Leader|jan 30|2008

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

Leader INTER-COUNTY

WEEKEND WATCH: • Jazz festival @ Shell Lake • Truck drag racing @ Balsam Lake • PTO Scrap-a-thon @ Frederic • Gun show @ Siren • Ice fishing contests @ Webb Lake and Balsam Lake • Highway facility tours @ Balsam Lake • See Coming events and stories

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

GAM board vice chair removed

$1

First frozen fish

Supervisor Gene Sollman, part of group filing lawsuit to stop sale of nursing home, cited as having conflict of interest PAGE 3

Harsdorf, Hraychuck lend an ear to Ice Age Trail concerns

Legislators address issues regarding Stewardship Fund monies; representation on state council PAGE 2

Minneapolis man acquitted of arson

Slow-moving case stemming from 2002 fire in Danbury resolved Page 6

No footprints

Mystery driver leaves no clues Page

I N S I D E SCFalls inventor’s idea on its way to Bangkok Back page

Memories keep Siren man’s spirit alive Currents feature

Tigers claw their way to the top!

SPORTS Front page

Maddie Amend caught the first fish she has ever pulled through the ice on Saturday, Jan. 26, during the fishing contest held on Coon Lake in Frederic. She held third place until the end of the day. More photos in Currents section– Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

Leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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

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

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

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

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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.

Harsdorf, Hraychuck hear out trail group

Legislators speak to concerns of local Ice Age Trail chapter

by Gary King ST. CROIX FALLS - Filling the auditorium at Interstate Park, where a plaque marks the western edge of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, local trail supporters gathered last Saturday to hear two state legislators speak on the importance of conservation.

State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and state Rep. Ann Hraychuck listened as much as they spoke Saturday, making the event - the first of its kind for the Indianhead Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Foundation – an educational experience.

“It was very productive,” said Cora Dversdahl, a 12-year member of the Indianhead Chapter who is currently president-elect of the National Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation.

“It was important we had Sheila and Ann there - I think they became more aware of what type of a group we are.”

Cora’s husband, Dean, who has been a leader in the local chapter for years, said he felt the legislators both did a good job in addressing the group and updating them on two key issues - the KnowlesNelson Stewardship Fund program and the status of AB 600, a proposed bill that addresses representation on the State Trail Council.

Dean said group members are naturally concerned over legislative battles over how much money should be allocated to the Nelson-Knowles Stewardship Fund.

Named after Gaylord Nelson and Warren Knowles, former governors and conservation leaders, the fund was established in 1989 to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The fund is critical to the Ice Age Trail Foundation, which has counted on the stewardship fund money to purchase segments of land or easements to allow the crossing of land.

Dean said in 2005 foundation money was used to purchased 23 miles of trail or land to put the trail across, but in the past two years there’s been only enough money allocated from the fund to purchase 3 and 4.7 miles, respectively.

“We asked the legislators to talk to the DNR to see why they aren’t purchasing more land and why we aren’t getting the same level of funding (as in 2005),” Dean stated. “They seem to be cutting back and some of us believe there’s a perception by DNR folks that the Ice Age Trail is against deer hunting - and we’re not.

That’s absolutely untrue.”

Some parts of the trail are closed for deer hunting.

The trail, which outlines the edge of the most recent glacial activity, offers a myriad of topography - from cliffs, potholes, highlands, jumbled stone and lakes. It’s literally a work in progress , with crews of volunteers continually maintaining and expanding the trail.

Hiking paths, bridges and other projects are always on the list of the approximately 3,500 members of the IAPTF, which works with local landowners and municipalities to procure easements.

For those who hike it, the trail offers education and recreation.

Dean says the ultimate goal is to acquire enough land to make the trail “complete,” but says it can be taken as a complete trail in its existing state. If you can’t hike on trails in the woods, you can go on roads.

“We’d like to have it all off road,” he said. “Right now it’s about 65 percent hiking (in the wilderness).”

Future of fund Both Sen. Hardorf and Rep. Hraychuck noted that a 10-year reauthorization of the Nelson-Knowles

The 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, winds through 30 of the state’s 72 counties, including parts of Polk and Burnett counties. It was established by an act of Congress in 1980, celebrating the legacy of the Ice Age and featuring diverse geological features. Below and left, a plaque in Interstate Park at St. Croix Falls marks the western edge of the trail. - Special photos

Harsdorf

Hraychuck

Stewardship Fund was recently approved by state legislators.

In her speech, Hraychuck noted that the area is fortunate to have stewardship funding for Crex Meadows, the Straight River property and the Simonson-Wurt property and to help protect the Ice Age Trail and glacial topography in Wisconsin.

“We had to fight for that,” she told the trail group. “The Assembly Republican budget dramaticaly slashed the Stewarship Fund - even in the bipartisan budget compromise, 29 Republicans voted against the compromise - fortunately, with the governor’s help we were able to extend the program to 2020.”

The allocation for the fund was raised from $65 million to $85 million, beginning in 2010, she noted.

Harsdorf said she was happy to be addressing the trail group and reiterated her support for the Stewardship Fund.

“Public interest and advocacy in protecting our recreational opportunities is critical for our growing communities,” she noted. “Wisconsin has excellent resources that can benefit our economy and environment if we manage them right. Ensuring we have trails for various users is part of this effort.”

Harsdorf said she was also encouraged by the recent 10-year reauthorization of the Stewardship Program, noting it “preserves green space while ensuring hunting and recreational opportunities for future generations.

“This program has broad bipartisan support and investment in it pays great dividend for our regional communities.”

AB 600 Dean noted the other issue is fairness in representation on the Governor’s State Trails Council.

Assembly Bill AB 600 has been introduced and forwarded to assembly committee on rural and economic development.

The bill, co-sponsored by Hraychuck, proposed to increase the present number of members from 9 to 11, and specifies that four members will always represent the “motorized groups” of ATVers, snowmobilers, off-highway, four-wheel drive vehicles and off-highway motorcycles.

Currently, no seats on the council are

designated for specific user groups. The bill was apparently designed to offset a perceived bias against motorized groups.

Hraychuck said in reviewing the bill and talking to many on both sides of the issue she’s not in favor of specific disciplines being on the committee.

“I would be in favor of labeling all of them or none of them,” she said. “The reason I signed on to the bill is because I’m a firm believer in fair representation for everyone. It’s really about fairness.”

But should the bill come up for a vote there are several amendments she would make to the proposal. She says being a co-sponsor of the bill puts her in a good position to amend it.

The bill hasn’t gone anywhere, however, she noted - and she doubts it will come up for a vote this session.

Hraychuck also agreed to let the DNR know that the Ice Age Trail could use more Stewardship Funds.

Huggett to be formally charged this week DANBURY – More than 10 days after the fatal shooting of John Peach, 29, Grantsburg, the alleged shooter has not been formally charged.

Kyle Huggett, 32, Danbury, fired two shots that hit Peach in the chest as he was entering Huggett’s home, apparently enraged by an exchange of text messages. Huggett claims that he fired in self-defense.

Burnett County District Attorney, Ken Kutz, says a charge will be filed this week. It is expected that Huggett will face a second-degree reckless homicide charge. The initial appearance most likely will be Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m.

Huggett has been released on a $50,000 signature bond.

A toxicology report on Peach’s body is expected late this week or early next week and is expected to determine what role, if any, alcohol may have played in the incident. – Sherill Summer

Briefly

Mother Nature did a bit of a Jeckyll and Hyde this week with temperatures nearing 40 degrees above on Monday and dipping to a windchill temperature of minus 40 by late Tuesday. Some area schools closed Tuesday due to icy road conditions and some opened two hours late on Wednesday due to dangerously cold temperatures.

••• BALSAM LAKE – Unity theater arts students are gearing up to present “Back to the 80s!”…the Totally Awesome musical!” by Neil Godding. Performances will be March 7, 8 and 9 at Unity High School’s auditorium. Mark your calendars. – with information from Unity Schools ••• EAU CLAIRE - John Menard, founder of the Menards store chain, has donated $15 million to help develop a new emergency services department for Luther Midelfort Hospital in Eau Claire and help the Mayo Clinic train helth professionals.

Menard, 68, has a net worth of $5.2 billion, according to Forbes magazine. He said his family has used services at both facilities many times over the years. “I’ve been in there for everything from cut fingers to more serious things,” he said. with information from St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department

Correction

In our story “Reckless homicide charged” in last week’s Leader, it should have stated that the man charged in the shooting, Kyle L. Huggett, was a trainer for the Danbury Fire Department, not the Webster Fire Department. We apologize for the error.

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

Accident claims life of rural Amery man BALDWIN – A 46-year-old rural Amery man lost his life last Friday, Jan. 25, when the car he was driving hit a semi-truck hauling propane.

Paul Thiel was driving a 1999 Olds Alero southbound on Hwy. 63 in the town of Baldwin in St. Croix County when he allegedly drifted over the centerline and collided with the truck, driven by Gary Hutter, 48, of Maiden Rock. The collision occurred just north of 110th Avenue at approximately 6 a.m.

Thiel was taken by ambulance to the Baldwin Area Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Hutter was treated and released from BAMC. Thiel was owner of the Trap Rock Inn at Dresser.

The accident remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff’s office and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amery. – with information from New Richmond News

Memorial service set for Marilyn Stower AMERY – A memorial service has been set for Marilyn Stower of Amery, who died Tuesday, Jan. 29, following a long battle with cancer.

The service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on North Keller Avenue in Amery.

Visitation has been set for Friday, Feb. 8, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Amery Congregational Church on North Harmon Avenue.

Stower is survived by her husband, Harvey, a former state representative and current mayor of Amery, their two daughters, and other family and friends.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements. A complete obituary will appear in next week’s Leader.

www.the-leader.net

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

GAM board vice chair removed

Residents and staff ask for communication; praise from consultant

by Gregg Westigard AMERY – The Golden Age Manor Governing Board met in Amery on Thursday, Jan. 24, two days after the Polk County Board voted to sell the county owned nursing home.

The meeting started upstairs in the resident lounge where the board listened to the concerns of nursing home residents and staff about their future.

The board next moved downstairs to a conference room to conduct its business including the removal of the board’s vice chair. The board also heard praise for the staff from a consulting service.

Upstairs “Give the residents the dignity to get their questions answered,” GAM employee Marion Posey told the board at the start of the meeting in the lounge. “These people have paid their taxes. They deserve an answer. Who do you think made this county?”

People from the community said they were upset that the sales process and the board discussion were held in private.

Amery attorney Brian Byrnes asked the board if they were aware that there is a moratorium on new nursing home beds. GAM board chair Gary Bergstrom, who is also a member of the finance committee that directed the sales process, said that they knew about the moratorium.

Questions about the details of the sale were met with the explanation that the GAM board was not involved in the sale and that all questions about the sale agreement must be answered by the buyers. That response drew some angry-sounding comments from the crowd.

After statements of praise for Golden Age Manor and a comment that the home is more important than a new highway facility, the upstairs portion of the meeting ended after one GAM resident said “We have a home here.”

Downstairs There was a much smaller group observing the board’s business meeting in the basement conference room.

The five board members, Bergstrom, Rodney Littlefield, Art Gamache, Fred Grimm and Eugene Sollman were present as well as the two county attorneys, county board chair Larry Jepsen,

Residents of Golden Age Manor attended the board meeting last week to learn about the future of their “home.” – Photo by Gregg Westigard GAM administrator Gary Taxdahl and members of his staff.

Taxdahl shared a letter he received from a firm, Specialized Medical Services, which had been hired to advise and assist in some staff training and assessment issues. SMS was at GAM one day in December and one in January.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with your staff,” the letter from SMS Senior Consultant Theresa Lang said. “I can not believe that your staff was able to accomplish such significant change with my assistance in two days. The cooperation and eagerness of the staff have made this possible. I do not believe in my 12 years with SMS that I can say that I have accomplished this much in this short a period of time.”

Sollman commented that this letter was in sharp contrast to comments Ecumen, a previous consultant, had made and showed that the staff wants to make improvements. He added that the training will help GAM gather more reimbursement revenue.

“We heard that the staff did not cooperate with Ecumen,” Sollman said. “They have had to live down critical comments. I continue to maintain that Ecumen was the guilty party.

“Ecumen made a mess in Osceola and was turned away in New Richmond. We need to show appreciation to our staff.”

That led to a discussion about the transition to the new owners and the need for a program for corporate transition. Grimm called on the county’s Human Relations Department to meet with the staff soon and regularly over the period until the new owners are set to assume management on April 1.

Gamache added that the staff can not be left dangling during this period.

Taxdahl reported on the large costs the home incurred in preparing and copying documents for the broker and buyer. Corporation Counsel Jeff Fuge said that the county Department of Administration should reimburse GAM for these expenses. The board then passed a motion calling on the county to pay all costs relating to the sale.

The board then discussed the roll of Sollman as vice chair of the committee.

Bergstrom said that Sollman should be removed from that position because he was part of the group taking court action to stop the GAM sale. This creates a conflict of interest for Sollman, Bergstrom said.

“I have no conflict of interest,” Sollman responded. “I signed on as a citizen. The chances of this sale continuing are less than 50/50.”

“Your commentary is a conflict of interest,” Fuge said. “Anymore discussion must have your attorney present.”

[Note: Sollman is identified in the complaint as “the Vice Chair of Golden Age Manor” who “has a direct interest in the proper, legal and responsible oversight of the operations at Golden Age Manor.”]

After legal advise that someone in a lawsuit against GAM should not chair the board meetings, the board voted to remove Sollman from his vice chair position and replaced him with Gamache.

After a discussion on possibly holding future board meetings in Balsam Lake to avoid the tensions of the meetings, the board set its next meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 21 in Amery.

S u b s c r i b e o n l i n e t o d a y @ w w w . t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

GAM sale goes to court

Action filed to reverse board action; case reassigned to Rusk County judge

by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – A complaint was filed in Polk County court early Wednesday morning, Jan. 23, to stop the sale of Golden Age Manor, the county-owned nursing home in Amery.

The Polk County Board had voted to sell the home the night before at a special meeting by a 12 to 11 vote.

The action, originally assigned to Polk County Circuit Judge Robert Rasmussen, was reassigned to Rusk County Circuit Judge Frederick Henderson on Monday, Jan. 28. He will

set a date for a hearing which will probably be heard in Polk County.

The complaint asks for a temporary injunction to prohibit the transfer of GAM while several issues are resolved.

Those issues, listed as causes of action, include the charges that the county board action was contrary to statutes and void, that the property was donated to the county for the purpose of building a home and can not be transferred, and that sale of the home would cause harm to the residents who are protected by statutes.

Attached to the seven-page complaint was a copy of the property transfer record from 1957. That record states that Annie M. Sylvester sold the GAM site to Polk County for $5,000. It also states that if the county did not start construction of a “county infirmary” within two years, the property would be transferred to the Amery Industrial Development Corporation.

The action was filed by three persons, Eugene Sollman, Marion Posey and Anne Nykreim. Sollman is identified as a county resident and the vice chairman of the Golden Age Manor Governing Committee. The suit says that in his board capacity he has a direct interest in the operations of GAM. Posey is identified as a county resident and an employee of the GAM and Polk County. Nykreim is identified as a county resident, a resident by choice of GAM and president of the GAM Resident’s Council.

The county has moved forward with the impending sale. The personnel committee met in closed session on Monday, Jan. 28, to start developing a bargaining strategy regarding the sale and related employee issues.

Representatives of the buyer group were said to be planning a visit to GAM on Tuesday, the 29th, to start meeting staff and residents.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Clayton village candidates discuss issues

Rescheduled caucus draws 36 residents

by Gregg Westigard CLAYTON – The village of Clayton held a nominating caucus Jan. 7 that drew a large crowd.

Ten persons were nominated for the three open trustee seats on the village council. Instead of holding an election to narrow the field of nominees to six names, it was stated that there would be a primary election and the residents went home.

It was then discovered that election laws say that the caucus must take all the steps to decide the six names for the

ballot. A new reconvened caucus was called for Jan. 17. The second caucus drew 36 people from the community.

The 10 nominees were voted on and the public selected six names including five challengers. Two of the three incumbents seeking re-election were defeated and will not be on the April 1 ballot. The trustee candidates are Charles Groehler, Shawn Schradle, Cindy Johnson, Jon Bartz, Tony Swanson and incumbent Scott Donath.

Defeated were incumbents Robert Carlson and Curtis Anderson.

The issues “Accountability is the issue,” Charles Groehler told the Leader. “We are running for a change in the village.”

Groehler said there is a general and growing discontent with the village government. He said that there is a difficulty getting information from the village. He added that there were some issues involving the volunteer fire department but the fire fighters accounted for possibly eight of the 36 residents at the second caucus.

“Questions are not answered by the village,” Cindy Johnson said. “People in the community don’t know what is going on.

Johnson, a school teacher, said she is concerned about a breakdown in communications and cited as an example, the fact that the second caucus was not advertised in the paper. She said phone calls turned the 36 out. Johnson said the

village needs updated technology.

“It happened, it came together,” Johnson said about the community turn out.“Democracy is a simple process,” Craig Benware told the Leader. “But a feeling of cynicism has been created.”

Benware said there is a feeling of secretiveness about the village government. He said it is very simple and very important to follow open meeting rules and have all village issues out in the open. Benware is not a candidate in this election but ran as a write-in for village president. He is a past county board member and sheriff. The Leader will do interviews with all the candidates before the April 1 election.

incident and was cooperative, according to the sheriff’s report.

Tr a c h t a allegedly tried to sexually solicit a L e R o y , M i n n . , teenager o n l i n e .

According to the com-

plaint, Trachta has been prohibited from having contact with the 15-year-old girl since he was served with a Mower County restraining order in early September. A Mower County sheriff’s deputy took a report Dec. 5 from the girl’s family members after they found seven online conversations between Trachta and the girl on her instant-message account on a family computer, the complaint states.

Trachta also allegedly sent a text message to the girl’s cell phone during the same period. The solicitation charges allege that Trachta used the Internet to talk with the girl about sexual conduct

on Dec. 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 5.

On Dec. 27, Trachta was sentenced in Mower District Court after pleading guilty to a felony count of terroristic threats for an Aug. 27 incident, records show. He was ordered to pay $982 in court fees, do 40 hours of community service and have up to five years of supervised probation.

Police secured as evidence his cell phone, a laptop and a second cell phone for evidence, according to the report. – Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Report and the Austin Post-Bulletin

The Red Cross set the goal for this drive at 70 units, and early on it was clear that the goal would be surpassed.

Throughout the blood drive the number of walk-ins was remarkable. Their support proved to be more than the Red Cross was ready for on that day. For many, the wait to donate was very long, as the waiting line often approached 20 people.

From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Red Cross was able to honor all appointments and were still working at the school to nearly 5 p.m. This drive at the school proved once again to be extremely successful in getting students, staff and community to participate. At this drive there were 30 first-time donors!

The first time donors lists included many Frederic students: Amy Jones, Aaron Hedlund, Cody Rowell, Kenny Fowler, Austin Boykin, Melanie Chenal, Corrie Pearce, Andrew Kurkowski, Trevor Giller, Sean Fox, Matt Alden, Nate Stackhouse, Christi Jensen, Tasha Campbell, Megan Anderson, Holly Stoner, Savanna Pearson, Bryan Meyer and Aftin Purcell. Ione K. Johnson was also a first-time donor from the commu-

nity. The Red Cross also brought along two apheresis machines to collect double red blood cell donations. Ray Gruel, Greg Heine, Kathy Lexen, Ethan Bergstrom, Darold Nelson, and firsttime donor Russell Fjorden made these donations. This process takes a lot longer than a normal donation and counts as double donation as the red blood cells are taken and an individual’s plasma, white blood cells, combined with saline, are given back to the donor.

The FHS Student Council extends gratitude to all the people who volunteered their time helped make this event possible. First and foremost, Larcom for

sharing his own personal battle with the students and community to help everyone see the significance of donating.

Also, all those who took the time to donate.

Others making the event possible were Dorothea Jensen and Marie Weinzierl, of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary; Ju Schaffer, Merry Berdal, Anna Runnels, the FHS Food Services; Ray Draxler, Kirk Miller and Duane Krueger; The Leader and to all the local businesses that gladly welcomed their blood drive posters. - submitted

Local man arrested on Minnesota warrants

POLK COUNTY - A 20-year-old rural Frederic man is scheduled to be extradicted to Mower County, Minn., to face several felony charges, including three felony counts of Internet or computer solicitation of a child.

Justin Paul Trachta was arrested Jan. 25 at his parents’ home in rural Frederic.

According to a Polk County Sheriff’s incident report, Trachta was wanted on 13 felony extraditable warrants from Mower County which included 10 counts of violating a harassment restraining order for someone under age 18.

He was taken into custody without

Justin P. Trachta

FHS blood drive a big success in honor of their teacher

84 Units for Larcom

FREDERIC - On Monday, Jan. 28, the Frederic High School Student Council hosted the American Red Cross Bloodmobile for the fourth consecutive year.

The Red Cross arrived shortly after 8:30 a.m., and the donors were already presenting to give half an hour before the 9:30 a.m. start. For many that attended, they were there to support Jeff Larcom.

His story was shared with the Leader audience and students, and it helped many to see the significance of donating. Larcom was recently been diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. CIPD is caused by damage to the sheath that protects the peripheral nerves. It is very closely related to Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Its treatment has required Larcom to undergo days of treatment that involve transfusions where hemoglobin and plasma are required from thousands of donors to make up a single treatment.

Bene t set for Gloria Richter MILLTOWN–A benefit for Gloria Richter, Luck, will be held at the Milltown Community Center on Friday, Feb. 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Gloria Richter is an employee of Bishop in Balsam Lake. She drives truck for the company and is losing her eyesight. The benefit is to help her get surgery, so she does not lose her job and income for her family.

The surgery will prevent her from going blind. The benefit will feature a spaghetti dinner, silent auction and music. Tickets for the spaghetti dinner are $8 for adults and $5 for children 11 and under.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to add to the silent auction items or for more information on the benefit, call 715-825-2258. –submitted

Working poor in state equals size of Milwaukee

by Gil Halsted Wisconsin Public Radio MADISON - If Wisconsin’s working poor all lived in the same city, it would be larger than the city of Milwaukee.

Brian Sloan is one of Wisconsin’s working poor. He uses the Hospitality House on Madison’s east side, one of several walk-in referral centers for the city’s homeless and underemployed.

He says he makes $6.25 an hour, and he says he pays $300 a month in child support. He says he does try to make use of the resources around town like the food pantry, and he says he’s been opting to stay in a shelter rather than a hotel until he can get a place.

After his divorce forced him to leave Seattle, Sloan came to Madison to start over. He stops at the Hospitality House daily for a meal and to pick up bus passes he needs to get back and forth to his part-time job at Madison

W i s c o n s i n ’s Wo r k i n g P o o r Newspapers. A few days after this interview, Sloan began his training to be a Madison bus driver, ending a twoyear stretch of low-paid work and periods of homelessness. He says the food and financial support at the Hospitality House helped him get back on his feet.

But, others are still struggling to make it.

In the back room of the Hospitality House, about 15 men and women sit watching TV and wait to use the computer to look for jobs. They’re among the more than 150,000 people in the state who have a job, but are still holding on to the social safety net and trying not to fall through.

One of them is Willy Johnson. He says he’s having a hard time finding a full-time job because he had a few

brushes with the law when he was younger. He says it’s now coming back to haunt him. Johnson has a temporary job at a local factory putting incense candles in glass holders and packing them up for shipping, but he rarely gets 40 hours a week through the temp agency, and isn’t making enough to pay his share of the rent in an apartment he’s sharing with two friends. He says he knows he has to “bring more to the table,” and if he doesn’t, he says he’ll be back in a shelter. Johnson is worried he might end up in jail instead of the shelter because he has some outstanding fines for driving without a license.

He says he can’t pay them and says he’ll probably end sitting it out in jail.

He says he knows that he should have a driver’s license but he says “you gotta

get to work.”

Social worker Marilyn Feil spends a lot of time trying to help her clients overcome the transportation obstacle at the Madison office of Joining Forces for Families. She says it’s mostly hit or miss most of the time. She says the city of Madison is providing some funding right now for bus tickets for people who are going to work, but it’s on a limited basis. She says sometimes those transitioning off of W2 can get some transportation help, but it’s never enough. She says before someone gets their first paycheck, it’s really hard to get to work if they don’t have money.

Feil says there’s a frustrating “catch22” in the work she does. She pushes her clients to get work, and when they do, they still don’t have enough money to make ends meet.

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Webster Village considering public fire protection options

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER – The Webster Village trustees met in a special session on Wednesday, Jan. 23, to consider options in collecting the Public Service Commissionrequired public fire protection, PFP. The PFP fee recovers costs related to fighting fires in a municipality, including a portions of the wells, pumps, water tower, water mains and fire hydrants.

The village must collect slightly over $40,000 for PFP fees in 2008.

Prior to 1988, all PFP fees in Wisconsin were collected through the tax levy. Since then, other options for collecting the fee became available. With these options, all or part of the fee is collected on the water bill. Over a quarter of all Wisconsin municipalities now use one of these options.

The Webster Village Trustees also chose to collect the PFP fee through the water bill, finalizing the change during the regular November meeting.

The main advantage of including the PFP fee in the water bill instead of the levy is that tax exempt properties share the PFP cost. Out of Webster Village’s 594 parcels of land, 127 are tax exempt. Webster School, the DNR station, five churches, low-income apartments, electrical substation, library and community center are examples of tax-exempt structures in the village that did not pay any PFP fees when the fee was collected in the levy.

Since the village trustees wanted to spread the fee to all parcels in the village, all were charged with a PFP fee, whether the parcel had a structure on it or not.

There are homes in the village that are not connected to village water and would not share the cost unless

the cost was included on all non(water)customer parcels. The majority of the 218 noncustomer parcels are empty lots, however.

Most residents will be charged $58.60 each year, or $14.65 each quarterly water bill. There are a few residents, however, who have multiple lots and will be charged $58.60 for each, often empty lot. It is because some residents had their PFP share increase dramatically that the village trustees are considering their Fire hydrants in the village options again. are paid through a public fire The village clerk, protection fee that will appear Janice Miller, was on village water bills in April. – instructed to find Photo by Sherill Summer out what the rates would be if only a portion of the PFP fee was collected in the water bill.

Questioning a rate engineer with the PSC, Vishwa

Kashyap, has revealed that there are additional methods of dividing up the PFP charge among residents that would not simply charge a flat fee of $58.60 to most residents and lots in the village. For example, the PFP rate can be based on the property value, similar to the levy collection, except that the charge would still be included on the water bill, and non-profits would still contribute.

Another method would be to use the square feet of improvements, which would possibly bypass empty lots.

Another method would be to use fire insurance rating criteria.

Still other methods combine the above methods with the village’s existing method.

These additional methods would solve problems with the current method; however, village clerk Janice Miller points out that it may be difficult to access data needed with the other methods. For example, property values are not assessed for tax-exempt properties. It might be difficult to assign a value to these properties Still, the village trustees are considering their options. The matter will likely be brought up again at the regular February meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

One thing that should be noted is that the collected money from the water bill does not enter the village’s general fund and is not subject to levy limits. The village trustees so far have chosen not to lower the levy rate by $40,000, but to use this money for other village expenses instead.

The quarterly change will first appear in the April water bill.

School board hires three permanent SAGE teachers and head baseball coach

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – In open session following closed-session discussion Monday, Jan. 28, the Siren School Board approved the hiring of three permanent SAGE teachers, Shelly Vergin, Robert Blithe and Kathy Koball. At the same time, the board approved the hiring of Gregg Sears as the new varsity boys baseball head coach. An assistant coach will be hired in the near future.

In his legislative report, district administrator Scott Johnson warned that budget cuts at the state level may be coming as Gov. Doyle responds to a shortfall in state revenue and a slump in the state economy. This could possibly affect the amount of state aid that is available to schools. “The governor is tightening the belt at the state level,” Johnson said.

Johnson told the board that standards are being established for virtual schools to make them worthy of the same level of funding available to regular schools.

By legislative compromise, supported Siren Principal Joe Zirngible (L) looked on as school board member Dave McGrane signed a grant application for C o m m u n i t y Learning Center funding.

The school board, at its Jan. 28 meeting, approved the grant submission.

Without the grant, which would pay for student transportation, the district may not be able to offer summer school. The grant would also cover offering the program before school and after school, and must be filed by the end of January.

– Photo by Nancy Jappe

by both houses, accountability for virtual schools is being established and is expected to be on the governor’s desk by mid-March.

This accountability includes having the same hours of instruction, teachers who are certified, licensed people who are developing lesson plans, records that are subject to the open-records law and enforcement of truancy. “These actions will assure that virtual schools meet the same criteria as basic schools,” Johnson said.

The school board supported application for funding for the Community Learning Center, which provides programming before and after school and during the summer. The grant, if received, will extend funding beyond the end of the current school year. It will provide $75,000 in the first year, and $50,000 in the two following years.

A team of teachers recommended that the board apply for the grant. “It is important to go after the grant money to sustain summer school,” Johnson com-

mented. “The SAGE fund will still support K-3 summer school, but I don’t know what will happen if the transportation component isn’t there.”

Board action at the meeting included: Acceptance of the second reading for policies on Title I Parent Involvement and Baseball Player Participation.

Acceptance of the shared services contract with CESA 11, with the exception of No. 669 which covers Northern Lights Internet Service. Agreement to replace the old John Deere tractor with a new Holland tractor from Baribeau Implement Company, St. Croix, Falls.

Acceptance of a donation of $1,327 that will allow students in early childhood

through grade six to purchase a book during the book fair in the spring. “The Lions are always very happy to support reading at Siren School,” said Diane Lund who presented the check to Principal Jason Wilhelm.

The school board meeting schedule for February is as follows: Tuesday, Feb. 19 – Personnel and Negotiations at 3 p.m., Certified Staff Negotiations at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 – Budget and Finance at 4:30 p.m.; Building, Grounds and Transportation at 6 p.m.; and Policy, Planning and Curriculum at 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 25 – Regular monthly school board meeting.

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Minneapolis man acquitted of arson

by Sherill Summer BURNETT COUNTY - Chaz F. Toler, 24, of Minneapolis, was acquitted of an arson charge after a jury found him not guilty on Friday, Jan. 14. The trial was held in the Burnett County Courtroom in front of Judge Michael Gableman.

The charges stem from a suspicious fire at the Trading Post Pawn Shop in Danbury on July 25, 2002.

Danbury Fire Department extinguished the fire and called in special investigators the following day. It was eventually determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Toler was soon a suspect in the fire. He was consid-

ered to have motive to set the fire and was seen at the Trading Post Pawn Shop 15 to 20 minutes before the fire was first reported.

Burnett County District Attorney Ken Kutz calls arson charges notoriously difficult to convict because there is almost never an eyewitness to a fire being set, so the prosecution must rely on circumstantial evidence.

This case followed suit. There was no eyewitness to the fire being set, so 12 witnesses described circumstantial evidence pointing to Toler committing the arson during the two-day trial. In the end, it was not enough to convince the jury beyond a reasonable

doubt that Toler did, in fact, set the fire.

This case took an unusually long time to work its way through the court system. Kutz explained that some of the delay was caused by the ongoing investigation that continued for more than two years before the prosecution decided continuing the investigation was not likely to uncover more evidence and formal charges against Toler were filed. Even after formal charges were filed, delays continued, most recently when the trial dates were scheduled but delayed in April of 2007 and in August 2007 before the scheduled trial this January.

by Nancy Jappe FREDERIC – Charles F. Peterson, Burnett County Board supervisor and chairman of the town of Anderson, took his last breath Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, at the Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. His papers for re-election to the county board in April had been filed with county clerk Wanda Hinrichs.

According to Hinrichs, Peterson was very passionate about his government work. Even though his brother-in-law had to file the required re-election papers, Peterson saw this as a way to get himself to feeling better. He had every intention of being in his assigned seat to continue representing the people of District 4, town of Anderson, Ward 2 of the town of Grantsburg and Ward 2 of the town of Trade Lake, as he had done since 1998.

Because Peterson’s name was the only name on the ballot for District 4 in the upcoming election, the position can only be filled by write-in. Anyone wishing to be considered as a write-in needs to file with the county clerk as soon as possible.

Peterson had been chairman of the county’s land

and water conservation committee and a member of the agriculture/extension committee.

Hinrichs and Burnett UW-Extension County Family Living Agent/ Department Head Marilyn Kooiker visited Peterson in Frederic after work Wednesday, Jan. 16. “His spirit and his attitude were Charles F. Peterson so light-hearted,” Hinrichs commented. “Even when he was in horrible pain, he still managed a grin and his chuckle/laugh when he was trying to talk.”

Hinrichs described Peterson as a very religious man and one whose government, board and charity work were his life. He was very fond of all nonprofits and very supportive of community organizations. His family indicated that donations to any nonprofit community organization would be fitting memorials to

Peterson. One in particular, the Pillsbury Christian Radio Station in the Twin Cities, was a special favorite of Peterson’s, a station he listened to faithfully.

“He was a member of the agriculture/extension committee since he came on the (county) board,” Kooiker said, adding that Peterson was a valuable member of the committee. “His expertise in agriculture will be missed. He was a strong supporter of UWExtension and county programming.”

Peterson recognized both Hinrichs and Kooiker and talked brief with them during their visit in Frederic.

His only daughter was with him at the time. “I felt it would be my last visit with him,” Kooiker commented sadly. Hinrichs agreed.

“I was not on any committee with him, but he will be sorely missed from that area of the county,” said another county board member, Chris Sybers. “He served a great time with the county board. He had a lot of expertise in agriculture and farming. That type of expertise is not easily replaced. My thoughts and feelings go out to the family.”

County board seat is vacant due to death of supervisor

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

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Counties must set elected officials salaries Pay locked in for four-year terms

by Gregg Westigard BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – How does an employer set an employee’s salary, in advance, for the next four years?

County governments are looking at that issue as they start the process of determining the compensation for some of the counties elected officials.

The job is more difficult this year because, for the first time, all the officials will be serving four-year terms but those terms do not start at the same time. Burnett and Polk counties, along with the other 70 counties in the state, set the annual salaries for the sheriff, clerk of court, county clerk, treasurer and register of deeds. District attorneys are also elected but their salaries are set by the state.

The salaries can not be changed during the term of office and must be set before the start of the election period for that office. That election period starts with the opening of filings in June, so salaries must be set by the county board no later than the May meeting. The salaries established this spring go into effect with the start of the new terms of office next January.

And since the terms will all be four years following the fall elections, the counties must decide now how much to pay people in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

But it is more complicated than that.

The sheriffs and clerks of court started their four-year terms in 2007 and their salaries are already determined through 2010. Those salaries cannot be changed for two years.

Two percent or 3 percent In Polk County, the options come down to following the decision made in 2006 increasing the clerk of court salary by 2 percent, or the decision made last fall to increase the salaries of all hired department heads by 3 percent to match the wage increases of union-represented employees.

A 2-percent increase would mean that the elected department heads would receive lower annual wage increases than the other department heads. A 3percent increase would mean that the county clerk, treasurer, and register of deeds would be paid more than the clerk of court. The Polk County Sheriff was given a 4-percent annual salary increase in 2006 to try to bring his pay closer to that of the chief deputy, a salaried position. Even with that larger increase, the 2008 salary for the sheriff is $72,670 while the chief deputy has a base salary of over $77,000.

Polk County Personnel The Committee will be looking at the choices over the coming months and will pass a recommendation on to the county board. That board must adopt the annual salaries through 2012 for the three elected officials by May.

2008 salaries for elected officials in Polk County POLK COUNTY – The salaries of elected officials are determined before the start of the officials terms and cannot be changed during the term of office. The state sets and pays the salary of the district attorney and circuit court judge. The county sets the salary of the other five officials.

Circuit court judge $122,297/year District attorney/Polk County $99,742 DA salaries based on county population District attorney/Burnett County $88,912 Polk County sheriff $72,670 Polk County clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, clerk of court $49,940 Notes: All circuit court judges receive the same pay, district attorneys for counties with less than 35,000 residents (Burnett County) are paid less than counties with more residents (Polk).

Candidate register for state senate seat Alison Page to challenge Sheila Harsdorf

by Gregg Westigard WESTERN WISCONSIN – Alison Page has filed a campaign register statement with the Wisconsin Election Board, announcing her intention to run as a Democrat for the 10th State Senate District seat held by Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, a Republican. The seat will be on the November ballot.

Page, a River Falls resident, has not yet made a formal announcement of her candidacy. She told the Leader in a

phone interview that she is a health care administrator with Fairview Health Services, a Minnesota-based medical care provider. She is currently the chief safety officer for the company.

Page has had public service experience as a member of the River Falls School Board from 1985 to 2002, including 10 years as the board chair. She said she has lived in Wisconsin all her life.

The 10th Senate District reaches from southern Burnett County to Pierce County and includes most of Polk and all of St. Croix counties, plus parts of Pierce and Dunn Counties. Harsdorf has held the seat since 2001. Prior to that, she served in the Assembly for four terms.

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

L e a d e r We b Po l l

Last week’s poll results

Total votes: 141

Are we headed for a recession?

43% 21% 37%

If I get a government rebate check, I will:

1. Pay off bills Put it in savings 2.

60 votes Yes 3. Spend some, save 29 votes No, the economy will bounce back some 4. Buy food/clothing 52 votes I’m already there 5. I don’t really need it

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

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M Editor’s NOTEBOOK GAM story won’t quit

s we were going to press last week one of our biggest stories was the oneA vote margin in a vote by Polk County supervisors to sell the nursing

home the county has owned for decades - Golden Age Manor.

The story evolved as we put the Leader to bed.

An injunction against the sale was filed, placing the story basically back at square one. With a twist. That update went on our Web site.

The story continued to evolve when we discovered one of the county board members decided to change – or was persuaded to change – her vote on the sale of GAM and attempted to round up enough support to call a special meeting to revote on the issue.

Yet another supervisor, who might have lent his signature and/or support to the cause - literally skipped the country - on a planned vacation. One version of the story had him taking the petition with him.

This past week one of the petitioners in the lawsuit - a supervisor who serves as vice chair of the GAM board - was stripped of that position due to conflict of interest.

What an emotional, perhaps even volatile issue this has been. Jobs possibly at stake. Some say our credence as a caring community is also at stake if we could allow a taxpayer-owned nursing home to fall into private ownership, with all its unknown variables.

Arguments on both sides of the issue of whether to keep or sell the nursing home have merit but dollar figures won out. Not by a landslide vote, but in the end, it was the potential for losing more money that likely swayed the vote in favor of unloading what has become somewhat of an institution, known for outstanding care of our elderly.

The “why” it was sold isn’t difficult for most people to understand, even if they argued against it. But the “how” has raised a few eyebrows.

Why didn’t the public know who the interested parties were as the county entered into negotiations? Was there another entity that might have purchased the home – one more palatable to those in the community and to GAM workers?

It was quite different in Manitowoc County recently where supervisors were faced with selling its nursing home - and bidders were listed in the newspaper and offers discussed in open session.

In fact, Rice Partnerships of Appleton, the company Polk County entered into an agreement with to purchase the 114-bed Golden Age Manor, was in the bidding for the Manitowoc 150-bed nursing home. Rice offered $7 million, but Manitowoc County Board Chair Bob Ziegelbauer recommended the county accept the lower $6 million offer from a Minneapolis-based group.

His reasoning? The Minneapolis company offered a “safety net accountability board” consisting of community members with expertise in appropriate areas relating to the care of indigent patients. The deal would call for the board to report its findings to the board of supervisors on a regular basis - and the company has promised to meet its responsibility to safety net patients by guaranteeing payments to the county of $1.5 million over a 10-year period if it fails to do so.

An interesting concept.

In Polk County’s situation - which will play out in the following months it’s unknown at this time what’s going to happen.

The GAM drama continues to be an evolving story, just when most thought the final paragraph had been written. And it could be just a few more sentences will suffice.

But what a story it’s been - and continues to be.

