Leader|july 9|2008

Leader

W E D N E S D AY, J U LY 9 , 2 0 0 8 • V O L U M E 7 5 • N O . 4 6 • 2 S E C T I O N S • 8 , 0 0 0 C O P I E S • S E C T I O N A

WEEKEN D WA TCH : • Memory Days @ Centuria • Rodeo @ Spooner • “Dates With A Nut” @ Festival Theatre • Fundraisers/concerts/music • Ruby’s Pantry @ Siren and Frederic • “The Book of Liz” @ Osceola See Coming events and stories

Norine only candidate for district attorney

INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

$1

A lit t le t ow n’s bi g show

Governor to appoint interim replacement PAGE 5

Man killed in motorcycle-deer accident PAGE 3 Fireworks suspected in Siren fire Investigation not yet completed PAGE 3

New Miss Balsam Lake

Jessica Larson, daughter of Jackie and John Larson, was crowned Miss Balsam Lake last Thursday, July 3.

More photos in Currents section Photo by Marty Seeger

SPO RT S

The view of the Fourth of July fireworks display at Balsam Lake from atop the water tower downtown provided this dramatic scene of the village and the lake.– Photo by Anthony Puetz

T he com eb ack b egins Well-known teacher and coach Jim Muus enters Sister Kenny Institute to begin recovery from a stroke

Poacher convicted for shooting large bucks illegally

by Gary King WEBSTER - Jim Muus is no stranger to comebacks.

Coaching cross country at Webster High School, he’s known for years that a second and sometimes a third wind is needed to cross the finish line.

This week he’s putting that theory to the test as he enters Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis to begin his recovery from a stroke he suffered Monday, June 30.

The news of his stroke stunned members of the Siren and Webster communities, many of them friends of Muus and others who know him through his public involvement with Webster Schools as a track and choir mentor, his organizing

Jim Muus prepares to give a high five after coaching the Tiger cross-country team to a state See Muus, back page runner-up title in 2007. - Leader file photo

1933 • The Inter-County Leader: 75 years of local news • 2008

Leader

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

Fuel- ish fun

Superior firefighter seeks to represent northern Burnett and Washburn counties in state Assembly

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – A professional firefighter from the city of Superior has entered the race to represent the 73rd District in the state Assemby.

Vern Johnson is seeking the seat vacated by retiring Assemblyman Frank Boyle.

The district encompasses all of Douglas County and the northern half of Burnett and Washburn counties.

“I am asking you to vote for me in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, then again in the general election Nov. 4, for the privilege to be your representative for the 73rd District to the Wisconsin Assembly,” Johnson said in a press release this week.

Johnson noted he is a member in good standing of Superior Fire Fighters Local No. 74 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, and also a past president and executive board member of Local No. 74.

“I point with pride to my many years of service, along with my brother and sister firefighters, to the community,” he noted.

His wife, Karen, is a retired police officer of 25 years and is now a guardian ad litem, an investigator and advocate for children in court cases. They have five grown children between them and four grandchildren.

“Five years ago, we decided we still had it in us to raise a couple more, so we adopted 8-year-old twin girls from Haiti,” Johnson said. “They are now 13 and many times the joy of our home.”

“I am running as a common sense Democrat,” Johnson said. “ I believe the most important things in life are God, family, and country. My decisions as your representative will default to those basic values. To learn more about me and where I stand on issues, go to my Web site - vote4vern.com.”

Johnson stated that he’s been asked many times why he is seeking public office.

“I believe I am answering a call,” he said. “There are many professions that extend beyond the scope of simply employment. Those of us in emergency services, fire, law enforcement and emergency medical are not in it for the money.

Almost to a person, we will tell you it is a calling. A calling to serve others. As I

Vern Johnson

answered the call to pursue a profession in firefighting, I am answering the call to represent the 73rd Assembly District in Wisconsin.

I believe that with freedom comes responsibility. I am ready to take on the responsibility to do my part to protect our hard-earned freedoms.

I am willing to continue

to serve others.”

What is a common sense Democrat?

“Perhaps the best way to say it is, we need to get back to the basics,” Johnson noted. “Extreme special interest groups already have ample representation. My goal will be to seek the truth and then speak plainly about it. No hate, just truth. In casting your vote for Vern Johnson as your representative you are declaring that the Northland’s working families (past, present and future), and the Northland’s businesses (large and small) will be getting some representation in the Wisconsin State Assembly.” – Gary King with information from the Johnson campaign

Man airlifted following ATV accident CUSHING - A 62-year-old man was listed in critical condition Tuesday at Regions Hospital, after suffering injuries in an ATV accident.

Leonard Moline was operating an ATV on the roadway near 2334 215th Ave., Cushing when it went into the ditch.

Moline was not wearing a helmet, according to Sheriff Tim Moore.

The accident occurred Monday, July 7, at approximately 4:38 p.m. - Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

M o r e o n M ac k

Kennedy released from hospital

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

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Johnson enters Assembly race

Ruby Hanson is patriotic and her wardrobe shows it. The well-known Milltown woman rode in Sunday’s Freedom Fest parade at Balsam Lake as part of the historical society’s entry and watched the rest from the museum’s lawn on Main Street. Photo by Gary King

MINNEAPOLIS - The 25-year-old autistic man from Minnesota who was rescued after spending seven days alone in the woods of rural Grantsburg, has been released from Fairview Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Keith Kennedy was found by EMS personnel on what was to be the final day of organized searching, June 22.

Exactly one week earlier he had walked away from the Trade Lake Camp, a facility serving the needs of the developmentally disabled.

Two St. Paul firefighters found Kennedy naked in some brush, covered with ticks and bug bites, suffering from hypothermia. He had not taken his medication for a kidney transplant during the time he was lost, making officials fear that he would not survive as long as he did.

"He's a very lucky young man," said Dr. Timothy Whelan, a physician at the University of Minnesota, Fairview, where Kennedy was airlifted after being found. "I don't think he had days, maybe hours [left]." - Gary King with information from FOX news and startribune.com

Webster graduate Miki Budge known as comdienne Mary Mack, appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” last Thursday evening and is currently performing her standup routine this summer at venues in California, Georgia, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She’ll be appearing on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” beginning July 25. One Web site notes that “Mack's endearing stage presence and off-kilter, musical surprises make her popular in up to three nonadjacent counties in Wisconsin. So far, Wisconsin has purchased a total of 12 CD's, which financed the purchase of Mack's latest sensible vehicle, “Street Heat.”

The music/comedy video, along with her schedule, can be found at marymackcomedy.com. - special photo

Briefly SPOONER - The world famous Clydesdale horses will make appearances at the Spooner Rodeo this weekend.

The horses are expected to perform Thursday and Friday and appear in the rodeo parade on Saturday. - submitted ••• WEBSTER - If you see Webster’s Del Niemi driving a classy 1932 Pontiac and wearing a black gangster hat with a white shirt and an armband, or wife Bonnie and other Friends of the Library flappers casing the town, you are not necessarily experiencing hallucinations.

Noted Minnesota author, screenwriter, poet, and Rock Hall of Fame musician, John Koblas, will be appearing at the Webster Community Center on Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m. to present a slide lecture on the 1932 murder of “Ma” Barker’s husband in Webster’s Lake Fremstad, and sign copies of his new book, “Ma: The Life and Times of Ma Barkerand Her Boys.”

The lecture is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to come in vintage dress and their fanciest flivver, although costuming is not mandatory. A luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be provided at a cost of $6 each. – with submitted information ••• SIREN - Coming soon? Apparently not.

The sign saying "Joe's Crab Shack Coming Soon" at the intersection of Hwys. 35 and 70 in Siren and published in last week’s Leader was apparently taken from a Twin Cities location and placed on the lot recently vacated by the demolition of the former Siren Mall without permission from the franchise. “That sign has been around at various locations,” said local resident.

•••

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

S t a t e j u s t i c e -e l e c t i s g r a n d ma r s h al

FREDERIC - A rural Frederic man is showing some signs of improvement while he recovers from a motorcycle accident in a Twin Cities hospital.

Steven McKinney swerved to miss a deer while riding his motorcycle, causing the cycle to go end over end and throwing him from the cycle.

He broke all of his ribs and fractured his spine between T5 and T6, according to information on his CaringBridge.org site. His spinal cord was not severed but was badly crushed. At this time he is paralyzed from his waist down.

Recently he was able to breath on his own for approximately a half hour.

"We have so much to be thankful for," wrote a family member. "He had no brain injury and he still has the use of his upper body.”

Family members are also thankful for the support from friends.

McKinney was less than a mile from his home when the accident occurred the afternoon of June 18.

Persons may visit his Web site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevemckinney. - Gary King

Burnett County Circuit Court Judge Michael Gableman and soon-to-be State Supreme Court Justice, served as grand marshal of Siren’s Fourth of July parade. Shown with the judge are Laurel Kannenberg, daughter of Gary and Juli Kannenberg, owners of Adventures restaurant (R) and her cousin, Sage Nelson from Minneapolis (L). - Photo by Gary King

F i r e w o r ks s u s p e ct e d i n f i r e

www.the-leader.net

Siren fundraiser planned for WWII vets trip SIREN - Siren’s Lund-Brown American Legion Post 132 has combined with several other Legion and VFW posts to raise funds to send WWII vets and their spouses on a trip to Washington, D.C., in November.

They will leave on the Nov. 9 and return on Nov. 14. The tour will include Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery, the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument, the Holocaust Museum and a tour of the White House.

There will be no cost to the vets or their spouses, except for a few lunches. There will be a doctor and nurses on the tour as well as volunteers to help with wheelchairs, etc.

Siren’s fundraiser will be a dance to ’30s ’40s and ’50s music played by the famous Nuto Band, a group of 80-yearolds who have been playing together for many years, and are getting great reviews. It will be held at The Lakeview Event Center in Siren on Saturday evening, Aug. 2, with dancing from 7 to 10:30 p.m. There will be a cash bar. A $10 per person donation will be accepted at the door. If you can’t or do not wish to attend, but want to make a donation, you may call 715-349-5168 to make arrangements.

There is another fundraiser being done

by Sheila Berklund. She is baking cookies. If you wish to support this project in this way, you may call Berklund at 715472-8356 and order. Minimum donation is $5 per dozen. She makes nine different kinds. – submitted

Some improvement for motorycle accident victim

A home on Bradley Street in Siren, located just west of the United Methodist Church, burned to the ground the evening of July 4 and authorities are unsure of the cause, but there is speculation fireworks may have been involved. The owners were on vacation and no one was home at the time of the blaze. There was fireworks activity in the area the fire reportedly started just after 11 p.m. It was reported at 12:22 a.m.

July 5 and three fire departments were called to the scene - Siren, Webster and St. Croix/Hertel. Firefighters were on the scene until approximately 4:30 a.m. The owner of the home is Dionne Johnson.

She and her three children apparently lived there but the house was for sale. The family was in Las Vegas on vacation when Johnson received a call about the fire - and she immediately called her parents, Barry and Mary Stewart of Webster. According to Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers, the fire remains under investigation and the release of an official report is pending the completion of the investigation. - Photo by Nancy Jappe

This week’s e-edition includes 6 extra pages of Fourth of July celebrations and news • www.the-leader.net

Motorcycle-deer collision fatal POLK COUNTY - A 46-year-old rural Dresser man lost his life in a motorcycle-deer accident, early Sunday morning, July 6.

Leon P. Viebrock was riding west on 60th Avenue, a quarter-mile west of 210th St. in Polk County when he collided with the deer. The motorcycle came to rest approximately 113 feet from the point of impact. Viebrock was ejected from the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and came to rest approximately 85 feet from the point of impact.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m.

The responding officer took a statement from witnesses who happened upon the scene. The report noted that Viebrock was not wearing a helmet.

Helmets are not required by law in Wisconsin.

Viebrock lived in the Osceola/Dresser area most of his life.

He owned and operated Precision Paint company for over 20 years.

Viebrock’s wife, Heidi, is recuperating from an accident three weeks ago which involved a deer and two motorcycles. She was airlifted to a Twin Cities hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m.

Thursday July 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Osceola with Pastor Ken Janes, Officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola.

A complete obituary is published elsewhere in this issue. - Gary King

Over 50 bookings for St. Croix Falls man POLK COUNTY - A 24-year-old St. Croix Falls has been booked 52 times since 2001, according to court records.

Brady M. Tulgren’s 52nd booking came July 5 when he was charged with possessin of marijuana. An officer stopping Tulgren’s vehicle on a warrant discovered 11.7 grams of THC in a plastic zip-lock bag.

Court records indicate Tulgren has been charged with various crimes over the past seven years, including burglary, battery, bail jumping, knowing violating a domestic abuse order, possessing drug paraphernalia, illegal hunting and fishing and obstructing and resisting officers. - Gary King with information from court records

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

P O L K

C O U N T Y

Ac c i d en t a t c a r “ b u r n o u t ” ev e n t

H E A D L I N E S

Woman’s actions prompt officer to use taser POLK COUNTY - A 35-year-old St. Croix Falls woman was tasered by a sheriff’s deputy when she became abusive and attempted to prevent officers from leaving her residence.

Kari J. Johnson faces a charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in connection with the July 6 incident.

