting for the Lucky Days parade to begin.

It’s not easy to coordinate winter events - as those who worked hard to rebuild the melted ice castle will tell you - but Luck does it every year with the zestful exuberance one can only find in a close-knit community.

Luck has that going for it.

From the bonfire to the queen pageant to the ice-fishing contest and fireworks, this year’s celebration did more than justice to the celebration’s 50th year.

A warm hand is merited for those volunteers who made it work.

Delivery changes

A small news story in this week’s Leader, and sister paper, the Washburn County Register, notes the elimination by the St. Paul Pioneer Press of home delivery in parts of Washburn County.

It’s just another chapter in the changing world of large newspapers - and smaller ones - as we know them.

According to John Morton with the American Journalism Review, eliminating some home delivery is a smart move. Like the Detroit Free Press, and undoubtedly, other larger dailies, the Pioneer Press is simply trying to save money by cutting costs in a department that really won’t diminish their journalism - even thought it might thin their list of subscribers. Most of the time, Morton notes, the brunt of cost cutting usually falls on newsrooms with staff cuts, cutting back on pages - and the diminishing of news, leads to the same loss of readers.

Newspapers are not only facing the obvious economic challenges, but a changing world in regards to who uses newspapers to get their news - and in what form. “Newspapers will go paperless in 10 years,” states one recent headline in a newspaper trade publication.

That may be, but paper versions will be around quite a while.

In the meantime, we’re encouraged by watching the slow but steady growth in popularity of our Web site and e-edition online, with the realization we find ourselves again on the ground floor of an ever-changing profession at least in terms of how we get our words and images from us...to you.

Unsigned editorials by editor Gary King

F e e d b a c k From our Web site in response to the story “Act will create 7,800 new jobs in 7th District”: I would like to see where you came up with the number of 7,800 new jobs in the 7th District. Please provide a list of specific projects, the estimated number of jobs for each project, the work location for these jobs, and the dates these jobs will be available.

Otherwise, the number of 7,800 new jobs sounds like political rhetoric to me. I doubt that anyone can back up the number of 7,800 new jobs with the information I am requesting.

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

Woman found dead of exposure

HAYWARD - The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department announced Monday, Feb. 16, that an 84-year-old Hayward area woman who was reported missing late Thursday, Feb. 12, was found dead Saturday afternoon. Kathryn (Kay) Roberts, a resident of Highland Road south of Hwy. K in the Northwoods Beach area, is believed to have died from exposure while attempting to free her stuck car from the snow. Chief Deputy Tim Zeigle stated that authorities determined that Roberts left her home Wednesday afternoon Feb. 11 and drove to a friend’s residence. She then left that residence to return to her home but apparently became confused and made a wrong turn. She drove down a long private driveway where two unoccupied seasonal cottages were located. When she attempted to turn around, her vehicle became stuck between the cottages and she could not free herself.

Zeigle said it is believed that Roberts died of exposure while attempting to free her vehicle from the snow. Roberts’ body and the vehicle were found by an area resident at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday. Sawyer

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County Coroner Dr. John Ryan pronounced Roberts dead at the scene. An autopsy will not be conducted; foul play is not suspected, Zeigle said. – Sawyer County Record

Man pleads in high-speed chase case RICE LAKE - Larry J. Szewcik, 35, Superior, accused of leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase resulting in a serious injury to an officer, pled guilty Wednesday to felony attempting to flee a traffic officer and auto theft. A felony charge of second-degree recklessly endangering safety and a noncriminal charge of nonpayment to a gas station were dismissed but will be read in at sentencing Friday, April 10. His unposted $5,000 cash bail was revoked. Szewcik was accused of driving away from a Rice Lake gas station without paying for gas Nov. 16. When an officer tried to stop him in Cameron, Szewcik tried to flee, prompting a chase that involved Rice Lake Police Officer Andrew Jondreau deploying stop spikes and seriously injuring his finger in the process. It was also learned that the Plymouth minivan Szewcik was driving

was stolen from Douglas County. – Rice Lake Chronotype

Vehicle breaks through ice, killing man SUPERIOR - Superior police have identified a man who died shortly after 7 a.m.

Saturday when his vehicle broke through the ice near Kilner Bay, off the Superior Municipal Forest. Adam K. LaPorte, 37, died when his vehicle broke through the ice on the St. Louis River. Rescue personnel weren’t able to reach the site until about 8 a.m. The dive team was able to recover LaPorte’s body. According to the Superior Fire Department, that part of the river has currents that make ice thickness vary widely. Citizens are reminded ice conditions, particularly over rivers and areas with springs, can be very unpredictable, and should be extremely cautious when deciding whether to drive vehicles on to ice, Capt. Chad Lalor stated in a news release issued Monday. – Superior Telegram

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

Woman charged with child neglect NEW RICHMOND - A town of Troy woman made an initial court appearance in St. Croix County last week on one felony count of child neglect. Danielle Kay Quinn, 25, posted a $10,000 signature bond. A criminal complaint said a 7-yearold boy was required to get up, have breakfast and get to school on his own. He had missed a number of days of school because he didn’t make the bus. The criminal complaint alleges the boy and his 3year-old brother, who lived with their mother, Quinn, and a maternal grandmother, had been locked in their rooms for long periods of time without access to food, water or a bathroom. When a social worker went to the home, the older boy answered the door, the younger boy was locked in his bedroom screaming, and the mother was in another bedroom. The 3year-old had been in the bedroom from about 8 p.m. the previous evening until the investigator arrived at 10:15 a.m. and had not eaten breakfast, the complaint said. The grandmother told investigators Quinn had been depressed. New Richmond News

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FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

Donations made impact Wow, did we have a great day for the Jolly H’s fishing contest. It was warm enough that the kids didn’t have to wear snowpants yet cool enough that they kept their jackets on. What more could we have ever asked for?

We had 67 people on the ice Saturday.

We had little kids, middle schoolers, teenagers, moms and dads, uncles and grandpas. We had them all and we had fun.

We are very grateful for the donations we received. Some were used as door prizes, some were used for grand prizes and the remaining ones were used for our 25¢ raffle.

The money raised from the 25¢ raffle will be donated to the Grantsburg Food Shelf. Our donation totals $150.

Not only did your donations make a lot of fisher-people happpy, but think of how it will benefit the food shelf.

Kristi Melin General leader of Jolly H’s 4-H Club Grantsburg

What about those who drive drunk?

I am typically not a person to write a letter to the editor, but the Feb. 11 letter from Mr. James J. Baxter, President, National Motorists Association, renewed my thoughts about drinking and driving.

I don’t know much about the studies that Mr. Baxter mentions, but he seems angry that they are being proposed. Are there other options he would be in favor of? Is he satisfied with current laws regarding drunk driving?

Rather than just lashing out, it would have been nice to hear what he considers to be acceptable alternatives. Personally, I would support harsher punishments for multiple DUI offenders. A first offense may be understood because of ignorance of the effects of alcohol.

Where to Write President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov Governor Jim Doyle P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey (7th District) 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515 or Federal Building, Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Ann Hraychuck (28th 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. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 221 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708 E-mail: rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us Rep. Mary Hubler (75th District) Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St., Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us Senator Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 19 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 788, Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Senator Sheila Harsdorf (10th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 232-1390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1, Washington, D.C. 20510 or 1600 Aspen Commons Middleton, WI 53562-4716 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

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

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r

After the first offense, it is a matter of someone, without regard to others, driving a deadly weapon. On a beautiful fall afternoon in 1971 my 11-year-old sister was killed by a drunk driver. I never got to see her graduate from high school. I never got to see her get married nor have children. So, what is an appropriate punishment for someone receiving their 13th DUI? Even if a drunk drives home without killing anyone, is he/she really guilty of attempted murder? Unfortunately, this is often a self-correcting problem. How many times have we seen reports in this paper about people being killed by driving into a tree at 4 a.m. on a Saturday morning?

I understand that we need to protect the rights of the vast majority of drivers who drive safely. But what is Mr. Baxter proposing for those who drive drunk?

Chuck Awe Town of Daniels

Sister’s love My name is Anne, and you recently, featured my sister Cecelia Andrewson, in your Feb. 11 issue. It has be 14 years since we hugged or laid eyes on each other. We never had an argument before, but the family all stopped communication.

Cecelia runs the dietary section of the Siren Senior Center. We are hoping to reunite, but because of work and money issues, we are still apart. We keep in contact by phone and e-mails. We have forgiven those who don’t know or don’t care what they have taken from us. All we want now is to visit each other and finally reunite. I live in Florida, and would love to have her come down here and see my home and reunite with her nephews, one in the military.

I haven’t seen the article, but we both have always love and respected all seniors. We feel honored by them, for they are our history keepers, and they earned all the joys they get, and should get, and especially respect, for the history they keep and share with us, which makes us stronger people.

Congratulations Cecelia, you deserve all the honor, because you have alway been and will always be my best friend, big sister who I admire.

Anne Cobb Tarpon Springs, Fla.

Why the judgment?

It is heartwarming to know that we have programs in place within our local communities, such as Ruby’s Pantry, to give nourishment and hope to those in need.

I have firsthand knowledge of the benefits and rewards of giving that come from just this kind of service. In these days of economic crisis (and even in days when we feel that we are secure) the relief that can be felt when a stranger reaches out and gives freely – and without judgment or expectation of reimbursement – is immeasurable.

I have many thoughts on the Ruby’s Pantry article from your Feb. 11 issue.

However, there is one section in particular that screams out at me from the page and urges me to write these thoughts that I undoubtedly believe will be mirrored by many that have read the article.

“What happens if you don’t have the $15 donation?” was the question. “...Too often people have money for tobacco, alcohol, drugs and gambling and yet do not have money for food for their children…it may be construed that Ruby’s Pantry is paying for people‘s bad habits by enabling them to get food with no donation.”

Please tell me that, as Christians, we are not saying that a person suffering from addiction is unworthy of receiving assistance. Beyond measure, they are in need of compassion, understanding and most importantly, they need to know they can ask for help without being judged on the basis of their illness. Who is to say that

when they personally witness and receive, it won’t be the turning points in their lives? It could very well be that one defining moment that gives them the courage to beat the illness of addiction!

Perhaps even more alarming than inferring that we shouldn’t “fund people’s addictions” is the blatant stereotype these comments have cast on food shelf recipients as a whole. The article may not have meant to imply that the majority of food shelf recipients are addicts of alcohol, drugs and gambling, but sadly, it certainly read that way. Individuals moving through a food shelf, might be me, it might be a neighbor, the elderly, new parents, graduates, the unemployed, the medically challenged and yes...it just might be an addict. It would be a sad day for us all when people in need felt intimidated to accept the offer of help, based on the fear of not only judgment, but also being labeled as something that quite likely is far from who they are.

Rebecca Wendelboe Frederic

Daniel Mielke Rudolph, Wis. Editor’s note: The author ran against Obey last fall in the election for the 7th District Congressional seat.

A historic victory

Cancer cluster study A cancer cluster is an unusual number of cancers occurring during a given time among people who live or work together. How many people do you know that either have cancer or have died from cancer?

We are betting everyone knows several. Medical sources have indicated an unusually high number of cancer cases in Polk County. We, a group of concerned citizens, would like to find out just how many there are. Are clusters appearing? If so, then why?

Our goal is to compile and map information; relaying these findings to medical sources/organizations for further investigation. If you are interested in participating in this survey, please provide the following information in order to make an accurate assessment. Your willingness to contribute could provide answers to many questions.

1) Name 2) Address 3) Phone number 4) Age 5) Gender 6) Past residences and where you lived at the time of diagnosis 7) Living or deceased 8) Diagnosis – kind of cancer – is it genetically linked 9) Diagnosis date Contact information: Joyce Nelson, polkcountycluster@gmail.com, 2379 Beede Lake Trail, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 (715-483-1351) Concerned Citizens of Polk County Joyce Nelson Cindy Moore Diane Chapman Barb Jorgensen Julie Neuman Sue Gerlach

Cost per job Dave Obey is proud of the stimulus bill he and Nancy Pelosi crafted.

Obama is hoping this package will create three million new jobs.

Obey is taking $787 billion from the taxpayers pockets to create these new jobs.

Take $787 billion, divide it by the 3 million jobs they hope to create and it will show that we, the taxpayers, end up spending $262,333 for each job.

Now, if this job pays $40,000 a year, we have a stimulus package that spends $6.50 to create only $1 worth of employment.

Face it, we could have given these 3 million people the money directly and paid their total wages for 6.5 years.

This stimulus package is just a gimmick to spend your money on their pork barrel projects.

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

Wouldn’t it have been better to clean up the messes we created?

Example: Had we enforced our immigration laws, more than 3 million jobs would be available, and we would be pumping $58,656 back into the economy, every year, for every job returned to legal workers. The return on this investment would be more than $2.6 trillion in the same 6.5 years. Subtract $400 billion for enforcement costs, and you still have a net profit of $2.6 trillion.

That’s a $20,000 savings for every family in America! Amazing, isn’t it?

We need congressmen that fix problems, not create them!

Another significant change in the direction of this country. While finding ways to stop the downward decline of the economy is a tremendous challenge, Congress and President Obama have taken action that shows promise of stimulating the economy. And at the same time, they’re investing in infrastructure, education and a new energy economy. These are all crucial to building a strong future.

While the great increase in the national debt is of great concern to all of us, we need to create jobs and restore our economy if we are going to have future resources to begin to shrink that debt.

Certainly the Republican cries of anguish at increasing the debt ring hollow after their huge tax cut for the wealthy and their unfunded Iraq war added trillions.

And if they had had their way on the repeal of estate taxes, another trillion would be added.

Obama has tried to set a new tone of dialog and outreach to the Republicans.

While it may not have paid off in this round, he has laid the groundwork for bipartisan cooperation on other important issues facing the country.

Don’t let the press get by with the “barely passing” spin that some talk about. The Senate passed the bill by a 63 percent to 37 percent vote of the senators. The 60-vote cloture hurdle should not be accepted as the norm. Republican senators should be put on notice that they will not be allowed by the American public to block legislation by a 40-percent vote.

What should we do now? Stay informed; keep in touch with Congressman Obey, Sens. Feingold and Kohl with your support. Let Obama know of your support. We all need to develop a sense of consistent and committed involvement.

Joan and Fred Kramer, chair Burnett County Democrats Spooner

E-edition.

The entire paper delivered electronically to your computer.

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

Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number. Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments other incendiary language or personal attacks.

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Health insurance for autistic children In Wisconsin today, one child out of every 192 is autistic. Chances are if you don’t have a child with autism, you know a friend, neighbor, co-worker or relative who does. Thirty years ago, three children out of every 10,000 born in America would become diagnosed with autism.

Autism is a serious developmental problem that appears in early childhood and is diagnosed usually before the age of 3. Symptoms and severity vary greatly, but all autism disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

Although autism is a serious disease, many insurance companies refuse to pro-

vide coverage for the disease. In to get along with other chilorder for autistic children to get dren, make friends and be a treatment, their families must part of their community. pay out of their own pocket. In This session, I am co-sponour tough economic times, soring Assembly Bill 15, Wisconsin families should not which requires individual and have to choose between autism group health insurance politreatment that will dramatically cies and plans to cover the cost improve their child’s life and of treatment for insured pertheir family’s financial hopes and sons with autism, Asperger’s dreams. syndrome and other pervasive Research shows that we can developmental disorders. This make a difference. Autistic chilbill will provide care and supAnn dren who receive treatments as port to Wisconsin’s children babies and in their toddler years Hraychuck living with autism and take have a 50-percent chance of “norsome of the stress off of their malizing,” meaning they require 28th District families. A similar autism bill no special education or support Assembly was proposed last session, and services when they enter elemenwhile it passed in the Senate, it tary school. Many children benedid not pass in the Assembly fit greatly and learn skills that allow them which is why we are calling again for this

legislation.

A growing number of states have enacted similar legislation. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 25 states require insurance coverage for individuals with autism including Minnesota and Illinois.

Based on the experience of other states, the cost of adding this autism coverage would result in a less than 1-percent increase in insurance premiums. For more information on autism, you can visit the Autism Society of Wisconsin’s Web site at www.asw4autism.org/ If you would like more information about AB 15 or have other legislative concerns, please feel free to contact me tollfree at 888-529-0028 or by e-mailing me at Rep.Hraychuck@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Keep the discussion alive Is putting fluoride in our drinking water a bad idea?

On Monday, Feb. 9, the St. Croix Falls City Council discussed this topic.

The Inter-County Leader’s follow-up story was also very informative. Thank you.

Last fall, I did an Internet search on Google for “Dangers of Fluoride in Drinking Water,” and was shocked with the results. I read and researched for days and then I suggested to our mayor, city administrator and some city council members that they do the same Internet search investigation.

They did. And they, too, were surprised that there were so many strong voices on both sides of the issue - and so the discussion began ...

This issue is especially important to me, as I have two young children and am friends with many like-minded people in our community who have children.

I found this info: 1. Do not mix fluoridated water with baby formula as recommended by the FDA and ADA. Wow! 2. Fluoridated toothpaste can be easily overdosed as only a pea-sized amount is recommended.

3. Fluoride is a main ingredient in Prozac, rat poison, and it was used by the Nazis as a mind-control drug.

4. Scientific American magazine recently released a comprehensive study about fluoridation that casts many doubts on its safety and effectiveness.

5. The roots of the American Dental Association are closely tied to the chemical manufacturing industry that has made billions of dollars since the early 1900s supplying the government with fluoride a hazardous byproduct of the of fertilizer, aluminum, steel, cement, phosphate and nuclear weapons manufacturing.

6. The dental industry claims it has evidence that water fluoridation has helped prevent cavities.

7. Many countries around the world with a standard of living equal to or higher than the USA do not fluoridate their water.

8. According to Dr. Arvid Carlsson of Sweden, co-winner of the Nobel Prize for medicine - “I would advise against fluoridation. Individual prophylaxis (treatment) is preferable on principle grounds and is as equally effective.

Fluoridation of water supplies would also treat people who may not benefit from the treatment. Side-effects cannot be excluded and, thus, some people might only have negative effects without any benefit.”

So, one of the smartest people in the medical world has concerns and so that makes me have concerns...

And down the rabbit hole you go ...

One of the most interesting Web sites to me was www.fluoridealert.org.

More discussion and research need to be made to help decide if water fluoridation is an outdated idea - or if the cons outweigh the pros.

It is my opinion that lack of access to good dental care and poor dental hygiene is the problem. Tooth cavity rates have dropped worldwide with or without

fluoridated water.

I feel that an independent study led by the city is what would be best for this issue. I hope they pursue it!

For me, there is another big issue.

Maybe even more important. A human rights issue. Is it the job of government to medicate us against our will? Compulsory drugging of the general population is something you would not think of as very American.

If you want fluoride go buy some fluoridated toothpaste. There are also several water filterization businesses in our area as well as high-quality filtered drinking water on tap at the MarketPlace grocery store.

A list of the cities and counties that put fluoride in their water can be found on the Centers for Disease Control Web site; http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/ind ex.asp.

Lets keep the discussion going and please contact the city of St. Croix Falls with your thoughts and comments.

Woody McBride St. Croix Falls

Best alternative Gregg Westigard’s What if we had an Election and No One Voted? (Feb. 11) provided an excellent explanation of the inefficiencies of primary elections.

Conducting them costs local governments substantial amounts of money yet, as Westigard notes, it is often the case that very few voters bother to go to the polls.

This is not only wasteful, but also gives a tiny percentage of the electorate the ability to determine which choices everyone else will see on the general election ballot.

Unfortunately, Westigard’s list of possible alternatives – moving spring elections to fall, making more offices appointed rather than elected, and/or reducing the number of polling places – all have serious flaws. The best solution is instant runoff voting, or “IRV.” The city of Minneapolis recently joined a growing number of American cities which have adopted IRV for municipal elections; St. Paul and Duluth may soon be following suit.

The “instant” in instant runoff voting comes from the fact that, instead of conducting consecutive runoff elections — primary, then general, the selection process is condensed into one election. Under IRV, voters rank candidates in order of preference on a single ballot. If a candidate receives a majority of first choices, he or she is elected. If no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest first choices is eliminated.

Voters who ranked the eliminated candidate first now have their ballots counted for their second choice. This process continues until one candidate earns a majority.

Besides saving taxpayer dollars, IRV has a number of other benefits. It would level the playing field for third party and independent candidates by eliminating both the wasted vote syndrome (why waste my vote on someone who doesn’t have a chance of winning?) and the spoiler effect (why should I vote for Candidate X, who is my favorite, if doing so helps elect Candidate Y, whom I can’t stand?). Under IRV, casting your first-choice vote for the

candidate you really like best would never help elect a candidate you don’t like. (IRV does not compel voters to rank all candidates, only the ones each voter finds acceptable.)

IRV would also discourage negative campaigning, since all candidates are vying not only for your first-place vote, but for your second- and third-place votes as well. It would shorten the campaign season and reduce the amount of money spent on political advertising.

Implementing IRV in Wisconsin would require some revision of state statutes and, yes, there would be some costs involved in making the transition, but I think in the long run we’d be much better off – and democracy would be better served – with instant runoff voting than with our current system. To find out more about IRV, go to www.instantrunoff.com. Then contact your state legislators and tell them you want to improve the way we vote.

Jeff Peterson Town of Georgetown

No moderation After reading about President Obama’s nominations for the Justice Department, I cannot believe this is the kind of change the American people who voted for him wanted.

His latest nomination is Elena Kagan, nominated to be solicitor general.

According to Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst at Focus on the Family Action, she has never argued a case to the Supreme Court and that is the solicitor general’s function! He said, “Her most recent misreading of the Constitution occurred in the Supreme Court case dealing with military recruiters on campus. She signed on to a brief with 40 other liberal law professors arguing a First Amendment position so extreme that the Supreme Court rejected her position by a 9-0 vote.”

The deputy attorney general nominee, David Ogden, opposes restrictions on abortion and pornography. He filed a brief before the U. S. Supreme Court in support of child pornographer Stephen Knox who possessed sexually explicit videos of children. He has also represented Playboy in court.

Thomas Perrelli, nominated to serve as associate attorney general, represented Terri Schiavo’s husband when he was fighting to deprive her of food and water.

Nominated as assistant attorney general is Dawn Johnsen, NARAL ProChoice America’s former legal director.

These nominations appear to be as far left as you can get. If they are approved by the Senate, there will apparently be none of the “moderation” that Obama promised during his campaign.

MaryEllen Olson Amery

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Small town USA? You always hear about small towns and how everybody knows everybody, you know the names of all the kids, even the names of your neighbor’s dogs. Small town USA friendliness. I am going to prove that all wrong.

I live in the town of Atlas. I have been here eight years, and I must tell you that nothing is further in this town than knowing everybody. I know only three neighbors and two dogs by name after eight years.

Anyone that has driven down CTH B, CTH Z, Hwy. 87, and others have seen the “Dan the Can Man” Dan Monson.

He walked these roads almost every day picking up cans that people have littered the roadsides with. Many of us would drop off our empty cans to his house.

I was one of those people. Two weeks before Christmas I dropped off four garbage bags of cans and a Christmas card with a note asking him to come and have coffee sometime and I was offering a friendship. I drove past there plenty of times since, and the bags and card were still there.

Today I asked at the Atlas Store where he was, I hadn’t seen him in a long time and wondered if he had gone somewhere for the winter. I was told he had died. I asked further at the Atlas Co-Op Feed Store, and to my utter dismay, I was told he had passed away, that in December he had become sick, went into the hospital, then to the Golden Manor nursing home where he died of cancer a week later.

No one knew when he died, there was no obituary, no services we were told about, and no one in Atlas had even known he was sick or dying.

I picked up that two-month-old Christmas card from under the tree where I left it. The ink had bled into the paper and it was soggy as if the tree it was under had cried its tears of mourning upon it.

I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, none of us did, but be assured Dan, we will all miss you, each of us for our own reasons. The community has lost a very gentle soul. God bless you.

Krystyn Knights Atlas

Copy submission We encourage all news and other submitted copy to be sent to us by email rather than in handwriting or typed on paper and mailed, faxed or dropped off.

We can accept Microsoft Word documents but prefer copy to be typed in the body of the e-mail. A name, address and phone number should be included with all submitted copy. Thank you.

- Editor

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

P O L K

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H E A D L I N E S

Bank funds should be safe

Polk County action a special situation

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The bank deposits of area residents should be very safe.

The action Polk County took to cash in some of its investment funds should not be seen as a warning to ordinary citizens.

The Leader, in an article published Feb. 3, did not print the name of the bank where the county had some of its funds for several reasons, including the fact that the county funds involved were at different possible risk.

There are different types of bank deposits including demand deposits such as checking accounts and time deposits such as certificates of deposit or CDs. There is no limit on the amount of coverage the Federal Deposit

Insurance Corporation provides for demand accounts. All checking accounts at banks are safe. The FDIC protects time deposits up to a limit of $250,000 per account.

Most residents money probably comes in one of these categories and should be safe.

The county investments were a very different class.

Polk County had $1.5 million invested with one bank in three CDs. The FDIC provided primary protection for $250,000 of that amount and the state protection fund for local government units protected an additional $400,000 for a total of $650,000. That left $850,000 with a third level of protection. The funds were guaranteed by pledged securities put up by the bank. The county was concerned that the $850,000 might be secure but not readily available if the bank had financial problems.

The county investment committee, treasurer Amanda Nissen, county board Chair Bryan Beseler and finance Director Tonya Weinert, and the finance committee, took action on the funds based on inside-the-industry warnings that the large parent company – in Europe – of the local bank might be facing some problems. The county was

Anderson, Cotch win primary OSCEOLA – Incumbent Rosanne Anderson and Mary Cotch were the leaders in the Osceola School Board primary election Tuesday and will face each other in the spring election April 7.

With complete but unofficial returns in, Anderson received 135 votes while

shelter for victims of disaster based on emergency needs. Red Cross disaster assistance is provided by locally trained volunteers, freely given, supported by financial contributions from the people of Polk County. - submitted

Highway worker recognized for cool head after accident

Cotch drew 105 votes. They defeated Scott Sirek, who had 55 votes and Richard Lowney with 18 votes.

The school district includes the village of Osceola and all or parts of the towns of Alden, Farmington, Garfield and Osceola.

Evers, Fernandez carry Burnett and Polk

Red Cross assists fire victims POLK COUNTY – The St. Croix Valley Chapter, Polk County Branch, is providing assistance to the two families in Clayton who lost their homes to fires.

Disaster response by the American Red Cross provides for food, clothing and

looking at warning signs that could affect a large time deposit. Demand deposits were not at risk.

The county felt that it would be wrong to name the local bank based on industry speculation that would not affect individual local resident bank customers. The Leader agreed and did not print the name of the bank.

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – Tony Evers and Rose Fernandez led the field locally and statewide in the primary race for superintendent of public education Tuesday and will face each other April 7 in the spring election. The two came out ahead of three other candidates, Todd Price, Van Mobley and Lowell Holtz.

Complete but unofficial local results: Burnett Polk Evers Fernandez Mobley Price Holtz

178 148 131 106 58

307 218 149 172 81

Cross-country ski tour in Straight Lake State Park

Polk County highway worker Randy Vollrath, Milltown, was working at Hwys. 48 and I this winter when a car slid into a semitrailer. Vollrath summoned medical help, delivered emergency aid to the driver and directed traffic until help arrived. In recognition of his work, Highway Commissioner Steve Warndahl presented Vollrath with a certificate of appreciation at the highway committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 5. – Photo by Gregg Westigard

LUCK - An easy, scenic cross-country ski tour of Straight Lake’s wooded south shore is planned for Saturday, March 7.

Persons interested in taking part should bring classic cross-country skis and meet at the small parking area on 270th Avenue at 10 a.m.

Members of the Ice Age Trail’s Indianhead Chapter will welcome you there with a bonfire and coffee, hot cider and snacks before the tour. IAT members have also ski-tracked the trails. For this one-hour tour, people may join one of the guides or venture out on their own.

This early in March, skiers may meet the late bluster of winter or they may see the first stirrings of spring in the increased activity of hawks, owls, eagles and turkeys as well as small mammals. The maples may be dripping, as, historically, these hills were a large sugar bush.

Should there not be enough snow cover, participants will walk the trail.

The mission of the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation is to create, support, and protect a thousand-mile foot trail tracing the Ice Age formations across Wisconsin .

For questions contact Dean Dversdall, at 715-472-2248. – submitted

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Faith in evolution

Evolutionists hate it when certain people question their cherished views.

They will not accept a challenge to the fact of evolution, allow other reasonable explanations and encourage students to think for themselves!

Scientists who subscribe to intelligent design are committed to the laws of science and scientific methodology. They do not misrepresent the evidence. The fact is these scientists and evolutionists both have the same evidence. But how do they approach the evidence? What are their assumptions and presuppositions? Those who accept intelligent design are prepared to state theirs as they examine the evidence.

For example, evolutionists believe that life formed by itself from lifeless chemicals and energy, and that from a few splitting cells living organisms formed. Highly organized, coded information has been programmed into the cells. But what they cannot explain is how bare chemicals and energy organize themselves, form codes, build cells and form living organisms. They look at the evidence from this viewpoint: “Only chemicals and energy and random

processes over billions of years could have done this.” They begin with the bias: “Intelligence and design? A codecreator? This cannot be! A creator means religion, so we must rule it out.”

Science and common sense teach us that complex codes do not come about by themselves. And yet, evolutionists hold firm to their assumptions and bias, instead of allowing the other possibility.

The formation of ice crystals is another example used by evolutionists. Ice crystals are water molecules bonded together. They are formed by natural processes. However, the crystalline structures are a far cry from the complex, ordered arrangements found in DNA – the code for life. Evolutionists try to explain, but are not open to an alternate view.

They have yet to give us a scientific mechanism for macroevolution. And yet, they theorize that given billions of years and chance processes, chemicals can arrange themselves, form complex DNA codes and form life. From molecules all the way up to man! “It can happen given enough time.” Now that takes faith … faith in evolution! Sounds

like religion to me.

This year, 2009, is a big year for evolutionists. They will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the father of evolution, Charles Darwin, Feb. 12, 1809, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book, “On the Origin of Species.” Many idolize this man whose worldview totally rejects a creator.

Even Darwin admitted, concerning the complex structure of the eye: That the eye “could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest possible degree” (“The Origin of Species”).

It is appalling to see that 11,000 clergy of various denominations signed the “Clergy Project Letter.” Hundreds of clergy and churches around the world are celebrating Darwinian evolution this year. In part, this is what the letter states: “We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth … to reject this truth or to treat it as one theory among others, is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and transmit such ignorance to children.”

And these are church leaders! Talk

about the blind leading the blind!

Allow me to state my assumption, my bias, as I view the evidence. Here is something any reasonable person can understand: “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) What do you see when you look around you? Chance or design?

To use words of the Pepsi Max commercial: “Wake up, people!” The Creator’s evidence is clearly seen.

Someday evolutionists will be without excuse when they meet their Maker.

Speaking as a pastor, I invite readers to meet him today in the person of God’s son, Jesus Christ, our creator and savior.

Pastor Mark K. Schoen, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, St. Croix Falls

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Olson wins fifirreplace

Michelob Golden Light and SSG Holiday teamed up to sponsor a fireplace giveaway in a drawing held for six weeks over the holiday season. To enter, people put their names into boxes located in several different SSG Holiday stores. Four fireplaces were won in Wisconsin towns - New Richmond, River Falls, Hammond and Cornell. Luck resident Jodi Olson had signed up while in New Richmond and received her fireplace at the store in Frederic, delivered and presented by Bruce Johnson, chain account manager for Bill’s Distributing, Ltd. Pictured (L to R): Jodi’s husband, Larry Olson; Frederic Holiday manager Kathy Means; Jodi Olson holding son Adrian and Bruce Johnson. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

The number of foreclosure court cases in Wisconsin rose from 6,407 in 2000 to 23,263 in 2008, according to Andy Lewis, University of Wisconsin-Extension community development specialist. State foreclosure cases increased 21 percent over the past year.

Some counties experienced a rapid annual increase in foreclosure activity in 2008, such as Dane (up 46.9 percent), Sauk (up 58.5 percent) and Racine (up 39.9 percent), while other foreclosure hotspots in the state saw a slower rate.

Milwaukee County, which was the source of 24 percent of the state’s foreclosure cases in the past two years, had a 51-percent annual increase in 2007, but dropped to a 10.8-percent increase in 2008.

“While nearly half of the state’s foreclosure court cases in the last two years have been located in urban counties – Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dane, Brown, Kenosha, Racine and Rock counties – rural counties are also feeling the pain,” says Lewis. St. Croix County tops the list of rural counties with high foreclosure rates reporting one foreclosure for every 55 housing units in the county. Lewis points out that while the situation in Wisconsin is serious, the state is not faring as badly as some other parts of the country.

Foreclosure rates in Wisconsin are lower than the national average. For example, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports that 2.57 percent of the loans in inventory in Wisconsin in the third quarter of 2008 were being foreclosed. That compared to 2.97 percent for the nation, or 7.32 percent in Florida, 5.58 percent in Nevada, and 3.9 percent

in California, Arizona and Ohio. “The data provided by the University of WisconsinExtension gives us a clear picture of the foreclosure situation in the state,” says Riley, Antonio executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and E c o n o m i c Tools of Development Development Authority. “This information is really important as we look at creating awareness and building capacity of nonprofit credit counseling agencies around the state.”

WHEDA distributes National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program grants to HUD-certified counseling agencies around the state and urges people who are behind on their mortgages to contact their bank or a nonprofit counseling agency for help. A list of resources can be found at WHEDA’s Web site: http://www.WisconsinForeclosureReso urce.com.

Visit UW-Extension’s Center for Community and Economic Development Web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/index .cfm for more information related to housing in Wisconsin 608-263-1432.

Out of Luck Quartet entertains at Frederic Nursing and Rehab

Roald Johnson, resident at Frederic Nursing and Rehab, was entertained on Valentine’s Day by the Out of Luck Quartet.

Bob Kazmierski

Valentine’s Day was celebrated at Frederic Nursing and Rehab.

Royalty (L to R) is Princess Emma Jensen, King Bryon (Buck) Cooper, Queen Darlene Holmberg and Prince Darryl Wikstrom. Music was provided by Jim Kerr. - Special photos

Academic news ROCHESTER, Minn. – Rochester Community and Technical College is pleased to announce its fall semester dean’s list. The following students have achieved a grade-point average between 3.0 and 4.0 for courses completed in the fall semester ending this past December.

RCTC congratulates these individuals who reside in your community for their outstanding academic performance.

Cushing - Brian D. Offerdahl; Frederic - Nolan J. Neumann; - Luck – Alisa L.

Eckel. – submitted

••• BOSTON, Mass. – Northeastern University is pleased to recognize those students who distinguish themselves academically during the course of the school year. Siren resident Kathleen Miley, a Northeastern University student majoring in philosophy, was recently named to the university’s dean’s list for the fall semester 2008. – submitted •••

Mid-Winter Sports Day this Saturday

The Grantsburg Elementary School participated in a button design contest for Grantsburg Mid-Winter Sports Day 2009. First-, second- and third-place awards were chosen in the design contest. The students with the winning designs were first place: Thorne Carter, second place Isabelle Maslow and third place Corrie R. Davis. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

Button winners announced GRANTSBURG – Third-graders from the Grantsburg Elementary School participated in a button design Contest for Grantsburg Mid-Winter Sports Day 2009. First-, second- and third-place awards were chosen in the design contest. The students with the winning designs were first place: Thorne Carter, second place Isabelle Maslow and third place Corrie R. Davis.

The winning design will be on buttons being sold at Grantsburg area businesses prior to and during Mid-Winter Sports Day, which will be held in Grantsburg, and at Memory Lake on Saturday, Feb. 21.

A grand prize will be awarded from a drawing of button numbers; and buttons will be needed to participate in the

medallion hunt.

The Mid-Winter Sports Day event, a longtime community tradition was brought back this year with Hummer’s Rendezvous and Squirrels Unlimited and the Grantsburg Area Chamber cosponsoring the event.

Activities for Mid-Winter Sports Day include breakfast and Bingo at the Grantsburg Legion Hall, a 5K race, medallion hunt and a scavenger hunt.

There will also be a logging competition at Woodlands Grille located at the Gateway Plaza on Hwy. 70, just east of the intersection. At Memory Lake there will be an ice-fishing contest, a polar plunge, minigolf tournament, ski race and lawn-mower races on the ice.

The day will end with a huge fireworks display at Memory Lake and dances at the Rendezvous and Legion.

– Priscilla Bauer

Top Girl Scout cookie seller Samantha Penberthy is this year’s top Girl Scout cookie seller in Frederic. Samantha sold 508 boxes of cookies. Because of her high level of sales, she will be invited to attend a special day at Girl Scout Camp Elk River in Zimmerman, Minn.

Samantha is in the fifth grade and the daughter of Rick and Josie Penberthy. - Special photo

Badger Boy and Girl selections

Amery American Legion Commander Dick Pelc and chairman Doug Gunderson announce the 2009 Badger Boy Selections Josh Beebe and David Appel. Badger Girls selections are Kelly O’Brien and Kim Zmuda. These participants will receive a weeklong instruction in citizenship and experience firsthand how their state and federal governments function. – Photo submitted

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

Learning about Lincoln

Mrs. Gloodt’s kindergarten class learned about President Lincoln last week.

The Nelson School students made Lincoln puppets and wrote stories about our 16th president. Students Bruce Lindau and Riley Schafer enjoyed having their photo taken next to Lincoln’s. This photo is being published again due to a production error in last week’s Leader. We apologize for the error. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

Burnett Community Library We received $50 in memory of Jeanette Watral, to be spent on children’s books.

Welcome, Char, to our library staff.

A child is never too young for stories. All preschoolers are encouraged to attend our weekly story time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

On March 4, at 6:30 p.m., the library will be hosting a film presentation by the Western Wisconsin Lyme Action Group called “Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease.” Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at 715-866-7697.

