THIS WEEKEND:
RENDEZVOUS @ FORTS FOLLE AVOINE - Saturday-Sunday • POLK COUNTY FAIR - Thursday-Sunday
SAMPLE
INTER-COUNTY
July 25, 2007
the-leader
.net
Serving Northwest Wisconsin
TF seeks payment for “borrowed” money
2 sections • Vol. 71 • No. 48 8,000 copies SECTION A
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River Spirit
Former treasurer of Heritage Coalition owes city money for borrowed funds, says mayor Page 3
Miss St. Croix Falls
Museum addition may be $44,000 short Elevator completion planned for spring Page 11
Burnett supervisors hold strategic planning session Jasmine Jones, daughter of Kevin and Andrea Jones, was crowned Miss St. Croix Falls 2007 on July 20 during the Wannigan Days celebration. More Wannigan Days photos inside. – Photo by Tammi Milberg
Possible zero percent budget increase mentioned Page 4
A dream comes true
Faith’s Lodge opens its doors
by Nancy Jappe WEBSTER – The opening of Faith’s Lodge Saturday, July 21, was a familycentered occasion, by design and by purpose. The lodge was built and named in memory of a baby girl who never lived to see the light of day. Yet Faith Ann Lacek will be remembered because of the love and efforts of her parents, Susan and Mark Lacek, and all of the people they brought together in creating a haven for grief-stricken parents.
See Dream comes true, page 31
Local artist Julianne Stage unveiled her bronze cast River Spirit sculpture before hundreds of people at the St. Croix Falls scenic Overlook Deck on Friday evening. The sculpture was made possible through public enhancement dollars provided by the Menards Inc. development on Hwy. 8. More coverage in Currents section. - Photo by Erik Barstow
Krueger story to air Susan Lacek had a big hug for Kristi Gray Shepherd, executive director of Faith’s Lodge and her husband, Fred, construction project manager. - Photo by Nancy Jappe
Oxygen Network to feature local murder story in their series “Snapped,” to air this Sunday Page 3
A master’s degree at 70 Page 23
I N S I D E The story of a pool...and a community Currents feature
Tuggin’ on the river Page 2
PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 25, 2007
First-annual Tug Across the St. Croix
The Taylors Falls Fire Department was named the winner in the fire department battle at the Lions Clubs’ tug-of-war Saturday afternoon.
Authorities patrolled the river during the tug-of-war event. Pontoon boat rides were offered by the Lions Club.
Four battles were fought in the first-ever tug-of-war across the St. Croix River, between St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls Lions parks. – Photos by Julie Holmquist
Man charged with sexual assault Follows charges of of sex with children by Julie Holmquist POLK COUNTY - An Amery man already facing charges of sexually assaulting two children now faces a charge of sexually assaulting a mentally deficient person. Steven G. Hart, 44, was in Polk County court Monday on the latest felony charge. Hart is accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman in 2003 who is a “vulnerable” adult, while knowing that the woman was mentally deficient. On Monday, Judge Robert Rasmussen took himself off the case because the victim in the complaint had contacted the judge while he was INTER-COUNTY
Serving Northwest Wisconsin A cooperative-owned newspaper, the Inter-County Leader is published every Wednesday by the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837. Second Class postage paid at Frederic, WI 54837.
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out in the community. Rasmussen referred the victim to the district attorney’s office. If convicted of the crime, Hart would face a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and 40 years in prison. On Monday, he was released on a $10,000 signature bond. Hart pleaded not guilty on June 4 to the two earlier felony charges of sexually assaulting a child. Those charges were filed in April. In that case Hart is charged with sexually assaulting two girls, ages 12 and 6, on several occasions over a period of one year, with the last incident taking place in March 2007. Those felony charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 60 years in prison. – with information from court records Manager Doug Panek dougpanek@centurytel.net Editor Gary B. King, Editor gbking@centurytel.net Staff writers/contributors Matt Blumkin mblumkin@centurytel.net Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Sherill Summer the-leader@centurytel.net Mary Stirrat mstirrat@centurytel.net Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Julie Holmquist the-leader@centurytel.net Editorial assistant Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net Composition Raelynn Hunter Jackie Thorwick
ST. CROIX FALLS – On July 21, a crowd of several hundred people in each of the Lions parks joined the St. Croix Falls and the Taylors Falls Lions Clubs in the fun and excitement of the first-annual Tug Across the St. Croix. Here are the results: St. Croix Falls Fire Department verses Taylors Falls Fire Department – Taylors Falls pulled in the trophy. St. Croix Falls High School athletic department versus Chisago Lakes High School athletic department - St. Croix Falls pulled in the trophy. St. Croix Falls citizens versus Taylors Falls citizens – St. Croix Falls pulled in the trophy. Please note that this was to have been between the elected officials and other dignitaries from both sides of the river. St. Croix Falls Jr. citizens versus Taylors Falls Jr. citizens – Taylors Falls pulled in the win. This pull was added and was for fun. All funds raised are going to Campaign SightFirst II a capital campaign of The Lions Clubs International Foundation and The International Association of Lions Clubs to significantly reduce preventable and reversible blindness worldwide. For more information on Campaign SightFirst II go to www.lions-csfii.org/live/content/index.shtml. Next year the Lions will be adding more pulls and will be looking for teams. There will even be pulls for kids; they may not be across the St. Croix, but they will be across water. Please make plans to attend next year, July 19, 2008, at the second-annual Tug Across the St. Croix. If you have any other questions please contact Steven Jensen 715-4833715 of the St. Croix Falls Lions or Wayne Breeden 651-4655283 of the Taylors Falls Lions. - submitted
Wet fireworks
Raindrops create a splash as they fall on a porch railing. - Photo by Gary King
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Ag on upswing, but so are property taxes MADISON - Farmers will be paying a bigger share of property taxes in the coming years. That’s the price of a strong farm economy and a robust market for corn, according to an University of Wisconsin-Madison agriculture specialist. Bruce Jones researches farming economics and trends at the UW. He helped shape the state’s use-value formula for assessing agricultural property. He says analysts generally look at the assessment being determined by a formula that looks at average corn yields, average corn prices and average cost to production, and they compute a return to land based on a 50-50 traditional crop share lease, and look at the landlords’ portion. He says then they capitalize that by farm credit’s mortgage discount rate. In short, as corn prices climb, so does the property tax on farmland. - Wisconsin Public Radio (Brian Bull)
Briefly ST. CROIX FALLS - The Polk County Fair begins its four-day run this Thursday, July 26 at the fairgrounds in St. Croix Falls. One of the premiere county fairs in the northwest, not to mention the entire state, the fair offers a full schedule of events and attractions and marks the beginning of the final month of summer vacation for area youth. ••• WEBSTER – Who says people in small towns don’t get advantages that are found in larger cities? People living close to Webster had the chance to get the new Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” at midnight Friday, July 20, the time the last Potter book went on sale all across the world. Bonnie Dahlstrom, owner of Gandy Dancer Books, ordered 50 books for her customers, and had taken presale orders for 30 of them prior to the July 20 release time. She decided, just the day before, to open the store between midnight and 1 a.m. for the convenience of her customers. Although the opening hour wasn’t widely known, Dahlstrom sold all but six of the 20 not-spoken-for copies between midnight and 1 a.m. She was glad she made the effort to be open and to give her customers the thrill that others all around the world were having at the same time. Nancy Jappe ••• ST. CROIX FALLS - There has been another concert added to the Music on the Overlook series on Sunday, Aug. 5. Come and enjoy the a capela harmonies of the Valee De Croix chorus of the Sweet Adelines. This group placed second at last spring’s regional competition and is comprised of women from throughout the river valley area. The concert starts at 4 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available, help keep these free to the community concerts coming! Call the chamber office at 715-483-3580. - submitted ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly 200 Girl Scout volunteers, staff and girl members from western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota are expected to attend the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley’s 2008 Girl Scout Kickoff Celebration: Make the World a Better Place, on Monday, Aug. 6, at Neighborhood House (Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building, 179 Robie Street, St. Paul). They will be inspired by keynote speaker Anne Bancroft and be energized by multicultural girl speakers and performers as they prepare for the new Girl Scout year, new girl members and new volunteers. The program begins at 6 p.m. For more information about Girl Scouts call 651-2278835 or 800-845-0878 or visit www.girlscoutscv.org. – submitted ••• ST. CROIX FALLS/TAYLORS FALLS This year’s winning Wannigan Days button numbers are: First place #2000 Second place #1387 Third place #0010 If you are the holder of a winning button, please call the chamber office to make arrangements for collecting the prize money.- submitted •••
DNR secretary resigns MADISON — DNR Secretary Scott Hassett has resigned. Gov. Jim Doyle issued a statement Friday saying Hassett, who has led the state’s wildlife and environmental agency since 2003, wanted to leave so he could write, travel and consult on environmental and regulatory issues. Doyle named Department of Corrections Secretary Matt Frank to Hassett’s post. Deputy Corrections Secretary Rick Raemisch will move into the top spot at Corrections, the governor said. - with information from Associated Press
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3
Trial in sex for meth case put on hold
by Julie Holmquist BALSAM LAKE – The trial of a man accused of trading sex with a teenage girl for methamphetamine has been put on hold. Daniel E. Owens, 36, of Nye, is still in Regions Hospital in St. Paul, according to the Polk County District Attorney’s office. Owens’ medical condition does not allow him to sit for more than an hour. Jan Kelton of the district attorney’s office said the office is required to report monthly to the court on Owens’ medical condition and said Owens’ condition requires a high level of care. Owens faces five felony charges,
including soliciting a child for prostitution. He is accused of bartering a teenage girl to a friend, Kevin D. Madsen, to get drugs. Madsen, 46, of Amery, faces two felony charges of sexual assault of a child. His trial in Polk County Circuit Court started Tuesday with jury selection. Owens’ trial, scheduled for July 31, won’t be rescheduled until he is released from the hospital and doctors say he can sit for up to eight hours a day while on trial. Both Owens and Madsen pleaded not guilty to the charges April 24. A 15-year-old Polk County girl told
TF council seeks payment for “borrowed” coalition by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS - The estate of a former treasurer of the St. Croix Valley Heritage Coalition owes the city of Taylors Falls money for unauthorized “borrowing.” The George Vitalis estate owes the city of Taylors Falls $5,000, and the city council Monday night voted to ask for payment in full. The fact that Vitalis, who died in September of 2003, owed the city money came to light in May of 2006. Vitalis, who was once the treasurer of the St. Croix Valley Heritage Coalition, wrote and cashed a check to himself for $10,000 from the coalition fund on March 28, 2003. The city has a copy of a check made out to Vitalis in his handwriting and signed by William Scott, who was on the board of the coalition at the time. “The Heritage Coalition was not aware that this check was written for $10,000 to George,” said Scott, who reviewed Heritage Coalition documents. Scott said that Vitalis was making several purchases for the coalition at that time in 2003 and that the checks required two signatures. Scott said that he was chosen to sign the checks because he lived in Taylors Falls. He said he signed several blank checks for Vitalis, and was unaware that Vitalis wrote one to himself for $10,000. “I regret that I signed the checks,” Scott said Tuesday. The coalition checkbook register shows a check number made out to George Vitalis, but with no amount written in. Once the coalition, which owned the overlook land, dissolved on April 16, 2004, all assets were transferred to the city. There was an attempt by the George Vitalis estate to pay back the $10,000 and $1,000 in interest on Oct. 8, 2003, by Jessica Vitalis, who formerly had power of attorney for George Vitalis. But because she no longer had power of attorney after George Vitalis died, the RiverBank returned the money to the estate. A letter to the city from the Vitalis estate acknowledged the $11,000 claim. The Vitalis estate did more research and found that Jessica Vitalis wrote a check to the city on Jan. 29, 2004, for $6,000. That leaves a remaining $5,000 owed to the city. “I’ve been investigating this for a year,” said Taylors Falls Mayor Mike Buchite. Buchite said that Jessica and Adam Vitalis have been very cooperative and sent the city a letter saying they didn’t
dispute the payment and would not contest it. But the George Vitalis estate is in probate, and lawsuits against the estate have been filed. “There may be no recovery,” Buchite said. “We could end up with zero dollars.” The estate recently offered to pay the city the remaining $5,000 at 25 cents on the dollar, or $1,250 as a final settlement. That offer went before the city council Monday night. The Taylors Falls City Council voted to ask for payment in full. “They owe us the full amount, and I think they should pay it,” said Vice Mayor Ross Rivard. After being reached by phone on Tuesday, Adam Vitalis declined to comment on the issue.
authorities on April 4 that she had been held against her will for about threeweeks (March 7 to March 28) at Nye. The girl told police she ran away from home and ended up at Owens’ house because he knew her brother. She told police she was held captive and that Owens wouldn’t let her go. According to the criminal complaint, Owens allegedly said Madsen could rape the girl if he provided Owens with meth. The girl told authorities that Madsen forced her to have sex two times. She somehow escaped from the house on March 28.
Krueger story to air ST. CROIX FALLS - The story of a local murder case will be highlighted on the Oxygen Network this Sunday, July 27, at 9 p.m. and again Aug. 5 at 9:30 p.m. Mary Krueger will be the focus of the half-hour series “Snapped,” which profiles cases of women accused of murder. Krueger was found guilty of shooting her husband in 1999. Interviewed earlier this year for the program were former Polk County District Attorney Mark Biller, the defense attorney, local reporters, including Leader reporter Tammi Milberg and Mary Krueger herself. - Gary King
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Work progresses at cooperative
Work is progressing on a 3,640-square-foot warehouse addition at the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association plant in Frederic. The space will be used to store newsprint, inserts and for commercial printing storage needs. - Photo by Gary King
Patriotic pooch
w w w. t h e - l e a d e r. n e t This little guy pulled his own float in the Lucky Days Parade, Saturday, July 21. - Photo by Raelynn Hunter
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PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 25, 2007
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H E A D L I N E S
County board holds informational meeting
Possible zero-percent budget increase mentioned
by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Because there wasn’t enough business requiring action this month, the Burnett County Board of Supervisors met for what was called a strategic-planning session in Room 165 at the government center Thursday, July 19.
Rather than holding a regular business meeting, the Burnett County Board of Supervisors held an informational session Thursday, July 19, in Room 165 of the government center. – Photos by Nancy Jappe
Burnett County Administrator Candace Fitzgerald talked about longterm care reform, a decision on how to implement that the county board needs to make in the near future. One item of concern, mentioned by Administrator Candace county Fitzgerald, was the possibility of the state adopting a zero-percent levy freeze for 2008, “so the state can balance the budget,” Fitzgerald said, adding, “The state has never balanced the budget. If they did, we might all be better.” The county’s timeline for the 2008 budget shows Thursday, Oct. 18, as the date for the county board to meet for a public budget hearing, with approval of the budget to come Tuesday, Nov. 13. Fitzgerald attended the 3rd Regional Summit on Long-Term Care Reform July 23 at the Ramada Inn in Hayward. Representatives of 11 counties, including Burnett and Polk, met to discuss ways to manage the cost of aging benefits and resources. According to Fitzgerald, talk has been going on since 2005 regarding the establishment of long-term care districts, what Fitzgerald called “one-stop shopping.” She mentioned that the majority of the districts in northwestern Wisconsin are saying that they want to go with an LTC district, which allows them to turn over long-term care
responsibility in the future. Two approvals go along with setting up a long-term care district, the approval of the people involved and the approval of the state. If everybody is not in agreement, the whole thing will fail. “Long-term care reform has to be up and running by Jan. 1, 2009,” Fitzgerald said. “It is crucially important for the board to understand what is going to be happening because you have the opportunity to weigh in, talk about and learn more about it.” Fitzgerald told the board that she thinks the long term care district is the safest way for the county to go. She said the other alternative would be to run an aging resource center. “You can’t run both,” she said. Interviews for the position of department head in the health and human services department and for the airport manager, both vacant positions, will be held July 25. The lawsuit by airport hangar owners against the county went to court July 9. The county favors dismissal of the case. According to Fitzgerald, the question is whether Burnett County has the right to change the hangar lease, yes or no. The judge in the case said he would not make a decision until he has had time to read all the documents, which could take from 45-90 days. “There will be a clear winner and a clear loser,” Fitzgerald said, adding, “The judge acknowledged that the county has made every opportunity for tenants to weigh in on the lease.” County board chair Larry Main talked about clean up of salvage yards like the one in the town of Rusk. “The county doesn’t have the money to fund (this). We need to establish some way to have the money, getting a seed account started,” Main commented. “We’ve got to
Mailboxes damaged BURNETT COUNTY – A total of 26 mailboxes and a forestry gate have been reported damaged over an eight-day period between July 14 and July 22. Seventeen of the mailboxes and the forestry gate were reported damaged to Burnett County Sheriff’s Department on July 15. The forestry gate that was damaged was on Old 35 in Meenon Township, and mailboxes along Old 35, Midtown Road and around Bass Lake, also in Meenon Township, were damaged. All appear to have been damaged
by a large truck sometime the night before. On the following weekend, eight mailboxes were damaged in West Marshland Township along CTH F. Three of the mailboxes were struck with some sort of item. The rest appeared to have been run over by a vehicle. An additional mailbox was reported to have been damaged in Trade Lake Township on July 21. All of the incidents are under investigation. – Sherill Summer
Webster man injured in accident
SIREN – A Webster man was airlifted to a Twin Cities area hospital after the vehicle he was riding in rolled over on Herman Johnson Road in the township of Siren on July 15. Rickey J. Cleveland, 45, Webster, was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident and was ejected from the vehicle. His sister, Tammy A. Cleveland, 47, Siren, was driving the vehicle. She was westbound
on Herman Johnson Road when she lost control when attempting a turn onto Tyler Road. The driver was arrested for OWI and taken to Burnett Medical Center for treatment of a nonincapacitating injury. The vehicle was towed due to damages. – Sherill Summer with information from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department
do something. We can’t just let it sit.” The finance committee has approved an appropriation of $15,000 to do a study on wireless communication. The problem the county faces with fire and emergency liability involves calls coming from Hwy. 77 north and east of Danbury, where communication is limited. As far as comprehensive planning is concerned, the board was told that the zoning department intends to do the comprehensive planning itself, and that the state may extend the deadline for having a comprehensive plan until 2015. The question is whether the county should go ahead and get a grant and adopt a comprehensive plan, knowing that they will (eventually) need it. “I would like to see a study committee and not see us tied up in long-term planning,” commented Phil Lindeman. The county has set aside $5,000 in its general fund for comprehensive planning. Main talked about development on tax-deed land taken over by the county and the county’s request for a market analysis from four real estate agencies. “The county may not have given them enough (information). They didn’t understand the specifics. They didn’t understand the concept (of plannedunit development),” Main said, adding that the values came in low on three of the four analyses. The fourth agency came in high. This was an agency that had previously worked with PUDs. Gary Lundberg expressed concern that taxpayer money would be used to develop the properties on this land. “What are we going to get out of it? Land values are down by 20 percent from a year ago, and (building) permits are down by 25 percent. This market
During the July 19 informational meeting, County Board Supervisor Rick Anderson looked over the map that shows tax-deed property that the county board is considering developing. could come to a halt,” he said. “If we sell one of the eight (properties the land would be divided into), we would eliminate all the county has in it,” Main said. “The first step is to decide if we are or aren’t going to do it,” commented Gerry Pardun. Other items mentioned included working with the DNR on a 320-acre parcel in the town of West Marshland that would be added to Crex Meadows, working on different means of transportation to help save mileage money for the county, and the finance committee gave the go-ahead to spending $50,000 for seal coating 4-1/2 miles to prolong the life of roadways under the direction of highway commissioner Bob Morehouse.
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5
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TF council sticks to dangerous dog ordinance by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS – The Taylors Falls City Council denied a request Monday night to waive requirements in its dangerous dog ordinance. Kym Groves requested waiving requirements for either a cement floor of her dog’s kennel or buried posts on the kennel. Groves asked if she could use cement block pieces instead. Groves’ Airedale was declared “potentially dangerous” in 2004 after it bit a boy on the leg. The boy required two stitches, and Groves was required to have a microchip implanted in the dog for identification. That incident occurred prior to the city’s enacting a dangerous dog ordinance. On May 17, 2006, the dog pushed through the front door of Groves’ house and bit Jodi Rivard on the ankle while she was jogging past the house. Rivard required stitches for the bite. Groves said she has since fixed the latch on her door, and noted to Rivard’s
husband, who was the meeting, that she was sorry for what happened. The dog was removed from the home and placed in a Wisconsin home, but in March, Groves began the process to bring her dog back to Taylors Falls. Groves has met or exceeded all the requirements of the city’s dangerous dog ordinance at this time except for adding the cement kennel floor and/or burying posts. The requirement ensures that the dog will not dig out of the kennel. “As a mayor, I have to take into account the safety of citizens,” said Mayor Mike Buchite. “I feel we should stand firm on our ordinances.” The other council members agreed. Council member Zara Kinnunen was absent due to illness. “The attorney encouraged us to go by the ordinance, or we could be liable,” said Ross Rivard. “I look at it as a safety issue for the public. I think we should go exactly as the ordinance says.” The council discussed whether a con-
crete floor could be interpreted strictly as a poured concrete floor or if concrete blocks could be used. The council decided to allow Groves to try the concrete block floor, but whether it would be accepted depended the inspection of a city public works employee. Cherry Hill Park The council also approved several items related to city parks. Lisa Thibodeau, chair of the park and rec commission, asked the council to authorize blueprints for Cherry Hill Park, at a maximum cost of $800. The blueprints would be done by Martha Shangraw of Creative Environments. “We’ve been trying to get something going for Cherry Hill Park for years,” Thibodeau said. “The idea is to come up with a plan for the park.” Vandalism The council also authorized the city clerk and attorney to draft a reward system that would hopefully curtail vandalism to city property.
A monetary reward would go to someone for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of a person guilty of vandalizing city property. Such vandalism would include graffiti, damage to picnic shelters and tables, garbage cans and other parkland and facilities. Council member John Tangen said he thinks the reward should be substantial. “Fifteen seconds of idiocy destroys the park for everybody,” he said. Lions donation The council also approved a donation of $1,000 to the Lions Club from park dedication funds. The Lions Club voluntarily found free playground equipment for Lions Park and installed the equipment. “They did a tremendous amount of work installing the equipment,” said council member Larry Julik-Heine. ‘It’s a sweet upgrade. Now there are families going there and kids using the equipment.”
New North Country Mall businesses by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS – The North Country Mall in St. Croix Falls is rapidly approaching full occupancy. The mall used to be the home of North Country Closeouts and is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 8. The business is now North Country Mall. The mall features the North Country Photo Lab and Portrait Studio, but also includes three other businesses: Bagz Clothing Co., Nail Time and Anytime Fitness. Bagz Clothing Co. is owned and operated by Dawn Metcalf. It is a women’s clothing store offering juniors sizes and women’s 1-3XL. The store opened June 25 and features trendy, name-brand clothing, accessories and jewelry.
Bagz has two assistant managers, Tommy Hansen and Amanda Johnson. The store is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A grand opening is planned as well as a possible fashion show and back-to-school specials. Bagz also rents out Saavi formal wear. For more information call 715-4835396. Another business in the mall is Anytime Fitness, owned by Kim Mcalla, who is a certified personal trainer. The hours are anytime with a membership card. Staffed hours are Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays by appointment. Anytime Fitness offers treadmills, elliptical machines, recumbent and
The North Country Mall on Hwy. 8 in St. Croix Falls. upright bikes, stair steppers, full circuit training line, free weights, tanning, shower facility, personal training and free fitness orientation. For more information call 715-483-3433. Nail Time is owned and operated by Brian and Ann Le. This nail salon offers
professional nail services. The business is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A m a n d a Johnson, assistant manager, and Dawn Metcalf, owner, are pictured inside Bagz Clothing in the North Country Mall. Bagz is a women’s clothing store and offers Saavi formal wear rental. – Photos by Tammi Milberg
Nail Time is a professional nail salon located in the North Country Mall.
Big Read workshop set ST. CROIX FALLS – A workshop in leading book discussions for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is scheduled for Aug. 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Festival Theatre. The workshop, How to Lead A Discussion of Willa Cather’s novel, “My Antonia,” is in coordination with NEA Big Read programming in Polk, Burnett, and Chisago CCunties, SeptemberThis is just some of the equipment available at Anytime Fitness in the North October. Handouts and background materials on the book and author will be Country Mall.
available. The instructor is Dr. Carolyn Wedin, retired Professor of Literature, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, with teaching experience in Sweden, Norway, Poland and England. Continuing Education Units of .05 are available through WITC, at a cost of $8.60. No preregistration is needed. If no education units are desired, the workshop is free for anyone wanting to participate. – submitted
PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 25, 2007
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Green tour gets start in Frederic by Marty Seeger FREDERIC — A large biodiesel motor coach promoting clean air and green living briefly made a stop in Frederic on Friday, July 20. Owner, Jim Paar, made a stop at the Mud Hut to visit his parents Jim and Joan Paar, owners of the Mud Hut located on Main Street in Frederic before making his six-monthlong journey throughout the United States. “I’m one of three companies in the world that are doing this on the road,” said Jim Paar, who was busy preparing for his first stop in Chicago with his son, Nick, and girlfriend Heather, who will accompany Jim on the road for the next six months. According to Paar, Sheryl Crow, a popular musician that is also promoting the prevention of global warming and other green issues, is currently using a similar promotional tool. Paar is representing a company he owns called Full Motion Marketing, which its Web site states as “the country’s leading provider of targeted media and promotional programs.” The trio’s first stop landed them in Chicago at ABT electronics, the largest electronic retailer in the world. While there they spoke to consumers about ethanol, and how they can make a difference, which is the purpose of the tour. Paar said that they will set up at various retail stores, and events across the country, including NASCAR events. The group will also be stopping at the largest solar power convention in September at Long Beach, Calif., and the largest green convention in the world in San Francisco. The journey will also rally volunteers together at national parks to do cleanup days in the parks and along major highways. The team will also do pump promotions where they will stop by a gas station and drop the price by as much as 50 cents in order to promote ethanol and its benefits. “Whatever we can pump in an hour to three hours depending, and it just creates a frenzy of people,” Paar said on setting up pump promotions. The tour definitely draws people, and Paar expects to talk to or see 10,000 to even 100,000 people on many different days along the trip to create awareness
The 2007 Clean Air Green Tour set its course for Chicago on Friday afternoon, July 20, and arrived on Saturday where they talked to consumers about the benefits of ethanol and living a green lifestyle. Pictured (L to R) are Heather Alich, Nick Paar and Jim Paar. and offer energy tips for people to take home. Many different green companies sponsor Paar, including Southwest Airlines, Bosch Home Appliances and Balance Energy, a nonprofit company supports different energy that resources. “The green push is big right now, but its promotion is very new, and we’re basically a green company and that’s what we do,” Paar said. As for the reasons why anyone would plan such a trip Paar said, “I’ve always been adventurous.” “Now I’m just a single guy and want to hit the road and promote the whole global warming prevention deal.” For more information about the 2007 Clean Air Tour go to www.cleanairtour.com. While there you can request tracking information through GPS every two minutes to find out where the tour bus is located. You can also read about the tour and view up-to-date pictures of the locations they visit.
The green tour bus is pulling a trailer constructed from the ground up by owner Jim Paar. One of the main attractions are the Bosch home appliances, that according to Paar, are the most eco-friendly appliances in the world. – Photos by Marty Seeger
The map that displays the journey of the green tour which will take approximately six months.
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Balsam Lake Homeowners Association donates to four groups
The board of directors of the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association voted unanimously to contribute donations to various Balsam Lake organizations. Tookie Werthmann of the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association (center) is pictured with two checks. One check in the amount of $1,000 was given to Balsam Lake Community Club to help with the building of their concession stand for Unity school events and community events. Accepting the check is Chris Nelson (L), president of the Balsam Lake Community Club. A $1,300 check was donated to the Polk County Historical Society and Museum for the new elevator and addition to the museum. Accepting the check for the Polk County Historical Museum is Judy Wester (R). – Photos by Marty Seeger
Debbie Irestone, (center) editor of the Balsam Lake Shorelines Newsletter, and representing the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association, handed out two checks to Balsam Lake organizations. One check in the amount of $1,000 was donated for the Balsam Lake 911 Emergency Vehicle new equipment needs. Accepting the check is first responder Angie Nelson (R). A check in the amount of $500 went to the St. Croix Valley Chapter ot the American Red Cross for their equipment needs. Accepting the check is Terry Anderson (L). In addition, the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association donated $3,500 toward the 2007 Freedom Fest fireworks display.
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Our poll question this week continues from last week: Is it time to bring the troops home from Iraq? You can take part in our weekly 1. No, we still have a job to do Web poll by logging on to www.the2. Yes, bring them home leader.net and scrolling to the lower left-hand portion of the home page
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President George Bush 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov
Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863 Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey 7th Congressional District 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 or Wisconsin office: Federal Building Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Ann Hraychuck 28th Assembly District State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-District 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@legis.state.wi.us
Rep. Frank Boyle 73rd Assembly District Room 221 North State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison 53708 E-mail: Rep.Boyle@legis.state.wi.us
Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 2321390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us
Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us
U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 8383 Greenway Blvd. Middleton, WI 53562 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov
Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Congressman Ron Kind 3rd Congressional District 1713 Longwirth Office Bdg. Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-5506 888-442-8040 (toll-free) ron.kind@mail.house.gov
P o s i t i v e Quote o f t h e w e e k “A person is only as big as the dream they dare to live.” — Unknown
More on reworks Whenever people start exchanging viewpoints on a subject, in this case, fireworks, there is always a deeper issue at stake. Part of it is legal, part safety, part is appropriate usage. As in community-sponsored events at specific times, verses people setting this stuff off whenever they want. I’ve enjoyed Mr. Stackhouse’s letters and don’t intend to offend him, but I feel it must be pointed out that there are things called noise ordinances which do indeed give people some protection for quiet. And freedom most certainly does not mean that someone can do whatever they want whenever they want with no regard for others that it affects. In my opinion, the real issue here is the assumption that it’s acceptable to insert unwanted noise, pollution, danger, annoyance, environmental degradation and expense on those who have not agreed to tolerate it. When smoking became unpopular, most smokers were cognizant enough to curtail their smoking around nonsmokers. I think we can expect the same courtesy of fireworks users. In cities and small towns people are not allowed to shoot off fireworks from their own backyards, keep kennels of constantly barking dogs, hold frequent and prolonged loud parties, crank up their boom boxes outside or ride their snowmobiles, dirt bikes, ATVs up and down the streets. Nor are they allowed to race their jet skis and high-speed boats around in mindless circles on small lakes. Yet they load this stuff on trailers requiring gas guzzlers to pull them and haul them up here where they think us country folk ought to let them inflict on us all the things they can’t do at home. Of course they’re not “bad people.” Just thoughtless people who have been indoctrinated by economic forces to believe it’s OK to invade other people’s space.