Officers went to the residence after being told Johnson had violated a restraining order violation against her boyfriend, Rudolph Konecny, by placing “derogatory” phone calls to Kocecny’s ex-girlfriend, one at 1:30 a.m.

The victim felt the phone calls weremade on Konecny’s behalf.

When officers advised Johnson she would be mailed a citation for disorderly conduct, Johnson allegedly

jumped up from the floor where she had been laying down and came at one of the officers with fist raised, screaming an obscenity.

After calming her down, officers advised they were leaving but Johnson, according to the report, followed them out the door screaming an obscenity.

Johnson, the report states, continued to scream at the officer and block the officer’s access to the squad car.

She also attempted to kick the officer in the groin. The officer eventually depoyed a tazer and Johnson slowly went to a sitting position but managed to reach out and grab the taser wires and broke one of them. - Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Three men face burglary charges

EMTs responded quickly to treat a 15-year-old spectator for an injury she sustained at the Balsam Lake Burnout event, Saturday, July 4, when a piece from one of the vehicles flew into the crowd, striking her and another 15-year-old.

Fences were put up around the event for safety and more barriers were put in place following the accident. Held as part of the annual Freedom Festival, the event draws hundreds of people to the downtown area. Although the spectator was not considered to be seriously injured, at least one downtown business owner contacted the Leader to question the wisdom of holding the event downtown. “This is more of a stadium event,” said Nancy Hanson, owner of Whisky Jake’s Antique and Art Emporium on Main Street. “It shouldn’t be held here (downtown). It should be held in a rural setting.” Hanson, who is a former military police officer and veteran of Desert Storm, says the smoke created by the burning tires alone is hazardous. “I’m just concerned for the general safety of the public, and I’m disappointed that village officials haven’t recognized this concern.” Hanson’s cousin, Patty Cooper, a resident of the senior housing complex, also pointed out that holding such an event close to senior housing, restricts free flow of traffic and possibly causes some residents to change their plans for travel or receiving visitors. Both women attended Monday evening’s village council meeting but did not speak. Hanson said they were waiting for the council to address the issue, but the topic never came up during the open meeting. The event, which involves drivers spinning the rear wheels of their vehicle on a thick piece of sheet metal, creating noise and smoke, is covered in our sports section this week. - Photo by Marty Seeger

POLK COUNTY - Three New Richmond men face charges of burglary, possession of burglar tools and theft of less than $2,500 after they were discovered with a stolen pontoon boat.

A lack of lights on the pontoon trailer drew attention to the men who were stopped by a St. Croix County Sheriff’s deputy at 3:30 a.m., July 7.

Charged are Alex J. Manor, 23, Travis E. Nielsen, 20, and Matthew R. Campeau, 21.

According to a Polk County Sheriff’s report, the St. Croix County deputy contacted the registered owner of the pontoon and the owner said the boat should be at his cabin on Black

Brook Dam and that he gave no one permission to take it.

A Polk County Sheriff’s deputy went to the cabin and could see the garage appared to have been broken into. Items in the truck that Campeau was driving included a hammer and pruning sheers, two framed prints and a clock. Also found were a flashlight, headlamp lights and a bolt cutter.

Campeau had a headlamp in his pocket.

All three men were transported to the Polk County Jail for booking. All three were “cooperative,” according to the police report. - Gary King with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Winnie the Pooh, and THC, too POLK COUNTY - A Frederic man charged with possession of marijuana is a marked man, accordng to a criminal report filed this week in Polk County.

Eli Walker, 26, has a Winnie the Pooh tattoo on his right leg showing Winnie smoking a THC pipe, according to notations made by the arresting officer.

Walker was arrested the morning of July 4 after a vehicle he was a passenger in was stopped for having a shattered windshield. Walker allegedly admitted to drinking in the car and the officer noted that beer and THC joints were found in the car. - with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

S e m i a c c id e n t s p il l s g a r b a ge ; t i e s u p t r a ff i c a t T a y l o r s F a ll s

A semi garbage truck rolled onto its side just before the bridge in Taylors Falls, Minn., spilling garbage and blocking the roadway Tuesday morning, July 8, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Travel was permitted through the area until about 1:20 p.m., when the truck was pulled back onto its wheels using two superduty tow trucks. Traffic was rerouted until about 2:10 p.m. and the road opened up again when the vehicle was cleared. Members of the Taylors Falls Fire Department were on scene as well as the Minnesota State Patrol and Chisago County Sheriff’s Department. St. Croix Falls police and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department traffic vehicles on Hwy. 8 heading toward Minnesota during the uprighting of the semi. No other details are available. No injuries were reported.

– Photos by Tammi Milberg

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

E L E C T I O N

H E A D L I N E S

Voters hire six of 23 department heads Partisan process dates to pioneer days

by Gregg Westigard POLK COUNTY – In 1848, Wisconsin county government was small. Voters, all white and male, elected some of their neighbors to hold the few county government positions in partisan elections.

After 160 years, much has changed in the county. Polk County now has 23 department heads. Most are hired. Six are not.

Those six; the county clerk, clerk of court, register of deeds, treasurer, sheriff, and district attorney, are still elected.

The elections are partisan. While other department heads must meet qualifications to be hired, there are no qualifications for the six offices except that the district attorney must be a lawyer. The other department heads face annual evaluations and establish goals for the coming year. The six face no formal

review. The six are hired/elected for four-year terms, with their salaries preestablished for the entire term.?

This fall, Polk County voters will elect (hire/rehire) four of the department heads: treasurer, county clerk, register of deeds, and district attorney, to fouryear terms. The other two offices, sheriff and clerk of court, were filled two years ago and will not be open until 2010. All the offices were for two year terms until recently.

The election process starts in June, when persons register their names as possible candidates and collect 200 signatures on nomination papers to get on the ballot. Those nomination papers were due Tuesday, July 8. If two or more persons from the same political party file for the same office, they face each other in the September primary election.

Candidates from the different parties run against each other in the November election. Those elected take office in January.

Primary for Boyle seat; contests for most positions Fall election races set

by Gregg Westigard NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – The filing period of the November election ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, and the races are determined.

There will be a primary to determine who will replace Frank Boyle in the Assembly. Assembly member Mary Hubler faces no opponent.

There are contests for the other local races. Democrat Frank Boyle is retiring from the Assembly. Four Democrats have filed for his 73rd District seat which includes the northern part of Burnett County. Facing each other in the September primary will be Vern Johnson, Bruce Meyers, Nick Milroy and Mary Tripp. The winner will run against Independent Jeffery Monaghan in November. No Republican filed for the office.

Mary Hubler, Democrat, is unopposed for re-election in Assembly District 75 which includes three towns in eastern Polk County.

Democrat Ann Hraychuck will face Republican Kent Muschinske in Assembly District 28 which includes much of Burnett County and most of Polk County. Hraychuck will be seeking her third term in the Assembly.

Republican Lauren Stephens did not file her nomination papers.

Republican state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf will face Democrat Alison Page in Senate District 10 which extends from Burnett County south to Pierce County.

David Obey, Democrat, will face Republican Dam Mielke in his bid for re-election to Congress in the 7th District.

The only other race this year is for president. There are no statewide races in 2008.

Norine only candidate for district attorney Governor will appoint interim replacement BURNETT COUNTY – Grantsburg attorney William Norine will be the only Burnett County District Attorney candidate on the November election ballot.

Norine will be running as an Independent for the position. He filed his nomination papers with the state election board Monday, one day before the filing period ended Tuesday. The district attorney office will become vacant in early August when present District Attorney Ken Kutz resigns to

take a new position as Burnett County Circuit Court Judge.

Gov. Jim Doyle, who appointed Kutz to his new position, is expected to announce a timetable for appointing a new district attorney. According to the governor’s office, Doyle will soon be taking applications for the position and interviewing interested persons. He will then appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term through the end of the year. If the governor appoints someone other than Norine, that person would need to run as a write-in in November to continue in office for the full term. - Gregg Westigard

Wisconsin County Association favors an alternative Counties could make offices appointed NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – Six county departments have been directed by elected, partisan managers since the state was formed 160 years ago.

The Wisconsin County Association favors a constitutional amendment that

would change the status of four of these offices. The WCA proposes that counties be given the option of making the county clerk, clerk of court, register of deeds, and treasurer appointed, nonpartisan positions similar to the heads of other county departments.

The Polk County supervisors have not taken a position on the issue. Gregg Westigard

The election process in Polk County usually involves riding in parades, appearing at the county fair and putting up lawn signs. There is often one debate.

The offices change hands in three ways. Sometimes there is an open office when the incumbent decides not to run for re-election. This year that applies to the county clerk job. Occasionally an incumbent is defeated for re-election.

That happened two years when District Attorney Karen Olson lost to Daniel Steffen. Quite often one of the officials decides to retire during their term. In that case a replacement is appointed for the remainder of the term.

Midterm appointments for most of the offices are made by the governor.

Governors usually appoint persons from their party. This forces interested persons to join the party. An exception is the office of treasurer, where the county fills vacancies using a regular hiring procedure.

Polk County has seen all the options.

County clerk Cathy Albrecht, who is retiring this year, was elected as a Republican to an open office in 2000.

Previous county clerk Sharon Schiebel, a Democrat, had taken a new position in the finance department. Back in 1988 Albrecht had run as a Democrat against Schiebel when Elroy Spangenberg retired.

The sheriff’s office has turned over many times in recent years. Paul Lindholm resigned to become St. Croix Falls police chief. A Republican governor appointed Craig Benware as sheriff.

He was succeeded by Dan Mosay, a Democrat, who was defeated by Democrat Ann Hraychuck in a primary.

When Hraychuck retired in midterm, a Democratic governor appointed Tim

Moore. Moore ran as a Democrat a year later.

Moore and Hraychuck had each worked in the sheriff’s department before becoming sheriff. Once a person takes an elected office, they lose the job security of their previous permanent position for a position that must be reapplied for by election, and in the case of the sheriff’s office, the position pays less than that of the permanent chief deputy sheriff. Clerk of court Lois Hoff, a Republican, was elected to an open office after Mel Madsen, a Democrat, retired after many years. Hoff faced Diane Taxdahl for the office. Both of them had worked in the clerk of court office for several years.

Democrat Karen Olson was elected to an open district attorney position when Republican Mark Biller returned to private practice. She was defeated by fellow Democrat Dan Steffen in the 2006 primary.

Treasurer Amanda Nissen is the only official appointed after a formal hiring process. When David Anderson retired midterm, the county posted the job and received over 40 applications. After a screening and interview procedure, the finance committee selected her. Nissen had been a Polk County employee in another department. She has later been elected several times as a Democrat.

The last two registers of deeds have been appointed by governors, and each worked in that office before being appointed. When Harold Meier was removed from office for misconduct, a Republican governor appointed Bonnie Hallberg to the office. And when she retired in midterm, a Democratic governor appointed her assistant, Laurie Anderson.

ELECTION 2008 September primaries for county clerk and treasurer No contest for register of deeds nor district attorney

by Gregg Westigard POLK COUNTY – The filing period for the November election closed Tuesday, and Polk County voters will have choices for two of the four offices up for election.

This will include September primaries for the county clerk and treasurer positions and a November contest for treasurer. Incumbent treasurer Amanda Nissen will face David Moore in a Democratic primary in September. The winner of that primary will face

Republican Geri Anne Christensen in November.

County clerk Catherine Albrecht is retiring. Lori Lundquist and Carole Wondra have filed as Democrats for the open position and will face each other in the September primary. Since no Republican filed for the office, the winner of the primary will the only name on the November ballot for county clerk.

District Attorney Daniel Steffen and register of deeds Laurie Anderson, both Democrats, had no opponents file against them and are unopposed for reelection.

All the terms are for four years starting in January.

No contests for Burnett County offices Incumbents unopposed BURNETT COUNTY – Three incumbent Burnett County officials will have an easy election season. County clerk Wanda Hinrichs, treasurer Joanne Pahl,

and register of deeds Jeanine Chell will all be unopposed for re-election on the November ballot. All are running as Democrats for the four-year terms. – Gregg Westigard

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

P O L K

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H E A D L I N E S

Dresser village approached by assisted living developer

by Tammi Milberg DRESSER–The village of Dresser held their regular meeting Monday, July 7.

On the agenda was a proposal from Don Derosier for an assisted living facility.

Derosier said he and his wife constructed Royal Oaks, an assisted living facility in Osceola, and have been trying to make an addition to that location.

Derosier said that the board members there have changed, and he is frustrated with not meeting some portion of Osceola’s ordinance.

“It seems like no matter what we do, we can’t meet their codes,” he said. “We are looking at another community and Dresser looks good to us.”

Derosier wanted to know the board’s feelings about a facility like that going in the village before he and his wife sought property for the project.

The board seemed favorable to the proposal and asked a little more about what Derosier had in mind. He explained he is looking at a 28-bed facility where 14 beds would be assisted living care and the remaining 14 would be

memory care beds.

“The board has talked about senior housing and assisted living for the village before,” said board president Rick Flandrena. “It sounds like what you are talking about would fit in with that. I don’t see any problems.”

Derosier indicated he would get ordinance information from the village clerk, Jodi Gilbert, and then ask to meet with the plan commission with more information to present later.