You say you want a...what?

erhaps in our lifetime we will see a presidential election that doesn’t get P mired down in rhetoric.

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Candidates who will spell out their game plan in detail and tell us, realistically, what we can expect when they take office, rather than a hailstorm of chants and promises of “Change!” If you’re old enough, you know where this message is headed, or perhaps where it’s already arrived.

And one of the more pathetic pitfalls again this time around is the whine about how nasty campaigns have become. As if this election is the first to see half-truths, stinging accusations and childish raspberries amidst the over-analyzed passion of the campaign.

This is America and this is American politics, which has never involved sending out a white, engraved invitation to afternoon tea on the porch. Roll up your sleeves, land some punches. Tell voters why you’re better than your opponent and expose every character flaw in public while you can. May the cleanest man or woman win. And hopefully survival relies on ideals, ideas and honesty.

But promises?

Sadly, we can’t seem to nourish anything outside of our two-party system which continues to have some strange stranglehold over our country. That alone, tells us how much we, as Americans, just aren’t willing to gamble or step outside the box.

So the chants for revolution seem a bit hollow.

Next January there’s likely to be some truth in the lyrics, “Meet your new boss...same as the old boss.”

Millions are hoping they’ll elect a new boss that isn’t the same.

And depending on to what degree you measure change - they may succeed on an issue or two.

Everybody needs hope.

But meaningful and lasting change?

Haven’t we been promised that before?

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

T h e

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

All editorials on this page by editor Gary King

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JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

Freedom of choice This is in response to the letter submitted

by Phil Olson of Oakdale, Minn.

Mr. Olson, Your letter to the editor pertaining to the anti-smoking vote left many gaps.

You make specific statements such as “smokers proclaim that their God-given right/liberty to smoke will be taken away,” and “nothing is farther from the truth.” You further stated that “smokers that enjoyed going out to bars and restaurants will have two choices: continue to go out and deal with the smoking ban or stay home.”

It is more than clear that you are a nonsmoker from Minnesota and that is your “God given right.” No problem.

What you fail to realize is that the bars and restaurants you speak of are privately owned businesses located on privately owned property. You see, the real issue here is not about the smokers’ or nonsmokers’ rights, it’s about the private businessowners’ rights. The government does not own those businesses or property and has no right to decide for the businessowners what is best for them or their customers.

What will be next? The current estimate of obese Americans stands at 66 percent. Should the government mandate an annual physical on these folks and, until they pass, should they be restricted to certain menu choices or as you say “stay home?” Should the government mandate that you, Mr. Olson, be restricted from driving your vehicle from Minnesota to Wisconsin as these pleasure miles you are driving directly add unnecessary pollution to our air? In many of our opinions the answer to all of the above is no.

The businessowners should have the right to choose the manner in which they operate. Case and point: Adventures restaurant/bar and the Pour House restaurant/bar are both located in Siren. One is nonsmoking, the other allows smoking. Both are doing very well without a government mandated smoking ban. Why is this?

Simple. The businessowners and the private citizens are free to make the choice that is right for them.

As you say though, there is no “doom and gloom” for you, sir. The good folks

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

of Wisconsin offer you the same choices as you offer us. Continue to enjoy Wisconsin’s restaurants and bars as they are or stay home!

Dave Bertuleit Siren

Take care of your pets This letter is for you pet owners who like their pets while their cute and cuddly – then you tire of them.

Stop dropping them off out in the country for others to take care of. The only reason you do this is because you’re a coward an can’t deal with destroying them yourself or maybe you ease your conscious by thinking others will take care of them.

Well, guess again.

We have our own pets. We don’t need someone else’s problem. What would you do if it were you getting all of these unwanted pets in your yard?

Also, ask yourself if you can: Afford to have it spayed or neutered Afford to take it to the vet for shots or sickness Afford to feed it.

If you answered no to any of these you don’t need a pet. It’ll just end up being someone else’s problem, because you don’t have the backbone to take care of it yourself.

Donna Johnson Webster

Writer’s strike The writer’s strike in Hollywood is obviously having an impact on the writers in Wisconsin.

The last several weeks I’ve opened The Leader and there were no writings from Messrs. Ayers, Blake and Rued.

Not unlike Hollywood, we’re reading [watching] alternative programming.

Perhaps they’re in a warmer climate picketing.

Woody Minar Dresser

More letters, next page

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Helping out

Sharing a little of my story in hopes of helping someone.

I have been a Type I diabetic on insulin for 39 years, and for the last decade have been using an insulin pump. My medical provider decided that they would provide me with a different brand of insulin pump.

As a result, I have insulin pump supplies that I can not use, can not be returned nor will any medical facility accept them for liability issues. These supplies are new, in the sealed packages that they came in. As anyone using a pump will know, these supplies are fairly expensive to buy, and I will gladly give them to someone who can use them rather than putting them in the trash.

These supplies are for the Disetronic Insulin Pump. If you know of anyone that could use these supplies I can be reached at 715-327-4337 or 651-4592918, leave a voice mail, or e-mail at lmoe47@gmail.com Leon Moe Luck

Old Tom is spinning On Jan. 22, 2008, at 3:07 p.m., I sent an e-mail to Larry Jepsen, Polk County Board chair, and asked him what county or state law or statute allowed the board to legally borrow money to balance the budget. As of today, Jan. 29, 2008, I have not received a reply. I realize that Mr. Jepsen is probably a very busy man, and perhaps he does not read his e-mails on a regular basis.

Perhaps he is looking for the answer to my question. I sincerely hope that he will reply to my inquiry. His e-mail address is larry.jepsen@co.polk.wi.us if anyone has questions regarding the actions of the Polk County Board.

We are now faced with yet another tax issue in Polk County. That being the referendum on the new highway facility.

This is a request for $10,000,000 (plus interest, don’t forget). Please also note that this is a nonbinding referendum, which means that our fiscally irresponsible board can ignore the electorate and go ahead with this debacle, nothing is too good for our trucks. Vote no on Feb. 19, and send a message to our elected

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table at the restaurant. It took quite a while to 1) discover the glasses were missing, and 2) find a place to turn around and and only brother died within go back to get them.

36 hours of each other. Their All the way back, the husjoint funeral was held on one band fussed, complained and of January’s coldest days. The scolded his wife for forgetting only relief for the family that the glasses. The more he year was that neither knew the fussed, the more angry he other had died. That year there became. Finally they arrived wasn’t much lightness in my Nancy back at the restaurant. As the family’s life.

Jappe wife got out of the car, her husWe all know that death is an band, called the “old geezer,” unavoidable part of life, regardless of how much we wish it was- yelled, “While you’re there, you might n’t. So is joy, just as is the light that as well get my hat and the credit card.”

One of the stories Phyllis Kopecky always comes after the darkness. That’s where jokes and lighthearted shared related about her husband, Howard, stories can save the day. Memories of who recently died at his Siren home, fun times spent with loved ones now involved the time the couple was trying gone, silly little things that happen to decide how to add bedrooms to their every day, being on the lookout for small cabin to accommodate their four children. The two had decidedly differmood-breaking humor is so important.

My 88-year-old Uncle Stuart is a great ent opinions, and Howard favored distributor of humorous e-mails. His adding a bedroom on the main floor, to latest, titled “This is too close to home,” the north of the kitchen.

Phyllis held out for turning that area was about an older lady who, while traveling by car with her husband, into a porch. Howard said no. One day, unknowingly left her glasses on the after Howard had gone off, Phyllis slyly

Humor lightens heavy loads

’m not a joking type of person, but sometimes I’d really like to be one.

Times like now when, to use some oft-spoken words, “people are dying like flies.” It’s that time of year– after the holidays – a lull time when people just seem to be slipping away. So many, so quickly.

According to the figure cited by my local funeral director last week, 23 so far this month alone. That number, compared to only a few during the last three months of 2007.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not minimizing the loss of so many dear people, friends, neighbors and community leaders. But, the days are cold, football is over and baseball not yet started. The writer’s strike has been affecting TV programming. The days are still short, although daylight has begun to stick around longer and longer each day.

Unless you’re careful and on the lookout for things to do, boredom and lackluster begin to set in.

Seven years ago this week, my father

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

officials that the people of Polk County are fed up with their tax-and-spend methodology.

This is a quote from Thomas Jefferson: “If we run into such debts as that we must be taxed in our meat and in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and our amusements, for our callings and our creeds,…our people,…must come to labor 16 hours in the 24, and give the earnings of 15 of these to the government for their debts and daily expenses; And the sixteenth being insufficient to afford us bread, we must live,…on oatmeal and potatoes, have no time to think, no means of calling the mismanagers to account; but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains around the neck of our fellow sufferers; And this is the tendency of all human government. A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for a second, that second for a third, and so on ‘til the bulk of the society is reduced to mere automations of misery, to have no sensibilities left but for sinning and suffering…And the forehorse of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression.”

Old Tom is probably spinning in his grave.

Kathleen Coughlin, Frederic Editors note – For the record, the Feb. 19 referendum on the proposed highway campus is a binding referendum, according to county board records.

Letters to the editor

The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less. Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number.

Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments regarding a group’s or individual’s ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race; other incendiary language, poetry or personal attacks.

asked the builder if he could put up a porch before Howard got home from work. The builder said he could, and he did. Howard was so mad about this that for about two years he refused to go out of the house through the porch-side door. Then something happened one day, Howard went out the door and all was well again.

One his last day on earth, Howard continued cheering people up, making the best of his dire situation to lighten the load of burden other people were carrying.

Ray Growt, another one of the recently deceased, spent time as a clown, using his quick wit and droll manner to provoke laughter among people, particularly among the children.

Doing silly things like that and remembering light times in the past help to cheer the mood as we wait for the days of warm sunshine, balmy nights and, hopefully, a lessening of sadness, at least for awhile.

n e w s p a p e r

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Misleading information At the Polk County Board meeting of Jan. 22, we got to listen to an hour of public comments about various aspects of nursing home care and Golden Age Manor.

While most of the comments were from well-intentioned people expressing a fear of the unknown if Golden Age Manor was to be sold, much of the information was misleading and false. Gene Sollman suggested that GAM would generate a net profit this year.

That remains to be seen, but what he neglected to say was that in 2007 for the first time in the six years that I have been on the county board, the county levied dollars for GAM to offset anticipated operating losses. In the past, the losses were determined by the outside auditors, and the value of the loss was transferred from the county’s undesignated funds to cover those losses after the fiscal year was concluded, and the exact amount of those losses could be determined. This is the first time we have levied dollars for anticipated losses. Mr. Sollman “forgot” to mention that in his comments.

We were also told that private ownership might reduce services. However, the budget adopted by the county board this past November eliminated a part-time beautician and a full-time activities director from the GAM staff. That which people fear from private ownership is already a fact under county ownership.

AFSCME members expressed concern that their wages and fringes would be cut under private ownership. Yet Supervisor Newville announced that in the few weeks that he was a private citizen, but with full knowledge that he would be returning to the county board, (he’s running unopposed) he has taken it upon himself to reopen negotiations with the union employees of GAM and they are now willing—according to Newville—to accept reductions in their wages and/or benefits in order to keep ownership of GAM under the county’s umbrella of operations. That may have come as quite a surprise to the union.

Clearly Mr. Newville can do what he wishes as a private citizen, but to brag of his effort to reopen negotiations with the union after having been sworn in as a county board supervisor certainly defies the spirit, if not the letter, of the unfair labor practices rules. Those who fear reductions of salary and benefits under private ownership are being asked to consider those very same options if the ownership stays with the county.

Supervisor Stoneking offered the opinion that the future of GAM under county ownership was now bright. She suggested that GAM had turned the corner and done what they had been asked to do. I fail to see how reducing staff and eliminating comfort services to residents, asking employees to take wage and benefit reductions, and continuing to levy ever increasing amounts of tax dollars to offset growing operational losses can be seen as evidence of a bright future for GAM under county ownership.

If those who are determined to block the sale of GAM are successful, future boards will eventually be faced with unacceptable operating losses. If they are blocked from selling the facility they will have no other option than to consider GAM’s closure. It would be a tragic irony if those who feel they are acting in the best interest of the residents are successful in blocking the sale of GAM and would, by their own words and actions, bring about that which they fear the most—the closure of GAM. Robert A. Blake Frederic

We exist...at tax time It’s the time we get recognized by southern Wisconsin as part of the state. Take a look at our state map, like I recently did, and notice all the pictures for recreational sights and where they’re located.

Have I been wrong all these years? I thought northern Wisconsin was where everybody headed to ski, snowmobile, hunt, fish, etc. Isn’t Hayward the musky

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r capital of the world? Even Al Capone came up to the north woods and built a hideout, which is still a tourist attraction.

Everyone likes to head up to Superior or the north shore. Our fall colors are magnificent. Who doesn’t enjoy Lake Pepin or the St. Croix and the Namekagon rivers, the Madeline Island or the many horse camps and trails to ride.

The list goes on and on, and last but not least, we are the third highest in the state for property taxes and can also claim to being the third highest in the nation. Wow, what a nice title to have! Isn’t it nice to get all those services … nice new school, nice new jail in Polk County? The politicians are willing to give us at our expense.

Maybe we should all write the good ole governor and thank him for abuse of the partial veto, which has led to a $427 million hole in the state’s transportation fund as well as doubling the allowable property tax increase. Take another look at the state map and all the advertising we all pay for, but most of all, be sure to thank him for recognizing us at the tax time.

Have you ever noticed everything of any importance that is proposed to be in Wisconsin or any event of national importance or like our state capital and Wisconsin state fair; the list goes on and on, but the whole state ends up sponsoring it and has to travel down south to attend almost all state’s events. This has irritated me for years, and when I represent the St. Croix Valley Angus Association at the Wisconsin Angus meetings, they are down south of course.

Let me back up a little prior to all this, my wife and I are owners of Kurtz Angus Farm that donated the first Angus heifer that had ever been donated by anyone in the state to raise funds for the upcoming National Junior Angus show held in Milwaukee. Of course, they mentioned that in the Angus journal. Then, when Wisconsin had their second national show, we donated a second heifer that they didn’t even mention in the Wisconsin newsletter. To this day, I think we are the only ones to donate two heifers. For years, we drove down to Madison or Lancaster and purchased Angus breeding stock, even hosted a state Angus field day here, very few people ever came here, and they always said come on down to our sale. To that I would reply it’s not any further to come up to my place.

Now getting back to attending those state meetings, they were discussing having a World Beef Expo in Wisconsin, and I was pushing to have it in a more central location here. As you may have guessed, it’s held in Milwaukee. That’s when I told them that they perceive us as a bunch of jackpine savages that still farm with horses.

That is the reason that when I started my company, I named it JSI Innovations LLC, which stands for Jack Pine Savage. I am a true Jack Pine Savage because I was born at home back in the jackpines at Trade Lake, and proud of it. I’m the youngest of 10 kids, and I learned so much from my parents, William and Blanche.

With all the hardships they faced, but always got us through, as well as giving the clothes of their backs to others in need.

My siblings also played a huge role in who I am. They all taught me so much. I was very young during World War II, when four of my brothers were in the service. I remember how hard it was on my parents not to hear from them for long periods of time. One brother was also called back to serve in the Korean War. I’m very proud and thankful for what they sacrificed.

Bill Kurtz St. Croix Falls

Squandering As a decade-long resident of this area, I thought I’d probably witnessed the full range of stupid, selfish, law-breaking behavior of certain elements in the community, and was becoming inured to their inconsiderate, irresponsible, callous actions.

Not so. I continue to be dismayed anew by their mindless disrespect for the law, common decency, neighborly courtesy

and responsible citizenship. I’m re g u l a r l y amazed and disappointed by what some will stoop to, to satisfy their rampant s e l f - i n t e re s t s .

The latest troubling incident says it all.

Polk County CTH I winds its way around the north end of Somers Lake in Clam Falls Township. Approaching the blind junction with 320th Avenue from the southwest, just a few yards off the right (SE) shoulder of the road, stands a nearly uniform row of beautiful, thriving, maturing evergreen trees apparently planted at public expense to enhance the landscaping of the improved right of way.

This Christmas season, I suppose with the motive of acquiring a yule tree at no cost, some jerk(s) decided to surreptitiously help themselves to one of the evergreens. The perpretrator(s) chose one of the prettiest. Instead of cutting the tree at ground level (buried in snow, of course), it was severed at about halfway up the trunk. Then, possibly spooked by an approaching car, and having ruined the tree, the sawed off portion was left in the ditch where it lies today (see accompanying photo); senseless destruction on what is assumed to be public land.

Some would say it was just another tree; don’t get your undies in a bunch. For me, however, the incident is indicative of the greater absence of respect for our common social-cultural values, the environment and quality of life most of us try to preserve, that seems to pervade the northwoods. We see this sort of thing again and again, and probably should not be surprised. But, the destruction of the tree is a reminder that the IQ-challenged deadenders are all around us, ever present, like a bad smell that won’t go away, and operating just under law enforcement radar.

The destroyed tree on CTH I is a sad example of so many other selfish, shortsighted, temporarily expedient human actions taking place all over our wilderness-woodland surroundings – it goes beyond the social misfits and dropouts in our midst.

I’ve dubbed this “chain saw mentality.”

A prime, nearby very apparent case in point is the clear-cutting of the once lovely, pristine tract adjacent to Hwy. 35, just south of Siren. Gone is the hardwood forest, hundreds of trees, possibly thousands, that once magnificently graced the approach to the town.

Heartsick, I watched the chain saws at work this summer. As with the recently ravaged tree on CTH I, I asked what sort of person(s) would act in this way, even so the devastation might be on private property? How could anyone ignore their responsibility as steward(s) of the land, be so inconsiderate and oblivious to the consequences – elimination of critical natural habitat, displacement of wildlife, esthetic damage to the community at large? How could those executing the desecration be so willfully blind to the impact of their actions and the implications for years to come? Regrowth will take decades, should nature be so benevolent. There is no justification for this (see accompanying photo).

Certainly, there’s a need for an ecologically friendly logging-wood product industry. My issue is with chain saws in the hands of monkeys. The thieving idiot(s) who ruined the tree near Somers Lake may never by identified or prosecuted. Whoever they may be, they reflect a bankruptcy of conscience and mental vacuity posing an insidious, continuing threat to this community just as those selfrighteous landowners who engage in indiscriminate logging and self-indulgent land and water usage practices in our precious, fragile, ever diminishing northwoods. We are witnessing the squandering of our most precious asset.

Bradley E. Ayers Clam Falls-Somers Lake

A few suggestions The tax statements are in and many are feeling the squeeze. It does make one feel that, “there has to be a way,” to reign in some unnecessary spending in these tight economic times. Well, here are two suggestions: 1) Stop Polk County’s version of the bridge to nowhere, the new proposed snowmobile bridge at the old Woodley Dam site. Polk County has budgeted over $300,000, plus various state and federal grants totaling in the tens of thousands of additional dollars.

2) Stop the planning of a RV park at the Woodley Dam site, estimated around $500,000 if I understand chairman Jepsen’s proposal correctly. Apparently, he has hired a consultant and has paid for a feasibility report already. An RV park for people who can afford to drive 6 mpg motor homes (more than likely not Polk County residents) and nothing but hassles for the citizens of Golden Age Manor.

I think this government has its priorities a little screwed up. The county has made the Salvation Army pay every last cent to set up and run a halfway house for people trying to get their life back on track, but the parks and recreation committee is falling all over themselves to make sure the snowmobilers have a new bridge. The price tag doesn’t include numerous personnel expenditures and legal fees to defend their decision, by the way.

Next on the agenda is a $10 million highway building, not to mention the schools’ needs. When does it end? I, for one, have had a tough year in the building trades and this current tax bill hurts. I don’t expect people on fixed incomes can adapt that quickly either.

Did you get a raise this year to cover all the increases in government spending (local, state and federal)? People, if we don’t speak up then we deserve what we get.

Write, call, petition, the county board to kill the bridge and park projects. Do something. You can start with the two projects mentioned above, then you can dig a little and I’m sure you can find your own list.

Charlie Nielsen Balsam Lake

Miracle tree No. 2 We never thought that this would happen again, but our Christmas tree is growing new branches.

Remember in 2006, we had a Christmas tree that grew new pinecones. To our amazement, the fir tree that we got this year is growing new branches all over the tree.

So, this is Miracle Tree No. 2.

What makes this tree even more special is that most of the largest new branches have grown where my sister, Sandie’s (who passed away in September) memorial ornaments were hanging.

This tree was purchased already cut down from the Good Ol’ Drive Inn, in Frederic. The tree must have been cut down sometime in November, so this makes it more amazing.

If anyone knows if we can cut these branches off, to make new trees to plant, please let us know what we should do.

Sharon Berres-Halverson Frederic

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Natural gas customers reconnected

HAYWARD - As of 5:30 p.m. Friday, restoration of natural gas service was completed to all customers in the Hayward area. A natural gas valve, which regulates the pressure of flowing gas, malfunctioned, causing the loss of natural gas service to 1,722 customers in the city of Hayward, towns of Hayward and Bass Lake Thursday morning.

Crews replaced the valve early Thursday afternoon at the natural gas regulator station. The precise cause of the valve’s malfunction remains under investigation. To complete the restoration of natural gas service safely to each customer, service crews returned to each customer’s property to turn on the gas meters and safely relight the pilot lights. The majority of customers had service returned prior to midnight Thursday night. Energies’ service crews, along with crews from neighboring utilities and natural gas contractors, were involved in restoration efforts.

Restoration efforts were coordinated with the local emergency management agencies. – Sawyer County Record

Child pornographer gets seven-year sentence

BARRON COUNTY - A Cameron man will serve about seven years in prison and three years on extended supervision for possessing child pornography and photographing a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Duane K. Wisner, 43, is not eligible for the challenge incarceration or earned release programs, which could have shortened his prison term. He was given 173 days credit for time already served. Another felony charge of photographing a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct, six felony counts of bail jumping and two counts of misdemeanor theft were dismissed but read in at sentencing. On the child pornography conviction, Judge Timothy Doyle sentenced Wisner to two years in prison and three years extended supervision.

On the photographing conviction,

Area Ne ws at a Glance Doyle sentenced Wisner to seven years in prison and three years extended supervision to be served concurrent to the pornography conviction sentence.

Wisner was convicted of photographing two juvenile girls, one in her early teens and the other close to it, engaged in sexually explicit conduct in his home in 2002 and before February 2003. Doyle ordered that Wisner undergo a sex offender evaluation and comply with recommended treatment. He must register as a sex offender. Wisner must pay for his victims’ counseling. He must not have contact with his victims or their immediate families. Wisner must not have contact with minors without approval of his supervision officer. The bail jumping charges stemmed from Wisner allegedly repeatedly violating a condition of bail posted that he not have contact with his estranged wife. The theft charges stemmed from Wisner allegedly reconnecting power to his residence after the power was shut off because he wasn’t paying his electric bills.- Rice Lake Chronotype

Teen girl tasered at school

BARRON - A 17-year-old girl attending Turtle Lake High School was subdued by police Jan. 11 on school grounds by use of an electronic restraining device after she allegedly punched one of her peers several times. Charges of misdemeanor battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct were filed Jan. 14 against Ashley K. Tielbur of Turtle Lake. According to the criminal complaint: An officer was dispatched to the school Jan. 11 to meet with Principal Wayne Olson in regard to a classroom fight that had taken place between two students. Witnesses said that Tielbur had been bickering with a 13-year-old boy. After a heated verbal exchange, Tielbur allegedly got up, pushed the boy off his chair and started punching the boy in the face. The 13-year-old ducked under a computer table, but a witness said that Tielbur continued to hit him. The responding officer met

Deadly conflict in Congo Editor’s note: A group called The Gathering is sponsoring the Amy Goodman column, which is being published for the first time this week in the Leader. “The Gathering is an informal group of people of diverse ages, experience and philosophies who meet every other week at a member’s home for silent meditation and lively discussions,” notes a statement from the group. “Our only common denominator is a belief in a Divine Power and an interesting in exploring others’ ideas about religion, life, and spirituality.

We discuss issues of peace, justice, spirituality, religion, politics, environment, global cultures and humanity. We have a deep concern about how religious ideals affect society. Therefore, we are also interested in politics and in causes and programs, which will benefit our community.”

Members of The Gathering are: Jean and Jim McLaughlin, Webster Steve Pearson, Webster Mary Ellen Bjorgaard, Webster Lucy and Pat Basler, Webster Sherrie Klucas, Spooner Dorie Washburn, Spooner Joan and Fred Kramer, Spooner Angelika and Jon Shafer, Webster Joyce and Thomas Kessler, Amery t’s the deadliest conflict since World War II. More than 5 million people have died in the past I decade, yet it goes virtually unnoticed and unre-

ported in the United States. The conflict is in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Central Africa. At its heart are the natural resources found in Congo and multinational corporations that extract them.

The prospects for peace have slightly improved: A peace accord was just signed in Congo’s Eastern Kivu provinces. But without a comprehensive truth and reconciliation process for the entire country and a renegotiation of all mining contracts, the suffering will undoubtedly continue.

In its latest Congo mortality report, the

with Tielbur in the principal’s office where she allegedly said she hit the boy because he had said something to her about being raped. The officer told the 17-year-old to wait while he spoke with the boy next, but Tielbur refused to wait and said she was getting on the bus. The officer eventually told the girl she was under arrest for disorderly conduct and tried to place her under arrest, but she resisted by not letting him handcuff her.

Tielbur then crawled under some computer equipment before she was tazed twice and could be restrained. Tielbur entered a plea of not guilty at her initial appearance before Judge Tim Doyle last week, and she was released on a $500 signature bond. A Feb. 27 court date has been scheduled. – Barron News-Shield

Performance at Carnegie

This past PINE CITY, Minn. Christmas, Gary Madison gave his mom, Doris, a present that was particularly unique and meaningful; he performed for her at Carnegie Hall. The performance was a milestone in a musical career that began in Pine City.

Madison, the son of Doris and Estel (Stoney), grew up in Pine City and showed an interest in music from an early age. Throughout his school years, Madison was involved in music and theater, and he credits his teachers, Mrs. Harrington, Mr. Halling and Mr. Bacigalupi, with influencing him to pursue a career in music. In high school, he earned so many state music competition awards that he was given an activities letter, an honor that was typically reserved for athletes at that time. He also spent part of a summer performing in an apprenticeship program connected with the Guthrie Theatre and the Twin Cities Park and Recreation Arts Grants. Madison was able to participate in this summer group two more times before graduating in 1975. Despite his increasing talent and performing activities, Madison was humble and understated about his skills. Even his own family was not fully aware of the range of his abilities. “At his high school grad-

International Rescue Committee found that a stunning 5.4 million “excess deaths” have occurred in Congo since 1998. These are deaths beyond those that would normally occur. In other words, a loss of life on the scale of Sept. 11 occurring every two days, in a country whose population is one-sixth our own.

Just a little history: After supporting the allies in World War II, Congo gained independence Amy and elected Patrice Lumumba, a Goodman progressive Pan-Africanist, as prime minister in 1960. He was assassinated soon after in a plot involving the CIA. The U.S. installed and supported Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled tyrannically for more than 30 years, plundering the nation. Since his death, Congo has seen war, from 1996 to 2002, provoked by invasions by neighboring Rwanda and Uganda, and ongoing conflict since then.

A particularly horrifying aspect of the conflict is the mass sexual violence being used as a weapon of war.

Congolese human-rights activist Christine Schuler Deschryver told me about the hundreds of thousands of women and children subjected to rape: “We are not talking about normal rapes anymore.

We are talking about sexual terrorism, because they are destroyed – you cannot imagine what’s going on in Congo. We are talking about new surgery to repair the women, because they’re completely destroyed.”

She was describing the physical damage done to the women, and to children, one, she said, as young as 10 months old, by acts of rape that involve insertion of sticks, guns and molten plastic. Deschryver was in the U.S. as a guest of V-Day, Eve Ensler’s campaign to end violence against women, in an attempt to generate public awareness of this genocide and to support the Panzi Hospital in Deschryver’s hometown of Bukavu.

uation ceremony, he was asked to perform,” Doris shared. “He got up there and instead of playing an instrument, he sang! It shocked the heck out of me because up until that time, I never knew he could sing.” She describes her son’s talent as a gift from God, adding that she is not musical and can’t sing a note, and the rest of the family’s talents lie in different areas as well. In the earlier years, his career consisted mainly of work in the theatre as a singer, actor and director. He has directed and performed in many on and off-Broadway productions including the original “Phantom of the Opera.” The Pine City native also has been the music director for numerous groups, including the Minnesota Repertoire Theater, the Minnesota Music Theater and the Baltimore Opera Company. These days, he’s spending much of his time with music and performing again, only the man who once thought that any performance he would give at Carnegie Hall would involve a Rachmaninov piece, admits things are a bit different with his music now. “I tell stories. And I tell personal stories about my life and about the music I play and why I play it. And I guess I make my piano performances very personal and intimate, and people seem to enjoy that,“ he added. “So it took off, and now that’s what I’m doing at Carnegie Hall.

I’m not performing a Rachmaninov concerto, I’m playing medleys and some music I’ve written myself where I mix everything from Christmas carols to Billy Joel to Beethoven . . . and make sense out of it!” Madison invited his mother Doris to the Carnegie concert, and she was seated in the third row awaiting his performance of “Angels I Have Known” when the maestro asked his surprised and somewhat flustered mother to stand up in front of the soldout audience of over 300 people. He then proceeded to introduce her as one of the most important angels in his life.

Doris described the evening as an experience she never expected and will never forget. – Pine City Pioneer

Maurice Carney is executive director of Friends of the Congo, in Washington, D.C.: “Two types of rape, basically, are taking place in the Congo: One is the rape of the women and children, and the other the rape of the land, natural resources. The Congo has tremendous natural resources: 30 percent of the world’s cobalt, 10 percent of the world’s copper, 80 percent of the world’s reserves of coltan. You have to look at the corporate influence on everything that takes place in the Congo.”

Among the companies Carney blames for fueling the violence are Cleveland-based OM Group, the world’s leading producer of cobalt-based specialty chemicals and a leading supplier of nickel-based specialty chemicals, as well as Boston-based chemical giant Cabot Corp. Cabot produces coltan, also known as tantalum, a hard-to-extract but critical component of electronic circuitry, which is used in all cell phones and other consumer electronics. The massive demand for coltan is credited with fueling the Second Congo War of 1998-2002. Cabot’s former CEO is none other than the Bush administration’s current secretary of energy, Samuel Bodman. Phoenix-based Freeport-McMoRan, which took over PhelpsDodge’s enormous mining concession in the Congo, is also in on the game.

The United Nations has issued several reports that are highly critical of illegal corporate exploitation of the Congo’s minerals. A Congolese government review of more than 60 mining contracts call for their renegotiation or outright cancellation. Says Carney, “Eighty percent of the population live on 30 cents a day or less, with billions of dollars going out the back door and into the pockets of mining companies.” An important question for us in the U.S. is, How could close to 6 million people die from war and disease in one country in less than a decade and go virtually unnoticed? *** Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on 650 stations in North America.

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Burnett County considering sign ordinance

by Sherill Summer SIREN – The Burnett County Land Use and Zoning Committee is trying again to adopt a sign ordinance for Burnett County.

The ordinance being considered is similar in many respects to the sign ordinance adopted Jan. 13, 2000, except that this ordinance will be included with the land use ordinance and has provisions for variance.

The previous sign ordinance from 2000 was deemed unconstitutional by

the Wisconsin Court of Appeals on July 6, 2005. The ruling was the result of a lawsuit brought by Yourchuck’s True Value Hardware and Video Market because there were no provisions for variance or other forms of appeal.

Yourchuck’s filed the lawsuit because the ordinance did not allow them enough signage deemed necessary to advertise the many retail ventures inside the building on Hwys. 35/ 70. A jury awarded Yourchuck’s $200,000 to compensate them for loss of business

because of the unconstitutional sign ordinance.

One key difference between the 2000 and the 2008 version is that the proposed ordinance does not allow for animated, moving parts or flashing lights on signs.

Any new sign that is outside the sign ordinance could be subject to a fine not to exceed $200 per day. All pre-existing signs will be grandfathered in. The proposed sign ordinance will affect nonincorporated areas of Burnett County

only.

A public hearing on the ordinance will be held at the Burnett County Government Center on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 9 a.m.

If the land use and zoning committee approves the language of the sign ordinance, it will appear before the Burnett County Supervisors during the regular February meeting scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21, at 9:30 a.m.

Mysterious driver leaves no footprints at accident

BURNETT COUNTY - A Burnett County Sheriff’s deputy investigated a rollover accident on Friday, Jan. 18, on CTH X in LaFollette Township after an anonymous person notified police of the accident.

Apparently, an unknown driver had lost control negotiating a curve, left the roadway and overturned. The vehicle

was found resting on its roof. Two sets of footprints were leading away from the overturned vehicle, which corresponded to the anonymous caller that reported two men were with the vehicle.

The license plates revealed that Deirdre Belisle, Cumberland, was the owner of the vehicle. Belisle reported

Grantsburg man charged with two repeated sexual assaults

SIREN – Charles E. Smith, 40, Grantsburg, has been charged with two counts of repeated sexual assault of a child, felony B, for allegedly assaulting two victims, one male and one female.

Both alleged victims are currently under 15 years old.

The alleged assaults against one victim occurred during the summer of 2001. The alleged assaults against the other victim occurred between March 2003 and February 2007.

Smith has been released on a $5,000 cash bond and is not to have unsupervised contact with children under 18.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 5. – Sherill Summer

Charles E. Smith

that her boyfriend drove the car, but she didn’t know who was driving the car at the time of the accident.

Soon after, Shawn Douglas, 39, Cumberland, contacted the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department informing them that a friend from Chicago was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. He and Jonas Bearheart, 27, Cumberland, were occupants.

Southside Auto of Siren towed the vehicle.

A hold was placed on the vehicle to see if the discrepancy of how many were in the vehicle can be straightened out and a driver of the vehicle can be found. – Sherill Summer with information from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

Webster man sentenced after soliciting sex BUFFALO COUNTY – Jason A. McCain, 27, Webster, was sentenced on Wednesday, Dec. 12, to a year in jail and nine years’ probation in Buffalo County after soliciting sex from a juvenile girl in an online chat room. McCain was arrested Oct. 22, 2007, outside a Mondovi convenience store where he was intending to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex. The arrest was part of a sting operation. An investigator had posed as the 15-year-old juvenile girl in the online chat room.

McCain is also prohibited from owning or using a computer, to have no contact with children under 18 except his own children agreed to by a probation officer and register as a sex offender.

McCain was granted Huber release for employment. – Sherill Summer with information from Winona Daily News and Wisconsin CCAP

Jason A. McCain

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Incumbents and familiar faces for Frederic caucus

Twenty-eight brave cold to select village board candidates

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – Despite the cold weather, 28 village residents turned out for the Frederic nominating caucus Tuesday night to select candidates for the April 1 election. Six candidates were nominated for the three trustee seats, and the municipal judge was renominated.

Nominated were incumbents Brad Harlander and Jamie Worthington, former board members Kerry Brendel and Arlen Peterson, and village residents Eleanor Carlson and John Glockzin. Brendel and Worthington were not at the caucus to accept the nominations and have a period of time to decide if they will run. Incumbent Municipal Judge Sherry Gjonnes was nominated for another term. There is one open seat on the council this year. Incumbent Kay Friberg announced that he may be moving from the area and would not be running for a second term.

The nominations were done by paper ballot, with 15 persons nominated for the three board seats. Five of those nominated were present at the meeting and withdrew their names. Of the remaining 10, the six

A total of 28 village residents turned out for the Frederic nominating caucus Tuesday night to select candidates for the April 1 election. – Photo by Gregg Westigard with the most votes were Harlander with 22, Worthington with 17 and Peterson with 8.

Brendel, Carlson, and Glockzin each received three

Felicia Lund, 32, of Spooner, was headed southbound on Hwy. 35 in a silver 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, when Bradley Harlander, 53, of Frederic, began pulling his maroon 1996 Buick Regal left onto Hwy. 35 from Maple Street.

They made contact with Lund’s front end to Harlander’s driver’s side door, on Thursday, Jan. 24.

Harlander failed to yield right of way, according to a report filed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. Lund was transported to a local hospital for her injuries.

– Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

votes. Four persons not at the meeting each received one or two votes.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

Decision in alleged child abuse case to be made next month

by Regan Kohler SHELL LAKE – A decision will be made by Friday, Feb. 1, on motions in the case of alleged child abuse, Judge Scott Needham ruled Friday, Jan. 18, in the Washburn County Courthouse.

Michael E. Stoner Jr., 26, Spooner, has been in custody since August on felony counts of first-degree reckless endangerment and child abuse toward Emmaline Manning, 2, the daughter of his fiancée, Crystal Manning, Spooner. The child was taken to the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital for severe brain trauma, which Stoner had said, in a statement in the complaint, was due to a fall down the stairs at his residence. The complaint had statements from doctors who tended to Emmaline, saying a fall down stairs couldn’t have caused that level of trauma, and that they had found other bruises and marks on her body, as well.

Testimonies from law enforcement officials and a doctor were given at a hearing this past fall.

In a hearing Nov. 29, Stoner stood mute on the charges, which included a misdemeanor count of fleeing an officer, and a not-guilty plea was entered. Stoner’s attorney, Jay Heit, then asked for the bond to be amended and a change of venue for the jury trial, due to heavy media publicity from both the case and the fact that Stoner and his fiancée were on the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis while on their way to see Emmaline in the hospital. Heit said he felt

anyone selected for jury in Washburn County and the surrounding areas, including the Twin Cities, may hold prejudice from the extensive coverage and comments published in newspapers or given on television.

Needham said he would take this into consideration for the motion hearing, as he had taken over the case recently from the Washburn County circuit judge.

Friday afternoon, Needham said the outstanding motion for the venue change was still pending. He said he’d also gotten a request from Heit to supress some statements made by Stoner in a recorded interrogation.

Needham said District Attorney J. Michael Bitney had filed an opposition to this request.

Witnesses were called in this matter. Sheriff’s Department Investigator Austin Parenteau was called to the stand first. When asked by Bitney, he said he assisted in the questioning of Stoner after he went into custody Friday, Aug. 3, around 5 p.m. in the law enforcement center. He said a social worker and deputy were present at the interview, which was both audio and video recorded.

When asked by Bitney, Parenteau said Stoner never asked to speak with an attorney after his rights were given, nor did he ask the interview be stopped. Parenteau said the tape, which was to be shown at that day’s hearing, accurately depicted what went on and was unedited.

Parenteau also said, when asked, that the social worker was left alone in the room with Stoner while he went to

activate the recording equipment, and she didn’t interrogate him.

The DVD of the beginning of the interrogation was then shown and noted as an exhibit in the case.

Parenteau told the court the interview lasted 3-1/2 hours.

Heit then questioned Parenteau. Parenteau verified for Heit that he’d told Stoner if he wanted an attorney, it wouldn’t happen right away because of the hour of the day, so he would have to wait in the jail. When asked, Parenteau also said he had his gun in holster during the interrogation.

Bitney then asked Parenteau about how Stoner went into custody. Parenteau said the sheriff’s department had attempted to apprehend him earlier Aug. 3, but he fled. He said Stoner then had the option of turning himself in by 5 p.m., or a warrant would be issued for his arrest.

Parenteau said Stoner’s father turned him in just before 5 that day.

Needham asked for a copy of the DVD, as he said it was hard to hear in the courtroom, and he wanted to review the other parts not shown that day.

Needham asked if there were any indications of Stoner having a lack of sleep or being under intoxication or drugs during the interview; he mentioned Stoner had needed water in the beginning of the video. Counsel said there had been no indication of either.

Bitney said Stoner hadn’t eaten nor taken a break during the interrogation, but that he didn’t request these things either.

The second witness was social worker Joan Wilson, of the Health and Human Services Department. She said, when asked by Bitney, that she had sat in on the interrogation Aug. 3 and was aware it was being recorded. She said she had only seen the first few minutes of the video, and didn’t activate any of the equipment that day.