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Standing up to these people, and the economic forces is not whining. It’s asserting our values into our own sovereignty and insisting that it be respected. And that can be done, indeed must be done, first by getting clear in your own mind and heart that it is alright to say no to intrusions. Then get on with your life and trust that your internal posture is now a force aligned with nature. Just imagine how much ill will and aggravation would clear up instantly when people mature enough to understand they have no right to intrude. No more telemarketers. Or packs of snowmobiles screaming past in the middle of the night, or dirt bikes and ATVs tearing up the roads and woods, or watercraft zooming around [all in good clean family fun, I’m sure] disrupting the nesting of aquatic birds. And the restful quiet of a person sitting on their dock enjoying the sounds of wind in the trees, bird song, the occasional leaping of a fish... The list goes on into much bigger arenas. Sexual or racial harassment, bullies on the school bus, bombing abortion clinics, extracting coal by blowing the tops off mountains, reviving the nuclear power industry in an age of global terrorism and still no truly safe and efficient way to store the waste that will remain deadly for centuries. Wars of aggression. It’s insane the things some people think they have The Right to do. But it’s even more insane the things people are conned into believing they have to accept if they want a thriving economy. It’s really pretty basic. Until people learn to govern themselves, they apparently will need to be regulated. And that includes presidents, popes, Pentagon officials, CEOs and all the ordinary poop heads who think others are just scenery and resources for their use. Mary Bingham Grantsburg
Common sense
With all due respect, a few things last week’s letter writer may have failed to consider might be the following. Of the thousands of people that purchase fireworks, how many have real permits? Lots of townships don’t issue permits for fireworks use, ours doesn’t. There are several types of fireworks that Wisconsin residents can’t purchase, yet people from surrounding states can. If we can’t purchase them because they are illegal for us to use in this state, why can nonresidents purchase them and use them here? Why are these illegal, for us, products even on the shelves of the stores/tents to be sold in the first place? Kids aren’t the ones buying the fireworks, it’s the supposed adults. There are disturbing-the-peace laws on the books you aren’t supposed to violate, like a constantly barking dog for example. I’m sure there are lots more if a person checked into it. Any of the past letters regarding fireworks were not denying anyone’s right to have fun that I could see. People are asking for some common sense that seems to be sorely lacking in some folks. Why do things around your weekend neighbor that you can’t do around the ones you live next to all week?! Maybe the letter writer should have been at our house last Sunday at 2 a.m. when some “kids” were having “good clean fun” at the boat landing for an hour! Respectfully, Alan Huberty Jackson Township Burnett County
Centennial Celebration Over a year ago, our St. Croix Hydroelectric Dam Centennial Committee was formed to organize a commemoration of the dam’s centennial
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year, 2007, during Wannigan Days. The committee was formed with members from the St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls Historical societies, the National Park Service and Xcel Energy. Our committee put together a first-rate centennial birthday celebration, and we want to recognize everyone involved. We had wonderful weather for the two days of Hydroelectric Dam Tours. Thursday, July 19, brought over 500 people on tour of the Dam, and Saturday, July 21, another 400 attended. Everyone who took the tour received the commemorative centennial brochure that was produced by our committee. The tours ran continuously and we want to extend our gratitude to the Xcel Energy employees who conducted the tours and for their tireless coordination. Xcel Energy also produced a green energy DVD titled, “Energy for the Environment” which was shown under the tent. The wide screen television was provided by WalMart, St. Croix Falls. The two historical photo exhibits of the dam where coordinated by our Centennial Committee and were located at: The 1852 Town House School in Taylors Falls, and under the Centennial Tent on the dam overlook. The St. Croix Falls Historical Society held an open house at the Baker Building on Main Street and featured historic dam and wannigan photos. Many thanks to the volunteers who staffed the open house. Special recognition to the private and business sponsors who generously donated to the Dam Centennial Celebration. They are: “Megawatt Level” ($500 or more) - Xcel Energy, Marlene & Frank Messin, and an anonymous donor. At the “Watt Level” ($100 $249) - Cheryl Cermin, Cine-Cermin Productions, Inc., City of Taylors Falls, Northern Electronics, Inc., St. Croix Cafe (PACE Enterprises), St. Croix Falls Historical Society, St. Croix Falls Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Valley Graphics, Taylors Falls Dental Clinic, and Taylors Falls Historical Society. At the “Zap Level” ($1 - $99) -
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Country Bed & Breakfast, Edling Funeral Home, Ron & Belva Fish, Barbara Fossum, The Loop Clothing Exchange, Panda Publishing, St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce, Bill & Barb Young. The main event Centennial Birthday Celebration began Saturday at 2 p.m. under the tent at the overlook. Emcee Durand Blanding delivered a historical overview of the dam to the crowd. Xcel officials, Mike Swenson (Wis.) and Dave Sparby (Minn.) spoke on behalf of Xcel. Wisconsin State Rep. Ann Hraychuck and Minnesota State Rep. Jeremy Kalin read proclamations from the two states declaring the day Saturday, July 21, St. Croix Hydroelectric Dam Centennial Commemoration Day. (Thanks to the St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls City staff personnel who helped coordinate the letters of invitation to elected officials.) Both sides of the river were represented by Taylors Falls Mayor Mike Buchite and St. Croix Falls City Council President Lori Erickson. They shared a ceremonial handshake across the river. We also had a stately visit from W. H. C. Folsom (a.k.a. Daryl Wangen, Taylors Falls). Mr. Folsom delivered a turn-ofthe-century “Dream of the Dam” speech to the crowd. Following the program, music from John and Linda Iwaszko, the centennial birthday cake from St. Croix Falls MarketPlace, and lemonade and coffee provided by Karen Marchese. And special recognition to the Xcel truck and Reddy Kilowatt mascot in the parade. All-in-all, it was an “electrifying” two day event of fun and energy! We thank all who participated in the coordination, planning and volunteer efforts that made it all possible. Mike Prichard and Sally Barott Co-Chairs Centennial Dam Committee and Jean Schaeppi, Trudy Popenhagen, Betsy Bradley, Rosemarie Braatz, Clarence Nelson, Norm Toensing, Ann Perszyk and Bill Beattie Committee members
Wow! Wow, what a fantastic Wannigan Days weekend! Thanks to all the people who had a hand in getting the city ready for visitors. There were many volunteer hours spent, from cleaning up the flower gardens along the highway to planning bingo, the Tug-O-War and the River Walk dedication. Next year will be the 50th-annual Wannigan Days – it’s not too early to start planning now! Linda Sandmann Valley Graphics Taylors Falls, Minn.
Cost of war Entering its fifth year, the cost of the war in Iraq is soaring so fast that the Web site costofwar.com uses a nonstop digital counter to keep up with the spending. It is projected to become the most expensive war in recent history, reaching nearly $1 trillion. Remember when President Bush, strutting around in a flight suit aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, declared that major combat operations in Iraq were over and when Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld estimated that the war would cost us only $50 billion? According to the National Priorities Project, the money spent on the war so far could have provided America with 1.8 million new teachers, over 20 million college scholarships, health insurance for over 60 million children, or nearly 40 million new housing units. But no price tag can be put on the lost
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human lives, which our government doesn’t want us to see. The number of soldiers killed has reached more than 3,500. The number of wounded is over 25,000 and the number of limbs blown off and amputated over 1,500 with over 5,000 head and brain injuries. More than 25,000 are suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. And we will never count the unseen scars that will last them a lifetime. The people who have paid the price of the catastrophic miscalculation of the war in Iraq are not only our men and women in uniform but also the Iraqis themselves. Estimates range up to a million killed and many more wounded. They are caught in the crossfire of a civil war between Sunnis and Shiites, hunted down by death squads, killed on their way to school or to the market, or just disappear. More than 2,200,000 have fled the country, running for their lives, with more than 2,000,000 waiting to leave. It is difficult to imagine living like that. Forty years ago, we escalated the war in Vietnam again and again despite the absence of a winning strategy. The Vietnam syndrome divided the country for decades and the societal effects of our defeat in the war linger to this day. Now George W. Bush, who dodged the draft during the war in Vietnam by using his family influence to enlist in the Texas Air National Guard, passing ahead of hundreds of qualified applicants, is doing it again in Iraq by escalating the war with no winning strategy. It is increasingly evident that the war in Iraq, a moral disaster and the biggest military mistake in our history, is resulting in an uncontrollable state that will destabilize the most vital region in the world. Will this be the defining legacy of the Bush administration and the neoconservatives who planned that invasion? At some point we will have to ask ourselves whether Middle East oil is worth more American blood or would we be better off just leaving a sectarian bloodletting conflict-torn chaotic country? Ray Anderson River Falls
Stewardship
Recent reports indicate that our nation’s children are not as active as previous generations of kids. In an era of video games and other competing interests, it is critical that we foster an appreciation and respect for the natural world in our children to help keep them active in the outdoors. One of the most important steps we can take is to ensure our children and grandchildren have nearby places to take a hike through the woods, swim in a lake or experience nature. The central element in preserving our outdoor heritage is the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Through this program, nearly half-a-million acres have been preserved since it began, and Gov. Jim Doyle has made the Stewardship Fund a top priority — protecting 180,000 acres since he took office. These stewardship purchases not only preserve land, but they provide all citizens — not just those who are lucky enough to own a piece of land — with a place to hunt or fish, hike, watch wildlife, canoe or kayak and experience all that nature has to offer. The governor has made a major commitment to future generations by proposing reauthorization of the stewardship program for another 10 years and increasing the funding to protect our waters, fields, and forests to $105 million per year during that time. The increase will allow the program to keep
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pace with the rising costs of land in rural areas as well as land near more urban areas of our state. However, the state Assembly recently cut funding for the stewardship program in the state budget, reducing by nearly 60 percent the funding that had already been allocated for the next three years. Then, they set state land preservation efforts back almost two decades by only funding future years of the program at its level from 1990. Think about the woodlot or fields you may have ridden your bike past when you were a kid. How many of them look the same today or will tomorrow? We are currently witnessing the largest intergenerational private land transfer in our state’s history, and seeing large tracts of forestland being sold, parceled off and developed. We are also seeing land prices skyrocket in rapidly developing areas, jeopardizing some of the open and green spaces that make community life in Wisconsin so special and attractive to families. A recent bipartisan poll found that nearly 90 percent of residents believe Wisconsin should find the money to set aside wild places for future generations, even in times when the state budget is tight. Preserving stewardship isn’t just about protecting our land. It’s about protecting Wisconsin values and instilling the strong ethic of conservation and outdoor recreation, passed on to us by people like Gaylord Nelson, in the generations to follow. I encourage Wisconsin residents to call their legislators, and tell them how they feel. What we do now determines the quality of life for our kids. Will they enjoy the same Wisconsin outdoors our parents and grandparents gave us? Once the wild places are gone, they cannot be replaced. Now, more than ever, we need to reauthorize stewardship at the strong level proposed by Gov. Doyle to make an investment in the conservation future of our state. Scott Hassett Secretary, DNR Madison
Form ofthievery Eight years ago this month, I came to our northwoods to spend my so-called golden years after a life of risks, intrigues and windmill tilting. I stumble across a 500-square-foot log cabin on an out-of-the-way, 120-acre nonrecreational lake near Clam Falls in northern Polk County. Spring fed, not more than 15 feet deep, with a muddy wetlandmarshland shoreline, it teems with wildlife and supports all varieties of amphibians, birds and waterfowl. While Somers Lake has a public access and is occasionally fished for panfish and small pike, it’s not a lake that attracts more than an angler with a 12’ boat and small outboard. Some say the lake is a local fisherman’s best-kept secret. I’m the sole full-time, permanent resident on the lake. The west side of Somers Lake is Polk County owned, public, set-aside land with a trail access managed by parks, recreation and forestry. It should never be developed. The lake is considered Class II, ecologically fragile and only sustainable with very careful, diligent environmental protection. Since arriving here, hugely appreciative of the virtually untouched natural surroundings, I assumed a role as sort of a steward of Somers Lake. No one else seemed to be looking after it. I’ve watchfully kayaked or canoed the shoreline and observed the condition of the surrounding forest year-round on foot or snowshoe. I’ve pulled dead animals from the lake and monitored water clar-
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ity and quality as a DNR citizen volunteer. I’m acutely aware of anything that changes or impacts upon the lake and adjacent lands. Concerned about developmental trends in Polk County, I attended public hearings and advocated strongly for the new lakeshore preservation ordinance 6. My frequent letters to the editor in support of ecological and quality of life protection is a matter of record. Thus, it was with visceral agony that in recent weeks I’ve had to stand by and watch non-resident property owners on this unique body of water begin to effectively destroy all that I’ve tried to preserve over most of the past decade. A century or more of mature trees, the essential shoreline vegetation that affects surface-water runoff absorption and filtration, a habitat for countless forms of amphibious and aquatic species, birds and waterfowl were decimated. A huge plume of suffocating eroded red clay extended well into the lake for days on end. Immediately, I sounded the alarm. What I was observing was of willful ignorance of established shoreline protection regulations. Early on, I had ensured the property owners involved in this desecration had in hand a copy of Polk County’s Shore Land Property Owners Handbook. Now they willfully disregarded it or found loopholes and lapses in arrogant contravention of the spirit of the regulation or, most significantly, in defiance of plain old common sense. The response to my cries for official intervention – phone, faxes and letters to every department and agency listed as exercising some authority over the situation were, at best, frustrating. What I discovered was a bewildering, confusing, overlapping, obfuscating, buckpassing organizational maze of jurisdictional responsibility and enforcement. Revealed was an entrenched institutional reluctance and impotence to assert authority to become motivated and act decisively to impact on the situation. Critical time passed before any agency intervened. When someone finally showed up, the damage had already been done, the undoing of years of nature’s magnificent, mysterious, complex, irreplaceable god-gifted process. Somers Lake will never be the same. While after-the-fact slap-on-the-wrist intervention is supposedly taking place, it’s a day late and no-amount-of-money short. While I’ve filed a lawsuit for violation of my own property, I’m not aware of significant penalizing actions imposed on the selfish, myoptic-gearhead mentality urban idiots who are systematically invading and robbing this extraordinary corner of planet earth of its most precious resource. For those of us who call the northwoods home and cherish our quality of life, we must recognize and vigorously protect the wilderness environment as the only real asset we have. What is it going to take to rein in and outlaw this aggregious form of thievery? Bradley E. Ayers Clam Falls/Frederic
Follow the Leader.
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10th Senate District Homegrown meth dropping USA Today recently highlighted the successes that have been realized in reducing the number of meth labs, given the enactment of laws restricting access to ingredients used in the manufacturing of this highly toxic drug. Here in Wisconsin, the Crackdown on Meth Act, as signed into law in the summer of 2005, has helped to dramatreduce meth labs in ically Northwestern Wisconsin, where the problem has been most prevalent. In fact, meth lab seizures have fallen by over 60 percent since the enactment of this legislation. National legislative efforts that mir-
ror the Crackdown on Meth Act have also been remarkably successful. The national Drug Enforcement Administration reports a 58-percent drop in meth lab seizures nationally in just one year. Sheila efforts were Harsdorf These best summarized in the USA Today article by DEA Senior Special Agent Philippa LeVine, when he was quoted saying “this is one time where the laws worked, and they worked quickly.” By 2004, meth labs were growing exponentially in our area. Meth-relat-
ed crimes, such as robberies and assaults, were exploding in suburban and rural communities, fueled by the prevalence of meth labs. Local budgets were strained by costs associated with crime and cleanup. Meth labs are a nightmare for first responders, a threat to neighbors, and expose children to deadly toxins. Northwest Wisconsin became a prime target for meth labs and traffickers given its proximity to the Twin Cities, a hotbed for meth crime since the emergence of the drug there in 2000. Seven years later, however, the Twin Cities saw a decline for the first time in meth-related crime and drug addiction following passage of tough anti-meth laws. Passing the Crackdown on Meth Act in Wisconsin was a significant biparti-
san accomplishment that is making a difference. Local law enforcement greatly assisted in identifying solutions and advocating for the legislation. Today, Northwest Wisconsin communities are seeing a clear benefit as meth labs dwindle. However, while we have been successful at reducing the number of meth labs, meth smuggled in from Mexico and elsewhere continues to plague our communities. There is still much work to be done in addressing meth drug abuse, but the days of toxic labs invading our communities on the cheap and easy has reversed. We need to continue to be aggressive with education and rehabilitation efforts, and I am encouraged by the grassroots efforts taking on this challenge.
Garfield’s “model” park dedicated
Will be site of 2008 Governor’s Fishing Opener
Garfield & Alden lead the way with impact fees
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by Gregg Westigard GARFIELD – “This park is a shining star,” said Diane Conklin of the DNR. “It is far and above anything I anticipated. It will be used as a model by the state.” “The park is a gem,” state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf said. “It shows what can happen when we work together.” The town of Garfield had the grand opening of the reconstructed Lake Wapogasset Park and Boating Facility Saturday, July 21. Residents and guests gathered by the lake to celebrate the completion of a plan that started as a dream in 2003. The work on the 7.8-acre park was largely paid for by grants, but town officials and residents put in many hours bringing the project to completion. The park is on CTH F at the southwest corner of Lake Wapogasset, about four miles west of Amery. The park includes two fishing docks, one of which is handicapped accessible, two large picnic shelters which can be reserved for events, a boat launch, a playground, and many picnic tables and benches. Except for a boat launch fee, the park is free and open to everyone. This is a rebirth of the park, local resident and historian JoAnn Hallquist said. The park was first dedicated in 1926 and was a popular picnic and swimming place where local residents gathered to spend their weekends outdoors. The
Charging new development for costs of growth
Garfield town chair Ed Gullickson (left) was a leading force in the project to restore the park. Scott Ward of Stevens Engineering put in many hours designing the park and overseeing the construction work. Diane Conklin from the DNR helped the town get the three grants, totaling over $403,000 that paid for the park. – Photos by Gregg Westigard park at that time had a concession stand serving ice-cream cones and a boat rental. A tornado largely destroyed the park in 1942 and it declined into a mass of weeds and poison ivy. Town chair Ed Gullickson told the guests gathered on the lawn by the lake that the park project received three state and federal grants, a Wisconsin Recreational Boating Facility grant for $234,900, a federal Sports Fisheries Restoration grant for $118,374, and a state Nelson-Knowles Stewardship grant of $50,656, for a total of $403,030. He said that maintenance of the park
The many benches overlooking the lake were designed just for the park. The Lake Wapogasst Park is free and open to the public.
will be covered by the boat launch fees and a portion of the impact fees the town is charging on new construction. Gullickson said much of the success in getting the funds was due to the help of DNR development specialist Diane Conklin. He said she helped with the grant application work, advised the town about monies available, and generally provided encouragement to the town officials. Gullickson said that group includes town supervisors Marilyn Buckingham and Don Mork, former supervisor Marlin Baillargeon, and park committee members Dave Nelson, Steve Christenson, Joyce Gullickson, and Mary Lou Stanley. Special thanks went to Scott Ward of Stevens Engineering who put in many hours of time planning the project. Dave Nelson, speaking for the Wapogasset Lake Association, said that it was Gullickson’s vision and leadership that brought the project moving forward. The crowd gave Gullickson a loud round of applause. The town of Garfield owns two other public facilities, a boat launch at Sunrise Beach on Wapogasset and the 189-acre Garfield Recreation Area on 120th Avenue. That area, used for hiking and skiing, is operated by the county. Also within the town are the Balsam Branch Wildlife Area, a hiking and nature area owned by the DNR, and Polk County’s D. D. Kennedy Environmental Park. And in downtown Wanderoos, by the town hall, is a popular baseball field.
by Gregg Westigard GARFIELD – New homes and developments do not mean increased property tax revenue at no cost. Local governments know that growth comes at a cost, more roads, more services, more work to protect lakes and other resources. The towns of Garfield and Alden in southern Polk County are addressing those costs by adopting impact fee ordinances to assess a fee on each new home. The fees are starting to generate revenues for the town budgets and keeping some of the costs of growth off the taxes of existing homeowners. Garfield town chair Ed Gullickson explained the process at the quarterly meeting of the Polk County Towns Association Thursday, July 19. Garfield now charges a fee of about $3,000 on every new house built in the town. Most of the money is dedicated to street maintenance and repair, a growing cost as new homes lead to increased traffic and wear on the roads. Garfield also dedicates about $600 of the fee for parks, including operating expenses for the new Lake Wapogasset Park dedicated last weekend. Lastly, the town is putting aside money to build a new town hall to replace the old schoolhouse in Wanderoos that is now too small for a town with 1,600 residents. Impact fees are not a new idea, Gullickson told the meeting attendees. Many towns to the south of Polk County have been using impact fees to pay for growth. When the idea was proposed in Garfield, some said that the fee would stop development. Gullickson said that development did not stop and developers told the town that they expect to pay this cost. It fact, some had wondered why towns in the county were not using this revenue source which they consider a normal expense of construction. The process of adopting the ordinance took some time and money, Gullickson said. It took the town about six months to get the documents for the impact fee ordinance written and approved. It cost the town about $6,000. But he said it is working. “The impact fee is a win/win for Garfield,” Gullickson concluded.
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P O L K
C O U N T Y
H E A D L I N E S
Museum addition may be $44,000 short Elevator completion planned for spring by Gregg Westigard BALSAM LAKE – The Polk County Historical Society may still need to raise $44,000 before work can start on a project to add an elevator to the county museum in Balsam Lake. Muriel Pfeifer, speaking for the society, told the Polk County Property Committee Monday that the historical society has at least $253,000 of the estimated $297,000 cost for the addition. The county needs assurance that all the construction cost
is accounted for before it can accept bids and authorize start on the work. Pfeifer said the society has $38,000 on hand and $170,000 in a certificate of deposit. The CD has just been reinvested for nine months, she said, but the society will be able to borrow against it to pay construction bills as they come due. In addition, the society will borrow $45,000 from the bank, using its endowment fund as collateral. Pfeifer said a $5,000 down payment has been made against the $51,000 purchase price of the elevator. It was not clear if that $5,000 has been deducted from the project estimate. The society is applying for two grants
in an effort to raise the $44,000 still needed, but Pfeifer did not have details on how much those grants might be for or when they might be awarded. She did not say when the $45,000 borrowed against the endowment would need to be repaid. Members of the property committee and finance director Tonya Weinert asked Pfeifer to secure the details of the bank loans in writing and present more details on the grants and other possible funds before the committee meets on Aug. 13. The committee is seeking firm bids for the project, which will include an addition to the building to house the eleva-
tor and handicapped parking spaces. Chris Nelson of Nelson Construction Services, Balsam Lake, the project manager, will oversee the bid process. Bids will be opened at the Aug. 13 meeting, and the committee will see if the society has secured the funds needed to start the construction this fall. The entire project, including the parking spaces, must be completed before the museum is allowed to use the elevator. The museum, located in the old Polk County courthouse, closes for the season on Labor Day and reopens next spring on Memorial Day.
Luck man found guilty of battery to jailers by Julie Holmquist BALSAM LAKE – Raymond Arellano of Luck was found guilty Friday of felony battery and resisting an officer after he bit an officer in the Polk County Jail last February. A jury delivered guilty verdicts on both counts Friday after deliberating for two hours and 20 minutes, returning to the courtroom at 4:50 p.m. The battery conviction carries a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine and six years in prison. The misdemeanor
charge of resisting an officer carries a maximum sentence of a $10,000 fine and nine months in prison. A presentence investigation was ordered by Judge Robert Rasmussen. Once that is completed, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled. Charges were filed after the Feb. 6 incident when jailer Diane Crownhart was distributing medication in the jail. She said she was concerned that Arellano, 58, was having a seizure. When Arellano did not respond to
Crownhart’s statement that it was time for his medications, Crownhart asked jailer Darryl Christensen to assist. When Arellano continued to not respond, the officers told him he would be taken to a different area of the jail for observation. The officers reported that he resisted by kicking his legs, swinging his fists and biting Christensen on the thumb. Jail administrator Cyndy Moore stated that the bite was one-fourth inch in length and broke the skin. She said she
contacted Arellano, telling him she needed to speak with him and that she had a court order for a blood draw from Arellano. Officers stated that he refused to come out of the cell for a blood draw and started kicking and hitting the officers. Moore said she informed Arellano that his lack of cooperation was being considered for resisting charges.
FREDERIC- A resident of a rural Frederic lake doesn’t want his name used, or any credit, but he wants people to know how important it is to wear life jackets. The man said he doesn’t know why he awoke so early last Friday morning, but he found himself getting out of bed before 5 a.m. When he went outside for a smoke, he heard yelling coming from the middle of the large lake. “I heard later that others had heard the noise and thought it was just someone goofing around,” he said. “But when I heard one of them yell ‘I’m winded and can’t stay up much longer,’
I knew they were in trouble.” As the darkness was just lifting, the man could see there was an upside down boat out in the lake and that two men were trying to stay afloat by hanging on to it The man took his pontoon boat out and rescued the men – about 300 yards from any shore – and then went back for their boat. The two men had not been fishing but didn’t offer information as to what happened to cause them to be in that situation. “They said they had been treading water for two to three hours,” the man said. “I’m thinking one of them would-
n’t have lasted much longer. Thank God that their boat had stayed afloat. They had no life jackets.” The man said he really didn’t want a story written about him but didn’t mind something being written to remind peo-
ple about the importance of life jackets. And he doesn’t want any credit for the rescue. “I’d hope someone would do that for me if I was ever in that situation,” he said. – Gary King
Early-morning rescue had lesson
Tractor, semi collide on Hwy. 8 TURTLE LAKE – Human injuries were minor, but two cows died as a result of a tractor and a semi accident on Hwy. 8 near Turtle Lake on July 16. Kent Coleman, Turtle Lake, was driving a tractor and pulling a haybine around 7:45 p.m. driving westbound on the shoulder of the road. Benjamin Brian of Aberdeen, S.D., also travelling westbound, apparently drove his semi truck slightly over the fog line, hitting a tractor wheel. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s report, Brian was pulling a 50foot livestock trailer with 12 cows when he veered slightly over the fog line and hit the left rear wheel of the tractor. The
wheel broke completely off. The semi entered the ditch and the trailer tipped on its side. Two cows died as a result of the crash. – Julie Holmquist
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4-H summer camp held at Lake 26 DANBURY – Over 30 youth took part in the 4-H summer camp held July 18-21 at Lake 26 Youth Camp. The theme, Pioneer Camp 1865, provided many opportunities for youth to learn about historical life. They took part in oldtime games and crafts and enjoyed a visit from Leona Cummings of Frederic, who shared what life was like in 1900. Other guest speakers included Rick Abrahamzon and Sheila Staples, who told stories of a young Burnett County
around the campfire, and Dale Cox of the National Park Service. Campers spent time swimming and canoeing, playing games and enjoying the outdoors. 4-H summer camp was a coordinated effort between many volunteer planners. The 4-H teens who served as camp counselors attended over 15 hours of training, as well as helping to plan and direct specific activities. Those counselors are Jacob Stiemann, Kaylynn
Cody Isaacson and Jacob Stiemann go for a relaxing canoe ride on Lake 26. Cerenity Louis, Bryce Highstrom and Sadie Buhler go for the gold in the fourlegged race. – Photos submitted
Anderson, Ellie Isaacson, Jamie and Rose Kopecky, Rachel Larson, Cerenity Louis and Michael Wampfler. An additional teen 4-H member, Kelley Wampfler, served as assistant camp director. Deb Wampfler volunteered as camp director, while Becky Strabel and Amy Kopecky volunteered to plan and cook the meals served at camp. For more information on 4-H in Burnett County, contact Mary Pardee at or mary.pardee@ 715-349-2151 ces.uwex.edu. - submitted
Jillian Kaefer works on churning milk for making cheese.
4-H summer camp attendees pose for a group photo.
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13
Harsdorf: Holes in government-run health care pose problems for border communities MADISON - The Wisconsin Senate Democrats’ proposed takeover of health care delivery by the state would likely result in new taxes for nothing on Wisconsin residents that commute to work in Minnesota, according to a nonpartisan fiscal analysis requested by
state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R – River Falls. “Wisconsin residents that work in the Twin Cities metro area and already have employer-provided health care would be able to maintain their current doctors and coverage, but they would still be
Stowers to be recognized at gala event
subject to a new 4-percent employee payroll tax,” said Harsdorf. “It would be a new tax for nothing for thousands of commuters in western Wisconsin.” The Senate Democratic proposal, called Healthy Wisconsin, was introduced and passed in little more than one day last month. This sweeping expansion of government proposes to double the state tax burden on Wisconsin families and dismantle existing provider networks. A July 17, memo written by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau states that Wisconsin residents that work in Minnesota could forgo coverage and stay with their current insurance plan, but would still be required to pay the new tax.
senators, state of Wisconsin elected officials, county and other local elected officials. The event will be held Sunday, Aug. 26, with a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. at the TAC Entertainment Center, 1361 CTH H north of Amery. For additional information, call Jan BONE LAKE – Zion Lutheran Church Kelton-Wolden at 715-327-5637. is celebrating 100 years the weekend of Aug. 4 and 5. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, former pastors John Baxter, Dinner - $15 per plate - includes roast beef with mushroom gravy, salad Ernie Swenson and Lowell Helstedt will bar, mashed potatoes, vegetable, dinner roll, coffee and dessert. join current pastor Larry Juergensen in a service of classic hymns, special music Name: ____________________________________________ and greetings. Former congregation members and brothers, Alvin and Phone: ________________________________________ Kenny Peterson will also give greetings during the service. Both brothers are Number attending: _____________________________ pastors now. An ice-cream social complete with Scandinavian pastries will be Please clip and return to: (checks payable to TAC Entertainment Center) held after the service. Polk County Democrats, PO Box 218, Frederic, WI 54837 A catered dinner will follow the speDeadline For R.S.V.P. – Aug. 15, 2007 cial anniversary worship service on Sunday, Aug. 5. The service will begin
AMERY – The public is invited to a gala event in recognition of Harvey and Marilyn Stower for their years of dedication and community service to the people of the state of Wisconsin, the 28th Assembly District, Polk County and the City of Amery. Special invited guests include U.S. congressional representatives and U.S.
“This proposal would create inequities for those living along our borders,” said Harsdorf. “Restricting access to health care or requiring residents to pay a new tax for nothing is the wrong prescription.” The potential for abuse to Wisconsin taxpayers is equally alarming. A resident from another state could easily claim self-employment in Wisconsin and obtain discounted health care services funded by Wisconsin taxpayers. “The holes in this proposal spell trouble for border communities and Wisconsin taxpayers alike,” said Harsdorf. – from the office of Sen. Harsdorf
Zion 100-year celebration set at 10:30 a.m. Costs for the catered dinner range from $20 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Reservations for the catered dinner are still being accepted. A DVD of Zion’s 100 years and a stained-glass suncatcher with an etched picture of Zion are available for purchase, even for those not able to attend the anniversary celebration. Fore more information on the anniversary celebration, please call Sandy Hibbs at 472-2765 or June Hendricks at 472-2062. Zion Lutheran Church is located off of CTH I, northeast of Luck in the township of Bone Lake. - submitted
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Foul play ruled out
National Park Service hosts activities
Officials await autopsy results
Kids activities were held Saturday during Wannigan Days in St. Croix Falls by the National Park Service Headquarters in the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk Park. A blacksmith table was set up for display during the kids activities where kids and adults could get an up-close look. LEFT: This woman spins yarn on a spinning wheel. Pioneer lifestyle booths were part of the kids activities put on by the National Park Service during Wannigan Days. Photos by Tammi Milberg
Longest short cake
SHELL LAKE — A 22-month-old child died Wednesday, July 18, but foul play was ruled out, according to a news release from the Shell Lake Police Department. Kaylee Lawrence, daughter of John and Laurel Lawrence, was found to be not breathing in the family’s home on Second Avenue, Shell Lake, around 10 a.m. According to Shell Lake Police Chief Clint Stariha’s first news release, his department was dispatched and the girl was taken to the Indianhead Medical Center; there, she was pronounced dead by Coroner Karen Baker. The child’s body, according to this news release, was taken to the Ramsey County Medical Center for an autopsy, while the police department and Washburn County Sheriff’s Department were conducting an investigation. A news release sent out the next day said the preliminary autopsy report from Ramsey County indicated no foul play. The Lawrence’s home was released by the police department, and Stariha said that they are still waiting for a final autopsy report. — with info. from the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department
Grantsburg man receives Senior Achievement Award
Wayne’s IGA in Luck created the “longest strawberry shortcake” in honor of Lucky Days. - Photo by Gregg Westigard
MADISON – Eldon Freese, Grantsburg, was awarded the Senior Achievement Award for his outstanding service in CWAG District 8 at the Senior Achievement Awards Banquet on July 19, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center, Stevens Point, by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and Secure Horizons by United HealthCare. Award winners are inspirational older people who take an active role in their communities and enhance the lives of others. Freese is not only extremely active in CWAG, he also manages to use his spare time to volunteer towards a good cause. Serving the community of Grantsburg, Freese is a part of many services opportunities and civic groups including the Domestic Abuse the Family Response Team, Preservation Community and the Cultural Awareness NOW Project. He is also the past president of the Grantsburg Senior Citizens, a Red Cross Volunteer and has held positions on the Fire Association Board and as Town Chairman. Freese served as the District 8 Lead Volunteer for the Wisconsin’s SMP and assists in the outreach and planning of education efforts regarding the existence of Medicare waste, fraud, abuse and error. Freese speaks about Medicare waste at District meetings, service groups and other elder groups. He volunteers to coordinate the attendance of the project and has worked at all the CWAG health fairs. Freese serves on the Legislative and By-Law Committee of the CWAG Governing Board of Directors. He and his wife, Jo Ann, are lifetime members of CWAG and are graduates of the Senior Statesmanship program. Freese was recently appointed to the Northwastern Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board and uses his spare time as a driving instructor for AARP–
Eldon Freeze was awarded the Senior Achievement Award by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups. – Photo submitted just two more major accomplishments in terms of serving rural Wisconsin seniors. CWAG and Secure Horizons by United HealthCare are proud to sponsor the 18th-annual Senior Achievement Awards in recognition of Wisconsin’s most valuable resources— its senior citizens. A total of 13 awards were given out at the July 19th awards dinner. Nine of these awards, one for each of CWAG’s nine geographic districts, were presented to Wisconsin senior citizens age 60 and older who have made outstanding contributions after the age of 60 to their communities. In addition, four statewide awards for leadership, advocacy, service and intergenerational advocacy were presented to Wisconsin citizens of any age who have demonstrated exemplary service in these areas. – submitted
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S PORTS I N T E R- C O U N T Y L E A D E R
F R E D E R I C • G R A N T S B U R G • L U C K • S T. C R O I X F A L L S • S I R E N • U N I T Y •
Grantsburg goes second at sectionals inning. Meanwhile, the Tigers broke things open on offense with seven runs in the second inning and another six in the third. Faulhaber and Johnson both struggled on the mound. Yet, Coach Johnson was pleased with how his team progressed despite a high turnover of players from their sectionqualifying team in 2006. They finished 18-6 overall. “We won more games than I thought we would,” said Johnson. Next season, he will have a new challenge as the Pirates make the move to spring ball along with the rest of the summer Lakeland teams.
Pirates down Hawks, get routed by Tigers New Richmond 13, Grantsburg 1 Grantsburg 7, Baldwin-Woodville 2 by Matt Blumkin NEW RICHMOND – “I think they put in a little extra time after that game,” said Pirates coach Pete Johnson. He had been referring to his squad’s 5-2 win over New Richmond to end the conference season at New Richmond. The Tigers didn’t forget that loss as they walloped the Pirates 13-1 in the sectional championship game on July 20. Things went downhill fast for the Pirates as the Tigers racked up seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Tigers then cycled through their lineup another time during the second inning with six more runs. On offense, Grantsburg had managed to get only two runners on base in that span. “This isn’t the way you want to end your season,” said Johnson. His club had reached the sectional championship game that same day with a 7-2 win over Baldwin-Woodville, a club they had a score to settle with. The Blackhawks embarrassed the Pirates 7-1 on June 28, in Baldwin. Pirates first baseman Zach Phillipps said they were playing their best ball going into the sectional finals as opposed to the slump they had when they fell in Baldwin. The Pirates also had ace pitcher Brandon “Bucky” Kaiser mowing down the Baldwin batters.