In other business, the board discussed the contract between the village and Kent Muschinske for the compost facility. The yard-work contract included a slight increase in cost because Muschinske said his operating costs are up slightly since his primary help, his children, are in college and no longer able to help with the operation. The board indicated the service has been valuable to them and accepted the contract.

The board discussed the sewer backup issue a couple of weeks ago on Horsmann Avenue. Roots have been a

problem in the past and have continued to cause backups. The board was made aware of the issue and notified that no claims for insurance had to be filed because it was caught early. The board acknowledged the root issue and indicated that, at some point, they will need to find a solution to the issue. No action was taken.

The board approved the Lions Club annual car and truck show to be held Saturday, Aug. 16. The approval involves closing the street and the board agreeing to the Lions using the hall with the fee waived. The board approved the motion contingent upon the Lions either cleaning the hall, or paying a fee to the village staff or Neighborhood Watch to clean the hall.

Two residents addressed the board at the end of the meeting. Mark Stencil, 411 Garfield Street, indicated he was unhappy about a neighbor shooting off fireworks. He indicated the neighbor had received a permit to do so, but did not shoot them on his own property, but on village property. Stencil brought in

fragments of a firework that fell in his yard to show the village board. He also indicated he informed the village police officer Ryan Haass about the issue. The board said they would take a closer look at the matter.

Robert Kohl asked the board about property lines and what to do if he had an assessor come out and mark his property. Kohl was looking for some form of reimbursement for the assessor, but the village attorney, Tim Laux, stated that would be inappropriate because it is not the village’s responsibility to fix the assessor’s plat. Laux said the issue of property lines being incorrect at South and East streets has been an existing issue for years. Laux said the best solution for the property-line incorrect identification is to have the neighbors get together, agree on property-line descriptions and rewrite those descriptions with quitclaim deeds to remedy the issue. No action was taken on either citizen comment.

Gov. Doyle approves $110,000 project at Amery AMERY – Gov. Jim Doyle has approved a $110,000 project to maintain pavements at the Amery airfield Municipal Airport. The governor’s action releases $2,750 in state funds to crack-seal, slurry-seal and re-mark the asphalt runway, parallel taxiway, apron and hangar taxiways. The city of Amery is contributing another $2,750

and the Federal Aviation Administration is providing $104,500.

According to Michael Gabor, airport engineering specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the project will prevent water infiltration and minimize oxidation effects, both of which cause pavement deterioration. Research shows

that a relatively small investment in pavement maintenance significantly delays the very high cost of pavement reconstruction.

The project is scheduled to begin this summer and should be completed by fall.

Amery Municipal Airport is located two miles south of the city of Amery on

218 acres. The airport includes one paved runway, 4,000 feet in length.

About 25 aircraft are based at the airport and approximately 14,000 takeoffs and landings occur each year. – from the office of Gov. Doyle

Subscribe to our e-edition online @ www.the-leader.net

Big increase in mileage compensation for veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Appropriations Committee, chaired by Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey, D-WI, recently voted to increase VA mileage compensation by nearly 50 percent to help veterans who have to drive long distances to receive care.

Last year, the committee approved the first VA mileage compensation increase since 1979, and with today’s increase, has nearly quadrupled the rate over the last two years.

“Raising the rate to 41.5 cents per mile may not seem like a lot, but with gas prices what they are, for some veterans – like those in my district that have to drive a long way to see a VA doctor - it’s the difference between being able to afford to get medical care or not,” said Obey.

The increase in mileage compensation was included in the FY09 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which cleared a major hurdle with committee approval today. The bill is intended to “send a clear message to America’s servicemen and women, their families, and our veterans that we all appreciate and respect their service and sacrifice,” Obey said.

“While we have a long way to go in the legislative process, this bill builds on the efforts of the last two years, as this Congress has made veterans its No. 1 priority.”

Obey noted that in 2007 Congress passed three separate appropriations bills that increased total funding for veterans medical care by $11.8 billion, so that veterans can receive the quality of care they deserve. “The emergency funding bill passed by the House last week continued those efforts with further increases for VA medical care, and rewarded those who serve by expand-

ing the GI bill to provide a full, fouryear college benefit to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars,” Obey added.

“Overall, we add nearly $3 billion more than the president requested for the VA, providing the resources to allow the department to hire over 2,000 new claims processors to work through the backlog and get veterans into the system faster, and putting an additional $1.6 billion into the Veterans Health Administration to increase access to services, ensure safer facilities and improve treatment for veterans,” Obey said.

Building on last year’s historic funding increases, Obey said that, if passed, the bill will allow the VA to: • increase enrollment of veterans for VA services; • address the backlog in maintenance at VA medical facilities; • improve access to healthcare for veterans in areas where the VA does not offer services; • availability of new-generation prosthetics; • substantially increase funding for research into trauma, mental health and other critical areas to find the best treatments for veterans; and • provide additional caseworkers and medical services for homeless veterans.

For active duty service members and their families, Obey noted that the bill provides $336 million above the president’s request for quality-of-life projects that will directly improve living conditions and health care delivery, including the modernization of training facilities, as well as the building of child-care centers, barracks and housing. - from the office of Congressman Obey

Rep. Hraychuck sets listening sessions BALSAM LAKE - State Rep. Ann Hraychuck, D-Balsam Lake, will be holding listening sessions in July to speak with community members of the 28th Assembly District about issues important to them.

“Staying in touch with my constituents throughout the year is one of my top priorities as a state representative. I talked with many people at my listening sessions in June, and I look forward to another successful round this month.”

Amery: Thursday, July 10, noon - 1 p.m., city hall, 118 Center Street Dresser: Tuesday, July 15, 5 - 6 p.m.,

community hall, 115 West Main Street Grantsburg: Wednesday, July 16, noon - 1 p.m., village hall, 316 South Brad Street St. Croix Falls: Thursday, July 17, noon - 1 p.m., city hall, 710 Hwy. 35 South Frederic: Tuesday, July 22, 5 - 6 p.m., village hall, 107 Hope Road West Luck: Wednesday, July 23, 5 - 6 p.m., village hall, 401 Main Street Please feel free to contact Hraychuck’s office if you have questions about this or any legislative matter via phone at 888529-0028 or e-mail at rep.hraychuck@legis.wi.gov. - submitted

w w w.t he- lea de r.ne t Former pastor’s son faces charge of murder FARGO, N.D. – A former local pastor’s son awaits sentencing for the murder of his sister in the state of North Dakota.

Scott Carlson, who was a seminary student when he pastored at Siren and Lewis Methodist churches approximately 20 years ago, told WDAY TV in Fargo that he wants justice done for his daughter, Whitney, and a fair trial for his son, Sergei.

Whitney, 16, was brutally killed in her bedroom a year ago. Her mother found the body. Whitney’s adopted Russian brother, Sergei, 16, later confessed.

Court documents say he strangled her,

smothered her face with pillows to muffle the sounds, and then had sexual contact with the body.

Sergei has been in a detention center for nearly a year. A judge has rejected a plea deal for a 30-year sentence, according to WDAY. Sergei now awaits trial outside of Cass County, facing a life sentence.

“I’ve made it a point to try to not talk about this, but on several occasions I’ve talked to him about my feelings of what he’s done,” Carlson told the TV station.

“This has been the hardest year of my life.” – with information from WDAY TV, Fargo

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

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L e a d e r

We b Po l l

Last week’s poll results

Total votes: 110

This week’s question

I’m leaning toward:

40% 48% 7% 5%

44 votes Barack Obama 53 votes John McCain 8 votes Some other candidate 5 votes Not voting

To take part in our Web poll, go to www.the-leader.net and scroll down to the lower left hand corner of the screen

Have you ever been involved in a car-vehicle collision?

1. Yes 2. No 3. Near miss

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M Panic button

T

here’s talk in a neighboring county of instituting a “panic button” in the county boardroom.

In light of a recent incident in which a disgruntled citizen appeared before a county board session in Minnesota, brandished a weapon and began shooting, the idea of extra security for government bodies seems to be logical.

A hidden button that could be pushed to alert authorities in an emergency is probably one of the more easily achievable security devices - or concepts - you could wish for.

But knowing the history of bids that come before government bodies, it’s likely to cost at least in the thousands of dollars. Yes, for technology on the same level as a walkie talkie or intercom.

County boards are likely the most vulnerable public board in terms of security. Not large enough to merit the security of the state Legislature, yet big enough to handle controversial issues that regularly attract public attendance, including some individuals who have worked themselves into a clear state of anger.

It’s not likely the case in Minnesota is going to be a common occurrence - and it’s sad we have fear on our minds so much these days. But some argue that if it gives one more edge to law enforcement - it should be considered.

Motorcycle vs. deer

T

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 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 1600 Aspen Commons Middleton, WI 53562-4716 (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

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

T h e

his week brings the tragic news of the death of a 46-year-old rural Dresser man who was riding his motorcycle on a rural road when he collided with a deer. (See separate story).

The early Sunday morning accident occurred three weeks to the day after his wife was airlifted to a Twin Cities hosital after suffering injuries in a motorcycle-deer accident involving one deer and two motorcycles.

It’s an incredibly tragic irony that addresses a growing concern: the number of deer-vehicle collisions - particularly those involving motorcycles.

A Frederic man was seriously injured and has been hospitalized for the past three weeks after swerving his motorcycle to miss a deer, and hitting a utility pole instead. In Fond du Lac County, a 41-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle-deer accident two weeks ago. His passenger, a 35-year-old woman, died this past week from her injuries.

Motorycle safety is the buzz these days, as more people license two-wheel transportaton in light of gas prices. Probably 100,000 more people drive motorcycles in the state than 10 years ago. And deer-motorcycle fatalities continue to rise. Particularly in rural areas, of course.

We’re on a collision course in general. The state’s deer population has risen to an estimated 1.8 million. Motorcycle usage climbs to the point that WITC keeps extending its safety and licensing courses. Gas prices, of course, keep climbing.

Iowa is treating this issue as a crisis. One legislator from that state says that Iowa’s growing deer population is the No. 1 issue at town meetings across that state - not just due to crop damage - but road hazard.

Road safety should always be a priority but its logic is obviously lost on accidents that involve a wild animal rushing out in front of you as you travel down the road at highway speeds. Wise riders will tell you to avoid riding and dusk and dawn when deer are on the move - or to avoid swerving to avoid deer brake hard but don’t swerve - even if you have to strike the deer.

And wear a helmet.

As good as advice as you can expect under the circumstances.

But what about the deer factor?

Do we need 1.8 million deer in Wisconsin? These are animals, after all, that may look pretty, but in reality spread disease, ruin crops and pose a growing hazard on our roads.

In 2005 in Wisconsin, 12 people died in 12 fatal motor vehicle-deer crashes.

All 12 vehicles in those crashes were motorcycles.

As rural populations have stagnated or declined, deer populations have grown. More “No hunting” signs have gone up. Perhaps fewer hunters are showing an interest in shooting an antlerless deer. The number of deer grows.

And many shrug and say dodging deer is “a fact of life here in Wisconsin.”

True. But maybe it’s time to give as much focus to the deer population as to tips on how to avoid them while driving down the road.

A dome for Brett?

H

ere’s a scary thought for Packer fans.

Brett Favre in a Viking uniform.

Like Chris Farley’s “(Big) man in a little coat” skit, it’s a hilarious con-

cept.

The Los Angeles Times reported this week that Favre “hinted broadly that he hadn’t completely closed the door on his career” despite his retirement from the Packers and football earlier this year.

Favre has dismissed reports that he “has an itch” to return to the gridiron.

Favre supposedly hinted to the Packers he might be interested in returning but the team was “cool” to the idea.

Favre’s mom, Bonita, told a Milwaukee TV station - WITI - that the Packers didn't really want him back, “You know, it's just been bits and pieces throughout the last couple of years, things would come up, and it just didn't seem like they went out of their way to keep him. It was kind of like, 'You're done.'“ Meanwhile, Favre's brother told a Milwaukee station that he can envision No. 4 playing for another franchise if the Packers don't want him back.

Enter Tom Powers, columnist for the Pioneer Press, who said that Favre and the Viking tem would be a good fit - a pairing worthy of a Super Bowl title.

All rumor, says Favre.

The Times reminded us all that some strange rumors have come true in the NFL. Joe Montana finishing his career as a Kansas City Chief. Franco Harris ending his in Seattle.

And Vince Lombardi’s last gig was as coach of the Washington Redskins.

But Favre as a Viking? No way. He hates that dome...right?

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

Editorials by Gary King

L e a d e r

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JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

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

Good change Change in a community is a tall order.

It should see the future, but not overlook the needs of those who will use its initiatives today. Change often happens because a community believes it should.

Change most always benefits in great long-term results.

The new library/museum in downtown Luck is a prime example of a good change for the future. Thanks to a strong community effort with good leadership ... what an asset to this area!

I praise all who graciously donated money, the contractors for their hard work, and not to forget the ones who organized this project to a reality.

Good job everyone!

Eric T. Olson Luck

Off the mark, Mark Recently Mark Pettis wrote blaming our representative to the state assembly for higher gas prices.

This seems to me to be off the mark, Mark. As you know, our representatives in Madison do not vote on offshore oil drilling or drilling in ANWAR – this is a responsibility of the president and congress. Some of the folks who were against more oil drilling in the USA were: George H.W. Bush – the presi-

dent’s father, Jeb Bush – former governor of Florida and John McCain.