New arrivals for February “Brass Verdict,” by Michael Connelly “Divine Justice,” by David Baldacci “Eclipse,” by Richard North Patterson “Hand of Evil,” by J.A. Jance “Mending at the Edge,” by Jane Kirkpatrick

“Murder Inside the Beltway,” by Margaret Truman “Pagan Stone,” by Nora Roberts “Spoonful of Poison,” by M.C. Beaton “Tendering in the Storm,” by Jane Kirkpatrick “When the Morning Comes,” by Cindy Woodsmall “When the Soul Mends,” by Cindy Woodsmall “While My Sister Sleeps,” by Barbara Delinsky It is a joy to be working here at the Burnett Community Library. Hope to see you in the near future. – Patti Meyer, library director Hours Monday through Thursday open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

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GAM Board starts improvement projects

Needs on hold while sale was pending

by Gregg Westigard AMERY – The Golden Age Manor Capital Needs Plan has been on hold while a proposed sale of the Polk County nursing home was pending.

With that sale now stopped and the home making a profit for 2008, the GAM governing board started the process of making long-delayed improvements during its monthly board meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17. Four projects could cost up to $200,000. It is expected that much of that cost will be will be reimbursed by Medicaid.

Old debt recovered by GAM

Funds had been transferred to heirs

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – Golden Age Manor was recovered most of a $54,000 debt dating back to 2007. In February of that year, the property of a GAM resident, 120 acres of land near Clayton, was transferred to the resident’s daughter and grandson. The family later applied for Medicaid for the resident. The county and the state sued the family, claiming that the transfer of property was an

attempt to defraud the county.

The county claimed $53,995 and the state claimed $9,113 for care of the GAM resident up to the time of her death.

Two cases involving this transfer were settled in court on Monday, Feb. 16. The heirs agreed to pay $50,000 by June 1.

Of that amount, 86 percent will go to the county and 14 percent to the state. If the June deadline for payment is missed, the amount of the settlement will increase. A lien has been placed against the property. If no payment is made, the county will foreclose on the 120 acres.

www.theleader.net

This was the first meeting for Dave Ollman, recently appointed to replace Eugene Sollman, and the second for Bob Blake, appointed to replace Fred Grimm. The two are the public members on the five-person board. They join the three members from the county board, Patricia Schmidt, Gerald Newville and Bob Dueholm.

The four projects are a new time and attendance system, carpeting, windows and a bathing system. All the projects were on a list first prepared in June 2007, and had been previously listed in the GAM annual report to the county board.

The attendance system would replace an employee time clock that is 15 years old and can’t be repaired, GAM Administrator Gary Taxdahl told the board. There is a plan to update the attendance system for the entire county in 2010. The GAM update would start that process. This project was listed as the No. 1 need in 2007.

GAM started recarpeting in 2004 when one wing was done. The plan was to carpet a wing a year over four years, but nothing more was done.

The windows in the home are 50 years old, drafty and energy inefficient.

Replacements could be installed over the summer. Lastly, the present bathing system, used by 100 of the residents, is out of date and not repairable.

Up to 75 percent of the costs for the projects would be reimbursed by Medicare, Taxdahl said. Bids have not been sought, but estimates for the projects were reported to be less than $200,000.

The motion to do these four projects in 2009 was passed by a vote of 4 to 1.

Schmidt cast the only negative vote. She said that the carpets were not as much a priority as the other items and suggested that funds for the carpeting could possibly be raised by the Friends of GAM group.

The projects will now move through the county system. The carpet and window items will be presented to the property committee, and the time/attendance system will be presented to the personnel committee. All the items will go to the finance committee and finally to the county board.

Republicans to celebrate a Lincoln Day Event SPOONER - The Republicans in Washburn, Sawyer and Burnett counties have planned their first three-way endeavor in order to come together for caucus, appetizers and desserts on Friday, Feb. 27, at Northwest Sports Complex in Spooner.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a caucus that could run for an hour and a half. After the caucus, there will be appetizers; a cash bar and the opportunity to met Reince Preibus, the Wisconsin Republican Party chairman, Dave Ross, the mayor of Superior, Sheila Harsdorf, the 10th District State Senator and J.B. Van Hollen, state attorney general.

Each of the above will bring a short talk on their various fields and their

take on where the Republican Party needs to be during the coming years.

When everyone has had their say and questions answered, dessert will be served by Jerseys, who are doing all the food that night. The cost for the event is $10 with a prepaid ticket and $12 at the door. There will also be a chance to sign up for membership in the party during the evening.

Event planners would like an approximate count of those planning on attending this event, so call 635-6920 before Feb. 25 to make your reservation and mail your money to treasurer Wendy Rechsteiner, N6142 Little Valley Road, Spooner, WI 54801, making your check out to WC Republican Party. Diane Dryden

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

Burnett Co. criminal court Amie J. Simon, 20, Siren, underage drinking, $186.00, alcohol assessment.

Nicholas J. DeMoe, 28, Frederic, OWI, $667.00, license revoked six months, alcohol assessment.

Diana M. Pewaush, 44, Webster, operate without valid license, $186.00.

Paul S. Maurice, 24, Hinckley, Minn., operate without valid license, $186.00.

George W. Nesgoda, 41, Webster, disorderly conduct, $309.00.

Scott E. Endicott, 33, Apple Valley, Minn., mandatory seat belt requirement, $160.80.

Brian R. Spitzmueller, 16, Lino Lakes, Minn., mandatory seat belt requirement, $160.80.

Daryl D. Glover, 41, Webster, failure to keep vehicle under control, $198.60.

George L. Casey, 44, New Richmond, group deer hunting violation, $288.80.

Ronald J. Sanoski Jr., 34, Dresser, hunt deer in unauthorized quota area, $150.00; group deer hunting violation, $250.00.

Sierra L. Johnson, 21, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Notices

Brittany A. Davison, 17, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Kenneth G. Hopkins, 61, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Maria L. Dearbin, 27, Webster, inattentive driving, $173.40.

Shawn H. A. Bakke, Cedar, Minn., disorderly conduct, $309.00.

John P. Polski, 21, Danbury, operating while revoked, fiveday jail sentence, license revoked six months, $287.00.

Andrew J. Huttner, 39, Brooklyn Center, Minn., negligent operation of motor vehicle, 20-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, alcohol assessment, $1,100.00.

Burnett Co. sheriff’s report Accidents Feb. 12: Justin S. Blask, 25, Siren, was westbound on Gordan Road in Siren Township when he lost control and rolled the vehicle in the ditch. The driver was injured in the accident.

Three citations were issued: nonregistration of vehicle, failure to obtain license after address change and driving too fast for conditions.

Feb. 9: Donna M. Bosman, 52, Danbury, was westbound on Hwy. 77 in Swiss Township when she lost control on the icy road and overturned in the ditch. There were no injuries reported.

Other incident Feb. 6: Robert F. Moritz, Siren, reported that a snowmobile trailer was taken from his property. the incident is under investigation.

Notices/Employment

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Growing for Local Markets Workshop RICE LAKE — Area farmers and those interested in growing fresh market vegetables and produce are encouraged to participate in the Growing for Local Markets Workshop Series. The series includes both local grower experts and university specialists who will lead discussions and provide practical real world examples of operating a commercial produce operation. The series will be held on Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, from 6:30-9 p.m. at UW-Barron County in Rice Lake.

According to Kevin Schoessow, area UW-Extension agriculture development agent, with the increased interest and demand for local food, there is a need for more growers to meet the potential demand. This

workshop series is a good primer for those interested in starting a commercial fresh market produce business.

The series starts with a discussion on scale, income and capitalization expectations for beginner growers.

The second week focuses on how to sell your produce at farmers markets, through community supported agriculture markets, and selling direct to restaurants, groceries and food coops. The third week will discuss irrigation and equipment options suitable for fresh market growers. The series concludes with discussions on insect, disease and other pest management considerations.

Cost of the full workshop series is $75 per person.

For a copy of the brochure and to register for the series, please visit www.barron.uwc.edu/ce. Preregistration is required by Friday, March 6. For more information contact Schoessow at the Spooner Area UW-Extension, 715-635-3506, or kevin.schoessow@ces.uwex.edu or Tracey Mofle at UW-Barron County at 715-234-8176, ext. 5502 or tracey.mofle@uwc.edu.

This workshop is partially funded by a Continuing EDvantage Grant from the Division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning, UW-Extension.

Other sponsors include the University of WisconsinBarron County and the Center for Integrated Agriculture Systems at UW-Madison. — submitted

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Feb. 5, 7:07 a.m., Alden Twp., CTH A, .9 mile east of 155th Street, LYNN J. McCLELLAN, 37, Deer Park, was westbound on CTH A. Operator lost control, left roadway to the right. Unit 1 crashed into a driveway embankment at 1459 CTH A, went airborne and overturned.

Operator sustained injuries (was wearing seat belt/transported by EMS).

Feb. 7, 7:31 p.m., Beaver Twp., CTH V, .75 mile north of Hwy. 8, ELISABETH A. TAYLOR, 33, Cornell, struck a deer on the roadway.

Feb. 8, 1:09 p.m., Milltown (village) Main St. East, 50’ west of Milltown Avenue; #1—JOY A. RUBIN, 70, Milltown; #2— DANIEL A. WILSON, 21, Minneapolis, Minn.; Unit 1 was westbound on Main Street East.

Unit 2 was backing a vehicle out of a parking space. Unit 2 struck unit 1 as it passed. Driver of unit 2 stated, “I didn’t see her.” Unit 2 was moved after the accident.

Feb. 9, 5 a.m., Sterling Twp., Hwy. 87, .5 mile north of Evergreen Avenue, MARY L. MASKE, 43, Grantsburg, was northbound on Hwy. 87, swerved to miss a deer, rolled over 1-1/2 times into the west ditch. Driver left the scene and called to report the crash. There was minor damage.

Feb. 9, 5:35 a.m., Osceola Twp., CTH M/75th Avenue, 20’ east of Oak Drive, AMBER J. BLUM, 25, Osceola, was traveling eastbound on CTH M. It was raining out and the roads became glare ice. After entering onto an icy area, unit 1 began to

spin. The vehicle also began sliding right into the south ditch.

Upon entering the ditch, unit 1 tripped and rolled over onto its roof, coming to rest facing west.

Feb. 9, 5:35 a.m., Osceola Twp., Oak Drive, .2 mile north of CTH M/75th Avenue; JOHN G. SOLSRUD, 43, Osceola, was traveling southwest on Oak Drive. The roads were ice covered and slippery. As unit 1 began to travel down a hill that began to bend to the left, the driver tried to slow. Unit 1 slid down the hill and entered the ditch. After entering the ditch, unit 1 traveled a short distance and collided head-on with a tree.

The driver was able to exit the ditch.

Feb. 9, 5:55 a.m., Laketown Twp., CTH N, 200’ east of 235th Street, RYAN J. STINEMAN, 24, St. Croix Falls, was westbound on CTH N, hit an ice patch, lost control. Unit 1 rolled once down a hill and landed on its tires on a pond. There was minor damage.

Feb. 9, 7:20 a.m., Apple River Twp., 80th Street, .1 mile north of Mains Crossing Avenue, JACINDA M. POTVIN, 35,

Amery, was traveling northbound on 80th Street. The roads were ice covered and slippery. As unit 1 was traveling, the driver lost control and the vehicle began to spin. Unit 1 crossed the southbound travel lane and entered the west ditch, now sideways. Unit 1 tripped and began to roll. Unit 1 came to rest on the driver’s side, facing north. Driver was wearing a seat belt, sustained a minor injury, transported by EMS. Feb. 9, 3:10 p.m., Black Brook Twp., Hwy. 46 at CTH A; #1—CORY A. KRAUTKRAMER, 23, on-duty Polk County Deputy Sheriff; #2—DARIN J. VANCE, 23, Amery; Unit 1 was eastbound on CTH A with lights and siren activated. Unit 2 was northbound on Hwy. 46. Driver of unit 2 said that he saw unit 1 with lights on and siren on. Driver of unit 2 said he saw unit 1 slow for the stop sign and thought that unit 1 was going to pull him over, so he didn’t stop and went through the intersection so that Unit 1 could just pull in behind him. Driver of unit 1 said that he slowed for the stop sign, didn’t see unit 2 and pulled out. Driver of unit 1 said that he had lights and siren on, responding to a call.

Feb. 11, 12:30 a.m., CTH Y at 120th Avenue, ANGELA L. SMITH, 37, Osceola, was southbound on CTH F. The driver

estimated her speed at 20-30 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone. She said she began trying to slow down for the stop sign and began sliding and slid through the intersection. Driver struck a private sign, snapping both posts, and struck a tree approximately 60 feet off the roadway. Driver said she was attempting to make a right turn at the intersection.

Feb. 16, 7:30 a.m., Garfield Twp., JL Market parking lot; #1—DANIEL J. WEGWORTH, 51, Osceola; #2—STEVEN A. GREENBERG, 50, Star Prairie;

Unit 1 backed out of the stall and behind unit 2 to exit the parking lot. Driver of unit 2 started to leave, backed into unit 1, striking his driver’s door. Driver of unit 1 complained of a sore shoulder. Both drivers were wearing their seat belt/no EMS. Other incidents Feb. 6, CHAD A. CROSBY, Clayton, reported the theft of his female boxer puppy from his apartment.

Feb. 6, RONALD C. LUND, Bloomington, Minn., reported that his garage door had been damaged on an unknown date, South Shore Court, Amery.

Polk County deaths Sharon M. Lieffring, 69, Jan. 26, 2009, Osceola Henrietta A. Anderson, 94, Jan. 27, 2009, St. Croix Falls Robert J. Humpal, 86, Jan. 28, 2009, Clear Lake Lawrence Clyde Fox, 66, Feb. 2, 2009, St. Croix Falls Chrystabel M. Doege, 97,

Feb. 3, 2009, Amery Paul R. Hinderliter, 71, Feb. 4, 2009, Luck Eugene H. Smith, 71, Feb. 4, 2009, Osceola Marlin B. Gerlach, 80, Feb. 5, 2009, Dresser Carman F. Swanson, 92, Feb. 10, 2009, St. Croix Falls.

Burnett County warrants Antoinette J. Bearhart, 21, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 13.

Lorna J. Bowman, 65, Saxon, failure to pay fines, Feb. 13.

Brian J. Henton, 39, Isanti, Minn., warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 11.

Tamara A. Kauffmann, 48, Spooner, failure to pay fines, Feb. 13.

John K. Lee, 39, Grantsburg, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 9.

Stacy R. Nelson, 26, Danbury, failure to pay fines, Feb. 13.

Jonathon C. Oiyotte, 30, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 11.

Joseph J. Petersen, 37, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 11.

Bradley R. Reinhardt, 29, Webster, failure to pay fines, Feb. 13.

Amanda K. Rogers, 20, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 11.

Sadie E. Rogers, 21, Siren, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 13.

Brandon D. Skaj, 22, Isanti, Minn., failure to pay fines, Feb. 13.

Burnett Co. marriage license Kyle J. Linton, Cambridge, Minn., and Greta K. Lutterman, Cambridge, Minn., Feb. 13.

Burnett Co. death Loren A. Olson, 81, Siren Township, Jan. 31.

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Eagles send four to sectionals in Osceola Dennis McKinney injured in finals match

by Marty Seeger AMERY – It was a tough day for a lot of area teams at the WIAA Regional Wrestling Tournament in Amery last Saturday. Despite the Unity wrestling team getting four through to the sectional in Osceola this Saturday, Feb. 21, coach Mark Ferguson says the team could have done better.

“Disappointing a little bit in the number we got through,” Ferguson said. “I think we could have done a lot better, but overall, getting four kids through out of 10, not too bad.”

The best day went to the undefeated (40-0) Dustin McKinney, 130 lbs., who received a bye in the first round before winning handily over Caleb Belter of Somerset 21-4. He pinned Ben Ackerley of Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg in the first-place match in 2:53.

“He’s been doing really well, and he’s peaking this time of the year again, and looking great,” said Ferguson.

Things might have started out good for senior Dennis McKinney, 135 lbs., but turned sour in his second match against Jared Nelson of Amery, another quality wrestler. With Nelson up 3-1 and both wrestlers out of bounds, Nelson made a shot that stretched McKinney’s knee. After a short pause in the match, McKinney continued in pain and eventually lost 3-1. He went on to pin Adam Parmeter of Osceola for sec-

ond-place, but was still in considerable pain. Ferguson is unsure yet of McKinney’s status, but knows it’ll be tough either way at 135 lbs. this weekend, as it’s loaded with quality wrestlers. Adding injury will only make it tougher.

“It’s going to be 10 times as hard on him as it is on the other kids,” Ferguson said.

McKinney is still ranked third at 135 lbs., but three other wrestlers at the sectional tournament are also ranked in the top five.

“We’ve got an excellent 135 pound class coming out of our regional,” Ferguson said.

Dylan Hendricks, 140 lbs., also had a good day, placing second overall, quali-

fying him for sectionals, but both Hendricks and Jared Peper, 160 lbs., lost in the finals. Hendricks defeated Tyler Hexht of Somerset in an 8-6 decision before losing to Eddie Benitez of Amery 9-4. Hendricks will have a tough bracket this weekend as he goes up first against Zach Borofka of Bloomer, who has pinned him in two previous matches this season.

Peper pinned Nick Dvorak of Somerset before getting pinned by Bryndon Schock of Amery. Peper won by injury default over Greg Neumann of Osceola in a wrestle-back match to earn his spot at sectionals. Peper was down by a point, with just seconds to go in the match, when he made a last-second move for two.

Dustin McKinney (top) pinned Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg’s Ben Ackerley at the Amery regional.

Jared Peper of Unity made a great move in the final seconds of his match to advance to sectionals.

Unity’s Dylan Hendricks (bottom) lost to Amery’s Eddie Benitez in the championship round, but still advanced to the sectional meet.

Unity’s Dennis McKinney wrestled in pain after injuring his leg in this match against Jared Nelson of Amery. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Saints have a rough day on the mat Get Bruns, Raygor through to sectionals

by Marty Seeger AMERY – The Saints took 12 wrestlers to the regional tournament last Saturday in Amery, but sent just two through to the sectional tournament in Osceola this Saturday, Feb. 21. With only two seniors and much of the rest of the team in their first-ever regional, it’s what you might expect from such a young Saints team.

After a solid performance at the conference tournament a week earlier, coach Dan Clark expected a little bit more from his kids.

“We knew Nick Campbell at 112 would have to wrestle well, but besides that, all the younger kids just didn’t have a good round, and that kind of carried on and carried past the whole round,” said Clark.

Clark got a good day, however, from Joe Raygor, 171 lbs., who finished first.

Raygor received a bye in the first round and pinned Mike Fenske of Amery in 1:25, before winning by a technical fall

See regionals/ next page – Saints wrestler, Joe Raygor dominated the Amery regional last Saturday. – Photo by Marty Seeger

“Had one of the nicest doubles I’ve ever seen him shoot,” Ferguson said.

Although Ferguson admits that Peper doesn’t have the experience other wrestlers have, he’s been steadily improving.

“He’s come a lot farther than we anticipated at the beginning of the year,” Ferguson said. “He’s really worked hard in practice and progressed well for us.”

Senior Nate Reda, 152 lbs., Jake Johnson, 189 lbs., and Luke Nelson, 125 lbs., each place third at regionals, and some didn’t get the wrestle-backs that might have advanced them to sectionals.

“All great placings, but all of them could have probably been one higher,” Ferguson said. “We weren’t out of any of those semifinal matches.”

In other matches Dylan Koethe, 119 lbs., finished fourth, and Paul Mueller, 145 lbs., and Joe Swanson, 171 lbs., each took fifth.

Extra Points

••• LEADER LAND – WIAA Division 2 and 3 sectional wrestling coverage can be heard on 1260 AM this Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Division 2 teams wrestle in Osceola, and Division 3 teams wrestle at Osseo.

••• LEADER LAND – Girls and boys basketball games broadcast on 104.9 FM can be heard on the following dates and times. The Unity at St. Croix Falls girls and boys basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 19, begins at 6 p.m. The Luck at Grantsburg boys and girls basketball games on Friday, Feb. 20, begins at 6 p.m. The Monday, Feb. 23, Unity at Cumberland boys basketball game begins at 7:30 p.m.

••• OSSEO-FAIRCHILD – The Tuesday, Feb. 24, WIAA girls playoff game with Luck at Osseo-Fairchild is being broadcast on 104.9 FM beginning at 7 p.m.

••• AMERY – The Amery at Ellsworth boys basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 19, can be heard on 1260 AM at 7:30 p.m. The New Richmond at Amery girls basketball game on Friday, Feb. 20, can be heard on 1260 AM beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Tuesday, Feb. 24, WIAA girls basketball playoff game with Spooner at Amery begins at 7 p.m. on 1260 AM. ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2008 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld

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

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

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Both Blizzard and Amery/Unity advance in regionals Next round Thursday Blizzard 4, Baldwin/Woodville 2

by Brenda Sommerfeld SIREN – The Blizzard blew through their first round of regionals, winning 42 against the Baldwin/Woodville co-op team on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

“We just played harder than them,” coach Greg Sears said. “We played well.”

Both teams came out skating hard in the first period taking the puck from one end of the ice to the other over and over again. It wasn’t until 13:39 into the first period that the Blizzard got the puck past Baldwin/Woodville’s goalie into the net, when Bryan Bennett hit it in off a shot by David Harlander that bounced off the goalie.

Baldwin/Woodville retaliated quickly, nailing a goal 30 seconds later to tie it up 1-1.

Minutes into the second period, Bennett was injured, having to be taken off by ambulance staff.

The Baldwin/Woodville player that hit him was called on a charging penalty.

Bennett’s current status was unknown at time of print.

“It was pretty emotional with Bryan Bennett getting taken out,” Sears comTeam Baldwin/Woodville Blizzard

1 1 1

2 0 1

3 1 2

F 2 4

Scoring (Time elapsed) First Period – 1 B Bryan Bennett (David Harlander, Tony Folk) 13:39; 1 BW Luke Trickle (Riley Anderson) 14:05.

Second Period – 2 B Cody Benedict (Joe Engelhart, Anthony Dietmeier) 11:58.

Third Period – 2 BW Luke Trickle (Jerry Carey) 9:55; 3 B Joe Engelhart 11:57; 4 B Anthony Dietmeier 16:54.

Goalies Saves – BW Bo Nelson (21); B Mike Billings (18).

Blizzard’s Jamie Robb passes the puck up to teammate David Harlander during their game against Baldwin/Woodville. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld mented. “Those things go either two Woodville pulled their goalie in an ways, you either fold up or get it togeth- attempt to tie the game back up. It backer and the guys really rallied off that.” fired when Anthony Dietmeier broke The Blizzard hit shot after shot at their loose from the pack and hit in the opponent’s goal in the second period. Blizzard’s fourth goal.

Cody Benedict eventually sent the puck The Blizzard moves on to round two flying through teammate Tyler of the regionals. They will play No. 1 Richison’s and Baldwin/Woodville’s seeded Superior at Wessman arena on goalie’s legs into the net.

Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. Superior has Baldwin/Woodville managed a goal a record of 13-7, while the Blizzard are 10 minutes into the third period, but the 9-11.

Blizzard’s Joe Engelhart struck back “We’ll go out there and give it everywith an unassisted goal minutes later. thing we have,” Sears said.

Engelhart broke ahead of Baldwin/Woodville defensemen and Amery/Unity 7, Barron/Chetek 0 hit the top right side of the net.

AMERY – The Warrior hockey team In the last minute, Baldwin/ moves to the second round of regionals

after their 7-0 shutout over Barron/Chetek on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Anthony Peterson scored the first three goals for the Amery/Unity team during the first period. Kyle Schultz made three assists to him and D.J. Dahlberg and Isaac Christenson each made one.

Peterson started the Warriors scoring in the second period also. Cody Olson and Schultz each also scored one goal.

Dahlberg had a second assist and Steven Thorud and Tanner Tryggestad made their first for the game.

Isaac Christenson scored the only goal in the third and Amery/Unity’s seventh. Schultz made the assist. Schultz received playmaker having four assists against Barron/Chetek.

Patrick Bergan had 18 saves in the net for the Warriors.

No. 6 seeded team Amery/Unity will face No. 3 seeded River Falls in River Falls on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m., for the second round of regionals.

Team Barron/Chetek Amery/Unity

1 0 3

2 0 3

3 0 1

F 0 7

Scoring (Time elapsed) First Period – 1 AU Anthony Peterson (Kyle Schultz, D.J. Dahlberg) 0:44; 2 AU Anthony Peterson (Kyle Schultz) 3:11; 3 AU Anthony Peterson (Isaac Christenson, Kyle Schultz) 10:40.

Second Period – 4 AU Anthony Peterson 3:59; 5 AU Cody Olson (D.J. Dahlberg, Steven Thorud) 11:01; 6 AU Kyle Schultz (Tannr Tryggestad) 14:50.

Third Period – 7 Isaac Christenson (Kyle Schultz) 7:21.

Goalies Saves – BC Brett Fullerton (34); AU Patrick Bergan (18).

Regionals/continued over Haydon Dvorak 23-6. Raygor remains undefeated on the season at 370.

“Joe wrestled well, Jake (Bruns) wrestled alright,” Clark said of his two seasoned veterans. Bruns defeated Luke Nelson of Unity in a 7-4 decision in his first match, but lost to Austin Bushinger of Somerset by a 15-5 major decision.

Bruns wrestled Nelson again in wrestleback and won that match to earn a spot at sectionals this weekend.

Bruns (33-7) wrestles Nathan Larson (35-6) of Medford in the first round, and Raygor will be taking on Mac Hogfeldt (25-12) of Northwestern. Bruns lost to Larson by a pin at the Ellsworth tournament earlier in the season, but Clark expects it to be a good match. Clark says Bruns will need to wrestle well in order to make it through to the state tournament, but then again, everyone who wrestles at sectionals is going to face some sort of challenge “At sectionals, you better be able to beat somebody good, or you’re not going anyway. It doesn’t matter if you get ‘em in the first round or you get ‘em in the third round,” Clark said.

Some wrestlers that didn’t make it to the next round will be back again next season, but others finished out their wrestling careers at Amery, including senior Jesse Wilson, 145 lbs., who took fourth. Wilson got a bye in the first round and lost his next two matches, but certainly left his mark on the mat at St. Croix Falls.

“He’s a kid that for four years, has worked really really hard, and he’s done a lot for the program,” Clark said.

Whether it was helping out with younger wrestlers, or just plain doing anything coaches asked of him, Wilson was there to help, according to Clark.

“Anything we’ve asked him to do in

LFG’s Austin Eskola tries to escape Gabe Paulson of Amery. – Photos by Marty Seeger four years, he’s done, and it didn’t work out for him well on Saturday, but he’s a great kid and if everybody put in as much effort as he did, we’d have 14 rock-solid kids.”

Wilson was a big part of the Saints team that a couple of years ago nearly went to the state tournament, and according to Clark, has seen his share of success over the years.

Others placing for the Saints included Campbell, 112 lbs., in fourth, Spencer Walters, 119 lbs., third, Grant Simpson, 130 lbs., fifth, Zach Horn 135 lbs., fifth, Ryan Nussbaum, 140 lbs., fourth, Eric Segelstrom, 152 lbs., fifth, Jake

Senior Jesse Wilson (L) of St. Croix Falls had a great four years with the wrestling program.

Saints wrestler Jake Bruns is one of two going to sectionals from the team.

Radamacher, 160 lbs., fifth, Terrance Klemish, 189 lbs., fifth, and Brian Backus, 285 lbs., third.

Ben Ackerley, 130 lbs., received a third-place finish, and just missed his chance to go to sectionals, after he lost to Caleb Belter in the second-place match by a pin. Ackerley held Belter off for 4:47, but couldn’t pull out the victory. Ackerley did get a pin in his first match of the day over Garret Meagher of Amery.

Also notching third place was Ray Kurkowski at 103 lbs. Kurkowski was defeated by rule in his second-place match against John Olson of Osceola.

Other LFG wrestlers placing at regionals included Brent Johnson, 119 lbs., fourth place, Chase Dodds, 125 lbs., fifth place, John Schneider, 135 lbs., fourth place, Manuel Silva, 160 lbs., sixth place, and Kenny Sanford, 189 lbs., fourth place.

Eskola gets through to sectionals AMERY – Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg wrestled eight at the regional in Amery last Saturday, but will send just one wrestler to the sectional tournament in Osceola this Saturday, Feb. 21.

Austin Eskola, 112 lbs., was in a tough bracket but managed to pull through with a second-place finish. The Grantsburg native received a bye in the first round before shutting out St. Croix Falls wrestler Nick Campbell by 7-0 decision. Eskola battled hard in the championship round with Gabe Paulson of Amery, but lost by a 5-2 decision. Then in the wrestle-back, Eskola earned his second-place finish with a pin over Luke Henry of Somerset in 5:45.

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River Valley Hockey showing signs of success Eagles end tournament run in Cumberland

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS –Over the course of 10 years, the River Valley Hockey Association has shown considerable success, and this year was no different.

The Eagles, who are comprised of highschool-aged kids primarily from St. Croix Falls and Grantsburg, just ended their playoff hopes with a tough 3-2 loss to Cumberland. Both teams are part of the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association’s Region 1, which has teams from areas from Superior and Eau Claire to Hudson. This year, Cumberland will be representing Region 1 at the state tournament in Sauk Prairie, and each of the five other regions will also be sending a team. In all there are 40-50 teams in the WAHA program.

The Eagles have been to the state tournament before, according to seventhyear coach, Steve Stenberg. Their best placing to date is third, but unfortunately, the Eagles fell short of their goal this season.

“We gave it everything we had but we just came up short,” Stenberg said.

The Eagles ended their season with a 7-7-5 overall record, but still have several games scheduled in the coming weeks, as well as at least one other tournament. While not making the state tournament is somewhat frustrating for the team and its coach, the Eagles have

Defenseman Dylan Franklin waits to start play before River Valley’s game against Eau Claire.

River Valley forward, Ashley Chapman, works to stop an Eau Claire player from advancing the puck. – Photos submitted reason to be proud.

“This is the first group of athletes to play through the entire program since about the age of five,” Stenberg said.

About five or six years ago a group of eager high-school-aged kids tried to gather up enough players for a team.

They managed to pick up a few games here and there, but it wasn’t enough to put together a full team for the entire season. But this year’s Eagles have shown a bit of a breakthrough, and according to their coach, opened a lot of possibility for the future of the RVHA. “Some of the things that they’ve done is open up a lot of doors to what the program could be, in terms of future opportunities for where we play or who we play against,” Stenberg said.

The RVHA, as part of the WAHA, is similar to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, but with a little more flexibility. If the team wants, they can schedule 40-50 games each year, or play anywhere in the nation. The WIAA is a lot more restrictive when it comes to scheduling games, and deciding where teams can play and when. Also, WAHA allows not only athletes who are homeschooled, but both male and female athletes can be on the same team. Stenberg says it’s a big reason why they have such strong girls on their team, since the competition can be so intense. He said at least two girls who have come

through the RVHA program have gone on to other programs, and have had looks from top-tier Division 1 hockey schools. He says the level of play, not just from his girls, but his boys as well, has improved considerably.

“It’s been fantastic … watching the development both physically and mentally, [the changes in] players from last year to this year is phenomenal,” Stenberg said. He’s also quick to add that the competition can be equal to that in the level of play in the WIAA. But right now, Stenberg says that WAHA is a good fit for RVHA hockey. Not just because the numbers of players is lower, but also in the area of funding.

“One of the drawbacks to the overall hockey is that it’s expensive,” Stenberg says.

But in one way, that’s where the RVHA hockey program shines through.

The team plays at the Eagle’s Classic Outdoor Ice Arena located in St. Croix Falls. It’s one of the few outdoor rinks in the WAHA. Teams from areas as far as Eau Claire and beyond are continually pleased with the opportunity to play at their outdoor venue, even if the weather dips well below freezing. Playing outside is not only historic, and nostalgic, it keeps fees to a minimum.

“We take a lot of pride from playing outside,” Stenberg said.

The RVHA already has plans to

expand for the future, and hopes to build a new facility in Dresser. Until that time, there’s no doubt the RVHA will continue to provide hockey for those who just want to play the game.

Currently there are about 85 athletes, ranging from age 5 and up. Although Stenberg said next year’s team looks to be smaller, he hopes others will be able to fill their spots. What this year’s team has been able to accomplish over the course of their careers, seems to stand a great chance of carrying the tradition of hockey in the St. Croix Falls area into the future.

It’s not a prestigious thing, and we’re not a hockey town, but we have 85 kids who are willing to go out and freeze their tails off every night to go out and play hockey,” Stenberg said. For contact information and more information on RVHA hockey you can visit their Web site at www.usahockey.com/rivervalley.

The 2008-2009 Eagles hockey team includes: Chris Olson, goalie; Tim Lusk, senior forward; Chris Stenberg, forward; Matt Wood, forward; Ryan Tirrel, senior defense; Nathanial Seifert, defense; Dylan Franklin, defense; Conner Nelson, forward; Ashley Chapman, senior forward; Tryn Bryant, forward; Noah Qualle, forward; Nick Seifert, senior forward; Alex Mikl, forward; John Mikl, forward; Ryan Andrie, senior defense; and Ethan Anderson, defense.

Matt Wood plays as a forward for the River Valley Eagles hockey team.

Lady Blizzard hit losing streak before playoffs The Lady Blizzard finishes the season with an 11-6-3 record, giving them several more wins than last season.

The Lady Blizzard face New Richmond in New Richmond on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m., for their round in the regional competition. It will be the third time they have seen New Richmond. They played New Richmond for their first game of the season, tying 3-3. In the middle of the season they lost to New Richmond 2-0.

Take fourth consecutive loss Hayward 4, Lady Blizzard 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld HAYWARD – The Lady Blizzard have hit a losing streak days before the playoffs begin. They traveled to Hayward on Thursday, Feb. 12, where they took their fourth consecutive loss and sixth season loss. Hayward shut the Lady Blizzard out, 4-0.

Neither team put a goal in during the first period, but Hayward made up for this during the next two, scoring two goals in both the second and third periods.

Tiffany Meyer was once again in the net for the Lady Blizzard. Meyer totaled 36 saves, while her team got 10 shots on Hayward’s goal.

Team Lady Blizzard Hayward

Coach Tim Bennett talks with his Lady Blizzard hockey team during a previous game this season. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

1 -

2 2

3 2

F 0 4

Scoring (Time elapsed) First Period – No scoring.

Second Period – 1 H Kelly Ahlgren (Josi McShane) 4:45; 2 H Kelly Ahlgren (Hannah Turnbull) 16:55.

Third Period – 3 Alyssa Ahlgren (Samone Skweics, Hannah Turnbull) 15:45; 4 H Brittany Christman (Hannah Turnbull) 16:40.

Goalies Saves – LB Tiffany Meyer (36); H Amberly Norton (10).

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Cardinals turn it around after slow start

Luck comeback powered by effort in third quarter Luck 42, Webster 35

by Marty Seeger LUCK – Michelle Gibbs got things going for the Tigers in the first half as Luck struggled to find a rhythm in their offense last Thursday. Gibbs hit three from beyond the arc and 11 first-half points. Chris Stoll also hit a three for the Tigers in the first quarter as the team jumped out to an 11-4 lead by the end of the first quarter. Luck had just two points on the board with under two minutes to go in the first and Webster held a 16-6 lead midway through the Team Webster Luck

1 2 3 4 11 10 8 6 4 8 26 4 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A Webster Chris Stoll 1 1 3 Michelle Gibbs Kendra Spurgeon 1 4/7 Reba Smallwood 1 Brittany Burrow Rose Kopecky 3 2/6 2 1/2 Mary Johnson Totals 9 4 7/15 Luck Morgan Denny Bailee Swenson Melissa Jenssen Krystal Stage Aleah Lemieux Taryn Pilz Totals

2s 2 3 2 1 4 6 18

F 35 42 F TP 3 3 1 11 1 2 6 4 2 1 8 - 5 12 35

3s FTM/A F TP 3/4 4 7 1 6 1 4 3 2 2/3 3 10 1/4 1 13 6/11 13 42

Luck’s Taryn Pilz goes for a shot against Webster’s Chris Stoll in the Cardinals home gym on Thursday night. – Photos by Marty Seeger second quarter. Despite getting to within six near the end of the first half, Gibbs hit another 3-pointer before the buzzer to put the Tigers up 21-12 at the half.

“We came out really flat,” said Luck coach Marty Messar. He added, “We used three different defenses with little success and just struggled. Coach Robert’s girls were defending well and doing a great job running their offense.”

After shooting just 1 of 12 from the field in the first quarter and 3 of 12 in

the second, the Cardinals came out a totally different team in the third quarter after making adjustments on defense. Messar said assistant coach Barb Melin and his girls requested a switch in their approach defensively for the second half. After applying a full court, man-to-man defense in the third quarter, things started to change rather quickly for the Cardinals.

In the first two minutes of the third quarter Taryn Pilz and Aleah Lemieux

Luck defense keeps Tigers at bay Cardinals prepare for conference showdown Luck 58, Webster 38

by Marty Seeger LUCK – After the Tigers picked up an upset win over the Pirates on Friday, Feb. 6, the Cardinals knew they couldn’t take their game against Webster last Thursday lightly.

“You know they’re playing good, and they’re a very good ball team, so we didn’t take them lightly,” said Cardinals coach Rick Giller.

The Cardinals jumped out to an early first-quarter lead with some quick offense from senior Harry SeversonDickinson, who had six in the first quarter. It was the start of a well-balanced night of offense for the Cardinals, but ultimately, the game hinged on Luck’s solid defensive efforts, according to Giller.

“I thought the defense again was a determining factor for us,” Giller said.

The Tigers hung around for the better part of the first half, and midway through the second quarter they trailed Team Webster Luck

1 2 3 4 9 9 9 11 14 15 8 11 Individual Statistics Webster 2s 3s FTM/A Quentin Johnson 2 1 James Wethern 3 Karl Weber 1 3/5 Kyle Godfrey 1 1 2/2 Dan Erickson 2 Mitchell Elliot 1 1/1 Nolan Kriegel 2/2 Adam Baum Donnie Holmes 1 Totals 9 4 8/10 Luck Derek Letch

Harry Severson-Dickinson

Cole Mortel Adam Anderson Brennan Olson Alec Mortel Carson Giller Totals

2s 3 2 9 2 16

F 38 58 F TP 1 7 4 6 - 5 2 7 1 6 1 3 2 2 2 - 2 13 38

3s FTM/A F TP 1 - 3 1 2/2 2 11 2 2 10 2 3/6 - 21 1/2 4 5 2 2/2 2 8 6 8/12 12 58

Tiger Quentin Johnson makes his way around Luck’s Derek Letch during the Cardinals 58-38 win over Webster on Friday night. by five. But after getting solid offense from its team over the past week, the Cardinals managed to shut it down completely, by not allowing one Tiger to reach double digits in scoring. The Cardinals also held Webster to just nine points in the first three quarters, with the exception of the fourth quarter when Webster scored 11.