Pirates pitcher Kevin Johnson came in relief of David Faulhaber during the championship game. Team 1 2 3 4 5 Grantsburg 0 0 0 0 1 New Richmond 7 6 0 0 x Individual Statistics Grantsburg AB H 3 1 Ben Larson Kevin Johnson 3 1 Brandon Kaiser 1 0 1 0 Trent Bonneville Thane Larson 1 0 Mike Meyers 1 0 Dave Faulhaber 2 0 Josh Meyer 2 1 Tim Josephson 2 0 Zach Phillipps 1 0 Totals 17 3
R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
BB 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
RBI 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
New Richmond Hayden Zimmerman Jake Kleiner Blake Berger Cole Johnston Tyler Stoeklen Tony Evans Calvin Hanson C. Berger Cody Torkelson Totals
R 2 1 2 1 2 0 2 1 2 13
BB 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 6
RBI 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 2 9
AB 1 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 21
H 1 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 9
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 St. Croix 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 Chisago Lakes 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 0 Individual Statistics St. Croix AB H Jordan Martell 4 0 Trevor Todd 3 0 4 1 Jesse Hartel 4 3 Troy DeSmet Kyle Kahl 4 0 Michael Chelberg 1 0 3 0 Brian Jacobson 4 0 Nick Hartman Curtis Roebuck 4 0 3 1 Alex Sullivan 34 5 Totals St. Croix Jim Rochford Michael Chelberg Trevor Todd
9 0 x
Total 3 8
R 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
BB 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K L 6.1 x 2 x 0.1 x 0 x 1.1 x 2
BB 2 0 1
RBI 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
H 7 4 0
R 5 3 0
Extra Points Grantsburg’s Brandon “Bucky” Kaiser pitched the Pirates’ way to the section championship game on July 20. He allowed two runs on four hits in the Pirates’ 7-2 semifinal win over Baldwin-Woodville on the same day. The Pirates fell later in the title game to New Richmond, 13-1. – Photos by Matt Blumkin “Bucky’s just a horse,” said Johnson. “He ate up innings, threw strikes, hit the spots.” Johnson started Kaiser for the semifinal game against the Blackhawks to ensure a trip to the title game. Kaiser allowed two runs and struck out eight batters in seven innings. Having pitched seven innings, Kaiser was unavailable to pitching in the championship game. “There’s no championship game unless you win the first game,” said Johnson. The Pirates played a strong all-around game against the Blackhawks to advance. They hit the ball strong and fielded crisply. “Our bats came on today,” said
Phillipps. “Once we got in the game, we started ripping the ball.” They had fallen behind 1-0 after the second inning, but Ben Larson and Kevin Johnson got things rolling for the Pirates with back-to-back doubles. Johnson’s double brought home Phillipps and Larson, which put the Pirates up to stay. Kaiser stepped up offensively too, with an RBI single in the third inning. He also beat a tag at home on a wild pitch for the Pirates’ seventh run of the game. They didn’t have much luck hitting later that day against New Richmond’s ace, Cody Torkelson. The Pirates just mustered three hits in the game and finally put a run across in the fifth
Total 1 13
Kaiser beats the tag at home plate for Grantsburg’s seventh run against Baldwin-Woodville.
••• YAKIMA, Wash. – Mark Hallberg, a one-time Unity Little Leaguer, has had a hot hand as of late for the minor league single A Yakima, Wash., Bears. The former Barron student has a 16game hitting streak going through July 23 and leads the team in batting at .368. Hallberg’s streak spans longer than any hitting streak in the Northwest League this season. He has been hot in July with a .418 average, nine RBIs and 17 runs scored. Hallberg was drafted out of Florida State by the Arizona Diamondbacks this year. – Matt Blumkin ••• BALSAM LAKE – Unity’s annual Fall Sport Parent & Athlete Meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. in the Unity Auditorium. Coaches will review season regulations as well as have physical cards, buff cards and 2007-08 Activity Codes available. Parents and athletes are asked to make every effort to attend this important meeting. – submitted ••• LEADER LAND – Baseball fans can hear New Richmond’s state baseball run on 1260 AM July 25 and 26. The Tigers won the Lakeland Conference and ousted Unity and Grantsburg in the section tournament. It is New Richmond’s first state appearance since 2001 under longtime coach John Ball. His Tigers took runner-up in 1983. It’s their ninth state tournament appearnace under Ball. – Matt Blumkin ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact us by noon on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Matt Blumkin and Marty Seeger •••
SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 10 p.m. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week! S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m a b l u m k i n @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t o r m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t
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Fischer comes up big at Grantsburg David Fischer wins preliminary heats, takes third in 800 by Matt Blumkin GRANTSBURG – Practice always makes perfect? David Fischer, 14, of Eagan, Minn., had only one practice before racing at Grantsburg July 21-22. The son of former International Watercross Association World Champion Jeff Fischer won all three of his heats on Saturday, July 21. He followed that up with a third-place finish in the 800 Drags on Sunday, July 22. His father had him racing his prostock sled. “He was set up decent, but you still have to know how to come off the lights, read the lights and keep it (the sled) straight,” said Jeff Fischer. “He’s doing a real good job there.” Though David Fischer had one practice on a lake near East Farmington, he had been racing motorcross in the spring and snowmobiles during the winter. Fischer had also spent time running a sled on the lake in 2006, but he wasn’t old enough to compete since the earliest age allowed in the IWA is 14. Fischer said he wanted the challenge. He met it with a third-place finish in the 800 Drags.
One racer had trouble getting his snowmobile sled restarted after a Drag heat on Saturday. The snowmobile finally did start, and he raced back to the opposite end.
David Fischer, the son of former IWA world champion Jeff Fischer, won all three of his heats on Saturday, July 21. Fischer, 14, of Eagan, Minn., raced his father’s pro-stock sled to obtain those victories. – Photos by Matt Blumkin
Volutneers and racers kept the starting area smooth since the snowmobiles would kick up the mud at the start of each heat.
Aaron Wallin on the go. He finished eighth in the Pro Open.
Chris Gray (No. 202) beating an opponent to shore in the Mod Drags. Gray took third in the Semi Pro Stock.
GRANTSBURG WATERCROSS RESULTS 600 DRAGS - 1. Brett Hass, 2. Mark Engnes, 3. Travis Nelson, 4. Shawn Cummings, 5. Casey Hatten, 6. Dustin Jamma. 800 DRAGS - 1. Jason Houle, 2. Brian Scribner, 3. David Fischer, 4. Nate Winberg, 5. Troy Marsh, 6. Ben LaBlanc. MOD DRAGS - 1. Jerry Rinker, 2. Andy Busse, 3. Lenny Neis, 4. Howie Steenberg, 5. Loren Ward, 6. Aaron Lunden. SEMI PRO STOCK - 1. Nate Winberg, 2. Ryan Jurek, 3. Chris Gray, 4. Brain Laborn, 5. Mitch Allen, 6. Troy Davidsavor, 7. Travis Nelson, 8. Oliver Baillargeon, 9. Ben LeBlanc, 10. Jason Meskill, 11. Mitchell Booth, 12. Jon Novotny. SEMI PRO OPEN - 1. Rick Arbour, 2. Chad Maki, 3. Alex Nelson, 4. Bruce Weaver, 5. Ryan Jurek, 6. Dan Roth, 7. Jon Novotny, 8. Oliver Baillargeon, 9. Rocky Vowles. PRO STOCK - 1. Howie Steenberg, 2. Andy Busse, 3. Dan Hoffman, 4. Tadd Frederick, 5. Jon Dufour, 6. Jeff Fischer, 7. Chad Maki, 8. TJ Peterson, 9. Alex Nelson, 10. Matt Ledin, 11. Mike Dufour, 12. Jesse Leader. PRO OPEN - 1. Howie Steenberg, 2. Brian McCurdy, 3. Matt Ledin, 4. Dennis Rhyner, 5. Loren Ward, 6. Andy Busse, 7. Scott Mosher, 8. Aaron Wallin, 9. Kurt Mattila, 10. Dale Lindbeck, 11. Jeff Fischer, 12. Shawn Zurn. PRO VET - 1. Bruce Koop.
One racer came out on the water for some last-minute entertainment for the end of Saturday’s races.
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Grantsburg Watercross/from previous page
Vintage snowmobiles from past decades were on display at the races. Racers know what lap to be on with the flags. BELOW: Grantsburg Watercross opened with Drag races on Saturday morning.
This racer made it close to the finish line of his Drag heat before his snowmobile took a dip. – Photos by Matt Blumkin
One way or the other. Racers competed in oval races during Saturday afternoon.
BELOW: Jeff Fischer (No. 2) taking off with his heat in an oval race on Saturday. Fischer took sixth in the Pro Stock.
Some racers would get close to shore in the oval races.
Dennis Rhyner cruising by shore in an oval race on Saturday. Rhyner took fourth in the Pro Open.
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Eagles close in on Tigers, but fall short
Ryan Flaherty pitching for the Eagles while Matt Goulet stands back at short stop. Flaherty struck out five Tigers and allowed four runs on five hits against the sectional champs. Unity’s Chad Strilzuk led off the Eagles half of the first with a triple, but he got tagged out after taking a lead toward home. Strilzuk also fell victim to a diving catch by New Richmond center fielder Tony Evans later in the game. – Photos by Matt Blumkin
Unitys pitching kept Tigers from cruising New Richmond 6, Unity 0 by Matt Blumkin NEW RICHMOND – Unity ended their season with a moral victory at New Richmond in the section tournament on July 20. They had been pounded by the Tigers in their two previous meetings, and they were humbled by them 12-2 in the 2006 regionals too. At sectionals this
season, they made it a different story. “They smashed us together two times,” said Eagles pitcher Ryan Flaherty. “We hung with them today, and it felt good.” Flaherty pitched the Eagles into competition with the Tigers as he struck out batters and helped the fielders allowing fieldable hits. The Eagles kept it tight, 00, until the third inning. “I was able to place it pretty good and pitch where I wanted to today,” said Flaherty, who allowed eight hits by the orange and stripes. Yet, Tigers star player Blake Berger cranked a home run in the fifth inning,
his 17th of the year. The Tigers took a 40 lead with another run crossing the plate. The Eagles came in hot on offense with 43 runs in their previous three games, but they could not get the hits they needed against the Tigers. Chad Strilzuk led off the game with a triple, but he got tagged at third when taking a lead for home. “It was a timing move,” said Eagles coach Mike Morris. “The guy didn’t make the normal move that we see during the year. I can’t fault Chad, we just never talked about a timing move as a pick-off at third base.” Strilzuk got pegged again by the Tigers in the third. He hit a ball high into center field, but Tigers center fielder Tony Evans made a diving grab.
“That was a heck of a play,” said Eagles senior Matt Goulet. “If he (Strilzuk) got by, who knows what would have happened from there, but that’s good baseball.” The Eagles mustered five hits while striking out nine times and flying out six against the Tigers. They never had more than one runner on base during the game. “We just didn’t get the hits when we needed it,” said Morris. Yet, Flaherty and Ricky Garbow kept the Eagles in the game with their pitching. Garbow came in during the fifth and allowed two runs while striking out one. The Eagles fell 6-0 in the section semifinals, but Morris was happy with his team’s turnaround in facing New Richmond. “The first two times we played them, I didn’t feel real good about the way we played,” said Morris. “But, today I was proud of our kids.” Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total Unity 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 New Richmond 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 6 Individual Statistics Unity AB H R BB RBI Chad Strilzuk 3 1 0 0 0 Ryan Flaherty 3 1 0 0 0 Matt Goulet 3 0 0 0 0 Aaron Schmidt 3 1 0 0 0 Mike Schmidt 2 0 0 0 0 Corey Tunheim 3 1 0 0 0 Justin Bader 3 0 0 0 0 Curtis Nelson 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Eric Goulet 1 Rick Garbow 1 0 0 0 0 Totals 25 4 0 0 0 New Richmond Hayden Zimmerman Jake Kleiner Blake Berger Cole Johnston Tony Evans C. Berger Cody Torkelson Jon Haffner Totals
Corey Tunheim just coming short on making the tag at second base. The Eagles allowed two stolen bases by the Tigers.
Unity Ryan Flaherty Ricky Garbow
AB 4 3 2 2 4 4 3 4 26
H 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 7
R 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 6
Pitching Statistics W/L INN AB K L 4.0 23 5 3.0 14 2 x
BB 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 6
RBI 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3
BB H 5 5 2 3
R 4 2
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Bandits double up on Isanti, Minn., Redbirds St. Croix Bandits tangle with Eastern Minnys top teams by Matt Blumkin ST. CROIX FALLS – As the St. Croix River Bandits near the end of their inaugural season, they have showed the can tangle with the league’s best. They defeated Eastern Minny League foe Isanti, Minn., Redbirds (23-8, 17-5) 42 on Sunday, July 22. It came days after falling 8-5 at Hinckley, Minn., (21-8, 193) on July 20. Their win over Isanti, Minn., snapped a three-game skid, which included a loss to the Osceola Braves at Wannigan Days on July 21. Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Jay Gagner pitched up as storm for the Bandits as they took out the Redbirds with a balanced hitting attack. “We’re definitely getting more confident every day,” said Bandits coach Scott Lindholm. Having a former NCAA Division I player helps too. “He’s been exactly what we thought he would be,” said Lindholm. Gagner, a former Cumberland player, came to the Bandits during the second half of the season. Mike Leahy of the Bandits had connections with his family and invited him to join the team. Since then, Gagner has picked up two wins in two appearances with 23 strikeouts. He holds a 1.59 ERA while allowing only 10 hits so far this season. “I’m sure the Twins felt the same way with (Johan) Santana when you have the lead,” said Lindholm. The Bandits took an early 2-0 lead with RBIs by Curtis Roebuck and Michael Chelberg. Troy DeSmet and Mitch Thompson each came home on those respective hits. Four different Bandits scored runs in the 4-2 triumph, and three different players drove in runs. Lindholm also drove in a run for the Bandits. They did not have as much fortune with a loss to Osceola at Wannigan Days, 14-7, with only four starters available. Lindholm liked pitcher Brandon Peterson’s effort despite little support.
Grantsburg 10, Osceola 6 Grantsburg 6, Webster 3 OSCEOLA/GRANTSBURG – The Honkers spoiled Osceola’s Fan Appreciation Night with another big hitting performance on July 20. They followed up their 12-2 win over Stanberry from July 15 with a 10-0 lead against the Braves through seven innings. Bryan Johnson had a hot bat for the Honkers with a five-for-five performance. He and Bryan Vilstrup got the offense chugging with hits in the first inning for a 1-0 lead. The Honkers broke it open with six runs in the third inning. Johnson also controlled the Braves’ bats with his pitching. He shut them out in his seven innings of pitching. The Honkers kept it rolling with a 6-3 win over the Orioles on Sunday, July 22. Bryan Vilstrup picked up the win allowing three runs in nine innings of pitching.
St. Croix’s Jordan Martell batting earlier in the season. Martell and company took out the playoff-bound Isanti, Minn., Redbirds 4-2 recently. – Photos by Matt Blumkin “He just pitched his tail off, but didn’t get any help,” said Lindholm. Six fielding errors plagued the Bandits as the Braves capitalized with eight unearned runs against Peterson. He struck out three and walked four in his 5.2 innings of pitching. Against Hinckley, Minn., on July 20, a late comeback by the Knights plagued them. The Bandits had rallied from a 40 hole in the seventh inning with five runs. DeSmet had a two-RBI single to cap the comeback. Yet, the Knights piled on three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, and they scored one more in the eight to seal it, 8-5. Lindholm said they have been playing their best ball against the top teams
in the league though they have struggled with weaker opponents. They have lost league games to the Pine City, Minn., Pirates (10-10, 9-9) and the Braham, Minn., Stars (5-15, 5-15) this season. They will have their third meeting with the winless Siren Steelers on July 26, and they play a playoff game against Chisago Lakes on July 27. The game won’t count toward the Minnesota state playoffs since St. Croix is a Wisconsin team. “If we win, we’ll count it as a win,” said Lindholm. His squad won’t be playoff eligible in either Minnesota or Wisconsin being a Wisconsin team in a Minnesota league.
SCF Legion wrap-up SCF sweeps Amery Legion, holds promise for 2008 SCF Legion 5, Amery Legion 1 SCF Legion 5, Amery Legion 4 by Matt Blumkin AMERY – Sweeping a doubleheader against an Amery Legion squad on July 19 concluded a promising Legion season by St. Croix Falls. “They’re already talking about a conference championship next spring,” said SCF Legion coach Scott Lindholm. “They finally believe what I told them back in March.” Lindholm had been hammering home to the young players about their level of talent. They’ve been hammering the ball during the Legion season since then. They averaged .379 at the plate as a team with Matt Vold leading the crew at .459. He had 24 RBIs and five doubles and triples each to go along with his hot hitting.
Gus Koecher of St. Croix Falls sliding into third against Bruce on July 16. – Photo by Matt Blumkin Gus Koecher also hit above the .400 mark at .410, and he earned the team’s Gold Glove award for the best fielder. He also tortured pitchers and catchers on the base paths with 13 stolen bases. Stolen bases where a forte of the SCF Legion squad. They had 97 as a team with Josh
Larcom leading the way with 20. His older brother, Jake Larcom, stole 14 bases and scored 29 runs. With his senior leadership and .394 average, he earned team MVP for the season. Trygve Chinander earned the team’s Cy Young (top pitcher) award with a stellar season on the mound. Chinander went 6-1 with a whopping 0.98 ERA. Steve Gebhard also corralled opposing batters with a 2.70 ERA and a 3-1 record. SCF finished 18-10 overall while winning 13 of their last 14 games. The sophomore-laden squad will take the field again in the spring of 2008 with their eyes on the West Lakeland Conference title. SCF Legion team awards MVP – Jake Larcom Gold Glove – Gus Koecher Cy Young – Trygve Chinander Most Improved – Ryan Larson Gamer (hustle) – Cory Gebhard Ichiro (best hitter) – Matt Vold Coaches Award – Josh Larcom Other final stats Ben Anderson, .384 batting average. Josh Larcom .324, 23 runs. Nick Johnson, .347. 14 RBIs.
Grantsburg’s Bryan Johnson pitching at Osceola’s All-Star Game in early July. Johnson made a successful return trip to Oakey Park as the Honkers beat the Braves 10-6 on July 20.
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Frederic Paintball five-man tournament FREDERIC — The crew at Frederic Paintball would like to extend gratitude to all who attended the five-man tournament this last Sunday. The top three teams were: Travesty with 1471, Magnum scored 1235 and taking third was NVE with 1035. Frederic Paintball is halfway through the season and they’ve broken a lot of paintballs. Many exciting events still coming up, and the course is still open Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 to 5 p.m. for open play. There is a $5 entry fee Wednesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. and the public is welcome. The biggest event of the season will be the courses’ Big Woods game, which will be held on July 29 in honor of military personnel, current and retired. By bringing a military ID card, Frederic Paintball will waive the field fee for the day. This event is called a monster game. Teams will compete to control five different bases, receiving points for every minute they control them. The game will consist of two halves, each three hours long, with reinsertion every 10 minutes. It should be a blast! A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to local veteran organizations. For more information check out their Web site at www.fredericpaintball.com
Paintball is more than just shooting at an opposing team. A lot of strategy is involved in order to win. Photos submitted
Action scenes from Kopellah last weekend
W a t e r c r o s s “What a weekend” is the only way to describe the fun at Grantsburg this past one. Even with the nasty weather on Sunday, the racing went on with only a short delay and everyone still had a blast. Coen’s pond people ended up taking home a few paychecks again placing in most of the classes. The KMA race team sponsored a race between Tucker from the Grantsburg Hockey Association and Brian Zepp from the KQRS radio station. Duke Tucker drover the No. 168 Ski-Doo of TJ Peterson and won the race, while Zepp drove the No. 448 Ski-Doo of Bill Buggert directly into the lake pulling the tether just seconds before the motor was totally under water. It made for some extra fun for everyone, besides some good publicity for the Grantsburg Hockey Association. The next race is just a couple weeks away at Ely, Minn., which will be another weekend of major upsets in the IWA field of Pro
T h o u g h t s and Semi-Pro drivers. For more information about this wild and crazy sport you can go to any of the following four Web sites to see photos, information and a short video a b o u t watercross racing. www.snowsclub.com - www.kmaracing.org www.iwausa.org www.grantsburgwatercross.com See you all at the races, Arlen Peterson #449 Retired LEFT: Joey Strub #3 from the Mud Hen Lake area with Brian McCurdy Jr. of Chisago City, Minn., behind, made Grantsburg the first race they were at for the season. Strub announced that his race sled is for sale at this race and said he will be spending time on his new boat. - Photo submitted
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21
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Big R sighting Former Frederic athlete Ron “Big R” Peterson—who now resides near Elkhorn was spotted in Siren last Saturday evening. Peterson was a tough and agile athlete who is best remembered for his dominant performance in a football game at Osceola back in 1975. Fans still call it one of the most dazzling gridiron displays in Viking history. After the Big R made his splash, three of his brothers—Rick, Rob and Randy—later followed to make their mark in FHS football history. Tiger mainstay to eschew gridiron? Spies from Webster report that a top Tiger athlete may forego football in this, his senior season. With just a shade over two weeks remaining until the opening of practice, boosters and coaches have little time to convince him to change his mind. Well-known area sports figure to coach Laker girls Reports from Laker country say longtime Spooner girls’ basketball coach Carlo Kumpula has been named to man the helm for the Shell Lake girls varsity. It’s no secret that the Laker ladies have been struggling on the hardcourt in recent years and perhaps the affable, yet intense Finlander is the person who can right the ship. Kumpula is well-known in the area for his work as a baseball umpire and also for his top-notch sports column which once appeared on these pages. 25 miles as the crow flies Wisconsin town ball rules state that during the regular season teams may employ players who reside within “25 miles as the crow flies” from the team’s base of operations. Informants from the Nye and East Farmington area say New Richmond Millers’ boosters hurled a smattering of sour grapes in the direction of the Osceola Braves brain trust after the Braves waylaid the Millers 7-3 in a game played during New Richmond’s community celebration a couple of weeks ago.. Apparently the Millers backers take issue with the fact that O-Braves brass has been able to secure the services of the likes of Travis and Tyler Pilz, Chad Strilzuk, and Joby Davidsavor, all of whom live outside the 54020 (Osceola) zip code. Criticism? Pshaw! Instead the Braves should be commended for a stellar job of recruiting. “There’s a ground ball to short...throw to first...two away” As this issue of the Leader began to spin off the press, the state tourney baseball game between New Richmond (24-3) and Milwaukee Marquette (24-10) was nearing completion. By the time you read this column you will be able to read a play-byplay game account on www.wiaawi.org.
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It’s a known fact that WIAA summer baseball has survived as long as it has due primarily to the stubborn insistence of a cartel of Milwaukee area schools. There’s even talk that the Sudsville-area summer ball proponents may band together to form their own maverick association. Stay tuned. Iconic ex-Viking skipper quietly retires The most successful baseball coach in Frederic High School history, Steve Jensen, recently retired from his teaching post at the local high school. It’s been years since the even-keeled Cushing native has paced the Viking dugout, but he’s still revered in blue and gold land for the conference championships he won and state tourney appearances his team made. Peaks and valleys for the king of the anglers Mr. Walleye, the Leader’s unofficial outdoor informant, (Marty Seeger is the official informant) reports two major fishing outings with contrasting success rates. Apparently a foray to the wilds of Canada led to a sub-par catch, but a trip to the Missouri river of South Dakota produced astounding walleye action. The king of the anglers also noticed that pheasants were in great abundance as he drove across the Jackrabbit State. Swerved to miss a deer One motorist counted 16 fawns (and 35 adult deer) during a morning drive from Frederic to Cumberland earlier this week. That’s an uncanny number, especially since the wayfarer is old enough to remember a day when even one sighting per season of a dainty, spotted fawn was rare and precious. How times have changed. Changed times means continued good news for local hunters. We won! Many thanks to all who voted. Those who pay attention to the Leader’s weekly online poll will note that the answer “none” was the poll winner by over 30 percentage points. The question was “How many bottles of water do you buy in a week?” It’s heartwarming to know that Leader readers are well aware that Wisconsin has not only the best groundwater in the nation, but also one of the country’s most closely monitored, regulated, and pure municipal water supplies. Therefore, most Leader poll-participants know it’s foolish to waste their hardearned money on bottled water. (Especially when there’s so many other refreshing beverages sitting in that convenience store cooler, none of which one can be drawn from one’s own kitchen faucet.) This week’s trivia: Name the hometown of these Wisconsin natives who have played (or still play) major leage baseball. 1) Andy Pafko 2) Jarrod Washburn 3) Fritz Ackley 4) Rick Reichardt 5) Tom Poquette 6) Burleigh Grimes 7) Jim Gantner 8) Bob Wickman 9) Bob Uecker 10) Damian Miller Answers: 1) Boyceville 2) Webster 3) Hayward 4) Madison 5) Eau Claire 6) Clear Lake 7) Eden 8) Oconto Falls 9) Milwaukee 10) LaCrosse e-mail John Ryan at jmr202@yahoo.com
E YE O N J ARROD. . . Rollercoaster for Washburn, but Mariners escape by Matt Blumkin SEATTLE – Webster native and Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn appeared to have things wrapped up on July 18. He gave up one run over the first six innings as the Mariners mounted a 5-1 lead against the Baltimore Orioles. Yet, the Orioles came out swinging in the seventh and knotted the game at 5-5. DATE
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July 18 Orioles 2006 Mariners 2007 Mariners CAREER TOTALS
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1 31 19 233
0 8 8 91
Washburn took a seat in the dugout, and J.J. Putz closed out the contest for the M’s in a 6-5 win. Washburn received a no-decision after pitching 6.1 innings with Jarrod Washburn five strikeouts. He has struggled since the All-Star Break with four earned runs or more in his last two outings. He gave up four earned runs against the Detroit Tigers on July 13. – with information from MLB.com
JARROD WASHBURN STATS: L ERA IP H R 0 14 7 78
4.02 4.67 4.02 4.03
6.1 187.0 118.2 1459.0
8 198 124 1444
5 103 58 692
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1 25 9 184
0 55 36 439
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Independent League Standings
Team Brill Millers St. Croix Ravens Haugen Knights Haugen Hornets Cumberland Islanders Grantsburg Honkers Stanberry Giants Spooner Cardinals Weyerhaeuser Black Hens Hayward Hawks Seeley Mudpuppies Webster Orioles Siren Steelers
League 8-1 8-2 9-1 7-3 5-5 6-5 5-5 4-5 5-5 5-5 2-8 1-10 0-10
Overall 8-1 16-7 9-1 7-3 5-5 7-7 5-5 8-10 5-5 5-5 2-8 1-10 0-12
Eastern Minny League Standings Central Division
Team Chisago Lakes, Minn., Bulldogs Pine City, Minn., Pirates St. Croix River Bandits Braham, Minn., Stars
League 15-7 10-10 8-14 5-15
Overall 17-8 10-10 11-19 5-15
Scores
Thursday, July 19 Chisago Lakes, Minn., 12, St. Croix River Bandits 6 Friday, July 20 Grantsburg 10, Osceola 6 Hinckley, Minn., 8, St. Croix River Bandits 5 Saturday, July 21 Osceola Braves 14, St. Croix River Bandits 7 Sunday, July 22 Grantsburg 6, Webster 3 St. Croix River Bandits 4, Isanti, Minn., 2
Coming Up
Thursday, July 26 St. Croix River Bandits at Siren, 7 p.m. Friday, July 27 SC River Bandits at Chisago Lakes, Minn., 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28 Grantsburg at Weyerhaeuser, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 29 Hayward at Webster, 1 p.m. Siren at Stanberry, 1 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL Scores
Thursday, July 19 St. Croix Falls Legion 5, Amery Legion 1 St. Croix Falls Legion 5, Amery Legion 4 Friday, July 20 WIAA Sectionals at New Richmond (#1) New Richmond 6, (#4) Unity 0 (#2) Grantsburg 7, (#3) Baldwin-Woodville 2 (#1) New Richmond 13, (#2) Grantsburg 1 End of season for area teams
SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL
Falun Church League Standings
Team Trade Lake Baptist Falun Churches Siren Covenant-Bethany Webster Baptist Siren Assembly West Sweden-Zion Lutheran Trade River Free Calvary Covenant Frederic Free Faith Lutheran Living Hope-Grace
Overall 8-0 7-1 6-3 5-3 4-4 3-5 3-5 3-6 2-5 2-6 1-7
Area Scores
Wednesday, July 18 Siren Men’s League Pour House 14, TNJ 4 Hole in Wall 18, GJonnes Construction 3 Sundown 17, Jed’s 2 Hap’s Landing 24, Century-21 18 Thursday, July 19 Falun Church League Webster Baptist 13, Living Hope-Grace 7 Trade Lake Baptist 8, West Sweden-Zion Lutheran 3 Friday, July 20 Falun Church League Siren Covenant-Bethany 18, Falun Churches 1 Calvary Covenant 14, Frederic Free 9 Trade River Free 29, West Sweden-Zion Lutheran 11 Monday, July 23 Siren Women’s League Skol Bar 18, T&T Logging 2 Chell Trucking 18, Coyland 17 Maurer Construction 20, H-Town Girls 4
B R E W E R S -T W I N S
S OAPBOX Next: @ Reds @ Cardinals It was nice to see Barry Bonds shut down in Milwaukee last weekend, but the Brewers still couldn’t come out with the series win. The Crew is still lucky to remain slightly ahead of rival Chicago, who’s been closing the Brewers National League Central first-place lead since the end of June. So far this season the Brewers have been in first place for all but 11 games, so it will definitely make for some exciting baseball in the coming months. Ben Sheets might still be out for the next few weeks with a sprained finger, but Yovani Gallardo has come through nicely as the perfect replacement until Sheets comes back. The Brewers lost a tough game in 12 innings against the Reds on Monday night, which was a game they should have won. They loaded the bases in the 11th with no outs and still couldn’t cash in on the win. If the Brewers continue to struggle against the lesser teams, it might prove as a rude awakening as the weeks move by when they face stronger competition. Fortunately for the Brewers, Gallardo (3-1) pulled off a much-needed win Tuesday night against the Reds by a score of 5-3 – Marty Seeger
Next: @ Indians, vs. Royals Another opportunity to gain ground in the AL Central will be on the horizon for the Twins as they close the month of July at Cleveland and home against Kansas City. The Twins went 6-4 in their 10-game home stand following the All-Star Break. Unfortunately, three of those four losses came in one-run contests to the division-leading Detroit Tigers. The Twins weren’t exactly hitting the light outs either, with only five runs in the three-game set – an ongoing concern for the Twins. It took a turn for the worse with Michael Cuddyer going on the 15-day disabled list. Yet, Rondell White coming back from the DL will help. He had 38 RBIs and seven homers in 99 games played during 2006. Jason Kubel stepped up recently with a 3-3, twoRBI performance against the Angels on July 20. The Twins pulled that contest off 7-5. Justin Morneau knocked a two-run dinger in that win. Joe Mauer came up with some home run heroics on July 21 with an in-thepark homer, which brought home three runs. The Twins ran away with a 7-2 win. The pitching had one big bright spot in the past week with Matt Garza allowing one earned run against the Tigers. – Matt Blumkin
Racing memories at Memory Lake Racers picking up steam in the Drag races on July 21 at the Grantsburg Watercross races. The 31st -annual event was held at G r a n t s b u r g ’s Memory Lake. – Photo by Matt Blumkin
O UTDOORS
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INTER- COUNTY LEADER
ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Kinship kids get lessons in shooting
Sonny Chelmo steadied his bow arm for a 15-yard shot at the spot target Friday afternoon. INSET: Chelmo pulls out a couple of bull’s-eyes before getting back to the line for another round.
Brandon Skow, 14, of Luck, was introduced to a traditional muzzleloader firearm that filled the sky with smoke last Friday afternoon at the Balsam Lake Rod and Gun Club. The shooting sports day was held for approximately 14 members of the Polk County Kinship program and their mentors. Members of the Polk County Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore guided Sportsmen’s Club, DNR, local law enforcement and Balsam Lake Kinship kids through gun safety and Rod and Gun Club assisted in the daylong program. – Photos by proper shooting techniques last Friday. Marty Seeger and Sandy King
LEFT: Conservation Warden Rich Thole spoke to Polk County Kinship kids after a video about handling firearms safely, and what firearms can do if handled improperly. Kids were asked to raise their hands if they planned to hunt this season.
Let the preparations begin After tinkering with my bow for the first time in nearly three weeks, I realized that there was a lot of work to do before the fall bonanza begins. One of the first Marty things I noticed was Seeger that the dozen arrows that I bought last season are all but gone. The How does one lose a Bottom Line dozen arrows you might ask? Well, I’m still trying to figure that out myself, but I have a general idea. I spent last Saturday evening with
friends in front of an old excelsior bale lined with clay pigeons. We took turns at 30 yards shooting at the target, and when it came down to my turn I shattered one of the clays perfectly in the center. “Geez, look at this guy,” my friend remarked in amazement. “I wasn’t aiming for that one,” I said, to which my friends asked why anyone would admit to something like that. Then, as I retrieved the arrow from the target, it snapped, which reduced my arrow count to one. The fact is, I still have a lot of tweaking on my bow to do, and if I don’t start now I might not be in the woods when the season opens. Right now my confidence level as an archer is at its lowest point. It happens every year at about this time. I start out the year shooting constantly through the winter months, and head outside to the archery shoots when they begin in
Conservation Warden Chris Spaight explained clay shooting safety and techniques before the first group of Kinship kids took to the range last Friday at the Balsam Lake Rod and Gun Club. the spring. Then, sometime after spring, the summer bug hits and I put the bow up for a month or so. Now that I have the bow back in hand, I realize that I still have some shooting to do before my confidence level goes back up again. It shouldn’t take long, and it’s a fun project to sight in a bow, but I’ll feel a lot better once I get more confidence in my bow and shooting ability. It’s not always easy to get the bow out on a hot summer evening in preparation for the upcoming season, but one thing that helped me was putting in a few old hunting videos, and indulging in the pages of nearly every outdoor magazine I could get my hands on. Pouring over the pages of articles boasting “new” and “foolproof” ways to harvest a deer has always been the best way to get ready for the season. Bowhunting is, of course, not the only thing going on in the fall. This
year I might scrap the bow on a couple of occasions and take on a few hunts for waterfowl, grouse or do a little squirrel hunting that’s long overdue. There’s also the dove season, which I’ve participated in every year since its existence in Wisconsin. It’s an interesting way to get outdoors and enjoy some early-season hunting action, but I have yet to harvest a single dove—maybe this year. Fall fishing is something else I’d like to do more of this season. Two years ago, when I should have been in the woods, I was out catching bass with the backdrop of some peak fall foliage. Although these are just a handful of things coming up in the fall, it’s going to take a lot of scheduling and time to pull it all off. The trouble is, every year I set out to do these things and never get around to it. This season, with the right preparation I’m going to make it all come together.