McCain was against offshore drilling in 1999; he has since flip-flopped at least twice on the issue. It should be noted that even if we Americans decide to start drilling for oil today we will not see any oil for 5 to 10 years.

We need an energy policy that provides for our citizens. Drilling for oil is one part of an energy policy; cars with better gas mileage are another part. A comprehensive energy plan requires both production and conservation.

Jim North Osceola

Keeping promises I promised Wisconsin residents that I would “Fight crime and restore integrity” when I became attorney general.

Fiscal integrity is an important commitment that I have made to the taxpayers of Wisconsin and I have spent the past 18 months reviewing expenditures and finding ways to create efficiencies at the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Earlier this year, I announced that I was giving $600,000 in taxpayer money back to the state. At that time, I also announced that I was going to continue looking for an additional $400,000 to return during my first fiscal year as attorney general, which ended June 30.

B a c k i n "# $$

I’m pleased to report that I was able to meet my promise to the taxpayers of Wisconsin and have returned $1 million.

Most of these savings are the result of finding efficiencies throughout the Department of Justice. For example, new staff at the Madison Crime Lab worked in temporary space while they were in training, which resulted in rent savings. At the same time, experienced DNA analysts saw their productivity increase dramatically, to the point where we completed work on more DNA cases in the first five months of 2008 than were done in any single year before I took office.

I also reduced overtime expenditures to both save money and enhance employee wellness. Positions, including management positions, were left vacant longer to achieve savings so long as the extended temporary vacancy was not going to be pennywise and pound foolish. Funds that were designated for an unplanned and unnecessary staff conference were returned. Some of the funds returned were through legal settlements. I have used these funds to support my core initiatives and public safety operations, such as Internet crimes against children education and keeping our methamphetamine task force a model despite federal budget cuts. But because of the budget shortfall being faced by the State of Wisconsin, I determined that some of those funds should be returned to the treasury so that government wouldn’t seek it from taxpayers.

Achieving savings isn’t simply about spending only what you have. It is about returning what you have but can do without. This might be a radical concept, but to me, it is fundamental management. Making more out of less is what people want out of their government, and that is what I am delivering as Attorney General.

Wisconsin Department of Justice staff have been instrumental in these efforts.

I could not have achieved this goal for taxpayers of Wisconsin without their help. Department of Justice staff continues to fight crime and enforce the law, doing more with less.

Public safety protects our freedoms and enhances our quality of life. I believe public safety is the top priority of state and local government, and that priority should be reflected in how taxpayer money is spent. This includes adequate funding for the Department of Justice, state prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and others who directly enhance public safety everyday. Budget shortfalls are not an excuse to underfund budget priorities, but rather an opportunity to re-examine what it is we believe that government should do and spend limited resources accordingly.

Though I believe public safety must be a budget priority, it does not absolve public safety officials from spending that money wisely and achieving savings where possible.

Fight crime. Restore integrity. Not just a slogan, but a plan for action that helps make Wisconsin a safer more fiscally solvent place to live, work and retire.

J. B. Van Hollen Attorney General, State of Wisconsin Madison

Family Camp In 1933, the year the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association was born, the Farmers State Bank, later purchased by Bremer Bank, placed ads throughout the summer, reminding readers that “Prosperity, Employment and Happier Days for everyone is surely on the way.” The hard economic times of that era was reflected in local advertising. The Inter-County Leader is marking its 75th year as a local newspaper.

Here’s to the folks at the West Denmark Lutheran Church for all their efforts at Family Camp and for being so welcoming to newcomers such as my wife and myself.

It wasn’t clear to me what Family Camp entailed, but as one member of

the church said to me, “We want people to understand that everyone is welcome.” That was clearly the case, but this unique community event was also an inspiring celebration of family and family values. It made me think of what it would have been like years ago when large families got together to provide their own entertainment. I imagine that activities such as singing, dancing, crafts, stories and even lectures would have culminated in a hearty homecooked meal.

Family Camp was all that, plus seeing as many as four generations of one family enjoying each others company and participating in these activities together.

It was indeed inspiring.

Finally, our gratitude to Dan Beal who told me that Family Camp was a “Hoot.” He was so right about that.

Doug Gray St. Croix Falls

Support...and pay for it I am a teacher in the Siren School District and am very glad to hear that our state superintendent of schools is concerned about rural schools. We struggle to give the best possible education to children with limited funds available.

In a recent column in the Inter-County Leader, state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf praised the state superintendent of schools for securing an additional $7.2 million in aid for rural school districts in Wisconsin.

I also praise the superintendent for fighting for this funding, which is called “Sparsity Aid.” It is clear that there are many struggles that rural schools alone face, like declining enrollment and high transportation costs, this extra aid will help to overcome these obstacles.

What disappoints me about the column is that although she praises the program, Harsdorf did not vote for the budget which would have paid for it.

Thankfully the budget passed and many school districts in our area will receive extra aid to help them succeed.

But I think it is misleading to write a column praising Sparsity Aid when you didn’t have the courage to vote for the funding to pay for it.

Is Sheila Harsdorf really helping the smaller schools in our area?

Jan Hoehne Siren

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

Writers must provide their name and give their complete address and phone number. Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments regarding a group’s or individual’s ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race; other incendiary language or personal attacks.

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

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

L e a d e r

F O R U M

%& t h A s s e m b l y D i s t r i c t Why are gas prices so high? hen filling up your vehicle at the W pump it is impossible to ignore

the ever-increasing price of gas.

With the national average for a gallon of gas reaching over $4, the financial impact on American families is rising.

Why are prices so high? Who is to blame?

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer, but there is some important information that you as a consumer need to be aware of.

Crude oil prices are at record highs, which is mainly because of high worldwide oil demand relative to supply.

According to the Energy Information Administration, 75 percent of the gaspump price can be attributed to the cost

of crude oil.

Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is taken to oil refineries where it undergoes a variety of chemical processes that separate it into many different forms which have several different uses.

Ann This is how gasoHraychuck line is developed.

The other components that make up the price of a gallon of gas include 10 percent for taxes, 5 percent for distribution and marketing, and 10 percent for refining.

There is essentially no official regulation of gas prices, so the market is con-

trolling the price of crude oil. Our federal government has recently been attempting to do something about high gas prices, however, at a state level we are extremely limited with what we can do in an effort to regulate gas prices.

Frequently, it is suggested that we begin to drill more in the United States, both onshore and offshore. However, we cannot drill our way to lower gas prices. As reported by the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, the federal government has handed out thousands of drilling permits within the past few years, and the oil and gas companies have not been able to keep up. Almost 10,000 extra permits that were issued are not being used by the oil and gas companies but are instead being stockpiled.

Many of you may have also heard that we should begin to drill in the

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is located in Alaska. However, studies have indicated that the financial impact would not be immediate, and the soonest we would notice a change would be 2022, with the effect being minimal.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a complicated issue, with multiple solutions.

Gas and oil companies need to drill on land for which they already have permits instead of chasing the number of permits they can receive. On an individual level, we can be more aware of our gas consumption, but this can be difficult and simultaneously frustrating since so many of us need to drive to our jobs, schools and homes.

As always, if you have any additional questions on this or any legislative matter please feel free to contact my office via phone at 888-529-0028 or email at rep.hraychuck@legis.wi.gov.

"' t h S e n a t e D i s t r i c t U.S. Supreme Court rulings affect us all years ago, the U.S. Supreme T hree Court, in a 5-4 ruling, enabled gov-

ernment to use powers of eminent domain to take private property if it was justified as a means of redevelopment, with its decision in Kelo v. City of New London. It was alarming that the federal courts embraced such takings for the direct benefit of private entities in the name of economic development and an expanded tax base. This was seen by many as an abuse of eminent domain. One dissenting justice labeled the decision a “license to transfer prop-

erty from those with fewer resources to those with more.”

Development pressures are not new to western Wi s c o n s i n .

Farmland and rural areas abut some of the fastest-growing Sheila communities in our Harsdorf state. Temptations to use new powers for redevelopment can be significant, especially since the private citizen would be at the mercy of developments that would bring in more revenue for government.

This posed new questions to lawmakers: Should economic development and expanding the tax base be reason enough for the taking of private property? Should this be done for the exclusive benefit of private companies or the wealthy? Since any property can be upgraded, doesn’t that in fact make all property owners vulnerable?

Wisconsin lawmakers rejected such uses of eminent domain. I was pleased to be part of a bipartisan coalition that helped enact 2005 Wisconsin Act 233, which prohibits condemnation of a property that is not blighted if the intent is to lease such property to a private entity.

All together, 35 states moved to reform eminent domain laws since the

Kelo decision. It was an important move, especially as we see other communities in other states moving swiftly to condemn private property for redevelopment.

Just recently, we saw a local government ban on handguns barely overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. The tentative balance between an activist court and strict constructionist court is just that – tentative. One vote and a different political makeup could radically shift our fundamental rights, such as gun ownership and private property.

What do you think of these rulings?

Call me at 800-862-1092 or send me an e-mail: Sen.Harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us.

1933 •Inter-County Leader: 75 years of local news • 2008 It’s not the man, it’s the movement on a panel at the Aspen Ideas I was Festival in Colorado this week when

Newsweek’s Jonathan Alter asked me, “Is Obama a sellout?”

The question isn’t whether he is a sellout or not – it’s about what demands are made by grassroots social movements of those who would represent them. The question is, who are these candidates responding to, answering to? Richard Nixon’s campaign strategy was to run in the primaries to the right, then move to the center in the general election. Bill Clinton’s strategy was called “triangulation,” navigating to a political “third way” to please moderates and undecided voters. This past week, Barack Obama has made some signal policy changes that suggest he might be doing something similar. Will it work for him?

Take the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, for example. A Dec. 17, 2007, press release from Obama’s Senate office read: “Senator Obama unequivocally opposes giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies and has co-sponsored Senator Dodd’s efforts to remove that provision from the FISA bill. Granting such immunity undermines the constitutional protections Americans trust the Congress to protect. Senator Obama supports a filibuster of this bill, and strongly urges others to do the same.”

Six months later, he supports immunity for the companies that spied on

Americans.

I asked Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., about Obama’s position on the FISA bill. He told me: “Wrong vote.

Regrettable.

Amy Many Democrats will do this. We Goodman should be standing up for the Constitution.

When Senator Obama is president, he will, I’m sure, work to fix some of this, but it’s going to be a lot easier to prevent it now than to try to fix it later.” Feingold and Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., are planning on filibustering the bill. It will take 60 senators to overcome their filibuster.

It looks like Obama will be one of them.

Disappointment with Obama’s FISA position is not limited to his senatorial colleagues. On Obama’s own campaign Web site, bloggers are voicing strident opposition to Obama’s FISA position.

At the time of this writing, an online group on Obama’s site had more than 10,000 members and was growing fast.

The group’s profile reads: “Senator Obama – we are a proud group of your supporters who believe in your call for hope and a new kind of politics. Please reject the politics of fear on national security, vote against this bill and lead other Democrats to do the same!”

Then there were the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on gun control and the death penalty. Obama supported the court in overturning the 32year-old ban on handguns in the nation’s violence-ridden capital. It’s the court’s most significant ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly 70 years.

And in a blow to death-penalty opponents, Obama disagreed with the high court’s prohibiting execution of those who were found guilty of raping children.

In a Jan. 21, 2008, primary debate, Obama called the North American Free Trade Agreement “a mistake” and “an enormous problem.” He recently told Fortune magazine, “Sometimes during campaigns the rhetoric gets overheated and amplified ... my core position has never changed ... I’ve always been a proponent of free trade.” This, after the primary-campaign scandal of the alleged meeting between Obama economic adviser Austan Goolsbee and a member of the Canadian consulate. A Canadian memo describing the meeting suggested Obama was generally satisfied with NAFTA. Goolsbee described the account as inaccurate.

Now people are beginning to question Obama’s genuine opposition to NAFTA and “free trade.”

Then there is the floating of potential vice-presidential candidates. Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post was on the Aspen panel and noted that he has been receiving e-mails from gay men who angrily oppose former Sen. Sam Nunn as an Obama running mate.

They can’t forget Nunn’s key role in shaping “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which

prohibited gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military. The emails trickled up, prompting the writing of an influential Capehart column, “Don’t Ask Nunn.”

It may be the strategy of the Obama campaign to run to the middle, to attract the independents, the undecided. But he should look carefully at the lessons of the 2004 Kerry campaign.

John Kerry made similar calculations, not wanting to appear weak on the war in Iraq. Uninspired, people stayed home. There are millions who care about the issues from which Obama is distancing himself, from FISA to gun control to gay rights to free trade to the death penalty. Rather than staying home, they should recall the words of Frederick Douglass: “Power concedes nothing without a demand.”