When asked, Wilson said she was only alone in the room with Stoner for a few minutes, and then Parenteau was the first person to enter. She said she was in the interview the whole time, and another deputy had been there at one point.

Wilson said she didn’t question Stoner while alone with him, just responded to a question he asked her, as he was distraught. She verified that when Parenteau entered, he read Stoner his rights and that Stoner never asked for an attorney or to stop the interview, during or beforehand.

She said no promises or threats were made to him.

Heit then asked Wilson about something Stoner had said in the video, and Wilson said she didn’t think his sentence was a response to a question. She also said, in response to another question by Bitney, that Parenteau told Stoner he didn’t have to answer any questions and that wouldn’t be used against him if he exercised that right.

Needham said he wouldn’t take the transcript as evidence, as Parenteau told him a certified court reporter hadn’t transcribed it, and that the video was the best evidence.

Bitney said that, based on what he’d seen in the video, he didn’t believe there was an unambiguous request for terminating the interrogation. He said laws state there has to be a clear indication the person wants to stop, and that the request for supression should be denied.

Heit then said it seemed in the evidence that Parenteau was pushing his client to speak without an attorney present and waive his rights.

“It’s subtle and it’s there,” Heit said. “That’s why we’re asking for suppression.”

Bitney said, as was shown in the video, that Parenteau gave Stoner time to consider whether or not he wanted an attorney present. He said Parenteau told Stoner he didn’t have to talk. He also said Stoner appeared distraught in the beginning, but then calmed down, and that if he’d continued to be distraught, there’d be more of a question of fairness in the interrogation.

Heit told Needham his client still waived his right to a speedy trial. He then asked if Needham had considered the bond request, which was to lower it from $50,000 since Stoner was unable to come up with bail. He also asked that the no-contact stipulation between Stoner and his fiancée, Emmaline’s mother, be lifted.

Bitney said Manning may be a key witness in this case and was concerned there would be prejudice if this stipulation were lifted, and that her protection would be jeopardized.

Needham asked Manning, who was present that day, if she had requested to have no contact; Manning said she hadn’t, and that this decision was of her own freewill.

Bitney asked Needham deny the request for integrity of a witness. He said that Stoner was not the child’s father, and that he heard Manning had cut off all ties with her own family. He said contact could jeopardize the case.

Heit reminded the court that Manning had given a statement to the sheriff’s department at the beginning of the legal proceedings.

Needham ruled that the bond continue with the no-contact stipulation, and said he would have a decision on the suppression request and venue change by Feb. 1.

Manning was unable to comment on her child’s condition, and the recent reports the child was in rehabilitation and unable to speak, out of concern for family.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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Taylors Falls lifts moratorium

by Tammi Milberg TAYLOR FALLS, Minn. – The city council for Taylors Falls met Jan. 28. The meeting consisted of deliberation of the comprehensive plan, and development and zoning code. Both received public comment Jan. 14, although the council at that time could only take notes and not respond to the comments. At the Jan. 28 meeting, not only could the council make comments on the public input, but also had the opportunity to pass ordinances to adopt the zoning code, comprehensive plan and lift the moratorium on development.

The council deliberated on suggested changes including proposed open space for development on the comprehensive plan. The plan commission recommended the change from 50 percent of land as open space to 30 percent. The council felt 30 percent was not sufficient and opted to change the verbage to 40 percent.

Mayor Michael Buchite asked the council for their thoughts, and the council agreed on the 40 percent.

Roos Rivard, vice mayor, agreed but made the following comment, “My concern is that if it is more than 30 percent, it may make the land undevelopable to the builder. Then we’ve gained nothing. I can agree with 40 percent now, but we may need to look at changing it in the future if it becomes a concern.”

Buchite stated that the city is not advertising for growth, but can still make the guidelines reasonable for developers, adding that what is more important than the developer is the quality of life for the people who live here. Another change with the comprehensive plan amendment of was the wording to include under uses: “and city-approved active recreational uses.”

The final, approved amendment to the comprehensive plan was a portion dealing with water and sewer extension. The comprehensive plan wording changed to allow water and sewer extension to the countryside.

This eliminates a development with many septic systems, which may not be environmentally sound.

According to the council discussion, they felt it was environmentally responsible to include the service extension in the comprehensive plan, and that the developer can work with the city during the developer’s agreement process to determine what system is best. The change also included the wording that the developer, not the city residents, pay for the costs of sewer and water extension.

With that final change, the council approved the comprehensive plan.

The next order of business was to approve the zoning and development code. The council agreed on the changes for fees, indicating the city needed the increase in zoning fees in order to create recreational areas and parkland.

The council also discussed the downtown district, indicating that the process of the task force work was incorporated into the downtown or small-town zoning district. This includes the process a property owner must go through before making any alterations to a building in that district.

The screening for the cemetery was another prominent issue at the public hearing Jan. 14. The council discussed the plan commission’s recommendation for six-foot-tall spruce trees, to be planted 15-feet apart, for a buffer between the cemetery and proposed future development on Hwys. 95 and 71. The concern from the mayor was there will be no buffer during the time the spruce trees are growing in height and width.

“I’m not in favor of reducing the screening as the plan commission is recommending. If anyone else is in favor of more screening I’d be open to hearing comments,” he said.

Councilman Larry Julik-Heine said he felt the plan commission looked at the logical solution and a concern was over planting to do anything more.

Councilman John Tangen said he wanted to see wording about garages, access buildings and sheds be added in order that none are constructed within 50 feet of the buffer, and that existing, established trees be kept.

Councilperson Zara Kinnunen said she felt the 15foot spacing was a good environmental approach and that the tree height of six feet at planting is economically good, since tree costs go up suddenly after that height for something bigger.

The council agreed to keep the buffer as the plan commission recommended. Another issue in the zoning and development code was the property along the cemetery, which was originally zoned R-3 for a higherdensity development. Two councilpersons thought the zone should be RC or rural countryside, to reduce the density. Two others felt the rezoning should reflect the intent when the city made an agreement with the developer and be zoned RT, or residential transitional.

The zoning administrator, Larry Phillips, indicated the zone as RT on the proposed zoning map. The two council members in favor of RC as the zone for this property along Hwys. 95 and 71 were John Tangen and Julik-Heine. The two council in favor of keeping the zone RT were Kinnunen and Ross Rivard. The mayor had to break the tie and voted with RT because he felt the developer would take legal action, as the city has already said the zoning would be RT. If the city were to change it to something else, the developer would show up at city hall with his attorney and so, to avoid that type of scenario, the mayor broke the tie 32 to zone the property to RT. The council adopted the resolution to authorize the publication of the summary of the Taylors Falls development code.

The final resolution to pass was to lift the moratorium. The moratorium on development was put in place Feb. 12, 2007, to allow the city to update the comprehensive plan and development and zoning code. It was extended to allow for more time to finish the process. The council, upon passage of the comprehensive plan and development and zoning code, Monday night, was able to lift the moratorium. The mayor thanked all the people affected for their patience during this time of updating.

Economic stimulus package is a good first step, Obey says Co-sponsors measure to provide an economic shot in the arm to the nation WASHINGTON, D.C. – Calling it a good first step, Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey, D-WI, announced this week that he is co-sponsoring H.R. 5140, the bipartisan economic stimulus package being considered by Congress.

“The package doesn’t go as far as it should because it doesn’t include an extension of unemployment benefits, a strengthened low-income heating assistance program, or help to the states on the Medicaid front, but it does get money straight into the hands of working Americans, encourage small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment and takes steps to ease the

housing slump – and that’s a pretty good first step,” said Obey, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “Hopefully we can get some of those missing pieces at a later date.”

Obey noted that the package: • Puts hundreds of dollars into the hands of 117 million financially pressed American families, including over 2 million Wisconsin families who will see an average rebate of $957.

• Builds on the child tax credit by offering a onetime rebate of $300 per child; • Expands financing opportunities for Americans in danger of losing their homes because of the mortgage crisis; and, • Provides small businesses incentives to expand their operations, hire new workers and help the economy get back on track.

“I’m especially happy that this package helps 35 million families who work but make too little to pay income tax – families that President Bush initially wanted to exclude because they ‘don’t pay taxes.’ In fact, they pay lots of taxes, like payroll tax and sales tax, and they’re more in need of help than anybody else because of rising health care, energy, food, and education costs and therefore more likely to put their rebate directly back into the economy,” Obey concluded, pointing out that economists estimate that every dollar invested in rebates results in $1.26 in economic growth.

“It’s just plain common sense to help those families out, and I’m glad we were finally able to get them under the tent.” – from the office of Congressman Obey

Crafty Rowdy Red Hat Mamas

Joan Paar, owner of Mud Hut Gifts in Frederic, gave the Rowdy Red Hat Mamas a lesson in making necklaces out of yarn at her business on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Pictured are (L to R) Sylvia Hanson, Barb Walstrom, Hilda Trudeau, Joan Paar, Jan Brown, Pat Spies and Carol Hamilton. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

Safe Ride program is worthy of local support

SIREN – The Burnett County Sheriff’s Department recently went public in its continued support for the Safe Ride program provided by the Burnett County Tavern League. A letter released Jan. 8 to all media states: “This program has helped reduce costs, not only to those using the service, but to local government as well. Arrests for operating while intoxicated by the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department were down by 71 in 2007 from the previous year, proving that the program works.”

“The dollars saved cannot be overlooked,” said Chief Deputy Don Taylor. According to Taylor, those saved dollars amounted to more than $50,000. This figure is based on savings in the average time spent processing, reporting, court time and actual jail time for each case. This does not include the savings to an individual who may be charged with OWI. As with any citation, the fine may be the least of the costs. Increased insurance costs generally amount to far more than the fine. Additional costs for lost wages and potential incarceration make the Safe Ride pro-

gram an attractive alternative to drinking and driving.

Sheriff Dean Roland congratulated the Burnett County Tavern League on the continued success of the program and, along with the entire department, urged everyone to take advantage of having a Safe Ride.

What is the Safe Ride program? District Director Kris Peterson from the Wisconsin State Tavern League Board of Directors, explained that the Safe Ride program operates currently in 44 Wisconsin counties.

Anyone who is in a Tavern League bar in those counties and who has had too much to drink can take advantage of calling a specified number for a driver to take them home (within a 10-mile radius of the bar) or to a motel. Each bar has a number to call for that area.

Carol House is in charge of the program in Grantsburg. Peterson handles Siren, Webster and Hertel. Chuck Anderson is in charge in the Yellow Lake area. A new person will soon be selected in the Webb Lake area.

Drivers who will provide the pick-up service are still needed. Each driver is given $3 a mile from pick

up to drop off. The drivers must be sober and have valid driver’s licenses.

According to Peterson, funding for the Safe Ride program will run out in the next couple months. A bill to make additional funding available has been passed unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives and sent to Gov. Doyle for signing into law.

The bill will take the amount of money available for Safe Ride programs from the current $5 to $14 for each driving-under-the-influence citation. The money will go to the Wisconsin State Tavern League for disbursement to counties that apply for matching funds.

The Burnett County Safe Ride Foundation needs donations from people in the local area to build up the amount that can be used when the request is made for some of those matching funds. Anyone interested in donating can send the donation to Peterson at P.O. Box 529, Siren WI 54872. – Nancy Jappe with submitted information

St. Croix Falls firefighters responded to a house fire at 2039 Fairgrounds Road in the city last Tuesday night, Jan. 22. At left a water storage tank was set up at the scene in sub-zero temperatures. Residing at the home were Walter and Jeff Creuzer. - Photos

by Erik Barstow

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Tigers claw their way to the top points after a Richert steal to bring the Cards to within one, but another Luck foul sent Webster to the line, with Thill sinking one of his shots. After a luck timeout, Gibbs drew a charge on Olson, who fouled out with just under a minute to go. Despite leaving the game, Olson had a good fourth quarter with six of his eight points. Luck had a chance to tie with 42 seconds to go in the game as Giller came up just short on the 3-point try at the top of the key.

Peter Walsh was fouled after the shot, and despite missing both, Webster was able to hang on in another wild conference matchup.

Overall Hedrick thought the game was a total team effort and they were able to hold a powerful Luck offense in check for most of the night. In their earlier contest Luck shot 80-percent from the field, yet the Tigers kept Luck from gaining a rhythm on their outside game.

“That’s what killed us down there,”

Webster win ties Luck in conference standings Webster 42, Luck 39

by Marty Seeger WEBSTER – Webster’s overtime win over the Saints wasn’t easy last Thursday night, and Tuesday night was certainly no picnic either. The Tigers took a big win over Luck in a back-andforth game that has evened up a heated conference battle, and it’s certainly not over yet. Both teams have tough games ahead, but this one was an important win.

“I thought it was a good win, and the kids played well,” said Webster coach Randy Hedrick.

Both teams traded buckets early, with Brian Gibbs leading the charge with six of Webster’s 10 points. Tyler Petersen scored five in the first, and Mitchell Klatt added three, yet it was Dylan Geske who evened the score at 10 just before the buzzer to head quickly into the second quarter.

Webster controlled much of the tempo in the second. The team played patient offense as well as aggressive defense to force Luck turnovers. Adam Baum also had a nice game inside for Webster and they took a 20-16 lead at halftime.

“We pretty much played at our own pace for much of the game, and had a chance to slow it down a little bit,” Hedrick said. “When you have a lead you can do that a little bit.”

Webster maintained the tempo into the third quarter, and the lead despite Luck’s pressure. Cody Richert and Carson Giller recorded steals for Luck in the third, and Brennan Olson recorded two points midway through the third after sitting out due to foul trouble. Then with 2:11 to go in the third, Gibbs hit from the outside to give the Tigers a 31-26 lead. But Luck would get the final basket of the third period on a pass to a wide-open Petersen at the buzzer to make it 31-28.

Olson recorded his third foul early in the fourth for Luck. The Cardinals had trouble hitting from the outside, yet received help from Petersen and Olson defensively. Each had key blocks, but Webster rebounded back with the help of Thill and Luck’s fouls. Webster went to the line 12 times, and hit seven total, which kept the Cardinals within winning distance.

With 1:35 to go, Petersen hit two

Extra Points

Luck's Carson Giller and Cody Richert clobber Webster's Peter Walsh in an attempt at getting the ball back late in the fourth quarter. Walsh missed both attempts at the line, but the Tigers held on to an important win. - Photos by Marty Seeger

Team Luck Webster

1 2 3 4 F 10 6 12 11 39 10 10 11 11 42 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Mitchell Klatt 4 0 2/4 4 10 Harlan Opitz 0 0 0/0 1 0 Cody Richert 2 0 3/3 2 7 Harry Severson-Dickinson 0 0 0/0 0 0 Cole Mortel 0 0 0/0 1 0 Tyler Petersen 3 0 2/4 2 10 Brennan Olson 4 0 0/0 5 8 Carson Giller 1 0 2/2 2 4 Totals 14 0 9/13 18 39 Webster Peter Walsh Brian Gibbs A.J. Holmquist Dylan Geske Brian Thill Adam Baum Totals

2s 0 4 1 2 4 2 13

3s FTM/A F 1 0/0 0 1 4/4 0 0 0/0 3 0 1/2 5 0 5/8 3 0 0/0 1 2 10/14 10

TP 3 15 2 5 13 4 42

Brian Gibbs takes a shot from the outside during the first half on Tuesday night. Gibbs led the Tigers with 15 points and shot perfect from the freethrow line going 4 for 4.

••• LEADER LAND – On Jan. 31 the Prescott at Amery girls basketball game is being broadcast on WXCE 1260 AM at 7:15 p.m. On Feb. 1 the boys and girls basketball games with St. Croix Falls at Frederic can be heard on WLMX 104.9 starting at 5:45 p.m. The Cedarburg at Amery boys hockey game is being broadcast on Feb. 1 at 6:45 p.m. on WXCE 1260 AM. The Spooner at Blizzard boys hockey game will be broadcast on Feb. 1 on WXCX 105.7 FM at 7 p.m. On Feb. 4 the Frederic at Rush City girls basketball game can be heard on WXCX 105.7 FM at 7:30 p.m. The Unity at Clayton boys basketball game is being broadcast on Feb. 4 at 7:15 p.m. on WLMX 104.9 FM. The Feb. 5 Webster at Siren girls/boys basketball games are being broadcast on WXCE 105.7 FM starting at 6 p.m. The Feb. 5 boys hockey game with Amery at Blizzard is being broadcast on WLMX 104.9 FM beginning at 6:45 p.m. The Amery at Spooner girls basketball game is being broadcast on WXCE 1260 AM on Feb. 5 at 7:15 p.m. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – On Feb. 3 the college basketball game between Wisconsin and Minnesota can be heard on WXCE 1260 AM at 1 p.m.

The Wisconsin at Iowa College basketball game can be heard on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. on WXCE 1260 AM. ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact theLeader by 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2008 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld

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

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

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Eagles fight back against Frederic

Vikings solid lead slowly fades in fourth quarter Unity 54, Frederic 50

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – “Basketball is a game of momentum and a game of runs, and as soon as we got it on our side, we ran with it,” said Eagles coach Shaun Fisher after their Friday night win over the Vikings.

Both teams traded buckets in the first quarter, but the Vikings quickly got out in front with some key baskets from Kyle Swenson. Swenson was hitting on all cylinders as he notched 13 of the

Unity’s Brady Flaherty saves the ball from going out of bounds during Friday, Jan. 25, game. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Unity’s Chad Strilzuk pushes through Frederic’s Kanan Hackett and Kyle Swenson.

Vikings 26 points in the first half, as well as a 3-pointer before the buzzer to give the Vikings a 26-16 lead at the half. The senior guard stayed hot throughout the third quarter as well with three 3-pointers and 11 of the team’s 12 points.

At one point, the Vikings led by over 15 points, but the Eagles didn’t quit.

“At halftime I challenged them, and I told them ‘this is going to show what kind of character you have,’ and they never gave up,” Fisher said.

One of the things Unity capitalized on in the fourth quarter was three of the Vikings top rebounders fouled out.

They were also able to shut down the offensive threat of Kyle Swenson, and limit themselves to only four fouls the

entire fourth quarter.

“Especially to go through that whole fourth quarter with four fouls, and still play as aggressively as we did, I think that says a lot,” Fisher said.

Unity outscored Frederic 26-12 in the fourth quarter with 14 coming off of free throws, but Frederic maintained the lead for the entire third quarter until Unity inched it back to within one with about three minutes to go in the game.

Ryan Flaherty fought his way through pressure for a two-point bucket to make it a 46-45 Frederic lead with 1:39 to go.

On the Eagles’ next possession, Chad Strilzuk drew a huge foul and managed to make the point after to give the Eagles a one-point lead.

Ben Nelson drew the next foul for Frederic and sunk two key free throws amid the roaring pressures from the Eagles’ fans, and Frederic was suddenly back on top. Nelson hit two more free throws in the final seconds of the game, and Frederic held a three-point lead for a short time.

With 19 seconds to go, Strilzuk went to the line, making both free throws to pull the Eagles to within one point. Eric Goulet came up big on the very next play as he stole the inbound pass from the Vikings and quickly got the ball to Brady Flaherty, who banked in a quick layup as well as draw the foul. Flaherty hit the free throw to put Unity up by two. Frederic fouled Strilzuk to get the ball back, but both free throws were made, and the Eagles rolled on to win an exciting game for fans and players.

“Unity did a nice job of taking the ball out of Kyle’s hands and shutting him down in the fourth quarter,” said Vikes coach Ben Nelson. “Another tough loss for us, but we’re getting better every game, and we’re not losing by lack of effort.”

Team Frederic Unity

1 2 3 4 F 9 17 12 12 50 8 8 12 26 54 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Frederic Nolan Neumann 3 0 1/2 5 7 1 0 1/2 5 3 Brent Crandell Will Primm 0 1 0/0 1 3 1 0 0/0 3 2 Ben G. Anderson Zach Anderson 2 0 3/4 5 7 5 4 2/4 2 24 Kyle Swenson 0 0 0/0 3 0 Kanan Hackett Ben Nelson 0 0 4/4 4 4 12 5 11/16 28 50 Totals Unity Sam Bengston Chad Strilzuk Justin Bader Ryan Flaherty Eric Goulet Brady Flaherty Lance Peper Totals

2s 0 6 3 2 0 1 1 13

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 5 0 8/12 3 0 11/15 4 0 2/4 2 0 2/2 4 0 3/7 1 0 0/2 2 0 24/40 17

TP 0 20 17 6 2 6 3 54

Webster escapes Saints in overtime Chinander 3-pointer sends it to O.T. Webster 51, St. Croix Falls 47

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – Webster coach Randy Hedrick admitted that his Tigers team didn’t shoot well last Thursday night, and the Saints took full advantage of it.

Neither team scored a bucket for the first two minutes of the second quarter, and that left a low scoring 6-4 lead for the Saints after one.

“Going in playing Webster we concentrated on slowing down Brian Thill and Brian Gibbs,” said Saints coach Todd Voss. “The kids did a fantastic job defensively holding both way under their averages.”

Webster retook the lead at halftime, Team Webster St. Croix Falls

1 2 3 4 OT F 4 14 8 10 15 51 6 6 10 14 11 47 Individual Statistics Webster 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Peter Walsh 1 0 0/0 2 2 Brian Gibbs 5 1 5/6 1 18 A.J. Holmquist 4 0 2/2 3 10 Quentin Johnson 1 0 0/0 0 2 Dylan Geske 1 3 2/5 3 13 Brian Thill 2 0 2/2 2 6 Adam Baum 0 0 0/0 4 0 Totals 14 4 11/15 15 51 St. Croix Falls Jacob Larcom Dan Roach Trygve Chinander Sam Schmidt Ryan Larson David Lund Totals

2s 1 2 1 1 6 5 16

3s FTM/A F 0 2/3 4 0 2/2 1 1 1/1 4 1 2/2 2 0 2/3 3 0 0/0 1 2 9/11 15

TP 4 6 6 7 14 10 47

Saint’s Trygve Chinander jumps above everyone to get a rebound during their game against Webster Thursday night. – Photos by Marty Seeger but the Saints nipped at their heels for much of the second half. At one point however, St. Croix Falls fell behind by at least 11 points in the fourth quarter, but mounted a comeback late. A.J. Holmquist, Peter Walsh and Dylan Geske led the charge for Webster during much of their fourth quarter charge, but David Lund and Ryan Larson used their size on the inside to help the Saints bounce back.

Voss said the team gave a nice effort, yet admitted that turnovers were costly in the second half. With 47 seconds to

go in the fourth, Trygve Chinander hit a long three from the corner to pull the Saints to within one. A foul after the bucket gave Chinander an opportunity to tie the game at 36 and did. The Saints kept Webster from scoring and got one more chance with two seconds to go in the game. Chinander took another look from 3-point range but just missed at the buzzer.

Webster controlled much of the overtime with seven points coming from Gibbs, who led the team with 18 on the night Sam Schmidt hit a 3-pointer with

The St. Croix Falls girls team patiently watches and waits for the boys game to finish. under 30 seconds to go for the Saints, but the team was forced to foul to get the ball back and Webster connected those to seal the win.

“The kids really worked hard and I was really proud of their effort, I couldn’t ask for much more,” Voss said.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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Tigers get key conference win Widiker said. “St. Crox Falls played aggressive, smart basketball, giving themselves a chance to take the game right up until the end.”

Beth Baer came out with a nice shot and a free throw near the end. She also made a key steal with under 40 seconds to go. Bryant nailed one more two to bring it to within two, but Webster held on for the win.

“I’m proud of my girls, they came to play and earned that victory with intensity,” Wikiker said. “Now we look to build on it.”

Saints nearly get it back in the end Webster 51, St. Croix Falls 49

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – The Webster girls played a solid game against the Saints on Thursday night, for a much-needed conference victory. It was the Tigers second conference win of the season and fifth overall this season.

“We shot better, we played harder, and we took care of the ball better than we have in other close conference matchups lately, and that made all the difference,” said Webster coach Greg Widiker.

Both teams traded buckets for the majority of the first, but it was Webster senior Amanda Alberg who racked up 10 of the teams 19 points in the first to give them the early 19-11 lead.

The Tigers took a nine-point lead into halftime, but the Saints fought back in the second half, starting with a handful of nice buckets from Alex Confer. She had nine points in the second half and Marissa Campeau added eight to her 21-point total. Sasha Bryant also came up big for the Saints as she posted a near double-double with eight points and 16 rebounds. The Saints were able

1 2 3 4 F 19 14 3 15 51 11 13 10 15 49 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Webster Sam Hogle 2 0 4/7 3 8 4 2 0/0 1 14 Amanda Alberg 1 0 3/5 2 5 Kathryn Krause 2 0 0/2 2 4 Reba Smallwood 4 0 3/6 4 11 Beth Baer Rose Kopecky 0 0 2/2 0 2 2 0 1/4 0 7 Michelle Gibbs Totals 26 2 13/26 12 51

Team Webster St. Croix Falls

Webster team gives coach Greg Widiker a group hug to celebrate after winning against St. Croix Falls on Thursday. – Photo by Marty Seeger to shut down Webster’s offensive threat in the second half, keeping the game closer than it already had been in the first half.

“Coach Angie Maternowsky made a nice adjustment in the second half defensively by putting a chaser on Alberg,” said Widiker.

The Saints took a 38-36 lead early in the fourth quarter, but other parts of the

Webster offense seemed to click at just the right times. Confer put up another couple of key baskets, but freshman Michelle Gibbs knocked down two threes that kept Webster just a few points ahead.

“We’ve been pushing her to make that shot all season and she showed she had the confidence to get the job done against a strong Saints defense,”

St. Croix Falls Alex Confer Sheranda Whittaker Jenny Benoy Annie Confer Marissa Campeau Kelsey Douglass-White Sasha Bryant Amanda Larson Totals

2s 4 0 1 1 7 0 4 2 19

3s FTM/A F TP 0 1/1 4 9 0 0/0 0 0 1 0/0 3 5 0 0/0 0 2 1 4/5 3 21 0 0/0 3 0 0 0/0 3 8 0 0/0 3 4 2 5/6 19 49

Vikes defense steps up over Eagles er, when you can’t throw the ball in the ocean it’s tough to win,” Holicky said.

Anderson led the Vikings with nine points and Schmidt totaled eight on the night, despite getting into foul trouble early. Wink was pleased with the performance of sophomore Megan Anderson, who had three blocks, six rebounds and three steals.

Both coaches pleased with teams’ performance Frederic 26, Unity 15

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – Frederic coach Troy Wink believes that this might be the fewest points allowed in a game since he’s been coaching in Frederic.

Becca Anderson hit two 3-pointers early on, and Erin Schmidt hit three buckets from the paint. The Frederic defense also stepped up in the first to hold Unity to just two points. The Eagles defense, however, also managed to step it up, and despite the loss, coach Holicky was pleased with how his team played.

“That might have been our best overall performance,” Holicky said. “We played with poise, cut our turnovers in half, moved the ball offensively and forced them into 28 turnovers.”

Unity held the Vikings to just 12 points for the rest of the game, yet the

Team Frederic Unity

1 2 3 4 F 14 4 3 5 26 2 6 5 2 15 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Ana Miller 1 0 0/0 1 2 1 0 0/1 1 2 Megan Anderson Kelly Wondra 1 0 1/2 2 3 3 0 2/2 5 8 Erin Schmidt Adrianna Otte 0 0 0/0 1 0 Becca Anderson 0 3 0/0 0 9 Anna Tesch 1 0 0/0 0 2 Totals 7 3 3/5 10 26

Unity’s Briana Bielmeier makes a move to get past Frederic’s Michelle Owens. – Photo by Marty Seeger Eagles struggled to put points on the board. Andrea Thompson led the team with nine of Unity’s 15 points. Holicky thought Thompson and Stephanie

Kothlow played well both on offense and defense.

“To be able to hold a team like Frederic to 26 points was great, howev-

Unity Tina Edgell Brianna Schmid Becca Milligan Stephanie Kothlow Briana Bielmeier Elizabeth Ebensperger Andrea Thompson Totals

2s 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 6

3s FTM/A F TP 0 1/2 2 1 0 1/2 2 1 0 0/0 2 2 0 0/0 1 0 0 0/0 2 0 0 0/0 2 2 0 1/2 2 9 0 3/6 13 15

Dragon girls push past Pirates Grantsburg puts up fight Siren 54, Grantsburg 46

by Brenda Sommerfeld SIREN – The Dragon girls took another win on Friday, Jan. 25, against the Grantsburg Pirates, 54-46, but the Pirates didn’t go down easily.

Siren started out with the lead in the first half, 26-18, and kept ahead by a little throughout the rest. Both teams scored 14 points in both the third and fourth quarters, so the Pirates never got enough to pull past the Dragons.

Janey Emery scored the most points for Siren with 19, while Carley Emery scored 15, Lynette Renberg and Ashley Guevara added six, but Guevara was taken out with an injury during the sec-

ond half.

Jennifer Mitchell helped with four, Haily Mulroy added three and Courtney Daniels scored one free throw.

Grantsburg had Kortney Morrin with 12 points as the lead scorer. Megan Finch put up nine points, Abbey Vaksdal added eight, Ingrid Ames put up five with three being free throws, Stephanie Jensen and Laura Skifstad each added four, and Sarah Wald and Alison McKinley each had two.

Megan Baasch and the rest of the Dragon girls team took turns running through a sign that read “This is next time” as the took the court at Friday’s game. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Team Grantsburg Siren

1 2 3 4 F 7 11 14 14 46 11 15 14 14 54 Individual Statistics Grantsburg 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Abbey Vaksdal 2 1 1/2 1 8 Sarah Wald 0 0 2/5 0 2 Kortney Morrin 5 0 2/4 3 12 Megan Finch 3 1 0/0 2 9 Ingrid Ames 1 0 3/6 1 5 Stephanie Jensen 2 0 0/0 4 4 Vanessa Kleiss 0 0 0/0 1 0 Alison McKinley 0 0 2/2 2 2 Laura Skifstad 2 0 0/0 3 4 Totals 15 2 10/19 17 46 Siren Haily Mulroy Jennifer Mitchell Courtney Daniels Carley Emery Janey Emery Lynette Renberg Ashley Guevara Totals

2s 1 2 0 7 6 3 2 21

3s FTM/A F 0 1/3 5 0 0/1 3 0 1/2 0 0 1/4 2 2 1/2 1 0 0/0 4 0 2/2 0 2 6/14 15

TP 3 4 1 15 19 6 6 54

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Fontaine nding ways to win Webster native finding tough competition at the pro levels

by Marty Seeger WEBSTER – Webster High School student Trevor Fontaine has been busy lately competing for his first year in the pro circuit in ice ovals.

Trevor and father, Doug, have been busy working on the transition from the juniors to pro-class ice racing, and so far Team Fontaine has been getting some good results. Trevor has been racing his 440 Polaris this season, and in early December he placed third and fifth in the pro classes in Beausejor, Manitoba.

The Fontaines traveled to Rock Rapids, Iowa, during the middle of December, and Fontaine raced in the pro 600 class with his liquid-cooled 440.

He won first and second in the heat races. At one point, Fontaine was in second place but didn’t finish due to mechanical failures.

Then in Eagle River things started coming together. Fontaine raced well enough to place first in the semi-pro 500, second in the semi-pro 600 and also second place in the pro-500 class.

Fontaine also raced in the pro-600 race and took fourth. Both he and father,

Trevor Fontaine (L) and dad, Doug (R), proudly hoist the trophies Trevor won racing at Eagle River Jan. 17-21. They are pictured with some of the sponsors that have helped them along the way. From (L to R): Roger Fontaine, Bruce Maurer, John Taylor, Shauna Martin, Tony Eastman, Scott Martin, John Howe, Bill Hartzell and Greg Hunter. Not pictured are Lee and Mark Helene, Robert Hoglund, and Jim and Jeanne Daniels. - Photo by Marty Seeger

Doug, underestimated the speed of the 600 class, they are a lot faster than anticipated. Trevor has been getting used to his 440 and says now that he’s very comfortable riding it. The hard part is competing his 440 sled against the 600class sleds.

“It’s been a tough transition going from juniors to the pro class,” Doug said.

But by the end of the season, Team Fontaine hopes to be right in the thick of a highly competitive sport.

With anything racing, however, it’s never easy to compete without the help of sponsorship. With the help of friends and area businesses, Team Fontaine has been able to race this season, and with their help they’ll be able to continue to race in the coming weeks. Sponsors include Greg Hunter of the Pour House Bar, Scott and Shauna Martin of Dock’s Unlimited and Marine, Lee and Mark Helene of Lee Sports, Bruce Maurer of Maurer Power, John and Connie Taylor of Taylor Paving, Bill Hartzell, John Howe of Great Lake’s Cheese, Robert Hoglund, Tony Eastman and Jim and Jeanne Daniels.

The team’s next race is set for Garrison, Minn., Feb. 2-3, and then it's on to Forest Lake Minn., on Feb. 9-10.

Pirates diminish Dragon fire Grantsburg brings conference record to 5-4 Grantsburg 85, Siren 43

by Brenda Sommerfeld SIREN – The Pirate boys brought their conference record up to 5-4 when they beat the Siren Dragons on Friday, Jan. 25, 85-43.

“All wins are important for everyone this time of year,” Grantsburg coach Danny Judd explained, “as we all make our run towards seeding and the playoffs.”

Grantsburg had a monster win over Siren starting out the game scoring 39 in the first half and keeping Siren to 22.

The Pirates scored 31 points during the third quarter to make sure to obtain the win, keeping Siren to only 21 points during the entire second half.

Tyler Myers scored the most points for the Pirates with 19, making 100 percent

of his free throws.

Thane Larson was next highest scorer with 13 points, while Ben Larson and Jason Jensen each put up 12.

“I think our bench players really stepped up Friday night,” Judd said.

“Both Thane Larson and Jake Ryan played very well.”

Ryan scored seven points with two field goals and one 3-pointer.

Siren’s Charlie Brown took the position of lead scorer for the Dragons with 16 points, while Adam Daniels was held to only nine.

Vince Nasman put up seven points, Travis Freese added five, Christian Hall four and Jordan Potvin made one from the field for two.

Team Grantsburg Siren

1 2 3 4 F 17 22 31 15 85 8 14 11 10 43 Individual Statistics 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Grantsburg Kevin Johnson 1 1 0/0 3 5 4 0 0/0 0 8 Connar Goetz Ben Larson 5 0 2/2 1 12 2 0 0/0 2 4 Shawn Pavlik Tyler Myers 6 1 4/4 2 19 Jake Ryan 2 1 0/0 0 7 5 0 2/2 0 12 Jason Jensen Thane Larson 2 3 0/2 0 13 0 0 1/2 2 1 Zach Corbin Trent Bonneville 2 0 0/2 3 4 0 0 0/0 1 0 Josh Phillipps Totals 29 6 9/14 13 85 Siren Jesse Hinz Christian Hall Adam Daniels Jordan Potvin Travis Freese Vince Nasman Charlie Brown Totals

Grantsburg’s Thane Larson takes control of the ball against Siren.

Larson had 13 points during the game. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Eagles edge Bears in dual match Area teams gearing up for the conference tournament this weekend Unity 42, Turtle-Lake/Clayton 29

by Marty Seeger TURTLE LAKE – The Unity wrestling team traveled to Turtle Lake last Thursday. Only five Eagles competed, with four of the first matches going in favor of Unity by forfeit.

Jason Vlasik wrestled Lucas Sullivan in the first match of the evening and received a pin good for six points in

1:21. The Lakers won the next two by forfeit, and Dylan Thill pinned Unity’s Joe Swanson in 2:20. Ben Hendricks followed that match with a pin over David Peterson in 3:40, then Duane Sullivan managed a pin over Eagles Todd Nutter in 5:03. Mitch Wanner pinned Unity’s Dylan Koethe by tech fall 19-3.

Conference in Cameron Unity, St. Croix Falls and the Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg wrestlers will be competing at the conference tournament in Cameron this Saturday, Feb. 2.

Unity's Ben Hendricks pinned LFG's Kenny Sanford in an earlier dual this season. – File photo by Marty Seeger

2s 0 2 3 1 0 1 4 11

3s FTM/A F TP 0 0/0 2 0 0 0/0 0 4 1 0/0 2 9 0 0/0 3 2 1 2/2 0 5 1 2/2 0 7 2 2/4 4 16 5 6/8 11 43

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Grantsburg gets two shots at Hudson Home dual and Hudson Invitational

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – The Pirate gymnasts held their last home meet of the season, with a dual against the Hudson Raiders on Thursday, Jan. 24.

Grantsburg took second place during the dual competition.

“All-time high,” coach Kathy Lund said, “season high on everything.”

Grantsburg started on vault while Hudson was judged on the uneven bars. Jessika Ilgen tied one of the Raider gymnasts for second place in vault with a score of 8.65. All five Pirates scored in the eights on their vaults, while Hudson did also, with one athlete receiving a 9.0 for first place.

The uneven bars was the event the Pirates scored the lowest on with a combined score of 31.0, while Hudson scored 34.0. Alyssa Ryan was the only one to score in the eights, with an 8.2 to get fourth place.

Michelle Lund and Maarja Anderson scored in the eights on the balance beam. Anderson received second place with an 8.35 and Lund tied for fourth with an 8.0.

Floor was Grantsburg’s last event and it was a good ending. Almost everyone scored in the eights, and Lund scored a 9.1, to receive first place. Hudson won the event with their lowest score being 8.4.

Saints Danea Meyer performs during the floor event in a previous invitational this season. team in vault once again with 8.60, and Anderson was right behind with an 8.50.

Lund scored highest for Grantsburg during the floor routines with an 8.05, scoring 30.950 all-around.

St. Croix Falls at Hudson HUDSON – The young St. Croix Falls team was also at the Hudson Invitational with five gymnasts competing and the team receiving eighth place.

Four of the five athletes, Kayla Cross, Katie Meyer, Brooke Parks, Danae Meyer, competed in every event, with

Grantsburg’s Megan Branstad competes on the balance beam during the home dual against Hudson on Thursday. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

Pirate Katty Peterson makes a round on the bar during her last home meet. Peterson was one of the seniors who were honored at the beginning of the competition.

Hudson Invitational HUDSON – Grantsburg got their second shot in just a few days against Hudson when they visited the Raiders at their home on Saturday, Jan. 26, to compete against seven schools at their invitational.

They received fourth-place overall with a total score of 124.675, while the top school, River Falls, took first with 139.900.

“Maarja Anderson came home with a ribbon,” coach Kathy Lund explained, “fifth place with an 8.675 on beam!”

Megan Branstad placed 10th on beam with her 7.975 score.

At least one athlete scored in the eights on each event except on the bars where Michelle Lund scored the highest with a 7.40.

Jessika Ilgen was on the top of her

Team Hudson Grantsburg

Vault/Place 34.70 34.10

Grantsburg Individual Scores 8.45/tie 5th Maarja Anderson Alyssa Ryan 8.50/tie 4th 8.50/tie 4th Michelle Lund Megan Branstad 8.20 Katty Peterson Jessika Ilgen 8.65/tie 2nd Emily Cole Team River Falls Hudson Red Wing Grantsburg Superior Tartan Menomonie St. Croix Falls

Vault/Place 35.550 34.550 35.100 33.650 31.200 33.100 30.250 30.750

Bars/Place 34.00 31.00 8.2/4th 7.7 6.6 7.4 7.7 Bars/Place 35.250 33.625 32.425 28.400 24.100 25.675 23.775 18.800

Miranda Wilson the only exception, as she didn’t have a floor routine.

Katie Meyer scored the highest during their run at vault, scoring 8.150 while everyone else scored in the midsevens.

Katie Meyer also scored highest during the uneven bars with a 7.10 and during beam with a 5.75.

Cross and Wilson also scored in the fives on beam. Cross with a 5.2 and Wilson getting 5.05.

Cross was on top for the floor event, scoring a 6.275.