Trapper education coming to Crex GRANTSBURG – A trapper education workshop will be held at the Department of Natural Resources Crex Meadows Headquarters north of Grantsburg on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18 and 19. First-time trappers are reminded that they are required to complete a trapper education course before buying a trapping or patron’s license. Anyone considering trapping otter or fisher this fall should note that the application deadline for tags for these species is Aug. 1 (you may apply for a tag before taking the course). On Saturday, the course runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an evening
meal, and Sunday, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., with a breakfast and lunch. The workshop is sponsored and taught by the Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Trappers Association. It is open to all persons regardless of age. Cost of the course is $20 and includes a manual, 2007 trapping license and three meals. Novice trappers will learn humane and efficient methods of trapping, exposure to and training with equipment, information on furbearers, preparing and handling furs, history of the fur trade and trapping rules and regulations. Students will also get field experi-
ence set-ting traps and proper equipment care. Because of space limitations and meal counts, preregistration is required. To register and receive more information
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about the course contact: Paul Petersen at 715-463-2896 at the Crex Meadows Headquarters or 715-472-2633 after 5 p.m. – submitted by DNR
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On Aug. 1 fall turkey hunting applications are due. Other deadlines on Aug. 1 include the deadline to apply for goose hunting permits in the Collins and Horicon zones. Sharp-tailed grouse permit applications are due on that date, as well as the deadline to apply for bobcat, fisher and otter permits. Aug. 1 is also the deadline for successful applicants to purchase or transfer a Class A bear license. – Marty Seeger
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23
SNOWS donations
The SNOWS Frederic Watercross donated a $300 check to the Frederic Historical Society, along with a SNOWS Frederic Watercross hat, and picture of Arlen Peterson (at right) on his snowmobile to hang in the museum. Accepting the check on behalf of the Frederic Historical Society is Ken Java.
Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Village of Webster, July 16: Matthew R. Bambery, 17, Webster, was riding a motorcycle and did not stop at a stop sign on the corner of East Cedar and Perch streets. He drove into a Webster School truck driven by Brian Q. Sears, 48, Webster. The window of the truck was broken during the accident and the truck was towed. Sears had no apparent injury. Bambery was ejected from the motorcycle and reportedly thrown out of his shoes. He was taken by ambulance to hospital with incapacitating injuries. Bambery was issued three citations. Town of Jackson, July 16: Bertha A. Boyer, 70, Danbury, was northbound on Sweger Road when she lost control after her dog got sick in the car. The vehicle went into the ditch and struck a tree. The driver was reported to have nonincapacitating injuies. The vehicle was towed due to damages. Town of Meenon, July 15: Robert A. Edwards, 51, Webster, was northbound on old Hwy. 35 when he lost control on a curve, entered a ditch and overturned. The vehicle was towed due to damages. The driver reported nonincapacitating injuries and was taken into custody for OWI. Arrests Village of Webster, July 22: Ronald A. Vachino, 41, Bristol, Conn., was removed from St. John’s Catholic Church. He was issued four citations and arrested. Other incidents
Town of West Marshland, July 16, Eddie J. Zalesky, 63, Grantsburg, reported his home broken into. Alcohol was consumed and 13 firearms and a vehicle taken. The vehicle was found abandoned on Johnson Street. His motor home was found abandoned one day earlier, on July 15. The incident is under investigation. Town of Siren, July 19: Moose Mulligans reported a golf cart overturned. The incident is under investigation. Town of Sand Lake, July 20: Greg S. Lein, 35, Eagan, Minn., reported tools, folding chairs and a propane tank for a grill taken from his new construction. The incident is under investigation. Town of Jackson, July 20: James C. Graber, 72, Danbury, reported his garage door kicked in. Nothing appeared to be missing. The incident is under investigation. Town of Daniels, July 20: Joseph P. Cremin, 25, Webster, reported three guitars, two amps, 100 assorted CDs, a CD player, an equalizer, other studio equipment, two cameras and money were taken from a studio/residence. The incident is under investigation. Town of Daniels, July 20: Mika J. McBroom, 22, Siren, reported a purse stolen at Siren National Golf Course. The incident is under investigation. Town of Scott, July 21: Jeffrey M. Polaski, 45, Danbury, reported a car stereo and speakers taken from Main Storage Units. All units were broken into, but nothing else was reported taken. The incident is under investigation.
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The SNOWS Frederic Watercross donated nine boxes of potato chips to the Frederic Food Shelf recently. The chips were extras leftover from the watercross event held on Coon Lake June 30-July 1. Representing the food shelf are (L to R) LaVonne Boyer and Anita Peterson. Representing the SNOWS Frederic Watercross is Arlen Peterson (far right). – Photos by Marty Seeger
A master’s degree at 70 ST. CROIX FALLS - Al Kruger, 70, of St Croix Falls was awarded an MA in Advocacy and Political Leadership at the University of Minnesota - Duluth on May 11, 2007. After earning a BA in Government from Harvard University in 1959, Kruger served as an officer in the US Marine Corps and worked in marketing for several Minnesota corporations before becoming the American marketing consultant for a German textile company, a position he held for twenty five years. In partial retirement at age 68, he was accepted into the master’s program. His interest in this academic course came as a result of the successes he was seeing in Circles of Support in Grand Rapids Minn. As a founding member of this program, his next aim was to learn more about influencing the political process, progressives and conservatives alike, to support a grassroots effort at helping people move beyond welfare by offering the “hand up” of friendship, collaboration, and cooperation rather than merely a “hand out”. His course of study included an unpaid internship with the city of St. Croix Falls that concluded with a power point presentation of the vision for the future of the city in which he brought together many of the groups working independently toward making art, the environment and the scenic valley priorities within the community. “Al’s internship with the City, where he interviewed numerous community
Al Kruger leaders, resulted in a community betterment plan for the City to focus on arts, culture and natural resources. His internship set the basis for the creation of our arts district and the momentum now taking place in the downtown and throughout the community. He may be seventy years old but he has great youthful enthusiasm and his ideas are bold and fresh,“ said Ed Emerson, City Administrator. Kruger is married to Marilyn Brissett of St. Croix Falls. - with submitted information
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Siren police report July 11: Matthew A. Norton, 22, Webster, was cited for speeding 74 mph in a 40-mph zone at 2:28 a.m. Norton was stopped on Hwy. 35/70 and CTH K. July 17: Michael John Glienke, 28, Milltown, was cited for failing to stop at a stop sign on Main Street and Hanson Avenue at 9:30 p.m. Glienke was also cited for operating without a valid driver’s license. At 11:30 p.m., Bridget Blanche Quist, 28, Hinckley,
Minn., was cited for having an open intoxicant, a Bud Light beer, in her hand. Quist had left the Pour House parking lot and was stopped while walking south from Russ’ Meats. July 20: At 3 a.m., the Siren officer on duty was called to assist the Webster officer who was handling an underagedrinking party in an apartment on Webster’s Main Street. Charges against several people were made by the Webster officer. An accident at 3:25 p.m. in the
Ben Franklin parking lot involved vehicles driven by Nichole A. Marcyan, 26, Siren, and Paul Frank Werler, 83, Minneapolis, Minn. Marcyan was pulling into the parking from the frontage road and, according to the report, Werler backed into her driver-side door. Names had been exchanged, and the vehicles had left the parking lot when the officer arrived. At 10:20 p.m., Jered R. Smith, 20, Amery, was cited for nonregistration of a vehicle on
Hwy. 35/70 at Parks West Street. July 21: At 6:40 p.m., Michael Paul Winston, 23, Mendota Heights, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 and Ellis Avenue. About 11 p.m., Robert Leland Mishler, 38, Siren, was cited for operating while intoxicated (fourth offense) on Hwy. 70 by the Gandy Dancer Trail. The report indicated that deputies would be charging Mishler with two additional citations for striking the rear of a vehicle in Falun.
Polk County criminal court Felony Carl Schmitt, 39, New Port, Fla., 14 counts of failure to pay child support. Preliminary hearing set for Aug. 23. Michael Petzel, 41, Frederic, felon in possession of a firearm. Preliminary hearing set for Oct. 16. Signature bond set of $1,000. Misdemeanor Honesty Houle, 27, Amery, disorderly conduct. Arrest warrant issued. Joshua Thompson, 26, Burnsville, Minn., battery. Bench warrant issued. Corey Wendt, 22, St. Croix Falls, theft. Bench warrant issued. Nichole Bauer, 22, Clear
Lake, pled not guilty to bail jumping and criminal damage to property. Cash bond set of $300. Steven Naylon, 48, Taylors Falls, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Court review set for Aug. 21. Kyle VanErp, 17, St. Croix Falls, pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Court review set for Oct. 12. Signature bond set of $1,000. Steven Murtha, 39, Stillwater, Minn., pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Signature bond set of $1,000. Court review set for Sept. 4. Susan Brookman, 42, Amery, disorderly conduct. Final
pretrial hearing set for Aug. 24. Kenneth Paulson, 44, St. Croix Falls, disorderly conduct. Adjourned initial hearing set for Aug. 20. Gregory S. Johnson, 38, Osceola, pled not guilty to criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass to dwelling. Review set for Aug. 31. Michael S. Anderson, 19, Ham Lake, Minn., pled not guilty to possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Court review set for Aug. 31. Maxamillin Schostek, 20, Prior Lake, Minn. disorderly conduct, battery. Adjourned initial hearing set for Aug. 20. Casey Irish, 27, Deer Park,
pled not guilty to disorderly conduct. Keith Lutz, 39, Clear Lake, disorderly conduct. Signature bond set of $1,000. Traffic Douglas M. Strenke, 22, OWI, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration of .08 or more, operating while revoked. Adjourned initial hearing set for July 30. Bernard Alvarez, 38, Osceola, pled not guilty to OWI, operating with PAC .08 or more. Review set for Aug. 10. Drew Schnell, 22, Clayton, pled not guilty to OWI, operating with PAC .08 or more. Review set for Aug. 21.0
July 22: At 2:40 a.m., Andrew Blake Douglas, 27, Circle Pines, Minn.; Jacob Lavelle, 21, La Crosse; and Derrick Dal Santo, 25, Pembine, Minn., were each cited on open-intoxicant charges on
Main Street and First Avenue. At 7 p.m., Laura Ann Arendt, 19, Eden Prairie, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 by Russ’ Meats.
Polk County sheriff’s report July 11, 2 p.m., Polk County Justice Center parking lot; #1— David A. Puetz, Deputy Sheriff, 31, Balsam Lake; #2—Legally Parked Vehicle owned by Ruth A. Olson of Frederic (no age given). Units 1 and 2 were parked in the parking lot. Unit 1 rolled backward to the west and struck the left front corner of unit 2. Damage was discovered when operator of unit 1 returned to vehicle. July 16, 7:45 p.m., Beaver Township, Hwy. 8, 200’ east of 15th Street; #1—Kent A. Coleman, 35, Turtle Lake; #2— Benjamin T. Brian, 43, Aberdeen, S.D.; Unit 1 was westbound on the shoulder of Hwy. 8. Unit 1 was a 1961 John
Deere tractor, pulling a haybine. Unit 2 was westbound on Hwy. 8. Unit 2 was a 1994 Peterbilt semi pulling a 50-foot livestock trailer containing 12 cows. Unit 2 veered slightly to the right, over the fog line and struck the haybine; then, with right front of semi-tractor, struck the left rear wheel of the farm tractor, breaking the wheel completely off. Unit 2 lost control and entered the westbound ditch. Upon entering the ditch, the livestock trailer tipped on its left side. Two cows died as a result of the crash. Driver of unit 1 received a minor injury (no EMS). Driver of unit 2 received a citation for inattentive driving.
Polk County divorces filed Tracie and Bruce Will, Amery. Married 1987. Two children. Lynn Taylor, Plum City, Michael Taylor, Clear Lake. Married 2006. No children.
Burnett County deaths Viola T. Guetzkow, 83, Trade Lake Township, June 29. David J. Littfin, 69, Scott Township, June 25. Scott G. Anderson, 42, Webster Village, June 25. Maurice E. Heyer, 72, Grantsburg Village, June 29
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Burnett County criminal court Mark J. Lemme, 49, Lexington, Minn., issue worthless check, $274.78. Jean M. Ritchie, 47, Pine City, Minn., issue worthless check, $249.00. Katherine A. Miller, 25, Frederic, issue worthless check, $249.00. Todd S. Betts, 39, St. Paul, Minn., failure to support child, three-year probation, ordered to pay child support as ordered, provide DNA sample, $393.00. Todd A. Groves, 38, South St. Paul, Minn., take and drive vehicle without consent, twoyear probation, provide a DNA sample, take all medications as prescribed by a physician, Restorative Justice if deemed helpful, alcohol assessment, $363.00. Raymond A. Carlson III, 38, Siren, entry into locked vehicle, one-year probation, $500.00 restitution, $77.00. William J. Bearhart, 30, bail jumping, $243.00. Dwight M. Kraemer, 43,
Danbury, operate without a valid license, $186.00; operating left of center line, $198.60. Charles R. Johnson, 44, Spooner, disorderly conduct, $249.00. Donald R. Osborne, 41, Wadena, Minn., disorderly conduct, one-year probation, anger management assessment, alcohol assessment, $88.00. Van J. Korhonen, 49, South Range, disorderly conduct, $249.00. Scott A. Schwartz, 52, Grantsburg, possession of a firearm by a felon, six months’ jail time, nonprobation conditions, provide a DNA sample, $347.00. Timothy R. Robinson, 18, Malta, Ill., possess drug paraphernalia, $249.00. Orville L. Martini Jr., 48, Spooner, burning without a permit, $160.80. Desmond D. Mosay, 41, Luck, possession of THC, 25 days’ jail time, Huber release for employment only, six months
license suspension, $88.00; OAR, $413.00. William J. Bearhart, 30, Danbury, obstructing an officer, $243.00. Benjamin A. Mier, 52, battery, five months’ jail time, may participate in community service, $70.00; resisting or obstructing an officer, five months’ jail time, consecutive to other sentence, $70. Ronald J. Garbow, 32, Danbury, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10 days’ jail time, Huber privileges are granted, license revoked 12 months. Gregory A. Miller, 53, Siren, OWI, $1,186.00, three-year probation, license revoked three years, 230 days’ jail time, no consumption of alcohol, may be eligible for community service, alcohol assessment. James R. Wichmann, 48, Grantsburg, possession of child pornography, 10-year probation, probation is to be reviewed after six years, six months’ jail time, psychiatric treatment, no con-
tact with victims, provide DNA sample, $863.00. Jake D. Parsons, 19, Eau Claire, sex with child 16 years or older, two-year probation, six months’ jail time; fourth-degree sexual assault, six months’ jail time consecutive to other sentence, $2,709.73 restitution, sex offender evaluation, no contact with the victim, write apology letter to victim, expunction of charges upon successful completion of probation, $176.00. Shonda L. McFaggen, 24, Webster, substantial batteryintend bodily harm, four years in prison, two years’ extended supervision, not eligible for Challenge Incarceration Program or Earned Release Program, inpatient drug treatment, no consumption of alcohol, no consumption of drugs without a prescription, 25 percent of prison wages to go for restitution, restitution to be announced; battery to law officers, three years in prison – concurrent with other sentence,
Polk County civil court Chad Hall, St. Croix Falls, plaintiff. School District of St. Croix Falls, Wausau Business Insurance Co., Wausau, and State of Wisconsin, Madison, defendants. Plaintiff is asking for a reversal of a decision by the Labor and Industry Review Commission. Hall alleges that he was employed by the school district on Dec. 22, 2003, when his knee was injured while practicing with the basketball team. An administrative law judge found that Hall and the district had an employer-employee relationship at the time of the injury. Defendants appealed that decision and the Labor and Industry Review Commission found that Hall was not an employee of the district at the time of the injury, but a volunteer. Hall says the commission’s evidence is not based on credible evidence and is asking for a reversal of the commission’s decision.
Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio, plaintiff. Sandra Wolleat, St. Croix Falls, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default of charge account payments and seeks $16,384.32. Household Industrial Finance Co., Maplewood, Minn., plaintiff. Todd Walker, Luck, defendant. Plaintiff alleges default on a loan and seeks a money judgment of $16,379.15. Deutsche Bank, National Trust Co., Fort Mill, S.C., plaintiff. Timothy and Carolyn Stineman, St. Croix Falls, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $233,747.02. The RiverBank, Osceola, plaintiff. Douglas Minor, Osceola, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $45,312.14. Bonnie Glassel, New Richmond and Rose Lawrence, St. Croix Falls, plaintiffs. John
Burnett Co. marriage licenses Charles R. Isaacson, Meenon, and Kristine N. Busch, Meenon, July 18. Timothy J. Cardinal, Ashburn, Va. and Tammera J. Proulx, Ashburn, Va., July 20. Joseph R. Noll, North Branch, Minn., and Jillian A. Winiecki, North Branch, Minn., July 20.
Doe, anonymous author of Polk County Gospel. Plaintiffs allege that John Doe distributed libelous information on bright yellow flyers to business owners in St. Croix Falls. Plaintiff claims that the flyer has damaged their standing in the community and that they have suffered mental anguish due to the alleged libelous statements in the flyer. The plaintiffs seek $1 million in damages. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Santa Ana, Calif., plaintiff. Erik and Kari Gangestad, Amery, defendants. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $194,456.59. Precision Ag Services LLC, New Richmond, plaintiff. Karl
Paquette, Balsam Lake, defendant. Plaintiff alleges that Paquette is indebted for purchased merchandise in amount of $6,686.15. Bank of New York, Simi Valley, Calif., plaintiff. Marjorie Amundsen, Clear Lake, defendant. Plaintiff seeks mortgage foreclosure for payment of $128,130.54. Bank of America, N.A., Phoenix, Ariz., plaintiff. Cory R. Larson, Amery, defendant. Plaintiff alleges nonpayment of credit card account and seeks money judgment of $6,437.19.
three years’ extended supervision. James R. Thomas, 34, New Richmond, disorderly conduct, $249.00. Gerald E. McFaggen, 28, Shell Lake, disorderly conduct, $186.00. Conrad St. John, 23, Webster, disorderly conduct, $186.00. Robert E. Phernetton, 21, Siren, disorderly conduct, $186.00. Ryan L. Nohrenberg, 25, River Falls, speeding, $249.00. Thomas C. Brandy, 63, North Branch, Minn., speedometer violations, $160.80. Ruth A. Demulling, 54, Grasston, Minn., speedometer violations, $113.00. Josiah A. Draves, 20, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80. Anton Klochko, 23, Ramsey, Minn., speeding, $113.00. Khris A. Spencer, 33,
Danbury, speeding, $249.00. Justin S. Rikkola, 17, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80. Alfred A. Moore, 20, Siren, speeding, $160.80. Samantha R. Bump, 18, Danbury, speeding, $160.80. Jeanine A. Bickford, 59, Webster, speeding, $186.00. Blake A. Hall, 17, Siren, speeding, $236.40. Thomas V. Meadows, 21, Frederic, underage drinking, $249.00. Amber M. Chute, 19, Grantsburg, OWI, $793.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked eight months. Drew Jasper, 20, Grantsburg, sex offender- fail to update information, obtain GED or HSED, $3,105.00 restitution.
PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 25, 2007
Webster munical court Corey S. Bearheart, Webster, unlawful passing, $109.00. James P. Burton, Webster, dist. the peace, $83.80. Alicia A. Byers, Grantsburg, violation of absolute sobriety,
$298.00; underage drinking, $361.00. Susan M. Finell, Woodbury, Minn., speeding, $83.80. Raymond A. Foss, Clayton, speeding, $83.80.
Alicia A. Hall, Webster, NSF check, $348.50. Craig A. Hawkins, Danbury, seat belt violation, $58.60. Alycia K. Hunter, Frederic, NSF check, $331.23.
Sierra L. Johnson, Grantsburg, underage drinking, $361.00. Robert HG. Kurka, New Berlin, speeding, $83.80.
Joseph F. Miller, Webster, speeding, $83.80. Tracie M. Peterson, Webster, NSF check, $396.97.
Jesse A. Tober, Webster, dog running at large, $121.90. Michael J. Majkrzak, Webster, unlawful entry, $52.30.
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27
Burnett County warrants Jonas A. Bearheart, 26, Cumberland, warrant – failure to appear, July 20. David A. Cook, 21, Cumberland, commitment, July 19. Dustin L. Daniels, 26, Cumberland, commitment, July 19. Scott L. Libhardt, 31, Hugo, Minn., commitment, July 19.
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Gregory G. McGuiggan, 48, Grantsburg, commitment, July 19. Robert A. Mcmillen, 35, Hayward, commitment, July 19. Kay L. Nelson, 36, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, July 18. Joshua J. Netzel, 22, Danbury, warrant – failure to appear, July 18. Chadwick D. Noll, 23, New Port Richey, Fla., warrant – failure to appear, July 18. Scott R. Studer, 43, Clontarf, Minn., commitment, July 19.
Notices/ Employment
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Notices/ Employment www.the-leader.net
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A dream comes true/continued from page 1 Members of Faith Ann’s family were identified on the ribbon-cutting day through nametags indicating their relationship to her. Her paternal grandparents, Emil and Jackie Lacek, were there from their home in Mercer. Her aunt, Mary Ann (Lacek) Colasacco, came for the occasion from Papilion, Neb. Chris Siegel and Lisa Troy, her maternal aunts, were there and helping to get everything ready for the people who came to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and for the public tours afterward. Apologies to any other family members who were there and not known to this reporter. The ground breaking for Faith’s Lodge was held just a little over a year ago, Friday, July 14. With construction now concluded and furnishing in, the lodge is finished. Starting Aug. 1, the lodge will be open to couples and families who have a child with a life-limiting condition or have experienced the loss of a child within the past three years, and who have been referred to Faith’s Lodge by a health-care provider, mental health practitioner, a member of the faith community or an approved support organization such as the Ronald McDonald House.
Six-year-old Emmy Lacek was given the honor of cutting the opening ribbon at Faith’s Lodge, the lodge named in memory of her older sister, Faith Ann Lacek. Emmy, her younger sister, Ally, and their parents, Mark and Susan Lacek, are shown as the doors were opened to the lodge in Webster Saturday, July 21. – Photo taken by Eric Thoalson, Hudson, and used with Thoalson’s permission.
Mark Lacek introduced Ronald McDonald House director Meg Katzman during the ribbon-cutting ceremon Lodge will have a waiting list within a year. Each couple or family may stay for one to five nights once during a calendar year, depending on space availability. A suggested minimum donation of $25 per night is requested; however, no one will be turned away for financial reasons. The purpose of this special place in the woods and by the lake in Webster is to offer hope and healing to couples and families who are coping with the serious illness or death of a child. Sue Ringhofer, her husband, Steve,
Susan Lacek talked about going from one of the worst days of her life, the day her daughter, Faith Ann, was stillborn, to one of the happiest days, the opening of the lodge dedicated to Faith Ann’s memory. and their two boys, Ted and Ben, are one of those families. The day of the ribbon cutting at Faith’s Lodge, July 21, in 1997, was the due date for the Ringhofer’s
Faith’s Lodge at 6942 CTH C, Webster, was the scene of a special ceremony Saturday, July 21: The grand opening of the lodge that took just a little over 12 months from groundbreaking to finishing. Jeff Howe Construction, Siren, was the general contractor, following the plan laid out by architect Bill Rust.
daughter, Katlin. Katlin died unexpectedly seven years later, as the result of complications from a seizure. One of Sue Ringhofer’s sons and her sister-in-law saw an article about Faith’s House in Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, and knew that Sue had a similar vision of a place where grieving families could start healing. “I made it my mission to meet Susan (Lacek), who welcomed us with open arms. I am so grateful. It is incredible to be a part of the journey, and a dream come true for me personally,” Ringhofer said. “Twenty-five family members are coming (for the ribbon cutting),” Sue Ringhofer said. “They are just as proud as we are.” The Ringhofer family, Sue, Steve and Ted, stayed at the Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren Friday night, July 20. Saturday night, July 21, they were able to stay overnight in one of the suites at Faith’s Lodge, as did the family of 11month-old Jack Roane, another child who lost his life not long after it began. Susan Lacek, Faith Ann’s mother, talked about coming from the one of the worst days of her life, the day her daughter was stillborn, to one of the happiest days, the opening of the lodge in Faith Ann’s memory. She praised the love that was shown, not only by her and her husband, but by the family,
Faith Ann Lacek’s two sisters sat in the front row during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Faith’s Lodge. Emmy, age 6, is seated on the lap of her aunt, Mark Lacek’s sister, Mary Ann Colasacco, of Papilion, Neb. Ally, age 4, is on the lap of the girls’ nanny, Terra Zosel, Minneapolis. friends and all those who believed in what they were trying to accomplish at Faith’s Lodge. Meg Katzman, executive director of Ronald McDonald House, said she sees Faith’s Lodge as one of Ronald McDonald House’s many outreach programs, programs that help them meet their mission and serve people beyond the doors of their facility. “Ronald McDonald House is all about community – bringing people together with others,” she said, predicting that in a year there will be a waiting list for space at Faith’s Lodge. Commendations were given to Sterling Bank, grant-providing Ronald McDonald House, architect Bill Rust, general contractor Jeff Howe and Howe Construction, and to all of the people who worked hard to make the dream and vision of Susan and Mark Lacek become reality. Susan Lacek expressed her worry about rain hampering the ribbon-cutting celebration. She need not have worried, as the day turned out to be sunny and warm, a perfect day for such a celebration. “Faith is smiling down on us,” Mark Lacek commented. For more information about Faith’s House, “a place where hope grows,” access www.faithslodge.org on the Internet or call the administrative office in Minneapolis at 612-825-2073.
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Dam birthday marks 100 years by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–A centennial celebration of the St. Croix Hydro Dam which took place July 21, during the Wannigan Days festivities. The celebration included speakers from Northern States Power/Xcel Energy, local government representatives and reading of proclamations from the governors of Wisconsin and Minnesota by state representatives from both states. Reddy Kilowatt, the mascot for the utility company, was also on hand, and what birthday would be complete without birthday cake? Birthday cake and lemonade were served to guests who attended the centennial celebration at the scenic overlook in St. Croix Falls. Music was played by Jim and Linda Iwaszko during the event. The speakers discussed the dam’s long history, innovation and future pursuit of alternative ways to create energy such as hydro dams. The event was coordinated by St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls organizations, cities, individuals, volunteers of a steering centennial committee, support from Northern States Power Company and the National Park Service, and St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls historical societies. The St. Croix Hydro Dam, located on the St. Croix River was installed in what were described as “Falls of the St. Croix.” The falls that the cities of St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls were named after were not really falls, but rather rapids that dropped 55 feet in six miles. The potential for this water power source was recognized early on by explorers, but only a sawmill could harness power from the water, despite several other attempts that took place from the 1840s to the 1890s. The American Electrical Industry adopted AC or alternating current as a standard and a pioneering project at Niagra Falls showed how AC could be transmitted over long distances. Closer to home efforts in St. Anthony Falls in Minnesota, harnessed power through the construction of a hydro plant built by Minneapolis General Electric Company in 1899. In 1903, congress approved and authorized the construction of the dam which began in 1904 and lasted to 1907. The dam eliminated the “falls” of St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls. The dam construction required hundreds of workers, local and foreign, who labored day and night, seven days a week. The dam was 700 feet long and 50 feet high. It cost $3.5 million. Several deaths and injuries occurred during the construction. The St. Croix Hydro Dam has several features to help it function: the power house which is located just south of the overlook deck in St. Croix Falls; the bear trap, or logging channel, adjacent to the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River; the gravity arch dam or curved spillway between the bear trap and power house; and further to the west, along the Minnesota shore, a dike which creates a pond extending up the river for about 10 miles. The dam had four Westinghouse generators with a 2,500 kilowatt capacity when it began regular service in January1907. The capacity increased in 1910, making it the largest plant Minneapolis General Electric Company had operating from 1910 to 1915. The capacity was increased again in 1923 to 21,400 kilowatts. A 40mile transmission line carried electricity at 50,000 volts. The power house was doubled in length in 1910, and still is the same size today. Northern States Power Company bought the dam in 1916. In 2000, NSP became Xcel Energy and is the present owner of the hydro dam. The electricity from the dam is transmitted to the Upper Midwest power grid. The St. Croix Hydro Dam remains the only hydropower facility on the St. Croix River. –Tammi Milberg with submitted historic information
This is the view of the St. Croix Hydro Dam power house on the back side, lower level. Water exits through these channels to control the water level above the dam.
Dave Sparby, Minnesota representative of Northern States Power/Xcel Energy said a few words about the dam and pursuing natural alternatives for energy such as hydro dams.
Photos by Tammi Milberg
Mike Swenson, Wisconsin representative from Northern States Power/Xcel Energy said a few words about the dam.
The generators for the hydro dam power house were part of the dam tours given during Wannigan Days. The tours were part of the 100 birthday of the dam.
Reddy Kilowatt was present for the dam birthday. Also pictured is Daryl Wangen in formal attire, who gave a historic presentation.
This view shows what it looks like up stream from the hydro dam’s platform. This is the area referred to as the bear trap, which served as a log sluice, or artificial channel for logging. Jim and Linda Iwaszko sing a few folk songs during the centennial celebration of the hydro dam July 21.
The St. Croix Hydro Dam began construction in 1904. It began operation in January 1907. It was 700 feet long and 50 feet high and cost $3.5 million.
Hundreds of people toured the St. Croix Hydro Dam. Pictured are people lined up for the tour.
‘Follow the Leader’
Currents
J ul y 25, 2007 2nd Sect i o n B I nt er- C o unt y Leader
N O R T H E R N
Covering the Northwest Wisconsin community
The story of a swimming pool...and a community 50 years ago this summer, a community came together to break ground for a one-of-a-kind swimming pool by Gary King FREDERIC - Bill Johnson jotted down some notes recently for this story, remembering 50 years ago when he and a group of community members rolled up their sleeves and built one of the biggest and uniquely designed swimming pools around. In one of his points he noted, “We didn’t plan this far ahead.” But, some may argue, they did. The swimming pool, aside from requiring more maintenance as years go by, has survived a half century of exposure to the elements and still serves its purpose well. Johnson, who served as the pool project’s foreman 50 years ago, can hear the pool “at work” on this sticky July day. Laughs and screams echo off the 300,000 gallons of water - not unlike the sounds that filled the air the first day the pool opened in the summer of 1958. Quick math says the pool has actually been in operation 49 years, not 50. But it can be argued that the true spirit of the project began when the first dirt flew the summer before - 1957 - a year that saw area volunteerism rise to new heights. Frederic - not a construction company but its actual citizens - began work on the pool and a golf course/country club that summer. And conditions weren’t exactly ideal. June of that year saw record rainfall, with more than 10 inches falling in that month alone. Three torrential rains that summer would hamper the community projects, at one point turning the future swimming pool into a mud pit. More than $200,000 worth of damage occurred at St. Croix Falls that summer due to flood waters. It was slow going, and the 1957-58 school year began with the project not even half-finished. Winter snow camouflaged the large hole in the ground and the thoughts of high dives off the imaginary diving board may have faded for awhile. But the spring of 1958 brought new enthusiasm for the project, as Frederic Fun Days in July - the precurser to Family Days - was marked on the calendar as the perfect time for a dedication of the new pool. It was a challenging deadline and Gudrun Johnson, Bill’s wife, remembers her
Bill Johnson remains the patriarch of the Frederic community swimming pool, having served as the overseer of a massive volunteer effort back in 1957 that created one of the largest pools, and one of the only triangular-shaped outdoor pools, of its kind in the region. From the site location to drawing up the plans to configuring the filter system, all while coordinating work crews, Johnson spent more time at the site that year and the following spring, than at home, according to his wife, Gudrun. Although it has been since razed, the old high school was located right across the street and its locker rooms offered a cost saving feature. “There may be many who remember the hard work with a shovel or in preparing the forms for pouring concrete the next day,” he noted. Johnson is shown at right (inset) on the job in 1957. - Photo above by Gary King
husband spending more time at the project site than at home. “I offered to move his bed up there,” Gudrun once noted. By that summer, Bill, the school’s industrial arts teacher, was almost R.P. Glynn two years into the project. “It was 1956 when superintendent R.P. Glynn said to me ‘Bill, I want you to learn as much as possible about swimming pools so we can build one in Fred-
eric,’“ Johnson recalled. He complied. “I attended a meeting in Janesville that spring which dealt with pools.” ••• With Fun Days 1958 set as the deadline, Johnson coordinated work crews, placing a small article in the Leader a few months before that to let the public know that, while they might feel their skills weren’t adequate to help with such a project, it really didn’t matter - manpower was the ultimate need. His message seemed to do the trick.
mated to cost in the neighborhood of $80,000. A liner would likely solve the major problem - leakage. Leaking of thousands of gallons of water over a summer season costs money - and it creates colder water since it requires new water to be pumped in constantly. The results of the $5,000 pool study
Besides the school’s maintenance employees - who would donate as many hours in the day as they could to the project, there were local construction workers and other citizens who would spend all day at work and then report to the school site to work into the night. At least 10 men were working feverishly at the site at any given time, including the father-son team of Alfred Anderson, 72, and his son, Arvid. Johnson remembered one 10-year-old who lived nearby the site - Brian Rogers - who would sit on the sandbags and watch the work progress. Rogers, now 60, describes the pool project as “one of the more dramatic elements of public service, community involvement and volunteerism I’ve ever seen.” He said it was a good opportunity for kids to see firsthand what dedication, commitment and self-sacrifice was all about. Rogers said he first became interested in construction and public service because of the pool project.