Although Giller thought the offensive efforts of his Cardinals still need improvements, he was pleased that they were able to keep the offense balanced. Brennan Olson led the team with 21 points, and Severson-Dickinson added 11. Cole Mortel had 10 points, Carson Giller added eight and Alec Mortel put up five.

“Overall it’s a good balance scoring, and I think we still need to run the offense a little bit better,” Giller said.

“We had some good drives to the basket

by Carson and Harry, so hopefully we can keep that up.”

The Cardinals will be working on getting their offensive strategy together in Bruce Tuesday night before gearing up for Grantsburg for both teams final conference games of the season. With Grantsburg’s conference loss to Webster recently, the winner of 2009’s West Lakeland Conference crown comes down to the teams final conference games of the season this Friday, Feb. 20.

After not taking their game lightly against Webster last Friday night, Luck will no doubt take the Pirates likely this Friday. Luck’s only loss of the season came to Grantsburg back on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

“We’re not going to take the next game lightly, but we gotta keep improving,” Giller said.

added six points to get the Cardinals within five. Reba Smallwood added a layup for Webster to separate the lead slightly, but Luck kept at it with a pair of points from Morgan Denny and four from Melissa Jenssen. But it was Pilz and Lemieux, who added nine points apiece in the third quarter.

“Taryn had a great second half, as did Aleah,” Messar said.

The Cardinals stretched it out to a 9point lead after the third quarter, and despite Webster getting as close as five with under three minutes remaining in the game, Luck held on for the win.

Pilz led the Cardinals with 13 points and 12 rebounds on the night and Lemieux added 10 points. The Cardinals final conference game of the season will be in Grantsburg this Friday, Feb. 20. Luck plays at Osseo-Fairchild in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday, Feb. 24,, beginning at 7 p.m.

Webster hosts St. Croix Central on Tuesday, Feb. 24, beginning at 7 p.m.

The Tigers ended their conference season in Luck with a record of 4-7.

Olson nominated to list of McDonald’s All-American

by Marty Seeger LUCK – Luck senior Brennan Olson has been nominated to a list of about 1,500 boys eying a spot on the 24-roster, McDonald’s All-American Team. Olson was presented with a plaque from coach Rick Giller in an assembly meeting held at the Luck High School last Friday night. Olson is one of 28 nominees from the state of Wisconsin to make the list. Other area athletes on the list of nominees include Alex Culy of Rice Lake, and Taylor Luke of Amery, who was one of the only local girls to make the list.

The nation’s nominees will be narrowed down to just 24 boys and 24 girls sometime this February, and a game will be played at Miami in April. The game not only showcases the nation’s best high school basketball players, but helps to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The list of talent that has played in the McDonald’s AllAmerican Games is extensive, and includes names such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

The McDonald’s AllAmerican Games have been taking place since 1977. For more information visit www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com. – with information from the Web site

Luck senior Brennan Olson was presented with a plaque last Friday from coach Rick Giller, signifying his nomination for the McDonald’s All-American boys basketball game. – Photo by Lori Nelson

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Pirate boys never look back against Frederic Viking girls pull past Pirates in second half Grantsburg 77, Frederic 26

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Pirate boys took a massive 21-6 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, winning 77-26 against the Frederic Vikings on Thursday, Feb. 12.

“They are a very talented team that has a chance to do some damage in March,” Frederic coach Ryan Lind said.

“Obviously, losing is hard, but we look at losing to a team like that as a more valuable experience than beating a mediocre team.”

All the Grantsburg players had time on the court against Frederic. Five Team Frederic Grantsburg

1 2 3 4 6 9 4 7 21 23 18 15 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A Brent Crandell 3 Trae Gehl Tommy Thompson Ethan Cook 2 2 2/2 Zach Anderson 2 William Primm 1 Deuiz Mirioglu Andrew Kurkowski 0/2 Peter Draxler 1 Ben Nelson Totals 9 2 2/4 Grantsburg Trevor Thompson Connar Goetz Ben Larson Tyler Myers Brent Myers Jake Ryan Jason Jensen Thane Larson Mitch Evenson Trent Bonneville Totals

2s 1 7 2 6 2 1 2 4 4 29

F 26 77 F TP 2 6 1 1 1 12 4 4 - 2 2 2 - 2 3 16 26

3s FTM/A F TP 1/2 - 3 1/2 - 15 4 4 2/2 1 14 1 4/5 1 11 1/1 - 3 2 4 1 1/2 - 12 0/3 1 3/5 1 11 2 13/22 10 77

Grantsburg’s Trevor Thompson goes in for a layup against Frederic.

– Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

Pirate Liz Gaffney makes a break for a layup with Frederic’s Rhaya Larson following.

scored in the double digits, with Connar Goetz scoring 15, Tyler Myers adding 14, Thane Larson contributing 12 and both Brent Myers and Trent Bonneville totaling 11.

The Vikings had Ethan Cook as their only double-digit scorer, totaling 12 points. Brent Crandell was the next highest with six.

a 19-12 lead after the first quarter, but couldn’t keep up with the Pirates scoring in the second. The Grantsburg offense kept scoring in the second quarter until they were only three points behind the Vikings, 33-30, when the buzzer rang.

“I think we got good looks at the basket all game but did a better job finishing in second half,” Frederic coach Troy Wink said.

The Vikings picked up their scoring pace after halftime. With Kendra Wells making a layup and a 3-pointer to start the third quarter, the Vikings took an eight-point lead, 38-30, and they never let up.

The Vikings added 32 points to the

Frederic 65, Grantsburg 56 GRANTSBURG – Both teams fought hard from beginning to end during the Frederic versus Grantsburg girls basketball game Thursday, Feb. 12. Only one team can win and Friday it was Frederic with a 65-56 victory over the Pirates.

Frederic started the game strong with

board in the second half, while only allowing Grantsburg 24 more.

“I thought the girls played very well,” Grantsburg coach Lisa McKinley stated.

“They fought to the end. I give our girls the credit of not quitting.”

“Grantsburg kept coming, never letting us rest,” Wink agreed. “We knew they would. They battled all night.”

Megan Anderson led the Vikings in points, with 16. Kendra Wells was close behind Anderson, scoring 15 points.

Jade Johnson added eight and both Ana Miller and Chrissy Chenal totaled seven during the game.

“Gab Witzany continues to be a consistent scorer for us as well as Kortney Morrin,” McKinley said. “Liz Gaffney had a great game rebounding and putting the ball back in for points.”

Witzany totaled 14 points for Grantsburg, Morrin had 20, Gaffney added nine and Sarah Wald contributed seven to the score.

Team Frederic Grantsburg

1 2 3 4 19 14 16 16 12 18 6 9 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A Samantha Nelson 4/4 Megan Anderson 7 2/4 Ana Miller 2 3/4 Anna Tesch Chrissy Chenal 3 1/2 Becca Anderson 1 2/3 Kendra Wells 4 2 1/3 Jade Johnson 4 Candace Buck 1 2/2 Totals 22 2 15/22 Grantsburg Sarah Wald Gabrielle Witzany Lisa Gaffney Kortney Morrin Jessica Moyer Liz Gaffney Nicole McKenzie Totals

2s 1 7 5 1 4 1 19

F 65 56 F 2 3 1 1 3 5 3 18

TP 4 16 7 7 4 15 8 4 65

3s FTM/A F TP 5/6 3 7 3 14 1 3 1/2 4 20 2/4 1 4 1/5 4 9 3 2 3 9/17 19 56

Dragon boys drop Unity in a close one Girls end conference with a perfect 11-0 Siren 54, Unity 51

by Marty Seeger AMERY – The Dragons and Eagles fought it out till the end in an exciting game that featured some key 3-point shooting from Elijah Hinze, who had 18 points for the Dragons on 3-pointers alone.

“We played well enough to win,” said Siren coach Jon Ruud. “I thought Unity really played us tough.”

Brady Flaherty got the Eagles on board first, but Hinze quickly followed with his first 3 of the game. Hinze had three in the first quarter, but Unity hung close as they trailed by seven at the end of the first quarter. The Dragons stretched their lead to as much as 10 in the second quarter with some key baskets from Charlie Brown on the inside.

It was a needed element to Siren’s game on Friday night, since two of its starters, Team Siren Unity

1 2 3 4 19 9 12 14 12 11 16 12 Individual Statistics Siren 2s 3s FTM/A Christian Hall 1 1 Elijah Hinze 1 6 Charlie Brown 5 4/6 Vince Nasman 0/2 Brennen Moose 4 3/4 Andrew Brown 2 Totals 13 7 7/12 Unity Sam Bengtson Seth McKenzie Luke Hilleshiem Brady Flaherty Rush Hickethier Eric Goulet Jared Mork Luke Hetfeld Tyler Bublitz Totals

2s 2 10 2 2 2 18

F 54 51 F 1 2 1 3 1 8

TP 5 20 14 11 4 54

3s FTM/A F TP 1 1 1/1 3 5 1 3/4 3 26 2 2 10 1/2 1 1 1 1/2 1 5 1 4 3 6/9 14 51

Unity’s Eric Goulet flies to the basket against Siren defender Charlie Brown during Friday’s game.

Brennen Moose, and Andrew Brown, weren’t feeling 100-percent. Ruud thought both Brown and Moose did a nice job of gutting it out despite not feeling well, and Moose proved to be a huge asset down the stretch from the free-throw line.

Siren’s lead was cut to just five at the end of the first half after Flaherty hit a big 3-pointer. Flaherty continued to lead the Eagles into the second half with not only the opening bucket, but three more off a steal that lead to a foul plus the basket. With the free throw, Unity quickly tied the game at 28 with just over six minutes to go.

Brown continued to shoot well for Siren midway through the third quarter, but two key 3-pointers from Unity’s Rush Hickethier kept the Eagles in the game, and down by one heading into the fourth quarter.

Hinze opened up the fourth quarter with a long 3-pointer and hit two more

Many girls go up for a rebound during the Siren versus Unity game on Friday. – Photos by Marty Seeger a few minutes later. Unity kept coming back however, and despite having a four-point lead with under two minutes to go, Flaherty grabbed a steal similar to the one he had early in the third quarter.

It got the Eagles to within two points with a minute to go, and another Flaherty bucket with 34 seconds remaining helped the Eagles to within one point. However, Moose shot 4 for 4 from the foul line in the fourth quarter, giving Siren just the edge they needed.

Unity did put up a couple of 3-pointers in the end in an effort to tie the game, but both fell short.

Flaherty led the Eagles with a seasonhigh 26 points on the night, and Hinze led the Dragons with 20 points in the win, while Brown added 14 for the Dragons.

Siren 51, Unity 32 BALSAM LAKE – Carley Emery led the way with 24 points as the Dragons

rolled through Unity with a win last Friday night. It was the team’s final conference game of the season, which left them with a perfect 11-0 conference record, and unscathed overall record of 18-0.

Unity’s defense showed some poise early on as they were able to keep it close with a nice 3-point bucket from Cailin Turner. But Siren’s offensive weapons proved to be too much to handle for the Eagles.

“I thought we played well and showed some signs of improvement,” said Unity coach Chuck Holicky, who added that he was pleased with how Turner, Annie Confer and Stephanie Kothlow played. Kothlow had been absent from the team for over a month due to an illness.

“Their offensive skills are so good that it’s hard to hold them down,” Holicky said of the Siren core, who shot well from the free-throw line, getting 15 of 22. Emery shot 9 of 12 from the line.

Janey Emery and Ashley Guevara added nine points apiece for the Dragons.

Team Siren Unity

1 2 3 4 16 14 15 6 7 9 9 7 Individual Statistics Siren 2s 3s FTM/A Haily Mulroy 1 1/2 Abigail Mitchell Carley Emery 6 1 9/12 Janey Emery 3 3/3 Meghan Baasch 2 1/3 Ashley Guevara 4 1/2 Totals 15 2 15/22 Unity Annie Confer Samantha Ince Crystal Donahue Cailin Turner Brittany Petznick Becca Milligan Marisa Hacker Stephanie Kothlow Totals

2s 2 3 2 1 2 10

F 51 58 F TP 1 4 1 3 24 - 9 3 5 2 9 10 51

3s FTM/A F TP 1/2 3 5 2 - 6 3 2 13 0/2 1/4 5 3 5 1/4 1 5 3 3/12 18 32

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Tiger girls win fight against Bobcats

Unity boys beat Clear Lake, girls fall Webster 50, Birchwood 47

by Brenda Sommerfeld WEBSTER – The Tigers and Birchwood Bobcats played within points of each other until the very end on Monday, Feb. 16. Webster pulled past Birchwood to finish 50-47.

“It was a good win for us,” Tiger coach Jeff Roberts said. “It might be our best four quarters this year.”

Webster was ahead 10-6 by the end of the first quarter and still held the lead, 21-19, at the halftime buzzer. The Bobcats stayed close with the Tigers throughout all four quarters and would get a few points up on them, but the Tigers always came back, and finished it strong, taking the win.

“We played very well,” Roberts said.

“We did a nice job of breaking their press.”

In the second half, Michelle Gibbs’ two 3-pointers and Chelsey Robinson’s helped the Tigers to keep the lead to finish the game. Free throws made by Reba Smallwood, Mary Johnson and Brittany Burrow also added up for the threepoint win.

Rose Kopecky led Webster in points, totaling 10. Smallwood added nine 1 2 3 4 6 13 14 14 10 11 15 14 Individual Statistics Birchwood 2s 3s FTM/A 2 1 2/2 Ali Marsh Cori Birdsill 3 1/2 2 2/6 Casey Thorson Katy Connell 2 3/4 Kayla Kristensen 1 1/4 2 0/3 Emily Buchman Nicole Breed 3 1 2/7 15 2 11/28 Totals Team Birchwood Webster

Webster Chris Stoll Michelle Gibbs Chelsey Robinson Kendra Spurgeon Reba Smallwood Brittany Burrow Rose Kopecky Rachel Salas Mary Johnson Totals

2s 2 1 2 3 3 5 1 17

F 47 50 F TP 1 9 3 7 4 6 2 7 3 3 2 4 2 11 17 47

3s FTM/A F TP 0/3 4 4 2 2 8 1 1 3 1 4 3/6 - 9 1/2 5 7 3 10 0/1 3 3/4 - 5 3 7/16 19 50

Webster’s Mary Johnson pulls down a rebound over Birchwood on Monday night. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Team Clear Lake Unity

1 2 3 4 13 19 5 11 9 8 8 7 Individual Statistics Clear Lake 2s 3s FTM/A Katie Weiss 2 4/4 Hailie Steinberger 1 Jamie Lee 1 4/6 Jenna Lee 5 3/3 Chelcie Steinberger 3 1/4 Taylor Olson 2 4/4 Meghan Stack 0/1 Kristen Wyss 0/1 Hillary Friendshuh 1 2/2 Totals 15 18/26 Unity Annie Confer Samantha Ince Crystal Donahue Cailin Turner Becca Milligan Elizabeth Ebensperger Marisa Hacker Steph Kothlow Totals

2s 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 13

F 48 32 F TP 1 8 3 2 1 6 1 13 2 7 1 8 2 2 2 4 15 48

3s FTM/A F TP 5 10 5 2 0/1 2 4 - 2 3/6 4 5 - 2 2/4 4 4 1/2 1 3 6/13 21 32

Unity’s Becca Milligan jumps for a shot during an previous Eagle game.

– File photos by Marty Seeger

Rush Hickethier brings the ball down the court during a Unity game earlier this season.

points to the board, Gibbs contributed eight and Johnson totaled five.

rebounded in the first half, and most of the Warriors points came off of rebounds and free throws. The Warriors led 32-17 at the half and although the Eagles managed to hold Clear Lake to five third-quarter points, the Eagles only added eight of their own.

“The second half our scramble defense created a lot of turnovers but we didn’t turn them into points,” Holicky said. – Marty Seeger

Clear Lake 48, Unity 32 BALSAM LAKE – The Unity girls basketball team had a tough night of offense against Clear Lake on Monday night, which led to a 48-32 loss.

“We couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean,” said coach Chuck Holicky. “We got the shots we thought we would, we just couldn’t convert.”

Holicky said the Eagles were outTeam Clear Lake Unity

1 2 3 4 14 5 10 16 13 10 9 17 Individual Statistics Clear Lake 2s 3s FTM/A Matt O’Connel 2 6/6 Cody Lien 1 Mitch Warner 1 1/4 Austin Donahue 5 2 6/9 Travis Wickboldt 1 2/3 Dakota Monson 2 Totals 12 2 15/22 Unity Sam Bengtson Seth McKenzie Brady Flaherty Rush Hickethier Eric Goulet Jared Mork Luke Hetfeld Tyler Bublitz Totals

2s 1 4 2 1 2 3 13

F 45 49 F 3 5 2 3 4 17

TP 10 2 3 22 4 4 45

3s FTM/A F TP 1 4 3 3 2 9/12 4 17 0/4 3 4 3 1 - 5 2 1/2 1 11 1/2 1 7 3 11/20 19 49

Unity 49, Clear Lake 45 BALSAM LAKE – The Unity boys picked up a nonconference win over Clear Lake at home on Monday night.

Brady Flaherty led the team with 17 points and shot 9 of 12 from the foul line. Luke Hetfeld had 11 for the Eagles.

The Eagles held Clear Lake to five points in the second quarter to go up 2319 at halftime. The Eagles outscored Clear Lake by a point in the third and fourth quarters for the win.

“We have played more aggressively on the offensive end, but we need to play with more intensity on defense,” said Eagles coach Shaun Fisher. – Marty Seeger

Saint boys escape with win over PACT Charter PACT Charter 53, St. Croix Falls 48 ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints lost a nonconference game last Thursday to PACT Charter School, from Minnesota.

Jenny Benoy played her first game after having ruptured an eardrum in the previous week, and led the Saints with 19 points and eight rebounds. Marissa Campeau had 14 points and 10 rebounds on the night.

The Saints scored just four points in the first quarter to the Panthers 13, but trailed by only four at halftime. Benoy scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Saints outscored the Panthers, 21-15, but they fell short of the win.

Girls outscored by Panthers St. Croix Falls 52, PACT Charter 49

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints boys escaped with a win over PACT Charter, Minn., last Thursday night. Gus Koecher and Ryan Larson led the charge with 16 and 12 points respectively. St. Croix Falls shot 10 for 11 from the foul line to help the cause.

Team first half Second half F PACT Charter 29 - 20 St. Croix Falls 25 - 27 Individual Statistics PACT Charter 2s 3s FTM/A M. Carver 2 S. Mathis 2 2/2 P. Nelson 2 1 1/3 A. Rink 3 2/2 D. Grafflunder 1 4/4 J. Murphy 2 1 J. Belisle 3 Totals 12 5 9/11 St. Croix Falls Matt Vold Cory Gebhard Zach Christenson Gus Koecher Ryan Larson Kyle Christensen Austin Whittenberger Totals

2s 1 4 5 4 3 17

Team PACT Charter St. Croix Falls

1 2 3 4 13 10 15 15 4 15 8 21 Individual Statistics PACT Charter 2s 3s FTM/A Alyssa Traeger 0/2 Becky Carrizales 3 3/5 Sarah Coughlin 0/2 Rachel Butler 3 Betsey Coughlin 1 Ashton Lee 4 5/6 Meghan Molitor 5 2 7/9 Totals 16 2 15/24

49 52 F TP 2 4 5 6 2 9 4 8 4 6 2 7 1 9 20 49

3s FTM/A F TP 3 1 2/4 - 5 - 2 2 2/2 4 16 2/4 4 12 1/4 1 9 2/5 3 8 3 9/19 15 52

St. Croix Falls Cory Gebhard aims for a shot in a previous Saints game.

– File photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

St. Croix Falls Marissa Campeau shoots the ball in an earlier game this season.

St. Croix Falls Sarah Petznick Sharanda Whittaker Caitlyn Olson Jamie Rohm Jenny Benoy Tashina Martinson Marissa Campeau Amanda Larson Totals

2s 1 1 1 8 2 5 18

F 53 48 F 2 4 2 1 3 12

TP 9 6 2 13 23 53

3s FTM/A F TP 3 2 3 2 1 2 4 1 1 19 0/2 5/5 - 9 4/5 1 14 1 9/12 13 48

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Pirate boys glide by Clayton Luck 72, Bruce 31 BRUCE – The Cardinals picked up a road win in Bruce on Tuesday night, opening up an all-around scoring effort from nearly every athlete on the team.

“A good game with balanced scoring from inside and out,” said coach Rick Giller.

The Cards had eight 3-pointers on the night with five players hitting at least one, including Derek Letch, Harry Severson-Dickinson, Cole Mortel, Brennan Olson and Carson Giller.

“We ran the floor well and our rebounding has improved a lot,” coach Giller said. – Marty Seeger

Cardinals and Saints both win another Grantsburg 69, Clayton 50

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Clayton Bears were Grantsburg’s last nonconference regular-season victim, falling 69-50 on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Clayton had the lead, 21-17, after the first quarter, but the Pirates sailed past them in the second. Grantsburg scored 26 points in the second quarter to leave the Bears trailing 43-27.

Connar Goetz scored three 3-pointers and Tyler Myers went 4 for 4 from the free-throw line during the second quarter to help Grantsburg pull ahead.

The Pirates scored 26 more in the second half with the help of Myers’ three 3pointers.

Myers finished the game with 27 points, Goetz totaled 14, Trent Bonneville added eight and Brent Myers contributed seven to the final score.

Turtle Lake 40, Frederic 36 TURTLE LAKE – The Vikings fell in a close game to Turtle Lake, 40-36, on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Frederic was behind by one at the half, 17-16. The Lakers were up by nine in the third when the Vikings made a 10-0 run to take the lead. By the end of the quarter, Frederic was behind by five, 33-28.

The teams were within points in the fourth quarter, when Turtle Lake’s Matt Connell hit a 3-pointer and Jordan Rush

Frederic’s Deuiz Mirloglu drives toward the basket in a previous game this season.

Team Clayton Grantsburg

1 2 3 4 21 6 17 6 17 26 14 12 Individual Statistics Clayton 2s 3s FTM/A Derek Stesniak 4 1 0/2 Brandon Schaffer Trevor Klatt Tyler Ketz 5 3/3 Taylor Dayton 7 4/4 Brett Anderson 4 Totals 20 1 7/9 Grantsburg Connar Goetz Ben Larson Tyler Myers Brent Myers Jason Jensen Thane Larson Trent Bonneville Totals

R

2s 1 2 7 2 2 4 18

F 50 69 F 2 2 3 2 9

Grantsburg’s Jason Jensen and Ben Larson fight with a Clayton player over posession of the ball during their game on Tuesday. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer put in two free throws to secure the win.

Zach Anderson and Brent Crandell led the Vikings in points, each scoring 12. Ethan Cook added seven points.

Webster 62, Birchwood 41 BIRCHWOOD – The Tigers took their sixth season win in their 62-41 victory against Birchwood on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

No stats were available at time of print.

Webster’s Karl Weber jump stops to take a shot during an earlier game this season. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Team Frederic Turtle Lake

TP 11 13 18 8 50

3s FTM/A F TP 4 1 14 1/1 3 5 3 4/4 - 27 1 2 7 1/3 3 5 1 - 3 0/2 2 8 9 6/10 11 69

1 2 3 4 11 5 12 8 8 9 15 7 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A Brent Crandell 6 Trae Gehl 0/2 Ethan Cook 2 3/3 Zach Anderson 5 2/2 William Primm 2 0/2 Ben Nelson 1/2 Totals 15 6/11 Turtle Lake Matt Connell Nate Roemibl Jordan Rush Jake Varone Mark Flanagan David Sollman Totals

2s 1 2 3 1 2 4 13

F 36 40 F 2 2 2 2 2 3 13

TP 12 7 12 4 1 36

3s FTM/A F TP 1 4 5 1 - 7 4/5 3 8 - 2 2 4 4/4 2 12 2 8/9 11 40

St. Croix Falls 63, Shell Lake 50 SHELL LAKE – It was a great night offensively for the St. Croix Falls boys as they defeated Shell Lake on Tuesday night. Four Saints boys scored double digits including Ryan Larson who led with 17 points, Austin Whittenberger with 15, Sam Schmidt had 12 points and Zach Christenson added 10 points.

The Saints host Unity this Thursday, Feb. 19, in their final conference game of the season. – Marty Seeger

Saint Austin Whittenberger scored 15 points against Shell Lake. – File photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Luck players block a shot by Bruce on Tuesday. – Photo by Sue Tolan Team St. Croix Falls Shell Lake

1 2 3 4 15 12 15 16 11 8 16 15 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls 2s 3s FTM/A Sam Schmidt 3 2 Cory Gebhard 2 1 0/1 Zach Christenson Gus Koecher 4 2/2 Ryan Larson 7 3/4 Kyle Christensen 1 Austin Whittenberger 6 3/3 Totals 23 3 8/10 Shell Lake Jake McQuade Andrew Melton Bob Scheu Jordan Forsythe Brandon Degner Evan Fox Tony Mikula Luke Gronning Totals

2s 1 1 3 1 2 3 2 13

Team Luck Bruce

F 63 50 F 1 2 3

TP 12 7 10 17 2 15 63

3s FTM/A F TP 3 2 2 1 2 5 2 - 12 1 2 5 0/2 1 19 1 6 3 4 8 0/2 13 50

1 2 3 4 20 20 20 12 8 6 6 11 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A Collin Svoboda 2/2 Derek Letch 2 1 Harry Severson-Dickinson 5 3 0/2 Cole Mortel 1 1 Adam Anderson Brennan Olson 9 1 1/4 Alec Mortel 4 Carson Giller 1 2 Derek Buck 1/2 Totals 22 8 4/10 Bruce Jacob Kopras Kurtis Johnson Ryan Gerber Matt Fecteau Aaron Ewart Dalton Atwood Nick Zak Totals

2s 2 6 2 3 13

F 72 31 F 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 11

TP 2 7 19 5 22 8 8 1 72

3s FTM/A F TP 1 1/2 - 5 2/3 - 14 2 4 1 2/2 - 8 2 5/7 6 31

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

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Anderson hits 31 for the Vikes four characteristics of a championship caliber team,” Karsten said of his team.

– Brenda Sommerfeld

Eagles defeat Prairie Farm

Clayton 66, Grantsburg 33 GRANTSBURG – The Pirates finished their last nonconference regular season game in a 66-33 loss to the Clayton Bears on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Clayton took a 23-6 lead after the first quarter and the widened the score gap, 37-19, by halftime. The Bears scored 29 additional points in the second half to secure their win.

The Pirates best scoring quarter was the second with 13 points.

Sarah Wald, Kortney Morrin and Liz Gaffney split the scoring in the game equally, each totaling eight points. Gab Witzany contributed seven points and Haley Larson added two against the Bears. – Brenda Sommerfeld

Frederic 61, Turtle Lake 38

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – The Vikings had Becca Anderson on their side Tuesday night as the senior tore up the court for 31 points. It was a career night for Anderson, who got things going early with a 3-pointer and the Vikings quickly jumped out to a 7-0 lead. The Lakers were unable to score until 2:09 remained in the first quarter, and the Vikes took a 13-6 lead into the second quarter.

Defensively the Vikings were solid by holding Turtle Lake to 12 first-half points, and Anderson’s 21 points in the first half gave the team a comfortable lead. It was the most points by any player in coach Troy Wink’s nine years of coaching.

“We did a great job feeding the hot hand,” Wink said. “Nice win on our parents night.”

It was also a great team win according to Wink, with Ana Miller scoring in double digits with 10 points. The Vikings will be hosting Siren in their final conference and home game of the season this Friday, Feb. 20. They begin regional play on the following Thursday, Feb. 26, and play the winner between Turtle Lake and Prairie Farm, who was beaten by Unity Tuesday night.

Unity 53, Prairie Farm 35 BALSAM LAKE – The Unity girls ended their final home game of the season with a win over Prairie Farm on

Frederic’s Becca Anderson looks to the basket to shoot the ball against Turtle Lake on Tuesday night. Anderson scored 31 points against the Lakers.

– Photo by Marty Seeger Tuesday night. It was also a night for the seniors.

“This was our last home game so it was nice for our seniors to go out with a win, and for all our players to get some playing time,” said coach Chuck Holicky.

Becca Milligan had a great night with 21 points, with 10 coming in the first quarter. It was an all-around contribution from the team, however, in a wellbalanced game of scoring.

Luck’s Melissa Jenssen drives around Northwood players on Tuesday night. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Team Turtle Lake Frederic

1 2 3 4 6 6 16 10 13 16 14 18 Individual Statistics Turtle Lake 2s 3s FTM/A Alex Tschida 3/4 Tricia Hanson 5 1/2 Malorie Nyhus 1/5 Victoria Westlund 2 2/4 Sarah Yeske 1/2 Ashley Lahti 4 6/10 Olivia Westlund 1 Totals 12 14/27 Frederic Sam Nelson Cathryn McConnell Megan Anderson Ana Miller Anna Tesch Rhaya Larson Chrissy Chenal Becca Anderson Jade Johnson Candace Buck Totals

2s 2 5 1 6 3 17

Team Prairie Farm Unity

F 38 61 F 2 4 1 4 3 14

TP 3 11 1 6 1 14 2 38

3s FTM/A F TP 1/2 - 1 1/2 2 1 2/2 3 6 2/2 1 12 1 2 2/3 2 4 5 4/4 2 31 0/2 6 6 0/2 2 0 5 12/19 21 61

1 2 3 4 6 5 11 13 16 14 12 11 Individual Statistics Prairie Farm 2s 3s FTM/A Misty Moen 3 Bailee George 1 1/2 Breanna Anderson 4 0/1 Aleah Etlicher 1 Kelsey Wirth Renee Wirth 4 1 1/4 Liz Boesl 1 1/4 Totals 13 2 3/11 Unity Annie Confer Sam Ince Crystal Donahue Cailin Turner Brittany Petznick Becca Milligan Jessica Kutina Elizabeth Ebensperger Marisa Hacker Hayla Bader Katherine Ebensperger Steph Kothlow Totals

2s 1 4 2 8 1 2 1 1 1 21

F 35 53 F TP 1 6 2 4 3 8 1 2 3 2 12 1 3 13 35

3s FTM/A F TP 2/2 3 4 3 1/2 1 9 0/1 - 4 2/2 - 2 5/8 2 21 - 2 1/1 1 5 - 2 - 2 1 - 2 11/16 14 53

Northwood 46, Luck 20 LUCK – The 15-3 Evergreens proved too much for the Cardinals on Tuesday night in Luck. Luck still has one more chance to get back on track before they head to Grantsburg for their final conference game of the season on Friday, Feb. 20. Luck travels to Osseo-Fairchild on Tuesday, Feb. 24, for the first round of regional action.

St. Croix Falls 45, Cumberland 37 CUMBERLAND – The Saints girls were led by Marissa Campeau’s 18 points, 10 rebounds, and Amanda Larson’s 15 points, four rebounds on Tuesday night at Cumberland.

Campeau also had five steals in the game.

Siren 53, Cameron 37 CAMERON – The Siren Dragon girls basketball team keep the perfect record, 19-0, after a 53-37 win over the Cameron Comets on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

“Cameron is a quality opponent, with a superior coach and very athletic girls,” coach Ryan Karsten said. “To go into their house and win 53-37 is something special.”

The Dragons trailed by two, 8-6, to the Comets after the first quarter. Ashley Guevara scored 13 of Siren’s 17 points in the second quarter to help the Dragons take the lead. Guevara went 6 for 8 from the free-throw line during the quarter.

Jamie Fischbach scored Siren’s other four points in the second quarter.

The Siren defense held Cameron to 20 points in the second half, while the Dragon offense scored 30.

Guevara totaled 20 points during the game, Carley Emery added 13 points, Meghan Baasch contributed seven and Fischbach finished the game with six.

“They played with heart, determination, composure and poise tonight. All Team St. Croix Falls Cumberland

1 2 3 4 13 12 9 11 17 4 8 8 Individual Statistics St. Croix Falls 2s 3s FTM/A Sarah Petznick 3 Sharanda Whittaker Jenny Benoy 3 0/1 Marissa Campeau 8 2/4 Amanda Larson 6 3/3 Totals 20 5/8

Cumberland Natalie Gagner Jamie Lundequam Sarah Mann E. Buckley Taylor Nyhus Maryssa Whitman Carissa Mathison Totals

2s 3 4 2 2 2 1 14

F 45 37 F 1 3 2 6

TP 6 6 18 15 45

3s FTM/A F TP 2 6 1 0/2 3 11 2 1 10 0/1 4 4 1 4 1 2 2 3 0/3 14 37

Pirates Sarah Wald is guarded closely by a Clayton Bear defenseman during Tuesday night’s game. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer Team Siren Cameron

1 2 3 4 6 17 16 14 8 9 12 8 Individual Statistics Siren 2s 3s FTM/A Haily Mulroy 2/3 Sarah Howe Carley Emery 1 3 2/2 Janey Emery 1 1 Meghan Baasch 2 3/4 Jamie Fischbach 3 0/1 Ashley Guevara 5 1 7/10 Totals 12 4 14/20 Cameron Sally Marske Kelsey Lych Tiffany Pokallus Steph Smith Anna Walther Molly Brion Brianne Moon Brooke O’Flanagan Kendra Lych Heidi Czyscon Tiera Czyscon Totals

2s 1 1 6 1 1 10

Team Clayton Grantsburg

2s 2 3 1 4 4 14

F 4 1 1 3 2 3 5 19

TP 2 13 5 7 6 20 53

3s FTM/A F TP 5/6 4 7 1 1 - 3 1 2 3/4 4 15 1 3 0/2 2 2 1 - 3 3/6 2 3 0/2 3 2 2 11/20 21 37

1 2 3 4 23 14 14 15 6 13 9 5 Individual Statistics Clayton 2s 3s FTM/A Sadie Schradle Lindsey LaBlanc 3 1/2 Ashley Grossenbader 1 1/2 Shelby Reindahl 5 Dani Reindahl 6 1 2/4 Annie Grossenbader 6 2 2/2 Krystal Kohnen 1 1/2 Clariann Thompson 3 Totals 25 3 7/12 Grantsburg Sarah Wald Gab Witzany Haley Larson Kortney Morrin Jessica Moyer Jordan Christopherson Liz Gaffney Totals

F 53 37

F 66 33 F 1 4 1 2 1 9

TP 7 3 10 17 20 3 6 66

3s FTM/A F TP 1 1/2 3 8 1/2 - 7 - 2 1 8 1 0/2 3 8 1 2/6 8 33

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Countdown to the Birkebeiner begins

Organizers preparing for full cross-country ski races HAYWARD – With just nine days until the 36th-anniversary American Birkebeiner in Cable and Hayward, Executive Director Ned Zuelsdorff today announced it’s full steam ahead for a full race with a Main Street, Hayward, finish.

“The trail base remains solid with a four- to six-inch base,” Zuelsdorff said.

“The grooming crew is working very hard preparing for a full racecourse.”

“The grooming crew is removing downed branches and debris from the trail,” said Bill Pierce, trail supervisor.

“We will begin grooming again as conditions permit. We expect that once tilled and groomed the conditions will return to very good.”

Currently the area of greatest concern is Lake Hayward. The recent warm weather and rain has deteriorated the snow pack over the ice.

“We will monitor the safety of the ice, conditions on the lake and work to add snow to the Birkebeiner Trail across the lake as well as the Barnebirkie racecourse,” said Zuelsdorff. “Everyone wants to see a Main Street finish and we will do everything we can to make that happen.”

That’s good news to the 9,500 skiers,

2,000 volunteers, 15,000 spectators and organizers of the 36th-anniversary events that begin Thursday, Feb. 19, and culminate with the 50K Birkie Skate sponsored by Becker Law, the 54K Subaru Birkie Classic, the 23K Kortelopet sponsored by Premier Physical Medicine and Wellness Clinic and the Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 8K on Saturday, Feb. 21.

“As of February 11, we have just over 6,700 skiers registered for the 50K Birkie Skate, 54K Birkie Classic, 23K Kortelopet and Prince Haakon 8K,” Zuelsdorff said. “In addition, we expect another 1,300 kids, ages 3-13, to participate in the Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, nearly 400 teens to race the CenturyTel Junior Birkie, and around 300 for the Cheqtel 5K and 10K events.

In all, we are expecting 9,500 participants in our 2009 American Birkebeiner races and events.”

Birkie staff are in high gear processing race registrations while volunteers and other staff members organize awards, food and staffing for the 11 aid stations along the Birkie course.

On race day, Zuelsdorff will welcome the diverse gathering of cultures from around the world, count down to the starting gun, and send over 7,000 Birkie and Kortelopet skiers on their way.

Skiers from 21 countries and 48 U.S. states participate in the American Birkebeiner. Aside from the United States, the top three countries represent-

READ LEADER SPORTS!!!

Peewees bring home the hardware BUFFALO, Minn. – The Grantsburg Peewees went to Buffalo, Minn., short two players (one to injury and one to another tournament) and still came home with first place. The Peewees played Buffalo in their first game on Friday evening and won that game pretty easily, 7-0. The win gave goalie Mason McEvers his 10th shutout of the

season, which was his own personal goal. Saturday they met Brainerd, Minn., and played a pretty physical game ending in their second win of the weekend, 5-1. Sunday, in the championship game, they went up against Minnetonka, Minn., and again came out ahead to win it all, 4-1. – submitted

ed are Canada, Norway and Russia. The top five U.S. states include Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan and Colorado.

Skiers and spectators can stay informed about trail conditions and upto-the-minute event information by logging onto www.birkie.com.

“We are updating the trail report daily and have added a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to the home page of our Web site,” said Zuelsdorff.

“We are doing our best to have the latest information available to everyone.”

Skiers can find registration forms at www.birkie.com. Skiers are asked to register in person race week at event sites for the Salomon/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, CenturyTel Junior Birkie, and Cheqtel 5K/10K. Race-week registration for the 50K Birkie Skate, 54K Birkie Classic, 23K Kortelopet and 8K Prince Haakon takes place at Telemark Resort on Thursday, Feb. 19, from noon to 9 p.m., and on Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Preregistered skier race bibs may be picked up at Telemark Resort on Thursday, Feb. 19, from noon to 9 p.m.

and on Friday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on race morning, Saturday, Feb. 21, from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at Telemark Resort.