Amy Goodman is the host of “Democracy Now!,” a daily international TV/radio news hour airing on more than 700 stations in North America. Her column’s appearance in the Leader is sponsored by the local group, The Gathering, an informal group of people of diverse ages., experience, and philosophies who meet every other week at a member's home for silent meditation and lively discussions about peace, justice, spirituality, religion, politics, environment, global cultures and humanity. “We have a deep concern about how religious ideals affect society. Therefore, we are also interested in politics and in causes and programs, which will benefit our community,” says a spokesperson for the group.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Area Ne ws at a Glance County denies claims BARRON - The Barron County Executive Committee last Thursday unanimously voted to recommend to the county board at its regular session on Monday, July 21, to deny claims against the county by former highway commissioner Brian Mattison and former patrol superintendant Gene Anderson. Anderson, who resigned in December, and Mattison, who retired in January, plan to sue the county and county administrator Duane Hebert for $4.5 million. Mattison claims that Hebert violated his release and retirement agreement with the county by making disparaging remarks about him in public. Anderson asserted that the county and Hebert breached the terms of a verbal resignation agreement in part by not paying him for his accumulated vacation and sick leave as promised. Mattison and Anderson left the department while it was under investigation for possible misconduct. www.chronotype.com McCain, wife, to visit Hudson HUDSON - Sen. John McCain, Republican presidential nominee, plans

to wrap up a week of economic talk with a Friday forum in Hudson According to the campaign, McCain, accompanied by his wife, Cindy, will hold one of his town hall meetings for women only at J&L Steel Erectors in the St. Croix Business Park at 10 a.m. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. and close 9:30 a.m. His topic for the meeting will be women in business and economic issues affecting them. This is McCain's first visit to western Wisconsin. The Arizona senator also may be involved in a Twin Cities event, but campaign officials said that had not been decided. - Hudson Star Observer (rivertowns.net) Pamida fined NORTHWEST WISCONSIN A national chain with stores in western Wisconsin paid more than $50,000 in penalties after state inspectors found checkout scanner violations. Pamida paid the fine in late April. That was after inspectors found violations in 14 Pamida stores across Wisconsin. They include stores in Abbotsford, Adams, Amery, Arcadia, Mondovi, New Richmond, Park Falls and Spooner. The state says inspectors found a near-5-percent error rate that resulted in some

overcharging. - weau.com Mother drowns in St. Croix HUDSON - Lona Y. Donahue picked her July 4 camping spot and swimming hole with one criterion in mind: They needed cell phone reception so she could stay in touch with her expecting daughter. She didn't want to miss the birth of her second grandchild, a girl due today, so on Saturday Donahue found herself at Pembles Beach on the St. Croix River just south of Hudson, Wis. At 12:09 p.m. she spoke with the mom-to-be, Anna Donahue. By 1:30 p.m. she was missing, overcome by large waves in the St. Croix. Rescue teams recovered her body at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday in 55 feet of water. Anna Donahue had her baby girl pegged as an Olivia, but now the little girl is going to be named after the grandmother she'll never meet. "She's the only one we've ever had in our lives," said Anna Donahue, 19, the second of Lona's four daughters. "She was Super Mom." Lona Donahue, 41, was standing on a submerged sandbar Saturday with her youngest daughter, ElizaBeth and ElizaBeth's friend, both 13, when strong

waves pushed them down the river. "We were just swimming ... just laughing, having a good time," ElizaBeth Donahue said Sunday afternoon. "All of a sudden, this big wave came." The trio tried to swim toward shore, but couldn't fight the choppy water. They turned onto their backs. "Help! Please get us!" they yelled. "Save us!" They hadn't expected such strong waves in water that was about chest high, said ElizaBeth, who's 5 feet 4 inches. They'd all swum in that exact same spot on Friday without any worries. But Saturday the river was choppier and stronger, sweeping the girls' mother away as two bystanders, Matthew Finley, 19, of River Falls, Wis., and Matthew Leick, 23, of Hudson rescued the girls. Lona and the girls were supposed to grab ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery after their swim, and light some fireworks. It was going to be like this much of the summer, her daughters had thought. Their mother had purchased a season pass to Wisconsin parks just days before she drowned. www.startribune.com

Link trial moving toward verdict

by Regan Kohler SHELL LAKE — The Link Snacks trial is moving toward a verdict, as testimonies concluded last week.

The jury trial, which has been going on for a month and a half, has revolved around LSI CEO Jack Link and his son Troy Link, a director, suing former director, son and brother Jay Link, for his value of the shares in the Minongbased snack food company. Jay Link left the company a few years ago after, witnesses testified, there was major conflict between him and his father over directorship and responsibilities within LSI. Jay Link has opened his own snack foods company, Jerky Snack Brands, since then. He countersued over the

value of his shares after determining the value his father and brother were offering, at around $35 million, was lower than the estimated market value.

Jack and Troy Links’ side began testifying in late May at the Washburn County Courthouse, with witnesses including themselves, Jack Link’s assistant, current and former employees, and a representative from the Brazilian meat company which had been dealing with LSI, and had seen Jay Link negotiate with it separately after his departure. A University of Wisconsin-Madison professor also testified, giving estimates of the damages LSI sustained from Jay Link’s interference in LSI’s negotiations with other companies.

Jay Link’s side began testifying in June, with witnesses including himself, former employees and an expert consultant in compensation damages, Mark Reilly, who disputed the UW professor’s findings by comparing LSI to the market.

Monday, July 7, Jack Link’s attorney Michael Freeborn and Jay Link’s attorney Michael Aprahamian gave closing arguments to the jury. As of press time, a verdict has yet to be reached.

Link Snacks attorney Michael Freeborn gives his closing argument to the jury Monday afternoon, July 7, in the Washburn County Courthouse. — Photo by Regan

Wal-Mart may receive eighth extension County board to study resolution at next week’s meeting

by Regan Kohler SHELL LAKE — Wal-Mart may receive another extension from Washburn County for building the store in Spooner, after the company’s attorney met with the executive committee Monday, July 7, in the Elliott Building, Shell Lake.

Wal-Mart has been in negotiations with the county and city to build a store in Spooner since 2005, when the land on CTH H off Hwys. 53 and 63, next to the highway shop, was sold to the company. However, the company had to ask for extensions since 2006, for various reasons. According to county board Chair Micheal Bobin, this would be the eighth extension; the current one ends Aug. 12.

Bobin said at Monday morning’s meeting that the next extension originally was only supposed to exist if there were pending litigation. There is none.

Wal-Mart attorney Sue Steinwall told the committee the extension was needed so that they would have time to get all outstanding approvals, such as the developer’s plan and railroad modifications at the site, the latter of which needs to come from the state.

The developer’s agreement is tentatively set to come before the Spooner

City Council in September, she said.

Wal-Mart pays a fee per extension, around $30,000, and committee member Tom Mackie said all the money is currently in escrow, with the county receiving none so far.

“I do have a problem with that,” he said.

Mackie said the land at the proposed site has been tied up now for over two years, and has “been held hostage, in a way.” He said the county hasn’t gotten any money upfront from Wal-Mart, nor any taxes. He said he personally knew of other potential buyers who’d been interested in this land.

Steinwall said she recognized that if Wal-Mart terminated its agreement with the county within the time frame of the next extension, all the money in escrow would be distributed to the county.

Bobin asked her what would happen if the county did not allow another extension. Steinwall replied that this was a question she would have to ask her client about.

First Vice Chair Ed Olund said the county needs to come up with an idea for getting some money upfront, and Mackie suggested seeing what the land’s real estate taxes would have amounted to. According to corporation counsel, there is nothing in the original agreement with Wal-Mart that would preclude the county asking for some form of payment.

Mackie moved to forward a resolu-

tion for an extension to the full board, with the provision that Wal-Mart pay the county the amount of what the 2008 real estate taxes would have been, by Aug. 12.

Steinwall said she would meet with her client before next week’s meeting and have a response by then.

A declaration of restrictions from the agreement was also touched on.

Corporation Counsel Jeffrey Kohler said the agreement asked that the county not sell its surrounding land, which the highway shop sits on, to potential WalMart competitors. This is for the county only, not private landowners, he added.

Steinwall said she had a list of businesses that Wal-Mart would consider competitive.

The restrictions would last up to 40 years. Kohler added that the county has never put no-compete restrictions on its own property before, and asked if they wanted to make that decision.

Bobin asked what would happen if the county did not agree to this, and Steinwall replied that her client would take it very seriously into consideration.

Steinwall also said that in her many years with Wal-Mart, most of the people selling land for the store are private landowners, and this being a governmental body, it is new to them.

The resolution will be high up on the county board’s agenda at next Tuesday’s meeting.

The Spooner City Council, in other news, approved a memorandum of

understanding on the project at their meeting last Tuesday, July 1, which agrees that Wal-Mart pays for off-site improvements, and that the city doesn’t have to contract out for improvements itself.

The Department of Transportation will be issuing the permit to do work on the surrounding roads at the site.

Other resolutions The committee set the agenda tentatively for next week. It includes: • a presentation of the jail report • a resolution to place wireless emergency 911 surcharges into the budget repair bill • a resolution to support the enactment of legislation reinstating passport acceptance fees to $30, to counties; the amount was originally cut by the state • an appreciation of services for retiring Indianhead Community Action Agency Director Jerome Drahos • a presentation from state treasurer Dawn Marie Sass on unclaimed property • the Veterans Service Office annual report • a report on the transportation program in Washburn County Bobin said he received correspondence from the Northern Area Agency on Aging on counties’ assessments of the elderly population, which he will mention during the meeting.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

Long-term care district elects board HAYWARD — The Northwest LongTerm Care District Board of Directors convened their first official meeting in Hayward on June 2. State Sen. Bob Jauch and state Reps. Gary Sherman and Mary Williams were on hand to lend support to what Jauch referred to as a “massive effort.”

In the next nine months, the board will oversee the development of what will become a $90 million business serving over 3,000 members and employing 200 workers. It will be based on Wisconsin’s Family Care model that provides long-term care to seniors and adults with physical or developmental disabilities who meet functional and financial requirements. Members are able to stay in their homes and communities with the help of care teams and a network of service providers. The state is banking on Family Care to end waiting lists that plague the current system and to save money.

The state may be the architect of Family Care, but the various long-term care districts are the builders bringing the blueprints to life. Eleven counties make up the Northwest Long-Term Care District: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn. It is Wisconsin’s largest long-term care district in terms of number of counties and geographic size.

The Northwest Long-Term Care District Board of Directors now has 16 members — 11 representing each of the counties and five representing seniors and consumers with disabilities. Two at-large members will be selected soon,

C a r i n g CaringBridge is a Web site service that offers free, personalized Web sites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery. If you have a loved one who would like to be part of this list – to let others know about your site – please e-mail us at theleader@centurytel.net. Thank you.

Chuck Pardun, Frederic www.caringbridge.org/visit/chuckpardun Chuck was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on Feb. 14.

Sarah Campbell, St. Croix Falls www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahcampbell Sarah, a teacher, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Pat Killingsworth, St. Croix Falls www.caringbridge.org/visit/patkillings worth. Pat was diagnosed with cancer a

Best v iew?

The Northwest Long-Term Care District Board of Directors back row (L to R): David Willingham, Dale Schleeter, Bob Kopisch, Jeff Kieffer, Jack Sweeney and Mike Linton. Middle: Brian Tarro, Ken Mosentine, Jeff Schinzing, Terri Stone and Mike Hamm. Front: David Markert, Dee Kittleson, Sue Zieke, Jay Hands and Mark Novotny. — Photo submitted bringing total board membership to 18.

At the June 2 meeting, David Willingham was elected chair, Jay Hands vice chair and Jeff Kieffer secretary of the board. The group has been learning about Family Care and how to operate as a board since last September.

“The first word we learned 10 months ago was collaboration,” said Willingham. “To collaborate is to colabor with someone. It has been truly rewarding to have labored together for a purpose that is larger than ourselves.

To trust and believe in each other and to accept the responsibility of building the structure of this Long Term Care District on the foundation entrusted to us by those who co-labored before us.

Most rewarding of all, is to know that this structure we are building will become the shelter of services to all those who have waited so long to realize the dream of quality services for all, according to individual need and in the place they call home.”

The public is welcome to all board meetings held the first Monday of every month at the Ramada Inn in Hayward at 9 a.m. For more information about Family Care and the development of the new managed-care organization in Northwest Wisconsin, go to www.nwfamilycare.com. — from LTC

B ridge

Control of Legislature up for grabs

year ago.

Marty Niles, Frederic www.caringbridge.org/visit/martyniles. A mass was removed from near / on Marty’s brain stem on April 16. He remains hospitalized as doctors monitor his progress.

Carrie McConnell, Frederic w w w. c a r i n g b r i d g e . o rg / v i s i l / c a r riejunemcconnell. Carrie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her health has deteriorated so quickly that treatment is not possible.

Steve McKinney, rural Frederic www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevemckinney Steve was in a motorcycle-deer accident on Wednesday, June 18.

M a n a i r l i f t e d f o l lo w i n g m o t o r c y c l e c r a s h

MADISON - More Wisconsin voters will have a choice between the two major parties this November when they cast their ballots for state Assembly representative.

With Tuesday’s filing deadline approaching, it looks like voters in at least 65 Assembly districts could have a choice between a Democrat and a Republican in November. That’s roughly two-thirds of all Assembly districts statewide.

That’s mainly because Assembly Democrats have fielded candidates in 91 districts; compared to just 70 districts with Republican candidates.

Republicans hold a slim majority in the state Assembly. But if Democrats pick up an additional three seats this fall, they’d be running that chamber for the first time in more than a decade.