Beam/Place 32.80 31.775 8.350/2nd 7.050 8.000/tie 4th 7.975/5th 7.450 Beam/Place 33.200 34.025 31.725 31.150 25.850 23.500 25.975 19.450

Floor/Place All Around/Place Place 35.15 136.65 1st 33.80 130.675 2nd 8.4 8.2 9.1/1st 8.1 7.9

31.95/5th 33.30/3rd -

Floor/Place All Around/Place Place 35.900 139.900 1st 32.925 135.125 2nd 33.250 132.500 3rd 31.475 124.675 4th 29.775 110.925 5th 25.700 107.975 6th 25.500 105.500 7th 21.600 90.600 8th

Grantsburg Individual Scores Alyssa Ryan 8.30 Maarja Anderson 8.50 Michelle Lund 8.25 Megan Branstad Jessika Ilgen 8.60 Katty Peterson 7.90 Emily Cole -

7.00 7.40 5.25 6.95 7.05 -

5.000 8.675/5th 7.250 7.975/10th 7.250

7.725 7.875 8.050 7.825 7.225

28.025 30.950 -

St. Croix Falls Individual Scores Kayla Cross 7.40 Katie Meyer 8.15 Brooke Parks 7.40 Danae Meyer 7.55 Miranda Wilson 7.65

4.80 7.10 2.75 2.15 4.15

5.20 5.75 3.45 3.25 5.05

6.275 5.350 5.000 4.975 -

23.675 26.350 18.600 17.925 -

St. Croix Falls girls varsity coach gets all-star honor Maternowsky part of All-Star squad coaching staff ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Falls Saints girls varsity basketball coach Angela Maternowsky has been selected to serve as an assistant on the coaching staff of the 2008 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association 2008 girls Division 3 North All-Star team.

Prescott Cardinals girls varsity head coach Tim Cerni Angie Maternowsky

will serve as head coach for the WisBCA All-Star squad. Prescott’s girls assistant varsity coach Mike Sobolewski rounds out that staff.

According to Cerni, “I’m excited to have Maternowsky on board. Being selected to serve on the coaching staff of the WisBCA All-Star game is a real honor, both to the coach and to the school and community they represent.

Maternowsky has done a real nice job coaching the St. Croix Falls Saints girls team and is a deserving recipient of that honor!”

The WBCA presents the annual boys and girls all-star games each summer featuring the top senior basketball players in the state. There are four games featuring a team of all-stars from the north facing off against a team of all-

stars from the Southern part of the state in each of the four divisions. Teams are based on splitting up the sectionals that the WIAA assigns.

Coaches from high schools around the state can nominate deserving candidates by downloading and filling in a nomination form found on the WBCA website at: www.wisbca.org. Final team makeup is expected to be announced later this year in March.

The WisBCA All-Star game has been a fundraiser for the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund with over $1.4 million being donated since the game’s inception. Girls selected to play in the all-star team are asked to raise $400 each from the community they represent to contribute to the MACC fund. Additionally, all-star head

coach Cerni hopes the coaching staff can help to raise another $1,000 as a contribution from the staff and the communities they represent.

The girls all-star game banquet will be held at the Concourse Hotel in Madison on Friday, June 20, starting at 7 p.m. All star games will be held at Madison Area Tech. College on Saturday, June 21.

Prior to the WisBCA banquet and games, the girls will spend their all-star week practicing together and enjoying social events in Prescott and at Wisconsin Dells. You can also visit the WisBCA Web site at www.wisbca.org. submitted

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Blizzard blows on Blizzard in the lead, 3-2, going to the locker room after the first period.

The second and third periods were a different story for Altoona with them only able to score one more time, while the Blizzard nailed three more shots through their goalie.

Hughes scored the first on a powerplay during the second from Harlander.

Robbie Billings scored the next in the second also from Harlander, and Close knocked in one during the third during a power play assisted by Harlander and Hughes in the last minute.

Blizzard shuts out Baldwin-Woodville Blizzard 6, Baldwin-Woodville 0

by Brenda Sommerfeld SIREN – Freshman goalie Mike Billings and his Blizzard team shut out Baldwin-Woodville on Saturday, Jan. 26, 6-0.

The Blizzard dominated this game from the first drop of the puck, outshooting Baldwin 37-18 throughout the 51 minutes.

“We played the best we have played all year,” coach Greg Sears stated, “and had a lot of fun doing it.”

Robbie Billings scored on assists by Jamie Robb and Tony Folk 13:45 into the first period, and Travis Close scored from Steven Labatt and Cameron Hughes eight seconds later to bring them up 2-0 after their first period.

During the second period, Baldwin only got five shots on Mike Billings with the Blizzard keeping the puck in Baldwin territory and scoring three more goals. Robbie Billings had another with assists from Noah Thatcher and Ben Anderson, Close put one in on a powerplay with help from Andrew Larson and Dave Harlander, and Tony Folk scored one off of a pass from Close to bring the score up 5-0.

1 2 3 F Team Baldwin-Woodville 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 6 Blizzard Scoring First Period – 1 B Robbie Billings (Jamie Robb, Tony Folk) 13:45, 2 B Travis Close (Steven Labatt, Cameron Hughes) 13:53 Second Period – 3 B Robbie Billings (Noah Thatcher, Ben Anderson) 3:47, 4 B Travis Close (powerplay) (Andrew Larson, Dave Harlander) 7:47, 5 B Tony Folk (Travis Close) 9:39 Third Period – 6 B Ben Anderson (Travis Close, Jamie Robb) 3:04 Goalies Saves – B Mike Billings (18), BW Bo Nelson (31)

Blizzard Tony Folk takes a shot on Baldwin-Woodville’s goal during their matchup on Saturday, with Ben Anderson coming up to help out. — Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld Baldwin couldn’t keep possession of the puck, only getting three more shots on goal while the Blizzard pounding in another point by Anderson from Close and Robb.

Blizzard 6, Altoona 3 GRANTSBURG – Altoona kept the score closer to the Blizzard, but couldn’t score enough to push past them, when the Blizzard won, 6-3, on Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Grantsburg arena.

“Not much has changed,” coach Greg Sears said. “We just keep finding a way to win hockey games.”

Altoona was the first to score in the first six minutes of the competition, but the Blizzard wasn’t having that when they scored the next two within the next three minutes.

Cameron Hughes made an unassisted and Jamie Robb scored on a power play

assisted by Tony Folk and Noah Thatcher.

Altoona was able to slip another through Mike Billings, but Robbie Billings answered right back with help from Dave Harlander to put the

Team 1 2 3 F 2 0 1 3 Altoona 3 2 1 6 Blizzard Scoring First Period – 1 A Michael Peterson (Alex Vankampen) 6:10, 1 B Cameron Hughes 7:37, 2 B Jamie Robb (Tony Folk, Noah Thatcher) 9:32, 2 A Michael Peterson (Alex Vankampen) 13:30, 3 B Robbie Billings (Ben Anderson) 15:17 Second Period – 4 B Cameron Hughes (Dave Harlander) 0:49, 5 B Robbie Billings (Dave Harlander) , 10:08 Third Period – 3 A Alex Vankampen (Joel Johnson, Kory Evans) 10:26, 6 B Travis Close (Dave Harlander, Cameron Hughes) 15:59 Goalies Saves – B Mike Billings (20), A Zach Vaughan (41)

Youth hockey results Burnett Youth Hockey January 25

U-12 Girls

Gburg/Burnett 5, Andover 1

Goals: Ashley Dietmeier (2), Danielle Pardun, Brittney Luedtke, Kassie Lien Assists: Ashley Dietmeier (2), Paige Johnson, Danielle Pardun Saves: Hope Tucker (8)

January 26

U-12 Girls

Princeton 5, Gburg/Burnett 2 Goals: Sam O’Brien, Paige Johnson Assists: Kassie Lien, Wendy Roberts Saves: Hope Tucker (16)

Bantam

Blizzard 5, Duluth 1

Goals: Tyler Richison, Brady McWilliam, Jordan Sargent, Kyle Roberts, Joe Engelhart Assists: Tyler Richison, Joe Engelhart, Brady McWilliam, Jordan Sargent Saves: Thomas Labatt (10)

Duluth 5, Blizzard 0

Saves: Thomas Labatt (23)

PeeWee A

Blizzard 4, Eau Claire 1

Goals: Ryan Curtis (3), Alex Hopkins Assists: Alex Hopkins, Jake Swenson, Matt Larson Saves: Jimmy Richison (9)

January 27

PeeWee B

Cumberland 7, Blizzard 2

Goals: Jenna Curtis (2) Assists: Vinney Larson, Brett Richison Saves: Bailey Mangen (9)

Bantam

Blizzard 5, Como 4

Goals: Joe Engelhart (5) Assists: Brady McWilliam, Tyler Richison Saves: Brandan Roufs (18)

Monday night basketball action Turtle Lake was able to put up against them throughout the whole game on Monday, Jan. 28, when the Dragons won 68-22.

Siren scored 24 points in the first quarter while holding Turtle Lake to only two. They continued to outscore the Lakers during every period to take the game home.

The Emery sisters were once again top scorers for their team. Janey Emery scored 25 points even without playing the fourth quarter. Carley added up 24 points.

Tasha Kosloski scored 12 points with her six field goals in the fourth quarter, which was the only quarter she played.

Jennifer Mitchell put up four points and Lynette Renberg scored three.

Frederic boys and Siren girls both are victorious Frederic 53, Prairie Farm 43

by Brenda Sommerfeld PRAIRIE FARM – The Frederic boys took their second nonconference win on Monday, Jan. 28, when they visited Prairie Farm.

“Nice win for us,” coach Ben Nelson said. “We took care of the ball and had good patience and executed well all night offensively.”

The Vikings kept the lead during the end of each quarter. They were up 11-7 in the first quarter and even with Prairie Farm coming back to be within two points, 22-20, after the second, they were still able to keep the lead to win 53-43.

Kyle Swenson scored 30 points on 16 Team Frederic Prairie Farm

1 2 3 4 11 11 13 18 7 13 9 14 Individual Statistics Frederic 2s 3s FTM/A Nolan Neumann 0 0 1/2 Brent Crandell 1 0 2/2 Will Primm 0 1 0/0 Zach Anderson 2 1 3/5 Kyle Swenson 3 7 3/4 Ben Nelson 1 1 0/0 Totals 7 10 9/13 Prairie Farm Brandon Guthrie Adam Klefstad Nick Goodremote Jackson Hinde Keith Holten Totals

2s 1 3 2 4 6 16

F 53 43 F TP 3 1 1 4 1 3 1 10 1 30 0 5 7 53

3s FTM/A F 0 0/0 5 0 0/0 1 1 1/2 3 1 2/3 1 0 2/2 4 2 5/7 14

TP 2 6 8 13 14 43

Team Siren Turtle Lake

Frederic’s Kyle Swenson goes up for a shot in a game earlier this season. Swenson scored 30 points during their game against Prairie Farm on Monday night. – File photos by Brenda Sommerfeld shot attempts, seven of nine of them being 3-pointers, while Zach Anderson put up 10 points for the team.

“Brent Crandell made two big free throws in the fourth quarter,” Nelson explained, “and Will Primm and Ben Nelson knocked down two big 3-point-

Siren’s Courtney Daniels stays in her stance to protect the ball in a previous game this year. ers in the second half.”

Frederic also played well defensively by holding their lead scorer, Nick Goodremote, to only eight points when he usually averages 15 in a single game.

Siren 68, Turtle Lake 22 TURTLE LAKE – The Siren girls scored more in the first quarter than

1 2 3 4 F 24 9 20 15 68 2 3 7 10 22 Individual Statistics Siren 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Jennifer Mitchell 2 0 0/0 4 4 Sarah Howe 0 0 0/2 0 0 Courtney Daniels 0 0 0/0 1 0 Kelley Wampflar 0 0 0/0 2 0 Carley Emery 7 3 1/1 3 24 Janey Emery 7 2 5/5 1 25 Lynette Renberg 1 0 1/2 2 3 Tasha Kosloski 6 0 0/0 1 12 Totals 23 5 7/10 14 68 Turtle Lake Alex Tschida Tricia Hanson Holly Raffesberger Heather Perterson Rayanna Blackwell Malorie Nyhus Sarah Yeske Kimberly Hammond Totals

2s 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4

3s FTM/A F TP 0 0/1 1 0 0 1/2 2 5 0 5/7 3 7 1 0/0 1 3 0 2/2 2 2 0 0/1 0 2 1 0/0 1 3 0 0/0 1 0 2 8/13 11 22

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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Luck girls beat Bruce Cards plow way to fifth win of the season Luck 34, Bruce 30

by Marty Seeger FREDERIC – The Luck girls bus ride to Bruce was worth the trip last Friday night as the Cardinals rolled to their fifth win of the season. The team had to play their first game of the season without junior Brittney Danielson, who was out with mononucleosis.

“We took a 10-point lead at the half, (20–10) then struggled to hang on down the stretch,” said coach Marty Messar.

“We didn’t play well…but it was just

good enough to get a win.”

The Cardinals shot 10 of 42 from the field, and 13 of 26 from the line, but two Cardinals notched double-doubles in the win. Sarah Petersen had 10 points with 14 rebounds, and Taryn Pilz put up 13 points and 11 boards.

Messar was very pleased with Briana Stage as she stepped up big on defense in the second half. The Cards also had a big defensive game in the second quarter as they held the Chieftains to zero points.

“Our second quarter defense was outstanding,” Messar noted.

Team Luck Bruce

1 2 3 4 F 7 13 6 8 34 10 0 11 9 30 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Erica Wilson 0 1 2/4 4 5 1 0 1/3 0 3 Briana Stage Melissa Jenssen 0 0 0/0 2 0 Megan Hacker 1 0 1/4 1 3 2 0 6/10 5 10 Sarah Petersen 5 0 3/5 2 14 Taryn Pilz Totals 9 1 13/26 14 34 Bruce Lynne Granica Laurelee Kopras Hope Villiard Ellie Dahle Molly Osuldsen Lydia Kopras Totals

Sarah Petersen drives the lane in an earlier game against Webster File photo by Marty Seeger

2s 0 2 1 1 0 2 6

3s FTM/A F TP 0 0/0 4 0 0 3/4 2 7 5 0/0 5 17 0 0/2 3 2 0 0/1 2 4 0 0/0 5 4 5 3/8 21 30

Chisago Lakes-SCF skiing solid still

by Marty Seeger DRESSER – The Wildcats ski team is taking great strides to improve on their perfect Conference season. Both girls and boys continue to blow past the competition, and they did it again in another big win Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Trollhaugen.

“Each week the kids are improving and the results are showing it,” said coach Dan Raedeke.

Raedeke said that Katy Boyer and Teresa Sandberg stepped it up this week, and “all the racers keep pushing each other and helping teammates when they are down,” he said.

For the boys it was Phillip Bottjen and Mark Sandgren who took the top spots

on the team.

“The top six boys are becoming very solid racers,” said Raedeke. As of now the top six include Bottjen, Sandgren, Steve Wagner, Allen Nickelson, Tim Johnson and Corbin Peterson. Raedeke says there are still plenty of races to go, and the team will need to focus and work hard.

Jake Sandgren has been improving each week along with the rest of a very young and talented Chisago Lakes-SCF ski team. Sandgren place 18th overall in the teams conference race on Jan. 22 - Photo by Dan Raedeke

Lakers give Luck a close one Luck 61, Turtle Lake 55

by Marty Seeger TURTLE LAKE – The Lakers gave Luck a close game last Friday night, with a hot game from the outside. Turtle Lake connected with eight shots from the outside, but Luck got a good third period from Tyler Petersen.

“In a close game, Tyler came through in the third period with 11 of his 16 points,” said coach Rick Giller.”

Giller said that the team’s leading scorers, Brennan Olson and Cody Richert had off nights, yet Petersen, Carson Giller and Mitchell Klatt stepped up for the team Thursday night.

“It’s great to see that we have other players who can step up when needed,” Giller said. He also mentioned that Harry Severson had a similar game earlier in the season.

Olson was still a presence under the basket with eight rebounds, and Petersen led the team with nine boards.

Giller was a key on offense shooting four of seven from 3-point range. He also added five rebounds and four assists. Klatt had five assists and three rebounds.

Tyler Petersen had a nice third period against Turtle Lake last week.- File photo by Marty Seeger

Team Luck Turtle Lake

1 2 3 4 F 11 13 16 21 61 18 5 12 20 55 Individual Statistics Luck 2s 3s FTM/A F TP Mitchell Klatt 1 1 5/6 2 10 3 1 1/2 2 10 Cody Richert Harry Severson-Dickinson 1 0 3/4 0 5 7 0 2/4 2 16 Tyler Petersen Brennan Olson 2 0 3/6 5 7 0 4 1/2 1 14 Carson Giller Totals 14 6 15/24 12 61 Turtle Lake Kyle Wick Nathan Roemhild Nick Knight Aaron Lindsley Molls Tim Flanagan David Sollman Totals

2s 3 1 2 1 1 3 3 14

3s FTM/A F 5 0/0 4 1 0/0 1 0 0/0 0 1 0/0 2 0 2/3 0 1 1/2 5 0 0/0 3 8 3/5 16

TP 21 5 4 5 4 10 6 55

Saints teams lose in Tuesday night battles

Amery junior Taylor Luke reached 1,000 points against the Saints on Tuesday night.

Jake Larcom goes up for a shot against Breck Tuesday night.

The Saints lost 63-50. - Photos by Erik Barstow

Aslex Confer (L) and Amanda Larson crash an Amery opponent Tuesday night.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

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Special Olympic bowling tournaments were held in Milwaukee in November 2007. Championship bowlers back row (L to R): Angie White, Josh Fenning and Ben Olson. Middle row: Angie Olson, Erika Martell, McKenzie Miller, Crystal Fougner and Julie Otto. Coaches front row: Kelly Larson and Leanne Richter. Basketball, snowshoeing and downhill skiing are the other winter sporting events for Special Olympians. – Photo submit-

Shoot-off between the schools of Grantsburg, Frederic, Luck and Siren: Feb. 2 – Top three of each age group from each school meet at Frederic High School. Warm-ups begin at 8 a.m. Start at 8:20 a.m. Winners at Frederic represent Council 6370 on Feb. 23.

Feb. 23 – District KC Free-throw contest will be held at Siren High School.

Councils from Balsam Lake, Webster, Spooner and Frederic. Warm-ups begin at 8 a.m. Start at 8:20 a.m. Winners at Siren move on to Ladysmith.

March 15 – Diocesan KC Free-throw contest will be held at Ladysmith. Warmups begin at 9 a.m. Start at 9:30 a.m. Winners move onto the state contest at Wisconsin Rapids.

April 5 – State Free-throw contest at Wisconsin Rapids. Information will be given out at Ladysmith.

At Hacker’s Lanes Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: D & B’s 33, Gems 28, SpareUs 26, The Hee Haws 23, Hot Shots 22, Sandbaggers 15.

Women’s games: Barb Morgan (D&Bs) 196, Gail Linke (The Hee Haws) 178, Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 169.

Women’s series: Gail Linke (The Hee Haws) 478, Barb Morgan (D&Bs) 460, Dorothy Barfknecht (Hot Shots) 457.

Men’s games: Bruce Gravelle (D&B’s) 234, Bert Meyer (D&Bs) 204, Scott Morrison (Gems) 192.

Men’s series: Bruce Gravelle (D&B’s) 579, Scott Morrison (Gems) 548, Bert Meyer (D&B’s) 530.

Team games: Sanbaggers 844, Hot Shots 805, D & B’s 802.

Team series: Sanbaggers 2341, Hot Shots 2312, Gems 2305.

Splits converted: 6-7-10: Melinda Linke.

3-10: Melinda Linke. 5-10: Doris Birch, Lori Dake. 3-7: Dorothy Barfknecht. 5-7: Scott Morrison (x2).

Monday Afternoon Seniors Standings: Swans 9, Bears 8, Nite Hawks 6, Eagles 6, Badgers 3.

Women’s games: Lila Larson (Badgers) 169, Nancy Morten (Bears) 159, Carol Messer (Eagles) 151.

Women’s series: Lila Larson (Badgers) 448, Bernice Moyer 405, Nancy Morten (Bears) 408.

Men’s games: Roger Messer (Eagles) 202, Dennis Bohn (NH) 195, Jack Buecksler (Swans) 179.

Men’s series: Roger Messer (Eagles) 563, Dennis Bohn (NH) 529, Jim Morton (Bears) 495.

Team games: Eagles 645, Nite Hawks 623, Swans 594.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1812, Eagles 1796, Swans 1726.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 22, House of Wood 20, Miller Chicks 18, The Bottle Shop 17, Radio Shack 16, Mane Attractions 12, S&C Bank 5, Bye 2.

Individual games: Kelly Schmidt (MC) 203, Rita Frandsen (HW) 193, Barb Morgan (HL) 188.

Individual series: Barb Morgan (HL) 526, Kelly Schmidt (MC) 521, Julie Hall (MA) 492.

Team games: House of Wood 645, Mane Attractions 628, Hacker’s Lanes 605.

Team series: Mane Attractions 1803, Hacker’s Lanes 1792, House of Wood

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The Shell Lake wrestling tournament was held last Saturday, Jan. 26, and the Unity youth wrestling team took home a first-place trophy. There are approximately 70 Unity students involved in the youth wrestling program. Photo submitted

OF THE

NAME: Eric Goulet SCHOOL: Unity YEAR: Junior COMMENTS: Eric Goulet didn’t have the most points in Unity’s win over Frederic last Friday night, but late in the fourth quarter, Goulet stole an inbound pass to give the Eagles an important edge in sealing their comeback Eric Goulet win. After the steal, Goulet quickly passed the ball to teammate Brady Flaherty, who made a key layup. The win was an great confidence builder for the Eagles team. – Marty Seeger

B O W L I N G 1746.

Tuesday Youth (2 games) Standings: Double Headers 3, Pin Heads 3, Pin Patrol 0, Pin Destroyers 0.

Girl’s games: None.

Girl’s series: None.

Boy’s games: Austin Kurkowski 148, Austin Bruss 142, Zach Schmidt 141.

Boy’s series: Austin Bruss 258, Charlie Lindberg 248, Zach Schmidt 246.

Team games: Pin Patrol 358, Pin Heads 337, Double Headers 328.

Team series: Pin Patrol 666, Pin Heads 654, Double Headers 645.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 33, Yellow Lake Lodge 29, Bottle Shop 28, Hacker’s Lanes 20.5, Pioneer Bar 20, Reliables 11, Hog Wild 7.5, St. Croix Valley Hardwoods 7.

Individual games: Gene Acklund 257, Don Hughes 248, Mike Renfroe 236.

Individual series: Gene Acklund 687, Ron Skow 686, Don Hughes 657.

Team games: Yellow Lake Lodge 646, Great Northern Outdoors 643, Hacker’s Lanes 623.

Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1898, Yellow Lake Lodge 1841, Hacker’s Lanes 1787.

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies Standings: Eggs 7-22, Pioneer Bar 4-19, Frandsen Dairy 3-15, Hacker’s Lanes 014.

Individual games: Betty Schandorff (HL) 188, Kathy Sandberg (PB) 181 & 169.

Individual series: Kathy Sandberg (PB) 518, Betty Schandorff (HL) 505, Ruth Sorenson (FD) 449.

Team games: Pioneer Bar 619 & 572, Frandsen Dairy 559.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 1736, Frandsen Dairy 1643, Hacker’s Lanes 1518.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Lewis Silo 14, Pioneer Bar 9, Parker 8, Larsen Auto Center 8, Skol Bar 7, Four Seasons Wood Products 6, A-1 Machine 6, Cummings Lumber 6.

Individual games: Eugene Ruhn (SB) 279, Duane Doolittle (LS) & John Ellefson (A-1) 255, Dale Gregory (4S) & Don Swanson (CL) 248.

Individual series: Buck Hanson (PB) 708, Dale Gregory (4S) 682, Duane Doolittle (LS) 672.

Team games: Four Seasons Wood Prod.

1070, Pioneer Bar 1046 & 1012.

Team series: Four Seasons Wood Prod.

2949, Lewis Silo 2891, Parker 2885.

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Knights of Columbus free-throw dates 2008

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Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: Wikstrom Construction (6) 34, Full Timers (7) 31, Grindell Law Offices (8) 27, K-Wood (5) 26, Fab Four (6) 26, Hell Raisers (11) 23, Frontier Trails (2) 22, CenturyTel (7) 19.

Individual games: Brian McBroom (FuT) 267, Don McKinney (FF) 237, Mike Sullivan (WC) 227.

Individual series: Brian McBroom (FuT) 688, Don McKinney (FF) 634, Ed Bitler (K-W) 623.

Team games: Full Timers 655, Grindell Law Offices 600, K-Wood 591.

Team series: Full Timers 1783, Grindell Law Offices 1659, K-Wood 1607.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Brian McBroom 7x = 267 & 5x = 225.

Games 50 or more above average: Brian McBroom 267 (+70); Dan Carlson 209 (+60).

Most points: Dave Hall 42.

Splits converted: 4-5: Jim Wikstrom. 27: Curt LaPree. 3-10: Simon Nelson, Bert Meyer. 2-5-7: Mike Sullivan.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Meyer’s Plus 24, The Leader 21.5, Skol Bar 21, Hole in the Wall 14.5, Tin Cup Promotions 14, Junque Art 10.

Individual games: Kathy Underwood 206, Jen Carlson 201, Cara Holicky 200.

Individual series: Karen Carlson 562, Kathy Underwood 540, Missy Hernandez 535.

Team games: Skol Bar 685, Junque Art 670, The Leader 659.

Team series: Skol Bar 1965, Junque Art 1894, The Leader 1786.

Games 50 or more above average: Melinda Linke; Betsy Poston; Kathy Underwood.

Splits converted: 4-7: Val Lindahl. 3-10: Edla Meyer. 5-7: Cindy Denn. 5-10: Linda O’Donnell.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Generation III 51, Skowl 43,

WEEK

NAME: Maarja Anderson SCHOOL: Grantsburg YEAR: Senior COMMENTS: Maarja Anderson took home a fifth-place ribbon for her 8.675 score on the balance beam during the Hudson Invitational against seven other schools on Saturday, Jan. 26. Anderson has Maarja Anderson been an all-around competitor for the Grantsburg gymnastics team throughout the season and has scored in the eights in many events. – Brenda Sommerfeld

R E S U L T S Lakers 42, Dead Eyes 40, Handicaps 36, Schmidt House 4 36, X It 33, CC Lupinos 27.

Women’s games: Deb Ingram (SK) 224, Judy Clarin (CC) 198, Kathy Underwood (SUB) 190.

Women’s series: Deb Ingram (SK) 583, Kathy Underwood (SUB) 482, Mona Renfroe (GE) 470.

Men’s games: Mark Bohn (SUB) 287, Maynard Stevens (GE) 248, Jeb Clarin (CC) 236.

Men’s series: Mark Bohn (SUB) 708, Maynard Stevens (GE) 645, Ron Skow (SK) 627.

Team games: Dead Eyes 860, Skowl 789, Generation III 764.

Team series: Dead Eyes 2245, Generation III 2164, Skowl 2119.

Black and Orange Lanes Early Birds Standings: Gandy Dancer Saloon 15-9, Black & Orange 12-12, 10th Hole 12-12, Log Cabin Store 9-15.

Individual games: Michelle Lysdahl (10th) 173, Peggy Rodacker (10th) 169, Donna Crain (B&O) 166.

Individual series: Jackie Grimes (B&O) 446, Peggy Rodacker (10th) 445, Donna Crain (B&O) 436.

Team games: Black & Orange 864, Gandy Dancer Saloon 861, 10th Hole 855.

Team series: 10th Hole 2502, Black & Orange 2473, Gandy Dancer Saloon 2428.

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Bruce’s Auto 15-1, Larry’s LP 13-3, Pope’s Construction 8-8, Parker 511, Glass & Mirror Works 5-11, Vacant 214.

Individual games: Arnie Pope (PC) 232, Jack Witzany (L) 212, Larry Johnson (L) & Chris Olson (L) 203.

Individual series: Larry Johnson (L) 560, Chris Olson (L) 542, Richard Morse (G&M) 535.

Team games: Larry’s LP 1004, Bruce’s Auto 923, Glass & Mirror Works 912.

Team series: Larry’s LP 2867, Bruce’s Auto 2637, Glass & Mirror Works 2633.

Games 50 or more above average: Arnie Pope 232 (+66); Mike Holmstrom 213 (+63).

TNT Ladies Standings: Wild Bill’s 12-8, Cashco 11-9, Flower Power 9-11, Larry’s LP 8-12.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 215, Robin Willard (WB) 213, Mary Reese

(FP) 179.

Individual series: Robin Willard (WB) 530, Jennifer Kern (L) 507, Cheryl Hansen (WB) 500.

Team games: Cashco 850, Flower Power 830, Wild Bill’s 817.

Team series: Wild Bill’s 2439, Flower Power 2423, Cashco 2409.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Jennifer Kern.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Black & Orange 12-4, Lions 10-6, Northview Drive Inn 10-6, Cashco 6-10, T&P Tree Service 5.5-10.5, 10th Hole 4.5-11.5.

Individual games: Monte Rinnman (C) 202, Aaron Rinnman (NDI) 200, Doug McDowell (NDI) & Rick Pardun (T&P) 183.

Individual series: Monte Rinnman (C) 551, Art Bliven (L) 511, Doug McDowell (NDI) 495.

Team games: Northview Drive Inn 927, Lions 917, Cashco 909.

Team series: Lions 2674, Northview Drive Inn 2615, Black & Orange 2580.

Early Risers Standings: 10th Hole 15-9, A+ Sanitation 13-11, Gandy Dancer 12-12, Hole in the Wall 8-16.

Individual games: Celia Leehe (HITW) 175, Donna Crain (GD) 174, Angel Paulzine (HITW) 168.

Individual series: Lylah Nelson (A+) 476, Donna Crain (GD) 472, Donna Koon (10th) 465.

Team games: A+ Sanitation 704, 10th Hole 695, Hole in the Wall 692.

Team series: 10th Hole 2022, Gandy Dancer 2011, A+ Sanitation 1959.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Black & Orange 13-7, Check Services 11.5-8.5, Ben Ott Const. 10-10, Hole in the Wall 9.5-10.5, Lipsy’s 9-11, Pour House 7-13.

Individual games: Audrey Pardun (HITW) 206, Jennifer Kern (B&O) 171, Celia Leehe (B&O) 167.

Individual series: Audrey Pardun (HITW) 487, Jennifer Kern (B&O) 461, Celia Leehe (B&O) 455.

Team games: Hole in the Wall 684, Ben Ott Const. 650, Black & Orange 642.

Team series: Hole in the Wall 1940, Black & Orange 1912, Ben Ott Const.

1892.

Games 50 or more above average: Audrey Pardun 206 (+55).

Splits converted: 7-9: Bre Tyler.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Winter X games If you turned your television on over the weekend, you most likely got at least a glimpse of someone doing tricks while snowboarding, skiing Brenda or snowmobiling. I Sommerfeld know I did, and I watched a little of the KICK swing slopestyle men’s snowboarding and it PASS shoot got me wondering SERVE what the Winter X catch MISS games are all about.

I, of course, went on Google, as I am sure so many of us do today, to find out what these games are all about. What I found was that it is competition for both men and women snowmobilers, snowboarders and skiers.

The Winter X games have been played and televised since their first year in 1997, played at Big Bear Lake, Calif. The locations have also been in Colorado and Mount Snow, Vt., and is currently being held on Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colo., since 2002 and will continue being there until 2010.

This year’s events started Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 22 and 23, with practice and eliminations. The full-

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blown competition started on Thursday, Jan. 24, and continued through Sunday, Jan. 27.

Every year there are new disciplines added and this year there were three, snowmobile speed and style, skiing big air and snowboard big air.

The snowmobile speed and style is a combination of the freestyle and Snocross competitions. The individuals on the sleds are put head to head while being judged on both their tricks and the amount of time the course is completed in.

The big air disciplines have four competitors that ride at separate times and go off a huge jump, doing tricks while in the air. Fifty percent of their scores come from fan text voting and 50 percent from the analysts.

It was fun to watch the snowboarding, because I have gained a new respect for the people that can do tricks, not to mention just stay up, after having tried the sport for the first time a few weeks ago.

I had decided that I would like to try something new and get outside in the nice winter weather, so I suggested to a couple friends that we should go to Trollhaugen ski area and try snowboarding. I figured it couldn’t be that hard, right?

Boy, was I wrong. I knew that I would fall probably a lot and it wasn’t going to feel good, but I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

LEADER S P O R T S S C O R E B O A R D BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Webster Luck Grantsburg St. Croix Falls Unity Frederic Siren

Conf.

7-1 7-1 5-4 5-3 3-6 2-7 1-8

Scores

Overall 13-2 12-2 9-5 5-8 5-9 4-13 3-13

Thursday, January 24 Webster 51, St. Croix Falls 47 Friday, January 25 Grantsburg 85, Siren 43 Unity 54, Frederic 50 Luck 61, Turtle Lake 55 Monday, January 28 Frederic 53, Prairie Farm 43 Tuesday, January 29 Webster 42, Luck 39 Breck 63, St. Croix Falls 50

Coming up

Friday, February 1 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Frederic (DH) Grantsburg at Clayton (DH) 7:30 p.m. Siren at Luck (DH) Unity at Webster (DH) Monday, February 4 7:30 p.m. Clear Lake at Luck Unity at Clayton Birchwood at Webster Tuesday, February 5 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg (DH) Webster at Siren (DH) Shell Lake at Luck

BOYS HOCKEY Blizzard

Standings 14-1-1

Scores

Thursday, January 24 Blizzard 6, Altoona 3 Saturday, January 26 Blizzard 6, Baldwin-Woodville 0

Coming up

Friday, February 1 7 p.m.

Spooner at Siren Saturday, February 2 2 p.m.

Cedarburg at Siren Monday, February 4 7 p.m.

Barron at Grantsburg Tuesday, February 5 7 p.m.

Amery at Siren

WRESTLING Coming up

Thursday, January 31 7 p.m.

Luck at St. Croix Falls Saturday, February 2 9 a.m.

Conference at Cameron

GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Conference Standings

Team Siren Frederic St. Croix Falls Grantsburg Luck Webster Unity

Conf.

7-1 6-2 5-3 4-4 2-5 2-5 1-7

Scores

Overall 11-2 11-3 6-8 4-9 5-9 5-9 1-12

Thursday, January 24 Webster 51, St. Croix Falls 49 Friday, January 25 Frederic 26, Unity 15 Siren 54, Grantsburg 46 Luck 34, Bruce 30 Monday, January 28 Siren 68,Turtle Lake 22 Tuesday, January 29 Amery at St. Croix Falls

Coming up

Friday, February 1 6 p.m.

Siren at Luck (DH) Unity at Webster (DH) 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Frederic (DH) Grantsburg at Clayton (DH) Monday, February 4 7:30 p.m. Frederic at Rush City Tuesday, February 5 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg (DH) Webster at Siren (DH)

GIRLS HOCKEY Standings

Lady Blizzard

3-14-2

Coming up

Thursday, February 7 7 p.m.

Menomonie at Grantsburg

GIRLS GYMNASTICS Coming up

Thursday, February 7 6:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Rush City

WOMEN’S POOL LEAGUE

Team Greg’s Gals Blacksmith Shop JJ’s Suzy Q’s Wise Guys Glass Bar Hack’s Kassel Tap Crystal Shafer’s Harvest Moon

Score 76 73 71 68 63 62 53 51 43 37 31

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After going through the lines and renting the equipment, we put on the boots and carried our boards out to the smallest hill we could find. It was then that we wondered how you are supposed to move once you click your feet into their bindings.

There were people all around hopping around for short distances anyway. So, I got as close to the rope pulley as possible and tried to hop the rest, definitely harder than it sounds.

When I finally made my way slow way close to the rope, I grabbed hold and fell right on my face. So I watched for a few more minutes until I got the nerve to try it again.

Once I finally made it to the top of the little hill, I sat on top with my friends to gain the courage to try my first time down.

I went down a few times to discover that I was not very good at controlling the board. It wanted to make me go really fast, and I was a little scared of that, so I would slowly plop myself down on purpose, while I watched little children zoom pass me like it was nothing out of the ordinary for them.

We did later decide to try a different hill. It was a lot longer but not very steep. We had to ride on the chair lift to get up to this one. None of us were really sure to get on and off of the lift, but everyone else had one boot clipped to the board and walked with the other, so we guessed that that was a safe bet.

I wasn’t too bad last week with a record of 9-2, but it still wasn’t good enough to allow me to climb back up over 80 percent. My season record is now 86The 23. My biggest embarrassment Amazing was that I failed Bynor to research the Bruce girls team THE AMAZING and picked them BYNOR to beat Luck.

Bruce has only won one game.

What kind of fool am I? You may praise and encourage me by e-mailing amazingbynor@yahoo.com (let’s keep it positive).

PREDICTS

Here are predictions for the coming week: Girls games Webster 33, Unity 29–The Tigers notch another victory. Time of game: 1 hr 35 minutes.

Siren 50, Luck 26–As you read this, Siren is making room in their gym for another championship banner.

Clayton 70, Grantsburg 40–Is this Clayton’s year, or will they be destroyed in sectionals yet again?

Frederic 46, St. Croix Falls 44–The Vikes eke out a win against

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I was very nervous, but I did make it on the lift and held the board up with one boot in and one boot holding the other side up. After being stopped right before we could get off, we thought that getting off was going to be a little more difficult. It was, as I pushed myself forward and fell down instantly.

The considerate lift operator made sure to ask if we were OK, but that one didn’t really hurt.

What did hurt was that once I got going down the hill, I would start moving fast, misjudge my balance, the board would dig in, and I would go face first into the snow. After finally making it down to the bottom of the hill, a little banged and bruised, we went into the lodge for a break.

We came back out and I found that my friends had built up more courage, while mine had faded a little. So, I only went down the first hill we tried a few more times and was ready to go home, while they tried bigger hills.

Even after being sore and not wanting to try anymore for that day, I would like to get on a board again this winter.

Everyone I talk to about snowboarding tells me that everyone falls a lot the first couple times, but once you get it, it is worth it.

a tough opponent.

Frederic 55, Rush City 50–Rush City ain’t won many games, but they won’t be a pushover on their home court.

Siren 60, Webster 35–Nowhere near as close as their last encounter.

Grantsburg 52, St. Croix Falls 50–The Saints might be the toughest girls team to predict.

Boys games Webster 62, Unity 38–The Tigers will be entering tourney play with a nice winning streak.

Luck 80, Siren 48–The Cardinals will be entering tourney play with a nice winning streak.

Grantsburg 58, Clayton 48–The Bears try but can’t quite slow the pace to their liking.

St. Croix Falls 49, Frederic 36–The Saints are now assured of a .500-plus conference record.

Webster 77, Birchwood 40–It’s better than an open date.

Luck 60, Clear Lake 50–Might these two conference champions meet later in tournament play?

Clayton 50, Unity 34–A solid defensive effort by the Eagles.

Webster 74, Siren 47–Not much of a contest.

Grantsburg 69, St. Croix Falls 49–No troublesome matchup issues for Grantsburg as there was for Webster.

Luck 81, Shell Lake 46–Another breather for the Redbirds.

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NRB adopts new fishing tournament rules Rules allow events to increase while aiming to reduce problems MADISON – The state Natural Resources Board on Wednesday, Jan. 23, adopted rules that will allow fishing tournaments to grow in Wisconsin while reducing crowding at boat landings and reducing the potential that fish die, or invasive species are spread, in conjunction with the events. The rules would affect tournaments after Jan. 1, 2009.

While geared to the same goals, the adopted rules differ significantly from earlier draft versions taken to public hearings in 2006, according to Mike Staggs, Department of Natural Resources fisheries director. They still establish a permit system to help the state better track where and when tournaments occur, and to enable scheduling of events to make sure they are less likely to cause problems for other boaters and anglers.

But gone is a ban on July and August tournaments where fish are held in livewells and weighed later at a central location. It’s been replaced by a provision that allows the DNR to write conditions into the permits that such “catchhold-release” events must meet to reduce fish mortality, including reducing bag limits, if predetermined temperature limits are reached. Research shows that fish mortality spikes when

water temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit for bass and 70 F for walleye, Staggs said.