See Future of pool, page 12
See Pool story, page 12
Answers to pool’s future may be getting closer FREDERIC - The future of the 50-yearold Frederic swimming pool has been in limbo for some time now. This week, a report from a pool engineering firm, commissioned by the Save the Pool committee, may present some clearer choices as to options to fix the pool. Or, the report may say it’s not worth fixing.
According to Dianna Edling of the Save the Pool Committee, there are some very good plans for fundraising that the committee has developed - but the question has been - what does the pool need to continue serving the community for years to come? Since the committee’s inception about eight years ago, there have been fundraising efforts for an liner - once esti-
PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
Lucky Days Parade
Max Littlefield was honored as Luck’s grand marshal in the Lucky Days Parade. RIGHT: Tweety Bird flew in for the parade.
Photos by Raelynn Hunter and Sherill Summer The Luck Royalty sang and danced to the chicken song, “I don’t want to be a chicken, I don’t want to be a duck - because we’re from Luck” as they made thir way down the parade route.
The Red Hatters showed their true colors down the parade route.
The library advertised books by Sherlock Holmes and the new Harry Potter book. Volunteers passed out pencils and bookmarks to the spectators.
The American Legion members lead their parade on Saturday afternoon down Main Street of Luck.
It just wouldn’t be a parade without horses. These horses added the final touch to the Lucky Days Parade.
Girl Scouts cookies marched down the street.
The Luck High School Marching Band performed numerous selections during the Lucky Days Parade.
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3
Going to the Fair by Gladys Frokjer My husband had many stories to tell about his boyhood. Growing up on the farm as a child of the Depression, there was much hard work, little time off and very little money. One of the times he looked forward to was the Polk County Fair. The family raised registered Holstein cattle, and the boys belonged to the local 4-H Club. The fair was the time for the cattle to be taken for exhibition and judging. They were housed in the fair barns. Howard was the one selected by his father to accompany the cattle to the fair and remain with them during the fair’s duration.
Howard took pride in the cattle and was kept busy feeding, watering, washing and grooming them for exhibition. His mother sent clean white shirts for him to wear during the cattle judging, and he often won ribbons for his showmanship. This always pleased him and his father too. Of course, he slept in the barn at night, next to the cattle, and he ate the food that his mother sent along, as he wasn’t given much spending money. But he did manage to traverse the fairgrounds and the rides and games, selecting carefully those he could pay for. Watching the horse races was exciting too. So it wasn’t all work and no play, on the contrary, rather a vacation for him from all the farm chores. This was often the only time off all summer from
the farm work. On the last day of the fair, the cattle were loaded and taken home. One year, one of the cows, whose name was Broadway, refused to load and absolutely would not enter the truck. Howard’s father decided she would have to be led home. The other brothers were helping to load the cattle, but it fell to Howard to lead the cow home, a distance of seven miles. She offered no resistance to this, so Howard made the long trip on foot, leading old Broadway behind him. Both were weary and footsore when they arrived home. Another year when Howard went to the fair with the cattle, his mother sent with him a cat in a gunny sack. She was provoked at the cat because it was get-
Writer’s Corner
ting into the henhouse and eating eggs. At the cattle barns Howard let the cat out of the sack, and the last he saw it was busy catching sparrows. Several months later, long after the fair was over, the cat returned home, but it never bothered the chickens or the eggs again.
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
New railings installed at Siren United Methodist
Barry Stewart and Darlene Jackson made sure that the new railings for the steps at Siren United Methodist Church were secured in the right position. LEFT - Rose Wilson sorted through rocks donated for the landscaping outside Siren United Methodist Church by church members Arlen and Pat Pope. The sod for the boulevard along the church property will be furnished by the Yambrick family.
Several months ago, the sidewalk and steps along the front of Siren United Methodist Church were replaced. Wednesday, July 18, wrought-iron railings created by Carl Nordquist, Webster, were added on either side of the steps leading up from the street. After the railings were painted by Stan and Darlene Jackson, a work crew, including (L to R) Rudy Solomonson, the Jacksons and Barry Stewart, set the railings in place. Funding for the railings came from the United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Men and the Jacksons.
Photos by Nancy Jappe
Stan Jackson mixed cement to support the new railings along the steps at Siren United Methodist Church Wednesday, July 18. Railings along the boulevard side of the sidewalks, measuring 30 feet between the two sets of steps and 21 feet on either side of the steps, will be put in Tuesday, July 24.
(L to R) Sonny Chelmo, Whitney Yambrick and John Chelmo put in new plantings, furnished by the Chelmo family, along the front of Siren United Methodist Church Wednesday, July 18.
PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
River Road Ramblings
collected by Russ Hanson
The Cattle Chute by Doris Hanson There weren’t many farmers that had a cattle chute when I was young, and neither did my dad. However, our neighbor, Ferdie Ortendahl did. Back in the early days of Trade Lake Township, the road that went past our farm was not part of the state Hwy. 48. In those years there was no equipment to deal with steep inclines. So road builders had to find accessible routes that didn’t need so much grading and filling. This was true up until 1930 when major changes were made to Hwy. 48. This highway began at the courthouse in Grantsburg, being the location of the county seat. It followed along with Hwy. 87 south from Grantsburg approximately five miles. Then it turned east at Lutz’s corner. Mr. Lutz had a small convenience store there, where you could buy groceries and also fill your car with gasoline. There’s only a sign left there now to identify the landmark. The road continued east past the Bass Lake School. When it came to the Albert Ryss property, it made the first large curve to the south, thus leaving the house and farm buildings on the west side of the road and Albert’s blacksmith shop on the east side of the road. As it headed south, it made a small dip then up again only to go down a steep hill. Here is where Hwy. 48 made a left turn onto what we now know as Spook Drive. It continued on around a curve and than another curve before it straightened out and came out at the top by Ziemer’s farm. Here it turned left again, down the hill into the busy village of Trade Lake. When it reached Albert Baker’s house, it made a right turn past the confectionaries store over the Trade River Bridge past the Roller Mill that was powered by the dam near by. The road continued south for a short distance then around the mill pond and up past the Trade Lake Grade School No.5. Starting about 1928, plans were made to make many changes on this stretch of road. Around 1930, workers were busy with the reconstruction of Hwy. 48. The large curve had been put in at the Ryss’s farm, and instead of going east at the bottom of the steep hill (on Spook Drive) it went straight south following the township road to Ortendahl’s farm. Here the second large curve was to be constructed. It was very hilly in through there and the layout of the curve made it impossible for Ferdie’s cows to get from the
When Hwy. 48 was rebuilt in 1930, a cattle chute was put under the road just west of Trade Lake to let the cows cross the road safely. – Photos by Doris Hanson barn to the pasture, thus making it necessary for the state to build a cattle chute. The next large curve was at Trade Lake. There the road made a curve from Lloyd Swanberg’s gasoline station crossing over the Trade River where a new cement bridge had been constructed. Connecting with Hwy. 48 where it came out from the village and curved around the mill pond and instead of following Hwy. 48 up around to the school, a new stretch of road went through Frank Larson’s property with a small curve at the top of the hill. Once again it joined 48 and headed south to four corners where another smaller curve was made. Going east a short distance the road again veered off to the right and down the hill over the Trade River again, meandering around Round Lake’s north shore. Here the road followed along close to the lake. There used to be a nice flat space on the north side right across the road from the lake. Here gypsies would camp in tents on their way passing through this area. I have been told that there was a sign on a tree near the lake: Linger Longer. No doubt someone thought this to be a very peaceful place to camp. As we leave scenic Round Lake and go up the hill, we make another large curve by passing the Round Lake School. The road continues on but
makes one more small turn to the east where it heads straight for the Polk County line. Yes, there was a lot of road construction during those years, making it a much better highway to travel on. But back to the cattle chute. A neighbor recently told me that they used washed sand to build the chute. I wonder what the reason was for that. Ferdie’s daughter, Barbara, and I were good friends. She was one year ahead of me in school, but we shared a lot of the same interests. As we grew older we found pleasure walking in the woods. We would also find it exciting to go down to the chute and hide. When cars or trucks came by, it would send a rumble through the whole tunnel. Then when we would talk or sing we would sound so funny we couldn’t help but giggle! The chute was fairly high. A person could easily walk through standing upright, and the cows could walk through single file with space to spare on either side. When there was a heavy rain there would be water in the chute that made it messy for the cows and the farmer to wade through. Usually he would see that all the cattle were headed through first, then he would walk the rest of the way on the road back to the barn. The chute is still there, unnoticed by
speedy travelers on Hwy. 48. But when I go by it, I still think back to the time when we were young and the simple fun we created in that cattle chute. *** Meet Doris Hanson, Stanley Selin, Evelyn Carlson, Russ Hanson and many more of our Trade Lake writers at the Historic Trade Lake Mission Summer Service and Potluck Picnic starting at 11 a.m. this Sunday the July 29, in downtown Trade Lake (just north on Agate Road). Drive through downtown Trade Lake carefully—remember no right turn on a red light. Buy one of our Trade River Valley books at the Trade Lake, Atlas or Cushing stores soon, as they we are down to the last 50, thanks to your support! Stop at the Red School House at the Polk County Fair and see the historical exhibits, many from the new Luck Historical Society. Olaus Hansson descendants reunion Aug. 4 at Norm and Shelby’s on River Road. Nellie’s 100th Birthday! St. Croix Falls High School classes of the 1960s reunion at Atlas Park Sat., Aug. 11, afternoon potluck, hosted by the Cushing ‘65 Social Club.
Looking through the cattle chute on Hwy. 48.
ArtBarn’s Popular “Songs” program returns OSCEOLA - Due to popular demand, St. Croix ArtBarn will again present the original program, Songs I Want Played at My Funeral, an eclectic blend of music and stories, Saturday, Aug. 4, at 7:30 p.m. The idea for this celebration of life in word and song came from St. Croix Valley musician, Mary Duncan and local writer Lori Gordon. Duncan frequently plays for funerals. Many times the music requested are old favorites, “The Old
Rugged Cross,” “In the Garden,” “How Great Thou Art,” but occasionally Duncan is surprised with requests from a variety of genres-Mozart, Chopin, The Beatles, Lyle Lovett, and show tunes. Duncan and Gordon asked, “Why not hear it now? Before you are the deceased? Wouldn’t it be fun to hear what people would request while still healthy and enjoying life?” This popular collaborative program
will again be a combination of music selections personally chosen people from the region performed by Duncan with area singers and instrumentalists: Nanc Macleslie, Dan Boardman, Jackie Mills, and Cynthia Elmquist, Marine; John and Linda Iwaszko, Osceola; Carol Caouette, Stillwater; and Dick Rogers, White Bear Lake. Gordon, a published writer and columnist for Press Publications, will intersperse original and new ruminations
on life among the musical numbers. Join in audience sing-alongs. April’s performance nearly sold out, so reserve $10 general admission tickets by calling 715-294-2787 or visit the ArtBarn Web site at www.stcroixartbarn.com All proceeds will benefit ArtBarn debt reduction for the 2002 addition. - submitted
Trade Lake Baptist Vacation Bible School set TRADE LAKE – Camp Turn Around is the theme for the Trade Lake Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School this summer.
Please join in Monday-Friday, Aug. 610, from 6-8:30 p.m. A program will be given Thursday, Aug. 9. Boys and girls ages 4 through grade six are welcome.
Be prepared to have fun, make new friends and learn songs and games. All denominations are invited to attend. Please bring a friend or two. Con-
E-mail us @ the-leader@centurytel.net
tact Nancy Lundeen at 715-222-6026 or Donna Erickson at 715-327-4482 to register or www.trakelakebaptistchurch.org with any questions. – submitted
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5
Collecting rocks I think that there shall never be An ingnoramus just like me, Who roams the hills throughout the day To pick up rocks that do not pay. For there’s one thing I’ve been told I take the rocks and leave the gold O’er deserts wild or mountains blue I search for rocks of varied hue. A hundred pounds or more I pack With blistered feet and aching back And after this is said and done I cannot name a single one. I pick up rocks where ‘ere I go The reasons why I do not know For rocks are found by fools like me Where God intended them to be. (Note: The above poem is printed on a piece of polished log, and is reminiscent of the poem “Trees.” It is not really true, as rockhounds do know the names of rocks and where they are found.) Thank goodness for rockhounds, as they rescue tons of rocks, bring them home, cut them, polish them and display them at rock shows all over the U.S.A. They have done all the hardwork, and you, the viewer, can purchase them at very reasonable prices. What a good deal! It seems almost impossible but the 40th-annual Indianhead Gem and Mineral Show will be held this weekend, July 28 – 29 at the Frederic High School. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking are free. So is registration for door prizes. Once inside the building, prepare to be dazzled and overwhelmed by all the things there are to see up close. Fossils, Indian artifacts, rough rocks, polished rocks, items made from rocks, including rings, pendants, earrings, bolo ties, (perhaps lamps, bookends and clocks). Did you ever consider a grain of sand as a miniature rock? Rocks come in all sizes including pebbles, stones, boulders, rock outcroppings of cliffs, mountains. They come in all colors and shades and shapes. Fools gold is pretty as can be, but is deceptive. Most of us have a favorite doorstop or a favorite paperweight. In the past we have admired whole displays of Wisconsin rocks. Sometimes rocks in the Bible. Sometimes rocks of the Southwest or rocks of the world. Thank a rockhound for bringing them all together for you to admire and appreciate. Children are not forgotten either as there is a free rock pit (no adults allowed), grab bags, a spin game, etc. Good food is available inside the building, a place to visit over the coffee cups or cans of pop, rest your feet to make another round of the dealers and displays. Have a rock you’d like to identify? Bring it to the show and ask a member. President of the local club is Dan Beal, and show chairman is Roy Wickman of Almena. Although Vernon Peterson has been breaking up his collection of a lifetime, he has held back some prize specimens for the special display tables. Peterson and I are the two remaining charter members of the Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society. Through the years we’ve met a lot of people and be-
come rock-solid friends. Club members have entered the age of e-mail correspondence. For the past three years we have even published our own club calendars showing members with some of their prize rocks. We hope you will visit our 40th-annual show this weekBernice end. It’s amazing what can be Abrahamzon done with pretty rocks. It’s also interesting, educational and fun. Many volunteers are working hard to make it the best show ever! I no longer walk the railroad tracks looking for Lake Superior agates. The tracks are gone and the Gandy Dancer Trail is there. I no longer climb around in gravel pits. That’s where the four-wheelers have their fun late Friday and Saturday nights. There’s a much easier way to find a unique rock. It’s waiting for us in a lighted showcase at the show.
BEHIND THE
SIGNPOST
Friendship Stones
A simple pair of stones But they are magical you see They bring a lasting friendship To both you and me
Keep one close beside you Share one with a friend And each stone when you rub it Feel the comfort it will lend With a smile upon your face You’ll think about each other And the lifelong friendship That is like no other Tho the smile wears away The stones remain true Like a cherished friendship That lasts your whole life through. (Note: I bought the above poem packed into a plastic bag with two almost matching stones. Engagement rings and wedding rings are considered good luck stones. You’d be surprised to find how many people carry a small crystal in purse or pocket, considered good luck. Some people carry a “worry stone” already worn shallow by a nervous thumb. People have long considred stones as good luck talismans). Birthstones are also considered significant. Mine is garnet. What is yours? Until next week, Bernice
DANBURY - The Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous is the next event at the Fort. Rendezvous begins Saturday and runs through Sunday. It celebrates the annual gathering of fur traders and hunters from 200 years ago. Visit the trading posts, explore the woodland Indian village and shop in Trader’s Row. Learn to throw a hawk, shoot a bow or cheer on the many competitions. Rendezvous is an entertaining weekend for the entire family. Visit for a day or camp out for the weekend, and don’t miss the wild rice pancake breakfast on Sunday On Aug. 4, the Fort hosts its third-annual Bar-B-Q Fest where area restaurants and individuals compete for the best recipe. Competition categories are for the Best Ribs, Pulled-Pork, Beef Brisket, and new this year, BBQ Chicken. BBQ will be served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The BBQ Fest will also include a craft area and demonstrations. New to this year’s event is an antique and classic car show. Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is a living history site where reconstructed fur trading posts occupy the actual sites where they once operated from 1802-1805, alongside an authentic woodland Indian village. First discovered in a state archeological dig in 1969, the site
Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon
50 Years Ago The Frederic Common School District approved the budget and voted a 13.4 mill tax.-Dates of the Polk County Fair were August 2 – 4.-Special gospel services were held at the Falun Baptist Church July 16 - 19 and July 21 with director Rev. Norman Nideng, evangelist.-The Webster Dry Cleaners advertised pickup and delivery. It was locally owned and operated by Bernie Klemann.-The grand opening of Kusler Radio and TV, Frederic, was held July 20 with free coffee and cake.-Hagberg’s Federated of Frederic had a blanket layaway sale on nylon-blend blankets at $2.99 with a limit of four to a customer.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included oranges at 49¢ dozen, ground beef at 2 lbs. for 65¢ and lemons at 49¢ dozen.Thirteen traffic violators were nabbed at Frederic on one Sunday.-“What do you know about Lady Bernice, the Logging Queen?” That’s what a headline asked readers with a picture of the craft. It was an old sidewheel steamer, 16-ft. wide and 64-ft long and operated on Clam Lake to haul logs.-Clarence Hedlund of Diamond Lake was elected as a new member of the board of directors of the Frederic Farmers Cooperative Exchange.-Route’s Super Market, Frederic, was now air conditioned.-Sommers Electric, Centuria, was available for commercial refrigeration service with walk-in coolers, display cases and locker plants.
40 Years Ago Frederic Family Days, June 22 – 25, featured a horse show on Sunday, June 25, on the old grade school grounds on Hwy. 35 with open western pleasure, open barrel race, stock horse, egg and spoon, pole bending, mixed tires, calf roping, rescue race, trail horse, etc.Specials at the Frederic Co-op Super Market included ground beef at 49¢ lb., fryer breast quarters at 49¢ lb. and coffee at 2 lbs. for $1.29.-A bank robbery at Siren set off a search for a lone gunman in the area.-The ordination of Jares Brown took place at Bethany Church, Siren.-Obituaries included Elaine Mize, Laura Gregerson and Ruth Warren.-Lee Dosch was caller at the square dance on June 29 at the Indian Creek Hall, sponsored by the Indian Creek 4-H Club.-Felix Faith had a July 1 auction northwest of Centuria, with Harvey Mattson, auctioneer.-W.J. Lindstrom had a July 1 auction at 6 p.m. north of Lewis.-Total bids were too high for school construction job at Frederic.-Fred Route moved to manage store at Pine City, Minn.-Fatality No. 5 was recorded on Polk County highways.Principal Bruce Shattuck turned over his duties to the new principal, Wallace Koel. Shattuck returned to his teaching duties in the math dept.-Mr. E. P. Glynn turned over his administrator’s chair in Frederic to Mr. Emory Giles.-Carol Johnson of rural Grantsburg, won the mink stole given away at Olsen & Son Drug.
20 Years Ago
Rendezvous this weekend at the Forts BBQ Fest set for Aug. 4
Do you remember ?
is now on the National Register of Historic Sites. The park provides the opportunity to experience the life and culture of the early Native American residents and Euro-American explorers through the historically accurate perspective of talented and entertaining, traditionally dressed interpreters. The interpretive staff offers daily guided tours about the earliest periods of Wisconsin history. Tours include interactive programs in the reconstructed North West Company and XY Company fur trading posts and the woodland Indian village. Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call the Fort at 866-8890, or visit their Web site at www.theforts.org. - submitted
Luck town voters authorized funds for shop addition.-St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Frederic, observed it’s 50th Lilac Sunday on May 17.-Sara Babcock wrote news for the Little Butternut 4-H Club.-Obituaries included Henry Lee, Harold Sandstrom and Roy Peterson.-Fourteen young people were confirmed at Luck Lutheran Church and St. Peter’s, including Sara Babcock, Tracy Giller, Melissa Asper, Jennifer Schauls, Billy Carpenter, Bart Stadry, Ian Stapel, Joe Hacker, Brian Hanson, Jay Gilhoi, Darrin Christiansen, Chad Thomsen, Joel Van Pelt and Danny Horky. The pastor was John Berg.-The Siren school graduated 38 seniors. April Mangelsen was valedictorian and Leanne Geske was salutatorian.-McNally Industries of Grantsburg won a Navy contract for $9.5 million to build ammunition hoists.-The Siren American Legion served its third-annual chicken dinner on May 25 at Crooked Lake Park.-Danbury’s 75th anniversary celebration began May 23.-The Frederic Doerr Electric plant planned to close Sept. 30.-The business of the week was the Coast to Coast Store in Frederic, located where the Frederic Public Library is now.-Obituaries included Cora Lehmann, Ted Shoquist and Lowell Mott.-ATV, cycle traffic may be banned in Sterling Township.
PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 320-242-3933
Cloverton - Markville
Cousins reunions are becoming quite popular around the area in this day and age. Emma and Peter Fornengo attended one again this summer, this time at the home of Ann DeMars on Big McGraw Lake Road. A highlight of the event was the chance to visit with a cousin who had come all the way from Texas to be part of things. Darlene and Pete Merimonte joined 50 people in St. Paul, Minn., recently for a huge cousin reunion for both sides of the family. Deloris Schirmer did some shopping in Superior the other day, then, on another day, she treated herself to lunch at the Grand Casino smorgasbord. Marlene and Don Mishler attended the visitation service for Elizabeth Carlson at the Free Evangelical Church in Sandstone recently. Following the service, they were joined by Elaine and Don Kelch for dinner at Jan and Gary’s Restaurant. Elaine, as most of you know, is the daughter of former Cloverton resident Dorothy Dumas. Sandi Drake and several other friends attended a birthday lunch for Jo Masters at Emily’s Café in Webster. Sandi also attended the meeting of her quilting club to view the DVD that Kathy Nelson showed about her experiences as a missionary in Cameroon. Sandi and many other people in our communities have been busy preparing for the annual smorgasboard to be held at the Zion Lutheran Church this Saturday. Pete Fornengo enjoyed a day of fishing with grandson Peter III recently somewhere over in Wisconsin. Patty Koehler’s sister, Beth, and her partner, Andy, came over from Green Bay for a three-day visit with Patty and Bob. Her daughter Alissa and husband Rick Norenberg spent a few days at their home over the Fourth. Kunch at the Old Country Buffet at the Miller Hill Mall culminated a morning of shopping for Mary and Frank Schaaf recently. In addition to the reunion, the Merimontes have had a lot going on in their lives. They attended the graduation of grandson Mike Schulte in Oakdale, Minn., then took their first vacation in four years – a fishing trip to northern Minnesota in their motor home. Upon returning, they learned of the death of their sisterin-law in Michigan from cancer, so they hurried over there and spent five days. This is the fifth death in their family in the past few months. Our sympathies are with them. Fran Ferguson spent two days in Pine Medical Center in
468-2940
Clam River Tuesday club met July 11, at the home of Judy Albee. After the meeting, club members and a number of other friends surprised Judy with a house-warming party. Those who attended were: Mary Harrington, Betty Hanson, Eileen Giddings, Joan Petz, Chris Weyh, Judi Kempin, Sharon Perry, Sharon Makela, Marlene Swearinggon, Carol Reed, Lois and Don Sass, Gerald and Pat Bahrke, Pastor Brent and Vanessa Berkesch, Karen Mangelsen, Beth Crosby, Sandy Redding, Sue Mroszak, Kris Fjelstad, Lida Nordquist, Kay Krentz, Marian Brincken, Dixie Andrea, Sunshine and Isaac Crosby, Virginia Elden, Deb Schlapper, Connie Zaloudek and Beverly Brunclik. Gratitude is extended to Claude McCarty, who provided taxi service for one of the ladies to get to the party. Chris Harrison visited Nina and Lawrence Hines Tuesday and Wednesday. He also called on John and Diana Mangelsen. Gerry and Donna Hines and Lawrence and Nina Hines went to the Gold Card Diner in Oakdale, Minn., Thursday. This was to honor longtime members of the bricklayer’s union in Minnesota. Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited Roger and Sue Mrosak Thursday evening. Judy Albee called on Glen and Lorraine Crosby Friday. Friday visitors of Karen and Hank Mangelsen were Don Nordquist, Diana and John Mangelsen and Lawrence Hines. Lida and Don Norquist and Donna and Gerry Hines gathered with several others from the Siren class of ’56 at the Pour House for lunch Saturday. Karen and Hank Mangelsen and Claude McCarty attended the 200-year birthday party at the Siren Park Saturday. It was in celebration of the 50th birthday of each of four McCarty cousins and cousins-in-law. Later, Hank and Karen went to a retirement party for Dale Hile. Then they visited Maynard, Ronda and Amy Mangelsen and Ryan, Hanna, at Maynard and Ronda’s home. Ryan was a weekend guest there. Judy Albee called on Sue and Roger Mrosak Saturday evening, and then she visited Beverly Brunclik. Visitors of Gerry and Dona Hines over the weekend were Brian, Jane, Jenny, Justin and Bryton Hines and friend Dan, and Barry, Sue, Alex, Josh and Olivia Hines. About 35 family members and friends attended the memorial service for Joan Phillips at Hertel Lakeview Cemetery Sunday afternoon. Then they enjoyed a lunch and
Wedding
Sandstone due to some bleeding. After some good care that included a blood transfusion, she is back home now. We wish you a good recovery, Fran. Dave and I took grand-nephew Coleton Love on an afternoon canoe trip on the St. Croix River. We launched off at Woodtick Bridge, then stopped for a picnic lunch at Thillman’s Campsite, then back to the bridge and home. It was a beautiful Monday and we saw some wildlife and water flowers. Knowing that the Pickwick Restaurant in Duluth is my favorite place to eat, my daughter, Elizabeth, who lives on Maui, sent me a gift certificate for my birthday last month. Dave and I enjoyed a lovely stop there on a recent shopping trip up north. Summer is half over, wherever you are.
Luck Senior Center 472-8285
Shirley Lund
I didn’t get any news in a week ago, mainly because there wasn’t much news! I think everybody was at home getting ready for Lucky Days. Now Lucky Days is a thing of the past. The center sure was busy Saturday, we did very well with roast beef sandwiches, pie and coffee. Our drawing winners were: $50 first prize, Deb Cooper of Luck and $25 second prize, Rick Pekkala of Range. Congratulations! Gratitude is extended to all who helped at the center preparing and working on Saturday, and those donating pies. We appreciate all who came into the center on Saturday. A good time was had by all. I am still busy making Amish breads etc. I can’t seem to get rid of any of the extra starter. Nobody seems to want any. They run away when I show them my bags of starter. I wonder why that is? Guess I’ll have to take it out into the field and beat it to death! We will not have our last Friday of the month potluck for July. Be sure to keep watching for information for our potluck in August. Remember we are open Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Amber, don’t forget my grudge match playing Garbage, you beat me good last time. I think you cheated, ha! Have a good day! I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Luck Senior Center.
Dewey - LaFollette
Written for last week
Fran Levings
Karen Mangelsen
time of fellowship at the Lakeview United Methodist Church. Judy Albee visited Jeanne and Mike Taczala Sunday evening.
Written for this week Sympathy is extended to Dixie and Chuck Andrea due to the death of their niece, Colleen Rocha. Colleen’s parents are Sonny and Sandy O’Donnell, and her grandparents were the late Bill and Lyla O’Donnell. Sympathy is also extended to Rachelle Stellrecht and family due to the death of Rachelle’s husband, Milton. He was 87, and they had been married 65 years. Don and Lida Nordquist went to Grandview Wednesday to spend the day with Jan, Jim, Caleb and Hannah Schott while they were vacationing there. Dick and Shirley Quinton visited Hank and Karen Mangelsen Wednesday evening. Thursday lunch guests of Lida and Don Nordquist were John and Diana Mangelsen, Nina and Lawrence Hines, Karen and Hank Mangelsen and Patty and Mandy Close. Donna and Gerry Hines were guests for supper later. Clam River Tuesday Club led a sing-along at Capeside Cove Thursday. They then served ice cream and cookies for afternoon coffee time. Don and Lida Nordquist went to the home of Joleen and Richard Funk Friday evening. They helped grandson Rick Funk celebrate his graduation from WITC at La Crosse. Karen Mangelsen attended the bridal shower Saturday morning for her niece, Erika Jensen, at Timberland Lutheran Church. About 40 guests were there. Lisa and Carli Pederson were overnight guests Saturday of Roger and Sue Mroszak. They all enjoyed a meal out together, and then they attended the play, “Barefoot in the Park,” at the Red Barn Theatre. Ella and Marc Livingston visited Ella’s mother, Edith Sage, at the Grantsburg extended care unit Saturday. Hank and Karen Mangelsen called on Nick and Esther Mangelsen and Linda, Doug and Alex Brustad in Siren Saturday evening. Lida and Don Nordquist visited Diana and John Mangelsen Sunday afternoon. Nettie, Duane and Austin Otis were Sunday visitors of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen. Karen and Hank Mangelsen stopped by to visit Marlene and Bruce Swearingen Sunday evening. LeeAnn and Grace Swearingen were there also.
Wilson/Owen Kristin “Kody” Wilson, daughter of Mutt and Carol Wilson of St. Croix Falls, and Justen Allen Owen, son of Lonny and Tammy Owen of Eureka, Mont., were wed at an outdoor country western ceremony in Deer Park on May 19, 2007. The wedding took place outside with the bride entering the wedding from a distance on her horse, Lacey. She was given away by her mother, Carol Wilson, and her uncle, Brian Andrewson of Dresser. She wore a white satin halter-top dress with a modified train. The dress was closed with corset-type lacing down the back and featured an underskirt of sparkled organza. The center front of the top skirt and bodice were embroidered with floral design chosen by the bride. Embroidered butterflies were appliquéd on the back panels. The dress was designed by the bride and lovingly created (with Kody’s help), by the groom’s grandmother, Pat Jacobs of Eureka, Mont. The bride wore bright-blue fat baby western boots, had daisies in her hair and carried a spring bouquet. The bridesmaids wore blue jean skirts, western boots and black shirts worn under pastel western shirts that were tied at the waist. The bridesmaids had painted daisies in their hair and as bouquets. Flower girls were Valerie and Vanessa Wolff, daughters of Shannon Wolff, St. Croix Falls. The girls wore blue jean jackets and white sundresses which were accented with off-white trim to match their off-white western boots. The groom wore a white western shirt, black Wrangler jeans, western boots and a black cowboy hat. He was given away by his parents, Lonny and Tammy Owen of Eureka, Mont. Groomsmen wore Wrangler blue jeans, western boots, black western shirts and white cowboy hats. Guests sat on hay bales and the wedding isle was adorned with lace held in place by horseshoe fence posts. Guests stayed for a meal and music following the ceremony. The bride and groom are residing and working in Billings, Mont., for the summer and will relocating to Orlando, Fla., in October to continue their studies in mechanics and zoology.
Happy Corners Mr. and Mrs. Butch Franzen visited at the Gene Doster home on Monday evening. Vern Catlin, Amanda Catlin and Chad Poirer visited Vern’s granddaughter in Spooner on Tuesday afternoon. Mardel Barnette and Shawn visited Vern Catlin on Thursday afternoon and also went to the Farmers Market by Barron. Mardel Barnette and Shawn visited at the Gene Doster home on Friday evening. Vern Catlin came home from the nursing home on Saturday afternoon and he is doing pretty good.
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7
TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement
653-4281
Ferguson/Chenal Jessica Ferguson and Brian Chenal from Shafer, Minn., are pleased to announce their engagement. The couple are planning an Aug. 18, ceremony at Sunset Gardens in Shafer, Minn. A reception will follow at Trollhaugen Convention Center. The couple plan on honeymooning in St. Lucia in January. – submitted
A Waiting Child
Lewis
Yes, some Sunday plans may have been rained out or needed changes, but the much-needed rain was welcome in this area. The earth was parched, so farmers, gardeners and groundskeepers were grateful for the downpour. Cornfields were especially at a critical stage. Pastor Mike said the word “special” is not big enough to describe Sunday’s extraordinary music during Sunday’s worship service at the Lewis church. Starr Warndahl and Brad Alden joined forces to present three numbers “Shallow Water,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Glory, Glory, Glory.” That brought the congregation to its feet! Bread has just recently renewed his interest in playing guitar. It was all much appreciated. Sylvia and Phil Schaetzel served lunch after Sunday’s service. Alice and Charles Ford introduced their guests from Tucson, Ariz. The monthly fellowship potluck supper is 6 p.m. this Wednesday at the Lewis church, followed by a 6:30 p.m. finance committee meeting, followed by the entire administrative board meeting at 7 p.m. Important to be there. Remember the 40th-annual Rock and Gem Show and Sale this Saturday and Sunday at the Frederic High School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Free admission and free parking, but lots of items for sale inside. Lunch is available. Lots to see and lots to tempt the buyer. Remember, too, that August is fast approaching and that Charles E. Lewis Days and the Tent Revival are scheduled for the second weekend in August. Do you want to be in the parade? Do you have a boy or girl to enter the Little Mr. or Little Miss Lewis contest? (Up to 12 years old.) Contact Patti at Sundown Saloon on the highway. Want to set up at Saturday and Sunday’s flea market? The date is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11 and 12, on the church grounds, and the contact person is Ethel Lane, of Golden Oaks, Frederic. Barb Olinger and her mother, Esther Schallenberger, will be there working together. One table or three or four, it’s all the same setup fee no matter how many tables. Alice Ford has also volunteered to help there. An order (or request) has been placed for good weather.