In addition to races and events for all ages and fitness levels, Birkie 2009 features a welcoming ceremony honoring Tony Wise, a Ski Expo, on-snow demos, seminars, pasta feeds, music and lots more.

Celebrating its 36th year, the American Birkebeiner (1-800-USABRKE), Feb. 19-21, is the largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon in North America. Spanning more than 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is part of the Worldloppet series of 15 international races, and part of the lives of citizen skiers from around the world. Sponsors of Birkie 2009 include Subaru, Becker Law Office SC, Premier Physical Medicine and Wellness Clinic, Johnson Bank, Sawyer County Record and Superior Publishing, and other businesses throughout the region and country. Find out more at www.birkie.com or call 715-634-5025. – submitted

New boys hockey conference formed BLAINE, Minn. – A new boys high school hockey conference has been organized and will begin competition next season in 2009-2010. The Two Rivers Hockey Conference will include eight teams from the Twin Cities and north along the I-35 corridor. Charter member teams include Meadow Creek Christian, Minneapolis East, Minneapolis West, Moose Lake, Mora, North Branch, Pine City, and Webster Co-op (Blizzard). Webster is the only Wisconsin team.

According to Rick Peterson, conference committee chairman and athletic director at Meadow Creek, “The forming of a new hockey conference will meet a need to manage travel expenses and improve the competitive experience of student-athletes. All of the teams in the new conference competed as independents this season.”

Though the conference formed relatively quickly, the origins began many years ago. Wally Connaker, athletic director at Pine City explains, “We attempted to organize a conference like this in the past, but the timing never seemed to be right. Teams were either affiliated with other conferences, or in some cases, not far enough along in the development of their hockey programs.

This year everything just fell into

place.”

The name of the conference, Two Rivers, has a unique meaning. Dave Wicker, athletic director at Patrick Henry helps to coordinate the Minneapolis West team, a co-op of several Minneapolis schools. “The two rivers are the Mississippi and the St. Croix. All of the teams in the conference are located relatively close to one of the rivers.”

Another unique aspect of the new conference is the inclusion of a team from Wisconsin. “It really made sense,” said Connaker. “Many of the teams in the new conference already play Webster each season. All of the teams are close to the same competitive level.”

All of the teams in the Two Rivers Conference will follow the eligibility and competition rules of the Minnesota State High School League. Most of the schools already have junior varsity teams which will be included in the competition schedule.

“This is an exciting new adventure,” said Peterson. “It’s a credit to the athletic directors and coaches from each school to be able to see the conference become a reality. We are committed to work together to give the best experience possible to the student-athletes.” – submitted

2008-09 Boys Hockey Playoffs Regionals

Tuesday Febru ary 17

Thursday or Friday Febru ary 19 or 20

Sectionals

Tuesday Febru ary 24

Friday or Saturday Febru ary 27 or 28

(#1) Superior

(#9) Baldwin/Woodville @Siren 7 p.m.

@Wessman Arena, 7 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Blizzard (4-2) @

(#8) Blizzard (#5) New Richmond @Dunn County Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m. (#4) Menomonie

@New Richmond Sports Center Sat., Feb. 28, 2 p.m. (#3) River Falls

(#11) Barron/Chetek

The Grantsburg Peewee Hockey team pictured back row (L to R): Coach Russ Thoreen, McKenzie Omer, Harlei Hennessey, Captain Austin Thoreen, Damon Roberts and coach Curt Lee. Middle row: Brittney Luedtke, Austin “Bubba” Bowman, Andrew “Tippers” Coy and team Captain Carter Lee. Front, with trophy, Mason McEvers. Not pictured are coach Anna Hedrix and players Wendy Roberts and Audrey Lauer. – Photo submitted

@Amery 7 p.m.

@River Falls, 7 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Amery/Unity (7-0) @

(#6) Amery/Unity (#10) Spooner/Shell Lake @Somerset 7 p.m.

Somerset/Osceola (3-1) @Hudson Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

(#7) Somerset/Osceola (#2) Hudson

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

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Gymnasts compete in last invite before sectionals Pirates take fifth, Saints sixth

by Brenda Sommerfeld ASHLAND – The Grantsburg and St. Croix Falls/Unity gymnasts traveled to Ashland on Friday, Feb. 15, to compete in their last invitational before sectionals. Sectional competition for both teams will start at noon in River Falls on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The Pirates took fifth at Ashland and Team Ashland Lakeland Rhinelander Superior Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Park Falls

Vault/Place 34.450 33.400 31.000 32.250 31.850 31.400 29.600

Bars/Place 33.600 28.575 26.750 27.875 26.300 27.550 19.550

the Saints came in sixth. Two Grantsburg gymnasts brought home medals from the meet. Michelle Lund took an all-around score of 31.350 to place fifth and Emily Cole medaled on beam, taking third with a score of 8.350.

It was Cole’s personal-best score on the balance beam.

“The girls did a great job on beam,” Grantsburg coach Kathy Lund said.

“Three routines with no falls, Nikki Ticknor, Michelle Lund and Emily Cole.”

The Pirates team had a season high Beam/Place 33.050 30.950 30.750 26.700 30.050 26.850 24.550

Floor/Place All Around/Place Place 35.550 136.650 1st 31.000 123.925 2nd 28.150 116.650 3rd 29.350 116.175 4th 27.800 116.000 5th 26.000 111.800 6th 22.950 96.650 7th

Grantsburg Individual Scores 8.100/8th T Michelle Lund Jessica Ilgen 8.100/8th T 7.600 Nikki Ticknor Emily Cole 7.900/9th T Breanna Fickbohm 7.750 Lauren Finch Jenna Barenz Haley Johnson

7.850/8th 7.100 5.500 5.850 4.650 -

7.700/9th T 6.900 7.100 8.350/3rd 6.000

7.700/9th T 6.550 6.400 7.100 6.450 -

31.350/5th 28.650/10th 26.600 21.300 12.550 7.750 6.650 6.000

St. Croix Falls Individual Scores 8.100/8th T Katie Meyer Melissa Larson 7.500 8.300/6th T Ashley Johnson Nicole McPherson 7.500 Jenna Christensen Haley Anderson Kayla Cross Danae Meyer Alexa Meyer Brooke Parks Jessica Adams -

6.750 6.950 7.050 6.800 3.650

7.450 7.250 6.400 5.750 5.600 -

6.850 6.700 6.300 6.150 -

29.150/7th 21.700 15.350 14.300 6.700 6.400 6.300 6.150 5.750 5.600 3.650

Pirate Emily Cole medaled for her beam performance at the Ashland Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Haley Anderson competed in Ashland for the Saints. – File photos

by Brenda Sommerfeld

score of 30.05 on beam. Lund scored a 7.700 on beam and Ticknor received a 7.100. Jessica Ilgen was the other gymnast to contribute to the team score with a 6.900.

St. Croix Falls/Unity’s Katie Meyer came in seventh as an all-around gymnast. Ilgen followed receiving 10th place.

Lund, Ilgen and Meyer, the top three local gymnasts during the invitational,

tied for eighth place on vault. All three scored an 8.100. Lund also received eighth on bars with a 7.850 and she tied for ninth on beam and floor with scores of 7.700 on both.

Saint Ashley Johnson took sixth on vault with an 8.300 just missing a medal.

Breanna Fickbohm, Grantsburg, tied for ninth place on vault with a 7.900.

2008-09 Girls Hockey Playoffs

2008-09 Division 4 Girls Basketball Playoffs Game times are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • Check www.wiaa.org for updated times.

Regionals Sectionals Tues., Feb. 24 Thurs., Feb. 26 Sat., Feb. 28 Fri., Mar. 6 Sat., Mar. 7

Regionals

Sectionals

Thu rsday or Friday, February 19 or 20

Tuesday, February 24

Siren (#1)

Friday or Saturday, February 27 or 28

(#1) River Falls Co-op

@Siren Drummond (#8)

WIAA State Tournament March 13 - Semi-finals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #2 10:30 a.m.

@

South Shore (#5) @Shell Lake Shell Lake (#4)

@Baldwin 7 p.m.

(#5) Lady Blizzard @New Richmond Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

@Webster

(#4) New Richmond Co-op

1:30 p.m.

Solon Springs (#3) @Solon Springs Bayfield (#6)

@Hudson Sports Center

La Courte Oreilles (#7)

Fri., Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

(#3) Hudson

@

@Northwood Northwood (#2)

@Hudson Fri., Feb. 20 , 7 p.m.

@Spooner 6:30 p.m.

Prentice (#1)

(#6) Superior @

@Prentice

(#7) Menomonie/Boyceville

Mercer (#8)

@

Winter (#5) @Mellen Mellen (#4)

@ Hayward Fri., Feb. 20 , 7 p.m. (#2) Hayward/Spooner

@Marathon 7 p.m.

Butternut/Glidden (#3) @Butternut/Glidden Birchwood (#6)

2008-09 Division 3 Girls Basketball Playoffs

@

Rib Lake (#7) @Flambeau Flambeau (#2)

@Spooner

Game times are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. • Check www.wiaa.org for updated times.

Regionals Sectionals Tues., Feb. 24 Thurs., Feb. 26 Sat., Feb. 28 Fri., Mar. 6 Sat., Mar. 7 Prescott (#1) @Prescott Grantsburg (#8)

Clayton (#1) New Auburn (#5)

@Clayton

@McDonell Central McDonell Central (#4)

@Frederic

Glenwood City (#7) @Spooner 8 p.m.

Colfax (#1)

@Lincoln EC Imm. Lutheran (#8)

Unity (#8)

@

@Greenwood Greenwood (#2)

Elk Mound (#5) @Bloomer 1:30 p.m.

Lake Holcombe (#3)

Augusta (#7)

@ @Somerset 7 p.m.

@Colfax

@Blair-Taylor Blair-Taylor (#4) @Lake Holcombe Cornell (#6)

7 p.m.

@St. Croix Falls St. Croix Falls (#2)

Lincoln (#1)

Gilman (#5)

@Amery

Boyceville (#3) @Boyceville Clear Lake (#6)

Frederic (#2)

@

@Webster Webster (#4)

@Cumberland 2 p.m.

Turtle Lake (#3) @Turtle Lake Prairie Farm (#6)

St. Croix Central (#5)

WIAA State Tournament March 13 - Semi-finals Sectional #1 vs. Sectional #2 10:30 a.m.

@

@

@Mondovi Mondovi (#4)

@Rice Lake 7 p.m.

Regis (#3) @Regis Eleva-Strum (#6) Luck (#7) @Osseo-Fairchild Osseo-Fairchild (#2)

@

@Altoona

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

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Grantsburg/Burnett Stars advance to State GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg/Burnett Stars advance to state after winning the state play-down tournament held at the Grantsburg Arena this past weekend. The state tournament will be the weekend of March 6, in Fond du Lac. The Stars first game on Saturday was against their rivals from Superior. The Stars won the game, 4-2. Ashley Dietmeier scored the first and only goal in the first period, with an assist from Johanna Lauer.

Wendy Roberts, Dietmeier and Sam O’Brien scored the team’s other three goals.

Haylie Samuelson, O’Brien, Dietmeier and

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Gold Rush 30, Chippewa Checks 29, Hole in the Wall 28, Hot Shots 26, Mark’s Girls 25, Sandbaggers 20, The Gutter Busters 19, Spare-Us 19.

Women’s games: Lori Linke (GB) 217, Audrey Pardun (HITW) 198, Cheryl Matrious (CC) 192.

Women’s series: Audrey Pardun (HITW) 536, Lori Linke (GB) 513, Cheryl Matrious (CC) 509.

Men’s games: Larry Matrious (CC) 244, Scott Morrison (GR) 204, Rick Benjamin (CC) & Brian Bistram (HITW) 183.

Men’s series: Scott Morrison (GR) 590, Larry Matrious (CC) 559, Gary Barfknecht (GB) 516.

Team games: Spare-Us 859, Chippewa Checks 845, The Gutter Busters 828.

Team series: The Gutter Busters 2409, Hole in the Wall 2360, Chippewa Checks 2338.

Games 50 or more above average: Larry Matrious (+82); Lori Like (+64); Angie White (+71).

Splits converted: 5-7: Rick Benjamin. 310: Gary Barfknecht. 4-7-5: Lori Linke.

Sunday Night I No-Tap Standings: Happy Campers 27, Jeff’s Team 26, Knaubers 24, Packer Backers 23, No Names 22, Long Shots 21.5, Chuck’s Team 17.5, Late Comers 13.

Women’s games: Debbie Swanson (PB) 228, Jan Kruse (CT) 225, Jan Kruse (CT) & Kathy Underwood (JT) 221.

Women’s series: Debbie Swanson (PB) 620, Kathy Underwood (JT) 615, Jan Kruse (CT) 605.

Men’s games: Don Swanson (PB) 300, Jeff Cummings (JT) 278, Jim Murphy (LS) & Gene Hansen 253.

Men’s series: Don Swanson (PB) 845, Jeff Cummings (JT) & Jim Murphy (LS) 670, Len Knauber (K) 599.

Team games: Packer Backers 894, Jeff’s Team 890, Packer Backers 887.

Team series: Packer Backers 2548, Jeff’s Team 2381, Long Shots 2275.

Monday Afternoon Seniors Standings: Bears 20.5, Nite Hawks 18.5, Swans 16, Cardinals 16, Badgers 16, Eagles 14, Zebras 10.5, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Barb Austad 191, Lila Larson 180, Joan Anderson 176.

Women’s series: Barb Austad 527, Lila Larson 494, Ruth Sorenson 464.

Men’s games: Roger Messer 217, Tom Johnson 199, Chuck Hahr 189.

Men’s series: Roger Messer 569, Tom Johnson 520, Buster Heinrich 500.

Team games: Nite Hawks 685, Eagles 642, Swans 614.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1869, Eagles 1772, Swans 1748.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: AnchorBank 44, Mane Attractions 35, House of Wood 35, The Bottle Shop 33.5, Hacker’s Lanes 26.5, Miller’s Chicks 26, Thrivent Financial 22, Bye 2.

Individual games: Susie Houston (MA) 208, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 190, Nancy Anderson (HL) 189.

Individual series: Rhonda Bazey (HW) 520, Merry Yates (HL) 500, Susie Houston (MA) 481.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 673, Mane Attractions 651, Thrivent Financial 595.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1813, Mane Attractions 1752, AnchorBank 1676.

Roberts each made an assist. Hope Tucker made 13 saves in the goal against Superior for the Stars.

Grantsburg/Burnett played against the Chippewa Falls team in their second game. The Stars won the game, 3-0. O’Brien scored two goals and Kassie Lien made one.

O’Brien and Tianna Stewart each had an assist during the game.

Tucker made eight saves.

The last game in the tournament for the Stars was against Hayward Lightening. Grantsburg/Burnett came out with a 5-2 victory to advance to Fond du Lac for the state tournament with seven other teams from the state.

Dietmeier scored the first two

goals against Hayward. Lien nailed two goals also and O’Brien hit in one. Lien made two assists and Daniel Pardun made one.

Coach George Briggs said that the girls have a lot of hard work to do in the next three weeks to prepare for the state tournament. He and his coaching staff, Allison Briggs and Teri O’Brien, are very proud of the team and their achievement this weekend to make it to the state tournament. – Brenda Sommerfeld with submitted information

B O W L I N G Tuesday Youth (2 games) Standings: Eliminators 9, Pin Heads 7, Strikers ‘R Us 6, IDK 2.

Girls games: Alaura Lemieux 62.

Girls series: Alaura Lemieux 111.

Boys games: Austin Bruss 144, Charlie Lindberg 139, Cody Holmen 122.

Boys series: Charlie Lindberg 256, Austin Bruss 255, Cody Holman 218.

Team games: Eliminators 360, Strikers ‘R Us 225 & 219.

Team series: Eliminators 555, Strikers ‘R Us 444, IDK 367.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 73, Great Northern Outdoors 66, Bottle Shop 53, Yellow Lake Lodge 51, Olsen & Son 47.5, Pioneer Bar 25.5, SCVH 25, Reliables 23.

Individual games: Don Hughes 257, Tom Coen 255, Ron Skow 243.

Individual series: Don Hughes 703, Dale Gregory 669, Tom Coen 654.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 668, Great Northern Outdoors 646, Olsen & Son 586.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1920, Great Northern Outdoors 1845, Yellow Lake Lodge 1658.

Games 50 or more above average: Curtis Renfroe (+53).

Tuesday Late Standings: Terminators 18, Red Rollers 17, LCR 13, Joe Blow 12, Cushing Rollers 10, Bye 0.

Individual games: Frank Boerbon 214, Tony Hach 213, Debra Borebon 212.

Individual series: Frank Boerbon 584, Tony Hach 545, Ron Pitts 511.

Team games: Terminators 598, Joe Blow 529, Red Rollers 422.

Team series: Terminators 1582, Joe Blow 1379, Red Rollers 1143.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: 4 Seasons Wood Products 16, Larsen Auto Center 16, Lewis Silo 12, Pioneer Bar 12, Skol Bar 12, Parker 11, Cummings Lumber 9, A-1 Machine 8.

Individual games: Wally Nelson (PB) & Dave Romanowski (PB) 254, Don Hughes (4S) 248.

Individual series: Wally Nelson (PB) 660, Dave Romanowski (PB) 635, Doon Swanson (CL) 626.

Team games: 4 Seasons Wood Products 985, A-1 Machine 958, Skol Bar 948.

Team series: 4 Seasons Wood Products 2809, A-1Machine 2764, Cummings Lumber 2760.

Thursday Early Men’s Standings: Full Timers 48.5, Wikstrom Construction 48.5, Fab Four 48, Grindell Law Offices 47.5, K-Wood 41.5, Frontier Trails 33, Hell Raisers 32, Bye 13.

Individual games: Don McKinney (FF) 243, Joshua Henry (FuT) 238, Dennis Lieder (FuT) 222.

Individual series: Don McKinney (FF) 667, Brian McBroom (FuT) 616, Blake Douglas (GLO) 580.

Team games: Full Timers 634, Fab Four 583, Frontier Trails 567.

Team series: Full Timers 1744, Fab Four 1699, Frontier Trails 1519.

Splits converted: 3-4-6-10: Lydell Larson. 3-10: Ed Bitler, Marlin Larson.

Thursday Late Standings: Stotz & Company 19, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 13, Bazey Racing 12, Hansen Farms Inc. 10, Johnson Upholstery 9, Fisk Trucking 9.

Individual games: Dennis McKenzie 231, Dale Frandsen 227, Ole Baillargeon 224.

Individual series: Dale Frandsen 655, Daryl Bazey 619, Mark Bohn 588.

Team games: Stotz & Company 950, Fisk Trucking 899, Bazey Racing 894.

Team series: Stotz & Company 2682, Bazey Racing 2636, Johnson Upholstery 2525.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Hole in the Wall 36, Junque Art 33.5, Meyer’s Plus 32, The Leader 29, The Dozers 27.5, Pioneer Bar 26, Frederic Design & Promotion 26, Skol Bar 14.

Individual games: Paula Maslow 213, Missy Hernandez 207, Sandy King 189.

Individual series: Cara Holicky 548, Gail Linke 515, Missy Hernandez 505.

Team games: Skol Bar 681, Meyer’s Plus 636, The Leader 628.

Team series: Skol Bar 1955, The Leader 1816, Meyer’s Plus 1763.

Games 50 or more above average: Paula Maslow.

Splits converted: 2-4-7-10: Melinda Linke.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Frederic Truck & Tractor 40, McKenzie Lanes 38, Milltown Appliance 37, Metal Products 29.5, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 28, Edina Divas 26, Sam’s Carpentry 24.5, Bye 17.

Individual games: Marsha Guggisberg 212, Amber Duncan 201, Susan Heiderscheidt 200.

Individual series: Amber Duncan 561, Kathy McKenzie 544, Marsha Guggisberg 540.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Frederic Truck & Tractor 1061.

Team series: (Handicap scores) McKenzie Lanes 3019.

Monday Night Madness Standings: Ole’s Country Market 50, Mishaps 48, Scottay’s Trucking 40, Alleycats 38, Peper Tire & Alignment 35, McKenzie Lanes 34, Pepie’s Gals 23, Bye 20.

Individual games: Barbara Benson 206, Brenda Carlson 193, Tammy Beckwith 178.

Individual series: Barbara Benson 506, Brenda Carlson 480, Tammy Beckwith 452.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Ole’s Country Market 643, Scottay’s Trucking 604, Peper Tire & Alignment 602.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Ole’s Country Market 1770, Scottay’s Trucking 1723, Peper Tire & Alignment 1712.

Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: Jim’s Flooring 27, Kluge 23, Lemon Heads 23, Wild Boys 20, Lane Crashers 17, Mom’s Boys 16.

Women’s games: Brenda Lehmann 196, Linda Larson 172, Darlene Prose 141.

R E S U L T S Women’s series: Brenda Lehmann 501, Linda Larson 435, Darlene Prose 365.

Men’s games: Glen Minick 226, Ervin Lehmann 226, Jim Coen 200.

Men’s series: Ervin Lehmann 618, Glen Minick 611, Jim Coen 520.

Team games: Lane Crashers 515.

Team series: Lemon Heads 1472.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 73.5, Hack’s Pub 68, Steve’s Appliance 65.5, Glass Bar 61, The Dugout 57, Dream Lawn 56, Greatland Transportation 50.5, McKenzie Lanes 48.5.

Individual games: Rick Fox 276, Jerry Prokop 267, Donny Potting Jr. 258.

Individual series: Rick Fox 713, Bob Rettler 710, Donny Potting Jr. 695.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Steve’s Appliance 1245.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Glass Bar 3538.

Wednesday Early League Standings: Holiday StationStores 37, JJ’s Club 35 36, Lite House 36, Suzie Q’s 30, Hendrick’s Motor 28, Cutting Edge 24, Hack’s Pub 17, Top Spot 16.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 184, Jeanne Kizer 183, Amy Eibs 177.

Women’s series: Jeanne Kizer 533, Amy Eibs 474, Kathy Braund 466.

Men’s games: Mike Welling 277, Gene Braund 264, Darren McKenzie 235.

Men’s series: Mike Welling 718, Gene Braund 667, Darren McKenzie 627.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Hendrick’s Motor 701.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Suzy Q’s 2054.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Reed’s Marina 30, Harvest Moon 28, McKenzie Lanes 28, Tiger Express 24, Davy’s Construction 23, Edina Realty 22, Hanjo Farms 20, Dalles Electric 17.

Individual games: Jason Loney 279, Bob Carey 258, Mark Kamish, Gordy Johnson, Tim Katzmark & Todd Hansen 247.

Individual series: Todd Hansen 723, Tim Katzmark 708, Brad Hacker 688.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Tiger Express 1215, Reed’s Marina 1145.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Tiger Express 3156, Reed’s Marina 3142.

Thursday Night Women’s Standings: Hack’s Pub 16, Cutting Edge Pro 13, K.C. Electrical 12, Century 21 11, Eagle Valley Bank 9, Bont Chiropractic 8, Hauge Dental 4, RiverBank 4.

Individual games: Jen Whelan 233, Cheryl Lehman 205, Jackie Patterson 199.

Individual series: Jen Whelan 575, Jackie Patterson 564, Annette Norlander 545.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Hack’s Pub 1121, K.C. Electrical 1011, Cutting Edge Pro 1007.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Hack’s Pub 3070, Cutting Edge Pro 2874, Century 21 2861.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: 10th Hole 19-13, Gandy Dancer Saloon 17-15, Black & Orange 14.5-17.5, Log Cabin Store 13.5-18.5, Individual games: Carol Gullickson (GD) 174, Kay Casey (10th) & Donna Koon (B&O) 159, Sandy Price (LCS) 153.

Individual series: Kay Casey (10th) 459, Donna Koon (B&O) 424, Carol Gullickson (GD) 407.

Team games: 10th Hole 841, Log Cabin Store 787, Gandy Dancer Saloon 785.

Team series: 10th Hole 2370, Log Cabin Store 2310, Black & Orange 2276.

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Bruce’s Auto 21-3, Black & Orange 17-7, Larry’s LP 14-10, Pope’s Construction 9-15, Vacant 6-18, Glass & Mirror Works 5-19.

Individual games: Arnie Pope (PC) 218, Chris Olson (L) 215, Curt Phelps (BA) 207.

Individual series: Chris Olson (L) & Curt Phelps (BA) 564, Dean Eytcheson (BA) 560, Arnie Pope (PC) 547.

Team games: Larry’s LP 982, Bruce’s Auto 935, Pope’s Construction 907.

Team series: Larry’s LP 2724, Bruce’s Auto 2716, Black & Orange 2616.

TNT Standings: Larry’s LP 20-8, Flower Power 19-9, Cashco 11-17, Wild Bill’s 622.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 196, Julie Remund (WB) 173, Mary Reese (FP) 168.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 549, Jayne Schwartz (C) 453, Cheryl Hansen (C) 451.

Team games: Cashco 848, Larry’s LP 839, Flower Power 820.

Team series: Larry’s LP 2476, Cashco 2431, Flower Power 2353.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Northview Drive Inn 17-7, Cashco 14-10, 10th Hole 13-11, Black & Orange 10-14, Lions 9-15, T&P Tree Service 9-15.

Individual games: Monte Rinnman (C) 210, Breck Eytcheson (C) 201, R.J. Severude (B&O) 191.

Individual series: Dough McDowell (NDI) 526, Monte Rinnman (C) 515, Breck Eytcheson (C) 504.

Team games: Black & Orange 971, 10th Hole 939, Northview Drive Inn 924.

Team series: Northview Drive Inn 2717, 10th Hole 2651, Black & Orange 2647.

Games 50 or more above average: R.J. Severude (+60).

Early Risers Standings: 10th Hole 23-5, A+ Sanitation 12-16, Hole in the Wall 11-17, Gandy Dancer 10-18.

Individual games: Kay Casey (HITW) 203, Lylah Nelson (A+) 187, Cheryl Parkins (10th) 170.

Individual series: Lylah Nelson (A+) 489, Kay Casey (HITW) 436, Cheryl Parkins (10th) 435.

Team games: Hole in the Wall 694, 10th Hole 677, A+ Sanitation 649.

Team series: 10th Hole 1987, Hole in the Wall 1909, Gandy Dancer Saloon 1885.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Lip’s 22-2, Check Services 9.5-14.5, Pour House 9.5-14.5, Ben Ott Const. 7-17.

Individual games: Daphne Churchill (L) 170, Angie Olson (CS) 158, LuAnn Mattison (BOC) 151.

Individual series: Daphne Churchill (L) 472, Angie Olson (CS) 427, Nikki Cadotte (CS) 424.

Team games: Check Services 677, Lip’s 663, Ben Ott Construction 658.

Team series: Lip’s 1936, Check Services 1916, Ben Ott Construction 1878.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

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Third-annual 5K features a new twist

OSCEOLA – The date for the thirdannual Healthy Heart 5K Run/Walk has been set for April 18. The event, hosted

by Osceola Medical Center, also includes a free kids run.

A new twist for that day is Osceola’s first wellness fair, sponsored by OMC, Osceola Schools and The RiverBank.

The fair will start after the 5K finishes.

The Healthy Heart 5K will take runners and walkers along a scenic route through the community of Osceola, starting at the high school. Individuals, families and teams, such as company wellness groups, runners clubs and neighborhood friends are invited to participate. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Awards will be presented.

The kids run, for children who do not wish to participate in the 5K, will follow a short course at the end of the 5K. Each participant will receive an award for participating. Preregistration is not necessary for the kids run.

The run/walk is hosted by OMC, a critical access hospital and clinic along the St. Croix River in Osceola. Entry fees are $15 by April 3 and $20 after April 3, and on race day. Family rates are available.

A free kids run is expected to be popular again at the third-annual Healthy Heart 5K Run/Walk on April 18. Hundreds of runners and walkers are expected to participate. When the running is over, experience the first Osceola Wellness Fair, immediately following the Healthy Heart 5K. For more information, contact the Osceola School District Community Education office at ComEc@osceola.k12.wi.us or Osceola Medical Center at osceolamedicalcenter.com. – Photo submitted

READ LEADER SPORTS!!!

LEADER S P O R T S SCOREBOARD GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Siren Luck St. Croix Falls Frederic Webster Unity Grantsburg

S

Scores

Conf.

11-0 7-4 7-4 6-5 5-7 2-9 1-10

Thursday, Feb. 12 Luck 42, Webster 35 Frederic 65, Grantsburg 56 PACT Charter 53, St. Croix Falls 48 Friday, Feb. 13 Siren 51, Unity 32 Monday, Feb. 16 Webster 50, Birchwood 47 Clear Lake 48, Unity 32 Tuesday, Feb. 17 Clayton 66, Grantsburg 33 Siren 53, Cameron 37 St. Croix Falls 45, Cumberland 37 Frederic 61, Turtle Lake 38 Unity 53, Prairie Farm 35 Northwood 46, Luck 20

Upcoming

Thursday, Feb. 19 6 p.m.

Unity at St. Croix Falls Friday, Feb. 20 6 p.m.

Siren at Frederic Luck at Grantsburg Tuesday, Feb. 24 7 p.m.

Drummond at Siren St. Croix Central at Webster Glenwood City at St. Croix Falls Unity at Colfax Grantsburg at Prescott Luck at Osseo-Fairchild

GIRLS HOCKEY Standings

Lady Blizzard

Scores

11-6-3

Upcoming

Thursday, Feb. 19 7 p.m.

Lady Blizzard at New Richmond

BOYS HOCKEY Standings Scores

Team Luck Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Siren Webster Unity Frederic

Scores

Conf.

10-1 9-1 6-4 5-5 4-7 2-8 0-10

Thursday, Feb. 12 Grantsburg 77, Frederic 26 Luck 58, Webster 38 St. Croix Falls 52, PACT Charter 49 Friday, Feb. 13 Siren 54, Unity 51 Monday, Feb. 16 Unity 49, Clear Lake 45 Tuesday, Feb. 17 Grantsburg 69, Clayton 50 St. Croix Falls 63, Shell Lake 50 Webster 62, Birchwood 41 Luck 72, Bruce 31 Turtle Lake 40, Frederic 36

Upcoming

Thursday, Feb. 19 7:30 p.m. Unity at St. Croix Falls Prairie Farm at Frederic Friday, Feb. 20 7:30 p.m. Siren at Frederic Luck at Grantsburg Monday, Feb. 23 7:30 p.m. Unity at Cumberland Webster at Northwood Luck at Clear Lake Tuesday, Feb. 24 7:30 p.m. Turtle Lake at St. Croix Falls

10-8 8-11

Tuesday, Feb. 17 Blizzard 4, Baldwin/Woodville 2 Amery/Unity 7, Barron/Chetek 0

Upcoming

Thursday, Feb. 19 7 p.m.

Blizzard vs Superior at Wessman Amery/Unity at River Falls

NAME: Brady Flaherty SCHOOL: Unity YEAR: Sophomore COMMENTS: Brady Flaherty has led the Eagles boys basketball team in points during their last two games. Flaherty scored 17 points in Unity’s victory over Clear Lake on Tuesday night. Against Siren on Friday, he scored 26 total.

Brady Flaherty In the past two games, he has gone 12 for 16 from the free-throw line, making 75 percent. – Brenda Sommerfeld

Yet another lackluster, 15-5, performance brought The Swami’s season record to 10632 and kept his success rate at 77 percent. “I had a rough week of girls games,” he said plaintively, “which is inexcusable at this point in the season. But I still THE SWAMI think I can hit the 80-percent plateau by the time tournaments end which will again make me No. 1 in the state.” The Swami answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com.

PREDICTS

This week’s predictions: Boys games:

WRESTLING Upcoming

Saturday, Feb. 21 10:30 a.m. Individual sectionals at Osceola

GYMNASTICS Saturday, Feb. 28 Noon Sectionals at River Falls

WOMEN’S POOL LEAGUE Team Greg's Gals Glass Bar Wise Guys Hack's JJ's I Blacksmith Shop Suzy Q's JJ's II Kassel Tap Shafer's

Overall 17-1 16-2 10-7 9-8 6-11 3-14 5-12

OF THE

The Swami

Upcoming

Thursday, Feb. 12 Hayward 4, Lady Blizzard 0

Amery/Unity Blizzard

Overall 19-0 11-8 11-8 13-6 9-11 4-14 1-18

BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

PREPS

Score 97 83 80 77 76 73 73 61 54 46

Proceeds of the event will go to Wild River Fitness, formerly the Wild River YMCA. The 5K is sponsored by OMC and its health care providers - Diagnostic Radiology Associates, Dr. David Katz – Western Wisconsin Urology, HealthPartners, Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates, The RiverBank Insurance Center and St. Croix Orthopaedics.

More information and registration material for the Healthy Heart Run/Walk is available at www.osceolamedicalcenter.com or by calling 715-294-5736.

After the 5K, attend the new Osceola Wellness Fair, also at the high school.

Learn about wellness in many forms, including financial, health and nutrition. Attend free information sessions, visit with venders and watch demonstrations. The wellness fair starts after the 5K at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.

More information is available at www.osceola.k12.wi.us or by contacting the Community Education Department at 715-294-2127 ext. 407, e-mail ComEd@osceola.k12.wi.us. – submitted

Frederic 69, Prairie Farm 40 – Leader scribe Marty Seeger’s alma mater is struggling on the hardcourt this year.

St. Croix Falls 58, Unity 37 – Don’t look now, but the Saints might sneak up on someone in the tourney.

Siren 53, Frederic 43 – Some intend to cast their votes for Jon Ruud as West Lakeland boys coach of the year.

Luck 55, Grantsburg 47 – The longanticipated battle is in the books.

Cumberland 57, Unity 43 – The Eagles drop this tough road test.

Luck 73, Clear Lake 33 – Historically this would be a good nonconference test, but this year it is not.

WEEK

NAME: Becca Anderson SCHOOL: Frederic YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Becca

Anderson led the Vikings in scoring during their victory over Turtle Lake on Tuesday.

Anderson scored 31 points, including five 3-pointers and going 4 for 4 at the freethrow line. She is the sixth leading scorer in the West Becca Anderson Lakeland Conference according to wissports.net.

She has averaged 12.5 points per game this season. – Brenda Sommerfeld

Webster 53, Northwood 47 – I’m taking the upset here. What do you think of that?

Siren 49, Turtle Lake 41 – The Dragons will finish at 11-9. That’s pretty darn good with such a young roster.

St. Croix Falls 56, Turtle Lake 41 – Don’t be surprised if the Saints challenge for the title next year.

Girls games: St. Croix Falls 40, Unity 37 – A surprisingly narrow escape for the Saints.

Siren 55, Frederic 38 – 20-0! Looks like the girls coach of the year comes from Siren as well.

Luck 47, Grantsburg 43 – Nothing wrong with a 12-8 record.

Prescott 70, Grantsburg 41 – “Wait’ll next year,” cry the Grantsburg girls fans.

St. Croix Central 50, Webster 43 – The Tigers have the higher seed, but the Panthers prevail.

Glenwood City 52, St. Croix Falls 45 – A disappointing end to a season in which Saints fans’ expectations were not met.

Osseo Fairchild 70, Luck 38 – Like I said above: There’s nothing wrong with a season in which you win 12 games.

Siren 70, Drummond 15 – The Dragons march toward another trip to the Spooner sectional Colfax 68, Unity 28 – The Vikings are a powerhouse.

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

A successful hunt

Another day in the woods and yet another day with nothing to show for it. Is there really a trick to finding shed antlers in the spring? Some people obviously have the Marty knack for it. I on the other hand, do not.

Seeger After several years of trying, I’ve found an amount that can The almost be counted on Bottom one hand, and yet I still find myself venLine turing out in search of a huge set of antlers in the areas I hunt.

Shed hunting (not of the 16 X 40 kind) can be frustrating, difficult and addicting all in the same sentence. It takes very little to get hooked, and finding just one antler, say, in the early morning, can have your eyes glued to trashed cornfields and endless deer trails for the rest of the day. At some point you need to stop, look around and wonder how the heck you managed to walk so far from your vehicle.

Fortunately, I stick to property I’m already familiar with, which is probably my first problem with not finding many antlers over the years. The deer are there, but most have wandered off the property in search of a more palat-

able food source.

Several shed-getters I’ve talked to repeatedly find large sets of antlers side-by-side, or just a few yards apart. I have yet to experience that sort of luck, or skill as some call it. After reading through several pages on shed hunting, and glossing over a book, (yup, there’s even a book) I’ve come to realize that those who repeatedly find them spend more time looking than reading. That could be my second problem.

In the end it all basically comes down to what deer are eating. It sounds so simple, and yet it’s by no means a sure thing, so your best bet is to find a quality set of walking legs, and start looking for an area where deer have been feeding heavily over the past month or so.

Since as early as January, there have been reports of several successful shed hunters in the area, but pending snowfall can always put a damper on what you find. But if you’re like me you don’t really find anything anyway, so always be prepared to find another source of happiness in the woods while you’re out looking.

In its simplest form, shed hunting is a great excuse to get outside, and the springlike weather makes it easy to want to go. Even if you’re out exploring the same old deer trail on your property, you’re bound to find something new, or something old.

Last week’s excursion was no different than those in the past. It began with thoughts of antlers scattered on nearly every trail, field and fenceline, until I

The calming presence of a winding river bottom is filled with life; void of antlers. – Photo by Marty Seeger stumbled across a couple of winterkilled deer and a few turkeys. Nearby, a beaver slide smoothed its way toward and ice-choked river, and a lively looking fisher quickly scampered along the riverbank. It was a sight filled with the realities of a harsh winter, and the abundant wildlife that manages to survive it year after year. It started out as a mission to find shed antlers, but soon

Early catch-and-release trout season opens March 7 MADISON – The March 7 opening day of the early catch-and-release trout season is the latest date it can be by law – and that may well benefit Wisconsin anglers.

The early February warm-up erased what had been record snow accumulations in some parts of the state.

“That means less snow so it will be easier to access the streams – at least until it snows again,” says Larry Claggett, the Department of Natural Resources coldwater ecologist.

“The cold, snowy winter we’ve had so far should leave trout streams in good shape. The groundwater recharge means they have a good amount of water and it’s cold and clean and the trout are happy,” he says.