The fees that organizers of larger tournaments pay to cover the costs of the permit program have been significantly reduced from earlier proposed levels.

Now, most tournaments large enough to require a permit will be charged $25.

Very large tournaments will be charged $100 or $200, depending on the size of the event purse. Fees are used only to cover increased costs of running the permit program.

And board members dropped a $2 fee for bass tournament participants, reversing their earlier instruction to DNR to recoup the cost of past research to benefit bass tournaments and participants.

Larger tournaments have been governed by a permit system since the mid1990s, and the number of permitted events has increased substantially since then. In 2004 and 2005, more than 20,000 anglers participated in tournaments with cash prizes exceeding $2 million for each of those years.

The DNR started writing the fishing tournament rules after a 2003 law was passed responding to growing citizen complaints about tournaments, including perceived problems with crowding at boat ramps, concern over fish dying after being caught during tournaments, and other factors, Staggs said. The DNR worked with an advisory group including fishing clubs, lake associations, fishing tournament organizers and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress to

develop the rule proposals.

Public concern about tournaments arose in recent years over several highly publicized incidents in which scores of fish died after being caught in liverelease bass tournaments on the Mississippi River and walleye tournaments in Green Bay. Staggs told board members that studies DNR conducted to help develop the tournament rules and to meet a legislative mandate to study an experimental program that allowed bass tournaments to “cull” or sort fish revealed that fishing tournaments can have a significant positive local economic impact but a negligible biological impact on fish populations.

Nobody likes to see fish “wasted,” Staggs said, but such “incidental mortality” as a result of tournaments is not common nor does it affect fish population numbers over the long term when it happens.

Other key provisions of the fishing tournament rules approved Wednesday are listed below.

Permit requirements and application process A permit is needed if any of the following apply: more than $10,000 in prizes is awarded, there are more than 20 boats or 100 participants; the tournament targets trout on classified trout waters, or the fish are weighed off-site and then released live.

Fees are $25 for tournaments offering the immediate release format, or those where prizes are less than $500, or target Great Lakes trout or salmon, for which

anglers already pay a $10 stamp on top of their fishing license. Fees are $100 for catch-hold-release format or catch-kill format and prizes between $500 and $9,999, and $200 for tournaments offering the same formats but more prize money.

Organizers submit a permit between April 1 and June 30 for a tournament in the following year. If a monthly limit on tournaments on the same water is reached – with the limits varying according to waterbody size – tournament organizers will be asked if they want to change their location or date or be subject to a lottery. Traditional fishing tournaments – those which have received permits in four of the last five years – get preference and are generally not subject to a lottery. In addition, one tournament will be allowed each year on any one water to tournament organizers who can demonstrate a need to lock down the date up to three years in advance.

Aquatic invasive species and fish disease rules All tournament participants are required to follow state laws and rules aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species such as Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels and of a new fish disease, viral hemorrhagic septicemia.

In addition, DNR has the authority to establish additional permit conditions to prevent the spread of invasives. – from the DNR

Free turkey hunter education clinics being offered MADISON — Free turkey hunter education clinics will be offered again this year around Wisconsin. The clinics cover wild turkey biology and behavior, hunting methods, regulations, safety precautions, and landowner/hunter ethics, as well as tips for scoring trophy birds and a few ideas on preparing turkeys at home.

Clinics, run by volunteer instructors, are intended to address and inform all ages and experience levels.

“Whether you are just beginning and

interested in learning wild turkey hunting techniques or are an experienced wild turkey hunter, these clinics can help you brush up on skills or learn new techniques,” says Scott Hull, upland game ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources.

Clinics will be held February through early April. They typically last 2-1/2 to three hours. Information and a listing on where and when clinics are being held are available at any DNR Service Center and on the DNR Web site or by

Nice perch

This eagle landed just long enough for a quick photo on a recent shed antler hunting trip in Barron County. Wildlife was active all around the area as temperatures crept into the 30s. A far cry from what the beginning of the week turned out to be. Marty Seeger

calling 608-261-8458. For the latest additions or changes in the schedule, please refer to the turkey hunting education page of the DNR Web site.

The clinics are sponsored by the DNR and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

According to the DNR Web site, there will be a clinic at the Osceola High School in room LGI on Monday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. Contact Dean Swenson for more information at 715-268-4374.

There is also a turkey clinic scheduled in

Spooner on Monday, Feb. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station. Contact Nancy Christel for more information at 715635-4091.

For more information on other statewide clinics contact Sharon Fandel, assistant DNR upland wildlife ecologist at 608-261-8458. – from the DNR

Great Northern Outdoors Archery League Week 1

A League Deadnuts: Ben A. 291, Dustin G. 275, (6 points) Shockers: Jason C. 278, Chad L. 261 (6 points) Stabilizers: Mark J. 279, Drew B. 241 (4 points) Free Flight: Jeff B. 280, Sherri P. 268 (4 points) Spartanz: 303 Brian S. 284 Nick R. 201 (2 points) Full Draw: Tony P. 288, Sheri B. 255 (0 points) The Kaws: Kyle J. 277, Andy W. 215 (0 points) B League Redneck Ind.: Roy Z. 242, Brent L. 206 (6 points) Gameslayers: Bill S. 257 Gino L. 214 (6 points)

Team MJ: Cory M. 243 Jeremy J. 229 (4 points) Razors Edge: Brad S. 267, Zach S. 111 (4 points) GNO: Ross W. 245, Erika W. 217 (2 points) Anuke: Luke K. 226, Dan G. 143 (2 points) Animal Lovers: Maddie B. 150, laurel G. 68 (0 points) S & T: Steve K. 178, Tam H. 151 (0 points) Spot Shooters, 300 game Pat J. 255

Butch’s Northwest Archery Bow Hunting League Week 1

Bowhunter’s League Traditional Peterson Construction: 399 Earth Energy Systems: 332 Wishful Thinking: 331 Shell Lake Pharmacy: 323 Timberland Archery: 275 Butch’s Traditional Archery: 254 Men’s White Birch Printing: 579 Shell Lake State Bank: 562

A&H Taxidermy: 557 Northview Drive-In: 514 Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church: 487 Webster Auto Sales: 461 Big Mike’s Sports Shop: 448 Knoop Construction: 292 Little Lambs Preschool: 287 Right in the Middle: — Women's Chicog Pub: 499 Youth Cloverleaf: 327

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents Jan. 12, 2:42 p.m., Georgetown Twp., West Bone Lake Lane, 1 mile north of CTH G, #1 – MICHAEL M. MICHAELSON, 49, Milltown; #2 – KRISTAL N. McCAULEY, 18, White Bear Lake, Minn. Unit 1 was traveling northbound when it attempted to make a right turn and was struck by unit 2 when it was approaching the stop sign.

A passenger in unit 2, JACOB A. ERDMANCZYK, 25, St. Paul, Minn., received a minor injury.

Unit 1 driver received a citation for driving too fast for conditions.

Jan. 16, 5:34 a.m., Beaver Twp., Hwy. 8, .4 mile west of Hwy. 63, JOANNE E. MALM, 61, Siren, was eastbound on Hwy. 8. Operator lost control due to snow on the roadway.

Unit 1 left the roadway to the right and overturned. Driver was

wearing a seat belt, received a minor injury and was transported by EMS. Jan. 17, 11 a.m., Luck Village, Main Street at 3rd Avenue, #1 – CECELIA T. NYREN, 70, Frederic; #2 – BRITTA C. GILLER, 18, Luck. Unit 2 was southbound on Main Street. Unit 1 stopped at the stop sign on 3rd Avenue. Unit 1 was turning right onto Main Street and pulled into the path of unit 2. Units 1 and 2 crashed. Operator of unit 1 said, “It’s all my fault.” She also said that the visibility to the north was obscured by angleparked vehicles on Main Street.

Driver of unit 1 was cited for violation of a seat belt law.

Jan. 18, 2:23 p.m., Osceola Twp., Hwy. 35, .15 mile south of 113th Avenue, SHERMAN W. PETTIS, 71, Osceola, was southbound on Hwy. 35. Unit 1

crossed over the northbound lanes, entered the east ditch and struck several trees. It is believed that the driver of unit 1 was suffering from a medical condition. The driver was wearing a seat belt, sustained injuries and was transported by EMS. Jan. 19, 3:30 a.m., Beaver Twp., CTH T, .2 mile south of 145th Avenue, ADONIS I. MOSAY JR., 24, Luck, was northbound on CTH T when he lost control of his vehicle and went into the ditch on the west side of CTH T. The driver was attempting to negotiate a curve.

The vehicle went into the ditch and rolled over, landing on its roof. Driver was issued a citation for failure to notify police of an accident.

Jan. 19, 1:10 a.m., Black Brook Twp., CTH F, 200 feet

east of 75th Street, DARREN E. CROES, 27, Clear Lake, was eastbound on CTH F, negotiating a curve. Driver of unit 1 lost control and entered the north ditch. Upon entering the ditch, unit 1 rolled one-half time, coming to rest in the ditch on the roof, facing south. Driver of unit 1 fled the scene on foot and failed to notify the police of the accident (received citation for such); also, received a citation for open intoxicants in a motor vehicle.

Jan. 20, 10 p.m., West Sweden Twp., 120th Street, .5 mile north of 315th Avenue, MARK A. MEHTALA, was southbound on 120th Street, south of Clam Falls Drive, when he lost control and went in the east ditch, striking some trees.

The accident was not reported until the next day. The vehicle

received extensive damage and was on its side. Driver was cited for failure to notify police of accident.

Jan. 21, 3:40 a.m., Balsam Lake Twp., 150th Street, .25 mile north of 150th Avenue, JOSEPH A. VIERKANDT, 27, Polk County Deputy Sheriff, struck a deer on the roadway while on duty.

Jan. 21, 7:27 p.m., St. Croix Falls Twp., Hwy. 8/130th Avenue, .25 mile east of Sunset View Drive, EDWARD D. THOMPSON, 63, Turtle Lake, was eastbound on Hwy. 8/130th Avenue when the driver of unit 1 lost control of the vehicle due to the ice on the road. Unit 1 went off the road into the ditch on the south side of Hwy. 8. Unit 1 collided with an embankment and overturned.

Jan. 22, 3:21 p.m., Lincoln

Twp., 100th Street at Pike Lake Lane, #1 – BRANDON M. SWANSON, 25, Clear Lake; #2 – HANNAH J. KUNKEL, 19, Amery. Unit 1 was puling out of a driveway located at 825 100th Street. Unit 2 was southbound on 100th Street and struck unit 1 on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Unit 1 stated he didn’t see unit 2 coming until it was too late. There was moderate damage to both vehicles. Both drivers stated they couldn’t stop due to slippery roads. The roads were snow covered and slippery.

Other incidents Jan. 22, DANNY M. HINKEL, RR Grantsburg, reported damage to his LP cylinder and pipes at his residence.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $140,384.16.

Schanon Mortgage, Inc., Amery, plaintiff.

John and Deon Aronson, Balsam Lake,

defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $267,783.49.

Polk County civil court FIA Card Services Bank of America, Greensboro, N.C., plaintiff. Michelle Frederick, Amery, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges that defendant defaulted on credit card payments of $11,532.59.

HSBC Bank Nevada, Las Vegas, Nev., plaintiff. Patricia Talbot, Amery, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges that defendant defaulted on credit card payments of $13,639.84.

U.S. Bank, St. Louis, Mo., plaintiff. Kosana Horvatinovic, Amery, defendant.

Plaintiff alleges that defendant defaulted on credit card payments of $23,186.44.

Discover Bank, Hilliard, Ohio, plaintiff. Lisa Duden, Clear Lake, defendant. Plaintiff alleges that defendant defaulted on credit card payments of $5,524.10.

Chase Home Finance, Columbus, Ohio, plaintiff.

Susan Vold, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $142,642.06.

LaSalle Bank National Association, Lewisville, Texas, plaintiff.

Matthew Krarup, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $99,986.51.

LaSalle Bank National Assoiciation, Pittsburgh, Pa., plaintiff. Dana and Connie Kelly, Clear Lake, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $118,387.68.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, San Diego, Calif., plaintiff. Jerrold and Tonya Featherly, Clayton, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $123,763.77.

U.S. Bank National Association, Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff. Timothy and Terry Elmer, Amery, defendants.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $147,544.70.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff.

Craig Cousins, Milltown, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $234,380.44.

U.S. Bank, Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff.

Sheila and Barry Jensen, Minneapolis, Minn., defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of

$231,040.71.

CitiMortgage, O’Fallon, Mo,, plaintiff. Jonathan Ekstrand, Shafer, Minn., defendant.

Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $128,032.11.

Westconsin Credit Union, Menomonie, plaintiff. Russel Shingleton, Centuria, and Bryn Krueger, St. Croix Falls defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure payments of $102,238.21.

Bank of New York Trust Company, Richfield, Minn., plaintiff. Michael and Mary Roberts, Osceola, defendants.

Burnett Co. marriage licenses Rick A. Packard, Danbury, and Teresa L. Johnson, Danbury, Jan. 24.

Stephen F. Nelson, Frederic, and Stephanie L. Fuller, Frederic, Jan. 25.

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Siren police report Jan. 16: At 9:30 p.m., officers on patrol found the gate at the Siren Telephone Cable Yard open.

They found nothing unusual and closed the gate.

The next day they were notified by the owner that one spool of cable had been tampered with and 70 feet from another spool had been cut off and taken. This was in addition to cable stolen in an earlier theft.

Jan. 22: An accident occurred at 8:20 p.m. when Mark D. Swenson, 46, Siren,

made a sharp left turn from Hwy. 35/70 onto Works Progress Street, damaging a stopped vehicle driven by Denise A. Strait, 42, Frederic. Strait was stopped at the stop sign on Works Progress Street, waiting to make a right turn onto the highway. Some damage was done to the hood and driver’s side quarter panel of the Strait vehicle.

Jan. 23: At 5:15 p.m., a report was taken of threats to injure a Siren man.

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Burnett County criminal court Rose M. Defilippo, 48, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Sean A. Schullo, 18, Cumberland, operating left of centerline, $198.60.

Micaela R. Larsen, 19, Cumberland, OWI, $793.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked eight months.

Kelly J. Dupre, 18, Danbury, theft of movable property, oneyear probation, must attend school and obtain HSD, no contact with Shawn Hutton or Jason Kirby, $88.

Myron L. Belisle, 60, Webster, disorderly conduct, one-year probation, must maintain sobriety, attend AA meetings weekly, attend anger management program or other recommended counseling, $412.00.

Bruce J. Hahn, 56, Danbury, intentionally mistreat animals, one-year probation, animals prohibited from defendant’s motor vehicle, comply with recommended counseling and treatment, attend canine obedience program. $88.00.

Waylon J. Snyder, 23, Hinckley, Minn., resisting or obstructing an officer, one-year probation, four days’ jail sentence, $88.00.

Adalyn C. Fandel-Mielenz, 18, Orono, Minn., possess drug paraphernalia, $249.00.

Brain J. Winter, 17, North St. Paul, Minn., operate without valid license, three-year probation, remain drug free, continue living at father’s residence, alcohol assessment, $88.00; pos-

session of THC, three-year probation - concurrent with other probation, $88.00; possession of drug paraphernalia, threeyear probation – concurrent with other probation, license suspended six months, must remain drug free, $88.00; possession of drug paraphernalia, three-year probation – concurrent with other probation, 28 days’ jail sentence, $88.00.

Michael J. Livingston, 49, Siren, fourth-degree sexual assault, 90 days’ jail sentence, Huber release for employment, $90.00.

Kyle S. Bauer, 18, Webster, OWI, $667.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months.

Polk County criminal court Misdemeanors Lucas McDermott, 25, Amery, resisting an officer.

Defendant plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for March 28.

Meagan Peterson, 20, Luck, receiving stolen property. Final pretrial scheduled for March 28.

Guy Bernier, 28, Amery, resisting an officer. Plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 4.

Cody Eaton, 18, Osceola, theft of movable property.

Defendant entered plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 4.

Jamie Hinz, 23, Osceola, battery.

Adjourned initial appearance scheduled for March 24.

Joshua Harvey, 22, Luck, resisting or obstructing an officer. Defendant entered plea of not guilty, and final pretrial scheduled for April 11.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

Webster Municipal Court Matthew R. Bambery, Webster, violation of driver’s license, $109.00.

Paul L. Cyms, Webster, cat at large, $109.00.

Julie A. Eisenmann, Superior, unreasonable speed, $121.90.

Audria B. Elkins, Webster, dog running at large, $109.00.

Adam M. Evans, Webster, seat belt violation, $58.60.

Aaron S. Flodin, Webster, winter parking restrictions, $109.00.

Dylan A. Geske, Siren, endangering safety; throwing missiles, not guilty pleas.

Jade C. Helene, Webster, DOC, $1,755.09.

Anne M. Henseler, Menasha, speeding, $109.00.

Ken N. Hinze, Webster, dog running at large, $109.00, not guilty plea.

Whitney L. Hunter, Webster, seat belt violation, $58.60.

Jeffrey J.E. Olson, Webster, seat belt violation, $58.60.

Thomas J. Polski, Danbury,

Burnett Co. deaths William Janson, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 13.

Jacqueline J. Lehman, Swiss, Jan. 10.

Edith M. Sage, Grantsburg, Jan. 21.

Gladys B. Caroon, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 17.

76, 54, 83, 91,

criminal damage to property, $521.45.

Kellie M. Ryan, Coon Rapids, Minn., failure to stop at stop sign, $83.80.

Megan N. Sartwell, Danbury, unsafe backing, not guilty plea.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

Notices/Employment

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Jackson, Jan. 26: Kent L. Smith, 38, Vadnais Heights, Minn., was northbound on Voyager Road when he left

the roadway and struck three mailboxes.

There were no reported injuries.

Town of Scott, Jan. 26: Michael R. Wells, 54, Danbury,

was northbound on CTH H when he lost control of his vehicle and left the roadway, striking a tree. The driver left the scene of the accident but admitted to the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department that he was the driver. He was cited for failure to notify police of an accident and driving too fast for conditions.

Arrests Town of Swiss, Jan. 25: Roy Shabaiash, 30, Danbury, was

arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

Town of Swiss, Jan. 27: Steven M. Gillis, 29, Webster, and Larry A. Graf, 28, Grantsburg, were arrested outside of the Kyle Huggett residence. Graf was cited for possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Gillis was cited for disorderly conduct.

Other incidents Town of Grantsburg, Jan. 18: Diane M. Plain, Grantsburg reported a four-wheeler stolen from a pole shed. The incident is under investigation.

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Notices/Employment

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Notices/Employment

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Eight compete for Luck Winter Carnival queen

by Brenda Sommerfeld LUCK – On Friday, Feb. 8, the new Luck Winter Carnival Queen will be crowned, chosen from the eight competitors during the 49th-annual ceremony.

The pageant, with the theme Under the Sea, will be held in the Luck High School auditorium at 7 p.m.

Amanda Marie Shannon is the daughter of Nicole Erickson and Erick Groehler. She is sponsored by Hog Wild Bar and Grill and The Bottle Shop and will be escorted by David Swenson. Her talent during the competition will be an original humorous monologue titled “Christmas Morning.” She is currently working at Hog Wild Bar and Grill and also participates in student council and volleyball at school. She loves to dance and go to movies. After high school, Shannon plans to go to an Aveda school and then go on to law school.

Jennifer Rose Roettger is the daughter of Ken and Patty Roettger. She is sponsored by the Inter-County Leader and Johnson Upholstery and will be escorted by Dale Johnson during the competition. She will be singing “Someone’s Watching Over Me” as her talent. Roettger currently works parttime at the Milltown Drive Inn, while participating in FCCLA, choir, honors choir, prom committee and continuing to stay on the honor roll. Her hobbies include playing volleyball, being with friends and family, listening to music, watching movies and hunting. She plans to go on to college for either teaching or cosmetology after high school.

Brittany Ann Douglas is the daughter of Brent and Lori Hostrup and Barry Seehafer. Hostrup Hauling and Jenell’s Main Dish are her sponsors and Brent Hostrup will be her escort. She will dance to “Fishin’ in the Dark” during her talent portion of the competition.

Douglas is currently working at WalMart in St. Croix Falls, while being part of FCCLA, prom committee, choir, the school newspaper, CIA, cheerleading and a teacher’s aide in school. She enjoys scrapbooking, baby-sitting, hanging out with friends, driving and traveling. She plans to attend college for business management or marine biology.

Aleah Elizabeth Lemieux is the daughter of Terry and Beth Lemieux.

The Luck Pharmacy and Lemieux Taxidermy are sponsoring her and Patrick O’Connell will be escorting her for the evening. She will be performing an original monologue entitled “One of those Days” for her talent. Lemieux works at The Scoop, while playing bas-

The eight young women competing in this year’s queen pageant for 2008 are: Back row (L to R) Amanda Shannon, Jennifer Roettger, Brittany Douglas, Aleah Lemieux and Alecia Ouellette. Front row: Grace Jensen, Samantha Fenning and Mary Maiden Mueller. – Photo courtesy of JB Studios ketball, volleyball and softball and being in CIA, FCCLA, Spanish club, on the yearbook staff and honor roll and receiving athletic letter and academic letter. She loves to draw, travel, sing, play guitar, hunt, be outdoors and be with friends. She is planning to attend UW-Madison for either journalism or meteorology after high school.

Alecia K Ouellette is the daughter of Anita Johnson and Mike Ouellette. Her sponsors are V-Salon and Nails by Cathi. Aaron Ross will escort her during the competition. A gymnastics dance to a remix of “Final Countdown” is what she will perform for her talent. Ouellette is part of CIA, FCCLA, Spanish club, volleyball, softball, hockey and soccer.

She enjoys snowboarding, gymnastics, baby-sitting, and hanging out with friends and family in her spare time.

After high school, she plans to attend Northwestern to become a nurse.

Grace Evelina Jenson is the daughter of Mary and Tony Jenson. She is sponsored by United Pioneer Home and The

Jensen is Luck’s grand marshal

by Brenda Sommerfeld LUCK – This year’s Luck Winter Carinval’s Grand Marshal is Mark Jensen, owner of Jensen Furniture on Main Street in downtown Luck.

This year’s Luck Winter Carnival festivities take place Feb. 8-10.

Jensen was born in Luck and only moved away for a few years for college and other work opportunities until coming back help with Mark Jensen is the family busithe Luck Winter ness.

Carnival Grand “It’s a good Marshal. - Photo by place to be, a good place to Gary King raise kids, a good school district and good people,” Jensen explained about Luck. “Just a lot of positive things about being in an

area like we’re in. We’re fortunate to be able to do that.”

Jensen and his wife, Marsha, moved back to Luck in 1976 with their two children, Jake and Jackie, and have been in the business of furniture ever since. The furniture store has been the family business for 52 years now, began by his grandfather. Jake works at the store, but Jackie did move away from Luck.

“We’ve been fortunate to have good business over the years,” Jensen said.

Besides being a business owner in Luck throughout many years, Jensen has been a member of the Lions Club and the community club (formerly named commercial club). He has also been a volunteer ambulance driver. He has served on the Lakeland Communications Board of Directors and is very active in church.

This year’s 42nd-annual grand marshal reception will be held in honor of Jensen on Saturday, Feb 9, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the DBS Hall. The torchlight parade will follow at 7 p.m. down Main Street, which Jensen will ride in.

Scoop and will be escorted by Dan Valentine during the competition. She will be performing a ballet dance to “Headstrong” by Ashley Tisdale as her talent. Jenson is in band, choir, on honor roll and part of National Honors Society.

She enjoys teaching Sunday school, being at Forts Folle Avoine, studying ballet, and doing independent study through Brigham Young University. She is planning to continue ballet and attend college for premedicine after graduating high school.

Samantha Jo Fenning is the daughter of John and Kristi Fenning. JB Studios and Mark Forester Plumbing are sponsoring her during the competition and Ben Buck will escort her during the evening. She will be playing guitar and singing to “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat during her talent part of the competition. Fenning participates in volleyball, Spanish club, Teen court, CIA, Feed my

Hungry Children, NHS and has received an academic letter. She also enjoys hanging out with friends and family, singing, playing guitar and baby-sitting. She plans to attend UWSuperior to become a teacher after graduation.

Mary Faye Maiden Mueller is the daughter of Spike and Mary Maiden Mueller. She is sponsored by Jensen Furniture and The Cardinal Shop and will be escorted by Jake Jensen during the competition. She will be performing musical theater for her talent. Maiden Mueller is part of cheerleading, drama club, FCCLA, her church choir, on honor roll, state solo and ensemble, honor band, NHS and has an academic letter. She plans to attend college to become a librarian as her career after high school.

New owners of St. Croix Falls business

Shipping & Handling in St. Croix Falls has new owners. The shipping business offers shipping from four agencies: DHL, UPS, FedEx, and SpeeDee as well as mailbox rental, and is located in the strip mall on Glacier Drive on Hwy. 8, behind Maynard’s BP gas station. Pictured (L to R): is former owner Lloyd Otani with the new owners, Denis and Amy Bayle of St. Croix Falls. Shipping & Handling is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit shipandsend@yahoo.com or call 715-483-2677. –Photo by Tammi Milberg

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JANUARY 30, 2008

Kolstad carries on tradition, values Kolstad Family Funeral Home getting some changes

by Marty Seeger CENTURIA – The funeral home in Centuria has undergone several name changes over the years. According to funeral director and current owner Tom Kolstad, John Park was the first owner, and it was fittingly named as the Park Funeral Home. When Park retired, his son operated it until 1988 and then sold it to Raymond Rowe, thus changing the name to the Park-Rowe Funeral Home.

In 2004, Kolstad became co-owner and the name was then changed to the Rowe-Kolstad Funeral Home. Then in April of 2007, Kolstad purchased the Centuria location from the Rowe family.

He has since made the Centuria location his own, and proudly changed the name to the Kolstad Family Funeral Home, making it independent of any other funeral home in the area.

While Kolstad has been servicing local families in the community for just over a decade, his roots began in Superior where he was born and raised.

Kolstad’s father and other family members were employed at a funeral home in Superior when he was growing up, which is how he gained interest in becoming a funeral director.

“My interest was really inspired by my father working at the funeral home in Superior,” Kolstad said.

After graduating from the College of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee in 1988,

Funeral director and owner Tom Kolstad proudly stands outside the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria. The outside features some new landscaping, and a new walkway that is handicapped accessible. - Photo by Marty Seeger Kolstad worked in central Wisconsin.

He then moved to the area and became employed by Raymond Rowe in 1997.

Kolstad is happy to be running his own business, along with his wife Lerena, 6-year-old daughter Madalyn and stepsons John and Ben Stauber.

Whether its running errands or taking care of the homefront, Kolstad says

there’s no way he could run the business without his wife Lerena.

“Even though I’m the only person who works here, it really takes a family to run the business, because someone needs to take care of the family when I’m not there,” Kolstad said.

Kolstad says he’s pretty much on call 24/7, and is typically in his office from

about 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. He also gets a lot of help from Jerry Prokop, a longtime family friend and “great assistant” according to Kolstad. When he’s not working, Kolstad says he enjoys spending time with family, canoeing and traveling. He also has a great love for the outdoors and likes to officiate high school hockey games from time to time.

Since the purchase of the funeral home, the Kolstad family has been redesigning the look and expanding its size. A handicapped-accessible entrance has been added, a roomier chapel and a new fellowship room for refreshments is in place. The family is continuing to plan for even more expansion of its size in the coming months. The Kolstad family has also implemented a unique new called “Meaningful program Memories,” which offers families more choices than in the past. It allows families to personalize their choices, which makes for more meaningful memories.

With all of the improvements made to the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in the past year, there is one thing that remain the same, and that’s the family values that Kolstad’s father instilled in him when he was growing up.

“My dad always said, ‘you treat every family like it’s the only family who has ever lost somebody,’ and to this day we try to treat everybody that way,” Kolstad said.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home is licensed in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and Kolstad is available anytime at 715646-2200. You can also visit their Web site at www.kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Kurtz's mass transit idea on its way to investor's congress in Bangkok

by Gary King ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Falls inventor Bill Kurtz won’t be attending the First International Inventor’s Day Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, next week, but one of his inventions will.

His mass transit proposal is one of five projects chosen by the Minnesota Inventors Congress to be presented at the international show.

It consists of a magnetic levitation system, where motorists could drive onto a flatbed platform, shut off their engines, program their destination and sit back.

They would exit at, or within a few miles of their destination. The system would be enclosed to utilize solar heat and energy and to prevent the cost of snow removal and maintenance, not to mention roadkill.

“It would be environmentally friendly,” Kurtz noted. “And since it’s suspended, it would never wear out.”

Kurtz said the rail cars could be powered in several ways such as magnetic levitation, electric motors or hydrogen power. It could even incorporate another one of his inventions that capitalizes on wind/solar energy. Rail cars could travel in groups of three or four with loading exits every three to four miles.

Shuttle buses could also be used to take people to and from the mass transit system.

“You drive your vehicle into the system, program in your destination, and the system will take you there!” Kurtz noted.

Because the system is enclosed, it would eliminate snow removal, sanding and frost heaves – while preserving the environment and conserving fuel.

Unique features of the system include having the bottom level of the system below the frost level with the top slightly above ground with a dirt berm on each side. The top would be transparent

Of the five inventions Hess plans to showcase from the Minnesota Inventors Congress, three are from inventors in California, one is from a Texas inventor – with Kurtz being the only one representing the upper Midwest.

Kurtz said his intention was to dedicate the mass transit idea in memory of veterans or give it to anyone – or country – who would develop it as his contribution to society.

“I’d also like to see our disabled veterans worldwide be involved in the development and operation of this to create self-esteem and generate some revenue for their retirement,” he said.

St. Croix Falls inventor Bill Kurtz. – Photo submitted and could be used to collect solar power.

Heat from surrounding hard surface roads could also be turned into energy to power the system. Smaller vehicles would be used to allow more cars to park in parking lots.

“I had no intention of patenting this,” Kurtz noted. “I put it out there for food for thought several years ago with the vision that some day we would need it, and its time has come!”

President and founder of JSI Innovations, Kurtz has invented dozens of tools and devices which help make life simpler, including a revolving skid loader, drop away rain gutters, a gravity powered warning device and many others. One of his most recent inventions efficiently feeds hay to horses.

Kurtz says he doesn’t put much plan-

ning into his inventions – the ideas just come to him and he puts them into practice. His inventive skills may have something to do with the fact he’s the youngest of 10 children and he had to make do with what was available.

“I recycle things and then recycle them again,” he said.

Minnesota Inventors Congress executive director Deb Hess will be a speaker, jury member and exhibitor at the international show. Organizers of that event are also hosting an international seminar Feb. 3 celebrating Global Sustainability.

Featured projects will include an aviation fuel that reduces greenhouse emissions, biofuels, hybrid vehicles, sustainable communities, wind power and geothermal manufacturers.

In 2003, Bill Kurtz explained his mass transit concept to Todd Walker and Jean Golden, hosts of the “Million Dollar Idea,” a program which aired on Twin Cities TV stations. – Photo submitted.

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

January 30, 2008 2nd Section B Inter-County Leader

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

Memories will keep Siren man’s spirit alive

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Over 400 people were at Siren School Saturday, Jan. 26, to pay tribute to 66-year-old former teacher Howard Kopecky. Kopecky died at his home about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, with his wife, Phyllis, and his four children at his side.

Son Don barely made it home in time, due to the unexpectedness of the death, but his dad waited to take his final breath until Don arrived.

Helping people was Kopecky’s legacy to the world.

“I don’t think Howard could have said no to anybody. His reason for being was helping people. Every day he asked, ‘Lord, show me who I am to help today” commented Pastor Carl Heidel during the memorial service.

In early November 2007, the Kopecky family heard the diagnosis for what was causing the extreme aches and pains Howard had been experiencing. Cancer, the doctors finally said. The prognosis was two months to a year before death would come.

In the way he handled everything in life, Howard Kopecky planned for what was to come. He and Phyllis went first to Wabeno in Forest County, where his family was located and where they had built a cabin during the early years of their marriage. Between 40 and 50 people turned out to see and visit, for the last time, with Howard.

The family gathered at the Kopecky home in Siren for 10 days over New Year’s weekend. Then the following week, Howard and Phyllis went to see her parents in Illinois. At least 50 people showed up for an open house there. It was on the way back from Illinois that the couple was stranded for nine hours on the freeway south of Madison because of multiple fog-related accidents both ahead of and behind them, a story previously reported in the Leader.

“There were nonstop people (here) every day, and Howard would rise to the occasion,” Phyllis commented. “He was so sick, but when anybody was here or somebody would walk in, he would rise (to the occasion). He always was the host. People buoyed him up, and were his source of energy.”

Even on the last day of his life, when he was at St. Croix Hospital to have fluid drained from his stomach area, Kopecky was talking to the nurses, and spreading his usual brand of good cheer. He recognized one nurse who had been a former student, and spent the day talking to and encouraging other people.

Memories from visit to Wabeno visit One night, while they were in bed at the cabin in Wabeno during the last visit there, Howard started to talk about the early years of his life. Knowing how important this was, Phyllis got a notebook, lay on the bed beside him and wrote down the words he spoke. The memories went up to just after the two were married, in March 1966, and stopped, not to be resumed.

Howard Kopecky was born in Laona to Harvey and Irene Kopecky. He grew up on a dairy farm in Oakwood, Minn., that had been homesteaded by his grandfather and great-grandfather.

When he was 5 years old, he won a Bible bookmark, given by a Bible radio program, because he knew how many doors there were in Noah’s ark.

Wisconsin game warden at the time.

“They bent the rules,” he said. “I should have been 21.” His dad put his warden pin on, and warned him that the primary objective of conservation law enforcement was to correct, not penalize.

During college at River Falls, Kopecky had summer jobs with a tree service; drove a ready-mix truck; worked in the molding department, sorting boards, for a lumber company; moved boards weighing more than 100 pounds by hand; and worked at a golf course. He completed four years of training as a vocational agriculture teacher, a skill he put to use when he was hired by the Siren School District.

Howard Kopecky Kopecky loved to fish. He once bought a bamboo fishing pole and hooks for 50 cents he had earned, then gave it to his little brother so the brother could learn to fish.

He had a variety of small jobs to earn money, including selling angleworms and night crawlers. While in the eighth grade, he unloaded 100-pound bags of flour from railroad cars for the local bakery, ending up with bare skin covered in sweaty pastry flour. He picked up his pay in a bar, and was treated as one of the men because he could “work like a man.”

After graduation from Wabeno High School, Kopecky worked in the woods, cutting and peeling popple, then for the U. S. Forest Service on timber-stand improvement and in a fire tower.

He worked on a forest service firefighting crew, and went all over Wisconsin fighting federal fires. He worked with his dad, a conservation warden, on catching people who were doing illegal fishing, trapping and hunting at an age when he was too young to meet the age requirement. That meant he couldn’t boast about it.

At 19, Kopecky became a Wisconsin seasonal warden, and was the youngest

The story that drove the man The story Howard recorded on tape, while on the trip to Illinois, is one he hadn’t told many times. However, since the cancer diagnosis, he felt it was important that people hear what happened that changed the direction of his life.

Howard’s life goal, to that time, was to be a conservation warden. His father had been one, and Howard wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.

One Sunday morning, when Phyllis had gone back to sleep after the couple had decided to go to the late church service, Howard had an out-of-body experience. He could see Phyllis lying on the bed beside him. He felt himself rising up through the ceiling, going by an old table in the room above and out over the roof.

He could see Gene Lamers, the owner of the mink farm (the cottage they were stay in was on), feeding his mink, and his wife hanging out wash. He had no control, just felt himself going up toward an invisible barrier. He heard music, not in words but in feelings, and felt a voice speaking to him.

The voice said: “Howard, before I sent you down to this earth, I gave you certain things to work with, talents, abilities, tools to work with … If you want to use them, just ask. I gave you choice. You can use them if you want to. It’s up to you.”

He could feel the attraction behind the voice and the pull to go to a place where

After his death, the body of Howard Kopecky was put in a handmade pine coffin (crafted by Lanny Koch, Siren, from pine stored at the Kopecky farm) and moved out onto the Clear Lake-side deck at the Kopecky home. The coffin was there for reviewal through the French doors of the home Fri., Jan. 25, and then buried in a special plot on the family-owned farm Sat., Jan. 26. No embalming was done, in accordance with Kopecky’s wishes. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

he could attain perfect peace. He made the decision to go back to earth. “The hardest decision I have ever made in my life was to come back here. As I was coming down, I made up my mind I was going to be a teacher, a good teacher, and use what I was given to work with,” he said.

According to Phyllis, the bed shook as Howard came back down on it.

“Howard said, ‘You would never believe what happened to me,’” Phyllis recalled.

He later asked Lamers about the old table in the attic. Lamers questioned how Kopecky knew about a table, and told him there was no way he could have gotten up above the bedroom. Siding was later removed, and the astonished Lamers could see that there was indeed an old table up in an attic.

After his youngest son, Dave's wife had died, Kopecky felt somebody looking at him during the night, it saw it was Lori. She had come to tell him two things – to quit smoking because he was setting a bad example for the kids, and that he had to help people who needed his help.

He was to, every morning, ask God who he was there to help and how he was to help them. “It was amazing how many people I found after that,” Kopecky commented.

During the memorial service, Heidel asked how many in the room had been helped by Howard Kopecky. Hands went up all over the place.

Kopecky was glad to have had the forewarning of approaching death, giving him the chance to tell people about his out-of-body experience and to clean up work left on this earth. “God has given me wonderful people as colleagues and friends. Thank you and God bless you,” he said at the end of the tape.

Phyllis Kopecky remembers “It’s been a wonderful life,” Phyllis Kopecky commented after her husband’s death. “He was so busy in the community, teaching a 40-hour week, getting up at 4 a.m. to take his driver-education students to Duluth to get experience in a big city and on hills, back to school by 8 a.m., then back to Duluth after school for another four-hour trip.”

Kopecky worked as a game warden, going out in the middle of the night to watch the lakes for poachers. He and Phyllis were on the ambulance crew, and started the Burnett County Ambulance Service. Howard was on the fire department, taught Sunday and Bible school classes and worked with 4-H students on the farm across Hwy. 35 from the Kopecky home. The farm was owned by Myrtle Fandeen, who offered to sell it to the Kopeckys, thus giving Howard both a lake and a farm to enjoy.

Howard is credited with being the main source behind Burnett County’s annual dairy breakfast. One of his last projects, to which he devoted much time during the summer of 2007, was opening up a long-forgotten picnic area to the north of Siren School for use by students and faculty, cleaning out fallen trees and branches as well as years of trash. He worked hard at this project, as he did everything in life.

“As long as there is memory, you don’t lose anyone,” Heidel said during the memorial service. “Howard continues to live through (those memories).”

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

Coon Lake shing contest FREDERIC – The Frederic High School softball team and their head coach, Erin Hansford, held an ice-fishing contest as a fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 26, on Coon Lake.

The team was able to raise $1,500 thanks to over 100 competitors and all of the local businesses that contributed. The money raised will go toward new uniforms for this upcoming season.

The winner of the northern and pike class after the contest finished at 3 p.m. was Josh Kammerude with an 11.92-lb. northern. Jim Duncan took second with a 7.95-lb. northern, and Amanda Spencer got third place with a 6.68-lb. northern.

Crystal Schmidt won the bass class with a 2.65-lb. fish. She was the only one to catch a legal-size bass throughout the

whole contest.

Blake Thomsen took the panfish class with a 0.49 lb. Tylyn O'Brien brought in a 0.48 lb. for second and Collin got third with a 0.46 lb.

Door prizes and a 50/50 raffle were also available to win. Aaron Martin won the 50/50 raffle and took home some money, while Cole Hansen received the Infrared Fish TV that was donated by Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company.

Kammerude not only caught the biggest fish but also was lucky enough to win the biggest door prize, a Jiffy 2 h.p.