Jesse & Kaveiona Birthdate: Dec. 15, 1998. Jesse, a polite young man, is just about as good as it gets when he comes to playing kickball – and he isn’t shy about letting you know that fact! This 8-year-old has a very strong connection to his sister, Kaveiona. Jesse is a very energetic child. He is friendly and outgoing and therefore gets along well with his peers. Video games, remote-controlled cars and other cars and trucks top Jesse’s list of favorite things. Birthdate: June 27, 2005. Though only 2 years old, Kaveiona’s personality is already bubbling over. She is a beautiful, easygoing, energetic little girl who is always quick with a smile. Kaveiona is developmentally on target and she is reported to be a very healthy toddler with a lot of playful spunk. For more information about Jesse and Kaveiona, or other children waiting for adoptive homes, call Adoption Resources of Wisconsin, 800-762-8063, or visit the Web site at www.wiadopt.org.
Fran Krause
The scuttlebutt this spring as far as the weather goes was this would be a hot, dry summer and so far these predictions have been running pretty true. The rains we got Sunday were a real blessing and gave area corn, beans and hayfields a real lift. However, if the weathermen are right and this week’s weather goes up into the 90s, this boost won’t last long. Farmers have been battling rough years for several years now and many may not be able to hang on for another. Don’t forget to hit the gem and mineral show, or as it’s better known, the rock show, this Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, at the Frederic High School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There’s lots of thing to see and maybe even pick up an item or two from one of the many dealers. There’s lots of things kids can do such as a spin game, the grab bags or maybe just dig through the rock pit, it just might get them started rock collecting. While there don’t forget to sign up for the door prizes. One prize is given away each day. This event is free to all. The Siren National will hold a championship golf event this Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29. For more info call 715-349-8000. There is a black bear somewhere in the 200- to 300pound area making himself known quite often out on Waldora Road these days. He doesn’t seem to be too bothered by cars either as he has, at several occasions, just sat by the road watching them go by. Coming up Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Northwoods Crossing Events Center, is the fifth-annual Women’s Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a free event and an interesting day for women of all ages.
Orange
Reeny Neinstadt spent the week with daughter Sandy in Cadott. Missy Janssen, Jake Petrangelo, Josiah Staples and Allyson Krause attended the wedding of Ryan Walsh on Friday evening in Michigan, returning home Sunday. The Orange Community Center Board met Monday afternoon at the Orange Center. Wednesday, Fran Krause joined the Bethany Quilters for lunch at Homestead Café in Danbury.
LaVonne O’Brien
Sunday, Pam Peterson and Maxine Stone attended the 90th birthday party for Esther Conroy at the Siren Park. Kay Glen, from Texas, visited Maxine Stone last week. Edna Greesen, Ethel Daniels and Elaine Scott brought lunch to Maxine Stone on Wednesday. Tim O’Brien from Charlotte, N.C., visited Jack and LaVonne O’Brien Tuesday through Friday.
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LouAnn Gackle is recuperating at home from knee surgery on Monday, July 16. Best wishes to her. Others on the road to good health include Phil Schaetzel, Starr Warndahl, Scott Nelson, LaVonne Boyer, Gerry Ackland and Bernice Abrahamzon. Belated Happy Birthday to Juanita Berg last week. Welcome back to Violet Nahkala, who is returning to the Lewis area this week, much later than usual, but mostanticipated. The rains gave a welcome rest from making hay every day. Bernice Abrahamzon was scheduled to provide Monday’s coffee treat at the Scrabble Club at Sunrise Apts. New players are always welcome. There are usually 4 – 5 boards in play, but there is room for more. Emma Jean Hinricks, Irene Chasensky of Frederic, Theodora Alden of Luck and LaVerne Leep attended the Frederic High School classes 1942-1946 reuniion. It was held at the lake home of Rich and Julie Leepart, Forest Lake, Minn., on Thursday, July 19. Rich is the son of Wilma (Christianson) Hancock, Class of 1944. Around 20 classmates attended. LaVerne joined Jean Hill and her houseguest, Pearl Gray of California, and Jean’s daughter, Pam and Kim, on Wednesday at the Red Barn Theater in Rice Lake. They saw Neil Simon’s comedy play, “Barefoot in the Park.” Two of our local gardeners are participating in the Second Annual Siren Area Garden Club Tour, a fundraiser for continuing development of the Lilac Memory Garden on Main Street in Siren. Cindy Vilstrup and Gregg Miller, 3528 115th St., Lewis, and Joan and Dave Jendro, 22650 South Elbow Lake Rd. (about a mile and a half from Lewis on 115th St.) Watch for signs. The date of the Garden Tour is Sunday, Aug. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. with 10 local gardens open for viewing. A one-time $3 fee will provide entry to all ten gardens. Self-guided tour maps are available at Adventure’s Restarant or Timberland Gifts at Siren or by calling 715653-4242 for info. Lewis/Frederic residents may start at the Vilstrup and Miller or Jendro gardens if desired and proceed north from there.
Siren
349-2964
Bernice Abrahamzon
Bev Beckmark
Art and Bev Beckmark stopped in Friday evening to visit with Peggy Strabel out on Waldora Road. While there, she told them her brother, Carl Langland of Clanton, Ala., would soon be coming for a visit. Saturday found them in Center City, Minn., for a retirement party for his cousin, Terry “Woods” Glenna and her husband Wayne. They both retired and say they are planning to enjoy some bike trips in the near future. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Webster will be hosting this months Foods and Friends Community Dinner Tuesday, July 31, from 5 to 6 p.m. This is a free meal to all, but donations are welcome. Come early as the food goes fast. Get ready, Siren Summerfest Days are coming up August 3 – 5 with lots of activities going on each day. For more info call 715-349-7399.
St. Croix Valley Dottie Senior Center Adams We had our general meeting on Thursday in the evening. After the potluck, we had the meeting followed by dominoes and 500 cards. Everyone had a real good time. Our Tuesday afternoon domino winner’s were: Janice Mevissen in first place, George Meixner in second place and Deloris Benson in third place. 500 card winner’s were: Delores Schmit in first place, Elaine Edlund in second place, Laurice Lambert in third place, Bruce Medchill in fourth place and Dave Anderson in fifth place. On July 18, my husband and I went to Stevens Point for the CWAG Convention. We had a very good time. Lots of interesting workshops to go to. There were many exhibits. We even had a Chocolate Factory break. We had fresh fruit to dip in running chocolate. Before the convention we had raffle tickets to sell. Out of the tickets we sold, we had a winner. The winners were Ron and Elaine Edlund who received a lifetime membership to CWAG. That’s a $250 value. Congratulations to them. CWAG celebrated its 30th anniversary at this convention. The Thursday evening domino winners were: Ione Meixner in first place, Deloris Benson in second place, Jean McIntryre in third place and Janice Mevissen in fourth place. 500 card winners were: Bob Norlander in first place, Roger Greenly in second place, Kim Rosen in third place, Norm Schmeckpeper in fourth place, Cliff Qualle in fifth place and Elroy Petzel in sixth place.
PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement
Blomberg/Anderson Kelli Anderson of Kemmerer, Wyo., and Peter Blomberg of Albin, Wyo., formerly of Frederic, have announced they will marry Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens in Cheyenne, Wyo. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sessions of Kemmerer and Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Anderson of Albin. The groom-to-be is the son of Pastor Donald and Nancy Blomberg of Albin, Wyo., formerly of Frederic. A reception will be held at the Cheyenne Kiwanis Community House. The bride-to-be is a 2004 graduate of Kemmerer High School and is a junior at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The groom-to-be attended Frederic Schools through the 11th grade during which time his father was pastor at Trade Lake Baptist Church. The groom-to-be graduated in 2002 from Albin High School and is a 2006 graduate of UW-Laramie. He is currently teaching third grade at West Elementary in Burns, Wyo. The couple plans to make their home in Laramie. – Photo submitted
Frederic Senior Center Ardyce Knauber Monday spades were played with the following winners: Jim Bly in first place, Bob Larsen in second place, Arnie Borchert in third place and Dorothy Cronquist in fourth place. We wish Clifford and Delores Potter a recovery from their fall. We miss them at the center. Roy Magnuson has had medical tests. We wish him the best. Wednesday pokeno group as always had a good time. Thursday night 500 cards had the following winners: Willis Williams in first place, Inez Pearson in second place, Duane Roufs in third place and Shirley Sandquist in fourth place. The Friday pokeno group enjoyed playing their favorite game. They always have coffee time together after games. Saturday Share-a-lunch and birthday party featured a wonderful beef roast dinner and fresh-cooked vegetables and salads. We had birthday cake for lunch. We always eat well and enjoy each other’s company. Bingo and cards were played. Our executive meeting will be at 9 a.m. on Thursday. We will be taking care of the senior building at the Polk County Fair from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stop in and say hello to us. On Friday, July 27, we will have coffee, cold water and a treat. We have a couple of other seniors under the weather: Hazel Hoffman and Norma Nelson. Get well soon. Irene Chasensky also had surgery. Recover quick, Irene. Try to keep cool and drink lots of water. We seniors need to take care when it’s so hot so we do not dehydrate.
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Polk-Burnett awards $10,720 to local programs through Operation Round-Up® CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett’s Operation Round-Up board of directors awarded $10,720 to 17 community organizations at its summer 2007 quarterly meeting. Grant recipients are: 1. Amery Community Foundation – Jorgenson Memorial, $500 to construct handicap-accessible bathrooms and ballfield concession stand 2. Regional Hospice Services, Inc., $1,000 to provide home care for individuals with terminal illnesses, regardless of ability to pay 3. Siren Athletic Association, $500 to improve the playing field and purchase equipment, benches and uniforms 4. St. Croix ArtBarn, $500 to sponsor weeklong PuppetFest that teaches creativity and environmental respect 5. Grantsburg Music Festival Society, $500 to pay musician fees and buy advertising, printing, postage and auL to R: Alma Karels, Operation Round-Up secretary-treasurer, preditorium rental 6. Centuria Public Library, Birth to 3 sented a check for $500 to Linda Dahl, Priscilla Bauer and Gaylen Program, $900 to purchase books and Brown of the Grantsburg Music Festival Society. The grant was materials for children with special awarded to support a community music series this summer, including folk and county music at Memory Lake Park, July 29 and Aug. needs 7. St. Croix Falls Food Shelf, $1,000 18, with jazz and American popular music at Grantsburg High to purchase milk, eggs and meat for School Sept. 22. – Photo submitted 120 families each month 8. Clear Lake Public Library, $500 to 15. Amery Community Education, $500 to continue bring guest speaker to library for Backwoods Storyto offer the Early Childhood and Family Discovery setelling performances of classes ries 9. Burnett County Department of Health and Human 16. St. Croix Festival Theatre, $1,000 to provide disServices, $500 to distribute smoke and carbon monoxcount tickets to school groups and keep tuition affordide detectors to families at low costs 10. Kinship of Burnett County, $1,000 to screen, train able for summer camp 17. River Valley Hockey Association, $500 to purand match adult volunteers with children for mentorchase goalie equipment and hockey helmets. ing program 11. Apple River Association, $320 to continue purFunding for Operation Round-Up is donated by chasing signage for all roads crossing the Apple River members of Polk-Burnett who volunteer to round their 12. Amery Area Senior Citizens, Inc., $500 to purchase interactive Nintendo gaming system for mem- monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. The monies are combined and grants are awarded bers to engage and enjoy 13. Clear Lake Area Community Center, $500 to in- quarterly to organizations that improve our local qualstall a handicap-accessible ramp at center’s dining ity of life. The next application deadline is Sept. 1. Organizaroom 14. Clear Lake Museum, $500 to reproduce photo- tions interested in applying for a grant, or co-op memgraphs, frame and print plaques for local history ex- bers who’d like to round their bill up in support of Operation Round-Up, may call 800-421-0283. – from hibit Polk-Burnett
Girl Scout troops certified in small craft safety WEBSTER – On Thursday, July 12, Girl Scout troops 190 and 1971 were certified in a small craft safety course for canoe. The instructor, Don Lee, came from the Cities to Webster to teach the course. Renie Erickson hosted the class on Connors Lake. The girls learned canoe safety along with canoe rescue. The eight-hour course involved a canoe paddling test paddling on one side of the canoe in a straight line around a buoy, videos to watch, swimming test – swimming 25 yards with and without a life vest – swimming rescue, canoe rescue – turning a canoe over on another canoe – towing a submerged canoe and a written exam. The girls had a lot of fun. – submitted
Girl Scouts from Troop 190 and 1971 that were certified in small craft were Tessa Johnson, Melissa Ericson, Jessica Bauer, Cora Bauer and Barbie Antill. The two leaders were also certified: Sherry Feldhacker and Vickie Bauer. – Photo submitted
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9
Vern Peterson to make gifts to local schools by Nancy Jappe TOWN OF DANIELS – Each year rock-hound extraordinaire Vernon Peterson looks forward to the annual Gem and Mineral Show that is held at the high school in Frederic. He packs up rock specimens to display, and thoroughly enjoys sharing his vast knowledge of the field with any and all visitors. This year, the 40th year of the show, is no exception. However, what makes this year special for Peterson is having the chance to show some gifts he will be making – the gift of framed Native American woodworking tools and artifacts found at the location of the Luck School, and a collection of identical rock specimens that will be given to each of the three Burnett County schools. Peterson just hit the 89-year mark in age, and he feels he needs at least that much time more to donate or sell all the items he has collected over his lifetime. The Native American tools and artifacts are unique to the Luck trap-rock area. Peterson is looking forward to seeing this display in Luck’s new museum, and he commends Luck and villages like it for going ahead with a museum project. He has items that are appropriate to other area town museums, not just rocks or arrowheads, but railroad memorabilia, logging, primitive, agricultural and historical items that belong in museum displays. “Judge Gableman recognized the edu-
Vernon Peterson, town of Daniels, will be displaying this framed display of historic Native American woodworking tools at the 40th-annual Gem and Mineral Show at the Frederic 6-12 School Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29. The tools were found on the location of the Luck School, and were used before white people came to Luck. The tools will be given to Luck for the museum that is in process of being built. – Photo by Nancy Jappe cational value of a geological display, and contacted the (Burnett County)
schools and Webster shop teacher Roy Ward to help design a proper cabinet,”
Peterson said. Webster students will be building three cabinets as one of their class projects during the coming school year. “This will be an opportunity for the students to contribute to the Burnett County schools,” Peterson added. At the show in Frederic July 27 and 28, area teachers will have the opportunity to view a model of the cabinets, filled with specimens as they will be when finished. Included among these specimens, which will be the same for each school, will be: the state fossil, the trilobite (calamine celebra); the state rock, red granite; the state mineral, galena (lead); a Lake Superior agate; plus a meteorite from China, a tektite from Thailand and other items such as a few crystal types and a couple fossils, ones that contain dinosaur bones. “The displays will teach, not only about rocks and minerals, but geography as well,” Peterson commented. He invites teachers to come to the show to see the displays and offer their comments as to ways the displays could be improved for the benefit of upcoming students. The Gem and Mineral Show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29. You can bet Vern Peterson will do his best to be there those hours, as he has during the other years the show has been offered.
Frederic Class of 1937 meet
Members of the Frederic High School Class of 1937 met on Friday, July 13, at the Pour House in Siren, for lunch and celebration of their 70th graduation anniversary. Front row (L to R): Irma Weinzierl Sundquist, Dorothy Fahland, Lucille Palmerton Busch, Bonnie Skidmore DeLawyer and Esther Matthews Heinush. Back row (L to R): Ken Nelson, Helen Danielson Bengston, Sverre Kvenild, Russell McKenzie, Harold Owens and George Daellenbach. – Photo submitted
WFU applauds passage of farm bill by House Agricultural Committee CHIPPEWA FALLS – The House Agricultural Committee’s unanimous latenight passage of a farm bill last Thursday includes a mechanism to finally implement mandatory country-of-origin labeling and sets payment limitations on farm subsidies, both applauded by Wisconsin Farmers Union. The bill also extends existing safety net payment programs, including MILC, for five years to America’s farmers and ranchers. “We are very pleased and encouraged by this action,” said WFU President Sue Beitlich. “There has been much input and discussion on this farm bill from a wide variety of groups, with unique perspectives from across the entire spectrum of the U.S. agricultural industry. I think this bill provides a sound safety net to
producers, sets common-sense payment limitations and creates a producerfriendly process to implement countryof-origin labeling, which is something we’ve been advocating for since 1991.” As written, the bill eliminates subsidies for farmers with more than $1 million in adjusted gross income and closes a loophole that allowed some producers to collect double the maximum limit on federal payments through partnerships in multiple farms. “Some of the best news is that the legislation continues a safety net and counter-cyclical program that kicks in when prices plummet, including the MILC program, which is vital to Wisconsin’s dairy producers,” said Beitlich. “We applaud the members of the House Agri-
cultural Committee, who worked hard to create and pass a farm bill that improves upon existing policy and maintains the safety nets that keep many of our smaller family farms afloat during tough economic times when prices are low.” Other components include increased funding for land conservation, fruit and vegetable farmers, and food and nutrition programs such as an initiative to promote healthy snacks for schoolchildren. The bill is expected to go before the full House this week with a do pass recommendation. Beitlich also noted that Farmers Union has been advocating for a permanent disaster aid program as part of the next farm bill. “This is something that simply
must be included, so we don’t have to rely on continual requests for assistance on an ad hoc basis each time disaster strikes. We’ll continue to push for that concept in the U.S. Senate,” she said. Beitlich is in Washington, D.C., this week, meeting face-to-face with Wisconsin’s U.S. senators and representatives and urging them to support Wisconsin’s family farmers by crafting and passing the best possible farm bill. Other farmers from throughout Wisconsin will meet face-to-face with lawmakers during National Farmers Union’s grassroots legislative lobbying effort, from Sept. 16-19 in our nation’s capital. – submitted
PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library “Falling Through the Earth” by Danielle Trussoni Picked as one of the top 10 books of 2006 by The New York Times Book Review, this memoir is a gripping tale written by a woman who grew up near La Crosse. Raised mostly by her father, a tortured Vietnam veteran who had been a tunnel rat, his dark times colored his daughter’s life. Eventually Danielle heads as a grownup to Vietnam and retraces some of her father’s journey to try and understand the experiences that shaped his life. She finds that her parents have hidden a dark secret that holds some of the keys to their troubled relationship. When Danielle’s mother left her husband, Dan, and took her other children, Danielle stayed with her father and studied him like a history book. “Falling Through the Earth” is a powerful look at an all-American family through war and peace, a family forever altered by a war experience they didn’t seek. The Amery Public Library has multiple copies of this book, which is a great read for book groups, so check it out. Library Notes: Summer Reading cruises along with 293 children participating in Get a Clue at Your Library. There is still time to sign up and keep your children reading through the rest of the hot days of summer. We will be going on until the end of August. At story time on Aug. 1, the Circus Minimus Puppetry Group will be performing. This performance will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Everyone is welcome for the programs.
Story time on the Road with Christinia and Kaitlyn will be happening at 5 p.m. on Monday nights behind the Twin Pines Apartments on Minneapolis Avenue. Stop in for stories and crafts. The new Harry Potter book will be arriving on the 21st, so get your name on the reserve list if you need to read it soon. Teens Read Book Group stop in and pick up your James Bond books, we are reading Diamonds are Forever by Ian Fleming on July 30, at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. If you need to go to the school sports meeting just come for one-half hour and get your next book. Books are available at the circulation desk. Friends of the Library book group meets on Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Pearl Diver” by Jeff Tallarigo. Pick up a copy at the circulation desk and join us and invite a friend to join, too. Otaku Club meets every Tuesday for teens who love manga and anime. Stop in and check it out if you are a teen. Thanks to everyone who has given the Amery Public Library donations to help us move and to extend our services. We will need funds to help with the move and improvements in our new space. If you are interested in helping fundraise, contact the library or the Friends of the Library or join the Friends and help us make dreams come true. Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Clear Lake Public Library Please join us Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m. at the library for the summer reading program. July 25 and 26 – Detect It Super Summer Sleuthing August 1 and 2 – The Definition of Magic with James Inlow – amateur magic show 8 and 9 – Codes, Ciphers and Puzzles 15 and 16 – Inlowsfarm Crazy Critters – pet show 22 and 23 – Animal Tracks
29 and 30 – Mysteries of Ancient Egypt On a day when no special guest is scheduled, we will have fun with crafts, stories and snacks to accompany the scheduled theme. Library hours: Monday: Noon – 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 – 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Friday: noon – 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.
Centuria Public Library Real Life Adventures Are you a reader that likes to read about true tales of survival? The Centuria Public Library has just received a set of new books written for the young adult reader but exciting for everyone to read that features true stories of survival. Come to the Centuria Public Library and check out all six books. You will find them to be incredible stories of courage and determination that show the human will to survive. The titles are: 1. “Disaster in the Mountains,” Colby Coombs' story of survival. 2. “Lost at Sea,” Tami Oldham Ashcraft's story of survival. 3. “Shark Attack,” Bethany Hamil-
ton's story of survival. 4. “Stranded in the Snow,” Eric LeMarque's story of survival. 5. “Trapped in a Canyon,” Aron Ralston's story of survival. 6. “Volcanic Eruption,” Susan Ruff and Bruce Nelson's story of survival. 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.
Clear Lake Public Library
Dresser Public Library Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Story time Summer reading begins June 12. Registration for Get a Clue…at Your Library will be required this year. Summer reading will be Tuesday mornings at 10-11 a.m., for children, 3 to first grade. Chil-
dren entering third grade this fall and older, may participate in the independent reading portion of summer reading. Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and FAX number or e-mail us at www.dresser pl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org. also has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and much more.
Balsam Lake Public Library We have air conditioning!! Get out of the heat and grab a book 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. We also have many new puppets that can be checked out for home use.
dwarf woman. As a dwarf she is set apart, the outsider whose physical “otherness” has a corollary in her refusal to be a part of Burgdorf’s silent complicity during and after World War II. Trudi establishes her status and power, not through beauty, marriage, or motherhood, but rather as the town’s librarian and relentless collector of stories.
Books on the Beach Books on the Beach are back-with something for every reader’s taste. Read at the beach or bring the books home. Return to the beach when you’re finished if you’re able. Read, swim, sunbathe - what a way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
Through Trudi’s unblinking eyes, we witness the growing impact of Nazism on the ordinary townsfolk of Burgdorf as they are thrust on to a larger moral stage and forced to make choices that will forever mark their lives. “Stones from the River” is a story of secrets, parceled out masterfully by Trudi — and by Ursula Hegi — as they reveal the truth about living through unspeakable times.
Tales with tails Children read aloud to Ruby, a service dog, and her owner, Carolyn Peterson. This will be every other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. starting June 20. Ruby loves to listen to stories. Sometimes her eyes close, but she is listening. Please call and sign up for a time 485-3215. New books Some of our new books for July are “Quickie” by James Patterson, “Tin Roof Blowdown” by James Lee Burke, “Thunder Bay” by William Kent Kreuger, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. Many new board books, children and young adult for those lazy summer nights. Book club Meets Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. Everyone welcome. “Stones from the River” by Ursula Hegi. ”Stones from the River” is a daring, dramatic and complex novel of life in Germany. It is set in Burgdorf, a small fictional German town, between 1915 and 1951. The protagonist is Trudi Montag, a Zwerg — the German word for
Books lovers group Meets Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 3 p.m. This group and shares good books and talks about favorite authors. Events Rubber Stamping Class Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn to stamp bookmarks, cards and more. Class instructor is Barbara Hammerstad. Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10:30 a.m. noon. Live Bearded Dragons with Merilee. All ages invited to learn about bearded dragons. Friends Group Friend’s group will meet Wednesday Aug. 29, at 3 p.m. here at the library. Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. E-mail: balsamsite lakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web http://www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.or
St. Croix Falls Public Library Saturday talk about the book club The book club meets the second Saturday of the month, 1:30 p.m. at Goochie Noochie’s in downtown St Croix Falls. Call if you have any questions 483-1777.
Story hour Listen to stories, creat great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Croix Falls Public Library story hour!
Did I read this already? Now you can track what you have read through the MORE system’s My History. Check it out on the Web site.
Hours, contact Our hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Story hour friends at the St. Croix Falls Library. Some Good Samaratan Rresidents joined the story hour gang for books about colors, face painting by Dotty and fun art activities.
Technology Free wireless access is available at the library. Also, visit the library’s revamped Web site to find out what’s happening @ the Library. www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.
Frederic Public Library
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11
POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library Kevin McMullin to perform at Frederic Singer, songwriter, and storyteller Kevin McMullin will be performing at the Community Pride Shelter next to the Depot Museum Thursday, July 26, at 7 p.m. Kevin is known to many as a member of the traditional dance band Duck for the Oyster, and he is a crowd pleaser wherever he plays. The whole family is welcome to this very special event. If the weather is inclement, the performance will be held at the library.
reading program: July 26 at 7 p.m. – Folksinger/storyteller Kevin McMullin; Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. - Pajama party/Game night; Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. – Magician Magical Paul. These free programs are fun for everyone, so make plans to attend with family and friends.
Get a Clue at Your Library Kids of all ages are busy reading and counting books and pages as the Frederic library summer reading program is in full swing. Family-friendly movies are shown Mondays at 2 p.m., and preschool story times are held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. The YNK book group for fourththrough sixth-graders meets Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. with lively discussion of favorite books. The teen CSI book group has begun reading its first book “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Pfeffer. Everyone who meets their weekly reading goals or attends special activities can enter their names for great prizes at the end of the program. Be sure to mark calendars for Thursday evenings July 26 – Aug. 9 when the library hosts special evening events as part of the summer
Reading groups meet in August The Thursday morning reading group will meet Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. (note time change) to discuss “For One More Day” by Mitch Albom, a story that asks what would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one? The evening book group will meet Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. to talk about “Wish You Well” by David Baldacci. The novel takes place in 1940, when 12-year-old Louisa May Cardinal is transplanted from hectic New York City to the mountains of Virginia due to a family tragedy. Copies of the books are available at the library, and new readers are always welcome.
Monday movie time The library will show the movie “Open Season” Monday, July 30, at 2 p.m. This film is rated PG and lasts 86 minutes.
It was hard to distinguish the live creature from the other reptiles on Maddie Ammend’s shirt when she attended the Bearded Dragon program at the Frederic Library July 19. A starfish, bearded dragon, rats, and a tree frog were used to teach the audience the science of taxonomy, or how to classify animals. The event was one of the Frederic Library special evening events offered through the summer reading program.
Osceola Public Library Even more Scooby-Doo and Angelina Ballerina! Check out the recently added ScoobyDoo and Angelina Ballerina DVDs to our family DVD section. Family story time Family story time is held Saturdays at 11 a.m. Children 3 years of age or older and an accompanying guardian are invited to join us in this half-hour of fun, stories and songs!
Can’t make it on Saturdays? Join us every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool story time! 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 715294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.
Milltown Public Library Puppet workshop Renowned puppeteers from Twin Cities-based Circus Minimus will help children bring puppets to life in the library on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m. This event is free and open to children ages 7 through 12 and their adult caregivers. The librarian will offer a special puppet program for children under 7 years of age during this same time. Workshop participants must register by Aug. 25. Register online at www.milltownpubliclibrary.org or by calling 715-825-2313. Summer Reading Program Register for the Summer Reading Program at the Milltown Library front desk, then bring home your reading record sheets and start reading! You increase your chances to win one of the many weekly prize drawings, or even the grand prize iPod, by completing and turning in as many reading record sheets as possible. We will draw for prizes every Friday at 5 p.m. and will notify the winners. The Summer Reading Program is open to everyone – kids and adults.
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! Story hour: Milltown Public Library offers two story times every Tuesday. The morning story time begins at 10 a.m. Can’t make it in the morning? We will repeat the program at 6:30 p.m. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books. There will be no story times on Aug. 28 in lieu of the puppet workshop at 1 p.m.
part of the Share the Bounty hunger prevention project have grown into prolific plants bearing many young vegetables. Gardeners who picked up the seeds are encouraged to bring half their harvests to the library, a local food shelf, or the WIC program at Balsam Lake. Keep watering and weeding, and we hope for a large return! We proctor tests People often enroll in courses or classes which require testing monitored by a proctor. The library has been a proctor site for many people, and we try our best to work around your busy schedules. If you’re looking for a test monitor, contact the library to talk about your needs. Library hours at a glance Regular library hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The library is closed on Tuesdays. How to contact the library Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street 715-327-4979; e-mail: West, fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.
How does your garden grow? A patron recently commented that the seed packets he got from the library as
Polk County Library Federation The Friends of the Polk County Libraries “walking books” made appearances in the Lucky Days and Wannigan Parades. Parade pictures are of Director of the St. Croix Falls Public Library; Sarah Adams show cased the newest Harry Potter book, while Friend, Kathy Kienholz was a smash as Shrek. The group promoted libraries by handing out Check It Out pencils and book marks. Check it out at the Polk County Fair in the gold building (now painted white, but still referred to as the gold building just to confuse people!) where a giant sale and promotion of libraries will be going on. The group will be selling not just books but; baby items, aprons, felted mittens, felted purses, hand made dish/wash cloths, hand designed note cards and book marks. Proceeds for this event are going toward the purchase of an LCD projector. This large ticket item will be shared by all ten Polk County Libraries. Interested in becoming a Friend of the Polk County Libraries, contact the library at 485-8680 the next meeting will be on August 13, at the Polk County Library Federation from 4:30-6 p.m.
Check it out @ the fair, Polk County Libraries. See you there
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.
Sarah Adams show cased the newest Harry Potter book, while Friend, Kathy Kienholz was a smash as Shrek. – Photos submitted
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Pool story/from page 1 “A lot of people extended themselves in the tremendous heat that summer - no one with air conditioning in those days. They’d work 10-hour days and then dedicated themselves to the pool in the evening.” It was a “one wheelbarrow at a time” project as the unique lay of the land wouldn’t allow any big construction machinery to be used. ••• Rogers said Johnson became one of his heroes, not only for spearheading the pool project but for teaching self-reliance in the classroom. Living with cerebral palsy, Rogers said the pool also was a factor in his ability to live with a high degree of success. He spent seven hours a day for many years in the pool, exercising. That exercise, he believes, made it possible for him to still be walking with cerebral palsy at age 60. Today he continues to give back to the community through service on the library board and works with several groups to make things easier for people with disabilities and is writing a book about energy-efficient barrier-free housing, his primary project these days. ••• The pool has remained a major factor in Johnson’s life, also. Always a child safety advocate and the epitome of the community’s spirit, Johnson said he’s proud that the pool has “waterproofed” countless children. Swimming lessons coordinated by the school district was perhaps the catalyst for the pool in the first place. Prior to 1958, nearly 200 children would take swimming lessons each summer at Frederic, taking buses from the school two blocks south to Coon Lake. There was a general concern over providing a better place for the lessons and the 20th Century Club, a group of civicand social-minded ladies who would go on in later years to help raise funds for a new hospital - would help raise funds for the new pool. It was the tenacious superintendent Glynn, who also taught business education, who crunched the numbers and promoted the project to the board of education. For $34,000, they could make a wise investment for the area community. Glynn’s foresight would pay dividends for years as the pool became the backbone of Frederic’s highly successful summer school program, where children enrolled in swimming lessons. Some likely were lured to summer school program by the pool alone, which ended up generating state aid money for the school district through its use. ••• As the project director, it was Johnson who did the legwork. He visited pools to get ideas and lined up an engineering firm from Walworth, Wis., to provide specific information that was necessary to get a state permit for the project. “Present regulations would not permit a similar pool - triangular-shaped - to be built today,” he noted. A new pool
would likely be rectangular. Noble Young, a local contractor, provided a large concrete mixer for the duration of the work period. On June 11, 1958, the first concrete was poured, with the dedication ceremony less than a month away. ••• July 4, 1958 arrived cold and rainy. But you could see smiles on the faces of many in the crowd at the new school site as the dedication ceremony got underway. State Senator Holger Rasmusen of Spooner and State Rep. Lowell Nelson of Grantsburg showed up, both praising the local community for their volunteer efforts, not only with the pool, but with the golf course construction which at times may have stretched the volunteer workforce. Frederic Mayor W.F. Early was presented with a proclamation from a representative of the governor of Minnesota with an invitation to attend that state’s centennial. Johnson took his turn at the podium, also, thanking everyone who gave of their time to make the pool possible. And to everyone’s delight the Dolphin Swimmers - billed as “eleven talented and attractive swimmers from the St. Paul YWCA” performed six synchronized swimming numbers despite the uncooperative weather. The dream became a reality. ••• Johnson seldom laments, but he has a gift of presenting “what if” scenarios as if they were still possible and with an amicable grin and a sparkle in his eye. He wrote a letter to the board of education in 1958, after the dedication of the pool but while the excitement was still in the air. What about a heating system for the pool that would extend the swimming season? Perhaps due to the expense, it never materialized. Years later, he hinted to school officials that a worthwhile project would be finding a community group to spearhead a fundraiser to pay for enclosure of the pool. As the future of the pool - beleaguered by leaks and growing maintenance problems - is uncertain, Johnson seems to project confidence in the craftsmanship of those volunteers 50 years ago. Can this pool be fixed to last another 50 years? He nods and flashes a smile that translates to a slogan that is on the mind of many Frederic citizens these days: “Long live the Frederic pool.”
An April 1958 issue of the Inter-County Leader listed the work schedule for completion of the pool by July of that year. Volunteer workers made it happen and a dedication was held on July 4.
RIGHT: Just a headline, no caption, accompanied this front page photo in the Leader in June of 1957 as the first moving of earth took place for the swimming pool.