The season opens at 5 a.m. on March 7, and runs until midnight, April 26, when there is a week’s “rest”

before the regular season. The season is catch-and-release, and only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used while fishing for any species of fish on trout streams. Most trout streams are open to early fishing with the exception of most Lake Superior tributaries and most streams in northeast Wisconsin; check the 2008-2009 Trout Fishing Regulations pamphlet for specific waters.

Some of the best fishing conditions – no bugs, weeds, or summer distractions – are found in the early season, according to Claggett. “What a great way to get your mind off the economy, or other problems.”

Any damage from last year’s flooding should be healed, Claggett says, but major changes may still be evident in some streams. Scouring should have cleaned out some holes and improved things for fishing deep

A League JM Electric: 20 Off Constantly: 14 Shockers: 14 Team C&Z: 14 Terrible Twosome: 14 Kill em: 13 TNT: 12 Whiz Kids: 12 Damage Inc.: 10 James Gang: 9 Breezy Tee: 6 H&H Perf: 6

B League Johnson & Johnson: 24 GNO: 22 Beauty & Beast: 18 Crash: 18 Broken Arrow: 14 Jail Bait: 14 Stupid Fox: 14 Meyer: 12 Merry Men: 12 Challenged: 6 Silver Slingers: 0 Men in Tights: 0

C League He Said: 24 B&E Ammo: 14 Robin's Hoodz: 14 Team B: 14 Browning Busters: 11 She Said: 10 The Cripplers: 8 Litter Runts: 6 Animal Lovers: 5 Swamp Busters: 4

State archery winner

holes in the early season.

Tips for fishing techniques during the early season and information on the fish populations in some popular early-season waters are available on the early trout season page of the Wisconsin Fishing pages of the DNR Web site.

An estimated 230,000 anglers fish for trout, based on sales of inland license stamps, with a smaller proportion fishing the early season, Claggett says. Across both the early season and the regular inland season, trout anglers caught an estimated 1.6 million trout in 2006-2007, according to results from a mail survey of anglers during that calendar year.

For more information contact Larry Claggett 608-267-9658. – from the DNR

Hannah Erickson, Frederic, placed first in the Cub Female FS class at the Wisconsin State Archery Shoot at Wisconsin Rapids on Feb. 14-15. – Photo submitted

Read Leader Outdoors!

Great Northern Outdoors Archery League week 4

became a mission to find a snippet of peace along the river, as well as a little bit of exercise. It’s what keeps me coming back to the early-spring woods year after year, and I doubt that it will ever change.

Timberland Archery League Week 6

Bowhunters League Traditional Bone Collectors: 429 R and D Web Solutions: 425 The Woodsman: 419 Men/Women Knoop Construction (2): 686 Wildlife Solutions: 598 Women Red Brick Café: 524 Custom Ink: 460

Men Stellrecht Tractor and Auto Repair: 786 Granite Electric: 773 Knoop Construction: 771 WFO: 692 Shell Lake State Bank: 682 The Lakers: 681 Sheelan Flooring: 653 Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church: 613 Big Mike’s Sports Shop: 487 Bow Dogs: 464 Sandstrom: 463

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Notices/Employment

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Notices/Employment

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Notices/Employment

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FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Shrine Valentine party packs Masonic Center

by Milt Helmer ELLSWORTH – A capacity crowd packed the Ellsworth Masonic Center on Friday, Feb. 13, for the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club’s annual Valentine Party.

Club President Gary Melstrom of Prescott was in charge of the festivities which included a performance by the Ellsworth High School Dixie Land Combo under the direction of Dan Kayhart.

Larry Riemenschneider, Oriental Guide of the Zor Shrine Divan, presented a 25-year pin for outstanding service to the Shrine to Noble Jim Hines of Ellsworth. Noble Hines is the Hospital Representative for the Shrine Club.

Hines introduced his special invited guests, Brady Knutson and his mom, Kate, and sister, Kayla. Brady is one of the children who is currently under care at the Shrine Hospital.

Hines arranged for the Knutson family to receive treatment for Brady, who

LEFT: Honored guests for the evening at the Shrine Valentine Party were the Knutsons of Ellsworth. Pictured (L to R) is Kate Knutson holding son Brady, daughter Kayla and Elaine Hines. Jim and Elaine Hines arranged for the Knutsons to receive free treatment at the Shrine Hospital in the Twin Cities. - Photo by Milt Helmer.

was born with foot condition that caused his feet to be rounded out and up. His mom said Brady was in a cast

from his hips to his toes. Kate said they did not know what they we going to do, since corrective measures were so costly.

Then they learned about the Shrine Hospitals and it has “been such a blessing.” Brady had corrective surgery to reconstruct tendons. He wore braces 22 hours a day, but now he only wears braces at night. All this treatment is being done at no cost to the Knutson family.

Brady and his lively sister, Kayla, were the stars of the evening. Brady’s smile was infectious and all present fell

in love with the charming young man.

His sister also enjoyed the evening dancing to the School Dixie Land music.

In other business, Cheryl Hoffman of the Shrine Club Auxiliary reminded the Nobles of the Auxiliary annual meeting coming up on April 21 and 22 at the hospital. Hoffman said this would be an excellent time for the Nobles to visit the hospital and see the fine work being done for children.

Divan Representative Riemenschneider also reminded Nobles of the upcoming Ceremonial in Menomonie on May 29 and 30. He urged all Nobles to come up with a strong showing of new petitions, so the upper Midwest can demonstrate their leadership in the Shrine. He had extra petitions for the Nobles in attendance.

During the evening, President Melstrom introduced members of the Ellsworth Knights of Columbus, who were invited guests of the club. He also commended the Cliffords of Country

Obey hosts economic teach-in at Siren

Says economic recovery act intended to save jobs and help those who’ve been hurt by the recession

SIREN – “Critics of Obama’s economic recovery and reinvestment package that passed Congress last week need to understand that the package is so large because the economic problem it’s tackling is so huge. We’re facing the greatest ecoDave Obey nomic crisis since the 1930s,” 7th District Congressman Dave Obey told a crowd gathered at the Siren Government Center Wed., Feb. 18, for an “economic teach-in.”

Obey, who as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has played a central role in developing the $800 billion economic recovery package that Congress approved, is spending this week hosting economic teach-ins around his district to explain the economic crisis confronting the country and President Obama’s plan to deal with it.

“We’ve had a virtual collapse and freeze up of the financial system and the credit markets. We’ve had a collapse of the housing and auto sectors of the economy. consumer purchasing power is collapsing. In the last four months the country has lost 2 million jobs, and we’re expected to lose another 3 to 5 million in the next year. As Conservative economist Mark Zandi so

bluntly put it: ‘the economy is shutting down,’” Obey said.

Obey traced the economic mess to unfair and ineffective government policies over the last decade. “Since 2001, as worker productivity went up, over 90 percent of the income growth in the country went to the wealthiest 10 percent of society. The remaining 90 percent of Americans have been struggling to sustain their standard of living by borrowing to pay for kids education, to pay for their houses, to pay for their cars, etc… etc…, and when they couldn’t borrow anymore, the bottom fell out. Our job now is to rebuild the economy in a way that will enable middle class families to see their income grow again,” he said.

Normally, when consumer purchasing power collapses, the government uses monetary policy – like changes in the interest rate – to try to reinflate the economy. “The problem is, we’ve already shot that bullet,” Obey said. “The Federal Reserve has taken phenomenal actions to try to stabilize the situation to very moderate effect. The only bullet left is fiscal policy - a large amount of government funding to get things moving again.”

That is what the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was just approved by Congress is designed to do, Obey added.

“If you look at what this bill does, it is aimed at saving or creating 3 to 4 million jobs. It provides one of the biggest middleclass tax cuts in American history. It invests $120 billion to put people to work building highways, bridges, sewer and water systems, airports, transit systems, modernizing our electrical transmission grid and bringing high-speed broadband to every part of the country, including

rural America. It tries to help those who are hit the hardest by the recession by extending and expanding unemployment benefits, by helping them to keep their health coverage, and helping them with the cost of keeping their kids in college. It tries to rebuild and modernize the economy to create new jobs through science and technology and by making investments that will wean us from our dependence on foreign oil. It provides $170 billion to help states and local governments avoid catastrophic tax increases that will be counterproductive during this kind of a recession and it also helps them to avoid drastic cutbacks in education and in law enforcement so that they don’t have to fire cops, teachers, prison guards and all the other people who are paid out of state budgets.”

Wisconsin could receive as much as $3.5 billion and that will save thousands and thousands of jobs. “There’s $2 billion to keep Wisconsin teachers, firefighters, policemen, and others on the state payroll; there’s over $500 million to get people to work on highway and bridge projects; there’s $150 million to help weatherize Wisconsin homes; there’s an additional unemployment benefit of $100 a month for 500,000 Wisconsin workers, and extended unemployment benefits for 75,000 more; there’s money to modernize about 130 Wisconsin schools; there’s significant assistance for every local school district, that will help them avoid teacher cutbacks and significant property tax increases, there’s new tax credits to make college more affordable for 63,000 Wisconsin families; there’s more money for clean-water, sewer and dam repairs and flood-control projects; and there’s an $800 tax cut for over 2 million Wisconsin workers and their families,” Obey said.

A sign of how important the recovery effort is was the wide range of groups backing it, Obey said. “This package was supported by not only the AFL-CIO, but also by the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – that shows just how widely held the belief is that this needs to be done,” he added.

Obey concluded by noting that this is just the first step. “It would be a mistake to look at this as a plan to add large amounts of new money to the economy. Instead, it should be recognized for what it is – an emergency salvage job to fill a $3 trillion plus hole in the economy over the next 21/2 years in order to ease the worst aspects of this building recession.

Standing alone, this package will not succeed, because it’s going to have to be accompanied by further actions to build confidence in the economy; by new actions to prevent massive home foreclosures all across the country; and probably by even further intervention in the financial markets.

“So we’re as close as we’ll ever see to being in the same place that Franklin Roosevelt was in the ‘30s – where he tried some things; some of them worked, some of them didn’t, and so he moved on and tried other things. It’s going to be a rough couple of years. But with the right decisions, and the will to carry through, we can come out of this with a stronger middle class and an economy that works for everyone, not just the economic elite.” from Congressman Obey’s office (the Leader will present its own report of Obey’s meeting on our Web site and in the next issue of the paper.)

First-graders lead in singing national anthem

Grantsburg first-graders and their teachers sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Grantsburg-Clayton doubleheader basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 17. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Just like Jake

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – Members of the Grantsburg Music Festival Society were meeting to discuss plans for this summer’s Music In The Park series at Memory Lake.

An empty chair at the end of the table did not go unnoticed. Jake Lysdahl, the heart and soul of the group, was absent.

His presence at the group’s meetings always had an energizing effect and everyone was missing him.

Lysdahl, the group’s fearless leader, and his wife, Carol, were still wintering in Mesa, Ariz., and they were anxiously awaiting his return.

To describe Lysdahl as the music society’s fearless leader was not a casual use of the cliché but rather an accurate description of his role as the group’s founder. Lysdahl was a man who wasn’t afraid to dream or to act. When he saw a need, whether for the community or for its people, he didn’t hesitate to find a way to help.

So when Lysdahl received an anonymous donation of $1,000 he decided to put it to good use. He wanted to use it toward a fitting memorial to Anna Olivia Fremstad, a former Grantsburg resident who went on to become a famous metropolitan opera singer, and also for something he knew the community would enjoy.

Lysdahl thought the community needed more opportunities to hear live music and so he decided to organize a group dedicated to bringing a variety of music to Memory Lake Park in the summer. The group would be called the Grantsburg Music Festival Society and the performances would be called Anna Olivia Fremstad memorial events in her honor.

Lysdahl set about recruiting members in his own understated yet very convincing way. Linda Dahl recalls running into Lysdahl on the street.

“Jake walked me to the bank and when we got there he’d made me the treasurer of the music society.” Priscilla Bauer said she doesn’t even remember how Lysdahl talked her into becoming a member. “I can’t even read music,” said Bauer, “but there I was, volunteering to become a member of this music society.”

And that was just like Jake; if he had

an idea to better the community he would go right out and find a way to make it happen and he’d find a way to get others to jump right on board with him.

“The Music Society was very important to Jake,” said his wife Carol as she spoke of his lifelong commitment to helping with community needs and the needs of its residents.

“He wanted the community to hear all kinds of music, including opera.

With Lysdahl’s guidance, encouragement, and generous contributions, the Grantsburg Music Festival Society has grown each year in members and in the events presented. And while the group still struggles for funding, all the members who became involved at Lysdahl’s request remain committed to the group’s mission.

“I always felt Jake’s encouragement and support made us want to go out and find more donations so we could have more musical events,” said Bauer of the group’s commitment to keeping the music playing. “And he gave encouragement to people going through difficult times, too. Jake was the first person to come and offer support when I was diagnosed with cancer,” Bauer recalled.

Another organization near and dear to Lysdahl’s heart was the Friends of the Crex group which was established in 1984 as a support group for the wildlife education program conducted at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Refuge.

Fellow member and friend Jim Evrard remembers first meeting Lysdahl when he was the Grantsburg postmaster.

“Jake was an early FOC Board member,” said Evrard. “I really got to know Jake when he became actively involved in the effort to raise funds to build the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. Jake was an idea man.

Some of the fundraising ideas were offthe-wall but other ideas were right on the money.”

Evrard said they made several road trips together contacting potential donors. “I remember one trip where we traveled all the way to the southern part of the state to beg for money. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious despite his long battle with cancer that

Grantsburg’s Jake Lysdahl died Feb. 8 after years of involvement in the community he loved. - Special photo would, at times, sap his energy. He was always encouraging the rest of the FOC fundraising committee to push onward.”

Yes, offering encouragement was just like Lysdahl. Shari Harter said she would have never thought of working for the postal service had not Lysdahl encouraged her to take the postal clerk exam. “You never know what’s going to happen in the future,” Lysdahl told Harter. Harter later was hired for a clerk job and has since moved up the ranks to become Grantsburg’s current postmaster. “After I got the job, Jake always had lots of good advice and encouragement.”

Myron Carlson, who was Lysdahl’s pastor and also his longtime friend, said Jake would come to see him quite often.

“Jake was always looking for ways to help people. For example he would ask what we could do for the young people,” said Carlson, who described Lysdahl as being very community minded. “He was always looking at what group of people he could help. He

really had a good heart.”

Another longtime friend, Bill Hunt, described Lysdahl this way. “He was a man’s man, which could have different meanings to different people, I suppose.

But Jake was adaptable to any situation and was comfortable with anyone.

When I say he was a man’s man, I shouldn’t leave out women. He’d probably laugh at that. He had a great sense of humor. Jake was well-liked by both men and women.”

“It was just like Jake to take on any useful cause,” Hunt recalled. “He was involved in the community and the people around him in a very positive way.

But he wasn’t in it for the glory but just because it was the right thing to do.”

Hunt said Lysdahl took his work very seriously. “The public really got its money’s worth while he was Grantsburg’s postmaster for all those years.”

And even though Lysdahl battled cancer and other illnesses for many years, he kept it to himself unless asked. “He never complained. Jake wasn’t a whiner,” said Hunt.

Hunt went on to say Lysdahl was a good and loyal friend. “But he did have his faults. He was a Packer fan when he could have been a Viking fan,” Hunt said jokingly. “And he could be stubborn but he utilized his stubbornness for good causes.”

Hunt said Lysdahl was talented in many ways, remembering Jake’s good cooking. “His meatballs were legendary.”

Much more could be written of Jake Lysdahl, a true friend to many and to his community. But it wasn’t “just like Jake” to take or want any credit for the many contributions he has made throughout his lifetime.

This summer there will be an empty chair at Memory Lake Park and as the music begins to play those who knew Jake Lysdahl best will remember how his enthusiasm and encouragement made music in the park not just a possibility but a reality. So the music will keep playing, this summer and for summers to come, just like Jake would have wanted.

Doris Marek celebrates 90th birthday

Doris Marek celebrated her 90th birthday at a party given for her on Feb. 8 at the Grantsburg American Legion Hall.

Doris Marek’s son and daughter-in-law, Virgil and Yvonne Sullivan, hosted a 90th-birthday celebration for Marek at the Legion hall in Grantsburg.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

The Inter-County Leader:

Velva Bauer was one of many friends and relatives giving birthday greetings to Doris Marek at her 90th-birthday party at Grantsburg’s American Legion Hall.

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FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 1

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News and views from the NW Wisconsin community

S k i i n g i s a l i f es t yl e fo r S p i ri t L ak e se as o n a l r es i d e n t Greg Nelson retires, but continues teaching

by Brenda Sommerfeld ASPEN, Colo. – Spirit Lake seasonal resident Greg Nelson feels he has gone full circle in his life. The one thing that has not changed is that Nelson spends most of his summers at the family cabin on Spirit Lake in Frederic. Nelson’s father bought the property there in 1956.

“We were the original family there,” Nelson said. “Now I’m pretty much the only one that uses it.”

Nelson’s brothers and sisters don’t find the time to go to the cabin, but Nelson usually arrives in May and returns back to his other residence in October every year.

Nelson grew up in Minneapolis. After graduating from the University of Minnesota-Mankato in 1973 with a Master of Science degree in education leadership, he and a friend moved to Aspen, Colo., where Nelson got a job as a ski instructor.

In 1977, Nelson returned to the Twin Cities, where he started a teaching career as an adapted physical education teacher. He taught gross motor skills to special needs students for 31 years. Upon retirement from the Minneapolis Public School System in June of 2008, Nelson returned to Aspen in November, where he is once again a ski instructor.

Challenge Aspen ski instructor Greg Nelson (L) stands with student Ryan at the base of Snowmass Mountain. With Nelson’s help, Ryan skied all four peaks of the Snowmass Ski Area, including the highest peak, at 12,510 feet. – Photos submitted

Greg Nelson hikes up Highlands Bowl at the Highlands Ski Area, one of Aspen, Colorado’s, four different ski areas. The peak is at 12,392 feet.

“Somebody told me I came full circle, having been out here [Aspen], going back to the cities and having a career and turning around ending up back here,” Nelson stated.

Nelson is working as a part-time instructor with Challenge Aspen, the adapted ski school at the Snowmass Ski Area. Challenge Aspen is an organization that offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience different activities. In the winter, Challenge Aspen provides adaptive alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

“Having worked as a special needs physical education teacher, I am very comfortable and experienced with the cognitive delayed population,” Nelson commented.

Recently Nelson was became a Level 1 Alpine certified ski instructor for Challenge Aspen to work with cognitively delayed skiers. He is also training to be Level 1 Alpine adapted certified. He works part-time for the ski school.

“I must be able to work during Christmas vacation for two weeks, Presidents week in February and during spring break in March,” Nelson explained. “[The] ski company likes it if part-timers work a minimum of 100 hours during a season.”

All ski instructors are compensated with an hourly salary and a season pass to Snowmass Ski Area for their commitment to teaching.

Thus far, Nelson has only put in 60 hours of teaching time this year. He feels

it has much to do with the economy having slowed and tourism being down.

Nelson teaches in private one-on-one

situations. He has had three students two adults with cognitive delays and one 4-year-old with autism.

“My main goal is to provide a safe and fun experience while still challenging them to successfully attain new skills or ski more difficult terrain,” Nelson said.

“At the end of each day we review what we accomplished and both feel the exhilaration of our success. It’s hard to call it work.”

Skiing has always been a part of Nelson’s life, but now he gets paid to teach others the activity he loves. He started skiing when he was 3 years old.

“My dad was Norwegian and as a Norwegian you have to keep your kids on skis,” Nelson joked. “So I started at an early age and just fell in love with it.”

He started out downhill skiing at ski areas like Buck Hill and Trollhaugen, but eventually turned to cross-country skiing while teaching in Minneapolis. He was involved in many cross-country skiing races including the Birkebeiner. During his teaching career, Nelson would travel to Aspen on spring break and some Christmas breaks, in order to do some downhill skiing.

In the evenings, Nelson continues to cross-country ski at a recreational level.

He also competes in races in downhill skiing during his free time. Nelson says he spends at least four hours a day skiing.

Nelson plans to visit the family cabin on Spirit Lake this summer and return to Aspen to teach for Challenge Aspen again in the winter.

The town of Aspen can be viewed from the Ridge of Bell ski run at the Ajax ski area. Greg Nelson gets set to ski down the run.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Clam Falls fifisshing contest Many people gathered on Clam Falls Lake for the South Fork Sporting Club-sponsored ice-fishing contest on Sunday, Feb. 15. At 3 p.m. everyone gathered around the weighing table to find out who the winners of three different categories were. Greg Cloutier and Chris Engstrom tied for first place, both catching 5-lb., 12-oz. northerns. Steve Forristall received first in panfish with a 15-oz. fish and Russell Cook Jr. caught the only bass, to take first place.

Anyone was allowed to enter the hole-drilling contest that was held before the winners of the fishing contest were announced. Each contestant fired up an auger and drilled three holes. The first one finished with all three holes won a cash prize.

Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld This young lady volunteered to draw the name of one of the winners of a cash prize during the Clam Falls fishing contest on Sunday.

With the ice-fishing contest lasting from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., many fishermen bring grills in order to cook lunch on the lake.

16th-annual American Legion fifisshing contest

These four fishermen, shown (L to R): Cody Poeschl, Clay Poeschl, Jake Wald and Colton Tretsven, were 10 minutes too late to register this northern.

Devyn Ellefson of Luck was one of the lucky winners during the fishing contest held on Big Wood Lake on Saturday, Feb. 14. Ellefson won a gift certificate to Call of the Spencer Bunting Loon in Grantsburg. and Brock Anderson, of Grantsburg, brought this bass up to be weighed during the contest.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Jerry Hokanson of Grantsburg, with the help of his grandson, Brady Baker of St. Croix Falls, took first place in the bass division for this 5.9 lb. largemouth bass during the 16th-annual American Legion fishing contest on Big Wood Lake Saturday, Feb. 14.

Fourth-annual Indian Creek fifisshing contest

The fourth-annual Indian Creek fishing contest/get-together was held Saturday, Feb. 7, on Spencer Lake. All 62 participants had a nice day for fishing. The biggest northern caught was Tony Boatman's at 4 lbs., 1 oz., shown in center of photo. – Photos submitted RIGHT: Harv Fjorden caught the biggest panfish, weighing in at 11 ounces.

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

No school problems in the old days

by Alberta Hanson My mother, Nettie Carnes Hanson lived two months shy of being 101 years old, and she lived her last eight years at our farm. During her years on our farm, she had me write down her experiences when she taught school back in the 1900s.

The following story is hers: I was 20 years old when I started teaching school in Iowa in 1907. I taught all eight grades in a one-room school, three years in Iowa and 10 years in Wisconsin.

School day opened each morning with a Biblical story, which they all were interested in, and the learning of the Lord’s Prayer, which they repeated every morning. There were no disci-

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Writer’s Corner pline problems in school; the children were obedient and learned their three R’s.

The children took turns carrying the water and wood for the school. I did all the building fires and the janitor work.

There were eight months of school each year, so the children were free to help at home with farm chores and harvest.

My salary was $25 a month, and there never were any strikes. I always had some time to spend with the children for games at recess time.

One school election and citizen’s meeting was held in the schoolhouse.

The next day when I came to school, the floor and desks were all covered with tobacco juice. I sent the children home so I could clean up the mess. I carried water from a nearby spring, about a block away, and spent all day cleaning.

The school board said nothing, and I was paid the same.

At times I had to get tough with the school board for the few school supplies

I needed. In Barron County in the 1920s I had to wait three months before I could get a new school broom.

I rode horseback to school for many years and later bought my first car, a 1919 Model T Ford. When my brother and I were children at home, we discussed “the horseless carriage.” We wondered how it could be possible for a car to travel on the road without the “thills” (two poles that hooked up to the horse) jabbing into the ground. My second car was a 1921 Baby Saxon. This car had motorcycle tires and was a peppy little car.

Near the end of my first school year, several girls asked, “Are you going to have a last-day-of-school picnic?” “Of course I will.” I said, although I had no idea what it was, as I had not attended a country school before, but I was all for it!

When the picnic day arrived, the women brought the lunches and the men arranged the games. All were happy, and I enjoyed my first school picnic!

The good old days? A neighbor invited us over Sunday afternoon for homemade ice cream. We were delighted, but when we arrived everyone was out looking for the cows. The cows

could not be found in the wild pasture and thick woodland. No milk, so no one had ice cream that day!

I enjoyed going for car rides with my grandchildren when they were younger. I’d point out old sites and tell them, “there’s where the old Wolf Creek Methodist Church stood in 1940, and over there where the Wolf Creek Post Office was located when I was postmaster and operated a grocery store. Yes, there’s where Never’s Dam was located on the St. Croix River. The Everygreen School still stands, and there’s a Sunrise Ferry site. The old Sterling Bush Church stood on that cemetery hill near that large clump of lilacs.”

It was fun to reminisce with my grandchildren about the old days and marvel at the return of modern log homes, reminding me of my childhood.

PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 or Iris Holm 715-294-3174 for more information. - submitted

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Fine artists and crafters sought for August festival SIREN — Fine artists and crafters are invited to participate in the Burnett Arts Festival set for Aug. 1 in Siren.

The event, designed to showcase Wisconsin artists, is organized by the Burnett Area Arts Group and North Wind Arts and will be held in the Lakeview Event Center situated on Hwy. 35/70 opposite Crooked Lake.

The festival is open to any artist or

crafter who produces high-quality original, handmade works of fine art in any medium. There are 42 indoor booth spaces and up to 20 outdoor booth spaces available. The cost is $50 and $40 respectively. Electricity is also available for a small fee. Registration is on a firstcome, first-served basis; deadline is June 30.

Entries will be screened for quality and

to ensure variety of mediums offered.

The event is listed in the Midwest Art Fair catalog and will be extensively advertised in print and broadcast media.

The BAF is held in conjunction with Siren’s Summerfest. At the BAF, there will be live music, wine-tasting, food and beverage sales, and a special exhibition of art by the late Jens Rasmussen, an oil painter of regional renown.

For additional information and to receive a registration package, e-mail northwindart@sirentel.net, call Jenny Goalen, 715-349-8448; or Kathy Recke, 715-656-3322. The registration form is also available on the Burnett Area Arts Group Web site, www.baagart.org. — from BAF

Interfaith Caregivers: What goes around comes around POLK COUNTY – Elsa is a spry 91year-old woman living alone in her Balsam Lake home of 53 years. Her husband, Ed, passed on 20 years ago, and their son is in Connecticut pursuing his career and busy raising his family.

With Elsa’s age and her eyesight nearly gone from cataracts, she is faced with the fact that she may not be able to live independently much longer. She knows deep down but does not want to admit that she is unable to do many things any-

more. Depression crept into Elsa’s life as she anguished with these fears of failing abilities and what will happen to her?

Fortunately for Elsa, seniors and disabled adults in Polk County, we have Interfaith Caregivers, a volunteer organization helping Polk County’s aging and disabled residents maintain quality and independent living in their own homes and communities. The demand of individuals needing assistance is increasing by leaps and bounds. The

community-based organization’s services are available at no charge to residents who need them. However, due to their increasing volume, they need volunteers – they need you.

Let’s face it, unfortunately, there may come a day when many of us will be facing a similar situation in our lives or with the life of our elderly parents or grandparents. They urge those of you who can help them make a difference in our communities to call Interfaith Caregivers at

715-485-9500 or www.interfaithpolk.org.

Give back to your community some of what you may need some day. Volunteering gives you a great sense of satisfaction when you help a neighbor and gain a new friend. They keep their volunteer scheduling flexible with a wide range of areas you will fit into. Donations are appreciated for the continuation of future services. – submitted by Karen Krupa, program director Polk County Interfaith Caregivers

Auditions scheduled for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” FREDERIC -Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre original musical production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at Frederic’s elementary school.

A total of 70 Frederic-area children are needed to play the roles of Buck, Luck, Yuck-Yuck, and the rest of the Groundlings; Titania, Oberon, Pease Blosson, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed,

and the rest of the Sprites; Quince, Flute, Starveling, Snout, Snug, and the understudies of the acting troupe; The Duke, Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, Helena, and the rest of the noblemen and noblewomen.

Auditions are open to anyone in the Frederic School District, grades 2 to 12.

The audition process lasts two hours and all those who audition are required to be in attendance the complete time.

No preparation is necessary to audition.

Rehearsals will be held from 3:35 to 8 p.m. the remainder of the week. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the elementary school gym. Tickets will be available at the door: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-18. This weeklong Prairie Fire residency is sponsored by Frederic Community Education with the help of a grant from Polk Bur-

More green power added for Polk-Burnett members CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett and its power supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative, will purchase energy from an anaerobic manure digester at the NormE-Lane Dairy Farm in Clark County. The 2,000-cow dairy farm is expected to generate about 500 kilowatts of renewable energy, capable of powering 336 homes throughout Dairyland’s service area.

This is the fourth dairy farm to provide cow power to members of Dairyland and Polk-Burnett. Co-op members also receive power from landfill-gas-to-energy

plants, a hydrostation and wind farms.

In October, a new crop of 10 wind turbines was dedicated at the Winnebago Wind Power Project near Thompson, Iowa. Renewable energy from the wind farm will generate 20MW of clean electricity, enough to power nearly 6,000 homes and businesses, said Joan O’Fallon, Polk-Burnett’s director of communications. “This doubles the commitment of Dairyland and rural electric cooperatives to support wind power.”

During the 1990s, an investment was

made for 18MW of wind energy generation at the McNeilus Wind Farm in Adams, Minn., enough to power 4,800 homes. “We’re pleased to provide a portion of our members power from renewable sources,” said O’Fallon.

For more information, call Polk Burnett at 800-421-0283 or visit polkburnett.com; click on Renewables, Headlines, Evergreen and Links. – from Polk-Burnett

nett Operation Round-up. For more information contact Ann Fawver at 3274868. – from Frederic Community Ed

Catch the whopper in Siren SIREN – The Siren Lions Club is hosting their 11th-annual Whopper Ice-Fishing Contest on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is located on the Clam Lake Narrows, four miles east of Siren on Hwy. 70.

Prizes for the fishing contest include: gas augers, fish shacks, hand augers, rod and reel combos and arctic tip-ups.

Door prizes will be given away every 15 minutes.

There will also be many drawing prizes and raffles that will be held throughout the day.

Tickets for the contest will coast $5 if purchased before the event and $6 on the day of the contest.- submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Ole Brandstad

by Stanley Selin Ole C. Branstad was born Ole C. Anderson in Moss, Norway, on May 18, 1839.

He changed his name to Branstad since it was the name of the farm from which he came. He left home at the age of 12 to become a common sailor and lived a life of perilous adventure.

According to family verbal history, he sailed on a number of ships, visiting many of the major world ports. On one of the South Sea islands, he was nearly captured by cannibals. At one time, he

Colonel Hans Christian Heg, mortally wounded at Chickamauga Sept.

19, 1863. – Photos from Selin collection sailed with a crew of Irishmen, and succeeded in learning the Irish brogue so perfectly that he was mistakenly thought to be of Irish descent.

At another time, on a voyage that was bringing immigrants to North America, he was scheduled to return with the ship to England with a load of square timbers for shipbuilding.

After the immigrants disembarked at Quebec, Canada, and as the ship proceeded back up the St. Lawrence River, Branstad noticed rats jumping overboard. Since it was an accepted belief that this was a sign the ship was about to sink, he told the captain, who then said they would never make the trip safely.

The prophecy proved correct.

The ship had hit a rock and had torn a wide hole in the keel. Native Americans on the coast of Labrador saw their plight and rescued them. The Native Americans had numerous scalps tied on their waistbands, but did their captives no harm. They did plunder the ship, however, stripping out all the brass, instruments, and any ornaments that could be pried loose. They fed the sailors for an entire week, until a passing vessel rescued them and returned them to Quebec. From here, Ole went to Milwaukee and spent some time sailing on Lake Michigan.

By 1862, fighting in the American Civil War was becoming more intense, and more and more volunteers were needed. Under the Federal Enrollment

Collected by

Russ Hanson

River Road

Ramblings The overloaded steamer Sultana, leaving for the trip upriver. A few hours later, a boiler exploded, instantly killing 1,700 Union soldiers heading homeward after the Civil War. Act, districts were allowed 50 days to meet their enrollment quotas. Most districts waited until the last week or so to fill their quotas. Meetings took place (similar to religious revival meetings) in which draft-eligible men were exhorted to volunteer or to contribute funds to hire substitutes. Eligible men were slow to volunteer until they were sure of receiving bounties (usually $100) raised by the district.

Branstad received a bounty and enlisted in the 15th Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment on Aug. 30, 1862, commanded by Colonel Hans Christian Heg. This practically all-Norwegian regiment of 1,046 men fought in the battle of Chickamauga during September, 1863, but suffered frightfully heavy losses. Due to poorly communicated higher orders, their flank was left exposed to a barrage of rebel bullets, canister, and grape shot. The men bravely held their ground, not yielding an inch, but about half their number were either killed or wounded. Colonel Heg was wounded in the abdomen and died the next day. Branstad was captured by the Confederates and held in captivity at Danville prison one month, Bell Island prison one month, Cassell Thunder prison two months, and at Andersonville, Ga., for 12 months.

Andersonville prison, completed about February, 1864, was initially a 161/2-acre enclosure surrounded by a high stockade. It was built by slave labor and was designed to hold 10,000 captured Union soldiers. Prison guards, mostly older men and boys, watched from sentry boxes, called pigeon roosts, with orders to shoot any prisoner who crossed a wooden railing, called a Dead Line. Due to the large number of prisoners being captured, and the breakdown of the prisoner-exchange system, the enclosure was enlarged in June 1864 to 26-1/2-acres. However, by August of 1864, the prison population had swelled to over 32,000. The terrible overcrowding and filthy conditions resulted in 12,912 deaths by the end of the war in May of 1865. Available shelter was gradually reduced to tent fragments, huts made of scrap wood, or simply holes in the ground. Many had no shelter at all against the rain, heat and cold.

Some wore rags, and a few wore nothing at all. The daily ration for the prisoners was the same as the guards’, one

pound of cornmeal, and either one pound of beef or a third of a pound of bacon per day. Occasionally they received peas, beans, rice, or molassas, but the situation kept gradually deteriorating, since the Confederates barely had enough for themselves. Often the food was spoiled or contained vermin. Diseases such as dysentery, gangrene and scurvy were common. The only source of water was a small creek that ran through the prison grounds, which soon became polluted.

Ole Branstad managed to survive, however, and was released from Andersonsville on April 17, 1865, but weighing just 98 pounds, by one account. He never fully recovered from the ordeal and suffered from prison-related ailments for the rest of his life.

After Branstad was officially released from the Union Army at Vicksburg, Miss., he was scheduled to board the steamer Sultana on April 27, 1865, with 2,000 other former prisoners and Union soldiers for the trip back home. These former prisoners were extremely impatient to get started. Many were semi-invalids, who longed to get back to their homes for decent food and care. The side-wheeler stayed at Vicksburg for an extra day in order to patch a leaky boiler with a hastily riveted plate. During this time, men tried to muscle, bribe, and threaten their way on board until the ship was bursting at the seams with soldiers.

One of these anxious soldiers had a ticket for a trip north on a later steamboat, and happened to ask Branstad if he would trade tickets. Ole agreed, since he was not in a great hurry to leave. The Sultana by law was supposed to carry 376 persons, including her crew.

Over 2,400 passengers had crowded on, and the side-wheeler slowly plowed upstream that night against the fast-moving spring current. At 2 a.m., about nine miles upriver, one of her four boilers suddenly exploded in a huge fireball, destroying half the ship. Some 1,700 Union veterans died instantly, or later from the resulting burns. Ole, however, made it safely back to Wisconsin on another riverboat which left a few days later.

Branstad rested for a year to recover from his prison ordeal, and once again sailed the inland seas until the fall of 1868. At this time, he purchased 128 acres of farmland about two miles south of Grantsburg. He donated some of his land to build a much-needed creamery.

Other businesses followed, and it was decided to name the town “Branstad”.

He married Sophia Anderson in 1870 and had eleven children. He died on Feb. 10, 1906, of prison-related ailments.

William Branstad, a son, tells the following story: “One day, Ole met William McKee, a former Confederate soldier, in Alex Stenborg’s blacksmith shop in Grantsburg. McKee was a southerner, one who had moved up to a new settlement called Alabama, near Atlas, Wisconsin.

In their conversation about wartime experiences, McKee showed Branstad a knife he had taken from a Union soldier.

Branstad recognized it as his own knife, seized when he and other Union soldiers were taken prisoner in the Battle of Chickamauga.”

To be continued

Tents in Andersonville prison near Macon, Ga.

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Growing old …

The first day of school our professor introduced himself, and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know.

I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire Abrahamzon being. She said, “Hi, Handsome. My name is Rose. I’m 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?’ I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” and she gave me a giant squeeze.

“Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel.” “No, seriously,” I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

“I always dreamed of having a college education, and now I’m getting one!” she told me. After class, we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends.

Every day for the next three months, we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this “time machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon, and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up, and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. At the end of the semester, we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three-by-five cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed, she leaned into the microphone, and simply said, “I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I’ll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.” She cleared her throat and began: “We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success. “You have to laugh and find humor every day. You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it. There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are 19 years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn 20 years old. If I am 87 years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything, I will turn 88. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.

She concluded her speech by courageously singing “The Rose.” She challenged each of us to study the lyrics, and live them out in our daily lives. At the year’s end, Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over 2,000 college

Bernice

Behind the Signpost

students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never to late to be all you can possibly be.

If you read this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they’ll really enjoy it, too.

(Note: The above was sent to me by friends in Fountain City.)

Some reader will think, “What a shame! After all that expense and effort, Rose died a week after getting her college diploma.” She realized her dream.

How many of us can say that? She inspired many people with her good attitude.

So what is your dream?

Do you want to write your life story and see it turn into a book? Pick up a pen today or sit down at your computer and begin.

Do you want to try your hand at painting, the view from your kitchen window? That old barn may not last forever. Neither will you. Go to the store and get supplies. Pick up your brush and do a wash of blue for sky.

Want to learn to knit? So do a lot of other people.

Knitting is in. Sitting in a rocking chair, doing nothing, is out. You have yarn waiting to be knit and purled.

Want to know about the Bible? Get a large print one and begin at the beginning. Let’s see, at a chapter a day how long will it take? Join a Bible study group.

You don’t have to study alone. Discussion is good. So are friends or kindred spirits, those sharing your interests.