Ice Auger. – Brenda Sommerfeld

Brendan Roper kept a close eye on his hole and fishing pole all day. – Photo by Erin Hansford

Lily Hansford, daughter of softball coach Erin Hansford, was bundled up and pulled around in her wagon all day by her grandmother. She was there to support her mom’s softball team along with about 100 other people.

LEFT: Erik Erickson proudly held up a northern he caught during the day. – Photo by Erin Hansford

These Frederic high school softball players worked hard during their ice-fishing fundraiser.

The fish from three different classes, panfish, bass and Pictured are (L to R) Vanessa Neumann, Terri McKinney, Erin Schmidt, Lisa Chelmo, Tara Andernorthern pike that placed were displayed on a board through- son and head coach Erin Hansford. out the entire competition. The biggest northern brought out of Coon Lake on Saturday was 11.92 lbs.

Has anyone ever seen so many vehicles out on Coon Lake? It was quite the turnout for this contest. – Photo by Erin Hansford

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Legally Illegal and Vice Versa

by Mary Jacobson Driving from our home in Turkey, where my husband and I were teaching, to other countries in Europe was fun, mostly, during those years from 1958-1964.

But then there was Yugoslavia. (The former Yugoslavia, I should say). Our Kansas license plate did not satisfy the Yugoslav government. The plate was firmly attached just above the rear bumper of our Volkswagen Beetle with the numbers and letters clearly visible. But the police always stopped us just the same. The reason? The law of the land required two license plates, one on the front of the vehicle, the other on the rear. The state of Kansas issued only one, an oddity beyond the comprehension, it seemed, of those whose duty it was to uphold the law and terrify the populace.

Were we jailed? Fined? No, simply threatened. We never actually considered that our "crime" might warrant ending our days in a Communist cooler. And

Poco Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Gladys Frokjer at 483-3208 or Iris Holm 284-3174 for more information. - submitted

Writer’s Corner yet…

We had to find a way to drive through Yugoslavia without being constantly stopped. Added to our unease was frustration, since we knew not one word of their language, and our tormentors knew no English.

Eloquent gestures, however, combined with the ten or so words in German they and we could say, but not necessarily understand, helped (and hindered) our communication. Simply getting through the country before our transit visa expired was trouble enough, what with all the potholes.

Our problem was finally solved when a handyman in Turkey made us a duplicate license plate. He was a genius; microscopic inspection couldn't detect the bogus plate. Gleefully, we attached the false license plate to the front of our car.

Driving through Yugoslavia after that became a delight. Except, of course, for the potholes. Enforcers of the law cheerfully waved us on when we drove up with our "legal" plates.

After our last drive-through in June, 1964, we

crossed the ocean by ship, taking with us our two children and our car. After landing in New York, we drove to our new home in Lawrence, Kansas.

Weeks later, upon leaving a shop on Main Street, I discovered a policeman circling my car. He'd stop and study the front license plate for at least five minutes.

Then he'd scratch his head and go around and inspect the back plate for another five minutes. Would this never end? I considered (briefly) walking home. But then I realized that leaving my car on the street wouldn't solve the problem. I was in for it! Courageously, I approached the car where the cop was examining the front plate for the hundredth time. As soon as he saw me he yelled, with more belligerency than I thought necessary, "Just what's going on here, Lady?" I began to explain, "In Yugoslavia ...." But he cut me off. "You hurry on up and get that front plate offa there!" Which I did.

I sometimes imagine, all these years later, that around 3 o'clock in the morning when he can't sleep, my Lawrence policeman tosses and turns and won-

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Open enrollment application period set MADISON – Wisconsin’s open enrollment application period for the 2008-09 school year will be held Feb. 4-22.

“Open enrollment provides an important option that enhances parental involvement and supports our shared responsibility to educate children,” said state Superintendent Elizaeth Burmaster in announcing the three-week application period.

In Wisconsin, children are assigned to school districts based on the location of their parents’ home. February’s open en-

rollment application period is the only tuition-free opportunity for most parents to apply for their children to attend school in a district other than the one in which they live.

Since the 1998-99 school year, the first year of the program, participation in open enrollment has grown from 2,464 students transferring to another school district to 23,406 during the 2006-07 school year. – with information from DPI

Local students participate in District Music Festival FREDERIC – Hundreds of music students from numerous area schools will participate in a Wisconsin School Music Association sanctioned Solo and Ensemble Music Festival hosted by Frederic Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 14.

During the festival, which is free and open to the public, students will perform vocal and instrumental solos, duets, trios and small ensembles before an adjudicator.

WSMA music festivals annually attract thousands of students from middle, junior high and high schools throughout Wisconsin. The festival at Frederic Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 14, will draw students from a number of area schools, including Amery Middle School, Osceola Middle School, St. Croix Falls Middle School, Somerset Middle School and Unity Middle School.

“Over the years, the emphasis of these musical events has changed from con-

tests, where ratings were the most important, to festivals, which are focused on providing a positive learning experience with lifelong educational benefits for students,” said Jeff Gretzinger, WSMA program director.

The primary purposes of WSMA music festivals are to: • Establish standards of quality for music literature.

• Motivate students to prepare and perform to the best of their abilities.

• Improve students understanding of music literature and music concepts (performance with understanding).

• Support improvement of school music programs through individual and group achievement.

• Encourage exploration of diverse musical styles and ensemble combinations.

For more information on WSMA, go to www.wsmamusic.org. - submitted

UW-Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble at the Shell Lake Arts Center this Friday SHELL LAKE — The Shell Lake Arts Center is proud to present the UW-Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble on Friday, Feb. 1, at the art center gymnasium located at 802 First Street in Shell Lake. The concert begins at noon and is free and open to the

public.

For more information, please call the center office at 468-2414, or visit their Web site at: www.shelllakeartscenter.org. — from SLAC

Miss Wisconsin Pageant set MIDDLETON – Announcing the annual 2008 Miss Wisconsin National American Miss Pageants, being held at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton, the weekend of June 20 – 22. National American Miss is dedicated to serving the youth of America by promoting higher self-esteem, reinforcing family values, school, church and community.

Young women between the ages of 4 – 18 are invited to join in the fun and take home their share of the $25,000 in cash, scholarships, prizes and trophies being

awarded.

The state winner will advance to the national pageant held during Thanksgiving week at the Hyatt at Disneyland in California, where she will have the chance to represent her state and receive, among other prizes – scholarships and a new car.

For a free application contact National American Miss Pageants at 1-800-6559390 or visit the Web site at www.namiss.com. - submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Trade Lake No. 5 School

by Stanley Selin The Trade Lake No. 5 School building was completed in 1915. From 1909 until 1914, school was held in the Trade Lake Town Hall. Before 1909, children from the Trade Lake area attended the Round Lake School. The new school had one room for the four upper grades and another room for the four lower grades. It had modern conveniences, such as central furnace heat and a pressurized water system with indoor toilets, which most of the students did not have at home. Some of the students who attended this school are shown in the pictures below.

Photo of the Trade Lake State Graded School No. 5 shortly after its completion in 1915.

Photos from Selin Collection

Students posing for their picture in the elementary room of Trade Lake School No. 5. Photo taken about 1930. 1) Ferendo Ortendahl, 2) Ardys Oberg, 3) Lyle Lundquist, 4) Harlan Oberg, 5) Ruth Nelson, 6) Clare Melin, 7) Evelyn Neuman, 8) Shirley Bjornberg, 9) Beatrice Gustafson, 10) June Johnson, 11) Carl Einar Swanson, 12) Leon Ericson, 13) Warren Melin, 14) Elaine Lundquist, 15) Not identified, 16) Willard Nelson, 17) Evelyn Johnson, 18) Walter Lindberg, 19) Alexes Volberg, 20) Roy Neuman, 21) Irene Gustafson, 22) Irene Ecklof, 23) Amy Nelson, 24) Merlin Lindberg, 25) Lillian Grimh, teacher.

The eighth-grade class in 1934 at Trade Lake School. Standing: Leon Ericson, Harold Bethke, Clare Melin, Einar Swanson, Warren Melin, Ferendo Ortendahl, Lyle Lundquist, Harlan Oberg and Grace Okerlund (teacher). Sitting: Beatrice Gustafson, Ruth Nelson and Ardys Oberg.

The eighth-grade class in 1929 at Trade Lake School. Back row: Geraldine Melin, Marlette Gustafson, Ruby Lundeen, Gunnard Swanson, Ruth Johnson, Hazel Swanberg and Mildred Flemming. Front row: Olive Sundquist, Arnold Lindberg, Mary Grant (teacher), Albert Baker and Mable Baker.

17th-annual Rice Lake Farm Show to be held Feb. 6-7 RICE LAKE — Come out and see what’s new in farming during the 17th-annual Rice Lake Area Farm Show, Feb. 6 and 7, at the Cedar Mall in Rice Lake.

More than 50 companies will display farm equipment and products. Daily show hours are 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Lakeview Medical Center is offering free flu vaccine, blood pressure checks, hand massages and body fat analysis during the farm show. Lakeview also invites

area residents to see its new Cruising to Recovery program pertaining to total joint replacement surgery.

Other events include a display of antique engines by the Hungry Hollow Gas and Steam Engine Club, and an educational exhibit by Wisconsin’s AgriAbility agency relating to items and available services in assisting disabled farmers to remain on the farm.

This year’s entertainment features the Whippersnappers with three shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,

and 1:30 p.m. The duet will perform songs of the West such as “San Antonio Rose,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and “Pistol Packin’ Mama.”

The Rice Lake Farm Show is coordinated by Bill and Sally Henry of North Country Enterprises of Wisconsin. For further information, call or fax them at 715-2894632. — submitted by Steve Henry, public affairs director

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Being a Senior Citizen

I’m very good at opening childproof caps with a hammer.

I’m usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going.

I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.

I’m very good at telling stories; over and over and over and over…

I’m aware that other people’s grandchildren are not as cute as mine.

I’m so cared for – long-term care, eye care, private care, dental care.

I’m not grouchy, I just don’t like traffic, waiting, crowds, politicians.

I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a secure place.

I’m wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left side.

I’m having trouble remembering simple words like …

I’m realizing that aging is not for wimps.

I’m sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen?

I’m wondering, if you’re only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150?

I’m a walking storeroom of facts … I’ve just lost the key to the storeroom door.

Yes, I’m a Senior Citizen and I think I am having the time of the life!

Now if I could only remember who sent this to me, I would send it to many more! Have I already sent this to you?

••• I was given I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity that I might do better things…

I asked for riches that I might be happy I was given poverty that I might be wise…

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men I was given weakness that I might feel the need for God… I asked for all things that I might enjoy life I was given life that I might enjoy all things…

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed.

– Author unknown (Read on a card from St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Mont.)

••• A Small Town A small town is where you don’t have to guess who your enemies are. Your friends will tell you.

A small town is the only place on earth where people past middle age are called by the first names when they saunter down the street.

A small town is where everybody knows every body else’s car by sight … and also where and when it goes.

A small town is where few people can get away with lying about the year they were born.

Too many other people can remember them.

Bernice A small town is where people Abrahamzon with various ailments can air them properly for sympathetic ears.

A small town is where, when you get the wrong number, you can talk for 15 minutes anyhow, if you want to.

A small town is where the ratio of good people to bad people is something like 100 to one. That’s nice to remember.

A small town is where is it hard for anybody to walk to work for exercise because it takes too long to stop and explain to people in cars who stop, honk and offer a ride.

A small town is somewhat like a big family … ornery distant cousins, renegades and all.

A small town is where city folks say there is nothing to do, but those who live there don’t have enough nights in the week to make all the meetings and social functions.

A small town is where everyone becomes a “neighbor” in time of need.

A small town is where businessmen struggle for survival against city stores and shopping centers.

A small town is where those same businessmen dig deep many times to help with countless fundraising projects.

A small town is where many teen-agers say ther’s nothing to do and then are surprised to learn that their big-city peers are saying the same thing.

A small town is where the church, the school and the downtown coffee ship are the social centers of the community.

A small town is where everyone feels concerned if any outsider dares to criticize, even if it’s something they’ve been complaining about, too.

A small town is where every citizen is surprised to find big city folks who envy them, but wouldn’t trade places for anything.

A small town, when all is said and done, is a nice place in which to live.

••• Until next week, Bernice

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

Perhaps you would prefer a comfortable ride in a horse-drawn wagon. Purchase a ticket and hop aboard a wagon pulled by the Amador Clydesdales for a ride past the river and lake (tickets available for purchase at the event). Refreshments and warming fires are available at the trailheads near the Camp Interstate Shelter building.

This is an event you won’t want to miss! Daily and hourly passes are also available. Mark your calendar and plan to attend Candlelight Night at the Park on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a Wisconsin State Park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes for 2008 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. For more information call Julie at 715483-3747.

Free tax assistance available soon POLK COUNTY – The AARP Tax-Aide Program will begin in Polk County in February. This is a free, nationwide confidential service in which trained volunteers assist middle- and lower-income persons, especially those 60 and over, with their tax returns and Wisconsin Homestead Credit forms. Younger persons with lower incomes are also welcome to use the service.

Tax-aide volunteers will be available to give tax assistance at the Polk County sites listed below. The hours are always 9 a.m. to noon, and appointments are encouraged, but are not necessary. Appointments can be made by calling the site listed. To ask questions

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago The Inter-County Leader once had a page devoted to Society News.-Guitar lessons were available at the Music Center, Frederic, under the instruction of Mr. Frank Gidio and accordion lessons with Willard Grothow.-The complete tax list of the town of Lorain was printed in this paper.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, were white potatoes at 25 lbs. for 98¢, celery at 19¢ stalk and stewing hens at 35¢ lb.“Jailhouse Rock” with Elvis Presley was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-“The Helen Morgan Story” was playing at the D’Lux Theatre, Luck.-Over 200 attended the annual banquet of District 20, Land O’Lakes.-Specials at the Frederic Farmers Co-op Store included fancy delicious apples at 20 lbs. for $1.79, bananas at 2 lbs. at 29$ and large-size oranges at 59¢ dozen.-Route’s Super Market, Frederic, with Peter’s Demonstration to try a free sample with specials on smoked picnics at 39¢ lb., bacon at 47¢ lb. and wieners at 49¢ lb.-Specials at Our Own Hardware Carlson Hardware, Frederic, ironing board, pad and covers at 77¢.-Jerry Lewis was starring in “Sad Sack” at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-The Frederic Farm Family meeting was set for Feb. 12, at the Frederic High School auditorium with dinner served by Frederic businessmen.

40 Years Ago Raymond Larsen was the new president of Polk Burnett Electric.-A booya and fox hunt were set for Sunday, Feb. 4, at Skylight Supper Club, Balsam Lake, with all-you-can-eat for $1.-Viewers were invited to see “Destination: North Pole” on Feb. 7, on WCCO, the first assault on the North Pole by SkiDoo.-An ice-fishing contest was set for Feb. 4, at Big Wood Lake.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included 3 dozen oranges at $1, coffee at 3 lbs. for $1.79 and oleo at 4 lbs. for 89¢ lb.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store included round steak at 79¢ lb., sirloin steak at 89¢ lb. and T-bone steak at 99¢ lb.-Lee Marvin was starring in “Point Blank” at the Frederic Theatre.-A wedding dance was given at the West Sweden Hall on Feb. 10 by Mr. and Mrs. Russell Brenizer (Chris Fish).-Siren Village was calling for bids on new water system.-The Grand Opening of the Frederic Farmer’s Co-op Exhange was held Feb. 1-2.Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included 2 cans oysters at 99¢, Elm Tree bread at 3 loaves for 39¢ and Dream Whip at 4-oz. box at 29¢.-Minerva Marina Supper Club, Danbury, reopened under the management of Helen and Gail Dutton.

20 Years Ago

Interstate State Park News Nature 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 preschool children and their parents. Please bring clothing for outdoor play (weather permitting).

Candlelight Night at the Park The Friends of Interstate Park invite you to Candlelight Night at Interstate Park on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 6 - 9 p.m. Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails.

Come when you can and ski at your own pace on the Quarry Cross-Country Ski Trail. Snowshoers will discover the winter solitude of Lake O’ the Dalles (snowshoes are available for use free of charge for ages 6 and up). Hikers can enjoy a candlelit walk beside the St. Croix River.

Do you remember ?

about the program, or to schedule home visits for those who are homebound, call Marvin Nevala, Polk County tax-aide coordinator at 715-268-7884.

Balsam Lake Aging Office – Thursday, Feb. 14 Frederic Senior Center – Thursdays, Feb. 7 and March 6 St. Croix Falls Senior Center – Wednesdays, Feb. 20 and March 12 Luck Senior Center – Thursday, Feb. 28 Osceola (The RiverBank) – Thursday, March 20 Amery Senior Center – every Tuesday from Feb. 5 to April 15. – submitted

There was live country western music at Marco Polo’s on CTH A, east of Webster on weekends in Jan. and Feb. 5-6. It was under new management with sleigh rides on plowed trails.-A dessert rally was set for Feb. 6, at the Siren Community Center sponsored by the Burnett-Polk Youth Ministry.-Polk County Supervisors approved borrowing for social services building.-There was a shortage of EMTs in Polk County according to crew chief Sandy Bjork.-The St. Croix Falls Bakery will be sold.-Dog claims and gopher bounties were approved in Polk County.-A benefit chili supper was set for the Frederic Hospital EKG machine on Feb. 10, at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Frederic.-The 100th birthday of Kamma Grumstrup was celebrated Jan. 23, at the Luck Pioneer Home.-Obituaries included Clarence Holmberg, Carol Boutelle, Iva Elkins, Malcolm Johnson, Lucy Staples, Clara Brenneman, Douglas Young, Lester Linden, Albert Basler, George Kasabin, Katherine Fosmo, Alfred Skow and Elmo Nelson. A grant was received for Polk County recycling program.-Luck Lutheran Church showed a membership gain in 1987. Jens and Sarah Jensen observed their 70th wedding anniversary at the Luck Pioineer Home on Jan. 24.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

Siren Lions support their community

SIREN – The Siren Area Lions Club is an active community service organization. Siren School has been the recipient of their support for reading since the time of the tornado in June 2001. The goal for the Lions gift then was to help students who lost books in the tornado to rebuild their home libraries.

The Siren Lions have continued to support Siren elementary students and their reading achievement by expanding the scope of the program to include all early childhood through sixth-grade children.

This year was no exception.

The Siren Lions not only voted to donate money to the book fair again, they increased the amount of financial sup-

port, for which the students and teachers are most appreciative.

Through their various fundraising activities, such as the upcoming ice-fishing contest at Clam Lake Feb. 23, the chicken barbeque during Summerfest, the Labor Day garage/yard sale and weekly meat raffles, the Siren Lions are able to: Sponsor one of the candidates for Badger Boys State, host a free fishing contest for children, assist local people after disasters and many other community service projects. They also support the Seeing Eye Foundation and the Wisconsin Lions Camp for Handicapped Children. – Information submitted

Diane Lund (L), on behalf of the Siren Area Lions Club, presented Siren Principal Jason Wilhelm with a check for $1,327 during the school board meeting Monday, Jan. 28. The money will allow each student in early childhood through grade six to get a book of their own during the book fair in the spring. “The Lions are always very happy to support reading at Siren School,” Lund commented. – Photo submitted

Franconia Sesquicentennial Committee moving forward

John Jackson, town clerk and historian, eases the vault door open to reveal secrets of Franconia’s past. With technical problems now out of the way, the Franconia Sesquicentennial Committee is moving forward to its next event. But don’t put that old album away yet. There are more photos, documents, and heirlooms out there that they would like to copy and photograph. The committee can also make photos from slides and negatives.

If you were unable to attend the Jan. 19, History Day at Franconia or have uncovered a few more items, the committee will be holding a similar event in the spring. If you would prefer a committee member visit your home or you would prefer scheduling a designated time and day, please e-mail them at franconiatwpmn150years@yahoo.com or call them at 612-810-8581. The group would love to see more pictures of houses, farms, new barns and silos; people standing by their cars, the tornado, big snowfalls; new tractors and machinery, steam engines and threshing machines. You’ll make their day if you have a photo of the Long Lake School or Simon Hall’s windmill on 280th Street. - submitted

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

Birth announcements

Cloverton - Markville

320-242-3933

Fran Levings

We have had another shrike sighting out here in the little communities of New Dosey and Arna. Bob Brewster has a shrike hanging around his place and he has seen it, on two different occasions, impale and kill a chickadee. Bob says we have probably been seeing northern, not loggerhead, shrikes, as they are distinctive in their beak coloration. Sometimes the laws of nature can be very cruel and unsettling.

On another, more pleasant, nature note – Patty Koehler has the chickadees eating right out of her hand when she goes out to feed the chickens each morning.

Beverly Carlin was in the mood for a visit with her dad, Chester Whaley, down in the Cities, so she, son Bill and his wife, Amanda, and their son, Benny, went down last Saturday. Little Benny is 3 months old now.

Sandi Drake and Ruth Ament joined four other quilters for the monthly meeting of the Zion Lutheran Quilters Club. They finished two quilts which will now be sent to the Lutheran World Relief Mission. The meetings are held in the basement of the church where the long tables can be used.

Wes and Norma Maurer, Webster, stopped in for a nice visit with Clara Lilly

the other day. The Maurers worked at Wood Lake Camp in Grantsburg several years ago when Clara’s husband Glen was the manager there. Glen and Clara actually lived at the camp for seven years.

Former Markville resident, Brian Nordquist also stopped in to chat with Clara for awhile the other day.

You may have heard that Shirley Blokzyl’s mom was hospitalized for a few days recently due to a dizzy spell. Not sure what the cause was, but she is home now in McGregor and doing fine.

Shirley and Jerry had a late holiday gettogether at the home of his daughter, LaRae Rogalski in New London. LaRae’s son, Nathan, is now in Bethesda Rehabilitation Center for therapy. You may recall that he was in a serious motorcycle accident a few months ago.

The Blokzyls have also gone to visit Irv Slipher on Big McGraw Lake in Wisconsin a couple of times. Irv is recuperating from surgery.

My husband, Dave Baker, and I had Bob Brewster and Patty Koehler over the other day. I made a beef stroganoff meal and topped if off with a blueberry dessert. Then we had a four-hour visit.

Bundle up out there, wherever you go.

The cold snap is gone? I don’t mean to be pessimistic, I am the last one who ever would be, but I will bet there will be more cold before we get any really warm days. In Wisconsin 42 degrees is shirt-sleeve weather. As soon as it is above 40, short sleeves are the dress of the day. I get a kick out of people complaining about the cold. I don’t like it any more than anyone else, but after all, we do live in Wisconsin and along with living in God’s country comes some cold weather. When we expect it, as we should, we can be sure it will be here and not be a big surprise. We’ve been spoiled for the past few winters. I could go into the “I remember when...” routine, but we each have our own stories and they all include walking two, three or four miles to school, uphill all the way.

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers has become part of a really exciting new venture. The Pines Thrift Store will be opening in Siren, just down from one of my favorite stores, the Dollar Store (or is it $1.25) now? This will be what I like to think of as an upscale thrift store.

Carpeting, glass cases, mirrors, a loft for formal wear, dressing rooms, now, does this sound special or what? I finally get to clean out my stuff and not have No.1 great guy husband complain. The one thing the store needs is donations. We can’t sell thrift if we don’t have any. So, get a move on and start spring cleaning early while it is too cold to do anything else. Bring the things you can and must part with into the store to be sold. Profits will go to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.

Wow! Is this exciting or what? I feel like a kid in a candy store. My things will look much better on someone else and in someone else’s home. I am Barb now convinced I Blodgett will never ever get into those outfits I have been saving all these years because someday I will be that size again. It will never happen, so my clothes will go to someone who can use them. Prices will be unbelievable. The merchandise will be great (if you donate) and I get to clean out without someone (whose name will remain anonymous, but it starts with Denny) looking over my shoulder telling me someday I may need this or that for something. The day is here and I need it for the Thrift Store.

So there you have it. My exciting news until I can tell you something more exciting (how could there be?) I guess the next most exciting news will come with my article next month.

Spring can’t be far away because it will almost be Easter. Yes, March is only a month away and you know what that means – the last huge snowstorm of the season. There almost always is one before we can get comfortable about planting bulbs.

Take care, come see us at the Pines Thrift Store, and God Bless.

Caregiver’s GIFTS

Born at SCRMC:

A girl, Kaiya Charlotte Davis, born Jan. 19, 2008, to Thyra Davis, Grantsburg.

Kaiya weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A boy, Jakoby Sylus Harrison, born Jan. 19, 2008, to Jamie Mosay and Michael Harrison, Frederic. Jakoby weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A girl, Hannah Rose Martin, born Jan. 18, 2008, to Gretchen and Chad Martin, Luck. Hannah weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.

•••

Born at ARMC:

A boy, Charlie Edward Minor, born Jan. 5, 2008, to Katey Vanderwyst, Clayton.

Charlie weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A boy, Vante Ramse Allen, born Jan. 8, 2008, to Melissa Hubred and Mirage Allen, Amery. Vante weighed 8 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A girl, Alyssa Jean Davidson, born Jan. 8, 2008, to Jennifer Johnson and Paul Davidson, Clear Lake. Alyssa weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A boy, Randal John Stelsel, born Jan. 9, 2008, to Tiffany and Anthony Stelsel, Danbury. Randal weighed 6 lbs., 1-1/4 oz.

••• A boy, Atley Larkin Thomas, born Jan. 12, 2008, to Lisa and James Thomas, Centuria. Atley weighed 8 lbs., 1/2 oz.

•••

A boy, Gabriel Isaac Pulczynski, born Jan. 14, 2008, to Elizabeth Pulczynski and Jason Kolstad, Amery. Gabriel weighed 6 lbs., 7 oz.

••• A girl, Mara Anastasia Rist, born Jan. 16, 2008, to April and Mark Rist, Clear Lake.

Mara weighed 7 lbs., 1-1/2 oz.

••• A girl, Alexis Diane Lange, born Jan. 16, 2008, to Kayla and Daniel Lange, Clayton.

Alexis weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz.

••• A boy, Carson Andrew Roemhild, born Jan. 18, 2008, to Corrie and Brian Roemhild, Boyceville. Carson weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz.

••• A girl, Natalie Rose Jarchow, born Jan. 19, 2008, to Sara and Jamie Jarchow, Clear Lake. Natalie weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Charlee Jean Juleff, born Jan. 22, 2008, to Tasha Adams and Peter Juleff, Amery. Charlee weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz.

•••

Born at BMC:

A girl, Hattie Marie Antonich, born Jan. 27, 2008, to Anna and Randy Antonich, Frederic. Hattie weighed 7 lbs. Grandparents are Simon and Mary Nelson, Frederic, and Richard and Diane Antonich, Duluth, Minn. Great-grandparents are Clarice Lindahl, Frederic, and Norma Nelson, Frederic.

•••

Happy Corners Patti Richards visited at the Mardel Barnette home for the weekend.

Mardel Barnette and Shawn and Patti Richards visited at the Gene Doster home on Thursday afternoon.

Fran Krause

Mardel Barnette and Shawn and Patti Richards visited Vern Catlin at the Barron Riverside Manor on Sunday afternoon. He is getting a little bit better.

Orange

A week ago Saturday, Fran Krause had the Mark Krause family for dinner to celebrate Mark’s birthday. On Thursday, Allyson Krause returned to school from winter break.

Harmony H.C.E. met at Cedarwood Manor on Tuesday with Peggy Kearns and Diane Medagelia as hosts.

Mardel Barnette

LaVonne O’Brien

The Orange 4-H had their winter fun day on Sunday with sliding on Krause Hill and meeting after at the Bill Summer home.

Sympathy to the families of Galen Budd and Howard Kopecky, whose funerals were held last week.

Secret Lake Last year, I was scouting the ice fishing on a lake when this young lady pulled out a 5-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass. This fish was at least 24 inches long and the skinniest largemouth I’ve ever seen. It should have weighed 7-plus pounds by summer.

I ran about 20 feet for my camera before I remembered I left it at home.

They didn’t have one either, but we didn’t need a camera because the three of us witnessed it. She returned the bass so someone else could have the same thrill another day.

The three of us, Julie, her husband, Chris, and I swore an oath of secrecy that we would never tell anyone else the location of this lake.

I spent this last summer fishing for that bass. I threw every plug, top water, jig, swim bait and plastic worm known to man at that fish, and all I got was practice. If I don’t catch him this winter I may have to use a DuPont spinner. If you don’t know what a DuPont spinner is, you can e-mail me at biedingerb@wildblue.net. You can’t get them at Gander Mountain.

I think I’ll follow Julie and Chris around so I can learn their techniques, maybe I can hire them as fishing guides? I believe Julie may be the better fisher person of the two; this is based on what I observed last winter.

Chris is still learning, like me. My wife could always outfish me, too. He should just be content that she takes

Brooke Biedinger

IRREGULAR columnist him along and lets him do the important things, like carry the equipment, drill holes in the ice and drive the truck.

This winter my priority will be to carry a camera, tape measure and a scale. There is a lot of things to consider; where to drill the hole, how deep to fish, what kind and test of line, live bait or lure, color and size, jig pole or tip-up and best time to fish. I will also pack ham sandwiches and hot coffee or chocolate; it helps to eat when you’re freezing your _____ off.

If you see a guy with a blue nose, sitting on a bucket eating a ham sandwich, you may have discovered our “Secret Lake.”

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hello there! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County. It’s been a productive week at the shelter. We have purchased two housing units for the cats (some assembly required!), and they look great. I think the company must have had a special Blacky offer going on, because when I came to see the two “condos” there were two new cats, too. Sample cats, I guess, so you can see how YAPpenings they look inside of them. Beats me.

I think some of the cats we get actually belong to people, but they don’t have a collar on, so other folks think they’re strays and bring them in here. So, you cat owners, please put a collar on your feline companions if they are going to be cruising around outside. Our new cages are very nice, but I’m sure your cat would rather be at home.

Sally, the black Lab with the softest fur in the world, is back with us after her surgery, finally. To refresh your memory, she was the 1-year-old girl that came in with a badly broken rear leg. It was bad enough that she had to have it removed. She is healing nicely and seems to feel a lot better. Being a tripod doesn’t seem to slow her down any. About the only thing she can’t do anymore is scratch her right ear. She needs a home so someone can do that for her (hint, hint).

The puppy parade continues. We have five new arrivals, although they are not all of the same litter.

Ashton, Twinkler and Whiskers are a brother-and-sisters trio, 11 weeks old, and have been deemed to be bearded collie mixes. They have interesting markings, and one has some wild-looking hair! I think they gave her a static ball to play with. Next there’s Chili - a red dobie-mix pup. She is 2 months old and has been whiling her time away with Rene, another

SHELTER

newcomer. Rene is a shepherd-chow baby, about 6 weeks old.

Everyone that sees her says, “Awwwww!” Yep, I think she could charm the chrome off a bumper with just her face.

If a more mature dog is what you’re after, Tilly and Sandy are two black Lab mixes that were surrendered to us. Tilly is about 3, and Sandy around 9. They are nice girls, but like I was some months ago, are a little confused as to why they are here. Also, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t mention everyone else that’s here. Let’s see, we’ve got Elli, Ginger, Care Bear, Bear, Simon, the Four Tots (Lab/retriever girls), Sally and Elli’s six pups. I don’t know how many of those pups have been claimed, however. I was surprised to see snow Lab Baxter back with us so soon.

He had found a new home, but I guess he was a little too much for his new owners. He is an exuberant boy and needs someone who can give him the guidance and attention he deserves. He is only 2, though, and still just a punk kid, so I think he will do just fine with the right match. Oh, and cats! We have six cats left, I believe. Five kittens and a longhaired guy named Thunder. He’s a cool cat.

The break in the cold weather has been welcome, and I and my brothers are happy to not be cooped up inside all day. I think we burned off a few biscuits today and now, frankly, I am ready for a nap. Take care, everybody, and I’ll see you next week. Zzzzzzz.

I’ve just been handed a note in regards to two stray dogs that were picked up in the Hertel area on Monday. They are a yellow and a black Lab, both wearing collars, but no tags, and they are both unaltered.

They have been taken to the Washburn County Area Humane Society, so if you or someone you know lost these guys, please get in touch with WCAHS. HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 866-4096.

St. Croix Valley Senior Center The Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Martha Lundstrom in first place, Janice Mevissen in second place and Ione Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Elroy Petzel in first place, Lonnie Jones in second place, Olga Young in third place and Roger Greenly in fourth place.

Special poem for senior citizens!

A row of bottles on my shelf, caused me to analyze myself.

One yellow pill I have to pop, goes to my heart so it won’t stop.

A little white one that I take, goes to my hands so they won’t shake.

The blue ones that I use a lot, tell me I’m happy when I’m not.

The purple pill goes to my brain, and tells me that I have

349-2964

no pain.

The capsules tell me not to wheeze, or cough or choke or even sneeze.

The red ones, smallest of them all, go to my blood so I won’t fall.

The orange ones, very big and bright, prevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pills, helping to cure all kinds of ills.

But what I’d really like to know…is what tells each one where to go!

The Thursday Evening 500 card winners were: Carol Van Buskirk in first place, Don Benson in second place and Leone Montgomery in third place.

Have a great day!

Siren

Guess what? Last Wednesday I sat for over an hour watching in amazement as that little gray varmint decided this was the day to challenge and defeat my squirrel blockage on one of my birdfeeders. He tried several times and finally managed to succeed at getting over the first squirrel baffle on the bottom and then it was onto the milk jug. Time and time again he was thrown off as the jug moved under his weight. After about a half hour, and madder than a hornet, he finally gave up. I had, once again, won. However, all the squirrels on the ground paid the price as he ran them all out of the bird yard. He even made an attempt to evict the four turkeys from the yard.

It seemed to work on three of them, but the older hen decided she had had enough of him and promptly sent him up the nearest tree where he sat and gave her a piece of his mind from a safe distance.

The grandma’s group met on Jan. 21 at the home of Dorothy Lahners for their annual Christmas secret pal exchange. A great potluck lunch was enjoyed by all as well as new names drawn for this year’s secret pals. Those present were Naomi Glover, Hazel Hahr, Bev Beckmark, Erna Lueck, Marge Peterson and a guest, Marge’s mom, Carol Juve of Barron.

Sympathy to the families of Ray Growt, who passed away Jan. 14, Richard Goodman, who passed away Jan. 15 and Leo Anderson, who passed away Jan. 20.

Siren lost one of its finest on Jan. 23 when Howard Kopecky passed away. He contributed so much to this community not only as a teacher to our children, but starting projects I hope will continue in his honor - the ag club, the dairy breakfast each June, plus many more. His funeral was held on Sat., Jan. 26, and over 400 people filled the school to pay their final respects.

Bev Beckmark

The 15th-annual American Legion ice-fishing contest will be held on Sat., Feb. 9, on Big Wood Lake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be lunch and refreshments sold at the Legion park. There’s even a special event for kids 15 and under, the first one to bring in 40 fish will receive $5 a fish. This event is sponsored by the Brask Fossum Janke Post 185 of Grantsburg. Tickets are $5 and it is not necessary to be present to win.

Congratulations to Carley Emery for being chosen Siren schools prep of the week.

Engagement

Dodd/Nickell Gary and Susan Dodd of Shell Lake and Tim and Carol Nickell of Barronett are proud to announce the engagement of their children, Meghan Dodd and Tim Nickell.

The bride-to-be is presently completing the elementary education degree from the University of Wisconsin – Superior.

The groom-to-be has completed a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

The couple is planning a May 24 wedding at St. Frances de Sales, Spooner. A reception will be held at the home of Jerry and Emma Hall. – Photo submitted

Dewey - LaFollette

468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Sympathy is extended to Ella and Marc Livingston due to the death of Ella’s mother, Edith Sage. She was 83.

Sympathy is also extended to Roy and Dee Nordquist and Don and Lida Nordquist, due to the death of their brother-in-law, Harry Johnson. He was married to Bunny Nordquist.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen visited Marlene and Bruce Swearingen Monday afternoon.

Congratulations to Seth Quinton who is the champion speller in seventh-grade at Shell Lake Schools.

Judy Albee visited Kandas Toews in Almena Thursday evening.

Hank, Karen, Larry, Celie and Baxter Mangelsen were supper guests at the home of Jake, Holly, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen Saturday. April and Patty Close were there also. They all helped Celie celebrate her seventh birthday.

Clam River Tuesday Club will met Feb. 6, at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Judy Leonard. There will be an exchange of Valentine gifts ($7 - $8) for those who care to participate.

Frederic Senior Ardyce Center Knauber Monday, Jan. 21, spades was played with the following winners: Willis Williams in first place, Arnie Borchert in second place, Carmen Marek in third place and Shirley Sandquist in fourth place.

Wednesday pokeno was played with a good group of players enjoying playing together and refreshments.

Thursday, Jan. 24, a large group attended 500 cards with the following winners: Nina Vold in first place, Arnie Borchert in second place, Jim Bly in third place and Donald Antell in fourth place.

Friday our executive meeting was held at 9:30 a.m. Pokeno was played Friday at 1 p.m. with a large group playing.

Saturday we enjoyed food, cards, bingo and fellowship.

There was a meatloaf buffet at noon and refreshments after cards in the afternoon. This is a wonderful way for seniors to spend their Saturday. No need to be lonely or bored. Our monthly meeting will be held Friday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 p.m.

Our share-a-lunch and birthday of the month will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 2. Those having birthdays are Floyd Nelson (Feb. 1), Jean Hinrichs (Feb. 3) and Elinor Bonneville (Feb. 23).

February is Valentine time and we are decorated for it.

Remember the tax aides will be here Feb. 7, 9 to noon, and also on March 6, 9 to noon. You can call for an appointment, 715-327-4155.

Stop in and have coffee with us, and see what a nice place we have to come and enjoy each others’ company.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Webster Senior Center

866-4334 There were 15 diners at the center on Monday for Deb’s spaghetti dinner. Afterward, five seniors attended the monthly senior meeting. Part of the business was planning a party to celebrate the “beginning of daylight-saving time with a St. Patrick’s Day” theme. Well hey, we’ll take any excuse to plan a party and have a little fun! The party at our senior center is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, with the buffet luncheon starting promptly at noon with free bingo, lots of prizes to follow and run, until about 3 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken for the meal of sloppy joes, potato salad, baked beans, pickles, chips, dessert and coffee. So mark you calendar to join in the fun! After the meeting was over, Gladys Beers, Margel Ruck, Theresa Gloege and I stayed and played three games of golf cards.

Dolores Farr, Margel Ruck, Opal Johnson and I attended Super Adults on Tuesday at the Clover Community Church east of Hinckley, Minn. Plans are being made for a bus trip to the Big Top Chatauqua in Ashland on Aug. 13-14, and it sure sounds like a lot of fun. The Randy and Renae Klawitter family from Wilderness Fellowship Ministries of Frederic/Grantsburg was the special feature and with Randy playing guitar, Renae and children Kaitlyn, Breanna and Ethan playing mandolins and little Caleb on the spoons, they gave us a program of singing and playing “Cripple Creek,” “Boil Them Cabbage Down,” “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” “The Country

Waltz,” “How Deep the Fathers Love,” and “I’ll Fly Away/In the Sweet Bye and Bye.” What a treat! I could listen to a whole concert of their music.

Nine ladies played dime bingo on Wednesday afternoon and everyone enjoyed the refreshments furnished by Helen Sellman.

Sam Williamson, Dave Wardean, Ken Hayes and Harold Peterson played pool on Thursday evening while Mert Kisselburg, Gladys Beers, Jane Wardean and Theresa Gloege played cards. I intended to go, but fell asleep in my recliner watching “Wheel of Fortune” and missed out. Oh well, I needed the nap anyway, more than I needed to play cards.

Deb served soup and three kinds of sandwiches for lunch on Friday and an marble cake to honor the birthdays of Gladys Packer and John Cullen. Others with January birthdays but not at lunch were Berenice Quernemoen, Don Carlson, Judy Baker, Maxine Peterson, Eunice Tollander and Charles Scott.