State Senate races are a different story, with only seven of the 16 seats up for election this November to be contested.

Republicans would need to pick up two of them to win control of that chamber back from Majority Democrats. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

E-edition drawing

Michael Borgstrom, 31, Brooklyn Center, Minn., was riding his motorcycle on CTH A in Jackson Township when he lost control in loose gravel. He was airlifted to North Memorial Hospital as a result of his injuries. Alcohol was a factor in the accident. – Photo from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

FREDERIC - The Leader will be giving away one 3-month subscription to our e-edition each week.

To be eligible for the drawing, please e-mail your name and contact information to the-leader@centurytel.net with the subject line of “E-edition drawing.”

The e-edition is accessible at www.the-leader.net and offers the full paper online as it appears in print, with every page in color. It’s usually online Wednesday afternoons.

This week’s e-edition offers several extra pages of parade photos from area celebrations that were not included in our print edition.

Sometimes it’s possible to stay and home and still have the best view of the parade, especially if you live on or near Main Street. This man watched the Freedom Festival parade in Balsam Lake out of his window.

- Photo by Gary King

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

Off-premise signs discussed at Balsam Lake Village Past weekend’s Freedom Fest deemed success

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE — The Balsam Lake Village discussed off-premise advertisement signs within the village on Monday, July 7. Presently there is an ordinance that states that commercial off-premise signs are prohibited within the village of Balsam Lake. Currently there are applications from Paradise Landing, The Thirsty Otter and Cabin Bar who are looking to place an offpremise advertisement sign.

“We can’t grant them variances because the zoning is specific that that’s how its got to be,” said President Guy Williams.

Currently there are signs advertising Paradise Landing on Pepers service station, and another one for The Thirsty Otter hanging on the pole where the sign is on CTH I is going east out of town. According to the ordinance, offpremise advertisement signs are prohibited in the village.

Trustee Mike Voltz brought up the point that if you allow one, it could lead to even more signs.

“I just think [of] all this time we spent on this ordinance book,” Voltz said. “I mean hour after hour, after hour on these ordinances, and then we start backtracking on them.”

It was discussed further that there wouldn’t need to be a motion because there was already an ordinance in place.

It was decided that the signs will need to eventually be removed based on the village ordinance.

Indianhead bypass project The village of Balsam Lake received four bids for the Indianhead bypass project. The four included A-1 Excavating of Bloomer at $146,151, Hydrocon, Inc. of North Branch, Minn., at $109,857, McCabe Construction of Eau Claire at $111,748.40 and RM

fire department for a new defibrillator that they just purchased. The fire department also purchased a flat-bottom boat with a motor for rescues in the winter or summer.

Signs such as this one located on Peper’s service station will need to be taken down due to the village ordinance stating no off-premise advertising signs are to be allowed. - Photo by Marty Seeger Schlosser of Durand at $104,096.60.

Jeff Nausbaum of Cedar Corporation said the bids were a little higher than expected due to the price of asphalt and since estimates were given last year, but they are still very competitive bids.

Nausbaum suggested that the village have a sewer and water committee meeting to decide which bid to accept.

Nausbaum did mention that the A-1 Excavating bid of $146, 151 was higher due not to a bid error, but they bid the manholes each instead of by the vertical foot, which amounted to about $43,000 in manholes.

“In talking with them (A-1 Excavating) [it] gives me more confidence that we got not only three competitive bids, but would have had four had they not made an error,” Nausbaum said.

It was recommended that the village

put a hold on accepting bids until the Aug. 4 meeting since there is a 45-day wait to accept the bids.

Tim Moore is new fire chief Village President Guy Williams received a letter from Balsam Lake Fire Chief Ed Hill at the monthly fire department meeting held July 1. Hill is resigning of his position as chief, as he has taken a position with a company that will leave him out of town for a good portion of the week. Tim Moore was promoted as the new chief, after he had been the assistant under Hill in the past.

He gave the monthly fire department report. It was reported that for the month of June the fire department responded to three fire calls and 15 rescues.

The Balsam Lake Homeowners Association also donated $1,200 to the

Police report The police department also received monies from the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association for the police department to purchase a mobile GPS, which could be used for a helicopter landing, or on the lake where they need to pinpoint spots on a lake if they needed to. They also donated to the water patrol a graph to show the bottom of the lake. One for depth, or to look for sunken objects or locate drowning victims.

Chief Sheryl Gerhman also spoke on the success of the Balsam Lake Freedom Festival held over the weekend.

“Almost all the comments I’ve heard were all in favor for the events,” Gerhman said.

Community club report President Chris Nelson of the Balsam Lake Community Club discussed the success of this year’s Freedom Festival.

Nelson said many people commented that it was probably one of the biggest crowd they’ve had in Balsam Lake.

“Overall everyone seemed to have a good time,” Nelson said.

Other business • Each year the DNR gives the village a report card on the sewer plant and Jim Duncan was on hand to explain it with the board.

“We’re basically the same as last year,” Duncan said, but pointed out one difference in that two of the wells contain amonia nitrogen and chloride. The items are on the annual report to keep the village aware of it and eventually correct the problem.

Duncan says that putting in a new blower should help with the problem.

First Evangelical paint project underway TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls kicked off a painting project June 29 to repaint the sanctuary of the church.

“Repainting the sanctuary is one step in our process of renewal, of passing on the blessing to future generations-just as our ancestors did,” said chair of the sesquicentennial celebration, Julie Magnuson.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on April 10, 1860. A 32’ by 24’ church was built. The first resident pastor arrived in 1872. In 1903 the present church was erected from plans

by A.L. Garlough of St. Paul, Minn.

In 1910, a Hilgreen & Lane organ was installed and in 1937, Swedish services discontinued. The church interior was painted in 1959 for the 100th anniversary. An education wing was built in 1964. In 1973, the church interior was painted again. The aging parsonage was removed in 1984. In 2010, the congregation gears up for the 150th anniversary.

Individuals or businesses that would like to support the painting project may send donations to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Attn: painting project, 561 Chestnut Street, Taylors Falls, MN, 55084. – submitted

The interior of the sanctuary is being painted at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls. – Photos submitted

First Evangelical Lutheran Church gears up for its 150th anniversary and began an interior painting project June 29.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

Stoner plea hearing in late July; jury trial canceled

by Regan Kohler SHELL LAKE – A plea agreement is set to happen in an alleged child abuse case at the end of this month.

Michael E. Stoner Jr., 27, Spooner, has been facing three charges, first-degree reckless endangerment, child abuse and resisting an officer since last summer. In early August 2007, the then-2-year-old daughter of Stoner’s fiancée was taken to the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital for severe brain trauma. The complaint said Stoner had told authorities the child had fallen down a flight of stairs in their home while it was just the two of them there. However, the complaint said that there were different stories given of the events. Further, doctors’ statements in the reports said that the trauma was so severe that a fall down

stairs alone couldn’t have caused it.

Stoner was charged with the felony counts of reckless endangerment and child abuse, and with the misdemeanor count because, according to the complaint, he had allegedly fled from officers coming to arrest him. He has been held on a $50,000 bond and prohibited from contacting his fiancée.

Though the original judge had ordered a jury trial, which was slated to begin in late July, this will not happen.

Instead, a plea hearing will be held Monday, July 28, at 10 a.m. in the Washburn County Courthouse. The details of the plea agreement are unavailable to the public at this time, but the clerk of courts office was able to confirm that it will occur on that date.

Many hearings have been held over

Siren man returned to prison

by Sherill Summer SIREN – Edmond J. Brixen, 23, Ladysmith, was on extended supervision after conviction of third-degree sexual assault in 2005, living in the town of Siren. He violated his conditions of extended supervision in September of 2007 with contact with underage children, including contact with a child who was similar in many regards to his first victim. He was then enrolled in sex-offender treatment but was terminated from that treatment nearly two months later for making inappropriate sexual comments about female staff and not making progress in treatment.

Judge Michael Gableman felt there was a high risk to the public with Brixen on extended supervision, and a need for specific sex-offender treatment. Brixen was reincarcerated in the prison system for one year, two months and 13 days.

Brixen’s first victim was assaulted in June of 2003. The victim was 15 at the time of the assault. Both were attending day treatment in Frederic, and a bus transported them between their home and treatment. Without the bus driver’s knowledge, Brixen fondled the girl.

His original sentence was two years and six months followed by four years of extended supervision.

Siren officer situation goes to village board

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – At the present time, Siren Police Chief Chris Sybers is operating without his two full-time officers.

Sybers will be looking for direction on what comes next when the village board meets Thursday, July 10.

Officer Andy Savage, a full-time officer for the past five years, left June 18 for a police job in the state of Texas.

Officer Bill Shafer had a 45-day military leave before he went on a one-year assignment with the National Guard as of June 15. For the next year, he will be filling in as recruiter at the National

Guard Station in Spooner for an officer who is overseas.

“It is challenging enough to deal with an officer leaving, a loss in your department,” Sybers said. “Filling that hole is a difficult task. Now you have another officer on military leave, another challenging gap you have to fill, compounded by its being in the middle of summer.”

The good news for Sybers is that he has his full complement of part-time officers, six in all, and the department is still covering the village for 16 hours a day.

E & M Machine receives business innovation loan

the past year in the case, and numerous appeals made by Stoner’s attorney, Jay Heit, have been turned down by the judges. The most recent included two requests that certain information not be relevant in a trial: statements allegedly

made by Stoner to his parole officer the day of the incident, and what Stoner had testified that he was doing during the alleged fall. Both were turned down

by Judge Scott Needham.

Burnett County civil court Pet Vet vs. Mark Christensen, Siren, $293.70.

Diagnostic Radiology Association vs. David Madsen, Danbury, $795.77.

Pet Vet vs. Debbie Olson, Danbury, $780.87.

Shawn Terence Lundblade Knutson, Lewis, $5,089.00.

vs.

Betty

Burnett County warrants Kelly J. Hicks, 42, Siren, failure to pay fines, July, 2 Timothy M. Steele, 44, homeless, failure to pay fines, July 2.

Hans Z. Willis, 22, Grantsburg, failure to pay

Burn barrels, an unhealthy way of dealing with trash Did you know that an estimated 500,000 burn barrels are still being used today in the state of Wisconsin?

Burning a barrel of trash in your backyard can release the same amount of dioxin and furan into the atmosphere as a well-controlled municipal waste incinerator serving thousands of residents, a study by the Environmental Protection Agency concludes. Dioxins and furans belong to a class of compounds known to have harmful effects on laboratory animals; it’s also believed they may pose serious danger to humans. Burn barrels may also emit vapors, carcinogenic tars (cancer), and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium, as well as unhealthy levels of carbon dioxide.

According to the EPA, open burning of household waste in barrels is potentially one of the largest sources of airborne dioxin and furan emissions in the United States.

The only acceptable material to burn in a burn barrel is dry leaves, plant clippings, paper, cardboard and clean untreated wood, that’s it; not garbage or plastic, not metals or petroleum products, not rubber, treated wood or asphalt! Burn barrels operate at low temperatures (400-500 degrees F), resulting in incomplete combustion of the wastes being burned. The EPA shows that each pound of garbage burned emits twice as many furans, 20 times more dioxins and 40 times more particulates that if that same pound of garbage were burned in an incinerator with air pollution controls. Ash (particulates) can damage lungs, cause bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer, and can seriously affect people with asthma or certain allergies.

Debris burning is the No. 1 cause of fires in Wisconsin. The two most common problems with burn barrels causing wildfires is the lack of a lid and a barrel that is in such bad condition that the burning materials fall out of

fines, July 2.

Brandon L. Jones, no DOB given, Rosemount, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, July 3

the sides or the bottom. Before burning, why not consider more e n v i ro n m e n t a l friendly options such as composting, recycling or Jen Barton brush piles for wildlife habitat!

Northwest R e g i o n a l P l a n n i n g Commission’s Environmental Reycling Department has Control produced an Commission informative video on this important issue that is available for the public! Questions? Call Jen at 635or e-mail her at 2197 jbarton@nwrpc.com.

If you are visiting our area or have a seasonal cabin here and have questions regarding what, where, and how to recycle here in Burnett and Washburn counties, please contact Jen at the above number. There are many convenient locations for residential recycling, beyond all the everyday items such as No. 1 and No. 2 plastic containers, glass, tin, aluminum, cardboard, and all types of paper products — as long as there are no food stains, Recycling Control Commission also provides recycling services for appliances, tires, light bulbs, all types of batteries except alkaline — they go into your trash — please do not leave alkaline batteries at recycling sites, oil filters and computers. Please call Jen for more information on prices charged for some items. Both Burnett and Washburn counties will be hosting Saturday household hazardous waste/electronics/medications collection in the coming months. Burnett’s collection will be held on Aug. 9, and Washburn’s collection will be held on Sept. 6, please call Jen for more info.

To be eligible for this program, you must own land in one of the following counties: Washburn, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer, Bayfield, Ashland, Taylor, Price or Rusk, call Jen for details.