Want to play card games? Inquire at your senior citizens center. How about 500 on Thursday nights at Frederic?

How about learning to play Scrabble? Every Monday at Sunrise Apartments at Frederic. Ask Minnie G. for details.

Want to walk? Too icy outside? Find an inside building. Get on track.

Haven’t seen a movie in years? Go to matinees. The days of Cary Grant and Doris Day are over. Learn the names of new movie stars.

Get a library card at your local library. Join a morning or evening book club. Better than reading a book is getting together to discuss the book. What is the message? Is it believable or too contrived? Copy down some favorite lines.

You don’t feel like getting outside in cold weather?

Go outside anyway and fill your lungs with cold, fresh air. Fill the bird feeder. Watch for the color of cardinals or blue jays.

Volunteer to write letters for shut-ins or to read aloud to them.

Does a relative want you to come for a visit? What are you waiting for? Go! Do you have a dream?

One of my friends has planted watermelon seeds in a pot of soil in her house. That should prove interesting.

Another friend is trying to tame three feral cats.

That’s a challenge!

Whatever you do, do something (and not wrong).

Until next week, Bernice

Reading mentorship Dave Anderson (R) and the first grade at Unity School received a $400 grant from Farmers Insurance and agent John Volgren. They will be using this money to buy reading supplies, Buddy Reading Books and reading games, for the Reading Mentorship Program.

This program will match high school athletes with first-grade students as reading buddies. - Special photo

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included pork roast at 39¢ lb., spare ribs at 37¢ lb., oranges at 2 lbs. for 69¢, celery at 19¢ stalk, instant coffee at 97¢ for a 6-oz. jar and fish sticks at three 10oz. pkgs. for $1.-St. Croix Motor Company had a large selection of OK used cars.-Sandra Lee Searles was named Siren High Homemaker.-It was said insecticides don’t hurt soil bacteria in normal doses.-It was said that cows respond well to a good supply of drinking water.-Also, treat hens well for more eggs.Dair Stewert planned to open a new TV service in February.-A farm institute was set for Feb. 26 at Grantsburg.-The fishing contest on Wood Lake was a big success.-Siren area bowlers attended a state tourney at Green Bay.-Four immunization clinics were set for Burnett County.-A Valentine dance was held at Indian Creek Hall on Feb. 14, with music by Jerry Sinz. (Also door prizes.).-A free dance was given at Calderwood Lodge every Saturday night.-“Auntie Mame” was the film playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-The Buick Le Sabre was advertised as the car you can own for only $200 more.-The Frederic Farm Institute would be held Feb. 18 with speakers Maurice White, Willis E. Erickson, Arno Dittbrenner and Galen Maurer. Free lunch was served.

40 Years Ago The Walt Disney film, “The Parent Trap,” was playing at the D’Lux Theatre at Luck.-Luck school named Vicke Cruthers DAR Good Citizen.-Polk Cancer Unit began plans for April crusade.-There was a truck – train mishap at Milltown.-Robert Wiseman wrote a book, “The Complete Horseshoeing Guide,” printed at the University of Oklahoma Press. The author was a graduate from Frederic High School.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store included lettuce at 2 heads for 29¢, 3-lbs. coffee at $1.89, ketchup, 3 bottles for 79¢, Ajax cleaner, two for 23¢ and ham at 73¢ lb.-Specials at Route’s Super Market were fryers at 29¢ lb., tomato soup at 11¢ a can, cabbage at 9¢ lb., cauliflower at 37¢ head.-The Polk County Sportsmen’s Club served booya at a fox hunt in early February.The entire tax list for the town of Sand Lake was published in this paper.-A car and a snowmobile collided on a town road near Frederic.-Queens were in the spotlight at the Luck Winter Carnival.-A free wedding dance was held at Joe’s Crossroads on Feb. 15 for Joan Gatten and Tim Schultz.-Jack’s Carpet Shoppe, Balsam Lake, was inviting readers to come in and see the new beautiful spring carpet.

20 Years Ago A new schedule was adopted for hangar space at the Burnett County hangar at Siren.-A curfew was likely for Siren youth.-A tougher penalty was advised for dumping on county forestland.-Kathy Swingle would replace Gerald Wagner as Burnett County Surveyor.-“Charley’s Aunt” was performed in January as the Grantsburg High School play.-The population of the bald eagle and osprey was up.-The Unity principal wanted more teeth in the no-smoking policy.-Space was created for a weight room at Frederic.-Carl Hansen had hope for future of small towns.

He was Milltown’s village president.-Fire calls were down for Frederic firefighters in 1988.-Business of the week was the Polk County Bank, which evolved from three village banks.-Harvey Stower hopes to keep local control of schools.-Obituaries included Michael Bremer and Katherine Domrese.-Snowmobiles were recovered and four were arrested. They were taken from the Pour House parking lot in Siren.-Webster was seeking $320,800 grant for sewage system.-A storage building at the Scott Nelson place in Siren burned.-Poor TV reception and a rate hike got Webster’s attention.-Youth ministry would continue school visits.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Webster Senior Center

866-4334 Our count was good for Tuesday’s Dining at Five evening meal and Nicky was grateful to have Lily’s help in the kitchen and all the other volunteer help given to make things run like clockwork. It was nice to have Corinne Root and Ed and Della Smythe attend from Siren, and for Della to stay afterwards and help with kitchen cleanup. Bruce Behrens, Earl Boelter, Harold Peterson and Gene Johnson decided to have a few games of pool, so of course, Gladys Beers, Theresa Gloege, Bernie Boelter, Mary Poretti, Margel Ruck and I figured we should stay for cards and our fun and laughter fix too.

We also had good attendance for the baked ribs and sauerkraut meal on Wednesday and we were happy to have Wes and Norma Maurer join us again. Carol Berglind and Ellie Anderson came in the afternoon and were part of the four tables of fun-loving Dime Bingo players. Effie Wester furnished the dessert.

The Burnett County Elderly Nutrition Program Project Council met at the Siren Senior Center on Thursday morning with aging Director Lois Taylor, nutritionist Sarah Miller, Dee Troutman, Mary Klar, Cora Sandberg, Jerry Oachs, Eldora Brown, Violet Dahlberg and Cora DeJong attending. Reports were given for the A&H, Webster, Grantsburg and Siren nutrition sites. Lois reported that the aging unit has applied for a senior farmers market grant and individual seniors may receive $25 in vouchers to be used at local certified farmers market vendors in Siren and Grantsburg this year. However, Burnett County is limited to only 103 vouchers and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis but the individual senior must be income eligible. Sarah Miller presented the March menu and it was approved with only a few suggested changes. Discussion was held regarding annual volunteer recognition to be held at each individual site during the April and May evening meals, with a minimum of ten hours of volunteer time recognized. The next project council meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at the Webster Senior Citizen Center.

There seems to be a misconception that the site manager/cooks can prepare extra congregate meal substitutions at will. The only meals that substitutions are to be provided for, and upon a prior request when signing up, is on the days when liver and onions and fish are served. All sites are also required to have diners sign up in advance and not simply walk in and expect to eat. The cooks are supposed to make only enough food to cover the number of meals that are served on the daily congregate sign-up sheet, and the homedelivered meals. If there are several servings left over, they are to be made up into home delivered meals and frozen.

Budget cuts have been made by the county to eliminate meals one day per week for both congregate and home delivered, and it is important for all the sites to be as cost effective as possible so that an additional day doesn’t get cut.

There was a lot of cheering and laughter going on again at Hi, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County. I hope all of you had a good Valentine’s Day last weekend. I know I did. A tree fell over at my house, and I got the first 6 feet off the top of it to do with as I please. What a present - a stick as long as a car! How often does that happen for a boy like me? I don’t know if I can credit Cupid, unless he has some kind of control over the wind, but I’m happy nonetheless.

I’ve been chewing on it, and honing it down, and trying to decide what I’m going to do with such a big piece of lumber, besides turning it into a giant baton. Secretly? I’d like to introduce YAPpenings it to the person who told me I was a hack. A hacky-hack-hack. That made my tail droop. Cripes, I’m a dog, not Shakespeare!

What upset me even more was that he thought I and my fellow volunteers and shelter staff were engaged in a lot of silliness. Can you believe that? That was enough to make my lips curl and raise my hackles. My friends at the shelter are the most hardworking folks I’ve met, and although I don’t expect to win a Pulitzer Prize, I do know that hack (me) rhymes with whack (him), which brings me back to thoughts of my new and extra-large stick. Hmmph ... some people I will never understand.

I do have a slight confession to make, however, in regards to my shelterly duties. I lost my notes for this week’s column. I’ve sniffed high and low, and between you and me, I think the human ate my homework. How’s that for some turnabout? We dogs get blamed for all sorts of things like that, so I’m turning the tables and am blaming my mom. It’s her house, after all, and I haven’t seen many groceries come through the door lately. She must’ve been hungry. I have a pretty good memory, thankfully, so I think I can muster up all I wanted to tell you. First of all, I’m excited to say that our annual fundraiser raffle is in full swing. This year, we are raffling off a two-night, weekend stay at Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors, Minn. In addition to the stay, you get a $50 dining certificate at Kamloops Restaurant, inside the resort, plus a $20 gas card to fuel you up there. Second prize is a handmade, queen-sized quilt.

Third prize is a $50 gift certificate to the Timber Ridge Roadhouse restaurant, near Hertel. I have a dog’s life and everything, but sometimes I wish I could go to some of the places you people do. Oh, what fun that would be! You can obtain a ticket at the shelter, or from any of the volunteers who are selling them, and there are a few of them about.

The tickets are $3 apiece, or six for $15. The drawing is on Saturday, April 18, at the Moose Lodge between Webster and Siren, during our annual spaghetti dinner - which I’m

Blacky Shelter

the center on Thursday evening as the regular group of pool and card players got together for another evening of fun, and the usual generous array of goodies was brought by the ladies for everyone to snack on. My doctor told me last week that it would be better for me if I lost a few pounds, but I told him that it was the fault of all my friends who were making me eat those tasty treats. I’m not sure if he fell for that or not. I know “I’d never” do it all on my own! I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process … it may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

I gave you an old-fashioned remedy last week that was for sore throats, so I thought I would give you another one this week for sore eyes. You take a clean white cloth and put upon it enough grated juicy carrots for a bandage large enough to cover both eyes. Lay it over the eyes, and wrap a towel around the head to hold it in place. Do this at bedtime and in the morning, your eyes will be better. Just be careful your pet rabbit doesn’t get out of his cage and starts nibbling on your face!

We had three tables of diners for Friday’s meal and quite a few of them stayed to have their taxes done by the AARP tax aides. In fact, so may people showed up that the tax preparers didn’t get finished with the last ones until close to 6 p.m.

Gladys Beers and I stayed around to put out coffee and cookies for the people, and then we finished putting together over half of a puzzle that had been started. We also stayed to clean up and lock up the center. Thanks to Dave Edaburn, Stan Peer, Bruce Benedict, Dan Brown, Mary Poretti and Mary Heier for their tax assistance.

The next date for the tax-aides to be at our center is Friday, Feb 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. We’ll be sure to have fresh cookies and the coffeepot on again.

Bob Gleason and Sandy Wohlitz went to hear the all-female Irish vocalists at the Celtic Women Isle of Hope concert on Friday evening at Xcel Center in St. Paul. Featured singer was 19-year-old Chloe Agnew of Dublin, Ireland, who said it has been the greatest experience of her life, and she has been singing with the group since 2004 when she was only 14.

Forty-six men, women and children enjoyed the Valentine Day buffet luncheon on Saturday at the Webster Community Center sponsored by the Webster Lioness Club. A lot of prizes were won at the free Bingo games and Nancy Kouba’s grandson, Corey, was one of the happy children who won several times.

Gladys Beers was one of the many people who attended the Webster Volunteer Fire Department’s annual banquet on Sunday evening at Ike Walton Lodge. Her late husband, Dale, was a volunteer fireman for many years.

Some new diners this week and some we hadn’t seen for a while were Ken and Elva Haug, Jerry Stypula, Esther Windsure I’ll be barred from attending, once again. More on that later.

Moving on, I have two new hombres to tell you about this week. Duce and Zorro are two dogs that were surrended to the shelter because their family had too many animals.

Duce is a shepherd mix, about 6 years old. He’s a smart boy who knows a few commands, and he’s a personable fella. He has lived with other dogs and children, but not cats.

I’ve never lived with cats, either, I just know they stick their paws out of their lodgings at me and swat me in the head when I go by, walking through the shelter. Duce is a black Lab mix and is about 3 years old. Duce tells me he can’t stand being cooped up in a kennel, and he’s made that apparent by trying to bust out of his temporary spot at the shelter. He is a super-nice dog who soaks up affection like a sponge, and I feel badly for him because he seems very sad. If he could be a farm dog and have room to scoot about and be happy, it would be the answer to his prayers.

I just know that there’s a place for Duce somewhere.

I also have to tell you that Pretty, the sharpei/shepherd mix, is still up for adoption, even though I told you otherwise awhile back. She was all ready to move in to her new life, but things didn’t quite turn out. She is an all-white, petite girl who, unfortunately, lost an eye, but she is still beautiful to me - and to everyone at the shelter who knows her. She is a sweetheart who has really come out of her shell since she came to stay with us, and I want her to find a good home.

I fret over every stray or surrender that comes into the shelter. I can’t help it, it’s just how I am. If I had my way, there’d be a sea of dogs at my house. But, my mom says that we can’t have a ton of dogs, because that’s not right either. I saw what happened to all those poor cats in the news lately, and I now know that isn’t a wise plan. You can’t have any kind of quality life when there’s a bazillion of your fellow mates running around; plus, I’d be in a long line for earscratches and sappy talk - and I always like to be in the front row.

Do you have a spot in the front row for a furry friend, dog or cat? Maybe your situation won’t allow you that luxury, but you could still come and spend time with my pals who are waiting at the shelter. Some folks come in just to do that, and my pals say they love it! They tell me it makes ‘em sleep better, and who can argue with having some good zzz’s? Maybe you will, too.

I think I’m ready for a snooze myself. It’s cold, and winter isn’t exactly zooming along like a flying stick, so I’m off to my bed for a long winter’s nap. Rest up, tree rats and rodents, for I will be back on yard patrol before you know it!

Think spring, everybody, and I will see you here next week!

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 866-4096.

Mary Klar biel, Russ and Emily Stille, Mert Kisselburg, Sam Williamson, Edna Schroeder and Eldon Arneson.

Remember, red hatters, that the next Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Yellow River Saloon & Eatery, Webster.

Don’t forget that Nicky will be serving birthday cake for all February birthdays at the congregate meal at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in addition to whole roasted turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, rolls, dessert, and milk Coffee is also available. Mmmmm! You can’t buy a homemade meal like this for only $3.50 anyplace around.

Call 715-866-5300 and make your reservation.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to LaMoyne Gardner and Orlin Anderson. Our prayers also go out to Joan and Bob Wirtz of Webb Lake in the recent death of her daughter, Susan Lewis of Birnamwood.

See you at the center!

Dewey - LaFollette 468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Sympathy is extended to Lorraine (Knoop) Alger and family due to the death of Lorraine’s husband, Chuck. He was 58.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen and Gerry and Donna Hines visited Diana and John Mangelsen Tuesday afternoon. They enjoyed a time of playing cards and also had supper there.

Donna Hines returned home Thursday after having surgery in Duluth, Minn., Wednesday. Beth Crosby and Judy Albee visited Donna and Gerry for a short time Thursday night. Inez and Arvid Pearson called on them Friday morning. Donna is wished a speedy recovery.

Judy Albee visited Beverly Brunclik Friday.

Don Israel returned home Saturday after having his knee replaced in Eau Claire Wednesday. He is also wished a speedy recovery.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen went to River Falls Sunday to visit Larry, Heidi, Celie and Baxter Mangelsen. They helped Larry celebrate his birthday.

Brenda, Tim, Kristie, Bryce and Jessica Sweet visited Donna and Gerry Hines Sunday.

Supper guests Sunday at the home of Beth and Garry Crosby were Dixie and Chuck Andrea, Judy and Greg Leonard, Judy Albee and Don Schleiss.

St. Croix Falls Senior Center Another exciting and busy week at the St. Croix Valley Senior Center with many activities being enjoyed by all.

Tuesday, usually the busiest day of the week, started with 10 people doing one hour of exercise. After a short break for some healthy fruit and beverage, two tables became very active with games of Skipbo being played for an hour. Following a short lunch, 29 members gathered for 500 cards while six members played Mexican Train at the large round table. Card winners were Cliff Qualle, Roger Greenly, Kathy Larson, Jack Lund and Vern Lundstrom. Domino winners were Ione White, Don Anderson and Jean McIntyre.

Thursday daytime activities also had 10 people for exercise and Skipbo. Thursday night card players saw 15 people at the tables. Winners for the evening were Charlie Mevissen, Bob Norlander and Phil Mevissen.

Friday Bridge players were actively engaged for two hours worth of fun. At the same time, a group of members were busy preparing food for the Christian Women’s Group, which meet at the center on Monday.

Saturday, Valentine’s Day, was busy for all members. A large group of card players journeyed to the Milltown VFW where they joined with other friends for 18 tables of 500 cards. At 5 p.m., the St. Croix Center began to fill with members each bringing a dish to pass for potluck supper. Most of these people then stayed for cards and Dominoes. Winners for the men were Jack Lund, Don Benson, Elroy Petzel and Ray Nelson.

Winners for the ladies included Betty Wilson, Shirley Sims, Bren Nel Ward and Arliss Rosen. Domino winners were Ione White, Delores Benson and Janice Mevissen.

Have you ever wondered, in case someone was having a cardiac arrest in downtown St. Croix Falls, where the nearest defibrillator is located? When you are in town next time, check out all the local businesses and if you should find one, let someone from the senior center know. The winner will get a free cup of coffee and a treat and also have your name in the paper.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, we will have our monthly potluck lunch followed by our monthly meeting.

Friday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m., is Bingo day. Come and enjoy the fun.

See you all next week. Until then stay warm.

Check out our new e-edition @ www.the-leader.net

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Frederic Senior Center

by Ardyce Knauber Spades was played on Monday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., with the following winners: Shirley Sandquist in first place, Lola Hinchberger in second place and Hazel Hoffman in third place.

Whist and other games were played on Tuesday.

Wednesday the Pokeno girls had a good time.

Thursday 500 cards were played at 6:30 p.m., with the following winners: Bill Ihrig in first place, Hazel Hoffman in second place, Shirley Sandquist in third place and Arnie Borchert in fourth place.

The tax aides were here from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday. A large group of clients used this service. They will be back on Thursday, March 12. Call Shirley Sandquist at 715327-4155 for appointments. Walk-ins are worked in, but the appointment schedule worked very well. There were coffee and donuts along with visiting with friends.

The morning coffee group and the pool players help keep our center busy. The coffeepot is always on.

Saturday was the Valentine’s celebration with fellowship, music and card games. We had a very enjoyable time with the band playing songs that brought back good memories.

We had music before and after dinner, with 50 of us celebrating Valentine’s Day together. Friendships at this time, in our golden years, are important for health and happiness.

Food and desserts were plentiful and card games, along with refreshments, were enjoyed. The center was decorated with the valentine theme.

349-2964

Siren

Bev Beckmark

653-4281

Lewis

Sylvia and Phil Schaetzel sang a duet during Sunday’s church service at Lewis, and Marlene and Scott Nelson served goodies after the service. Marlene’s Valentine roses were on the altar so everyone could enjoy their beauty, too.

Ten members of the NW Regional Writers met Friday at Espresso Cabin near the Catholic Church, Grantsburg. Two guests also attended. They all enjoyed sandwiches or vegetable soup or fancy coffee before the meeting. The first weekend in May will be an important one as the State Writers Association will hold its spring conference at the Lodge in Siren. This is a big honor to have the WRWA come this far north and an impressive list of activities and speakers are scheduled. (See special article in last week’s Inter-County Leader). A writers contest will be held in schools in this area, sponsored by the local NW Regional Writers Club.

The turnout for “Meet the Author” held at the Luck Museum on Saturday was impressive. Buz Swerkstrom’s book was introduced with a book signing, and other regional writers were also available. Several from the NW Regional Writers were present.

So much going on lately! The South Fork Sportsman’s Club held its annual fishing contest on Sunday at Clam Falls with fun and games, food and prizes. How large was the biggest fish?

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon attended a Bird Swap at Hutchinson, Minn., on Sunday.

The Frederic Library held a book sale/baked good sale sevSquirt is 5-month-old terrier mix, spayed female pup. She sports a glossy black coat on a small frame, 20 pounds, and ears that threaten to stand up when she is full grown.

Since she is now 5 months, she has two more months to grow, when she should top out at 25 pounds and be the size of a large cocker spaniel. Squirt is a young pup all the way, wiggly, energetic and loving. She is anxious to please and would make a fantastic 4-H obedience dog. She adores everyone she meets and would do well in a home that will deliver consistent training. Squirt is a fun little dog, just the right size to fit in any home.

St. Croix Falls MarketPlace Foods is running their annual “Donate to Arnell while you Shop” fundraiser this month. MarketPlace Foods brown bags shelter wish-list items in $5 and $10 bags and makes them available near the check-out stands. In this way, the everyday shopper can add a shelter donation to their grocery order. The donating customer will receive a donation receipt and the much-needed items will be delivered to the Arnell Animal Shelter for them.

All of the items in the donation bags have been offered by MarketPlace Foods at cost. That means that for your $5 or $10 donation, the animals are really getting $10 or $20 worth of supplies.

Times are tight for everyone. If you are able to add a Brown Bag Shelter Donation to your grocery cart at Market-

I learned something new about a week ago on the month of February and thought I would pass it on to you all. I always knew that in the month of February we had Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and then they added Black History Month several years ago, but did you know it is also American Heart Month, International Friendship Month, American History Month, Responsible Pet Owners Month, Children’s Dental Health Month, Grapefruit Month, Embroidery Month, Snack Food Month, Cherry Month and last, but not least, Wild Bird Feeding Month. That’s just about one thing for each of the 28 days of the month.

After this extremely cold and long winter, why not treat yourselves to a short getaway this coming May? There’s a great little five-day bus trip to Michigan. This bus trip will leave Siren on May 11 and return on May 15. You will visit Frankenmuth and Dearborn. This time frame is also tulip time in Michigan.

For more information call Shirley at 715-349-2514.

Art and Bev Beckmark joined the Roy family and friends last Saturday evening at Little Mexico for a surprise 50th birthday party for Julie Roy. The party was put together by her kids and was a total surprise to her. Many more birthdays, Julie.

Sympathy to the family of Joseph Kirchner who passed away Feb. 5.

The Siren Methodist Church Ladies put on a potato bake after the services last Sunday.

Congratulations to elementary student Raymond Merrill, middle-schooler Josh Lemieux and high-schooler, Evan Oachs for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week.

Congratulations to Carley Emery for being chosen Siren Schools Prep of the Week.

The Siren Bethany Lutheran Church members and friends enjoyed a potluck lunch and a talk by member Donna Tjader Our gratitude to the Leader, Nancy Jappe and CeCe Anon her trip to Thailand last summer, on Sunday. Her trip was a drewson for the publicity in last week’s newspaper. Everyone teaching trip as well as one of visiting with her brother Randy at the senior center feels that CeCe is our private property, so and his family. when anything is written about her, we, as proud parents, like to take at least half the credit for her accomplishments.

The article didn’t give her credit for another talent. I conFran LaVonne sider her my assistant computer guru. I have a head honcho Krause O’Brien computer person who gets me out of a lot of scrapes, but I have called on CeCe a number of times to come and The Harmony HCE Club hosted a valentine ham dinner straighten out my computer “innards.” Life is certainly a lot better just having CeCe feed me at the center and on call here for the residents of Cedarwood Manor on Tuesday.

Maxine Stone has returned home following her stay at the at home.

I have to retract a statement that I made last week, I reGrantsburg Extended Care Center.

Pam and Brad Peterson drove to Hastings, Minn., Sunday ported that Gerry Vogel won a cherry pie at the Dining for Five to watch Jenna Peterson play in a volleyball tournament. Her dinner a week ago, and he was going to serve it to the card players. He informed me that he did serve it to the card playparents, Dean and Mary Jo were also there.

Beryl and Sonja Dahl from Chili, visited with John and ers, except it was the players at the Moose Lodge on Wednesday night, instead of our card players at the center on Reeny Neinstadt on Sunday.

Mark and Deanna Krause watched Kathryn run in the 800- Friday. Sorry, Gerry.

Thursday was really a busy day at the center, with 33 dinmeter race with the UW-RF track team at River Falls Saturers at the noon meal; I think that is a record for a dinner durday, in which she did very well.

A large group from the Webster Baptist Church, including ing the day. It was nice to see the members of Burnett Bryan and Brad Krause, attended a Christian Youth Confer- Nutrition Committee who had their bimonthly at the center on ence at the Minneapolis Convention Center over the week- Thursday morning, and stayed to join everyone for dinner.

Wednesday 500 winners were: Sue Newberger, Ralph end.

On Wednesday Fran Krause attended the Sarah Circle at Groves, Marie Bentley, Candace Dorriot and Dorothy Cronquist. Carl Link treated the players to some bars, along with the home of Ethel Daniels. the other goodies. Friday Spade winners : Candace Dorriot, Ed Berdal, Inez Pearson, Arvid Pearson and Darlene Groves.

Remember, everyone is welcome to join us for Dime Bingo on Tuesday, 500 on Wednesday and Spades on Friday. We also have our pool table and normally we have a few guys playing in the morning and they have their usual get-together on Thursday afternoon. All activities begin at 1 p.m.

Our readers are still looking for more Western novels. Look through your shelves and see if you can’t accommodate them, they would really appreciate the effort.

Thank you, Judy Johnson, for the big bag of books that was donated this week. Also want to thank the Holiday Station for the regular and chocolate milk that they donated this week to the center.

The seniors want to thank CeCe for remembering them for Valentine’s Day with the bag of cookies and candy that she

Bernice Abrahamzon

eral days last week. Lots of good bargains.

The morning book club will meet at 10 a.m. this Thursday at the Frederic Library to discuss “Water for Elephants,” a book about life in a circus. There is a real hierarchy in the circus among workers/performers/menagerie. Life was surprisingly cruel back in the days of circus trains; shortage of sleeping space, redlighting (throwing unwanted crew members off the train, preferably when the train was crossing a trestle over deep, rocky valleys or over water). This book is a real eye-opener! Life in a circus is not always romantic or adventurous.

Three birthdays were celebrated Monday at Sunrise Apts. at Scrabble with a noon potluck. Birthdays for January and February included Joan Jendro, Doris Lundquist and Bernice Abrahamzon.

LaVonne Boyer was hostess at last week’s UMW meeting at the Lewis Church. The D.O.G.’s also met earlier that night at church.

Warmer weather gave all of us a break from this long, oldfashioned weather. A lot of snow has been pushed onto our garden space so it looks like a glacier out there. We saw a pair of pheasants near the corncrib one day, looking for stray kernels. Deer have also been in the yard during the night.

A friend saw a flock of wild turkeys between Frederic and Luck, not a small flock but more than she could count in one drive-by. It has probably turned out to be a hard winter for wild animals, too.

Place Foods, know that it is greatly appreciated and needed. In past years, the donations from this fundraiser have been able to supply the necessary paper towels, laundry detergent, dog biscuits and cat toys needed for an entire year. Every donation is important to the animals. Our shelter runs on small kindnesses and big hearts.

It was a successful week of adoptions last week. All of the Chihuahua-Min Pin puppies found homes.

Harley and Duchess, Max, Christy and Catie all found homes. It is our greatest reward to see our animals going home with happy hearts and wagging tails. We know that the animals are lucky to have found their new home, but we are certain that their humans will be rewarded every day for their kindness.

While many were able to find homes last week, there are more still waiting. Remington is a black shepherd-mix male who is smart and has manners.

He has been at the shelter for over a month and is getting impatient waiting his turn. Kirby is a shih tzu mix who came to the shelter with skin issues that have been resolved. He is groomed and ready and waiting.

Cagney is a neutered male orange tabby with a winning smile and personality. And JJ is a shorthaired blue-gray neutered male kitten, rescued by Clear Lake Vet. He was chewed up during a ride in an automobile engine and now has no tail and a sexy, completely healed scar on his hind leg. JJ is loving and adorable. The list changes daily.

Please stop by for a visit or visit adoptable Arnell pets online: arnellhumane.org or Arnell Memorial Humane Society 715-268-7387.

Arnell Humane Society Happy Tails

Await

Siren Senior Center

Orange

Barb Munger

gave each diner and sent her homebound meals. Plus, the nice Valentine she sent along with the goodies.

We haven’t made any trips to the Humane Society for a few weeks, as our collection box only has a few items and we like to have lots to bring over, so remember them when you are shopping, they need a lot of help in these times also.

A reminder that the tax assistants are not coming to our center this year. If you need assistance with your taxes they are at the Webster Senior Center on the second and fourth Fridays in February and March and the second Friday in April.

You may also get assistance at the village hall on the last two Tuesdays of February and March.

Nutrition meals are served at the center on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m. A call ahead is appreciated but CeCe always seems to manage to squeeze in a few more who decide to come at the last minute.

The center’s hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through

News from the Service SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Air Force Friday.

Airman James R. Coen has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of James Coen of Milltown and of Robin Coen of Princeton, La. The airman is a 2007 graduate of Unity High School, Balsam Lake. - submitted

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Polk County Library Hours Osceola Public Library Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, except Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed on Sunday. 715-483-1777. E-mail: scflibrary@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Online: www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Balsam Lake Public Libary 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. – 4 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 http://www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Centuria Public Library Monday: Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.; Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: closed; and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.

Luck Public Library Open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Fridays we will be open 11 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Saturday we will be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Dresser Public Library 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.

Amery Public Library Hours will be Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Polk County Library Federation The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant library/clerk in Tina Riley. Please call the Polk County Library Federation for more information, 715-485-8680. The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Milltown Public Library Teen Tech Week Teenagers can play Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation Rock Band, learn about free digital media downloads from the library, browse book displays, and more at the Teen Tech Week open house on Friday, March 13, from 6-9 p.m. Pizza, soda, and snacks will be served at 6 p.m.

Perk up We now proudly offer Wren Blend coffee at the Milltown Library all day every day we’re open!

Book Club The Milltown book club will gather again on March 25, at 7 p.m. This is a time for book lovers to gather, share and inspire.

Hours The library hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sunday closed.

Frederic Public Library Lonna Coddington was browsing at the recent Frederic Library book sale and came upon a treasure. She is holding an old copy of the Ideals magazine that featured a poem submitted by her mother, Virginia Larson, years ago. Lonna says she is delighted to have finally found a copy of her mother’s poem.

One never knows what one may discover at a book sale.

– Photo submitted

Milltown Public Library The library hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sunday closed.

Clear Lake Public Library Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: 2 - 8 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Frederic Public Library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular open hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Birth announcements

Clear Lake Public Library

Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Do you own any compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs? They are spiralshaped bulbs and very energy efficient.

However, did you also know they contain a small amount of Mercury (up to 5 milligrams per bulb) and should be handled with extreme care and recycled when their useful life is over?

Fluorescent lamps and high intensity discharge lamps, including mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps all contain mercury and must be recycled. Even though new technology has reduced the amount of mercury in some fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lamps, these lamps still have to be recycled to keep mercury from being released into the environment.

Mercury is a potent nerve toxin, and once released into the air, the mercury falls back into our lakes and rivers in rain or snow and contaminates our water; increasing the risk of exposure to humans and wildlife that eat the contaminated fish.

As previously mentioned, compact fluorescent bulbs do contain small amounts of mercury. The mercury poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you break one be careful not to inhale the mercury - immediately use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces into a plastic bag (including the rag).

The best solution for disposal is to save spent CFLs for a household hazardous waste collection, which will then be sent to

Jen Barton Earth Notes

Dresser Public Library facilities capable of treating, recovering or recycling them. Although CFLs have these special handling and disposal issues, the large energy savings of CFL bulbs compared to incandescents is of greater overall environmental benefit.

It may be a long, long time until these new bulbs burn out, but when they do please remember that they must be recycled at one of our five full-service recycling sites located throughout the two-county region of Burnett and Washburn Counties. RCC charges 40 cents to recycle a CFL. Again, they contain vaporous mercury and should be handled with care as to not break them and release this mercury into the air. CFL’s do not emit mercury when they are intact, in use, properly stored, handled and/or installed.

According to the EPA, if every home in the United States replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions (which contribute to global warming) equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually.

Since 2001, Wisconsin residents have purchased nearly 8 million ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs, resulting in energy-cost savings of more than $28 million and electricity savings of 304,733,583 kWh - enough to power 30,596 homes for a year (www.focusonenergy.com). In fact, Washburn County area merchants alone have sold 22,355 CFLs to their residents from 2001 through 2007, saving 1,646 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

While Burnett County merchants sold 11,905 CFLs with a savings of 864 tons of carbon dioxide annually. If you have any questions about recycling please call or e-mail Jen at 635-2197, jbarton@nwrpc.com.

Benjamin and Jenny Binversie of Osceola are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Jacob Benjamin, born Feb. 1, 2009, at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, Minn. Jacob weighed 8 lbs., 13 oz. and was 21 inches long. Grandparents are Michael and Joyce Byl of Grantsburg and Michael and Susan Binversie of Kiel. Great-grandparent is Rita Binversie of Kiel.

••• Born at Burnett Medical Center: A boy, Logan Eugene Boyd, born Feb. 10, 2009, to Mandie and Dennis Boyd of Webster. Logan weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and was 19-1/2 inches long. Grandparents are Deanna and John Helstern of Hertel, Keith and Kim Boyd of Siren, John and Wadene Bloms of Pueblo, Colo. And Jean Sorensen of Milwaukee. Great-grandparents are Maurice Bloms of Trego, Shirley Walsh of Marshfield, Beverly Boyd of Cumberland and Ruth Halverson of Spooner.

••• A boy, Silas Michael Rader, born Feb. 8, 2009, to Lissa Lockhart and Jeremy Rader of Grantsburg. Silas weighed 9 lbs. and was 211/2 inches long. Grandparents are Mark and Deb Lockhart of Grantsburg, Jo Rader of Grantsburg and Scott Rader of Hinckley, Minn.

••• A girl, Angelena Marie Halvarson, born Feb. 12, 2009, to Candice and Kyan Halvarson, Grantsburg. Angelena weighed 6 lbs., 15 oz. and was 19-1/2 inches long. Siblings include Devin and Jayden Halvarson. Grandparents are Leslie and Angel Demarre. Great-grandfather is Frank Fagan.

••• A boy, Sawyer David Spaight, born Feb. 13, 2009, to Chris and Stacy Spaight, Grantsburg. Sawyer weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and was 19 inches long. Grandparents are Roger and Patricia Wix of Wausau and Dan and Linda Montec of Burlington. Great-grandparents are Beverly Gereau of Wausau, Selvina Wix of Wausau, Sonny and Mavis Kraft of Waukesha and Mr. and Mrs. John Spaight.

••• A boy, Dale Sylas Aronson, born Feb. 12, 2009, to Jeff Aronson and Katie Clifford of Grantsburg. Dale weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz. and was 19 inches long. He has one sibling, Jason. Grandparents are Mark Clifford of North Branch, Minn., Scott (Vonnie) Clifford of Rush City, Minn., and Deb (Vern) Hess of Grantsburg.

Great-grandparents are Eleanore Aronson of Grantsburg, Sandra Lachapelle of North Branch, Minn., and Francis (Bud) Clifford of Rush City, Minn.

•••

A girl, Faith Jean Marie Lindberg, was born Feb. 15, 2009, to Mitchel Lindberg and Jesika Paulson of Webster. Faith weighed 6 lbs., 11 oz. and was 19 inches long. Siblings include Conner, Aiden and Kendall. Grandparents are Deb Penberthy of Luck, Lee Harr of Luck and Dave and Pam Benner of East Bethel, Minn.

Great-grandparents are Ann and Roger Van Doarne and Vern and Janet Patrin of Amery.

••• Born at SCRMC: A boy, Gabriel Von Gary Hoefler, born Jan. 24, 2009, to Mariette and William Hoefler, St. Croix Falls. Gabriel weighed 9 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A girl, Gabrielle Jo Crandall, born Jan. 26, 2009, to Beth Palmquist and Joel Crandall, Grantsburg. Gabrielle weighed 8 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A girl, Elizabeth Ann VanBergen, born Jan. 27, 2009, to Nancy Wolters and Gary VanBergen, Chisago City, Minn. Elizabeth weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz.

••• A girl, Piper Elise Frokjer, born Jan. 31, 2009, to Jacob and Amanda Frokjer, Balsam Lake. Piper weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A boy, Oslo Renard Norcross, born Jan. 31, 2009, to Mira and Michael Norcross, Lindstrom, Minn. Oslo weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A boy, Lane Ryder Lewis, born Jan. 30, 2009, to Ashley Wondra, St. Croix Falls. Lane weighed 7 lbs., 9.6 oz.

••• A boy, Isaac Joseph Barstow, born Jan. 29, 2009, to Joseph and Rebecca Barstow, Dresser. Isaac weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A girl, MaKenna Lynn Thorsen, born Feb. 2, 2009, to Lindsey and Chris Thorsen, Lindstrom, Minn. MaKenna weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A girl, Kaitlin Anne Grosz, born Feb. 4, 2009, to Amy and Justin Grosz, St. Croix Falls. Kaitlin weighed 6 lbs., 5 oz.

••• A boy, Garett Wayne Alleman, born Feb. 6, 2009, to Jenna and Shawn Alleman, Luck.

Garett weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Kacey Lynn Rombach, born Feb. 7, 2009, to Nick and Kelly Rombach, Grantsburg. Kacey weighed 8 lbs., 6 oz.

••• A boy, Azure McBride, born Feb. 9, 2009, to Amanda and Woody McBride, St. Croix Falls. Azure weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz.

•••

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Grantsburg Elementary students celebrate 100 days

Grantsburg Elementary second-grader Gracie Gerber brought a cake with 100 M&Ms as a special treat to share with her classmates for the 100th day of school celebrated on Feb. 11.