Don’t forget that the Webster Lioness Club Annual Valentine’s Day Party will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Webster Community Center with the buffet meal being served promptly at noon. Free bingo and cards will follow immediately after until 3 p.m., with lots of prizes.

Also, a Feet First clinic will be held at our center on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Sally and Marcia will be providing therapeutic foot wrap, diabetes foot exam, nail

St. Croix Valley Senior Center The Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Martha Lundstrom in first place, Janice Mevissen in second place and Ione Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Elroy Petzel in first place, Lonnie Jones in second place, Olga Young in third place and Roger Greenly in fourth place.

Special poem for senior citizens!

A row of bottles on my shelf, caused me to analyze myself.

One yellow pill I have to pop, goes to my heart so it won’t stop.

A little white one that I take, goes to my hands so they won’t shake, The blue ones that I use a lot, tell me I’m happy when I’m not.

The purple pill goes to my brain, and tells me that I have no pain.

The capsules tell me not to wheeze, or cough or choke or even sneeze.

The red ones, smallest of them all, go to my blood so I won’t fall.

The orange ones, very big and bright, prevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pills, helping to cure all kinds of ills.

But what I’d really like to know…is what tells each one where to go!

The Thursday Evening 500 card winners were: Carol Van Buskirk in first place, Don Benson in second place and Leone Montgomery in third place.

Have a great day!

A Waiting Child Loving, caring and affectionate would describe Jordon. He is very concerned about others and their feelings, which shows how big of a heart he truly has. Jordon loves to cuddle and give hugs and is definitely a people pleaser. He takes pride in keeping his room very neat and clean. Jordon is a very active boy who loves to swim, bike and play ball. When he isn’t playing outdoors, he loves to play video games and watch movies. Jordon will be open and take interest in almost any activity you introduce to him. He was born Nov. 20, 1995. For more information about Jordon or other children waiting for adoptive homes, call Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, 800-762-8063 or visit the Web site at www.wiadopt.org. - submitted

Subscribe to the Leader online @ www.the-leader.net

Mary Klar

trim, corn and callus debridement, foot care instruction and massage. The signup sheet is at the center, or you can call Salle at 715-259-7106 or 715-566-1997.

Gratitude is extended to Melanie Connor for her donation of freshly laid eggs from her chickens; Theresa Gloege and Gladys Beers – candy; Tony Saladis – aluminum cans; Gladys Packer – bread pans; and Faye Russ and Bill Janssen – books and magazines. Also thanks to Don Brand for delivering several cases of Oliver trays for the home-delivered meals; Bruce and Judy Behrens for recycling the empty boxes; and Gene Johnson and Harold Peterson for garbage removal.

Our get-well wishes and prayers continue to go out to Arlene Fink, Fran Arnold, Belva Olliken and Iola Rachner as they recover from hip surgery, Mary Garbe, Sylvia Pardun, Antone and Jeremy Gronski, Sue Becker, Nellie Pardun, Linda Thill, Brownie Sears and Albert Doriott. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to the families of John Peach and Howard Kopecky in their recent passing. Also remember Abby Ingalls in your prayers as she leaves Tuesday for a year as an exchange student in Poi Poi, New Zealand. Poi Poi is a little village that is even smaller than Webster.

Pray for traveling safety for Abby, courage, wisdom and good relationships with her host family and friends.

Arthur Ashe was a great tennis superstar who died an unfortunate death from AIDS that he contracted from a blood

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Lewis

Best wishes to June Moline who had toe surgery at a city hospital. She expects to be back in Grantsburg very soon, either at the hospital or at continuing care. Wishing her good healing.

Mickey Lenz and John Glockzin served lunch after Sunday’s church service. Assisting Pastor Tom Cook were Phil Schaetzel, Kerry Brendel, organist, Gloria Chell, pianist, Starr Warndahl, LaVonne Boyer, and ushers, Marlene and Nicole Nelson. The choir also sang.

LaVonne Leep is updating the membership list, correcting addresses and telephone numbers. Please check with her to make sure everything is accurate.

A free potluck soup supper was served Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at church followed by a monthly board meeting. Pastor Tom Cook has been visiting shut-ins and residents of care centers for church members of the Lewis and Siren United Methodist churches. If there are others you’d like visited, please let him know during office hours at the Siren United Methodist Church. He is also learning names of parishioners and would appreciate it if you’d give your name as you greet and meet.

472-8285

transfusion during heart surgery. He not only was a great athlete, but he was a person who inspired many with his exemplary behavior, both on and off the court. Instead of Mr. Ashe having self-pity and becoming embittered about his disease, he kept up a very grateful attitude. He said that if he asked “Why me?” about what he was facing, he would also have to ask “Why me?” about his blessings about marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child, and winning the Wimbledon. Sometimes we often grumble “Why is God allowing this to happen?” Even if we face suffering, we must not forget the mercies God does pour into our lives with such things as food, shelter and friends, that are blessings that many people are deprived of. We also have spiritual blessings – we can hold the very word of God in our hands and read it, something that many in this world still cannot do even in our current times. We have the knowledge of God’s saving grace, the comfort of his Holy Spirit, and the assurance of an everlasting life with Jesus. With unwanted burdens come undeserved blessings. – V.Grounds. “Are you ever burned with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every day will fly; and you will be singing as the days go by.” – Oatman. “God…has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” – Ephesians 1:3. See you at the center!

Bernice Abrahamzon

The deadline is fast approaching to pay real estate taxes in full or by half. If paying by mail, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you want a receipt. Also check on hours in our township if paying treasurer in person. Do not pay in cash if sending through the mail.

Good turnout last Monday will 11 players at the Frederic Scrabble Club. Both Sunrise and Golden Oaks are secure buildings and locked. If wanting to gain entry, ring a resident you know to get help. Someone opens the building for members to get in.

Remember that the building is now secure.

Sympthy is extended to the family of Howard Kopecky whose funeral was held on Saturday in the Siren School auditorium.

How gratified he would have been to see all those who turned out to honor him. From time to time, he shared his original poetry and it was published in the Inter-County Leader.

The next book for the Morning Book Club at the Frederic Library is “Two Old Women” based on an Alaskan legend. The author is Velma Wallis.

The NW Regional Writers will meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at Big Gust Apts., Grantsburg.

Luck Senior Center

Hi there!

I wrote the news for the center last week, and as usual I procrastinated and didn’t get it to the Leader in time. I had a good excuse though, I couldn’t get into my garage!

By the time I was able to get into my car, it was too late to get to Frederic. No problem, there wasn’t much news anyway.

I am on top of it this week. Saturday was our monthly potluck/birthday meeting.

Kathy made a beautiful birthday cake and we sang “Happy Birthday” to Fred Sampe (Dec. 27) and Olivia Hansen (Jan. 17).

Kathy’s grandson Nathan Tarino made a bunch of paper airplanes so we could have a flying airplane contest, and the winner was Vangie Schadow. I gave a little report on my trip to the Holy Land. A good time was had by all, and the food was good too!

Get-well wishes go out to Silpa Ogren and Rose Hughes. Sympathy is extended

Shirley Lund

to Edna Lawson on the death of her brother.

Trudy, the foot lady, will be at the center this Thursday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Give the center a call if you wish to make an appointment.

Thursday, Feb. 28, 9-11:40 a.m. AARP tax aid program will be at the center. You need to make an appointment for this service, 715-472-8285.

Dues are due, $8 for the year. If you haven’t paid them yet, please do so the next time you come into the center.

Luck Winter Carnival is coming up. The center will be open Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. We will be serving roast beef sandwiches and pie and ice cream.

We are also selling raffle tickets. First prize is $50 and second prize is $25.

That’s all for now, keep smiling!

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library “Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love and the Search for Home,” by Kim Sunee Kim Sunee was abandoned by her mother at the age of 3, adopted by an American couple along with a younger child and brought to the United States to be raised in New Orleans. She grew up as one of only two Asian children in her community.

After studying in France, she moved to Stockholm at the age of 22 where she met and fell in love with a famous, wealthy, older Frenchman. She ended up leaving Stockholm, living in France as mistress to his two homes in Provence and Paris and being a stepmother to his 8-year-old daughter. The Frenchman, of course, had an inconvenient wife who he said he was divorcing with great difficulty.

Living a glamorous lifestyle, Kim somehow never feels at home. She cooks her way through French cuisine, New Orleans style food, and the Korean dishes she craves.

An unusual memoir filled with exotic recipes and the sights and sounds of the French countryside, this book will be enjoyed by Francophiles, foodies and perhaps people who have dealt with international adoption. She is a good writer, and we will probably be hearing more from her.

Library notes The state tax forms are finally here at the Amery Public Library. We now have Homestead forms and federal forms. If we don’t have the form, we will print it off the Internet for you at 10 cents a

page.

Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Beat the winter blues and join us for songs and stories. Everyone is welcome.

The Friends of the Library book group will meet on Monday, Feb. 11, to discuss “Bet Your Bottom Dollar,” by Karen Gillespie. The group meets at 7 p.m. Join us by picking up the book at the circulation desk for some lighthearted fun.

The Great Stories Club meets on Monday, Feb. 11, at 3:30 p.m. to discuss “Born Blue,” by Han Nolan.

The Friends of the Library are working on their Amery’s Got Talent Show, so mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Amery High School Auditorium. Pie and coffee will be served, a raffle held and the proceeds will go toward the Amery Public Library move in September.

Otaku Club meets every Tuesday for teens who love anime and manga from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Teens Read Book Group will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, to discuss acclaimed teen book “Speak,” by Laurie Anderson. Pick up a copy at the circulation desk and join us if you are a teen.

Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Centuria Public Library Reading to your children An often-quoted report, Becoming a Nation of Readers: Report of the Commission on Reading, stresses the importance of parents in developing the foundations for children learning to read. The report says, “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” The Centuria Public Library is a wonderful resource for parents to get reading materials that can assist them in developing the skills for learning how to

read. Come into the library and browse at all the children’s books available for reading aloud to your children. The library staff will be most happy to assist any parent in helping to find fun and exciting reading material.

Hours The Centuria Public Library is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., closed Friday, and open 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Osceola Public Library Build-A-Book Party To kick off our Scholastic Book Fair, which is being held Wednesday, Feb. 20, through Saturday, Feb. 23, we are hosting a Build-A-Book Party at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Together you and your child will build your own book using lots of fun craft materials. Everything you need to get the job done will be ready for you at the library.

The event is limited to 40 kits, so you must preregister. Each child needs to be accompanied by an adult. There is a small fee of $3 per kit that is due at the time of registration. Stop in the Osceola Public Library to register.

A ton of new fiction It’s probably more like a couple hundred pounds of new fiction, which is still a lot! Come in and check out all the new fiction titles recently added to the collection.

Natural Step for Communities Study Circle Schedules start in February! There are still spots available, but they are filling up fast. Sign up at the library. Schedule A: Starting Feb. 7, this circle will meet every other Thursday at 7 p.m. for a total of 10 sessions. Schedule B: Starting Feb. 13, this circle will meet every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a total of 10 sessions. Schedule C: Starting Feb. 16, this circle will meet every other Saturday at 1 p.m. for a total of 10 sessions.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Clear Lake Public Library

Luck Public Library Luck Library is now accepting books and other materials for the Winter Carnival Book Sale on Feb. 9. We are getting a great assortment of hardcovers, paperbacks, games, puzzles and audios.

If these items are taking up space in your house, now is the time to bring them in.

Computers for Seniors is held Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Beginning Feb. 6, the library will have Knitting Club Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Bring your needles and yarn and relax with us.

Preschool story hour is held Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. We focus on developing emergent reading skills and language.

Tax forms are in. Come and get them

while they last.

DVD donations are needed. If you have a new or slightly used DVD that you are willing to donate to the library, it would be much appreciated. DVDs are getting to be a greater and greater part of our circulation, and most library’s budgets are not increasing. This would be a wonderful thank-you gift to your library.

Bricks are still available to purchase for our new library. Contact the village or the library for a copy of the Buy a Brick form. The building is really taking shape.

Hours: Monday 1 – 5 p.m., Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 1 – 8 p.m., Friday 1 – 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

Clear Lake Public Library New nonfiction arrivals “Vanna’s Choice: Color It Beautiful Afghans” “Vanna’s Choice: Heartfelt Gifts To Knit And Crochet” “The DIY Bride,” by Khris Cochran “Eat To Beat High Blood Pressure,” published by Reader’s Digest “DIY Guide To Appliances: Installing and Maintaining Your Major Appliances,” by Steve Willson “A Child’s Garden: 60 Ideas To Make Any Garden Come Alive For Children,”

by Molly Dannenmaier “Rural Wisdom,” by Larry Ernster “Why Mars and Venus Collide: Improving Relationships By Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently With Stress,” by John Gray New fiction arrivals “Duma Key,” by Stephen King “ Even Cat Sitters Get The Blues: A

Dixie Hemingway Mystery,” by Blaize Clement “The Secret Between Us,” by Barbara Delinsky “Three Shirt Deal,” by Stephen Cannell “Size 14 is Not Fat Either,” by Meg Cabot “Taming Rafe,” by Susan Warren Coming in February Food for Fines – Bring in a nonperishable food item and the Clear Lake Public Library will take $1 off of your fines.

Regular library hours Monday: Noon – 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: noon 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Milltown Public Library Mask-making Celebrate Carnival season in style!

Join us Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. for a free maskmaking workshop. The library will provide all the supplies, you provide the creativity. When your mask is finished, wear it while dancing to carnival music and sipping fruity punch! This event is free and open to children of all ages.

Kids under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please register in advance by calling 825-2313 or visiting our Web site at www.milltownpubliclibrary.org. Preregistration is required.

Candy-making Make something special for your someone special during our candy- and card-making workshop on Feb. 12, at the library. There will be two sessions of this popular program. Preschoolers are invited to the 10 a.m. workshop, and children of all ages are invited to the 6 p.m. workshop. All children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please register in advance by calling 8252313 or visiting our Web site at www.milltownpubliclibrary.org. Preregistration is required.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast, wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer! Surf the Net from a comfortable chair! No time limits!

Dresser Public Library

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. yearround. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books. Please note that there will be no story time on Feb. 12; please make plans to visit our special event instead!

“Window to the World” Chase off cabin fever this winter with the “Window to the World” lecture series at Milltown library where local travelers will share their firsthand knowledge of faraway places, people and international issues.

The first event in this series, about Haiti, was a huge success! Don’t miss the next “Window to the World” presentation, Saturday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. for a presentation about South Africa.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Balsam Lake Public Library Book review “The Queen” by Ann Marrow written in 1983. Old is sometimes OK and sometimes very good. This book is the story of the life of Queen Elizabeth of England. Today the writers and especially the tabloids put out information that many of us take with a grain of salt. In my opinion this book is probably very close to the truth about her life and times. It covers all aspects of her life including the intruder who somehow made it into her bedroom. If you like to read about people, and have at least some respect for a monarchy, you perhaps will enjoy this old book. Submitted by a faithful reader.

Story time Story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday here at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks.

New books for January “Appeal” by John Grisham, “Beverly Hills“ by Stuart Woods, “Duma Key” by Stephen King, “The Shooters” by W.E.B. Griffin, “Killing Ground” by Jack Higgins, ”Shadow Music” by Julie Garwood, “Blasphemy” by Douglas Preston, “Holding Out and Hanging On-Surviving Hurricane Katrina” by Thomas Neff.

Book club The book club meets Feb. 20, 3 p.m. and all ages are welcome. In “Wish You Well,” David Baldacci has written a tale laced with touching passages of rural Virginia, imbued with graceful humor, and laden with unforgettable characters.

The novel is a heart-wrenching yet triumphant story about family and adversity from times past that resounds forcefully today. “Wish You Well” is a breathtakingly beautiful achievement from an author who has the power to make us feel, to make us care, and to make us believe in the great and little miracles that can change lives - or save them.

Friends group Friends will be getting ready for February book sale –keep watching the paper for more details.

Balsam Lake Public Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Polk County Library Federation Have you taken a trip to an exotic or not-so-exotic place with a good book in hand? Send us a picture of you or a friend reading, and we may put it in the library pages. Vacation is a great time to read! Bookson–tape/CD are great for long drives or plane rides.

Check out the great selection of books at the Polk County Libraries and sit back and enjoy. - Photo submitted

St. Croix Falls Public Library Upcoming Fundraising Events Announcing the Friends of the Library/St. Croix Falls 20-Month Giving Campaign! Beginning now through 2009, the Friends of the St. Croix Falls Library invite everyone to make a 20month pledge to help build the new library!

Each person decides how much that he/she can give each month for 20 months and completes the pledge form.

Then, once a month, the person gives the amount. Any monthly amount is welcome!

Some examples: No amount is too small nor too big.

Just imagine the new library! In 2007, the library averaged 3,500 patrons/month.

If 2,000 patrons give $10/month for 20 months, we would raise $400,000 by September 2009! Let’s do it!

How to participate?

1. Stop in the St. Croix Falls Library 2. Fill out a pledge form 3. Take home and use the 20-month giving campaign monthly coupons. This is a giving opportunity for everyone!

Join us for a St. Croix Falls Library FUNdraiser Family snow-tubing party at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, Minn., Sunday, Feb. 17, 5-8 p.m. Cost is $20 per person and includes: three hours unlimited

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009.

The Dresser Public Library Board of Trustees will hold its monthly meeting Jan. 28, at 6 p.m., at the library.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Three Internet computers: You must physically present a MORE library card to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

Coming up Lapsitter and preschool story times meet each Thursday from 10:30 – 11:30

a.m. Join us then for winter stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more.

Book club Our adult book club will meet Feb. 12, from 10 – 11 a.m. to discuss Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and also view the movie “A Farewell to Arms,” which was the club’s December book.

New members are always welcome!

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX numor e-mail us at ber www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.

Frederic Public Library Library receives Operation RoundUp grant The Frederic Library was among six area recipients of grants recently awarded through Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up program. The library received $1,000 for enrichment materials and equipment for preschool story time programs. Gratitude is extended to Polk-Burnett, its board of directors and its members for supporting the services and programs of libraries and schools.

Mark your calendars for Feb. 14-16 The annual library bake and book sale will be held Feb. 14-16, and we are accepting donations of gently used books, movies, music CDs, and audio books.

Materials can be dropped off during library open hours, and we can provide a receipt for the number of items you donate. This is one of two large fundraiser book sales held at the library each year, and we appreciate your support.

Sing, sing, the whole day through Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy an hour of stories and activities all about music on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m.

What are the book groups reading?

The Thursday morning reading group meets Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. to discuss “Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival,” by Velma

Wallis, a tale of two old Native American women abandoned by their tribe to perish in the Yukon during a brutal winter famine. The evening book group also meets Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. to talk about “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” by Gregory Maguire, “a fantastical tale of good and evil, of choice and responsibility,” according to Publishers Weekly. Copies of both books are available at the library, and new members are always welcome.

What a great way to spend a winter morning or evening!

The library is a drop-off site for the community food shelf Please bring an item or two for the local food shelf when you visit the library – your donations will make you feel good and will help those in need.

Free wireless access available The library offers free wireless Internet access for patrons who bring in their laptops installed with wireless cards - no more waiting to use the public access computers.

Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular open hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

tubing, dinner of brat or hot dog, chips, dessert, and beverage. Advanced tickets available at the SCF Library through Feb. 9, for $18. For every ticket sold, $10 goes directly to the library building fund.

Alive at the library!

Frogs and Toads free family event Saturday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m. Meet live representatives of all of Wisconsin’s frog and toad species. Discover which frogs make what sounds, where they hang out, what they feel like, and reasons why they are declining in numbers. Presenter: Randy Korb conservationist/wildlife educator.

Saturday talk about the book club The book club will meet the third Saturday of February, the 16th, at Sit-ASpell in Les Amis Shops, 9:30 a.m. The current selection is “The Ride of Our Lives: Roadside Lessons of an American Family,” by Mike Leonard.

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Saturday 10 a.m.

– 1 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Barb Meier presented Chris Byerly, of the Frederic Public Library, a check for $1,000 as one of the donations given out from Polk-Burnett’s Operation RoundUp. The check was given during the library’s preschool story time when Callie, Emma and Dawson were present to witness it. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

Clear Lake Public Library Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: noon - 5

p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

We can be reached by phone at 715-2632802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

Tavern leagues donate to post-prom event SIREN – On Tuesday, Jan. 29, on behalf of the Burnett County Tavern League, Kris Peterson from Kris’ Pheasant Inn presented a donation of $250 to members of the four-school (Siren, Webster, Grantsburg and Frederic) AODA group. This donation will be followed by another $250 in matching funds from the Wisconsin State Tavern League.

This is the 14th year that the four-school AODA group has joined together to throw a big post-prom event. The purpose of post-prom is to provide students with an alternative to drinking and drug use after prom.

According to Siren School AODA Coordinator Carrie Roach, about 300 students last year made it home safely after prom because of the generous contributions that businesses donated.

This year, prom will be held Saturday, April 26. The post-prom party will be at Stars and Strikes in Wyoming, Minn. Plans for the all-night event include cosmic bowling, laser tag, arcade games, raffle prizes, music, food and plenty of fun. The money donated by area businesses will go toward renting the facility, transportation, prizes and food for the students.

Anyone who wishes to make a contribution can contact Roach at 715-349-2277, extension 303. – Information submitted

On behalf of the Burnett County Tavern League, Kris Peterson presented a check for $250 to Siren School AODA members (L to R) Brittany Horwath, Cassi Olson, Staci Kopecky and Jenna Jarrell, Tuesday, Jan. 29. Another $250 in matching funds will come from the Wisconsin State Tavern League by the end of February. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

AAA-DJ's wins chili cook-off Proceeds go to SCF scholarship foundation ST. CROIX FALLS - Chili-tasters at the second-annual St. Croix Falls District Scholarship Foundation Chili Cook-off selected AAA-DJ’s chili as this year’s winning entry.

AAA-DJ’s was a collaborative effort between Joe Weinberg of Dresser and Dean Kalmoe of St. Croix Falls. Entries from Sarah Brown and Wolf Creek Methodist Church (Andrea Jones and Barb Davidsavor, chefs) tied for second place, and third place went to the St. Croix Falls High School Parents Advisory Committee, Mary Beth Peterson and Sue Younker, chefs. The more than 140 attendees chose the winners from a wide field of chili entries, ranging from hot to mild to vegetarian. Other contestants in this year’s competition included Richard Townsend Construction (Richard Townsend, chef) , St. Croix Falls Lioness (Jeanne Jensen, Pam Ketow and Eileen Stensven, chefs), A&W (Adrienne Gyllen and Wanda Brown, chefs), Festival Theatre (Janet Luhman and Mary Martin, chefs), Susie Jasperson, St. Croix Falls Band Boosters (Nanette Hagen Hinck and Tom Hinck, chefs), Rediske, Inc. (Jenny and Keith Rediske, chefs), and St. Croix Falls School District Superintendent Glen Martin.

The Jan. 22 chili cook-off event, which also included a silent auction featuring a variety of items donated by local and

Cook-off winners Dean Kalmoe and Joe Weinberg.

Twin Cities businesses, raised more than $1,700 for scholarships for graduates of St. Croix Falls High School who continue their education through college, university and technical education programs.

In 2007, the St. Croix Falls District Scholarship Foundation partnered with local businesses and individuals to award more than $50,000 in local higher education funding to 72 students.

Scholarship applications will be distributed to graduating seniors in February, and scholarships will be presented at an awards ceremony on May 5. The

Janet Luhman and Clair Cook Chinander represented Festival Theatre.

first-place winner of the chili cook-off will have the opportunity to present a chili cook-off scholarship to a graduating senior. In addition, a limited number of scholarships will be available for St. Croix Falls High School alumni who graduated prior to 2008 and who are still in school. The alumni scholarships are awarded by random drawing.

Applications for alumni scholarships are available from Shelley Skemp at 715-483-9823, and are due by April 1.

Jenny Rediske and Nanette Hagen Hinck serve up chili on behalf of Rediske, Inc. and the St. Croix Falls Band Boosters. – Photos submitted

The Richard Townsend Construction chili construction crew.

Andrea Jones and Barb Davidsavor from Wolf Creek Methodist Church strike up a friendly competition with Jeanne Jensen, Pam Ketow and Eileen Stensven of St. Croix Falls Lioness Club.

It took a large group of people to make the annual scholarship fundraiser a success.

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Frederic Elementary School goes to the IMAX Theater and The Minnesota Zoo FREDERIC - Jan. 17 through Feb. 8 students at Frederic Elementary will be studying different islands. The 4-year-old kindergarten students are studying New Zealand, kindergarten- Chiloe, first – South Sandwich Islands, second – Ireland, third – The Aleutian Islands, fourth – Japan, fifth – The West Indies, and sixth – Indonesia.

On Jan. 22, the whole school boarded buses and headed to the Minnesota Zoo and the IMAX to visit the “Galapagos Islands.” The students and staff viewed the 3D movie called the “Galapagos Islands” and then went into the zoo to watch a dolphin show. The students were able to see the two brand-new dolphins that the zoo just received and watch Semo, the 42-year-old dolphin, do his tricks.

“This is so awesome, it feels like we are swimming with the fish,” and “I can’t believe how cool this is. I

Frederic elementary students spelling out Galapagos Islands during the kickoff event. – Photos courtesy Frederic Elementary School have never been on a better field trip,” were a few of the comments made by the students. This schoolwide field trip was partially funded by Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up and the Frederic Parent Teacher Organization.

The focus this week at school will be the tropical or warm islands and a beach lunch is planned for Wednesday with a special treat sometime during the week.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the ending event scheduled for Feb. 8 where a program is being planned to showcase what students have learned. – submitted Brant and Chase Rowe at the IMAX Theater.

RIGHT: A trainer from the new zoo and Semo the dolphin.

Local quilt artist juried into exhibition CUSHING – Local quilt artist, Jean M. Judd, has been juried into the 13th-Annual Arts in Harmony National Juried Exhibition in Elk River, Minn. The exhibition is open Feb. 4 –March 28 at the Sherburne County Government Center. Artist reception is Feb, 10, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. with the awards presentation at 3 p.m.

This is the second year in a row that Judd has been juried into this exhibition. “I am excited to be included for a second year in this wonderful exhibition,” Jean said. “This is the closest exhibition I’ve been juried into recently, so I am able to attend the artist reception with family and friends joining me. There is a wide variety of artistic medium juried into the exhibition, including photography, painting, sculpture, pottery, as well as fiber artwork.”

Her hand-quilted piece, Stained Glass Mosaic #1 was the selected piece this year. This is a highly competitive exhibition and this year’s jurors, Lin Nelson-Mayson, director of the Goldstein Museum of Design at the University of Minnesota, and Paul Benson, artist and art teacher for 24 years at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, selected 218 pieces from 668 works submitted by 242 artists from across the nation.

This exhibition is the largest National Annual Juried

Judd’s hand-quilted piece, Stained Glass Mosaic #1. – Photo submitted

Art Exhibition in Minnesota. The exhibition is sponsored by the Elk River Area Arts Alliance and awards over $9,000 in cash prices. Purchase awards by Great River Energy, Sherburne County Government Center, as well as selection of 32-40 pieces for a traveling exhibition sponsored by Thrivent for Lutherans provide the selected artists with great recognition. The selected pieces are also for sale to the general public during the exhibition.

In 2007, Judd had quilts juried into seven shows across the U.S. They included Arts in Harmony 2007 in Elk River, Minn., Manchester National Juried Fine Art Exhibition in Richmond, Va., Sacred Threads 2007 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 27th Smoky Mountain Quilt Show in Knoxville, Tenn., American Quilters Society Expo in Nashville, Tenn., World Quilt & Textile Show in Manchester, N.H., and Balancing Act exhibition in Ferndale, Mich.

A sampling of Judd’s work can be seen at the Mixed Sampler Quilt Guild annual quilt show held in Siren.

She will be demonstrating hand quilting again this year.

This year’s show, Autumn Splendor, is Oct. 11-12, at the Siren High School. This is the guild’s 20th quilt show, they celebrated their 20th year as a guild in 2007. – sub-

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

30th-annual Danbury Lions Club fishing contest DANBURY – The Danbury Lions Club held their 30th-annual fishing contest on Burlingame Lake on Saturday, Jan. 26.

This year also marked the 30th-year for Klaus Nieder, with the last 29 years as contest organizer. The milder temperatures over the weekend made it bearable for the large crowd in attendance.

Winners of the contest were: Erick Maley with the largest bass (3 lbs., 11 oz.)

Mike Jones with the largest sunfish (8 oz.)

Bryan Larson with the largest crappie (9 oz.)

Klaus Nieder presents Brent Pardun with a check for the largest northern (15 lbs., 5 oz.) – Photo by Russ Estridge

Andrew Jorgenson and Ryan Ballard are checking to see if they have a fish on the line.

Elizabeth O'Brien is enjoying a sled ride around the lake from Lobo, a purebred Siberian husky. Ray Ruesch is shown here keeping Lobo on track.

Brent Pardun's 15.5-oz. northern dwarfs the smaller northern next to it.

Winners of the savings bonds are shown (L to R): Angel Staples of Danbury received the $200 bond, David Hughes of Danbury received the $500 bond, and Joan Wilson of Spooner received the $1,000 bond. Not shown Star Christensen of Webster won the $200 Bond. – Photo by Russ Estridge

Alex Bergeron, Centuria, is shown with her 6-oz. bass that was registered.

Alex also caught the smallest fish caught. This is a new category this year and was sponsored by J. Outdoors. She won $50 cash.

The volunteers working the food booth on Saturday were Ginny Estridge, Blanche Baker and Ingrid Nieder.

With the mild temperatures, many of the fi s h e r m a n chose to sit outside of their shelters to do their fishing.

A large crowd attended the 30th-annual Danbury Lions Ice-Fishing Contest on Burlingame Lake on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter except with noted

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Spanish class takes virtual trip to Guatemala GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Multiage Spanish class took a virtual trip to Guatemala on Jan. 18.

After learning the appropriate Spanish vocabulary, the students applied for passports and purchased their airline tickets. Their virtual trip began when their classroom turned into an airplane complete with flight attendants (Mrs. Preissing and Ms. Erickson).

Once in Guatemala, the students and many parents boarded the bus to head to the ocean, a.k.a. the Hinckley swimming pool. After a wonderful swim, the travelers headed to a local restaurant and enjoyed some pizza. Then it was

back to school to learn about the Guatemalan culture. The children could choose from 10 different activities. They included making a souvenir T-shirt, painting murals, making a drum, weaving, playing Guatemalan games and other art activities. The tired travelers finally crawled into their sleeping bags and watched a movie as they drifted off to sleep. This trip would not have been possible without the help of almost 30 parents throughout the evening. – Priscilla Bauer

Grantsburg Elementary teacher Julie Erickson took on the role of flight attendant serving beverages during the virtual flight she and her Spanish class students took to Guatemala last weekend. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Multiage Spanish students Ella Lindau and Charli Siebenthal had a chance to try weaving during their virtual trip to Guatemala.

Grantsburg Elementary Spanish class student Juana Olson, enjoys taking a swim in the ocean, a.k.a the Hinckley pool, during her class’ virtual trip to Guatemala.

Making Guatemalan crafts was just one of the fun activities students and parents enjoyed during the Multiage Spanish class sleepover. Parent volunteer Deb Hammer helped Spanish class student Noah Lane in making a Guatemalan worry doll.

Multiage Spanish class students Hallie Jenson and Carolina Lowenstein waited for their passports from Spanish class teacher, Mrs. Preissing, before embarking on their trip to Guatemala. The class enjoyed a sleepover at the Grantsburg Elementary School as part of their virtual travel experience.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Rosemarie Vezina Braatz

A ST. CROIX TALE

This photo from the St. Croix Falls Historical Society collection, was copied by John Jenkins, of Osceola, for inclusion in a countywide collection of historic photos he has undertaken to assemble.

Thanks to whoever it was who passed it along, it is labeled: six men with deer harvest; left to right, Burt Van Konynenberg, who used to have a drug store that Olson’s have now…(this was written in the 1970s, and the store on the corner of Washington and Kentucky streets is now Fur-Get-Me-Nots).

Burt’s home was at the northeast corner of Adams and Kentucky streets, now for sale by the Carmelis.

The fifth man was Earl Palmer, who had a grocery store where True Value is now (in the 1970s). That is now the Dam Bistro. – special photo

Series continues with pasture renovation and dairy and beef cattle nutrition SPOONER — Pasture renovation and interseeding will be the focus of a workshop on Friday, Feb. 8, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Spooner Ag Research Station. This is the second topic of a three-week Northern Safari of Ag Specialist series sponsored by UW-Extension.

Dennis Cosgrove, UW-Extension forage specialist, will discuss strategies to improve pastures following drought.

Due to recent drought and subsequent overgrazing, many pastures in NW Wisconsin are in need of improvement.

This seminar will focus on ways landowners can renovate pastures through forage species selection, seeding rates, seeding methods, weed management and other management practices.

The final seminar in the series at Spooner will take place the following Friday, Feb. 15, at 10:30 a.m. and is entitled

Dairy and Beef Cattle Nutrition Using Bioenergy Byprodcut Feeds. As the grain ethanol and biodiesel industries continue to grow, there will be more opportunities for livestock producers to utilize the byproduct feeds from these industries. Otto Wiegand, UW-Extension dairy and livestock agent, will address how corn distillers’ grains, soybean meal, sunflower meal, canola meal and glycerin can be used as cattle feed.

All seminars are held at the Spooner Ag Research Station on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. until noon. There is no cost for these programs, and they are open to the general public. For more information contact Kevin Schoessow or Otto Wiegand at the Spooner Area UW-Extension Office at 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914.

— from UW-Extension

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JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Unity Honor Roll Second quarter Seniors Justin Bader, Angela Berthold, Briana Bielmeier, Hannah Ditlefsen, Christina Edgell, Ryan Flaherty, Cassandra Fox, Benjamin Hendricks, Emily Hoehne, Annie Jepsen, Rylee Johnson, Taylor Larson, Kimberlie May, Charity Moore, Sharla Moore, Danielle Morgan, Lisa Muller, Kendra Nelson, Tim Reed, Brianna Schmid, Ethan Schmidt, Chad Strilzuk, Bryn Vollrath and Chelssy Wytaske.

Juniors Brittany Bernier, Amber Christensen, Reina Cox, Elizabeth Ebensperger, Ashley Elfers, Jennifer Gorne, Stephanie Kothlow, Amanda Kuske, Julia Larsen, Raya McKenzie, Brittney Peters, Rebecca Pollock, Bethanie Rice, Cailin Turner and Hannah Zahler.

Sophomores Joy Albrecht, Madeline Anderson,

Tyler Bublitz, Brooke Gillespie, Timothy Hallin, Logan Hillesheim, Luke Hilleshiem, Samantha Ince, Derek Jorgenson, Laura Krueger, Kaylynn Olson, Karly Peckman, Cathrine Peper, Katie Petzel and Katelynn Swiontek.

Danielle Martin, Amelia McKinney, Jennifer McMeekin, Jennifer Mueller, Marissa Melvehill, Lance Peper, Katelyn Radke, Elliot St. Amand, Leah Stratmoen, Andrea Thompson, Amy Vandebrake, Brittany Vollrath and Eric Wester.

Freshmen Elizabeth Bethke, Beau Davison, Nathan Dorrance, Katherine Ebensperger, Brady Flaherty, Jessica Golz, Rush Hickethier, April Johnson, Kayla Johnson, Josephine Kalenda, Jessica Kutina, Joshua Larsen, Brandi Larson, Erin Mabry, Denise McKenzie, Hannah McMeekin, Dale Michaelson, Julia Moore, Mickey Muller, Lucas Nelson, Bryana Petersin, Jessica Raboin, Haley St. Amand, Emily Stelling and Lindsey Voss.

Juniors Samuel Bengtson, Jordyn Christiansen, Ray Despiegelaere, Erica Gurtner, Rachael Janusch, Kelsey Jensen, Brittney Johnson, Randall Krueger III, Seth McKenzie, Rebecca Milligan, Erin Owens, Andrea Paulzine, Spencer Severson, Cody Trealoff, Troy Voss and Benjamin Walsh.

Honorable Mention Seniors Keila Dunsmoor, Patrick Jones, Tiffany Larson, Andrea Leis, Charles Leveen,

Sophomores Amanda Bestland, Amanda Brunotte, Dustin Dunsmoor, Joshua Eaton, Steven Gustafson, Cadi Harper, Stephanie Hunter, Michael Johnson, Ariane Mattson, Dustin McKinney, Kristen Norlund, Matthew Picton, Monique A. Slate, Jacob Thomfohrda and Jared Tunheim.

Freshmen Hayla Bader, Jacob Bengtson, Derek Campbell, Tyler Christensen, Samuel Foight, Mitchell Galle, Marisa Hacker, Dylan Hendricks, Nicholas Hoag, Alison Lennartson, Alexander Livingston, Justin McKenzie, Brandon Mooney, Brady Peterson, Nicole Slate, Taylor Stenger, Jason Vlasnik, Naomi Williamson and Kathyrn Zahler.

Perfect Attendance Joy Albrecht, Briana Bielmeier, Amanda Brunotte, Tyler Christensen, Ray Despiegelaere, Rush Hickethier, Michelle Hinshaw, Annie Jepsen, Laura Krueger, Melissa Leverty, Seth McKenzie, Amelia McKinney, Dennis McKinney, Dustin McKinney, Dale Michaelson, Melissa Monn, Mason Nelson, Spencer Severson and Cory Tunheim.

Academic news WITC awards spring scholarships NEW RICHMOND – The following students at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, New Richmond, have been awarded a WITC Foundation Scholarship for the spring semester. The WITC Foundation awards more than $100,000 each year to area students.

Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate the initiative, desire and potential to succeed. They are not limited to students with financial need.

The scholarships are open to students enrolled in any WITC associate degree or technical diploma program and may be designated for a specific campus, program, high school, career area or other requirement.

Natalie Landgreen, college advancement associate at the WITC campus, says, “On behalf of the generous busi-

nesses, organizations and individuals whose donations make these scholarships possible, the WITC Foundation has the distinct privilege to award scholarships to these deserving students.

Their dedication to bettering themselves through education is inspiring, especially since the majority of them are going to college and simultaneously juggling the demands of work and family.”

The next deadline is April 1 for WITC New Richmond scholarships awarded in the fall. Updated application materials will be available on the WITC Web site beginning March 1.

Local spring 2008 WITC scholarship recipients Amery Barbara Miner, therapeutic massage, $500 Robert Knowles Scholarship Dresser Heather Wimer, early childhood edu-

cation, $500 Robert Knowles Scholarship Osceola Jennifer Kees, medical administrative specialist, $250 WITC Administrative Office Opportunity Builders Scholarship; Austin Montpetit, welding, $800 American Welding Society Scholarship St. Croix Falls Kayla Hedlund, associate degree nursing, $500 WITC New Richmond Staff Scholarship.

WITC New Richmond offers more than 35 programs and awards two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and a variety of short-term certificates. In addition, WITC offers Flex labs, online and other distance-learning opportunities and provides customized training and technical assistance to the business and industrial community. The college has four campuses, including Ashland, New Rich-

mond, Rice Lake and Superior. The Web site is: witc.edu. - submitted ••• Amanda Hochstetler of Frederic has been named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Pine Technical College in Pine City, Minn. - submitted ••• Tim Wiltshire recently completed graduate studies at West Virginia University, receiving a Doctorate of cancercell biology. His area of expertise is in cancer research. Dr. Wiltshire has accepted a post-doctorate fellowship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Wiltshire did his undergraduate studies at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. He is the son of the Rev. Don and Corinne Wiltshire. Wiltshire is the pastor of Centuria Assembly of God Church. - submitted

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

Sweetheart poetry reading set

CUMBERLAND – Persons are invited to bring their favorite love poems (or some not so lovely) to Peter & Annie’s World Market cafe in Cumberland on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The free event begins with an open reading at 4 p.m. Read your own or someone else’s poem. All ages welcome. The open reading will be fol-

lowed by featured reader Kelly Green of Centuria. Coffee and sweets will be available for purchase. The cafe is located at 1387 2nd Avenue in downtown Cumberland. For more information, call the cafe at 715-822-9959 or e-mail janchronister@yahoo.com.- submitted

DOT center open second and fourth Wednesdays LUCK – The Division of Motor Vehicle Customer Service Center in Luck is open on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A recent notice had incorrectly

stated the center was open on the second and third Wednesdays. – with submitted information from DOT

Siren Area Lions Club President Dave Doty presented a check for $500 from the Lions to Stacey Taylor, representative of the Salvation Army, Tuesday, Jan. 23.