EARTH NOTES

Kohl wants probe into merger Rick Roeser, business development specialist for Northwest Regional Planning Commission (R), along with Grantsburg Village President Mark Dahlberg, present a $22,500 Wisconsin Business Innovation Corporation revolving loan fund check to E & M Machine, Inc. owners Bill Erickson (L) and Mike Meyers. The check, along with $235,500 of private funds, were used in part to purchase the new CNC Lathe pictured in the background. E & M Machine, Inc. is located in the new Grantsburg Business Enterprise Center. The project is expected to create and retain 6-1/2 full-time equivalent jobs. – Photo submitted

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin has raised concerns about the proposed merger of Delta and Northwest Airlines. In a letter dated June 25, he urged the U.S. Department of Justice to closely examine the effects of such a merger.

While Delta and Northwest dominate passenger service in different parts of the U.S., Kohl says the proposed merg-

er could reduce competition and reduce the total number of flights between different parts of the country.

Kohl particularly wants the Justice Department to study the merger’s impact on service to small- and medium-sized cities in Wisconsin and the rest of the country. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Jesse Boyett-Anderson)

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Centuria Memory Days this weekend CENTURIA–The village of Centuria will be celebrating Memory Days this weekend, July 11-13.

Friday Events include the Miss Centuria Pageant at Unity School at 7 p.m., DJ and show at 8 p.m., and a street dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday Saturday’s events include a 5K milk run at the park at 7:30 a.m., softball tournaments all day, a fishing contest on Long Lake, a pancake breakfast at the American Legion Hall, a craft show and car show, livestock show, volleyball tournament, Bingo, horseshoe tournament, kids games and water slides, kiddie parade at 1 p.m., hot air balloon demos and a DJ dance and street dance.

Sunday Sunday’s events include softball tournaments all day, a pancake breakfast at the Legion Hall, and antique tractor show, water slides and games, bingo, the grand parade, a kiddie tractor pull following the parade, entertainment from Lake Country Cloggers and the antique tractor pull.

Miss Centuria queen candidates Amanda Brunotte, 16, daughter of Tina Bratland and Ken Brunotte.

Brunotte has two younger sisters, Sabrina and Dakota and two younger brothers, Gabe and Anthony. She loves to read, dance, play clarinet, hang out with friends, go tubing, talk on the phone, baby-sit and go fishing. Brunotte is active in dance line, symphonic band, pep band, choir and she is a Kinship mentor. She goes to church, spends time with the memory-care unit at a nursing home and helps out at a child development center. Brunotte feels that running for Miss Centuria will be a great oppor-

Three young women - Laura Krueger, Brooke Gillespie and Amanda Brunotte - are running for Miss Centuria. Memory Days is this weekend. Special photo

Little Miss Centuria candidates are from (L to R): Zoe Swanson, daughter of Dennis and Tara Swanson; Isabella Cash daughter of Tom and Belinda Cash; Cassidie Taylor, daughter of Scott and Michele Taylor and Abby Johnson daughter of Kevin and Melissa Johnson. - Photo submitted

tunity to meet the people in the surrounding communities and a great way to enhance her communication skills.

Brunotte feels she is an outgoing and fun person.

Laura Krueger, 15, daughter of Robert and Janet Krueger. Krueger has two younger brothers, Steve and Mitchell.

They have a puppy named Sadie and three bunnies, Seily, Cally and Bella.

Krueger enjoys running, biking, kayaking, volleyball, badminton, football, hunting, softball, scrapbooking, playing the saxophone, tubing, singing, dancing, acting, showing rabbits and hanging out with friends. She is involved in softball, band, U-Club, drama, Kinship and forensics. Krueger is currently employed at the laundromat in St. Croix Falls. She is also involved in Clean Boats, Clean Waters, 4-H and summer marching band. She is running for Miss Centuria to meet new people, to get to know her hometown and for the experience of representing a group of great people.

Brooke Gillespie, 16, daughter of Michael and Cathy Gillespie. Gillespie has two older sisters and one older brother, who all live in the area. She is the proud aunt of two nieces, one nephew and one nephew on the way.

Gillespie enjoys being in sports, going to sport and Bible camps, singing in local churches, attending youth group, dancing and her favorite, traveling. She is involved in dance, band, choir, volleyball and softball. Gillespie is a leader of her church group and sings at various church and community functions. She has participated in two mission trips with her church. Gillespie feels running for Miss Centuria will be a great experience and an honor to represent her hometown. She would greatly enjoy the opportunity to express to others the great value within our community.

Teams sought for second Tug across the St. Croix ST. CROIX FALLS - The Lions Clubs of St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls and Almelund, Minn., are planning the Second-Annual Tug Across the St. Croix, a tug-of-war across the St. Croix River.

The tug will take place at noon on Saturday, July 19, during the 50thAnnual Wannigan Days Celebration, July 17-20, in the Lions Parks on each side of the river.

In addition to the Tug Across the St. Croix there will be kids tugs in the parks, as well as other activities and pontoon rides on the Indianhead Flowage of the St. Croix River. These activities will start at 10 a.m.

The pontoon rides will be free between the two Lion's Parks and for a 20-minute ride up and down the flowage, the cost is $5 for persons 13 years and older and $1 for children 12 years and younger. The St. Croix Falls Lions Club will be serving fish and chips and the Almelund and Taylors Falls Lions will be serving brats and hot dogs all day.

This year the clubs are planning 10 pulls. Four of these pulls will be by the elected officials and other dignitaries from both sides of the river, the St. Croix Falls High School athletic department and the Chisago Lakes athletic department, and the St. Croix Falls Fire

Department and the Taylors Falls Fire Department. The traveling trophy will be awarded to the wining state and will be displayed in the either St. Croix Falls or Taylors Falls city hall. The trophy currently resides in the St. Croix Falls City Hall, as Wisconsin won last year.

There are still four of the 10 pulls open as of July 2. Organizers are looking for teams from Minnesota and Wisconsin to fill the pulls with teams of 15-25 members. The registration fee is $125 per team. Challenge another team from the other state, or we will try to match you up. For more information contact: Wisconsin teams, Lion Steve Jensen 715-557-0382, Minnesota teams,

Lion Don Lawrence 612-366-4172.

All funds raised by this event will be going to local community service projects and 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.lionscsfii.org/live/content/index.shtml.

Persons with questions are asked to contact Lion Steve Jensen 715-557-0382 of the St. Croix Falls Lions or Lion Don Lawrence 612-366-4172 of the Taylors Falls Lions. - submitted

M i n n e s o t a S t at e B an d p e r f o r m s S a t u r d a y a t O ve r l o o k D e c k

The Minnesota State Band will perform Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the scenic Overlook Deck in St. Croix Falls. Music on the Overlook also hosts folk band, Leo and Wright, Friday, July 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and local, high-energy blues band Juizzy Blazz on Sunday evening, July 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.

This is the 110th year for the Minnesota State Band. Formed in 1898, it is the only remaining state band in the nation. This summer's selections will feature classic marches by American and international composers, a children's march, show tunes\ and solos by members of the band. It will be a mix of tunes: music for everyone. The Overlook is located on Washington Street, across from the Festival Theatre in downtown St. Croix Falls. These concerts are part of Music on the Overlook, which is organized by the St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce and paid for by St. Croix Falls area businesses, the St. Croix Falls BID, and the city of St. Croix Falls. The individual business sponsor for the Minnesota State Band is St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Leo andWright is sponsored by RiverBank, and Juizzy Blazz is sponsored by the law firms of Gionnis and Swanson. A complete listing of Music on the Overlook activities can be found by visiting the St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.scfwi.com. Questions can be directed to Shelley Staeven at the St. Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce: 715-483-3580, or by e-mail: info@scfwi.com. - Photo submitted

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

Wannigan Days July 17-20

11 seek Miss SCF title; 15 seek Little Miss title

ST. CROIX FALLS – Wannigan Days is coming up July 17-20 in St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls. This is the 50th Wannigan Days in St. Croix Falls and events including the tug-of-war across the river, the grand parade and street dances are planned for the weekend event.

Eleven young women will compete in the annual Wannigan Days Queen Pageant for the title of Miss St. Croix Falls 2008. The pageant is held at the St. Croix Falls auditorium at the elementary school on Friday, July 18. The Little Miss St. Croix Falls pageant begins at 7 p.m., followed by the Miss St. Croix Falls pageant at 8 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door.

Running for Little Miss St. Croix Falls are Emma Aquilar, Ella Berens, Caitlin Carsley, Amie Costello, Breana Frenette, Isabella Gatten, Heather Hankel, Jenna Hankel, MaKayla Stringer, Alyssa Tucker, Ayleen Tucker, Brittany Tucker, Mirabelle Vezina, Torihatta Wendorf and Julianna Zacharias.

Running for Miss St. Croix Falls are: Crysta Chock, Kayla Cross, Kim Culver, Abby Culver, Ashley Kolve, Melissa Jamie Rohm, Emily Loomis, Scheuermann, Angie Sommer, Brandi Swenson and Megan Yunker.

Crysta Chock, 16, is the daughter of David and Julie Chock. She is sponsored by Larsen Auto and Motor Sports.

She enjoys singing, dancing, walking, reading and spending time with her family. After high school, Chock would like to attend a college for culinary arts.

One addition she would like to see in the St. Croix Falls area is a recreational facility for kids and teens to spend time.

Chcok would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she would like to give back and make St. Croix Falls a bigger and better place.

Kayla Cross, 16, is the daughter of Troy and Mona Cross. She is sponsored

by Johnson Motors. Her hobbies include dancing, singing, snowboarding, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. In school, Cross is involved in gymnastics, volleyball, SOS and danceline. She plans on attending college in the future, but is undecided on a major. A business Cross would like to see in St. Croix Falls is a place for teens to spend time, such as a bowling alley. Cross would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because it would not only be a fun experience, but a learning one as well.

Kim Culver, 16, is the daughter of Kenny Culver and Janet Mabry. She is sponsored by Pins ‘N Needles. Her hobbies include farming and showing animals at the fair, hunting, fishing, 4-H and snowboarding. In school, she is involved in cross country, softball, and FFA. Future plans include attending college for agriculture. New businesses she would like to see in St. Croix Falls are a Fleet Farm, Kohl’s and sports stores.

Culver would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because it would be a great experience to meet new people and be able to represent the community of St. Croix Falls.

Abby Culver, 16, is the daughter of Kenny Culver and Janet Mabry. She is sponsored by Eagle Valley Bank. Her hobbies include farming, spending time with family and friends, 4-H and scrapbooking. Cluver is employed by Rocky River Bakery in Taylors Falls, Minn. In school, She is involved in volleyball and

and has potential, therefore, she would like to see improvement on the businesses that St. Croix Falls already has.

Yunker would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she would like to meet new people and says it would be an honor to represent the community.

Chock

There are 15 little girls running for Little Miss St. Croix Falls this year.

Pictured (L to R) are front row: Emma Aquilar, Amie Costello, Breana Frenette, Isabella Gatten, Heather Hankel, and Jenna Hankel. Back row (L to R): MaKayla Stringer, Alyssa Tucker, Ayleen Tucker, Brittany Tucker, Mirabelle Vezina, Torihatta Wendorf and Julianna Zacharias. Not pictured: Ella Berens, Caitlin Carsley, -Photos by Tammi Milberg FFA. Future plans include attending a technical college. New businesses She would like to see in St. Croix Falls are Target, Applebee’s or a bowling alley.

She would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she believes it would be a very informative experience and fun to meet more people from other towns.

Ashley Kolve, 16, is the daughter of Larry Kolve. She is sponsored by Falls Orthodontics. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, movies, scrapbooking, photography and drawing. In school, She is involved in cheerleading.

Future plans include attending college to become a registered nurse. A new business She would like to see in St. Croix Falls is a bowling alley or arcade.

Kolve would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she would like to meet new people, help with community service, and would enjoy the positive experience.

Melissa Loomis, 16, is the daughter of Richard and Shirley Loomis. She is sponsored by MarketPlace Foods. She enjoys water sports, fishing, hunting, hiking and music. She is involved in 4H and youth group. Loomis would like to see the kind of businesses in St. Croix Falls that are drawing people to the Twin Cities such as Target, office supply stores and department stores. She would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she would like to represent the community that has shaped her life and is looking forward to the social opportunities that being Miss St. Croix Falls would provide.

Jamie Rohm, 16, is the daughter of Larry and Lisa Rohm. She is sponsored by the Dalles House Restaurant. Jamie’s hobbies include music, water sports, camping and spending time with family and friends. Rohm is employed by Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, Minn.

In school, she is involved in volleyball, softball, basketball and choir. Future plans are to attend a four-year college and pursue a career she enjoys. A new business she would like to see in St. Croix Falls is a skating arena for kids, similar to Skate City in Rice Lake. Rohm would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because it would be a good experience to meet new people and have fun.

Emily Scheuermann, 16, is the daughter of Mary Beth and Mark Peterson and Dave and Marsha Scheuermann. She is sponsored by The

RiverBank. Her hobbies include sewing, reading, flying kites, writing and spending time with family and friends. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, DECA, yearbook and Quiz Bowl. Scheuermann would like to attend college and travel after high school. New businesses she would like to see in St. Croix Falls are a humane society and a Chipotle Mexican Restaurant. Scheuermann would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she would like to be an encouraging role model for the members of the community and to make positive changes in the area.