Students in Mrs. Lee’s first-grade class were excited to show off the special hats and glasses they made to celebrate the 100th day of school on Feb. 11. The students were also asked to bring in 100 objects to count and to show classmates. Back Row (L to R): Sheldon Stedman, Jillian Seeger, Reed Arnold, Olivia Ohnstad, Cindy Olson and Brooke Quimby. Front Row (L to R): Emma Quimby, Justen Peltier, Shilo Covey, Austin Wedin and Lucas Livingston. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

'50s sock hop and café at the DBS Hall in Luck this Saturday LUCK - Bone Lake Lutheran Church is hosting a ‘50s sock hop, complete with an authentic ‘50s café, on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 11 p.m., at the DBS Hall in Luck.

This fun event is to raise funds to help finance an upcoming service trip to South Dakota. Twenty-four Bone Lake senior high youth and adult chaperones will travel to Pine Ridge Reservation in June as part of a YouthWorks service team.

They will help with home improvement projects and lead Bible studies, songs and games with the children in Kid’s Club. The group decided a ’50s

sock hop would be a great fundraiser because it is something that all ages can enjoy. It also includes the entire community in the fun of eating great food, listening to ‘50s music, dancing and enjoying a variety of other entertainment. Also included in this event is a silent auction and basket raffle.

“The sock hop is the place to be this Saturday,” says Mary Ann Bowman, pastor of Bone Lake Lutheran Church.

“Chad Strege will be our awesome DJ and master of ceremonies. He will be playing your ‘50s favorites all night long.”

There will also be a twist contest, hula-

hoop contest, and a best ’50s outfit contest - so come dressed for the occasion and dance the night away. A talent contest, open to anyone interested, promises to be entertaining. If you are interested in being part of the talent contest call Bone Lake Lutheran Church at 472-2535.

Fundraising committee member Jessica Sund said, “We also have 15 silentauction items and 25 themed baskets valued at over $2,500 that will be sold or raffled at the sock hop. We have something for everyone in these baskets...golfing, lawn-care service, movie night, a “night on the town,” which includes wine, Festival Theatre tickets and

dinner for two at the Indian Creek Orchard, children’s baskets, hunting/fishing baskets and spa baskets.”

Scott Roberts of Luck has crafted and donated a red-oak hope chest that is one of the silent auction items.

The Sock Hop Café is open from 4 to 10 p.m. For a very affordable price you can choose from a menu which includes grilled hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, french fries, nachos, malts, root beer floats, slushies and hot fudge brownie sundaes. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for ages 5 – 16, and children under 5 are free. The DBS Hall is located on 1st Street in Luck. - submitted

Rare fifillm footage of early Polk County schools to be shown at the Luck Museum LUCK - The Luck Area Historical Society will show a rare 16mm film about Polk County schools at its next general meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26. The black-and-white film shows schools and activities from the 1930s through the

early 1950s. Some of you may see yourselves in this film.

A short business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Luck Museum at Main Street and 3rd Avenue. The 30-minute film will follow with a discussion after-

ward for those who choose to stay.

Everyone is welcome.

The museum is closed until its regular season begins on April 1. They will remain open by appointment and for special off-season programs and holiday

displays. Call Chuck at 472-4378 if you have questions or to schedule a special showing. - submitted

Feeling stretched caring for an older adult?

BALSAM LAKE – Learn how to bring balance into your life as you care for someone you love. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself.

This program will help family caregivers: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings,

balance your life, increase ability to make tough decision and locate helpful resources.

Classes consist of six, 2-1/2 hour sessions, held once a week. Two class leaders, Karen Krupa from Interfaith Caregivers and Tina Riley from the Polk County Aging Program, will conduct each session. Interactive lessons, discus-

sions and brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

There is a nominal fee of $15 for program materials. Each participant will receive a free $25 book, “The Caregiver Helpbook,” provided by a grant from the St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls Rotary.

Classes will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. at

County will distribute $20,000 in emergency food/shelter money POLK COUNTY - Polk County has been chosen to receive $20,219 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

A local board made up of a representative from each of the following organizations: Emergency Management, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Way, local church organizations, WestCAP and the county food shelves, will determine how the funds awarded to Polk County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies.

The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Polk County has distributed emergency food and shelter funds previously to the Salvation Army, Community Referral Agency, Northwoods Homeless Shelters, Polk County Aging Program

and Polk County Food Shelves participating. These agencies used the emergency food and shelter funds awarded to them to provide 7,382 meals and 1,520 nights of lodging during 2008.

A meeting of the local board to distribute these funds has been scheduled for Monday, March 2, at 2 p.m., in the multipurpose room located in the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake.

Polk County was chosen to receive the grant by a national board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities and United Way of America. The local board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by

Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofit or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should contact Kathy Poirier of the Polk County Emergency Management Office at 715-485-9280 prior to the meeting.

the government center in the North Conference Room on the second floor. Sessions will be held Thursdays, March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16 and 23. For more information or to register, contact Polk County Aging Programs at 715-485-8599.

- submitted

GOP invites public to Lincoln Day Dinner DRESSER - The Polk County Republican Party invites the public to their annual Lincoln Day Dinner to be held Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Trollhaugen Convention Center. RSVP requested.

Guest speaker will be Scott Walker, county executive.

Some updates for Republicans are listed below: Michael Steele, Stimulus Plan: http://tinyurl.com/cl3l8j. Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan: http://tinyurl.com/awuzqx - Are you ready for Socialized Heath Care?

3 Republicans Sellout the American People: http://tinyurl.com/aowdu7 call your senator and tell them what you think. UW/Meriter surgical clinic given final OK for late-term abortions: http://tinyurl.com/bfv4vo.

Mitt Romney: Tax Cuts Are Better Stimulus: http://tinyurl.com/cx65k9. from the Polk County Republican Party

“The Call of the Wild” As part of the St. Croix River Valley Big Read, experience Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild” as it was published in 1903, serialized in the newspaper. In the remaining weeks, all chapters will be printed in the Library Pages of the Inter-County Leader. Many thanks to all who helped make this possible. - St. Croix Valley Big Read

Continued from last week Buck had sprung in on the instant; and at the end of three hundred yards, amid a mad swirl of water, he overhauled Thornton. When he felt him grasp his tail, Buck headed for the bank, swimming with all his splendid strength. But the progress shoreward was slow; the progress downstream amazingly rapid. From below came the fatal roaring where the wild current went wilder and was rent in shreds and spray by the rocks which thrust through like the teeth of an enormous comb. The suck of the water as it took the beginning of the last steep pitch was frightful, and Thornton knew that the shore was impossible. He scraped furiously over a rock, bruised across a second, and struck a third with crushing force. He clutched its slippery top with both hands, releasing Buck, and above the roar of the churning water shouted: “Go, Buck! Go!” Buck could not hold his own, and swept on downstream, struggling desperately, but unable to win back.

When he heard Thornton’s command repeated, he partly reared out of the water, throwing his head high, as though for a last look, then turned obediently toward the bank. He swam powerfully and was dragged ashore by Pete and Hans at the very point where swimming ceased to be possible and destruction began.

They knew that the time a man could cling to a slippery rock in the face of that driving current was a matter of minutes, and they ran as fast as they could up the bank to a point far above where Thornton was hanging on. They attached the line with which they had been snubbing the boat to Buck’s neck and shoulders, being careful that it should neither strangle him nor impede his swimming, and launched him into the stream. He struck out boldly, but not straight enough into the stream. He discovered the mistake too late, when Thornton was abreast of him and a bare half-dozen strokes away while he was being carried helplessly past.

Hans promptly snubbed with the rope, as though Buck were a boat. The rope thus tightening on him in the sweep of the current, he was jerked under the surface, and under the surface he remained till his body struck against the bank and he was hauled out. He was half drowned, and Hans and Pete threw themselves upon him, pounding the breath into him and the water out of him. He staggered to his feet and fell down. The faint sound of Thornton’s voice came to them, and though they could not make out the words of it, they knew that he was in his extremity. His master’s voice acted on Buck like an electric shock, He sprang to his feet and ran up the bank ahead of the men to the point of his previous departure.

Again the rope was attached and he was launched, and again he struck out, but this time straight into the stream. He had miscalculated once, but he would not be guilty of it a second time. Hans paid out the rope, permitting no slack, while Pete kept it clear of coils.

Buck held on till he was on a line straight above Thornton; then he turned, and with the speed of an express train headed down upon him. Thornton saw him coming, and, as Buck struck him like a battering ram, with the whole force of the current behind him, he reached up and closed with both arms around the shaggy neck.

Hans snubbed the rope around the tree, and Buck and Thornton were jerked under the water. Strangling, suffocating, sometimes one uppermost and sometimes the other, dragging over the jagged bottom, smashing against rocks and snags, they veered in to the bank.

Thornton came to, belly downward and being violently propelled back and forth across a drift log by Hans and Pete. His first glance was for Buck, over whose limp and apparently lifeless body Nig was setting up a howl, while Skeet was licking the wet face and closed eyes. Thornton was himself bruised and battered, and he went carefully over Buck‘s body, when he had been brought around, finding three broken ribs.

“That settles it,” he announced. “We camp right here.” And camp they did, till Buck’s ribs knitted and he was able to travel.

That winter, at Dawson, Buck performed another exploit, not so heroic, perhaps, but one that put his name many notches higher on the totem pole of Alaskan fame. This exploit was particularly gratifying to the three men; for they stood in need of the outfit which it furnished, and were enabled to make a long-desired trip into the virgin East, where miners had not yet appeared. It was brought about by a conversation in the Eldorado Saloon, in which men waxed boastful of their

Author Jack London

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in American popular culture. Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, a 2004 NEA report, identified a critical decline in reading for pleasure among American adults. The Big Read aims to address this issue directly by providing citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities.

favorite dogs. Buck, because of his record, was the target for these men, and Thornton was driven stoutly to defend him. At the end of half an hour one man stated that his dog could start a sled with five hundred pounds and walk off with it; a second bragged six hundred for his dog; and a third, seven hundred.

“Pooh! pooh!” said John Thornton; “Buck can start a thousand pounds.”

“And break it out? and walk off with it for a hundred yards?” demanded Matthewson, a Bonanza King, he of the seven hundred vaunt.

“And break it out, and walk off with it for a hundred yards,” John Thornton said coolly.

“Well,” Matthewson said, slowly and deliberately, so that all could hear, “I’ve got a thousand dollars that says he can’t. And there it is.” So saying, he slammed a sack of gold dust of the size of a bologna sausage down upon the bar.

Nobody spoke. Thornton’s bluff, if bluff it was, had been called. He could feel a flush of warm blood creeping up his face. His tongue had tricked him. He did not know whether Buck could start a thousand pounds.

Half a ton! The enormousness of it appalled him. He had great faith in Buck’s strength and had often thought him capable of starting such a load; but never, as now, had he faced the possibility of it, the eyes of a dozen men fixed upon him, silent and waiting. Further, he had no thousand dollars; nor had Hans or Pete.

“I’ve got a sled standing outside now, with twenty fifty-pound sacks of flour on it,” Matthewson went on with brutal directness; “so don’t let that hinder you.”

Thornton did not reply. He did not know what to say.

He glanced from face to face in the absent way of a man who has lost the power of thought and is seeking somewhere to find the thing that will start it going again. The face of Jim O’Brien, a Mastodon King and old-time comrade, caught his eyes. It was as a cue to him, seeming to rouse him to do what he would never have dreamed of doing.

“Can you lend me a thousand?” he asked, almost in a whisper.

“Sure,” answered O’Brien, thumping down a plethoric sack by the side of Matthewson’s. “Though it’s little faith I’m having, John, that the beast can do the trick.”

The Eldorado emptied its occupants into the street to see the test. The tables were deserted, and the dealers and gamekeepers came forth to see the outcome of the wager and to lay odds. Several hundred men, furred and mittened, banked around the sled within easy distance. Matthewson’s sled, loaded with a thousand pounds of flour, had been standing for a couple of hours, and in the intense cold (it was sixty below zero) the runners had frozen fast to the hard-packed snow.

Men offered odds of two to one that Buck could not budge the sled. A quibble arose concerning the phrase “break out.” O’Brien contended it was Thornton’s privilege to knock the runners loose, leaving Buck to “break it out” from a dead standstill. Matthewson insisted that the phrase included breaking the runners from the frozen grip of the snow. A majority of the men who had witnessed the making of the bet decided in his favor, whereat the odds went up to three to one against Buck.

There were no takers. Not a man believed him capable of the feat. Thornton had been hurried into the

wager, heavy with doubt; and now that he looked at the sled itself, the concrete fact, with the regular team of ten dogs curled up in the snow before it, the more impossible the task appeared. Matthewson waxed jubilant.

“Three to one!” he proclaimed. “I’ll lay you another thousand at that figure, Thornton. What d’ye say?”

Thornton’s doubt was strong in his face, but his fighting spirit was aroused—the fighting spirit that soars above odds, fails to recognize the impossible, and is deaf to all save the clamor for battle. He called Hans and Pete to him. Their sacks were slim, and with his own the three partners could rake together only two hundred dollars. In the ebb of their fortunes, this sum was their total capital; yet they laid it unhesitatingly against Matthewson’s six hundred.

The team of ten dogs was unhitched, and Buck, with his own harness, was put into the sled. He had caught the contagion of the excitement, and he felt that in some way he must do a great thing for John Thornton. Murmurs of admiration at his splendid appearance went up. He was in perfect condition, without an ounce of superfluous flesh, and the one hundred and fifty pounds that he weighed were so many pounds of grit and virility. His furry coat shone with the sheen of silk.

Down the neck and across the shoulders, his mane, in repose as it was, half bristled and seemed to lift with every movement, as though excess of vigor made each particular hair alive and active. The great breast and heavy forelegs were no more than in proportion with the rest of the body, where the muscles showed in tight rolls underneath the skin. Men felt these muscles and proclaimed them hard as iron, and the odds went down to two to one.

“Gad, sir! Gad, sir!” stuttered a member of the latest dynasty, a king of the Skookum Benches. “I offer you eight hundred for him, sir, before the test, sir; eight hundred just as he stands.”

Thornton shook his head and stepped to Buck’s side.

“You must stand off from him,” Matthewson protested. “Free play and plenty of room.”

The crowd fell silent; only could be heard the voices of the gamblers vainly offering two to one. Everybody acknowledged Buck a magnificent animal, but twenty fifty-pound sacks of flour bulked too large in their eyes for them to loosen their pouch-strings.

Thornton knelt down by Buck’s side. He took his head in his two hands and rested cheek on cheek. He did not playfully shake him, as was his wont, or murmur soft love curses; but he whispered in his ear. “As you love me, Buck. As you love me,” was what he whispered. Buck whined with suppressed eagerness.

The crowd was watching curiously. The affair was growing mysterious. It seemed like a conjuration. As Thornton got to his feet, Buck seized his mittened hand between his jaws, pressing in with his teeth and releasing slowly, half-reluctantly. It was the answer, in terms, not of speech, but of love. Thornton stepped well back.

“Now, Buck,” he said.

Buck tightened the traces, then slacked them for a matter of several inches. It was the way he had learned.

“Gee!” Thornton’s voice rang out, sharp in the tense silence.

Buck swung to the right, ending the movement in a plunge that took up the slack and with a sudden jerk arrested his one hundred and fifty pounds. The load quivered, and from under the runners arose a crisp crackling.

“Haw!” Thornton commanded.

Buck duplicated the manoeuvre, this time to the left.

The crackling turned into a snapping, the sled pivoting and the runners slipping and grating several inches to the side. The sled was broken out. Men were holding their breaths, intensely unconscious of the fact.

“Now, MUSH!” Thornton’s command cracked out like a pistol-shot.

Buck threw himself forward, tightening the traces with a jarring lunge. His whole body was gathered compactly together in the tremendous effort, the muscles writhing and knotting like live things under the silky fur. His great chest was low to the ground, his head forward and down, while his feet were flying like mad, the claws scarring the hard-packed snow in parallel grooves. The sled swayed and trembled, half-started forward. One of his feet slipped, and one man groaned aloud. Then the sled lurched ahead in what appeared a rapid succession of jerks, though it never really came to a dead stop again ... half an inch ... an inch … two inches… The jerks perceptibly diminished; as the sled gained momentum, he caught them up, till it was moving steadily along.

Men gasped and began to breathe again, unaware that for a moment they had ceased to breathe. Thornton was running behind, encouraging Buck with short, cheery words. The distance had been measured off, and as he neared the pile of firewood which marked the end of the hundred yards, a cheer began to grow and grow, which burst into a roar as he passed the firewood and halted at command. Every man was tearing himself

"It was in the Klondike that I found myself.

There, nobody talks. Everybody thinks. You get your perspective. I got mine."

- Jack London loose, even Matthewson. Hats and mittens were flying in the air. Men were shaking hands, it did not matter with whom, and bubbling over in a general incoherent babel.

But Thornton fell on his knees beside Buck. Head was against head, and he was shaking him back and forth.

Those who hurried up heard him cursing Buck, and he cursed him long and fervently, and softly and lovingly.

“Gad, sir! Gad, sir!” spluttered the Skookum Bench king. “I‘ll give you a thousand for him, sir, a thousand, sir—twelve hundred, sir.”

Thornton rose to his feet. His eyes were wet. The tears were streaming frankly down his cheeks. “Sir,” he said to the Skookum Bench king, “no, sir. You can go to hell, sir. It’s the best I can do for you, sir.”

Buck seized Thornton’s hand in his teeth. Thornton shook him back and forth. As though animated by a common impulse, the onlookers drew back to a respectful distance; nor were they again indiscreet enough to interrupt.

Chapter VII The Sounding of the Call When Buck earned sixteen hundred dollars in five minutes for John Thornton, he made it possible for his master to pay off certain debts and to journey with his partners into the East after a fabled lost mine, the history of which was as old as the history of the country.

Many men had sought it; few had found it; and more than a few there were who had never returned from the quest. This lost mine was steeped in tragedy and shrouded in mystery. No one knew of the first man. The oldest tradition stopped before it got back to him. From the beginning there had been an ancient and ramshackle cabin. Dying men had sworn to it, and to the mine the site of which it marked, clinching their testimony with nuggets that were unlike any known grade of gold in the Northland.

But no living man had looted this treasure house, and the dead were dead; wherefore John Thornton and Pete and Hans, with Buck and half a dozen other dogs, faced into the East on an unknown trail to achieve where men and dogs as good as themselves had failed. They sledded seventy miles up the Yukon, swung to the left into the Stewart River, passed the Mayo and the McQuestion, and held on until the Stewart itself became a streamlet, threading the upstanding peaks which marked the backbone of the continent.

John Thornton asked little of man or nature. He was unafraid of the wild. With a handful of salt and a rifle he could plunge into the wilderness and fare wherever he pleased and as long as he pleased. Being in no haste, Indian fashion, he hunted his dinner in the course of the day’s travel; and if he failed to find it, like the Indian, he kept on travelling, secure in the knowledge that sooner or later he would come to it. So, on this great journey into the East, straight meat was the bill of fare, ammunition and tools principally made up the load on the sled, and the time card was drawn upon the limitless future.

To Buck it was boundless delight, this hunting, fishing, and indefinite wandering through strange places.

For weeks at a time they would hold on steadily, day after day; and for weeks upon end they would camp, here and there, the dogs loafing and the men burning holes through frozen muck and gravel and washing countless pans of dirt by the heat of the fire. Sometimes they went hungry, sometimes they feasted riotously, all according to the abundance of game and the fortune of hunting. Summer arrived, and dogs and men packed on their backs, rafted across blue mountain lakes, and descended or ascended unknown rivers in slender boats whipsawed from the standing forest.

The months came and went, and back and forth they twisted through the uncharted vastness, where no men were and yet where men had been if the Lost Cabin were true. They went across divides in summer blizzards, shivered under the midnight sun on naked mountains between the timber line and the eternal snows, dropped into summer valleys amid swarming gnats and flies, and in the shadows of glaciers picked strawberries and flowers as ripe and fair as any the Southland could boast. In the fall of the year they penetrated a weird lake country, sad and silent, where wildfowl had been, but where then there was no life nor sign of life—only the blowing of chill winds, the forming of ice in sheltered places, and the melancholy rippling of waves on lonely beaches.

And through another winter they wandered on the obliterated trails of men who had gone before. Once, they came upon a path blazed through the forest, an an-

cient path, and the Lost Cabin seemed very near. But the path began nowhere and ended nowhere, and it remained mystery, as the man who made it and the reason he made it remained mystery. Another time they chanced upon the time-graven wreckage of a hunting lodge, and amid the shreds of rotted blankets John Thornton found a long-barrelled flintlock. He knew it for a Hudson Bay Company gun of the young days in the Northwest, when such a gun was worth its height in beaver skins packed flat. And that was all—no hint as to the man who in an early day had reared the lodge and left the gun among the blankets.

Spring came on once more, and at the end of all their wandering they found, not the Lost Cabin, but a shallow placer in a broad valley where the gold showed like yellow butter across the bottom of the washing-pan.

They sought no farther. Each day they worked earned them thousands of dollars in clean dust and nuggets, and they worked every day. The gold was sacked in moose-hide bags, fifty pounds to the bag, and piled like so much firewood outside the spruce-bough lodge. Like giants they toiled, days flashing on the heels of days like dreams as they heaped the treasure up.

There was nothing for the dogs to do, save the hauling in of meat now and again that Thornton killed, and Buck spent long hours musing by the fire. The vision of the short-legged hairy man came to him more frequently, now that there was little work to be done; and often, blinking by the fire, Buck wandered with him in that other world which he remembered.

The salient thing of this other world seemed fear.

When he watched the hairy man sleeping by the fire, head between his knees and hands clasped above, Buck saw that he slept restlessly, with many starts and awakenings, at which times he would peer fearfully into the darkness and fling more wood upon the fire. Did they walk by the beach of a sea, where the hairy man gathered shellfish and ate them as he gathered, it was with eyes that roved everywhere for hidden danger and with legs prepared to run like the wind at its first appearance. Through the forest they crept noiselessly, Buck at the hairy man’s heels; and they were alert and vigilant, the pair of them, ears twitching and moving and nostrils quivering, for the man heard and smelled as keenly as Buck. The hairy man could spring up into the trees and travel ahead as fast as on the ground, swinging by the arms from limb to limb, sometimes a dozen feet apart, letting go and catching, never falling, never missing his grip. In fact, he seemed as much at home among the trees as on the ground; and Buck had memories of nights of vigil spent beneath trees wherein the hairy man roosted, holding on tightly as he slept.

And closely akin to the visions of the hairy man was the call still sounding in the depths of the forest. It filled him with a great unrest and strange desires. It caused him to feel a vague, sweet gladness, and he was aware of wild yearnings and stirrings for he knew not what.

Sometimes he pursued the call into the forest, looking for it as though it were a tangible thing, barking softly or defiantly, as the mood might dictate. He would thrust his nose into the cool wood moss, or into the black soil where long grasses grew, and snort with joy at the fat earth smells; or he would crouch for hours, as if in concealment, behind fungus-covered trunks of fallen trees, wide-eyed and wide-eared to all that moved and sounded about him. It might be, lying thus, that he hoped to surprise this call he could not understand. But he did not know why he did these various things. He was impelled to do them, and did not reason about them at all.

Irresistible impulses seized him. He would be lying in camp, dozing lazily in the heat of the day, when suddenly his head would lift and his ears cock up, intent and listening, and he would spring to his feet and dash away, and on and on, for hours, through the forest aisles and across the open spaces where the niggerheads bunched. He loved to run down dry water-

courses, and to creep and spy upon the bird life in the woods. For a day at a time he would lie in the underbrush where he could watch the partridges drumming and strutting up and down. But especially he loved to run in the dim twilight of the summer midnights, listening to the subdued and sleepy murmurs of the forest, reading signs and sounds as man may read a book, and seeking for the mysterious something that called— called, waking or sleeping, at all times, for him to come.

One night he sprang from sleep with a start, eagereyed, nostrils quivering and scenting, his mane bristling in recurrent waves. From the forest came the call (or one note of it, for the call was many-noted), distinct and definite as never before—a long-drawn howl, like, yet unlike, any noise made by husky dog. And he knew it, in the old familiar way, as a sound heard before. He sprang through the sleeping camp and in swift silence dashed through the woods. As he drew closer to the cry he went more slowly, with caution in every movement, till he came to an open place among the trees, and looking out saw, erect on haunches, with nose pointed to the sky, a long, lean, timber wolf.

He had made no noise, yet it ceased from its howling and tried to sense his presence. Buck stalked into the open, half crouching, body gathered compactly together, tail straight and stiff, feet falling with unwonted care. Every movement advertised commingled threatening and overture of friendliness. It was the menacing truce that marks the meeting of wild beasts that prey.

But the wolf fled at sight of him. He followed, with wild leapings, in a frenzy to overtake. He ran him into a blind channel, in the bed of the creek where a timber jam barred the way. The wolf whirled about, pivoting on his hind legs after the fashion of Joe and of all cornered husky dogs, snarling and bristling, clipping his teeth together in a continuous and rapid succession of snaps.

Buck did not attack, but circled him about and hedged him in with friendly advances. The wolf was suspicious and afraid; for Buck made three of him in weight, while his head barely reached Buck’s shoulder.

Watching his chance, he darted away, and the chase was resumed. Time and again he was cornered, and the thing repeated, though he was in poor condition, or Buck could not so easily have overtaken him. He would run till Buck’s head was even with his flank, when he would whirl around at bay, only to dash away again at the first opportunity.

But in the end Buck’s pertinacity was rewarded; for the wolf, finding that no harm was intended, finally sniffed noses with him. Then they became friendly, and played about in the nervous, half-coy way with which fierce beasts belie their fierceness. After some time of this the wolf started off at an easy lope in a manner that plainly showed he was going somewhere. He made it clear to Buck that he was to come, and they ran side by side through the sombre twilight, straight up the creek bed, into the gorge from which it issued, and across the bleak divide where it took its rise.

On the opposite slope of the watershed they came down into a level country where were great stretches of forest and many streams, and through these great stretches they ran steadily, hour after hour, the sun rising higher and the day growing warmer. Buck was wildly glad. He knew he was at last answering the call, running by the side of his wood brother toward the place from where the call surely came. Old memories were coming upon him fast, and he was stirring to them as of old he stirred to the realities of which they were the shadows. He had done this thing before, somewhere in that other and dimly remembered world, and he was doing it again, now, running free in the open, the unpacked earth underfoot, the wide sky overhead.

They stopped by a running stream to drink, and, stopping, Buck remembered John Thornton. He sat down. The wolf started on toward the place from where the call surely came, then returned to him, sniffing noses and making actions as though to encourage him.

But Buck turned about and started slowly on the back track. For the better part of an hour the wild brother ran by his side, whining softly. Then he sat down, pointed his nose upward, and howled. It was a mournful howl, and as Buck held steadily on his way he heard it grow faint and fainter until it was lost in the distance.

To be continued next week Calling all writers! The Winter's Past Literary Arts Contest invites all adults and secondary level students to submit pieces in two categories: Oral History from a dog's perspective and Nature Writing.

Cash prizes for the top three entries, $100, $75, and $50. Winners will present written pieces at the closing session of the "Call of the Wild" Environmental Symposium, Feb. 28, 2009. Contest guidelines available online at www.stcroixfallslibrary or by contacting Amy Klein at groups@festivaltheatre.org or 888-887-6002.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Rockin' for the Red - "a huge success" POLK COUNTY - When a neighbor or friend is faced with a disastrous situation, should it be weather or fire, your local chapter of the American Red Cross is there to help, making sure you immediately have food, clothing and a warm place to lay your head at night.

Many may not be aware that the emergency personnel that respond to you in a time of need, or even the caregivers of your children, have been trained in CPR and AED procedures by your local chapter of the American Red Cross.

On Feb. 6, much-needed dollars were raised for the local American Red Cross Chapter at the Trollhaugen Convention Center in Dresser. While watching the skiers and snowboarders, participants danced to Swanee & the Knights of Rock and Roll, bought raffle tickets, and bid on silent auction items.

The event was deemed “a huge success” by organizers and will help support the programs and services Red Cross provides to area friends and neighbors in need. The committee members

The grand raffle winner at the Red Cross fundraiser at Trollhaugen Feb. 6 was Dave Stark, shown with wife, Terry, and their new Adly Hammerhead 50cc scooter. – Special photo

and attendees were very grateful for all the raffle and silent auction items that were generously donated from local area businesses.

Sponsoring the event were The River-

Bank at Osceola and St. Croix Falls, Bremer Bank at Amery, Cardinal LG at Amery, Durex Products of Luck, St. Croix Regional Medical Center of St. Croix Falls, AnchorBank of Balsam

Lake, Doar, Drill, and Skow of New Richmond, First National Community Bank at New Richmond and U.S. Bank in Frederic. Trollhaugen Convention Center donated the use of their facility.- submitted The winners of the raffle drawings are as follows: Fred Bear compound bow - Gail Wassberg - Donated by Great Northern Outdoors Ducane gas grill - Jerry Rydberg - Donated by Balsam Lake Hardware Hank, Lite House Movers & Lifters, and NCSNelson Construction Services.

Eskimo 10-inch ice auger - Cherie Steffl - Donated by Hoefs Construction, Sunway, Inc. John Deere child’s Gator - Jerry Rydberg - Donated in partnership with TriCounty Implement.

Grand raffle winner of the Adly Hammerhead 50cc scooter - David Stark - Donated in partnership with Larsen Motorsports. - submitted

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

CHURCH NEWS Daughter’s bad attitude will get better as she matures Q: My 16-year-old daughter is driving me crazy.

She is sassy, noisy and selfish. Her room looks like a pigpen and she won’t work any harder in school than absolutely necessary to get by. Everything I taught her, from manners to faith, seems to have sailed through her ears. What in the world do my husband and I do now?

DR. DOBSON: I’m going to offer you some patented advice that may not make sense or seem responsive to the problem you’ve described. But stay with me. The most important thing you can do for your daughter is to “just get her through it.” The concept is a bit obscure so let me make an effort to explain it.

Imagine your daughter riding in a small canoe called Puberty on the Adolescent River. She soon comes to a turbulent stretch of whitewater that rocks her little boat violently. There is a very real danger that she will capsize and drown. Even if she survives today’s rapids, she will certainly be caught in swirling currents downstream and plunge over the falls. That is the apprehension harbored by millions of parents with kids bouncing along on the wild river. It’s the falls that worry them most.

Actually, the typical journey down the river is much safer than believed. Instead of the water becoming more violent downstream, it eventually transitions from frightening rapids to tranquility once more. What I’m saying is that I believe your daughter is going to be OK even though she is now splashing and thrashing and gasping for air. Her little boat is more buoyant than you might think.

Yes, a few individuals do go over the falls, usually

because of drug abuse or other addictive behavior. But even some of them climb back in the canoe and paddle on down the river. Most will regain their equilibrium in a few years. In fact, the greatest danger of sinking a boat could come from ... parents!

••• Q: I am suspicious that my 16-year-old son may be using some kind of illegal drugs. He’s just not himself lately and his friends are some of the weirdest guys you ever saw. Can you summarize the most common symptoms of drug abuse for me? What should I look for?

DR. DOBSON: A complete answer to that question would fill a book, because there are so many illegal substances on the market today and each has its own characteristic “fingerprint.” But there are eight common physical and emotional symptoms you might look for in your son: 1. Inflammation of the eyelids and nose is common.

The pupils of the eyes are either very wide or very small, depending on the kind of drugs internalized.

2. Extremes of energy may be evident. Either the individual is sluggish, gloomy and withdrawn, or he may be loud, hysterical and jumpy.

3. The appetite is extreme – either very great or very poor. Weight loss may occur.

4. The personality suddenly changes; the individual may become irritable, inattentive and confused, or aggressive, suspicious and explosive.

Dr. James

Dobson Focus on the Family

5. Body and breath odor is often bad. Cleanliness is generally ignored.

6. The digestive system may be upset – diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur. Headaches and double vision are also common. Other signs of physical deterioration may include change in skin tone and body stance.

7. Needle marks on the body, usually appearing on the arms, are an important symptom. These punctures sometimes get infected and appear as sores and boils.

8. Moral values often crumble and are replaced by new, avant-garde ideas and values.

Let me caution you that some kids are able to hide their drug use better than others are. You might stop by to see the officer in charge of narcotics enforcement for your local police department. He or she may be able to give you more specific information applicable to your son.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 (www.family.org). Questions and answers are excerpted from “Solid Answers” and “Bringing Up Boys,” both published by Tyndale House.

COPYRIGHT 2009 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY.UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106; 8165817500.

Brought to you by:

Luck and St. Peter’s Lutheran Churches

Free chocolate!

FREDERIC - Come to the Frederic Evangelical Free Church and enjoy an uplifting Ladies Chocolate Covered Morning Re”treat.” Be inspired by discovering

Biblical truths for life’s journey that dispel false, energy draining beliefs. Bring a friend and join them as they enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, mocha, coffee or tea, sweet

chocolate treats and fellowship. Friday, Feb. 20, 9:1511:15 a.m. Child care provided. - submitted

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Vince Nelson has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Tom and Denise Nelson. He is involved in football and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Vince is a high achieving student and a classroom leader. He is energetic and involved. He is a hardworker and has a pleasant personality. Vince is very friendly and has numerous interests.

Kendra Wells has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Kalen and Joel Wells. Kendra is a high-achieving student who leads by example. She is respectful of others, takes responsibilities seriously and has a good work ethic.

Kendra is involved in forensics, student council, volleyball, basketball, track and is a sandwich artist. She plans to go to college to become a veterinarian.

Dane Jensen has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Arlen and Linnet Jensen. Dane always does his best. He is a super reader and a math whiz! Dane’s favorite things about school are gym and recess. He enjoys hockey.

Taylor Joy has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Ray and Angela Joy. Taylor is always smiling, has a positive attitude and is dedicated to learning. She is involved in baby-sitting, Girl Scouts, basketball, volleyball, track and softball. Taylor enjoys spending time outdoors, skiing and spending time with her family and friends.

Her parents are the greatest influence in her life.

Aaron Sorenson has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Harlan and Cindy Sorenson. Aaron works well with others, lends a helping hand without being asked and is an all-around nice young man. He delivers papers part time, is involved in FFA and enjoys cooking classes.

Aaron also enjoys hunting, fishing, cutting wood and making maple syrup.

Breanna Wondra has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in fourth grade and the daughter of Paul and Karen Wondra. Breanna is a good student and very polite and pleasant. Her favorite things about school are math and spending time with her friends. She enjoys playing with the family dog, a terrier/dalmatian mix, and playing games on Wii. Breanna collects toy horses and stuffed animals. She is interested in wildlife photography.

Kaitlin Warner has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Missy Warner. Kaitlin has been doing a good job of transitioning to a new school. She is working hard on her grades and is also involved in basketball. During her free time Kaitlin enjoys music, computers and horses. Kaitlin usually has a smile on her face and has a mature, pleasant personality.

Noelle Gutzmer has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week.

She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Danielle and Jeff Gutzmer. Noelle is an excellent student and always has a smile on her face. Her favorite subject is social studies. She is involved in volleyball. Noelle enjoys reading, drawing, hiking, swimming, camping, snowboarding and hanging out with friends. Her pets are Snowball and Sky.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Hattie Koball has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Wayne and Kathy Koball. Hattie is a very mature, responsible and helpful member of her class. She is a straight-A student who always works hard to do her best. Hattie has a positive attitude, is very pleasant to be around and always is willing to help other students as well as her teachers.

Hannah Rod has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Deborah and Michael Rod. Hannah is a strong, yet kind individual who uses her talents to pursue excellence in academics and in the leadership of her peers. She is a true class act. Hannah is involved in soccer, singing in choir, LINK group, swing choir and is class president. She enjoys being outdoors hunting and fishing.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Johanna Mlenek has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Cathy and Rick Sistad. Johanna’s favorite activities in school are doing projects and music. She is very helpful to all the students. Johanna is also a good worker and always does her best.

Violet Ohnstad has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Dan and Marie Ohnstad. Violet consistently displays leadership qualities, is a hard worker who turns in very neat work. Violet thrives on challenges. Her favorite classes are math, reading and science. She loves softball, soccer, cross country and basketball. Violet also plays piano.

Elizabeth Otto has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Ronald Otto and Lisa Taylor. Liz works hard to do her best and is quietly dependable in all she commits to. One of her favorite classes is publications, where she uses her writing skills as assistant editor of the yearbook. She participates in choir and swing choir. Liz enjoys singing, writing and listen to music.

Mason Schaaf has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade and the son of Michael and Gwen Schaaf. Mason is a thoughtful and hardworking student. He is very eager to learn new things.

Mason is well liked by his classmates. His favorite subject is social studies because he likes learning about the world. At home he enjoys playing with his dog and spending time with his family.

Kimberly Thielman has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Terrance and Jennifer Thielman. Kimberly is an enjoyable student to have in class. She is willing to hep others and asks for help when she needs it. She has a good sense of humor, is a kind and friendly student and works hard in class. When Kimberly is absent, she always completes her missing assignments.

Jason Hendry has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Jerry and Cindy Seaman. Jason is always on task and has a great work ethic. He asks questions to make sure the job is done right. Jason is polite, respectful and a pleasure to have in class. He is involved in the school play, football and track. Jason enjoys biking and fishing. His future plans include the military and then college to become a surgeon.

UNITY

RaeAnna Johnston has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in fourth grade and the daughter of Brian and Denise Johnston. RaeAnna shows great interest and enthusiasm in all areas of academic study. She is a natural leader. RaeAnna is polite, has good behavior and a positive attitude. She is a 4-H member and enjoys showing animals at the fair.

Kaina Zygowicz has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Laura Neve Warndahl and Keith Zygowicz. Kaina has shown great effort this year. She has a wonderful personality and is kind to other students. Kaina is respectful of other students and her teachers.

Thane Lowe has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Teri Lowe and Steve Fowler. Thane enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with friends. He plans to attend college. The greatest influences in his life are his mom, dad, brother and uncle.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

FEBRUARY

THURS.-SUN./19-22 Voyager Village

• 6th-Annual Winter Carnival, 715-259-3910.

THURSDAY/19 Balsam Lake

• Polk Burnett Beekeepers meeting at the Justice Center in the Community Room, 8 p.m.

Dresser

Coming events SATURDAY/21 A&H

• Polk County Democratic Party meets at the Boulevard Bar, 5:30 p.m. social hour, dinner; meeting 7 p.m.

• 17th-annual Barrens Chicken BBQ, noon-4 p.m.