Future of pool/from page 1 commissioned by the committee, will be presented to the school board, and Edling said she wants to make sure the public is aware of the study’s results and is involved in the decision making regarding the pool’s future. The pool was built using blacktop at the bottom and it may be recommended that it be replaced with concrete, Edling noted. An extensive project, she noted, but not impossible. One of the issues surrounding the pool deals with its funding. Feeling the village has bore the brunt of the pool’s costs for years, the school board several years ago approached its member municipalities, asking they each pay a yearly sum for the pool’s operation, based on how many residents from that municipality used the pool.
Funding is likely to be an issue tied directly to the future of the pool, Edling said. She noted citizens may want to decide to put it on the tax rolls and do away with the user charge currently in place. Should the school give the pool to the village for operation? Should the pool be enclosed? If the pool isn’t worth fixing, should the community look at building a new one? Edling said Frederic has always come through as a community for such projects. Brian Rogers, who calls the pool the “flagship of Frederic,” said he believes its time to look at a new indoor pool. He did research approximately five years ago for the school district and dis-
covered that building of outdoor pools - at that time - was down 72 percent due to a change in lifestyles. “I’d like to see a three-year process of designing, developing and funding a new indoor pool,” he said. “One that could be used 12 to 15 hours a day by the school and community with specialized classes in kayaking, scuba diving and physical therapy - something that could help cover costs.” He noted that New Richmond has done just that. Referring to the volunteer effort back in 1957 that started the pool, Rogers said he believes the spirit is still there for another project. “With the right dynamic people we could do it again.” - Gary King
In 2001, community volunteers helped paint the surface of the pool. - File photo by Gary King
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Elderhostel backroads biking adventure offered EAGLE RIVER – From Sept. 2-8, Trees For Tomorrow will be hosting Backroads Biking Adventure, an active Elderhostel program on campus in Eagle River. Elderhostel students will enjoy a week of biking through the northwoods on some of the less-traveled paved roads guided by a Trees For Tomorrow naturalist. “The northwoods of Wisconsin provides a pristine environment in which to ride a bike,” stated Troy Walters, Elderhostel program director. “During the Elderhostel program, we visit some of the most beautiful areas that northern Wisconsin has to offer.” Multiple route options are available each day for various skill levels, and a support van will accompany each tour. The groups will stop along the way to explore nature up close and discuss the characteristics of the plants and wildlife found. Guest speakers will present interesting evening programs to enhance the educational experience. After this weeklong course, participants will have gained very useful knowledge regarding natural resources. Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization, is the nation’s first and world’s-largest educational and travel organization for older adults. Since 1975, Elderhostel has offered exceptional learning opportunities at remarkable values. Last year more than 170,000 adults participated in thousands of programs in all 50 states and in over 90 countries around the world. Trees For Tomorrow offers several Elderhostel programs throughout the year. The seven-day program price per person is $550 for doubles and $580 for singles. All meals, snacks, lodging, academic course instruction, field trips and equipment rentals are included in the package. Meals are
St. Paul Gangster Tour and Swede H0llow bus trip TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The Taylors Falls Historical Society is sponsoring an “Extra” program meeting, Saturday, Aug. 18. This historical bus trip will board the bus at Tangled Up In Blue restaurant, downtown Taylors Falls, Minn. Parking available in the city parking lot next to the restaurant. Bring your own picnic basket lunch. People are encouraged to decorate their basket with a gangster or Scandinavian theme. Historical garb is also encouraged, so dig out those old hats and pinstriped suits. One picnic basket will be chosen as best and win a free dessert at the afternoon mystery dessert stop. At noon, a famous crook (our tour guide) will board the bus for the St. Paul Gangster Tour! The tour will explore days gone by, nightclubs, hear about kidnappings and gun battles associated with the 1930s gangsters like John Dillinger, Ma Barker and Babyface Nelson. The tour also includes a stop at Swede Hollow to hear more about the many cultures that lived there. The last stop will be the mystery dessert stop, dutch treat. The bus will be back to Taylors Falls by approximately 4 p.m. Deadline for reservations is Aug. 1. Call Sally Barott, TFHS program committee at 651-257-4773 for more information. – submitted
Elderhostel participants enjoy scenic bike tours throughout the northwoods. – Photo submitted served in a historic dining hall overlooking the Eagle River chain of lakes. Elderhostel guests stay onsite at Trees For Tomorrow in lodge-style buildings that have comfortable bedrooms, central lounges with fireplaces and shared bath facilities. Participant must bring their own bicycle and helmet.
To register for the Backroads Biking Adventure Elderhostel program at Trees For Tomorrow, please call Elderhostel at 877-426-8056. Online registration is available at www.Elderhostel.org. Refer to program number 9698AU. - submitted
Annual Syren Area Garden Club tour set SIREN – The Syren Area Garden Club will hold its second-annual garden tour on Sunday, Aug. 5. Ten gardens, from woodland gardens, to cottage gardens, to pond gardens will be on display containing plants that thrive in water, shade and those that require partial or full sun. Viewing these gardens created by amateur gardeners will inspire you to try different plants that will attract attention to your own gardens. These gardens display brilliant flowers and plant arrangements. Host gardeners will direct you through their own gardens and answer questions you might have. Gardens will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Self-guided tour maps are available at Adventures Restaurant, Timberland Gifts Store or on Saturday afternoons at the farmers market in Siren. Beginning at any garden, a one-time $3 fee (per adult) will admit viewers to all 10 gardens.
All proceeds will be used to maintain and add to the Siren Memory Garden on Main Street at the Gandy Dancer Trail. This is a public garden the Syren Area Garden Club has created for use by anyone who would like to spend some peaceful time just enjoying nature. Friends and family members are welcome to donate plants, shrubs and garden decorations in memory of friends and relatives who have died. Memorial plaques are made by a club member and placed near the donated items. Benches and paths will be added this summer. For more information on donating items for the memory garden, call C. Phillips, 715-349-8386. Join the Syren Area Garden Club in supporting local gardeners and making our community a more beautiful place to live. – submitted
Organic dairy pasture walk set COMSTOCK — The Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network is happy to announce an organic dairy pasture walk at the Dette and David Bischoff Farm, Comstock, on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. The farm is located at 2089 Barron-Polk St. (county line), just two miles south of Hwy. 48. Watch for the signs. The farm features rotation grazing of 20 dairy cows and heifers, organic milk marketed through Organic Choice and an interesting mixture of Holstein, Brown Swiss, Normandie, Jersey, Ayrshire and Dutch Belt cows. The 80 acres of pasture are mixtures of alfalfa, red clover, alsike clover, timothy, bromegrass and orchardgrass. The Bischoffs are 4-H and township leaders. They have a nutrient management program with a plan that they wrote themselves. Discussions will include grazing, organic milk production, and using multiple species of cattle and forages. The pasture walks are sponsored by the Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network in cooperation with UWExtension, Natural Resources and Conservation Service, and the Land and Water Conservation Departments in Polk, Barron, Rusk, Burnett, Washburn and Sawyer. For more information on the pasture walks, contact, UW Extension Ag Agents Tim Jergenson for Barron County at 715-537-6250, Ryan Sterry for Polk County at 715-485-8600, or Otto Wiegand or Kevin Schoessow for Burnett, Sawyer or Washburn counties at 715-635-3506. — from UW-Extension
The birdbath donated to the Siren Memorial Garden by Jeanette Olson and her brother, Rich Sweitzer, in honor of their father, the Rev. Richard Sweitzer. – Photo submitted
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JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15
Wannigan Days Events
Riverwalk opening and sculpture dedication ST. CROIX FALLS – A ceremony to unveil and dedicate the River Spirit sculpture and open the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk took place July 20. Artist Julianne Stage unveiled her bronze cast River Spirit sculpture before hundreds of people at the St. Croix Falls scenic Overlook Deck. Several dignitaries spoke and commended Stage for her artistic vision. The sculpture was made possible through public enhancement dollars provided by the Menards Inc. development on Hwy. 8. One speaker at the event, John Hock, Franconia Sculpture Park, stated, “Commerce is how we live. Art is why we live.” – submitted
Tribal Spirits of the Sun performed an original dance after the unveiling of the sculpture.
(L to R): Mayor Brad Foss and engineer Warren White stand at the Overlook Deck entry of the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk Trail which connects the Overlook Deck to the National Park Service Headquarters. The trail was officially opened following the unveiling of the River Spirit sculpture. White’s vision of a Riverwalk trail in that location began 20 years ago. He and several community members got together to begin planning for a walking trail which is becoming a reality. The portion of the Riverwalk from the National Park Service to the Overlook Deck is phase one of the trail.
The River Spirit sculpture is unveiled at last. Julianne Stage, left, gets a congratulatory hug from one of her sculpture helpers, Sam Larson, while sculpture model Katie Perzyk looks on.
St. Croix Dance Troupe members performed several ceremonial dances and the St. Croix Tribe blessed the sculpture. Photos by Tammi Milberg
Wannigan Days Talent Show
Kids activities were held Saturday during Wannigan Days in St. Croix Falls by the National Park Service Headquarters in the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk Park.
This woman spins yarn on a spinning wheel. Pioneer lifestyle booths were part of the kids activities put on by the National Park Service during Wannigan Days.
Guitars were popular instruments for the 12-and-under category of the annual Wannigan Days Talent Show.
A blacksmith table was set up for display during the kids activities where kids and adults could get an up-close look.
This 7-year-old boy played guitar and sang “Beautiful Blue Eyes.”
Photos by Tammi Milberg
This young lady played the electric piano for her talent at the Wannigan Days Talent Show July 19.
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Wannigan Days Parade
Taylors Falls Mayor Michael Buchite waves to the crowd along St. Croix Falls’ Main Street.
The Taylors Falls Royal Lady of the Village, Amy Frischmon, shares the parade fame with her son as she waves to the crowd.
The St. Croix Regional Medical Center had a float in the parade commemorating the new construction/addition of the Lloyd Olson Surgery Center, currently under construction.
Rosemarie Braatz is centered between some of her grandchildren as she participates in the parade as the grand marshal for St. Croix Falls.
Several vintage vehicles were part of the Wannigan Days Parade July 20.
Photos by Tammy Milberg
Andy and Geri Swenson were the grand marshals for Taylors Falls.
Members of the St. Croix Falls High School marching band march their way down Main Street.
Taylors Falls Cub Scouts were armed with squirt guns ready to cool down parade spectators.
Miss St. Croix Falls 2007 Royalty make their way down Main Street in their first parade. Pictured are Jesel Price, Third pPrincess and Miss Congeniality, First Princess Abby Swenson, Second Princess Kate Wright and Miss St. Croix Falls 2007 Jasmine Jones.
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Riverwalk Bridge, community effort applauded by Julie Holmquist TAYLORS FALLS – Several years of volunteer work and community effort culminated Saturday with a ribbon cutting on the Riverwalk Bridge in Taylors Falls. Congressman James Oberstar, State Sen. Rick Olseen, Rep. Jeremy Kalin, and County Commissioner Rick Green were on hand to dedicate the bridge and to applaud the community’s accomplishment. Members of the Taylors Falls City Council and economic development commission were also there to formally thank a list of 50 volunteers with certificates of appreciation. The timber-frame bridge, noted Taylors Falls Mayor Mike Buchite, was built entirely by volunteers. The bridge links a staircase from downtown Taylors Falls to the river. “This was a four-year process with plenty of ups and downs,” said Taylors Falls businessman Wade Vitalis. Vitalis helped with planning the bridge work and also donated food to volunteers from the drive-in, which he owns. “Every time there was a challenge, the city council helped us over it,” Vitalis said. He also thanked the EDC and especially city council member John Tangen. “Today is a testimony to us to turn around and embrace the river,” Vitalis
The new bridge connects to a staircase leading to downtown Taylors Falls. said. “There are communities that would give their whole right arm and more to have this scene you’re looking at,” Oberstar said as he addressed the crowd next to the river and the bridge. “It’s a spectacular structure,” he said. “and ranks with the bridges that the federal programs protect in New England.
Mark Cutter, James Oberstar, Mike Buchite and Bruce Carlsted cut the ribbon dedicating the Riverwalk Bridge in Taylors Falls.
Looking at this bridge, I think our descendants will be here 100 years from now, saying they’re proud of it.” Timber-frame bridges are very durable, and similar bridges on the east coast have lasted an average of 130 years.
A crowd swarmed across the bridge following the dedication. – Photos by Julie Holmquist Bruce Carlsted and Mark Cutter, who were key volunteers in the project, had the honor of cutting the ribbon with Oberstar and Buchite. The next phase of the Riverwalk is building a deck to overlook the river near the bridge.
Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar applauded TaylorS Falls’ accomplishment.
Lucky Days Bed Races
The residents of Gilligan’s Island on Bone Lake made their first Lucky Days appearance, entering the S.S. Minnow in the bed race. The Professor, Mary Ann, the Skipper, and the rest, including Gilligan, posed before the start of the race.
The New York Life team uses its athletic skills as it heads for the finish line. Six teams were entered including Zindar’s Electric and the Bon Ton.
The Luck Fire Department team is shooting a basket at one of the stops. Teams were judged on how fast they completed the course and how successful they were with their shots at five target points. Making a basket while kneeling on a bed was The Maxwell team came in first for the second year running. Standing not an easy feat. – around the bed are Casey Hatten, Adam Memmer, Aaron Littlefield, Andy Photos by Gregg WestAnderson and Frank Baxter. On the bed are Mike Kennen and Tom Marigard cellus together with future team members Gavin Kennen, Katia Marcellus (partly hidden), Maks Marcellus and Sara Baxter.
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Lucky Days • Main Street
It was all about style and fun on Luck’s Main Street, Saturday morning, as hundreds of people crowded downtown for the annual car and tractor shows, merchant sales, a sawdust pile, carnival and other Lucky Days celebration events such as a yo-yo contest, emceed by Dan Valentine (photo at left) with help from local radio station Mix 105. Luck, once known as the “Yo-yo Capital of the World,” and home of the Duncan Yo-Yo factory, maintains its yoyo history each year during Lucky Days.
Photos by Gary King
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Sixty St. Croix Casino and Hotel employees honored for 15 years of service TURTLE LAKE – July 16 was a red-letter day for a select group of St. Croix Casino and Hotel employees. At a special ceremony during the annual St. Croix Casino and Hotel employee picnic, 60 employees were honored for 15 or more years of service to the Turtle Lake casino. Each honored employee received an award certificate, a 15-year employee name tag and a voucher for a specially designed 15-year employee jacket. Attending the ceremony were Tribal chairwoman Hazel Hindsley; Tribal Council secretary/treasurer Jerry Lowe; St. Croix Casino and Hotel general manage Dino Oustigoff; St. Corix Casino and Hotel director of gaming Georgia Cobenais; St. Croix Rez embroidery manager Cinday Fowler and 15-year employees and their guests. “Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the St. Croix Casino and Hotel,” said general manager Dino
Georgia Cobanais (L) and St. Croix Tribal chairwoman Hazel Hindsley presented certificates at the ceremony. – Photos submitted
Georgia Cobanais (L) and St. Croix Tribal chairwoman Hazel Hindsley presented certificates at the ceremony. – Photos submitted
Oustigoff, in congratulating the 15-year employees. “With your continued commitment, we’ll continue to work together to make the St. Croix Casino and Hotel the best that it can be now and in the future.” Fifteen-year employees recognized at the ceremony were Timothy Busch, Lynda Dietzel, Mary K. Merrill, Linda Neva, Tamra Ross, Minnie Allen, Elsie Armstrong, Carrie Bearhart, Raymond Bellecourt, Tracy Berry, Allen Breeden, Dawn Bruder, Debra Christianson, Dorothy Cook, Teara Curry, Lisa Dabruzzi, Allen Dahl, Gerald Davis, Richard Dierks, Nanette Dodge, Nelson Flettre Sr., Lisa Gabe, Susan Germain, Frances Graf, Joyce Halverson, Jeffrey Harland, Gregory
Hensel, Heather Hogner, Joseph Holmes, Vickie Hoy, Nick Kathrine, Barbara LaBlanc, Julie Laveau, Mary Leisz, Vernon Lowe Sr., Clifford Martin, Cynthia Mayton, Veronica Merrill, Marjorie Merth, Vivian Mitchell, Rita Moose, Patsy Morley, Shirley Mykytiuk, Betty Nelson, Lynn Norling, Toni Ostenson, Patricia Puig, Joyce Randall, William Reynolds, Carol Sather, Katherine Savoy, Faye Shannanaquet, Mark Sinclair, Angela Snyder, Luella Stauner, Mary Swanson, Melody Vandebrake, Rodney Visger, Chris Warland and Lorna Wold. – submitted
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Frederic 1913 Frederic Creamery to reopen – building has been thoroughly cleaned and new machinery installed. Theo Lennartz has had the building repainted, thoroughly cleaned and new machinery installed, making it as neat and saniBetty tary a creamery as will be found. Fenton At the local grocery store the different kinds of coffee listed: quality HISTORICAL coffee, good bulk coffee, our standard coffee, Peaberry coffee, Mary- VIGNETTES land Club coffee, Diadem steel-cut coffee, Empress steel-cut coffee, pails of Bluebird coffee. A large group of young people were confirmed in the Lutheran Church in the village. Those in the class were: Geda Myhre, Agnes Wold, Helen Carlson, Ethel Carlson, Olga Hanson, Clara Olson, Maude Johnson, Selma Nelson, Gerda Bergstrom, Ella Chell, Elmer Bloom, Bert Olson, Albert Lind, Vetice Chell and Harry Lind. A shriek of the fire whistle was heard about 9 a.m. and quickly responded to. A quick run was made to the west side of the track where the fire was burning in a long rank of maple cord wood in the rear of George Hagberg’s store building. A long line of hose laid from Hubbard’s Corner to the scene and plenty of water with good pressure soon put an end to the threatening blaze. Much speculation is heard as how the blaze started, but from all appearances it was a deliberate attempt to burn the pile. Children’s Day is usually observed the second Sunday in June in America, the M.E. Church had to cancel their program because a large epidemic of the measles. Dr. R.H. Laue is coming to Frederic. He will be the resident dentist. Office room being limited in Frederic, he finally secured rooms with Dr. Arveson on Oak Street. Moving pictures shows were held at the Frederric I.O.O.F. hall in Frederic; 4,000-feet of new moving pictures. Vaudeville - good music. Admission: 25¢, children 15¢.
Two blacksmith businesses in Frederic were: Erickson & Morrill – Blacksmith and Machine Shop, automobile repairing, horseshoeing, do not know where it was located. The other one was: Buckbee & Sahr Blacksmithing & Repairing. W. Sahr, an experienced blacksmith, has purchased an interest in the shop, and the new firm is prepared to do all kinds of work at satisfactory and right prices. Located at Buckbee’s Old Stand, do not know where it was located either. William Jarvis was the first conductor on the first train that ran into Grantsburg. Mr. Jarvis was a conductor many years, and is now retiring to Minneapolis, Minn. It was Frederic Day at the fair and many of the students and all of the teachers but one attended. The
educational exhibits were of particular interest, and our children were awarded prizes. Pauline Murphy won a first and Maybell Fransee a second in the handwriting of their respective grades. A strike was called in the local heading mill here, the strikers demanding higher wages. The new Frederic High School was a substantial improvement, congratulations to the people of Joint School District No. 3 in the erection of an excellent structure. The school will be completed in spring of 1914. The school board borrowed $12,500 to erect the first section of the building. The interior of the building is well arranged for school purposes. The basement will be about 10 feet high, extending five feet above the surface, thereby providing sufficient light for the classroom if necessary. The north end of the basement contains water closets. The first story contains two large classrooms with room and hallways of sufficient size to accommodate the children of the completed building. The second story contains two large classrooms, two wardrooms and the princi-
pal’s office. Each classroom is large enough to accommodate 45 pupils. Cattle are poisoned by eating of acorns. Wisconsin farmers are being warned against pasturing their young eating in oak groves where the animals have access to acorns. This is the cause of a number of cases of poisoning recently reported Dr. O. Elliason, state veterinarian of the University of Wisconsin. “The proper treatment,” declares Dr. Eliason, “consists of administering a half-pint of raw linseed oil with strong coffee, to which other stimulants may be added. The addition of a cup of molasses to each dose of the oil and coffee will make it still more effective.” – from Betty Fenton, director of public relations, Frederic Area Historical Society
Richter in SCVST play RIVER FALLS - Jeremy Richter of Dresser plays skater dude Ripper, a closet cello enthusiast, in the St. Croix Valley Summer Theatre’s “High School Musical” to be presented in late July and early August. Richter, a senior at Osceola High School, has appeared in 18 theatre productions, including “High School Musical.” Performances begin on Tuesday, July 31, and continue Aug. 1-5 and 8-11.
Each show is held at the Blanche Davis Theatre at the Kleinpell Fine Arts building, UW-River Falls, and begins at 7:30 p.m. A matinee showing will be held Sunday, Aug. 5, at 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 715-425-3114 or toll-free at 800-228-5423 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or at the SCVST box office, Kleinpell Fine Arts building. Limited seating is available for this show. – submitted
AOL to pay states $3 million and refund Wisconsin customers in settlement over cancellation issues MADISON - Wisconsin consumers who tried to lawfully cancel their AOL Internet service provider accounts, yet continued to receive monthly bills that they could not get AOL to properly resolve because of the company’s customer retention tactics, will receive refunds under the terms of a multistate consumer settlement joined by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. Complaints were filed by 177 consumers with the state against America Online, and many will be eligible for refunds. The company has begun contacting consumers directly by mail. The Wisconsin Department of Justice will receive copies of and monitor all correspondence. AOL has also agreed to pay the participating states $3 million for costs and fees. Wisconsin’s share of the settlement is expected to be approximately $45,000. “This settlement successfully addresses a widespread problem related to AOL’s practices impeding service cancellation, and I’m very pleased Wisconsin consumers will be refunded for their losses,” Van Hollen said. AOL, one of the nation’s largest Internet service providers, must now make significant changes in honoring consumer cancellation requests. The settlement, which was filed by Wisconsin and 47 other states (listed below) as well as the District of Columbia, resolves complaints in which consumers have alleged difficulty and confusion in attempting to cancel their AOL paid services. AOL formerly limited the methods available for consumers to cancel their accounts, such that the majority of consumers attempted to cancel by directly calling AOL. Customer service representatives received incentives for retaining or “saving” customers in lieu of cancellation, and consumers complained that as a result, cancellation was extremely difficult if not impossible. Today’s agreement puts strict limitations on this practice and requires recording and verification of these telephone calls. In addition, the agreement expands consumers’ options by allowing them to cancel through a simple online method via the AOL Web site. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection assisted in the investigation of this case, reviewing the approximately 177 complaints. This settlement also addresses a number of other billing practices that created consumer confusion. Specifically, AOL will be revising its disclosures regarding reactivation of terminated accounts as well as its disclosures relating to accounts billed directly to a consumer’s monthly telephone bill. AOL will also significantly revise its practice of allowing consumers to create “spinoff” accounts - which are additional paid accounts for AOL service stemming from one original membership. These accounts can now only be created over the phone in a recorded conversation with a customer service agent, who must make detailed disclosures of the applicable costs. AOL recently announced that it would begin limiting its role as an Internet access provider, allowing its customers to convert to free e-mail accounts. The terms of today’s agreement should minimize the potential for consumer confusion during this transition. The other participants in this settlement are the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming, the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia and the District of Columbia. Assistant Attorney General Cynthia Hirsch represented the state of Wisconsin in the proceedings. - submitted
Webb Lake Men’s Club sets carnival for Aug.11 WEBB LAKE - The Webb Lake Area Men’s Club will host their annual carnival on Saturday Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webb Lake Fire Hall. Games will include ducks in the pond, bean-bag toss, and balloon dart throw for the kids. The minnow races will return for the second year for adults and kids. The jumping castle will be back for the third year. Hot dogs, popcorn and beverages will be available. For the adults, golf and football throw will be provided. Turkey and ham shoot and other raffles will be available. Come see who will be the dunkees in the dunk tank. The Webb Lake Area Men’s Club is a community service organization with the objective “to make our community a better place in which to live.” It provides support for local projects such as Crescent Lake Community Outreach, Burnett County Relay for Life, Webb Lake First Responders and other public safety organizations. For more information contact Jack Cronin 715-259-7722 or Bob Wirtz 715-259-7844. - submitted
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Truck and Tractor Pull LUCK - The Luck FFA Tractor Pull was held this past weekend, in conjunction with the annual Lucky Days celebration. Following are the winners of the event in each of the categories: 13,000 Farmstock First place – Adam Delander, JD 4440, 291.2 Second place – Kelly Johnson, Case 1175, 263.5 Third place – Seth Olson, IH 1066, 251.9 Sponsored by Deer Country Services 11,000 Hot Farm First place – Mike Olson, IH 1066, 324.8 Second place – Scott Smith, IH 966, 311.11 Third place – Bill Delander, JD 4430, 292.11 Sponsored by Horsepower Repair, Cushing 9,500 Super Stock First place – Mike Olson, IH 1066, 306.7 Sponsored by Greene Implement
11,000 Farmstock First place – Al Beeker, JD 4055, 273.71 Second place – John Wallner, Case 1175, 250.46. Sponsored by CarQuest, Frederic 9,500 Hot Farm First place – Scott Smith, IH 966, 283.7 Sponsored by Wright’s Tractor Service 9,500 Farmstock First place – Bill Delander, JD 4430, 282.0 Second place – Tyler Moore, JD 4430, 271.9 Third place – Chris Owens, Case IH685, 210.10 Sponsored by Tin Cup Promotions 6,000 Super Stock First place – Kevin Tripp, Farmall 656, 188.4 Second place – Jay Lerbs, 180 Allis Chalmers, 286.5 Sponsored by Hog Wild
The Luck FFA Truck and Tractor Pull was held this past weekend in conjunction with Lucky Days. Sponsored by Van Meters Meats 7,000 Farmstock First place – Dan Boyel, Farmall 560, 240.9 Second place – Summer Johnson, Oliver 880, 152.4 Third place – Eric Lund, Farmall Super M, 144.3 Sponsored by Country Luck Farm 5,500 Farmstock First place – Kevin Tripp, Oliver 1650, 299.5 Second place – Jerry Thompson, Massey 44, 264.3 Third place – Ross Nolte, Oliver 770, 260.9 Sponsored by Gold Star Co-op 5,000 Hobby Stock First place – Corrie Sandby, Farmall M, 248.9
4,500 Farmstock First place – Jerry Thompson, Massey 44, 306 Second place – Ross Nolte, Oliver 770, 289.5 Third place – Dwayne Koch, Farmall H, 267 Sponsored by Kum & Co. Gas Station
Photos by Charleen Wright
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Alternative grain crops field day set SPOONER – The Spooner Agricultural Research Station will host an Alternative Cash Grain Crops Field Day on Aug. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Sunflowers, canola, camelina, spring wheat and conventional soybean management topics will be presented. Sunflowers, canola, camelina and soybeans are oil crops that could be grown to produce your own biodiesel. The Spooner Agricultural Research Station has a sunflower date of planting trial and a variety trial that will be viewed while discussing sunflower production management. Canola variety trials were conducted on the station the past several years. Results of canola trials and production management will be presented as well as viewing canola at various growth stages. Camelina is a crop that is gaining popularity for oil crushing in the state of Montana. Come see a demonstration plot of camelina and find out more about this crop. University of Wisconsin Agronomy Department Outreach Specialist John
Gaska will talk about management of spring wheat. Area marketing opportunities for grain and straw have some grain crop producers adding spring wheat to their rotation. The Spooner Agricultural Research Station has two spring wheat research trials this year. There is a variety trial with 14 spring wheat varieties and a nitrogen rate trial with nitrogen rates from 0 to 100 lbs. per acre. Lastly, weed control options for conventional soybeans will be discussed. With over 90 percent of the soybeans in the United States containing the Roundup Ready gene, markets have developed which pay a premium for conventional soybeans. The Spooner Agricultural Research Station is located on the east edge of Spooner on Hwy. 70. Driving directions are: from Hwy. 53 turn west on Hwy. 70 or from Hwy. 63 turn east on Hwy. 70. For more information call 715-635-3735. – submitted
Sunflower trial at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station. – Photo submitted
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SCRMC Golf Classic raises $15,166 to purchase DEXAscan ST. CROIX FALLS – RiverBank Insurance Center’s John Gauper presented proceeds from the Seventh-Annual Golf Classic, a check for $15,166, to St. Croix Regional Medical Center’s CEO Lenny Libis as others look edon. “We were very excited that this year’s golf classic on June 15, filled quickly. Registrations surpassed our expectations, confirming that this tournament is a significant area event. The golf classic greatly benefits patients throughout the service area of the medical center, and we’re pleased to be the sponsor.” Sandy Williams, SCRMC director of development and marketing, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the medical center to Gauper and his staff for their outstanding support and hard work. “Over the past seven
years, this event has generated over $88,000 for patientcare equipment. We also want to thank the Frederic Golf Course staff and their board members for providing wonderful service and a course in excellent condition,” said Williams. Williams made a point of acknowledging all the corporate and hole sponsors and team players who contributed to this fundraiser. “Without their generous support, too,” said Williams, “the tremendous success we’ve achieved again this year simply wouldn’t have been possible. We’re very proud, too, to mark our seventh year with this event. Everyone appeared to enjoy the day and especially the prime rib dinner catered by Beth LeMieux. Williams went on to point out that the
real winners here “are all the people in our community and their families who use the medical center. The funds we raised will purchase a DEXAscan used for bone density screening. This equipment is very important for our patients.” Sponsored by The RiverBank Insurance Center in partnership with the St. Croix Valley Healthcare Foundation, the classic offers a morning nine-hole scramble and an afternoon 18-hole tournament. The entry fee provides golf cart rental, complimentary use of the driving range, awards and lunch or a prime rib dinner. Both tournament events include numerous course games and hole-in-one contests to win cars, courtesy of Larsen Auto and Johnson Motors. – from SCRMC
Pam Stratmoen and Sarah Heintz of the RiverBank Insurance Center; Lenny Libis, SCRMC CEO; John Grauper, tournament sponsor who heads the RiverBank Insurance Center and Sandy Williams, director of development, education and marketing.– Photo submitted
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Academic news GRANTSBURG – In recognition of outstanding achievement at North Dakota State University Mitchell Allen Tromberg has been named to the dean’s list for the spring semester 2007 in the college of engineering and architecture. Tromberg is a 2005 graduate of Grantsburg High School, the son of Doyle and Julie Christian and the late Bruce C.
Tromberg. – submitted ••• ST. PAUL, Minn. – One student from the area has been named to the University of St. Thomas spring semester dean’s list. Students must post grade-point averages of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale to be named to the dean’s list. Named to the list is Bryan Johnson,
Siren. – from the University of St. Thomas ••• WHITEWATER - May 19 marked the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater’s commencement day for spring 2007 graduates. A total of 1,212 students received their diplomas. Of the 1,212 students, 1,044 earned bachelor’s degrees, and 168 earned master’s degrees.
Richard Meeusen, a 1976 UW-Whitewater graduate was the keynote speaker. He is president, CEO and chairman of Badger Meter, Inc. in Milwaukee. The following students received degrees: Centuria Lucas R. Dock, ugrd, human resource management BBA, BBA.
Interstate Park Nature Story Time at Interstate Park Join naturalists Julie Fox or Barb Walker at Wisconsin Interstate Park at 10 a.m. every Thursday through August for a story and activity for younger children and their parents. The short activity following the story will reinforce the story’s nature-related theme. Nature Story Time will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Please check at the park office upon ar-
Greener cleaning – the green guide Feel like you’re killing yourself trying to keep your house clean? You may laugh, but you’re closer to the truth than you think if you’re using harsh commercial cleaners. There are many chemicals in commercial cleaning products that can harm you, children and pets. Many of the chemicals found in household cleaners and pesticides are not adequately tested, regulated or controlled. An estimated 2 to 5 million exposures to household poisons occur every year. A significant number of these exposures involve household cleaners. Some chemicals are restricted by the government, and some that have known neurotoxins and carcinogens, quite dangerous at some level of exposure, are not. Hydrofluoric acid, an extremely dangerous chemical that can penetrate through flesh to the bone without any warning signs, is a completely legal chemical in a commercially sold rust remover. Many household cleaning products, such as furniture polish, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, even
Friday, July 27 2 p.m. – Meet Axtec the Tropical Owl.