“The money,” said Taylor, “will be used for local emergencies.” – Photo

by Nancy Jappe

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

OBITUARIES Adolph C. Vaitkus

Kathleena M. Meissner

Leo L. Anderson

Adolph C. Vaitkus, 90, of Danbury, died Jan. 22, 2008, at his home.

Private family services will be held.

The Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home, Spooner, was entrusted with arrangements.

Kathleena M. (nee Flynn) Meissner, 47, of St. Croix Beach, formerly of Siren, died Jan. 20, 2008.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Evangeline Olson of Siren. She is survived by her husband, Larry; children, Ryan Anderson, Leah Meissner and Sadie Fischer; mother, Delphine Baker of Superior; sister, Charlene (Max) Harshbarger of Hudson and brother Ed (Adie) of Hudson; grandchildren; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Afton, Minn. Interment was at St. Peter’s Church Cemetery.

The Kessler and Maguire Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Leo L. Anderson, 94, died Jan. 20, 2008, at the Frederic Care Center.

Leo was born July 31, 1913, in Slayton, Minn., to Henry L. and Bertha M. Anderson. Leo married Ellamarie Sederlund on Dec. 24, 1936, at the United Methodist Church in Grantsburg.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ellamarie; sister, Ida; and brothers, LaVerne and Lyle.

Leo is survived by his sons, Leo (Sally) Anderson Jr. of Golden Valley, Minn. and Lloyd (June) Anderson of Grantsburg; brother, Lloyd (Dorothy) Anderson of Del Rio, Texas; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; others relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 24, at Siren United Methodist Church, with Pastor Tom Cook officiating. Music was provided by Pat Taylor and Carrie McConnell. Interment follow at Siren Lakeview Cemetery.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Phyllis Fossum Phyllis Fossum, age 91, of Frederic, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Frederic Care Center in Frederic.

Phyllis Naomi (Plahn) Fossum was born July 15, 1916, to George and Elsie Plahn of Spooner. She attended grade school in Spooner and earned her high school diploma from Spooner High School. She attended college in Superior where she earned her degree. Phyllis taught Art and Music locally at both the elementary and high school levels.

Phyllis enjoyed traveling with her husband and wintering in Florida. She loved to socialize with her many friends and looked forward to her weekly coffee dates in town. She also enjoyed decorating, shopping and spending quality time with her daughter, Jean.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Arthur; son, Steven; brother, Robert and brother-in-law, Arnold.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Jean (Mark) Pruse of Moorhead Minn.; grandsons, Ryan (Jenni) Pruse of St. Cloud Minn., and David (Jenay) Pruse of Jordan, Minn.; six great-grandchildren, Dakota, Luke, Tristan, Sara, Emily and Evan Pruse; sister-in-law, Lilian Plahn of Rice Lake; brother-in-law Jens (June) Fossum of Frederic; sister-in-law Pat; and her many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of Phyllis’ wonderful friends that have been there for her throughout the years. She knew that all of you made it possible for her to spend her last years in her beloved home in Frederic.

The Rowe Funeral home, Frederic, was entrusted with the arrangements. 23Lp

Mildred K. Severson Mildred K. Severson, 87, of Oshkosh, formerly of the Siren area, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, at Northpoint Medical and Rehabilitation in Oshkosh.

She was born Oct. 8, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minn., a daughter of the late Axel O. and Anna (Fandeen) Holmberg. Mildred married Donald J. Severson on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 1942, in Ft. Sherdian, Ill. Mildred was a member of Algoma Blvd. United Methodist Church. She enjoyed fine literature, fine music and the fine arts.

She is survived by three daughters, Karen (Allen) Lund of Mt. Horeb, Mary (Arthur) Zogbaum of Madison and Barbara Severson of Oshkosh; son, David of Prairie du Chein; sister, Helen Hanson of Eau Claire; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband on June 5, 2000; and a son, Don Jr. “Jim” Severson.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Eastside, with the Rev. Barry Yarbro officiating. Burial was at the Lake View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

The Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, Oshkosh, was entrusted with arrangements.

Long-term care at home makes sense HAYWARD — Those who long for political bipartisanship need look no further than a Wisconsin program called FamilyCare. Ten years since its authorization in a Republican administration and expansion in a Democratic administration, a new long-term care program for the frail elderly and adults with disabilities is being created statewide now. Why such widespread support?

Many people believe it simply makes sense.

“There are over 11,000 people in Wisconsin on waiting lists who are eligible for long-term care support services as simple as help with using the phone, bathing or a nurse visit to the home,” explained John T. McMahon, FamilyCare development director. “Under federal law, anyone needing long-term care services may enter a nursing home, but they are not entitled to home or community-based care. Many who could be cared for at home, by far what most people prefer, are forced to go to nursing homes where the level of care may be more than they need and certainly more costly.

As a result, we don’t have money for at-home services and have waiting lists that some people are on for years.”

One example is an Ashland County woman who has been on a waiting list for nearly 10 years. The 42-yearold has cerebral palsy and, to live at home, needs help cleaning, going to the grocery store and to the doctor.

While she relies on volunteers and appreciates them, it is not always reliable or consistent help.

“You might not think getting help to get groceries is a big deal, but you’ve got to have groceries to survive,” she said. “I’m not asking for anything I don’t need and that doesn’t help me live my life.”

While long-term community-based services may seem a simple answer, building a FamilyCare model into a managed care organization is not so simple.

Many counties around the state have formed partnerships to help streamline services and share costs.

The new FamilyCare organization in Northwest Wisconsin will serve Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn counties and is expected to begin in January 2009. During the coming year, an entirely new long-term care business will be built from the ground up. It will initially serve 2,000 consumers and require the creation of information technology and business systems, the hiring of staff and training of care teams, an increase in the number of care providers, and the integration and collaboration of multiple counties.

How will success be measured? Like every good business that wants to stay in business, McMahon says

the organization will need to offer choice, quality, and get the best results for the money spent. An independent study of FamilyCare in 2004 found that an average of $452 per member per month could be saved because of less reliance on nursing homes and improved health of participants. More efficient and coordinated care is also expected to keep costs down.

“Access, however, is key to FamilyCare,” stressed McMahon. “Can we give support to the elderly woman who needs help with medication or to get her sidewalk shoveled or any of the other daily living needs to help her stay in her home and live in her community? Or does she go on a waiting list and eventually into a nursing home? Studies show people who can be cared for at home live happier, healthier and longer lives. I think everyone who has been working so hard all these years on FamilyCare agrees that this is an opportunity to make Wisconsin a model for long-term care. We owe it to our citizens, our parents and, perhaps someday, ourselves.”

More information about FamilyCare can be found at www.nw-ltco.org. The public is also encouraged to attend FamilyCare Development Council meetings held the first Monday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Hayward. — from FamilyCare

Services set for Brownie Sears WEBSTER – Services will be held Monday, Feb. 4, for Brownie Sears, longtime Webster resident, who died Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Webster at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.

A complete obituary will appear in a future issue of the Leader.

Services Friday for Carol J. Proffit LUCK – Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 1, for Carol J. Proffit, 75, Luck, who died Jan. 26 at St. Mary Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin and Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock, Ill. The funeral service will be on Friday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

A complete obituary will appear in next week’s InterCounty Leader.

Vivian C. Elfstrom Vivian C. Elfstrom, (nee Wirtzfeld), 84, of Shoreview, Minn., died Jan. 26, 2008.

She was born in Wanderoos. She served in the U.S. Navy. Vivian was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Vivian enjoyed travel, spending time at the cottage in Wisconsin and loved to be with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wally; and parents, Ida and Phillip Wirtzfeld.

She is survived by her children, Steven (Sandra), Susan Elfstrom and Jean Wiklund; granddaughters, Kiera (Drew), Briana (Erik), Jocelyn, Kelly, Hope and Emily; great-grandson, Reichen; sister, Jean (Don) Johnson; and many relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Shoreview, Minn., with gathering beginning at 2 p.m.

Inurnment will be at Fort Snelling Cemetery. Memorials preferred.

The Holcomb-Henry-Boom Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

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OBITUARIES

Albert M. Seierstad

Marjorie Ruth Christianson

Howard Arnold Kopecky

Albert M. Seierstad, Cumberland, died Jan. 27, 2008, at Cumberland Extended Care Unit. He was 92 years old.

He was born Nov. 8, 1915, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Martin and Ivera (Prestvick) Seierstad. Albert was raised in the Cumberland area and served in the Seabees during WWII. He was married in Rice Lake on March 18, 1939, to Violette Peterson who preceded him in death on Dec. 19, 2005. Albert worked for Barron County and the Farmers Union. He also drove school bus for the McKinley School District and farmed in the McKinley area. Albert worked for Stella Cheese for 25 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Albert was a member of the Anderson-Thomson American Legion and served as commander.

Al was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and his parents.

He is survived by sons Allan (Judy) Seierstad, Cumberland, Donald (Carolyn) Seierstad, Janesville, and Glen (Linda) Seierstad, Tonka Bay, Minn.; daughters Carol Anderson, Osceola, Alberta Seierstad, Portland, Ore., Annette (Lynn) Tricker, Cushing, Rita (Craig) Johnson, St. Paul, Minn., and Kathleen (Larry) Berger, Cumberland; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, at Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland, with the Rev. Virgil Amundson officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Cumberland. Pallbearers are grandchildren Jeff Sjolander, Tom Seierstad, Mark Seierstad, Dan Tricker, Mitch Berger and Kenny Marks. Military honors were accorded by Anderson-Thomson Post #98 American Legion, Cumberland. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and one hour prior to service on Sunday at the Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland.

The Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland, was entrusted with arrangements.

Marjorie Ruth Christianson, 96, a resident of Webster, died Jan. 18, 2008, at Frederic Care Center.

Marjorie was born June 6, 1911, in Brazil, Iowa, to Albert and Ruth Myers. In April of 1915 she moved with her parents, grandparents and siblings by train to Webster and settled in the town of Sand Lake. She was raised with two sisters and three brothers attending Sand Lake School through eighth grade.

In order to attend high school, she worked for room and board in Webster graduating from high school in 1930, which was then called Union Free High School.

She worked as a switchboard operator in the telephone office. She later worked at Duncan Yo-Yo and Stokley’s Cannery in both Milltown and Frederic.

In 1937 she married Romain Christianson. They lived in Webster all but several years while living in Minneapolis during the war. To this union, three children were born.

Marjorie was active in the United Methodist Church in Webster where she was a member. Marjorie enjoyed many hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, oil painting, tatting, flowers and gardening. She lived for family, she was always there when needed and loved spending time with them all.

Marjorie continued to live in her home after Romain died in 1993 until the last couple years, at which time she moved to Capeside Cove in Siren. Upon Capeside closing, she moved to Frederic Care Center where she passed away.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband Romain; brothers, George Myers, Eugene Myers, Andrew Myers; and sister, Beryl Reineccuis.

Marjorie is survived by her sons, Ronald Christianson of Wyoming, Minn., Dennis (Brenda) Christianson of Webster; Janice (Glen) Hughes of Dairyland; eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren; sister Isabel Shindler of Webster; sisters-in-law Hazel Myers of Webster and Wenona Babcock of Renton, Wash.; and brother-in-law, Carlyle Christianson of Minneapolis, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life was held Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, at Grace United Methodist Church in Webster with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating.

Music was provided by organist Dianne Gravesen and soloist Pat Taylor. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster. Casket bearers were John Hughes, Brent Hughes, Shawn Christianson, Jason Christianson, Tim Westlund, Kevin Weinzierl, Matt Hull, Pat Walsh and Shawn Buboltz.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Howard Kopecky of Siren, died at his home, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008.

Howard was born Sept. 9, 1941, in Wabeno. He graduated from Wabeno High School, and went on to graduate from the UW-River Falls with a Bachelors of Science in Ag with a teaching degree. He married Phyllis Uden on March, 26, 1966, and began teaching ag and science classes at the Siren School in the fall of 1967.

He began the Siren Ag Club (his version of the National FFA) in 1968. The Ag Club was formed of students who earned points by doing acts of service for the elderly, impoverished or widowed. Club members also went with Howard on farm calls where he would teach them methods and techniques of animal husbandry, soil science and botany and crop management.

Although he retired from Siren School in 1999, he continued teaching until the day he died.

Howard loved all aspects of nature and through that love his tree business was born. During the summer he would climb and remove trees with his family and members of the Ag club. He taught chain saw safety and timber management, as well as reforestation, conservation and preservation. He worked with the DNR as a game warden in his youth and was the youngest certified game warden in the state of Wisconsin at the age of 18. After he became a teacher, he continued using the DNR as a springboard for teaching and often his Ag Club was on call to fight fires, plant trees, and do field surveys for them. He loved camping, fishing, hunting and wilderness survival. Each spring, Howard would take the students who had earned enough points to Canada for a fishing trip. He also took them to the World Dairy Expo in Madison, and Dairy Days in Iowa where they learned to judge cattle and grade dairy products from around the world.

Howard served his community in many ways. He, along with others was instrumental in organizing the first volunteer ambulance/rescue squad in Siren. He was one of the first hunter’s safety instructors in the state of Wisconsin, he taught driver’s ed for both adults and students, he taught Sunday school, youth group and Bible study. He was a fire department volunteer, a forensics coach, a 4-H youth leader and a Restorative Justice volunteer. Along with other members of the Siren Ag Association, he organized the Annual Dairy Breakfast held every June, for over 20 years, on farms in Burnett and Polk counties to promote farming and agriculture.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Phyllis; sons, David of Siren and Don of Reading, Pa.; daughters, Jill (Joel) Glover, of Grantsburg and Julie (Tony) Dalsveen of Siren; brothers, Tom Kopecky and Mark Kopecky; sisters, Jean DeSchmidt and Mary Buech; 15 grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and friends.

A home viewing and open house were held at the Kopecky residence Friday, Jan. 25. The burial was held Saturday, Jan. 26, on the Kopecky farm and was followed by a memorial service at the Siren School.

Ardis Gail Swift Ardis Gail Swift, 77, a resident of Minneapolis, Minn., died Jan. 16, 2008, at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Ardis was born Aug. 10, 1930, in Selby, S.D., to Elmer and Norma Swift.

Ardis was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Daisy; brothers, Lewis, Larry and Tom. She is survived by sisters, Nancy (Warren) Erickson of Stillwater, Minn., Mary Luke of Wyoming, Minn, and Judy (Phil) Pruss of Gillette, Wyo.; brothers, George (Pauline) Swift of Grasston, Minn., Eddie Swift and Elmer Swift of Rapid City, S.D., and Randy (Vickie) Swift of Big Lake, Minn.; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with the arrangements.

Keri Ann Pugsley Keri Ann Pugsley, 21, of Crystal, Minn., formerly of the Milltown area, died on Jan. 17, 2008, in Crystal, Minn., from injuries due to an automobile accident.

Keri was born on July 16, 1986, in Fridley, Minn., the daughter of Rich Pugsley of Milltown. Keri attended Unity School and was a homemaker with two children.

Keri is survived by her father, Rich Pugsley of Milltown, children; Alicia and Terrance Pugsley, brothers, Tom Rankin of Balsam Lake, Scott Pugsley of San Diego, Calif; sister, Holly Hughes of Anoka, Minn.; grandmother, Barbara Heilke of St. Croix Falls; aunt, Lisa Carsley of St. Croix Falls; uncles, Mick Pugsley of New Richmond and Clayton Pugsley of St. Croix Falls; and several cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 5:30 p.m. at the Milltown Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at the church two hours prior from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service. Interment is planned for the spring at the Milltown Cemetery. Pastor Danny Wheeler will officiate the service, and Cheryl Peper will provide the music.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrusted with arrangements.

Frances A. Vold

Richard D. Larson Richard D. Larson, age 64, resident of Cushing, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, at his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Karen Taggert and Kristine Larson; mother, Edith Larson; sisters, Joyce Baklund and Jean Zempel.

Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 11, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Frederic, with Father Dennis Mullen officiating.

Music was provided by Mary Lou Daeffler and Evan Hall and soloist, Kathy Tweet. Pallbearers were Donald Baklund, Daniel Baklund, Douglas Baklund, Brent Zempel, Dale Larson and David Marohn. Interment was at St. Dominic’s Catholic Cemetery in Frederic.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Carmen A. Moffett Carmen A. Moffett, 51, a resident of Grantsburg, died Jan. 22, 2008.

Funeral services were held in Joliet, Ill. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Frances A. Vold, 95, a resident of Siren, died Jan. 23, 2008, at Burnett Medical Center.

A time of remembrance was held Monday, Jan. 28, at Kingdom Hall in Milltown.

Thomas M. Paul, 67, of Grantsburg, died Jan. 24, A full obituary will be published in a following pub2008. lication.

Memorial service will be held in the spring.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements. entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas M. Paul

John H. Peach John H. Peach, 29, a resident of Grantsburg, died Jan. 20, 2008.

John was born Aug. 18, 1978, in Robbinsdale, Minn., to Frank Sr. and Darlene Peach.

John is survived by his son, Anthony John Peach; parents; brothers, Frank Peach Jr. and Jeffery Scott Peach; sisters, Stacy Lynn Daniels and Kay Lynette Peach; niece, Anna Lynn Peach; nephew, Alex John Peach; grandparents, Eugene and Doris Whitcomb; aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts and uncles and numerous friends.

Anthony was the highlight of John’s life. John graduated from Webster High School in 1996, where he played football. John also played hockey for nine years (mini-mites through bantams). John enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Floyd L. Blanchette Floyd L. Blanchette, 76, a resident of Webb Lake, died Jan. 22.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster. A time of gathering will be prior to services at the funeral home from 10 – 11 a.m.

A full obituary will be published in a following publication.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

CHURCH NEWS Wake-up call It’s sad but true that many young people “lose their faith” during the time they attend a college or university. I know because I nearly lost mine.

A man by the name of Adoniram Judson gave up his faith in Christ Sally Bair when attending Brown University at the turn of the 18th century.

While there, he befriended an PERSPECTIVES atheist who ridiculed Judson’s faith and challenged him with the writings of Voltaire and other French philosophers.

Judson returned home, surprising his devout Christian parents with the news that he had become an atheist.

After graduation Judson decided to travel west, and one night he stopped at a wayside inn and was given the last room available. The room happened to be next to one occupied by a deathly sick man. Judson got no sleep because of the voices and groans that came from the next room. He began to wonder what his atheist college friend would have had to say about illness, death, and their companion—fear.

The next morning, Judson received the wake-up call of his life when he learned that the man who died during the night was the same man who had helped lead Judson to give up his faith in God. He rededicated his life to Christ and soon devoted himself to mission work.

The death of someone close often calls people to return to their faith. A death brings us face-to-face with our own mortality and our belief about eternity. A friend who worked at a nursing home said that she could tell whether a dying person believed in Christ or not. She said those in denial of Christ’s promises of salvation from sin and of eternal life exhibited great fear and anxiety. Those who believed in him, on the other hand, remained in a peaceful state, whether in pain or not.

When we put our trust in him rather than in the philosophies of others, we can be assured of his promises and his peace. “‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55) Lord, thank you for wake-up calls that make us aware of our mortality, that help prepare us to meet you when we die. Increase our faith so we will not be tempted to lose it to someone or something else. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

and the happiness of man.

KEEP A CLEAN CONSCIENCE: Acts 24:16, I Tim. 1:19, II Tim. 1:3 There can be no Often people make their own lives misertrue happiness when one violates his conable and other people help them find mis(See Gen. 42:21) Joseph’s brothers’ science. ery. Abraham Lincoln once said “most folks consciences made them miserable. are about as happy as they make up their LEARN CONTENTMENT: The grass is not minds to be.” always greener on the other side.

Some peoRECOMMENDATIONS FOR HAPPIple continually fret and complain about the NESS: of living, their job, wife, husband cost TRUST IN GOD: The person who puts Garret weather, politics, Christians grumble. Phil. faith in God has a source of strength and deDerouin 4:11 says a contented person is a happy indilight that a nonbeliever cannot understand vidual. Without contentment joy is only su(see Proverbs 3:5, 16:20). If we fuss and stew perficial. about everything it shows a lack of trust.

THE STAY BUSY AND CONSTRUCTIVE: IdleJesus told Martha she was “troubled about ness breeds displeasure, restlessness, desponPREACHER’S many things.” and mischief. Happiness comes to him dency, RELISH THE SCRIPTURES: (See Psalms who works persistently, consistently, and dili1:1-2) “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! gently.

(See Romans 12:11). Effort expended Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalms and accomplishment materialized bring in119:103). The scriptures always shoot ward fulfillment.

Beneficial work keeps the mind straight. Tax laws change, the weather changes, polifrom thoughts that are negative and inwardly away tics are ever changing, but God’s word never changes. destructive.

(See II Timothy 3:16-17). The sacred pages give hope, I Corinthians 15:58 says, “Abound in the work of the comfort, and gladness to the lovers of the truth.

Lord.”

LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY: (I don’t mean self-rightThings that will not guarantee happiness: Wealth, eously... or right in your own eyes,) “Many sorrows of every goal in life, a mansion, revenge, fulfillment shall be to the wicked, but he that trusteth in the Lord, alcohol, a second wife or husband, a new car. mercy shall compass him about, be glad in the Lord and reClosing thoughts: How did Paul find joy? Paul joice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright found joy in seeing and hearing about other Chrisin heart...” (Psalms 32:10-11). Titus 2:12 shows that tians doing good.

Read Philippians chapters 1-3 and clean living contributes to deep-rooted joy and conthe times you read the word, “rejoice” or “joy.” count tentment. People may mock you, throw off on you, (Written by John Gurtler) and deride you, but you possess something they do If readers have questions or simply wish to know not have. more about the Church of Christ, we would like to inWORSHIP GOD WITH REGULARITY: In Acts vite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church 20:6-7 the brethren “TARRIED” so they could worship at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible building with other Christians. In Acts 2 it describes the disciclass begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 ples as having common among them “great joy” and a.m.

We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Of“praising God.” David said “I was glad when they said fice hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to me, let us go into the house of the Lord...” (Psalms122:1, noon. see also 95:1, 96:9-11). Worship is for the glory of God

Seven ways to be happy…

PEN

Spiritual and financial good news presented

by Wayne M. Anderson GRANTSBURG - Pastor Jay Ticknor proclaimed the good news last Sunday at Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg.

The spiritual and financial good news was announced in the year’s end meeting and annual report of the congregation.

Bethany is “very healthy with lots of energy,” Pastor Jay said. And that enthusiasm has had an effect on the membership role. He said 19 people “have expressed an interest” in joining the church and will be introduced at the New Member’s Sunday next spring. He said the positive attitude, evangelism and youth activities have attracted people to the church.

Church and community members have enjoyed fam-

ily bowling, fishing and movie night as recreation. And the church has heeded Christ’s call to help the unfortunate with mission trips to feed and care for the poor.

The increase in membership has increased the giving, which allowed Bethany to give more to missions locally and all over the world.

Two examples of giving are: Bethany provides academic scholarships to three students and has fielded two teams in the Relay of Life, raising $4,000 for the American Cancer Society.

For more information on activities and mission work at Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg, call 715463-5746.

Julie Dahlberg, church council president, tells Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg members the good news of increased membership and giving in their annual report of the congregation. - Photo by Wayne Anderson

Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg members enjoyed a potluck dinner and heard the good news about their church last Sunday. - Photo

by Wayne Anderson

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Don’t force a child to eat when he doesn’t want to Q: Should a parent try to force a child to eat?

DR. DOBSON: No. In fact, the dinner table is one potential battlefield where a parent can easily get ambushed. You can't win there! A strong willed child is like a good military general who constantly seeks an advantageous place to take on the enemy. He need look no farther. Of all the common points of conflict between generations ... bedtime, hair, clothes, schoolwork, etc., the advantages at the table are all in the child's favor! Three times a day, a very tiny child can simply refuse to open his mouth. No amount of coercing can make him eat what he doesn't want to eat.

I remember one 3 year old who was determined not to eat his green peas, despite the insistence of his father that the squishy little vegetables were going down. It was a classic confrontation between the irresistible force and an immovable object. Neither would yield.

After an hour of haranguing, threatening, cajoling and sweating, the father had not achieved his goal. The tearful toddler sat with a fork load of peas pointed ominously at his sealed lips.

Finally, through sheer intimidation, the dad managed to get one bite of peas in place. But the lad wouldn't swallow them. I don't know everything that went on afterward, but the mother told me they had no choice but to put the child to bed with the peas still in his mouth. They were amazed at the strength of his will.

The next morning, the mother found a little pile of mushy peas where they had been expelled at the foot of the bed! Score one for Junior, none for Dad. Tell me in what other arena a 30 pound child could whip a grown man?

Not every toddler is this tough, of course. But many of them will gladly Dr. James do battle over food. It is their ideal Dobson power game. Talk to any experienced parent or grandparent, and they will tell you this is true. The sad thing is that these conflicts are unnecessary. Children will eat as much as they need if you keep them from indulging in the wrong stuff. They will not starve. I promise!

The way to deal with a poor eater is to set good food before him. If he claims to not be hungry, wrap the plate, put it in the refrigerator and send him cheerfully on his way. He'll be back in a few hours. There is a little mechanism in his tummy that says "gimme food!" several times a day. When this occurs, do not put sweets, snacks or confectionery food in front of him.

Simply retrieve the earlier meal, warm it up and serve it again. If he protests, send him out to play again.

Even if 12 hours or more go by, continue this procedure until food, all food, begins to look and smell wonderful. From that time forward, the battle over the dinner table should be history.

••• Q: Since almost every couple fights from time to

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

time, what distinguishes a healthy marriage from one that is in serious trouble? How can a husband and wife know when their conflicts are within normal limits and when they are symptoms of more serious problems?

DR. DOBSON: It is true that conflict occurs in virtually all marriages. That is how resentment and frustration are ventilated. The difference between stable families and those in serious trouble is evidenced by what happens after a fight. In healthy relationships, a period of confrontation ends in forgiveness, in drawing together, in deeper respect and understanding, and sometimes in sexual satisfaction. But in unstable marriages, a period of conflict produces greater pain and anger that persists until the next fight. When that occurs, one unresolved issue is compounded by another and another. That accumulation of resentment is an ominous circumstance in any marriage.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 (www.family.org). Questions and answers are excerpted from "Solid Answers" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House. COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE, 4520 Main St., Kansas

Brought to you by:

Zion Lutheran Church Bone Lake

Ash Wednesday services set GRANTSBURG - Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg will be gathering for an Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. The service will include the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.

During the season of Lent, in addition to Sunday worship services at 11 a.m., there will be Wednesday evening soup suppers, Feb. 13 through March l2, at 6

p.m. followed by a worship service at 7 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church is located on Hwy. 87, three miles south of Hwy. 70 in Grantsburg.

••• LUCK – Bone Lake Lutheran will be celebrating Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, with a soup super at 6 p.m. and worship at 6:45 p.m. Bone Lake Lutheran Church is lo-

cated five miles east of Luck on Hwy. 48, one-half mile south on CTH I. ••• DANBURY – Yellow Lake Lutheran Church will be gathering for an Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, service at 4 p.m. Yellow Lake Lutheran Church is located at 7615 CTH U, Danbury.

JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

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JANUARY 30, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Zachary Kuechenmeister has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week.

He is in sixth grade and the son of Nick and Mande Kuechenmeister. Zachary is a hard worker.

He is kind and helpful to his classmates. He makes sure everyone is included. Outside of school Zachary enjoys being outdoors, especially hunting and playing sports.

Katie Simpson has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Shannon and Chad Simpson. Katie helps out in the library. She is involved in school activities and participates readily in class activities.

Katie helps out in concessions.

She is involved in basketball, softball, track and cross country. Katie enjoys skateboarding, snowmobiling and biking.

Nicole Root has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Larry and Lynn Root. Nicole is very cooperative, respectful and has a good work ethic. She is on the honor roll and has received an academic letter and citizenship awards. Nicole enjoys hanging out with friends, basketball, 4wheeling, writing short poems or quotes.

Dylan Erickson has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade and the son of Rachel Erickson and has a brother, Cody, in fifth grade, a sister, Brittany, in first grade and a baby brother named Logan.

Dylan is very helpful in and out of the classroom. He likes reading about sports. Dylan enjoys being active, playing soccer, guitar and football.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Jeffrey Hacken has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Melanie and Jason Sanford and Rory Hacken. Jeffrey is an excellent student who is always willing to help others. He is very conscientious about doing his best and is very organized. Jeffrey always has his work done. He has a great sense of humor and enjoys sports and being around his family and friends.

Danielle Nelson has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of MJ and Vickie Nelson. Danielle always has a smile on her face.

She is involved in volleyball and softball. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, skiing, boating and swimming. The greatest influence in her life is her mom.

Rachel Virkus has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Randy and Diana Virkus. Rachel is on the honor roll and is always prepared for class and ready to contribute. She works as a dietary aide at the Luck Nursing Home. Rachel is involved in volleyball. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her animals. She plans to become a nurse in the future.

Austin High has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Mike and Andrea High. Science is his favorite subject and he would like to become a scientist someday.

Austin enjoys reading AR books and taking test on what he has read. He also enjoys watching TV with his mom. He has a collection of Lego models which he also enjoys. Austin is a good student.

Brittany Coulter has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is a kind, hardworking student with a great sense of humor. Brittany contributes to the positive spirit of school. She earns high grades by staying attentive in class, communicating respectfully and remembering the small details that separate the excellent student from the average student.

Logan Klopfer has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of John and Sherri Klopfer. Logan is very artistic and good natured. He always has a smile on his face and is a friend to all. Logan is involved in cross country and is joining football next year. His favorite subject is social studies.

Logan enjoys riding bike, running, exploring and fishing.

Emily Ward has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore.

She is in Clowns and on the yearbook staff. Emily is a good friend and just a really neat person.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Frankie Taylor has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten. Frankie is extremely organized. She has a very positive attitude and is kind to others.

Frankie does an excellent job writing letters, numbers and creating projects. Her favorite things to do in school are phy. ed. and music.

Taylor Finch has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a Junior and the daughter of Tracy and Joel Finch.

Taylor has shown compassion and patience with students and is a fine example of consistency, dedication and willingness to work. Taylor is responsible and always willing to do what is asked of her. She is involved in soccer and cashiers at the grocery store. Her hobbies are reading and doing things outdoors.

Tyrone Moose has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. He is a hard working, responsible student. Tyrone is very kind and respectful of his classmates and teachers. He is a conscientious student who takes his school work very seriously.

Aiden Vix has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is a tiny tiger in 4-year-old kindergarten.

Aiden is a happy boy who enjoys coming to school. He has many friends and always follows our classroom rules. His favorite time of the school day is free play time.

Nick Robinson has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is a very pleasant student who is respectful and polite. Nick has a positive attitude and is friendly to all. He has an excellent attendance record. Nick enjoys playing hockey for the Burnett Blizzards, fishing and the Green Bay Packers. He is the son of Mike and Mary Robinson.

Josh Johnson has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. Josh is the son of Larry and Monica Johnson. Josh is polite, kind and hard working. He is a friend to many and gets along with everyone. Josh has done a terrific job this year. He is involved in football and track. Josh enjoys hunting, fishing and hanging out with buddies. He plans to go to college or tech school.

UNITY

Congratulations students on a job well done!

Hallie Jo Allen has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Bryan and Tammy Allen. Hallie Jo is a super student and role model.

She is always kind to her classmates and is very well liked by her peers. Hallie Jo loves to learn and to help others. She shows strong academic performance, citizenship and leadership skills.

James VanderWyst has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Mike and Tonya VanderWyst. James was chosen by his teachers because he is attentive in class and works very hard. He also has a great attitude and is a friend to everyone.

James has a positive attitude toward learning.

Tiffany Larson has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Mike and Janis Larson of Milltown. Tiffany has been very active with the Milltown EMS, Polk County Fair and FFA Chapter. She is very reliable, puts 100 percent into her studies and enjoys her anatomy class. Tiffany plans to attend Pine Technical College next year to become a medical assistant.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JANUARY 30, 2008

JANUARY

WEDNESDAY/30 Webster

• Prayer vigil for peace at the Methodist Church, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY/31 Amery

Coming events

• Stick knitting class at the senior center, 1 p.m. For info and to register call 715-268-6605 or 715-268-2253.

Amery

Grantsburg

• 15th-annual American Legion Ice-Fishing contest on Big Wood Lake, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; crafts, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 500 cards, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the senior center.

Milltown

• Valentine Dinner - a night of felowship at Milltown Lutheran, social hour 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m., 715-825-3114 for tickets.

FEBRUARY

Osceola

FRIDAY/1

• Rod and Guns Club’s Coyote Hunt, 715755-2640.

• Earth Arts monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Go to www.earthartswi.org or 715-488-2957 for more info.

Amery

• Artist Al Weber’s Reception, 7:30 p.m., at The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts. Exhibit will extend through March 12.

Shell Lake

• Up North Jazz Festival at the arts center, 715-468-2414 or www.shelllakeartscenter.org.

Spooner

• Northern Wisconsin Agriculture Safari Program (first of three programs) at the Ag Research Station, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914.

SATURDAY/2 Balsam Lake

• Four-wheel drive truck drag racing on Balsam Lake. Registrtion at 10 a.m., starts at noon, 715-557-0211.

Frederic

• PTO Scrap-a-thon at the elementary cafeteria, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Siren

Poskin

This flag stood straight out from the strong, cold winds we had on Tuesday night, while a colorful sunset passed behind it. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

• Informational tour of the highway facilities, 10 a.m.-noon & 5-7 p.m., 715-485-8700.

• Earth Arts Life Drawing Co-op at Café Wren community room, 1-4 p.m. More info at www.earthartswi.org or 715-488-2957.

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, Frederic, 9 a.m-1 p.m., sponsored by Bremer Bank.

Luck

MONDAY/4 Luck

THURSDAY/7

• Open Art Studio at the village hall, 9 a.m.noon. Contact Vivian, 715-472-8439 or Ann, 715-472-8319 for more info.

St. Croix Falls

Dresser

• VFW Post #4186 & Ladies Auxiliary all-youcan-eat breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon, at the VFW Hall.

• Slope-side Packer Appreciation Day, 9:30

Amery

• Birthday party at the senior center, 11:45 a.m., must sign up at least one day in advance.

Balsam Lake

• Art Group, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at the senior center.

• Job seekers workshop at the Polk County Job Center, 9-11 a.m., 715-485-3115.

Amery

• A gathering of veterans to share their stories at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 7-9 p.m., 715-483-3544.

TUESDAY/5

• Coffee Hour, 10 a.m., at the Lutheran Church.

• 21st-annual Balsam Lake Ice-Fishing contest, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Webster

Amery

• Pilates at the senior center, 8 a.m.

Webb Lake

Balsam Lake

Frederic

• Prayer vigil for peace at the Methodist Church, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Pool tournament at the senior center, 9 a.m.

• Swedish Club meeting at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. Further info at 715269-5307.

SUNDAY/3

Balsam Lake

a.m.-9 p.m. at Trollhaugen Winter Recreation Area. Contact Summer Kelly at 715-755-2955, 651-433-5141 or summer@trollhaugen.com for more info.

• South Fork Sporting Club Gun Show at Northwoods Crossing, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call Richard Kettula at 715-653-4291 to reserve table or for more info.

• Webb Lake Area Men’s Club’s 25th-annual Ice-fishing Contest on Lower Webb Lake at Oak Ridge Inn, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 715-2597927 or 715-259-7844.

Clam Falls

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; crafts, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the senior center.

WED. & THURS/6 & 7 Rice Lake

• 17th-annual Rice Lake Farm Show at Cedar Mall, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 715-289-4632.

WEDNESDAY/6 Amery

• Knitting/crocheting at the senior center, 9-11 a.m.

Dresser

Frederic

• Booster Club Taco Dinner before the doubleheader basketball game with Luck, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the high school.

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo, 11 a.m.-noon; 500 cards and dominos, 12:30-4 p.m.; 500 cards, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• American Legion Post 143, 6-7 social hour, 7 p.m. dinner, meeting to follow.

Shell Lake

• Natural Step sustainability discussion group meets at Washburn County Law Enforcement Center, 7-8:30 p.m., 715-635-2197.

Exotic wildlife flies to school

by Wayne M. Anderson FREDERIC - Exotic wildlife flew into visit Frederic Elementary School last week.

Students are reading about “Natural Changes,” which talks about animal life and conditions in the rain forests, said Pat Denn, a fourth-grade teacher.

So she asked Bonnie Anderson, her school volunteer, to bring in her exotic macaw parrot Ms. Hugo for show-andtell.

Macaws are mostly found in the rain forests of South America, with a few transplants to Northwest Wisconsin.

“We take many opportunities to broaden our knowledge base,” said Denn. “And this was a perfect way for us to learn about a new and wonderful bird.”

Balsam Lake

• Informational tour of the highway facilities, 2-4 p.m. & 5-7 p.m., 715-485-8700.

• “The Eloquence of E.B. White,” 7:30 p.m., at The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts.

St. Croix Falls

St. Croix Falls

Amery

• Bingo at the senior center, 1 p.m.

SATURDAY/9

Frederic

• AYSO Soccer 2nd registration, 5-8 p.m., at the elementary school. Call Brenda Buck at 715472-4062 for more info.

• 500 Card Night at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• Bingo, 1-3 p.m., at the senior center.

FRIDAY/8

Spooner

Balsam Lake

• Booster Club Spaghetti Dinner, before the doubleheader basketball game with St. Croix Falls, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the high school.

Luck

• Luck Winter Carnival.

• Northern Wisconsin Agriculture Safari Program (second of three programs) at the Ag Research Station, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 715-635-3506 or 800-528-1914.

• Informational tour of the highway facilities, 10 a.m.-noon, 715-485-8700.

Frederic

FRI.-SUN./8-10

Ms. Hugo lives by the shores of Young Lake in West Sweden with her parents, Bonnie and Wayne Anderson.

Frederic students learn about life in the world’s rain forest. Bonnie and Wayne Anderson (back row) and macaw parrot Ms. Hugo provide show-and-tell. – Photo by Pat Denn

• 44th-annual Poskin Lake Ice-Fishing Contest, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-357-3231.

Rice Lake

• 14th-annual Shepard’s Clinic & Trade Show at WITC, 8 a.m., 715-268-6286, 715-339-4223.

St. Croix Falls

• Third-annual Ice Castle Deer Lake Classic Ice-Fishing Tournament on Deer Lake, noon3 p.m., www.deerlakeclassic.com, 715-2945789.

• Candlelight night at Interstate Park, 6-9 p.m., 715-483-3747.

• Greg Brown in Concert, 7:30 p.m. at the Festival Theatre. For more info contact 715-4833387, 888-887-6002 or www.festivaltheatre.org.

Webb Lake

• Annual Vintage Snowmobile Poker/Rader Run, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-2593329.

Webster

• Lioness Club Annual Buffet Luncheon/ Card Party at the community center, noon to 3 p.m.

• Winter National N.A.M.A. Lawn Mower Races at Devils Lake Park Resort, noon, 651343-9241.

SUNDAY/10 Centuria

• Practices for the third-annual Easter Cantata will start, 6:45 p.m., at Fristad Lutheran Church. Call Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 for more info.

Cumberland

• 25th-annual Wisconsin State Ice-Fishing Tournament, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Siren

• Hope for a Cure Longaberger Basket Bingo, fundraiser for Relay for Life, at Northwoods Crossing Event Center, 1 p.m., 715-3274431.

MONDAY/11 Amery

• Cribbage, 1:30 p.m., at the senior center.