Frederic

• Book sale at public library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-485-3215.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• Lioness Club is sponoring Valentine Bingo Party for all residents of Sunrise Apartments 5:45 p.m. Meeting to follow, 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Monthly potluck lunch and meeting at the senior center, 715-483-1901.

• Annual chili cook-off and silent auction hosted by scholarship foundation, at the high school, 5-7:30 p.m., 715-483-9469.

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m., blood pressures, 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., general meeting potluck, 12:30 p.m., 500 cards, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center, 715-483-1901.

FRI.-SAT./20-21 Northern Polk County

• EIO Sno-Riders poker run.

FRI.-SUN./20-22 Barron

• Rocco Memorial Gun Show at the community center. Fri. 5-9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 608-752-6677.

FRIDAY/20 Dresser

• Polk County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner at Trollhaugen, social 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., 715-755-2644, 715-483-1854.

Frederic

• Pokeno at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Ladies Chocolate Covered Morning Re “treat” at the Evangelical Free Church, 9:1510:15 a.m.

Milltown

• Fish Fry at the United VFW Post 6856, 4:30 p.m.

Siren

• 123 Magic Class at Burnett County Family Resource Center, 8:30-11 a.m., 715-349-2922.

Solon Springs

• Gun show at the community center, 5-9 p.m., 866-583-9083.

St. Croix Falls

• Bridge, 10 a.m., Bingo, 1 p.m., at the senior center, 715-483-1901.

Balsam Lake Frederic

• Food & fellowship at the senior center, noon.

Grantsburg

• Mid-Winter Sports Day, starts 8 a.m.

• Jungle Sam and the Safari Band in concert at the school, 7 p.m., 715-463-5165, www.safariband.com.

Luck

• ‘50s Sock Hop at DBS Hall, DJ all night, 4-11 p.m., 715-472-2535.

Osceola

• Ice-fishing contest on Big Lake, between Osceola and Amery, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-2942342.

Poskin

• 45th-annual Poskin Lake ice-fishing contest, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-357-3231.

Solon Springs

• Gun show at the community center, 9 a.m.5 p.m., 866-583-9083.

Somerset

• 5th-annual ice-fishing contest on Bass Lake. Preregistration 9 a.m., contest noon3 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Free concert, Lightswitch and Heidi Haskin at the elementary auditorium, doors open at 6 p.m., www.heidihaskin.com.

• Free HeartSaver CPR class, space is limited.

9-11 a.m., 715-483-0431 or 800-642-1336, ext.

2431 to register.

SUNDAY/22 McKinley

• Palt (Klub) Dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-822-3625.

MONDAY/23 Amery

• DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids meet at Apple River Community Church at 7 p.m., 715-268-2176, 715-268-8360.

Cumberland

• Talk with a Doc: Sleep Study, Exercise and How it Affects our Sleep, in the clinic lobby, 67 p.m., 715-822-2741.

Frederic

• Spades at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Balsam Lake

• Tax aides at the aging office, 715-268-7884.

Frederic

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

Luck

• Rare film of early Polk County schools shown at the museum after the meeting. Meeting starts at 7 p.m., 715-472-4378.

• American Legion #205 and Auxiliary meeting at the village hall, 7 p.m. Note date change.

St. Croix Falls

St. Croix Falls

• Health seminar, 1 p.m., at the senior center, 715-483-1901.

TUESDAY/24

• Intro to Home Funerals class at the high school, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Genealogy meeting, 1 p.m., at the senior center, 715-483-1901.

Amery

• Habitat for Humanity housing information meeting at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 6:30 p.m.

Balsam Lake

• Private pesticide applicator training at the government center, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 715-4858600.

Luck

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly #WI 261 meets at the senior citizens center at 5:30 p.m., 715-4722341.

Siren

• End of Life Decisions program at the Burnett County Government Center, Room 165, 715-349-2151, Barb Cunningham - 903-8262952 or Janet Frazee - 715-866-4630.

• Parent resource group meeting for parents with special needs children at the resource center, 6:30 p.m., 715-463-3941 or 715-349-2922.

• Burnett County Republican Party will meet in Room 162 in the Government Center, 7 p.m.

Webster

FRI. & SAT./27 & 28 St. Croix Falls

• Environmental Symposium, with Arctic explorer Ann Bancroft and a film festival at Festival Theatre, 888-887-6002, www.neabigread.org.

FRIDAY/27 Frederic

• Pokeno at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Spooner

• Washburn, Sawyer and Burnett counties Republican Party Lincoln Day event, at Northwest Sports Complex, 6 p.m., 715-3492859.

St. Croix Falls

• Bridge, 10 a.m., at the senior center, 715-4831901.

Webster

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m., 500 cards and Dominos, 12:30 p.m., at the senior center, 715-4831901.

• Hwy. 8 information meeting at city hall, 5-7 p.m., 715-483-3929.

• Tax assistance for seniors and people with low incomes, at the senior center, 1-4 p.m., 715-866-5300.

• February birthdays celebrated at the senior center, during congregate meal, 11:30 a.m., 715-866-5300.

WEDNESDAY/25

SATURDAY/28

Frederic

• Pokeno at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Rice Lake

Frederic

• Food & fellowship at the senior center, noon.

Luck

• Career Day at WITC, 9:30-11:20 a.m. or 12:30-2:20 p.m., 715-234-7082, 800-243-9482 ext. 5419.

• Saving Iver’s Mountain fundraiser at Hog Wild, dinner 6 p.m., music 7 p.m.

Siren

• Bryce Hacker Memorial Scholarship Fund Ice-Fishing Contest on Big Butternut, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Wednesday Art Night at North Wind Arts, 4:30-7 p.m. Call 715-349-8448 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

• Friends of the Library at the library, noon.

THURSDAY/26 Amery

• Trip to Old Log Theater to see “Alone Together,” sponsored by senior citizens center.

Register and pay before Monday, Feb. 16, 715268-6605.

Milltown

Siren

• Lions 11-annual Whopper Ice-Fishing Contest at Clam Lake Narrows, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715349-2400.

Webster

• SNO Fest, vintage snowmobile show & medallion hunt at White-Tail Wilderness, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-866-8276.

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

50th Luck Winter Carnival • 2009

Sharry Swenson of the Luck Community Club welcomes everyone to the 2009 Luck Winter Carnival.

She thanked those involved in making the carnival happen, including those who cut new ice and rebuilt the ice castle after it melted the week before festivities began.

In one of their last duties as Luck Royalty, the 2008 Miss Luck and her court joined Winter Carnival Grand Marshal Dan Valentine, back, for the lighting of the ice palace. In front is Little Luck Princess Tasian Arjes and Little Miss Luck Lindsay Mattson. Second row (L to R): is First Princess Grace Jenson, Miss Luck Mary Maiden Mueller and Second Princess Alecia Oulette.

About to enjoy some of the pie served at the Luck Senior Center were Darius Peterson, 10, and his brother, Tyreese, 8. They are the grandsons of Kathy Peterson of Luck.

Offering slices of pie at the senior center on Saturday were Silpa Ogren, left, and Judy Randall.

Exhibits on the history of the Luck Winter Carnival were featured at the museum, celebrating 50 years of the community event.

Photos by Mary Stirrat

Appropriately, a special exhibit of Valentines was a popular display at the Luck Museum, open Feb. 14 for Winter Carnival.

Looking at a display of Duncan yo-yos at the Luck Museum are Luck Woltz, left, and Lance Lindvall. Both boys are from Luck, where Duncan yo-yos were manufactured in the 1940s, 1950s and into the 1960s.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

50th Luck Winter Carnival • Queen Pageant

The 2009 Luck Winter Carnival Royalty was chosen at the 50th-annual Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant Friday evening, Feb. 13, at the Luck High School auditorium. The 2009 court back row (L to R): First Princess Sarah Elert, 2009 Luck Winter Carnival Queen Ashlyn Petersen, Second Princess and talent award recipient, Alyssa Hutton, Miss Congeniality Samantha Fenning.

Front row: Little Miss Luck 2009 Isabelle Jensen and Little Luck Princess 2009 Katie Mattson.

Mickey Petersen, brother of contestant Ashlyn Petersen, made a special trip from his home in Los Angeles, Calif., to be his sister’s escort for the evening gown competition of the Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant last Friday evening.

Mistress of Ceremonies Jaime Anderson kept the program running smoothly while amusing the audience with her clever anThe 2009 Luck Winter Carnival queen candidates performed their tidotes during the Luck Winter opening dance routine to the tune “Celebrate,” a fitting choice to begin Carnival Queen Pageant held at a celebration of the 50th year of the Luck Winter Carnival and Queen the Luck High School Friday Pageant. evening.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer Lois Jackson Peterson, Luck Winter Carnival’s first queen, crowned in 1960 and Dianne Berg Dueholm, 1964 Luck Winter Carnival Queen, shared a moment together before introducing themselves at the 2009 pageant Friday evening. A special time was set aside during the pageant to recognize former queens and grand marshals invited to the pageant and carnival to help celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary.

The Queens Court 4, a barbershop quartet created expressly for the 50th anniversary of the Luck Winter Carnival, provided special entertainment at the Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant Friday evening. The quartet was made up of four members of the Indianhead Chorus, Harley Schafer, Karl Wicklund, Dan Valentine and John Raeber. Valentine was also this year’s Winter Carnival grand marshal.

Contestants Sarah Elert and Ashlyn Petersen hold hands as they anxiously await the judge’s decision at Friday evening’s Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant. The young women have been best friends since they were 3 years old. Moments later Elert was chosen as first princess and Petersen was crowned the 2009 Luck Winter Carnival Queen, which means the two friends will be spending even more time together as they represent the Luck community at various events and parades throughout the year.

Contestants for Little Miss Luck 2009 had the Luck Queen Pageant audience rocking as they performed a dance routine to the song “At the Hop.” Twenty-seven second- and third-grade girls were contestants for Little Miss Luck this year, with one girl picked Little Miss Luck and one girl picked Little Luck Princess through a drawing of the contestant’s names by Little Miss Luck and Little Luck Princess 2008.

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

50th Luck Winter Carnival • Queen Pageant

Luck Winter Carnival Queen contestant Alexandra Wilkinson tried her hand at playing the guitar without much success during a humorous monologue she wrote and performed during the talent competition. In her monologue, Wilkinson considered which of her many “talents” she would perform for the pageant’s competition. Wilkinson drew lots of laughs from the audience when, at the end of her speech, she concluded her best talent was text messaging.

Contestant Samantha Jo Fenning performed a vocal solo during the talent competition of the Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant Friday evening.

Ashlyn Petersen didn’t know when she picked the Abba song, “The Winner Takes it All,” for her vocal solo performance in Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant talent competition how prophetic it was to be.

The pageant celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and later Friday evening Petersen was crowned Miss Luck 2009.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

RIGHT: Samantha Fenning was crowned Miss Congeniality 2009 at the Luck Winter Carnival Queen Pageant Friday evening. Miss Congeniality and 2008 Luck Winter Carnival Queen Mary Maiden Mueller offered her congratulations after presenting Fenning with her award.

Dressed in camouflage hunting attire, Luck Queen candidate Alyssa Marie Hutton entertained the audience at Friday evening’s pageant with an original monologue about her experiences growing up with animals and hunting. Hutton drew laughs as she mixed funny lines with her dead-on impersonations of animals and birds, including a wild turkey call.

RIGHT: Luck’s 2008 Winter Carnival Queen Mary Maiden Mueller thanked her court, her family, pageant coordinators, volunteers and the community for all their help and support during her reign. Maiden Mueller said she appreciated being given the opportunity to represent her community the past year. The outgoing queen’s farewell presentation came just before her final duty of crowning the new Luck Winter Carnival Queen for 2009.

The castle The Luck Winter Carnival ice castle glowed with a variety of colors during the evening hours of the four-day celebration this past weekend. The castle had to be rebuilt after warm weather in the middle of last week threatened to make it disappear before the festivities even began. Located at the north end of Main Street, the castle was visited and photographed by hundreds who visited Luck for the festivities. - Photo by Gary King

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

50th Luck Winter Carnival • 2009

Buz Swerkstrom, author of “Polk County Places,” signs one of his books.

Area authors gathered at the Luck Museum Saturday for a meet and greet session, offering their books for sale at the same time. From left are Dr. Allen Hansen, Buz Swerkstrom, Alice Ford, Kathy Krantz, Vernon Peterson and Rosemarie Vezina Braatz. Not shown is Carolyn Wedin, who was also on hand to autograph her book.

Crowds of children sifted through piles of sawdust looking for quarters in the annual Winter Carnival event sponsored by Home Shield/Colonial Craft.

A small, but hearty group turned out for the opening ceremony of the 2009 Luck Winter Carnival — the lighting of the ice castle.

Searching through the sawdust pile at Fort Luck Park during Winter Carnival isn’t for everyone. Sawdust in the eyes and mouth, compounded by sawdust on the mittens, gave this little guy some trouble.

Photos by Mary Stirrat Snowmobile races, featuring vintage machines, were held on Big Butternut Lake Saturday, Feb. 14.

To celebrate the 50th Luck Winter Carnival, former queens and grand marshals were invited to a special reception at the senior center. Shown here (L to R) in front are Dianne Dueholm (1964), Lois Petersen (1960, the first queen) and Marlys Murphy (1971). In back are Harvey Nelson, Heather Carr (1999), Amy Faymoville (1982), Mary Maiden Mueller (2008) and Robert Nelson. Dueholm and Petersen also served as grand marshals.

Worth $150, the Winter Carnival medallion was found after only two clues were posted. Kris Zacco, with her daughter Riley, center, and friend Jessica Mattson, found it at the Luck sign on Hwy. 35. Zacco’s brother, Brett Kilmer, was also part of the group.

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

CHURCH NEWS/OBITUARIES The narrow path As the snow piles up along the sidewalks and across the deck, the path I shovel becomes narrower and narrower. My footpaths to the compost and deer-food piles are so narrow my jeans brush against the snow along the outer edges. The numerous deer paths to the food pile are even narrower.

It’s hard to walk a narrow path.

My husband and I followed one along a mountain ridge one time. I had to hold my arms out to keep my balance for fear of slipping off either side.

Perspectives We face narrow paths in our spiritual walk, too. Paths we don’t want to follow because they’re either too rocky or steep, or because we’re too fearful of what lies beyond. The greatest stumbling block in keeping to the narrow path of God’s Word is Self: self-importance in our own wisdom, strength, or goodness; self-centeredness in our own desires; self-confidence in our own accomplishments; and selfishness in our own wealth.

Jesus told His followers, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) That’s not to say that we must be penniless. Jesus is telling us, rather, that He alone must have preeminence in our lives if we are to be Kingdom of God dwellers. We are our greatest obstacle to entering the kingdom of God. When we live in the kingdom of Self, we can become blinded to the narrow path to His Kingdom. It’s easy, then, to fall on our faces, so to speak, over obstacles our Self can’t overcome. When we reach the end of Self, choosing to die to ourselves, Christ will lead us along the narrow path to His Kingdom and away from ours.

We have the choice to live either in the kingdom of Self or the Kingdom of God. But there isn’t room for both kingdoms to co-exist.

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) Mammon means wealth, money, or property. Wealth can mean honor, popularity, knowledge, or anything else that is preeminent in our lives.

Perhaps each morning we should ask ourselves whether Christ will be preeminent in our lives or not.

Lord, give us the desire to die to self and joyfully follow Your narrow path toward fulfillment in Christ. Amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

Sally Bair Eternal

We hear constantly that children have no respect for authority. School teachers complain about it, police officers criticize them for it, Bible class teachers gripe about it, even parents acknowledge it. We are confused and bewildered because we are raising a generation that is disrespectful, belligerent, and obnoxious; and no one seems to have a clue how it happened or what to do about it.

Respect for authority is something that is learned by example. Is it possible that our children do not have the kind of respect for authority they should because we have failed to show them? DO WE have authority for the rules of the highway, red lights, stop signs, yellow lines, speed limits, seat belts, et al.? DO WE respect our elders by calling them sir or ma’am, and asking their advice because we honor their wisdom? DO WE have respect for the authority of the Bible, love your neighbor, do good to those who mistreat you, assemble together to encourage one another, put others before yourself, et al.?

Maybe our children are learning their disrespect for authority from us.

Maybe we gripe and complain because we think the highway rules are silly or ridiculous. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. (Romans 13:13) Maybe we criticize our elders, calling them senile or over-the-hill. …you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (1 Peter 5:5)

Maybe we are showing our children what little respect we have for the Bible by doing what we feel like even though we know it violates what God has said. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:34) Maybe our children are learning their disrespect for authority because that is what they see in us.

Preacher’s And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.(John 14:6) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (1 Peter 2:21) Think about it!

If readers have questions you would like answered in this weekly column or simply wish to know more about the Church of Christ, we would like to invite you to call 715-866-7157, visit our Web site at www.burnettcountycofc.com or stop by the church building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m.

We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. - noon.

CPR review classes offered

Jon (Jake) Lysdahl

Authority

BALSAM LAKE - The American Red Cross is offering the following classes.

• Adult/AED CPR – Tuesday, March 3 - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• First Aid – Wednesday, March 4 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Infant/Child– Thursday, March 5 - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

These classes will be held at the Polk County Red Cross Office located in Balsam Lake. Preregistration is requested. To register call Terry Anderson at 485-3025 or register online at www.scvarc.org Classes may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment – from the Red Cross

Faith Lutheran Church installs new council members Installed as Faith Lutheran Church Council members of Balsam Lake on Feb. 15 were the following. First row: Wayne Camper (president), Colleen Forster, Vera Bollinger, Pastor Diane Norstad and Rachel Engebretson. Back row: Keith Anderson, Sandy Jones, Bob Robinson, Loretta Kallevig and Rich Hustad.

Not pictured are Betty Doty, Harold Dojan and RaeAnn Lennartson.– Photo submitted

Carman F. Swanson Carman F. Swanson of rural Eureka Township, died Feb. 10, 2009.

He was 92 years old.

Carman was born July 2, 1916, to Frank and Emma Swanson in Henry, S.D. He was raised on a large farm, the Depression and drought of the 1930s forced the family to move to Minnesota.

Carman met and married the love of his life, Doris Becvar of Grantsburg. They were married in 1944. Together, they moved to the West Coast to weld and build battleships for the war effort during WWII. In the late 1940s, Carman and Doris moved to Wisconsin, brought a farm in Eureka and raised three chil-

dren. Carman worked in the Twin Cities as a welder and farmed part time. Carman enjoyed farming, hard work and working in the woods with his wife cutting firewood. Carman loved the Lord and enjoyed talking to others about God’s gift of eternal life.

Carman was preceded in death by his wife.

He is survived by his children, Patsy (David) Anderson, Penny (James) Christensen and Bob (Debra Lysdahl) Swanson; many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and many family and friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Feb. 15, at Eureka Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Schoen of Shepherd of the Valley Church officiating.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Check out the Leader’s e-edition @ www.the-leader.net

Garret Derouin The Pen

Jon (Jake) Lysdahl, 76, died at his winter home in Mesa, Ariz., on Feb. 8, 2009.

Jake was born on June 25, 1932, in St. Paul, Minn., to Johnnie and Alice Lysdahl. The family later moved to the Falun area where Jake attended school through third grade, then the family moved to Grantsburg where Jake completed school, graduating from Grantsburg High School in 1950.

Jake enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in January of 1952 and served through January of 1955.

On Sept. 5, 1953, he was united in marriage to Carol Halverson. To this union four children were born, Shari, Debi, Kevin and Joe. Jake worked for the Honeywell Corporation in Minneapolis until June of 1957, when the family relocated to Grantsburg after Jake accepted the manager’s position at the Grantsburg Co-op Store, which was located where the American Legion hall now stands. In 1963 he became the Grantsburg postmaster and served in that capacity for 27 years, retiring in 1990.

Jake was a lifelong member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg. Jake was very active in the Grantsburg community and in Burnett County, serving on various boards and committees through the years including the Burnett County Board of Supervisors and the Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative Board.

Jake served as a Grantsburg Legion commander, was an active member of Friends of the Crex, the Grantsburg Historical Society, the Masonic Lodge and a charter member of the Grantsburg Rod and Gun Club. Jake was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time on the land West of Grantsburg near the St. Croix River, where he and his wife, Carol, made their home.

Jake enjoyed hunting and fishing and in 1972 started what was to become a family tradition when he took sons, Kevin and Joe on a Canadian fishing trip. Jake, his family and their friends enjoyed this trip each year, with Jake missing only two trips through those years.

He always had a deep interest in his family, friends, his community and its members. He was known for giving encouragement and help to those in need. He was a good listener and friend to many.

Jake is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters Shari (Lon) Springman, Debi (Bob) Swanson, sons Kevin (Deb) Lysdahl and Joe Lysdahl; grandchildren, Zack, Nick, Aimee Springman, Amber (Jeff) Lindo, Hansi and Kyle Swanson, Lauren and Luke Lysdahl; greatgrandchild, Sophia Lindo.

His parents, Johnnie and Alice Lysdahl, and sister, Joanne Giswold, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg with a spring internment at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Grantsburg Music Festival Society and the Friends of the Crex.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

OBITUARIES Byron M. Eliason

Duane A. Thompson

Mildred K. Otto of Osceola, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at the age of 76.

Mildred was born Nov. 27, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Harold and Isabell Swartz. She graduated from Minneapolis Vocational High School. She worked in the clerical departments of Murphy Motor Freight and American Linen. Mildred enjoyed playing cards, Bingo, computer games, Uno, Seniors on the Go and watching TV. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Cady of Osceola; sons, Paul Otto of Osceola and Kevin Otto of Osceola; grandchildren, Kenneth Urman, Tammy Albrecht and Paul Otto Jr.; great-grandchildren, Joshua Schmidt and Madison Berends.

Visitation was held at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

Byron M. Eliason, Fridley, Minn., 74, died Feb. 12, 2009.

Byron was born July 7, 1934, in Grantsburg. He was a devoted tool and die maker. He retired from Twin Tool and Truth Hardware. What he loved most was spending time at his lake cabin in Luck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Bella; two brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 yeas, Nona; daughter, Lynn (Jim) Andrea; son, Doug (Katy); grandchildren, Johanna, Jenessa, Abbey, Jay, Nick and Jorgina; sisters, Olive Crabtree and Frances Haglund and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 16, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Spring Lake Park, Minn.

Interment was held at Luck Village Cemetery in Luck.

The Holcomb-Henry-Boom Funeral Home of Shoreview, Minn., was entrusted with arrangements.

Irene Virginia Welk

Thomas Norlin Sullivan

Duane Andrew Thompson, Osceola, died suddenly Feb. 11, 2009. He was 76 years old.

He was born Aug. 20, 1932, in Cumberland, to Otto and Sophia (Solum) Thompson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Section Ten Lutheran Church. He graduated from Cumberland High School in 1952, and worked on neighboring farms until he joined the Army on Feb. 20, 1953. He served for two years at Camp Carson, Colo., and Fort Knox, Ky., then returned to Cumberland.

In 1959, Duane moved to Osceola and began working for Stockers, Inc., as a sheet metal worker. He attended Dunwoody Institute for two years, and was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union. In 1964, he went to work for Tin Man, Inc., where he continued until his retirement in August 1994.

He was married on May 27, 1961, to Betty (Beatrice) Nelson. They were members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served for a time on the church council, and was a regular usher. Duane was also an honorary lifetime member of the Osceola Rod & Gun Club, and a member of the McCloud Lake Club near Cable, since the mid-’60s.

In 1972, Duane, Betty and Betty’s brother Kenneth purchased the Willard and Emily Gardner farm east of Dresser. Duane and Kenneth each continued with their regular jobs, but raised hay, corn, and beef cattle on the “TNT Ranch” as well.

Duane was a quiet, gentle man, full of humor and compassion. He was a loving and supportive husband and father, and a devoted grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters Linda (Steve) Seager of Bark River, Mich., Karen (George) Hurtis of Rochester, Minn. and Barbara Hoverman of Osceola; nine grandchildren, Steven Seager, Jennifer Wagner, Rachel Hoverman, Katie Hurtis, Jacob Hoverman, Kelly Hurtis, Jackie Hurtis, Joshua Hoverman, and Jonathan Hoverman; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Wilma Calloway and Lois (Gerry) Anderson; brothers, Floyd (Norma) Thompson and Ed (Marla) Thompson; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol Cormany; nieces, Geri Lynn Thompson and Trudy Carol (Thompson) Yoho.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 16, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osceola with the Rev. Mark Kock officiating. Music was provided by Nancy Hasselquist. Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

Mildred K. Otto

Irene Virginia Welk, 91, of Amery and formerly of Balsam Lake, died Feb. 14, 2009, at the Willow Ridge Nursing Home in Amery.

Irene was born on July 28, 1917, in Hammond, to Bert and Lois (Mason) Cramer. She was married to Earl Welk, who preceded her in death.

Irene is survived by her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as many other loving family members.

No public services will be scheduled for Irene. She will be laid to rest at the Balsam Lake Cemetery next to her husband Earl.

Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrusted with arrangements.

Alma May Uhrhammer Alma May Uhrhammer, 89, of Inman, S.C., died Feb. 10, 2009, at Rosecrest Retirement Community. She was born Oct. 17, 1919, to William and Mary (Clemensen) Uhrhammer in Eureka Township in Polk County.

She was a registered nurse, having obtained her RN by attending Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis in 1942. In 1962 she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Minnesota.

During her years as an RN, she worked at the Swedish Hospital and at Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children in Minneapolis, where she was employed as director of nurses.

In 1954 she moved to Greenville, S.C., in a similar position and became the hospital administrator in 1964, until she retired in 1980.

During her years in Greenville she was active in the S.C. Nurses’ Association and a member of the Altrusa International Club where she held various offices.

She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville for about 48 years where she served with the women, was on the school committee, and the church council. She then became a member of Springs of Grace Lutheran Church in Inman.

Before her retirement she used her nursing skills in caring for family, friends and sometimes those who had no nearby family to assist them. After her retirement in 1980 she continued this mission of caring and helping the elderly who were in need.

In 2002 she moved to Rosecrest Retirement Community in Inman, S.C., until her death.

She is survived by one sister, Laura Fay White, in Fallbrook, Calif., and one brother, Everett Uhrhammer, in Radcliff, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Uhrhammer, two sisters, Lucille Johnson and Evelyn Gruener, and two brothers, Clarence and Myles Uhrhammer.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Rosecrest Retirement Community in Inman, S.C. Donations may be made to: Springs of Grace Lutheran Church, PO Box 161000, Boiling Springs, S.C. 29316.

The Seawright Funeral Home & Crematory was entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas Norlin Sullivan, age 82, of Centuria, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at St. Croix Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Falls.

Tom was born on July 17, 1926, in Frederic, to Thomas and Ella (Carlsen) Sullivan. On Nov. 11, 1950, he married Clara (Goodremote) and to this union five children were born.

He served in the U.S. Navy, WWII from 1944 to 1946 aboard the Fighting 400. After returning from the service he drove truck for a few years and worked for Clinton Company building pole barns. Tom worked for the Farmers Union in Frederic for many years, he then drove truck hauling machinery for Don Wilcox and L.W. Sullivan Company until he retired. Tom was a member of American Legion 346, Centuria, serving as commander for several years.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Orville (infant), Leslie, Delbert, Russell (Jack); and sister, Rebecca.

He is survived by his wife, Clara of 58 years; son, Wayne (Linda) of Grantsburg; daughters, Susan (Sanford) Lundgren, Sharon (Wayne) Ankrum, Karen (Rudy) Martin of Centuria, and Linda (Richard) Framsted of Amery; grandchildren, Crystal Boston (William Moore) of Oklahoma, Teri (Mike) Edwards of South Dakota, Heidi Framsted (Pat Malone) of New Richmond, Derek Framsted of Clayton, Dayton Framsted from the state of Wyoming, Dane Lundgren of Centuria, Angela (Josh) Lucas of Frederic; great-grandchildren, Brett, Kialie and Kacie Malone, Chayden Framsted, Bradley and Brandon Lucas, Cassandra Boston and Xavier Edwards; brother, Lyle (Nancy) Sullivan of Frederic; sister, Ella Mae (Clinton) Anderson of Farmington, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Vicky Sullivan of River Falls and Marge Sullivan of Madison.

Visitation will be held at Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Fristad Lutheran Church in Centuria at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Visitation will be held one hour prior to this service beginning at 10 a.m.

Pastor Melvin Rau will be officiating. Casket bearers will be Crystal Boston, Teri Edwards, Dayton Framsted, Derek Framsted, Heidi Framsted, Dane Lundgren and Angela and Josh Lucas. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Frederic. The Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with arrangements.

Laura Coulter Laura Coulter, 48, died Feb. 16, 2009.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Webster, with visitation prior from noon to 1 p.m.

A full obituary will be published in a following edition of the Leader.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

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FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 33

Students put their creativity and inventiveness to the test

MADISON - Last week, some UWMadison engineering students were putting their homework aside for the university’s annual Innovation Days.

The student inventors are vying for thousands of dollars in prize money awarded to the most useful and original devices.

This year’s competition includes eight individuals and teams who’ve come up with gadgets ranging from a vending machine with reusable containers...to a customizable laptop keyboard designed to make typing more comfortable.

Junior Jason Lohr thought of his portable refugee shelter after reading about the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan that left more than a million people homeless when their tents collapsed in the snow and wind.

Jason Lohr's shelter “There’s just a great need for a stronger shelter that was not met. So I started thinking that there has to be a better shelter out there,” he says.

Lohr’s shelter is shaped like a tent, made of light – yet sturdy – polyethylene panels held together with screws. Rub-

ber seals the top, and the bottom is made out of canvas. A model can house four people, but could be expanded to fit more with additional panels.

Senior Andy Burton also had good intentions when he designed a one-handed canoe system. It allows people with physical limitations to paddle a canoe with one arm. It’s a clamp attached to the side of the canoe. Screwed into the clamp is a hook for the canoe paddle to rest inside, making it more like a rowboat.

“You’re not connected to the paddle other than you’re hanging on to it with one hand, so I really didn’t want to do any attachments to the user or anything that could put them at risk.”

The inventions will be judged on their innovation and marketability. More than

$27,000 will be awarded to the top inventors. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Christina Clarkson)

Andy Burton's one-handed canoe system.

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

LOCATION

Menu MONDAY

FEBRUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 27 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST BREAKFAST Bagel pizza, cereal, juice, milk.

Long john, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH LUNCH K-6 chicken corn dogs, 7-12 baked Pizza, raw veggies, dip OR buffalo potato bar w/toppings, broccoli with chicken salad. cheese OR tuna salad.

BREAKFAST Omelet/sausage, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Fish sandwich, waffle fries, raw veggies, dip OR beef taco salad.

FREDERIC

BREAKFAST BREAKFAST K-6 Pop-Tart, 7-12 scones, cereal, Combo bar, cereal, juice, milk. juice, milk.

LUNCH Chicken patty, smile fries, fresh fruit LUNCH Tacos with assorted toppings, corn OR ham salad.

OR Oriental chicken salad.

GRANTSBURG

LUNCH Hot ham & cheese sandwich, oven potatoes, baked beans, applesauce.

LUNCH Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, pudding pop.

LUNCH Grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, crackers, dill spear, fresh veggies, dip, fresh fruit.

LUNCH Chicken fajitas with fixings, rice, steamed broccoli, pears.

LUNCH Cheese pizza, salad lettuce, green beans, mixed fruit.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/yogurt.

LUNCH Meatballs & gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/waffles.

LUNCH Nachos supreme, tortilla chips, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken patty, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Build your own sub, potato chips, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Tuna sub.

BREAKFAST Cereal/long john.

LUNCH Mozzarella pizza dippers, dipping sauce, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Chicken noodle or tomato soup, grilled cheese, fresh veggies, fresh fruit. Alt.: Chicken patty, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with juice and milk.

LUNCH Tacos - hard & soft shell, refried beans, shredded lettuce, warm cinnamon apple slices, corn bread. Alt.: French dip.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet and toast, juice and milk.

LUNCH Hot ham and cheese, pretzel, veggies, beans, pears. Alt.: Mashed potatoes & chicken bowl.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with juice and milk.

LUNCH Cheese quesadilla, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, refried beans, pineapple & mandarin oranges. Alt.: Lasagna.

BREAKFAST French toast sticks, juice and milk.

LUNCH Spaghetti, garlic bread, lettuce salad, peas, peaches. Alt.: Pizza.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with juice and milk.

LUNCH Grilled cheese, tomato soup, baby carrots, peas & carrots, applesauce.

Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Apple cinnamon bakes.

LUNCH Cheeseburger, bun, french fries, baked beans, applesauce.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet, breakfast potato, toast.

LUNCH Chicken stir-fry, steamed rice, carrots, pineapple.

BREAKFAST French toast sticks.

LUNCH Lasagna, lettuce salad, broccoli with cheese, pears.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, peaches.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

Scrambled eggs & toast.

LUNCH Cheesecheese, dogs tomato w/toppings, Grilled soup, baked green chips, cinnamon applesauce baked beans, fruit juice bar. beans. Alt.: Veggie beef barley, turkey sandwich.

BREAKFAST Oatmeal and toast.

LUNCH Tacos with fixings, soft shell or chips.

BREAKFAST

UNITY

BREAKFAST Lumberjacks.

LUNCH Hot dogs and baked beans.

BREAKFAST Belgian waffles with toppings.

LUNCH Chicken patty, broccoli/cauliflower/ cheese.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon rolls.

LUNCH Pizza dippers with sauce and green beans.

WEBSTER

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, scalloped potatoes, carrots, peaches, banana.

LUNCH Country breakfast, hash browns, mandarin oranges, fruit mix.

LUNCH Taco salad, salsa, tortilla chips, pears, pineapple.

LUNCH Fish patty, cheese slice, bun, chips, fresh veggies, fresh fruit.

Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Omelets.

LUNCH Fish sticks, parsley potatoes and pudding.

LUNCH Brat, bun, sauerkraut, baked beans OR grilled cheese, tomato soup, crackers, applesauce, peaches.

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

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E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 35

50th Luck Winter Carnival • Parade

The temperature for the 50th-annual Luck Winter Carnival Parade was about 10 degrees above, Saturday evening, a bit cooler than the community’s Lucky Days parade held each July. The weather didn’t prevent the fun or the tradition of eating on the curbside as the parade goes by, as one young man (photo above) mastered the skill of eating french fries while wearing winter mittens. Some folks preferred waiting inside until the last minute (photo at right). Luck’s new royalty (lower right) and visiting royalty, including neighboring Frederic (lower left) were on hand for the parade which featured approximately two dozen units, led by young men and women carrying torches (above left).

One young parade watcher (directly below), watched the fun from her dad’s shoulders. - Photos by Gary King

Lawn mower races on Devils Lake On Feb. 7, the annual lawn mower races were held at Bump’s Bar on Devils Lake. There was a great turnout of lawn mower racers this year. There was also a large crowd out braving the winter weather to watch the races. The races were under way at about 1:30 p.m., and lasted until about 4 p.m. Along with the usual races, there was some added excitement to the races with a few crashes. – Photos by Kayce Rachner ABOVE: Accidents happen even while having fun. This lawn mower and driver tipped over during the race.

RIGHT: Carl Rachner, eighth-grader from Webster (right) races for a win during the annual lawn mower races held Feb. 7.

LEFT: Chuck Reynolds, Isanti, Minn., competed with his grocery cart lawn mower.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Grantsburg students honor the presidents

George Washington

John Adams

(1789-1797)

by Gracie Gerber

(1797-1801)

by Alex Lee

Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)

by Mackinzie Crandall

James Madison (1809-1817)

by Ashley Bistram

James Monroe

John QuincyAdams

Andrew Jackson

Martin Van Buren

(1817-1825)

by Mickey Widell

(1825-1829)

by Wyatt Swanson

(1829-1837)

by Joey Duncan

(1837-1841)

by Alicia Johnson

John Tyler

James Knox Polk

Zachary Taylor

Millard Fillmore

Franklin Pierce

James Buchanan

Abraham Lincoln

by Evan Cordell

(1841-1845)

by Lane Johnson

(1845-1849)

(1849-1850)

by Luke Anderson

(1850-1953)

by Jada Hecht

(1853-1857)

by Valerie Kuhn

(1857 – 1861)

by Brittany Erickson

(1861 – 1865)

by Gracie Gerber

Andrew Johnson

Ulysses S. Grant

(1865 – 1869)

by Alex Lee

(1869 – 1877)

by Mackinzie Crandall

Theodore Roosevelt

William Howard Taft

William Henry Harrison (1841)

(1901 – 1909)

by Lane Johnson

(1909 – 1913)

by Madison St. Germain

Dwight D. Eisenhower

John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963)

by Ashley Bistram

(1953 – 1961)

by Mackinzie Crandall

by Madison St. Germain

Rutherford B. Hayes James Garfield (1877 – 1881)

by Ashley Bistram

(1881)

by Mickey Widell

Woodrow Wilson Warren G. Harding

Chester Arthur

Grover Cleveland

(1881 – 1885)

by Wyatt Swanson

(1885 – 89 & 1893 – 97)

by Joey Duncan

Benjamin Harrison William McKinley (1889 – 1893)

by Alicia Johnson

(1897 – 1901)

by Evan Cordell

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Harry S. Truman

Calvin Coolidge

Herbert Hoover

(1913 – 1921)

by Luke Anderson

(1921 – 1923)

by Jada Hecht

(1923-1929)

by Valerie Kuhn

(1929 – 1933)

by Brittany Erickson

Lyndon B. Johnson

Richard M. Nixon,

Gerald R. Ford

Jimmy Carter

Ronald Reagan

George H. Bush

(1969 – 1974)

by Wyatt Swanson

(1974 – 1977)

by Joey Duncan

(1977 – 1981)

by Alicia Johnson

(1981 – 1989)

by Evan Cordell

(1989 – 1993)

by Lane Johnson

(1963 – 1969)

by Mickey Widell

(1933 – 1945)

by Gracie Gerber

Cindy Johnson’s second-grade class created drawings of the 44 presidents in honor of Presidents Day

Bill Clinton

George W. Bush

(1993 – 2001)

by Madison St. Germain

(2001 – 2009)

by Luke Anderson

Barack Obama (2009 – present)

by Jada Hecht

Mrs. Johnson’s second-grade class will show off their drawings and give reports they have written about the presidents at a special Presidents Day program on Friday, Feb. 20, at 1:30 p.m. at the Grantsburg Elementary School.

(1945 – 1953)

by Alex Lee