Stop by the Ice Age Center anytime between 2-3 p.m. to meet naturalist Barb Walker and Aztec, her live South American Spectacled Owl. Saturday, July 28 1:30 p.m. – Family Fun: Owl-on-aStick. Come to the Ice Age Center for a fun family activity – then bring home a make-and-take Owl-on-a-Stick. Everyone is welcome! 4 p.m. – A Billion Years on the Pothole Trail. Meet naturalist Barb Walker at the Pothole Trail sign and take a hike back in time to see the wonders created over the
last billion years. 7 p.m. – Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night. Owls are among the most successful predators of the night because of their incredible adaptations. Learn all about them with naturalist Barb Walker and her live owl Aztec at a program presented at the Ice Age Center. Wednesday, Aug. 1 10 a.m. – If the River Could Talk… Hear some of the fascinating history of the St. Croix River Valley on this scenic hike to the summit. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign.
air fresheners, are considered hazardous waste and potentially very harmful. But you do have a choice. When you make your own cleaning Jen Barton products, you can avoid harsh chemicals harmful to your family and the environment... and save money, too! Over time, Reycling you’ll save hunControl dreds of dollars. Commission For example, on a typical visit to the store, you might purchase $20 worth of commercial cleaning products. Using an equivalent amount of homemade cleaners can cost less than $5. Household hazardous waste collections are fast approaching and are perfect places to rid your home of potentially harmful products. Saturday, Aug. 11, Siren will host a collection of hazardous wastes and electronics from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Burnett County Highway Shop. Spooner will host the last event of the season on Saturday,
Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hazardous Waster Storage Facility in Spooner. Please call Jen for details or questions at 635-2197. You can make your own nontoxic cleaners using simple, ordinary ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and salt to make safe, inexpensive cleaners. The ingredients cost much less than store-bought cleaners, and they really work. It is possible to make cleaning safe and more enjoyable. Here are some age-old alternatives to harsh chemicals and store-bought household cleansers: Unclog drains: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in and around the drain opening. Follow with a cup of white kitchen vinegar. Repeat if needed and finally flush with hot water. Oven cleaner: Sprinkle inside oven with water, then baking soda. Let sit overnight and scour with a pad. Tile/linoleum floors: Dissolve one two teaspoons of dishwashing soap in three gallons of warm water. Mop floor with this solution; to rinse follow this procedure with one cup of white vinegar in three gallons of cool water. Wood floors: Dissolve three tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of
white vinegar in three gallons of warm water. After mopping, wipe dry. Furniture polish: You can use a little olive oil and vinegar to polish your furniture. Use one part white distilled vinegar and three parts olive oil. Add a little natural lemon oil (not the synthetic kind) and you’ve got a great polish! Glass cleaner: Most commercial glass cleaners contain ammonia, alcohol and detergents that are annoying and sometimes quite irritating to breathe. Worse than that, you are paying a high price for 95-percent water! You won’t believe it, but you can actually use plain club soda for a great glass cleaner. It works much better than commercial cleaners and isn’t irritating to breathe. Rust remover: Toxic rust removers that are dangerous poisons are at the top of my list of cleaners to keep out of the house. You’ll be ecstatic to discover this simple, natural solution: Sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is nicely soaked in lime juice. Leave the mixture on for two or three hours. Use the leftover rind as a handy scrubber. Rust is gone. Nontoxic cleaning recipes from “Clean House, Clean Planet.”
rival for the program location. Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half 1/2 mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature Story Time is free of charge, but a state park sticker is required to enter the park. For more information call Julie or Barb at 715-4833747. Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park
EARTH NOTES
larvae will migrate and Hello, Fritz here! The good grow in our system, prinews from the shelter is that we marily settling in our sent three more puppies home hearts, lungs and blood this week. It just wags my tail vessels. They grow to to see these little friends of mine four to 12 inches in head out the door in the arms of length and can live five a good family. We had a very to seven years in our hungry stray beagle brought in. And I mean hungry! Even a Fritz bodies, gack! Obviously, having human could count all her ribs from 20 feet away! The NEWS FROM these big ol’ worms in our heart and lungs angels named her Jesse and can be deadly. They are keeping her food bowl cause problems in our extra full for awhile. lungs, heart, liver and The warm weather and bit kidneys. Without of rain we’ve gotten reminds treatment, heartworm me of heartworm disease in dogs, and I’d like to talk a bit about can kill a dog, arooooo! Signs of it. My furry friends and I can get heartworm are a cough, exercise heartworm when an infected mos- intolerance and abnormal lung quito bites and transmits the heart- sounds. As the disease develops, a worm larvae into our bodies. The dog can have difficulty breathing,
YOUR SHELTER
temporary loss of consciousness, enlargement of the liver and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. The tail-wagging good news in all of this is that heartworm disease is easy to prevent with inexpensive medicine, usually a chewable or dissolvable pill once a month. Take care of your fuzzy friends and protect them from heartworm! That’s my soap-box howl for the week. As a final woof, I need to give a huge slobbery kiss and tail wagging to Patty for the kennel she gave us. A big arrrrrooooo to Patty! With your help HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org, 715-866-4096.
Births Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Andrew Daniel Rodmyre, born July 8, 2007, to Natica Chilefone and Timothy Rodmyre, Shafer, Minn. Andrew weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. •••
A boy, Owen Kirk Chivers, born July 10, 2007, to Aaron and Angela Chivers, Luck. Owen weighed 9 lbs., 10 oz. ••• A boy, Reed Matthew Caron, born July 11, 2007, to Amy and Matthew Caron, East Bethel. Reed
weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. ••• A boy, Brady Allen Asproth, born July 11, 2007, to Tanya and Jeffrey Asproth, Osceola. Brady weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. •••
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25
New resource offered by WMS MADISON - Patients throughout Wisconsin searching for a physician, or for information about a physician, have a new resource today. DRconnection, developed by the Wisconsin Medical Society, allows patients to search a database of all practicing physicians in Wisconsin by name, specialty, city, clinic or ZIP code. But that search function is really just the beginning of the Society’s efforts to improve health care quality in Wisconsin. “We are extremely pleased with the launch of DRconnection,” said Society President Clarence Chou, MD. “It marks the completion of a key first step in the Wisconsin Medical Society’s critically important initiative to promote practice-level quality improvement that will ultimately lead to real change in our health care system.”
Because DRconnection is a data repository that brings together complete physician demographic information such as specialty, education, license number, practice information, hospital affiliations and more, its uses promise to extend far beyond a directory. “By utilizing the data in DRconnection for quality improvement efforts like those of the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality, the Wisconsin Health Information Organization and the Wisconsin Hospital Association, individual physicians will be able to get feedback on how their performance measures up against their peers,” said Society CEO Susan L. Turney, MD. “And that, along with tools being developed by the Society, will help them in their efforts to improve patient care.” The Society is hoping to work with state government to provide all physician-related information currently available to the public. This would include any disciplinary action the medical examining board has taken to limit physicians’ licenses to practice medicine. DRconnection can be accessed by clicking on the DRconnection logo at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best
interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. – from WMS
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OBITUARIES Roger J. Evans
Florence E. Gustafson
MaryAnn Mallin
Roger J. Evans, 51, died July 14, 2007, at his home with his family by his side. Roger was an active outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. Roger was preceded in death by his father, George; and mother, Darlene. Roger is survived by his wife of 19 years, Michelle Evans; and their children, Adam and Amy. His children from his first marriage, Toni (Jeremy) Jensen, Tom (Joleen) Evans; grandchildren, Lila Evans, Bennett, Grace and Emma Jensen and Charles Evans; siblings, Georgette (Gary) Bruhn, Kelly (Paulette) Evans, Rob (Julie) Evans; as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 19, 2007, at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.
Florence E. Gustafson, age 81, a resident of Cottage Grove, Minn., died July 12, 2007, at her residence. Florence was born June 3, 1926, in St. Paul, Minn., to Ernest and Lillian Anderson. Florence married Earl Gustafson in St. Paul in August of 1949. They lived in various locations in Minnesota settling in Cottage Grove. For many years, they had a summer cabin here. Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband Earl; brothers, Bob and Harry. Florence is survived by her children Charles, Ann (Michael), Sharon (Bill) Don and David (Kathy); grandchildren Cyndi, Kari, Jennifer, Michael, Dillon and Bryn. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating. Music was provided by Caroyl Long and Dianne Gravesen. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster. Casket bearers were David Gustafson, Donald Gustafson, Charles Gustafson, Ann Hoel, Sharon Earley and Michael Hoel. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.
MaryAnn Mallin of St. Croix Falls died suddenly on Sunday, July 15, at her home at the age of 46. MaryAnn was born Aug. 26, 1960, in Kentucky, to Francis and Dorothy Jean Voiles. She attended Osceola Schools. On Sept. 3, 1988, she married Gary A. Mallin. She did factory assembly work. MaryAnn enjoyed writing poetry and collecting Noah’s Ark memorabilia. MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Brandon Charles of Osceola; sister, Sara Branson of Tennessee; brother, Lee (Mary) Voiles of Amery; nephew, Eddie Voiles of Amery; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, July 20, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola with Pastor Kent Haralson, officiating. Recorded music was selected by her son Brandon. The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.
Alberta Loverude Alberta Jacqueline Loverude, Cumberland, died July 19, 2007, at Cumberland Extended Care Unit. She was 86 years old. She was born July 26, 1920, in St. Paul, Minn., to Walter and Amelia (Haas) Dickman, and the family moved to Cumberland the next year. She graduated from Cumberland High School in 1938, and went on to Barron County Normal School. She was married in Cumberland on May 12, 1942, to Leslie Loverude. After commuting for four summers, Alberta graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education. Her graduation in 1967 was as at the same ceremony as her son, Les. All told, Alberta taught school either part or full time for nearly 60 years, including 42 years in the Cumberland School District, all while helping around the farm with the cattle, horses and a large garden. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie, on March 2, 2007; and sisters Marie Hanson and Marcella Dickman. She is survived by sons Leslie (Jan) Loverude, Shell Lake, and Larry (Cathy) Loverude, Amery; daughter Linda Loverude (Errol Edwards), St. Paul, Minn.; six grandchildren; great-grandson Jasper Albert; and sisters Lucille (John) Wahl, Frederic, Mercedes (Roy) Wickstrom, Cumberland, and Dorothy Johnson, Minnetonka, Minn. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 26, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cumberland, with the Rev. Steve Miller officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Cumberland. Pallbearers are grandchildren Michael Loverude, Jennifer Loverude, Errol Edwards, Nathan Edwards, Kirsten Loverude and Erik Loverude. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland and for one hour before services on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. The Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland, was entrusted with arrangements.
Unita M. Chivers Unita M. Chivers of Luck died Monday, July 23, 2007, at the United Pioneer Home at the age of 85. Unita was born July 11, 1922, at Cushing to Soren and Ethel Christensen. She attended St. Croix Falls Schools. On Sept. 7, 1940, she married Guy F. Chivers at Lindstrom, Minn. She worked as a cook for 35 years. Unita enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafts and especially babysitting her grandchildren. Unita was preceded in death by her parents; husband Guy; infant brother, Clyde Edward; sisters and brothers-in-law, Naomi and Clifford Gudmunsen, Betty and Floyd Tretsven and Donice and William Gudmunsen. She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Maynard) Stevens; sons, Arlin (Bonnie) Chivers and Lon (Kris) Chivers; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, the Tody family, sister, Margie (Elliot) Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be Saturday, July 28, 2 p.m., at Luck Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mark Hall officiating. The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.
Ralph A. “Bud” Mattson Ralph A. “Bud” Mattson, son of Alma (Peterson) and Andrew Mattson died June 25, 2007, at the age of 86. He is survived by daughter, Cappy Berg-Sine; grandsons, Michael (Jill) Berg and Michael Sine; granddaughter, Justine Sine; great-grandchildren, Natasha, Kali, Derek and Tyler Berg; sisters-in-law, Bernice, Dorothy and Sally. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Mae; infant daughter, Theresa M.; sons-in-law, Richard Berg and James Sine; brothers, Freeman (Liz), Lawrence, Lester, Lloyd (Jean), Vern; sisters, Carrie (Walter) Baasch, Edna (Lloyd) Coddington, Lillian Mattson and Doris (Joseph) Walovicz and many nieces and nephews. Bud will be remembered for his sparkling gray eyes and infectious smile. Funeral services were held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Luck on Friday, June 29, 2007. The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck was entrusted with arrangements.
Arlene M. Clendening Arlene M. Clendening, age 71, a resident of Danbury, died July 13, 2007, at her home. Arlene was born Sept. 14, 1935, in the town of Swiss, to Clarence and Jessie Phelps. Arlene married Robert Clendening on May 28, 1960. They lived their entire married lives in Danbury. Alrene was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Kristie Intihar; granddaughter Kaelyn Intihar; parents and two brothers. Arlene is survived by her brothers Clarence (Genera) Phelps of Amery, Ed (Carol) Phelps of Danbury; sister Evelyn Engebretson of Webster; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 18, at Faith Community Church in Danbury, with Pastor Bill Boeselager officiating. Music was provided by Lori Ward-Macumber and Annette Arnold. Interment followed at Danbury Cemetery. Casket bearers were Curt Phelps, Bucky Phelps, Richard Hufford, Carson Dunkley, Argene Johnson and Orion Hanson. Honorary casket bearers were Ken Hayes, Bud Christopherson, Jim Engebretson II, Jeff Engebretson, Jeff Intihar, Jim Clendening, the late Kristie Intihar, Kaelyn Intihar and Bob Phelps. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with the arrangements.
Terry M. Lawson Terry M. Lawson, Denver, Colo., died July 18, 2007. He was 64 years old. He was born April 14, 1943, in Luck. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1965 and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado. Terry worked briefly for the state of Wisconsin, and after moving to Denver, he worked at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center as vice chancellor for financial affairs. After leaving the Health Science Center, he went on to found his own company, Endur All Technologies Inc. Terry was chairman and CEO for the last 12 years. Terry’s legacy is that he developed and brought to market a new state-of-the-art building material, changing the roofing industry. He had many interests, but his passion was golf. He started playing as a young boy in Luck and was on the golf team in high school where he competed for the state championship. He joined Hiwan Golf Club in 1987 where he carried a single-digit handicap. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; mother, Edna of Luck; children, David (Janis) Hoskinson of Superior, Colo. and Paul J. Hoskinson of Denver; siblings, Sandy (John) Solheim of Schofield and Jim (Patty) Lawson of Bozeman, Mont.; nieces and nephews, Mary Solheim, Michele Geary, Kathy Kowalke, Susan Solheim, Mike Solheim, Sara Lawrence, Becky Klima and Adam Lawson. He was preceded in death by his father, Meredith (Bud) Lawson. There was a celebration of Terry’s life held at the Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen, Colo., on June 29. Contributions may be to the Leukemia Society.
Mary (Nadia) Johnson Mary (Nadia) Johnson, 53, died at her home in Palestine, Texas, on July 6, 2007. Mary was born on Aug. 20, 1953, to Bernie and Kathleen Simonsen of Frederic. She was baptized and confirmed at Clam Falls Lutheran Church. Mary graduated from Frederic High School in 1971. She grew up loving to ride horse, garden and was a talented painter. Mary went to Patricia Stevens Modeling School in Minneapolis, Minn. She also went to nursing school and received her registered nurse degree. Mary married Ron Letchworth. They had a daughter together named Jessica. She was a traveling nurse, then returned home to Wisconsin for some years, keeping up her nursing career and working as an emergency nurse in Minneapolis and Frederic. Mary moved to Texas and met her husband of nine years, Gene Johnson. She retired from nursing and became a homemaker. She was very active with her vegetable and flower gardens, and loved to take care of her two dogs. Mary was preceded in death by her father and nephew Michael Fisk. She is survived by her mother; daughter; sisters Suzi (Roger) Fisk, Robin Richey; brother Paul (Kim) Simonsen and many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Memorial services were held at Clam Falls Lutheran Church, Sunday, July 15. Pastor Larry Juergenson officiated.
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27
CHURCH NEWS What is our Security System?
truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). A man is deceived when he thinks that anyone will be saved while continuing to live in Are you still alarmed by the gasoline prices or their sin. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not is anything close to $3 now “No Big Deal”? Reinherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither member when, just a little over two years ago, fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effemiwe began to panic when the price went over $2? nate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind (nor hoWhy did we panic? Because, we weren’t used mosexuals, nor sodomites NKJV), nor thieves, nor to the high prices. But look what happened in covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, such a short time. $3 per gallon is starting to be shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians “no big deal,” and we would probably consider 6:9–10). $2 a dream. A man is deceived when he thinks he can folWhat’s true with the gasoline prices is also low the teachings of men rather than Christ. true with the price of sin. What once was conTHE “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for sidered “unthinkable” is now no “big deal.” Dimany shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and vorce. Living together before marriage. Unwed the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” pregnancies. Lying. Adultery. Abortion. Homo(Luke 21:8) “And Jesus answering them began to say, sexuality. We’ve gotten used to them. They’re Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall not frowned upon as they once were. come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deSatan has done a number on us. He is the father of all lies (John 8:44). His primary tool is deception. No wonder ceive many.” (Mark 13:5-6) “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11) “Little children, God warns us over and over: “Be not deceived.” A man is deceived when he thinks that bad company let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, is good for him. “Be not deceived: evil communications cor- even as he is righteous.” (1John 3:7) Yes, Satan is a deceiver and liar (John 8:44) and because rupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). A man is deceived when he thinks he can sow one of his cleaver deceptions Jesus said; “But because I speak thing and reap another. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: the truth, you do not believe Me.” (John 8:45) “He who refor whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that jects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” day.” (John 12:48) (Adapted from an article by Keith Parker) (Galatians 6:7–8). If readers have questions or simply wish to know more A man is deceived when he thinks he can JUST listen to the Word of God and please Him. “But be ye doers of the about the Word of God and His church, we would like to word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James invite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible class 1:22). A man is deceived when he thinks that he is without begins at 9:30 and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. We also sin. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Office hours are Tuesday’s through Friday’s 9 a.m. - noon.
Be not deceived
Every animal is born with its own built-in security system. A turtle takes refuge by retracting its head and feet. A skunk lifts its tail and sprays a noxious odor. A bear Sally Bair displays its size and lethal claws. Elk grow long, deadly antlers and kick hard. A porcupine’s armor is PERSPECTIVES its barbed quills. When we think about it, we can find defense mechanisms in all living things. And the ant stores up food for winter refuge. Humans also carry armor in some form or another. We defend ourselves by fighting, fleeing, or reasoning. We defend our homes with door and window locks and alarm systems. And we defend our families, our possessions, and ourselves with insurance. Insurance—what’s that? A scheme to make someone rich? A way to prevent worry over loss, sickness, or death? A means to avoid future problems? Today’s widows, if they’re lucky, can live off their husbands’ life insurance and retirement pensions. If not so lucky, many widows end up on government assistance, become a burden to family members, or are left homeless. Historically, the church took care of widows. If the church was doing its job, the widows were well cared-for. If not, they suffered. There were no insurance policies as we know them today. How can we reconcile insurance policies with faith? Some Christians carry no insurance, relying entirely on God to keep them secure. And they have Scripture to back them up. The Bible is filled with verses about trusting God for all our needs. But does trusting God mean we don’t need any insurance? After all, insurance does mitigate adverse consequences for ourselves—and for others. Other Christians carry insurance. After all, aren’t they supposed to plan ahead and be concerned about the welfare of their families? We live in an imperfect world where anything can happen. Ask the family down the street whose house burned down last week. Ask the drivers whose vehicles were totaled and who ended up in the hospital. Should we look for a happy medium—carry just enough insurance to help us in emergency but not enough to cause us to go broke? How much trust should we put in God, who promises to meet all our needs? Enough to go without any insurance? In the end, we each must decide for ourselves. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12) Lord, give us wisdom in making decisions regarding the future of ourselves and families. In Jesus’ name, amen. (Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)
ETERNAL
Heartsong Quartet concert to be held
CUSHING – You are welcome at Skonewood Christian Retreat Center, 2104 260th Ave., Cushing, for a Heartsong Quartet concert. This event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. Heartsong sings both traditional hymns and southern gospel, which is heard from groups like the Gaither Vocal Band, the Cathedrals or Gold City. You will have a hard time sitting through a performance without tapping your toes or maybe even clapping your hands. Heartsong is a traditionally arranged group – one gal and three guys – headquartered at Moose Lake, Minn. They have sung in Minnesota and Wisconsin for several years as members and participants in the Midwest Quartet Association. Their church backgrounds include several denominations. We look forward to your presence at Skonewood. - submitted
Garret Derouin
PREACHER’S
PEN
Luck Lutheran celebrated Midsummer Sundaes LUCK – Luck Lutheran celebrated a Midsummer Sundaes on Monday, July 16. Dinner was served beforehand by the Christian Community Coordinator Team. Monday services are held through August at 6:30 p.m., casual and contemporary. Please join them again for sundaes after service on the last Monday summer service on Aug. 27. – submitted
RIGHT: Amy and Aaron Gilhoi helping themselves to the ice-cream waffle cone and sundae toppings.
Steve McCormack, Sonja Jensen, Jean Giller, Paula Hischer and Janet Howie. – Photos submitted
Following the service, the members of Luck Lutheran enjoyed their sundaes in the park.
PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
CHURCH NEWS Marriage built on commitment can weather storms of life Q: My uncle and aunt were happily married for nine years before a couple of terrible things happened. First, their youngest child drowned in a neighborhood pool, and then my uncle was injured in an automobile accident. Instead of bringing them together, these two events drove them apart. How could they have weathered the storms? How will my fiancée and I stay together through the difficult times in our lives? DR. DOBSON: Having served on a large medical school faculty for 14 years, I watched many families go through the kind of hardship your relatives suffered. All too commonly, I saw marital relationships succumb to the pressures of personal crises. Parents who produced a mentally retarded child, for example, often blamed one another for the tragedy that confronted them. Instead of clinging together in love and reassurance, they added to their sorrows by attacking each other. I didn't condemn them for this human failing, but I did pity them for it. A basic ingredient was lacking in their relationship which remained unrecognized until their world fell off its axis. That missing component is called commitment. I heard the late Dr. Francis Schaeffer speak to this issue some years ago. He described the bridges that were built in Europe by the Romans in the first and second centuries A.D. They are still standing today, despite the unreinforced brick and mortar with which they were made. Why haven't they collapsed in this modern era of heavy trucks and equipment? They remain intact because they are used for nothing but foot
traffic. If an 18 wheeler were driven across the historic structures, they would crumble in a great cloud of dust and debris. Marriages that lack an iron-willed determination to hang together are like the fragile Roman bridges. They appear to be secure and may indeed remain upright...until they are put Dr. James under heavy pressure. That's when Dobson the seams split and the foundation crumbles. It appears to me that many young couples today are in that precarious position. Their relationships are constructed of unreinforced mud, which will not withstand the weighty trials lying ahead. The determination to survive together is simply not there. It's not only the great tragedies of life but also the daily frustrations that wear and tear on a marriage. These minor irritants, when accumulated over time, may even be more threatening to a marriage than the catastrophic events that crash into our lives. And yes, there are times in every good marriage when a husband and wife don't like each other very much. There are occasions when they feel as though they will never be in love again. Emotions are like that. They flatten out occasionally like an automobile tire with a nail in the tread. Riding on the rim is a pretty bumpy experience for everyone on board. Let's return to your specific question. What will you do when unexpected tornadoes blow through your home or when the doldrums leave your sails sagging and silent? Will you pack it in and go home to Mama? Will you pout and cry and seek ways to strike back? Or will your commitment hold you steady? If you
FOCUS ON THE
FAMILY
want your marriage to last a lifetime, you must set your jaw and clench your fists. Make up your mind that nothing short of death will ever be permitted to come between the two of you. Nothing! ••• Q: What causes attention deficit disorder? DR. DOBSON: It is believed to be inherited. Russell Barkley of the Department of Psychiatry at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., estimates that 40 percent of ADD kids have a parent with similar symptoms, and 35 percent have an affected sibling. If one identical twin is affected, the chances are between 80 and 92 percent that his or her sibling will be also. ADD is two to three times as likely to be diagnosed in boys as girls. The cause of ADD is unknown, but is probably associated with subtle differences in brain structure, its neural pathways, its chemistry, its blood supply or its electrical system. As of this writing some interesting hypotheses are emerging, although definitive conclusions can't yet be drawn. ••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House. COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; 816-932 6600.
Brought to you by:
Zion Lutheran Church Bone Lake
Vacation Bible school at Peace Lutheran Church set DRESSER – Is your family looking for some actionpacked fun this summer? Then you’ll want to head to the big top at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser for Circus Spectacular! A High-Flying Gospel Adventure! This exciting vacation Bible school is intergenerational and geared for families with children the ages of nursery through sixth grade. The fun begins Sunday, Aug.
5, and continues through Thursday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each day. The church is located at 2355 Clark Road in Dresser. At VBS you’ll listen to stories about Jesus, sing fun songs, make cool crafts, play zany games and eat yummy snacks with family and friends. Each day offers a new Bible story to explore through loads of fun
activities for all ages. This VBS program is intergenerational and is only $10 a trouper! For more information or to register for VBS, call Peace Lutheran Church at 715-755-2515. Come, enjoy the circus of fun! The community is welcome and encouraged to attend. – submitted
JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29
PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
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JULY 25, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31
St. Croix Falls • Queen Pageant
A surprised Jasmine Jones is crowned Miss St. Croix Falls.
Four young women will represent the city of St. Croix Falls in 2007-08. The newly crowned royalty is pictured (L to R): Miss Congeniality and Third Princess Jesel Price, Second Princess Kate Wright, Miss St. Croix Falls 2007 Jasmine Jones and First Princess Abby Swenson. LEFT: Jesel Price is in disbelief after receiving two crowns back-to-back. Price is being crowned Third Princess moments after she was crowned Miss Congeniality, and, yes there are two crowns on her head, readers are not seeing double. RIGHT: Kate Wright is crowned Second Princess.
Alexandra Radinzell gives a farewell wave as Miss St. Croix Falls 2006. First Princess Abby Swenson is crowned.
Little Miss St. Croix Falls 2007 royalty are (L to R): First Princess Annalise Parks, Little Miss St. Croix Falls Kelsey Paulson and Second Princess Jasmine Lee.
Kelsey Paulson is crowned Little Miss St. Croix Falls 2007 and gives a wave to the crowd.
The candidates for Miss St. Croix Falls opened the pageant with a group dance. The annual Miss St. Croix Falls pageant was held July 20 at the St. Croix Falls High School.
Contestants stand together in their evening gowns awaiting the crowning moment.
Photos by Tammi Milberg
PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- JULY 25, 2007
JULY
WEDNESDAY/25 Balsam Lake
• Bloodmobile, 1:30-6:30 p.m., on Main Street. Call 651-465-5543 for more info. • Infant/Child CPR classes, 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested, call Terry Anderson at 715485-3025.
Coming events
Grantsburg
AUGUST
WEDNESDAY/1 Amery
THURS.-SUN./26-29
• Senior Center potluck at 6 p.m. in North Park pavilion. Bring a dish to pass. Entertainment by the “Fourtunes.”
St. Croix Falls
• Polk County Fair.
THURSDAY/26
Frederic
Balsam Lake
• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. sponsored by Bremer Bank. • Fourth-annual FACC Golf Tournament, 11 a.m. at the golf course. Call 715-327-8250 or 715-205-3394 for more info.
• Blood donation, 12:30-6:30 p.m., at Our Lady of the Lakes. • First aid classes, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Polk County Red Cross Office. Preregistration is requested, call Terry Anderson at 715-485-3025.
Frederic
St. Croix Falls
• Rally for a Cure two-person, nine-hole Scramble Golf Tournament, 2 p.m. at the golf course, 715-327-8250. • 500 cards, 6:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.
• Good Samaritan Auxiliary meets, 1:30 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Home. Volunteers needed for many summer activites planned.
Milltown
THURS. - SUN./2 - 5
• Bloodmobile, 12:30-6:30 p.m. on Main Street. Call 651-465-5543 for more info.
Voyager Village
• Village Players Community Theatre, at the Village Stables, Thurs & Sat. dinner theatre and Sun. is matinee. Contact Colleen Johnson, 715635-2501 for more info. .
St. Croix Falls • Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; 500 cards at 6:30 p.m. • Polk County Fair horse pull at 8 p.m.
As evening stillness settles in, a wild sunflower still smiles its bright yellow into the gathering shadows. - Photo by Carl Heidel
Frederic St. Croix Falls • Medica meeting, 10 a.m. at the senior center. • Polk County Fair, ATV Pull, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddie Tractor Pedal Pull, 11:30 a.m.; Canine Search & Rescue, 1 p.m. and 4x4 Truck Pull at 7 p.m.
SAT. & SUN./28 & 29 Danbury
• Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous, pancake breakfast, demonstrations, competitions & entertainment. Call Kevin Klucas at 715866-8890 for more info.
Frederic • 40th-Annual Gem and Mineral Show plus sale at the high school, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 715357-3223 or 715-472-8809 for information.
THURSDAY/2 Amery
• Senior Center poker at 1 p.m.
Balsam Lake
• American Legion Post #278 & Auxiliary meet, 7 p.m., at the hall in Pine Park.
Amery
• Pokeno played at 1 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.
Amery
• Identity theft seminar 1-6 p.m, at the center. Come & see how to protect your assets.
Webster
Luck
• Bake Sale at Farmers Market in Pine Park, 36 p.m. Conducted by Fristad Lutheran Church.
TUESDAY/31
• Food and Friends community dinner, 5-6 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
• Music at the Pavilion Series: The Wilson Family Singers, 8:30 p.m. For more info www.luckwisconsin.com.
Balsam Lake
Frederic
• Spades at 1:30 p.m. at the Frederic Senior Center.
• Senior Center exercise class 10-11 a.m.; craft class at 11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11a.m. to noon; 500 cards and dominoes at 12:30 p.m.
• Outdoor Mass St. Dominic and Immaculate Conception Catholic Churches at the home of Dave Rudolph, 6 p.m. Call 715-327-8119 for more info.
• Bingo played at 1 p.m. at the senior center.
MONDAY/30
St. Croix Falls
Frederic
• Culpepper & Merriweather Circus at the high school, 5 & 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY/27
tion.
SATURDAY/28
SUNDAY/29
• 5th Bryce Hacker Memorial Musky Tournament & Calcutta Classic on Bone Lake, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 715-825-3314 for more info. Meeting at Hack’s Pub, Friday, July 27, 6:30 p.m.
• Indian Taco Dinner, at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 2-4 p.m.
• Shooting Stars 4th-annual Benefit Walk, 811 a.m. at the middle school. Call 715-822-3577 for more info.
• Summer Music in the Park series performance by Kevin McMullin & Randy Sabien at Memory Lake Park, 5-7 p.m. Call 715-463-5371 or 715-463-2341 for more info.
• Alternative Cash Grain Crops Field Day 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Ag. Research Station. Call 715-635-3735 for more info.
• Senior Citizen, share-a-lunch, noon. Bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. or cards, pool or fellowship.
St. Croix Falls
FRI. - SUN./3 - 5
• NW Wisconsin Grazier’s Network, beef pasture walk at Hamblin Farm, 9 a.m.-noon. Call 715-485-8600 or 715-635-3506 for info.
• Polk County Fair, Open Horse Show - Apple River Riders Drill Team, 8:30 a.m.; Sunshine Kennels, 11 a.m.; Coronation of the Fairest of the Fair, noon and Demolition Derby, 7 p.m.
Balsam Lake
Cumberland Frederic
Hayward
St. Croix Falls
Centuria Cushing
• Brad Alden, at Skonewood Christian Retreat Center, 7 p.m.
Grantsburg
Markville, Minn.
Trade Lake
• Smorgasbord, 5-8 p.m.at Zion Lutheran Church. Call 715-244-3565 for more info.
• Swedish Mission Church service, 11 a.m., followed by potluck dinner. The Rev. Lloyd Melvie will speak. Program at 1:30 p.m.
St. Croix Falls • Polk County Fair, Open Game Horse Show, 8:30 a.m.; ATV Pull, 9 a.m.; Garden Tractor Pull, Gopher State, 11:30 a.m.; Tractor Pull 5:30 p.m. and Quality Meat Auction 6 p.m.
MON. - FRI./30-3
• Bloodmobile, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the SC Regional Medical Center. Call 651-465-5543. • Senior Center, exercise by YMCA 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo at 11 a.m.; crafts at 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 500 cards at 6:30 p.m.
Spooner
Amery
• Monroe Crossing coming to Amery. Amery will host the popular and inspirational Bluegrass/Gospel Fest. It will feature Monroe Crossing and top performers in our region and Wisconsin. Festival will be held at Amery High School Auditorium, 555 Minneapolis Ave.Tickets are $10, for one or all performances. For information call 715-268-7486. Tickets are available at the Senior Center, City Hall or at the door.
Siren
St. Croix Falls
• Kid’s Summer Art Camp at Lamar. 715-8254599 or 715-825-2101, ext. 3510 for informa-
• Summerfest Days, Crazy Days, sidewalk sales, arts & crafts, queen pageant. Call 715349-7399 for more info.
Monroe Crossing coming to Amery
Monroe Crossing will perform at the Bluegrass/Gospel Fest Aug. 3-5. - Special photo
Amery
AMERY – On Friday-Sunday, Aug. 3-5, Amery will host the popular and inspirational Bluegrass/Gospel Fest. It will feature the Midwest’s best Bluegrass/Gospel band, Monroe Crossing, and top performers in our region and Wisconsin. The festival will be held in the Amery High School Auditorium, 555 Minneapolis Ave. The public is invited to enjoy the excellent sound system and air-conditioned comfort. Tickets are $10, which will admit the holder to one or all performances. Youngsters 18 and under will be admitted free of charge. Families and kids are encouraged to experience the “joy and the message” of the music. There is no admission to the 11 a.m. Sunday Gospel Sing, but a freewill offering will be taken for the Salvation Army. The schedule for the Amery Bluegrass/Gospel Fest: • Friday, Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m. The King’s Countrymen. This group has drawn a following from Nashville to Amery and beyond. They have seven recordings, including “Bluegrass Gospel Spirit.” • Saturday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m. – Lee Elmer and Friends. Lee is known throughout Wisconsin as a
top musician and emcee. He and his band play old-time, sing-along favorites and gospel music. All performances include their signature hymn, “Precious Memories.” • Saturday, 3 p.m. – The Otterson Family. An upand-coming family gospel group that delighted the audience at last year’s fest. • Saturday, 6:30 p.m. – Sherry Depolis, a gospel recording artist whose clear voice, songwriting and stories of home touch everyone who hears her. • Saturday, 7:30 p.m. – Monroe Crossing • Sunday, Aug. 5 – 11 a.m. – Monroe Crossing Gospel Sing. The band will lead a service of song and praise. Persons of all ages and backgrounds are invited. • Sunday, 2:30 p.m. – Monroe Crossing concert of classic bluegrass and gospel favorites • Sunday, 4 p.m. – St. Croix Community Christian Choir and Orchestra, featuring John and Linda Iwaszko and Friends, back by popular demand. Performers have music for purchase. Refreshments available in the lobby. For more information call 715-268-7486. Tickets are available at the Senior Center, City Hall or at the door. - submitted