Angie Sommer, 16, is the daughter of Scott and Michelle Sommer. She is sponsored by St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Her interests include reading, singing, swimming, dancing and being with friends and family. She is employed by Tangen Drug and Trollhaugen. In school, she is involved in softball and choir. After high school, Sommer would like to pursue a career in nursing. One new business she would like to see in St. Croix Falls is a YMCA. Sommer would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because it would be a great experience and would give her the opportunity to meet new people.

Brandi Swenson, 16, is the daughter of Jodi and Chad Swenson. She is sponsored by Bont Chiropractic. She enjoys singing, softball and camping. In school, she is involved in choir, volleyball, softball, FFA, and DECA. Future plans are to become a nurse, police officer or physical therapist, as well as joining the United States Air Force. A new business she would like to see in St. Croix Falls is a bowling alley. Swenson would like to become Miss St. Croix Falls because she would like to be a positive and encouraging role model while representing her community.

Megan Yunker, 16, is the daughter of Rick and Sue Yunker. She is sponsored

by Clayton’s Hardware & Radio Shack.

Her hobbies include reading, camping, hunting, fishing, sports and spending time with family and friends. In school, Yunker is involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, Kinship, student council, band, choir, color guard and Quiz Bowl.

Her future plans include attending college for physical therapy or premed.

She believes St. Croix Falls is a small but growing community that is doing well

Cross

Kim Culver

Abby Culver

Kolve

Loomis

Rohm

Scheuermann

Sommer

Swenson

Yunker

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JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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

P O R T

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

Raygor goes undefeated in Greco-Roman

Prepares for championships in Fargo, N.D.

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – Wrestling isn’t something most people think about during the summer months. Many athletes are busy playing baseball, softball or AAA basketball, and others are simply having fun. But for high school junior Joe Raygor, the summer is all about wrestling.

The two-time state qualifier from St. Croix Falls spends a good portion of his summer competing in Greco-Roman, and freestyle wrestling. He hopes to use it as a means not only to have fun, but to gain an edge on the high school competition this winter.

“I guess what I always think about, is [that] if I’m wrestling three days a week and the other guy isn’t, I’m working harder,” Raygor says.

Greco-Roman and are slightly freestyle Joe Raygor different than the traditional folkstyle wrestling common in high school and college events. GrecoRoman wrestlers begin each match in the standing position and try to throw or use various holds to drop the opponent to the mat.

“It’s less pressure, and I guess its more, fun, but it's definitely more intense,” Raygor said.

He explained that you get three points for throwing an opponent onto their back, and five if you can throw them over your body and onto their back. He said there’s more headbutting involved as well.

“It’s just kind of a different frame of mind, but universally, it's still wrestling,” he said.

When it comes down to it, however, Raygor is going up against some pretty solid competition. Many wrestlers involved are either state qualifiers or undefeated state champions from all over Wisconsin and approximately 25 other states. Many of the wrestlers from Wisconsin are from Division 2 schools, and mostly from the southern areas of

Extra Points

Joe Raygor is shown here with the upper hand at the Northern Badger tournament last year. Although Greco-Roman wrestling is slightly different than the traditional folkstyle common in high school matches, its still a highly competitive, and an exciting style of wrestling. - File photos by Marty Seeger the state. Raygor said the only other local nearest St. Croix Falls is a wrestler from the River Falls area.

“It’s pretty hard, I mean you're wrestling some of the best kids from all over,” he said.

Raygor competed at the Greco state tournament in Fond du Lac back in April. He went undefeated there to earn himself a spot on the Wisconsin Greco Team at the 171-pound weight class, and Team Wisconsin ended up finishing in first place over a tough Minnesota team. It was the first time Wisconsin had ever taken first place at the tournament, which was held in Missouri near the end of June. Raygor won all seven of his matches against wrestlers from Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York, Iowa, Kansas and Indiana.

In Greco there are three periods, and each one is two minutes long. If you win the first two periods, the match is over.

Raygor only went three periods one time during the tournament, which was an exciting finish for him, but perhaps not quite as exciting as Team Wisconsin’s finish over Minnesota in the championship.

It came down to the final match of the tournament, and Minnesota thought

Joe Raygor grapples with an opponent last year. In just a few weeks, Raygor will try to make his mark at the national tournament in Fargo, N.D.

they needed the pin to tie and eventually pull out the overall victory in the tiebreaker. Interestingly, Wisconsin had already won the tiebreaker, and the coaches knew it.

“But they didn’t tell us that,” Raygor explained. “The heavyweight went out there, and we told him 'you can lose, you can to do whatever; just don’t get pinned.'”

Minnesota’s Parker Betts ended up recording the pin over Wisconsin’s Curt Fuller for the five points to tie.

“Minnesota thought they had won the tiebreaker, so they were going crazy, Raygor recalled. But after a five-minute meeting Wisconsin was officially declared the winner.

“It was pretty sweet ,” Raygor said.

One of his best matches of the tournament came against a wrestler from Missouri. Raygor said he had gone three periods with him last year, and basically beat him by a coin flip. This year he did much better and felt he had made a substantial improvement.

In a couple of weeks, Raygor will be competing in Fargo, N.D., for the individual Greco-Roman and freestyle championships. He says that’s where you really want to put together a great weekend of wrestling. Despite pulling his hamstring at team nationals in Missouri, Raygor said he should be ready to wrestle at 171.

“Right now I’m coming back from it so hopefully I can do well at Fargo,” Raygor said.

After Fargo, Raygor says he’ll be going back to wrestling for the rest of the summer at least three days a week, with each practice going for about two hours. His coach, Kevin Black, at the Victory School of Wrestling in River Falls, will be coaching him through.

There are also several camps throughout the summer that Raygor will be participating in at River Falls. Much of what they teach there includes technique, intensity and mental toughness.

And in the end, that’s exactly what Raygor looks to gain in order to prepare for his junior year of wrestling at St. Croix Falls.

••• ST. CROIX FALLS – A mayoral proclamation at recent council meeting in St. Croix Falls announced that Aug. 8 will be Megan Kalmoe Day. Kalmoe is the former St. Croix Falls graduate that earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic rowing team. Aug. 8 is the official day of the opening ceremonies for the summer Olympics that will be held at Beijing, China. Marty Seeger ••• SIREN – Ten teams will be travelling to the Siren Ballpark this weekend on July 12-13 for the 11th-annual girls 14 and under softball tournament. Teams in AAA include Centenial, Minn., White, Menomonie, Baldwin-Woodville, Ladysmith, Hayward and Northwestern. Teams in AA include St. Croix Falls, Osceola, Amery and Luck.

••• LEADER LAND – The Cumberland at Unity Legion baseball game can be heard on July 15 beginning at 5:30 p.m. on WXCE 1260 AM. On July 10 the Cumberland at Amery game is being broadcast on 1260 AM beginning at 5:30 p.m.

••• OSCEOLA – The Hudson at Osceola Independent League baseball game can be heard on July 12 on WLMX 104.9 FM beginning at 7 p.m.

••• MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Brewers games featured on WXCE 1260 can be heard on the following dates: The July 10 Colorado at Milwaukee game begins at 1 p.m.

The July 11, 12 and 13 games hosting the Cincinatti Reds can be heard at 7, 6, and 1 p.m. respectively.

••• MILWAUKEE – With the addition of CC Sabathia, the Milwaukee Brewers hoped to close the gap on Chicago in the NL Central. But Chicago made their own move by acquiring Rich Harden from Oakland. Get ready for one awesome Brewers/Cubs series on July 28-31 at Miller Park. - Marty Seeger ••• MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Twins games featured on WLMX 104.9 FM can be heard on the following dates: The July 10, 11, 12 and 13 games featuring the Twins at Detroit can be heard at noon, 6 p.m., 3 p.m. and noon respectively.

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

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

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

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Siren Freedom Five Road Race Results

Runners Place Name Men under 13 1 Jason Sylvestre 2 Mitchell Rekstad 3 Charlie Plunkett Men 13 – 16 1 Jack Taylor 2 Brett Johnson 3 Bryan Krause Men 17 – 19 1 Sean Kutz 2 River Karl 3 Ben Anderson Men 20 – 29 Keegan Karl 1 2 Michael Henjum 3 Matt Chadwick Men 30 – 39 1 Dan Sodemann 2 Joshua Benson 3 Josh Beutley Men 40 – 49 1 Kevin Rogers Jim Reed 2 3 Joseph Sperling Men 50 – 59 1 Jim Sylvestre 2 Bert Kocha 3 Doug Schmidt Men 60 – 69 1 Greg Buse 2 Jim Baillargeon Harvey Johnson 3 Men 70 & Up 1 Ralph Mondor 2 Lee Anderson Women under 13 1 Amber Moore 2 Madison Kelly 3 Tessa Clemenson Women 13 – 16 Preston Hopkins 1 2 Emma Kelby 3 Sam Nelson Women 17 – 19 1 McKenzie Kelly 2 Aimee Rinnman 3 Kathryn Krause Women 20 – 29 1 Kelly Pearson 2 Judy Johnson 3 Jessica Reynold Women 30 – 39 1 Missy Dierks 2 Pam Savas 3 Keri Jensen Women 40 – 49 1 Donna Knauber 2 Sarah Kelby 3 Beth Kelly Women 50 – 59 1 Vicki Longhini 2 Peg Buxton 3 Liliann Bryse Women 60 – 69 1 Dee Lamott 2 Janet Nelson 3 Ringsven Renata Women 70 & Up 1 Lynn Mottaz Walkers Place Name Men under 13 1 Noah Royer 2 Jared Hunter 3 John D’Jock

Age Town

Time

11 11 11

Eden Prairie, Minn. 22:13.6 Maple Grove, Minn. 22:58.0 Eagan, Minn.

24:18.6

15 15 16

Webster Hammond Webster

17:03.1 17:42.2 17:51.4

18 18 18

Grantsburg Frederic Frederic

16:25.9 16:30.6 17:16.9

20 25 22

Frederic St. Paul, Minn.

Grantsburg

17:22.8 19:00.4 19:09.2

31 33 30

Madison Madison Siren

17:35.5 19:18.7 19:40.6

46 48 47

Osceola Duluth, Minn.

Plymouth, Minn.

17:31.8 17:46.2 19:04.1

50 50 54

Eden Prairie, Minn. 19:30.5 Burlingtom 20:25.0 Osceola 21:03.5

60 63 66

St. Paul, Minn.

20:35.8 Somerset 20:49.3 North Branch, Minn. 22:48.2

74 78

New Richmond 28:35.8 Minneapolis, Minn. 31:06.1

12 12 12

Siren New Richmond Luck

22:53.7 23:35.2 23:53.2

16 13 15

Comstock Webster Frederic

19:02.1 20:19.6 21:13.6

17 18 18

New Richmond Webster Webster

20:16.5 21:14.0 22:31.9

27 24 20

Webster Roseville, Minn.

Rice Lake

18:45.3 22:36.5 22:59.2

34 37 32

Roberts Shell Lake Shell Lake

20:55.8 24:06.5 24:07.5

49 42 45

Frederic Webster New Richmond

20:53.4 23:46.4 23:46.9

50 59 58

West Lakeland, Minn.22:47.1 Sterling, Ma. 25:29.8 Somerset 26:17.8

68 67 62

Boise, Idaho Luck Cumberland

30:03.9 32:17.6 32:34.9

72

Stillwater, Minn.

54:16.8

Age Town

Time

10 10 11

47:37.6 51:32.7 52:30.4

Hudson Luck Siren

A total of 453 runners (255 males, 198 females) and 149 walkers (52 male, 97 female) left the starting point of the 28th-annual Freedom Five Race on Main Street, Siren, shortly after 8 a.m. Friday, July 4, finishing the race in Crooked Lake Park.

Race results can be found on the Internet at www.raceberryjam.com and going to Road Race/Freedom Five.

LEFT: Sean Kutz, 18, Grantsburg, was the first runner to cross the finish line in this year’s Fourth of July Freedom Five Race in Siren. Kutz posted a time of 16:25.9. He was followed by River Karl, 18, Frederic, at 16:30.6; and Jack Taylor, 15, Webster, at 17:03.1.

RIGHT: The first female runner, Kelly Pearson, 27, Webster, crossed the finish line at 18:45.3, followed by Preston Hopkins, 16, Comstock, at 19:02.1; Kelly McKenzie, 17, New Richmond, at 20:16.5; and Emma Kelby, 13, Webster, at 20:19.6.

– Photos by Nancy Jappe Men 13 – 16 1 Parker Nickelson 13 2 Andrew Nickelson15 3 Shawn Anderson 14 Men 17 – 19 1 Patrick Nickelson 17 2 Derek Dobesh 17 Men 20 – 29 1 Ben Rustad 22 2 John Carter 29 Men 30 – 39 1 Bill Van Dyke 31 2 Jason Hinze 35 3 Bob Gunther 32 Men 40 – 49 1 Ronald Klatt 47 2 Todd Runge 41 3 Jon Erickson 49 Men 50 – 59 1 Tom Nickelson 51 2 Jeff Johnson 53 3 Bob Burington 58 Men 60 – 69 1 Jim Nurmi 64 2 Mike Myers 67 3 Nip Swenson 67

Men 70 & Up 1 Thomas Hoffman 73 2 Glenn Nordin 78 3 John Weider 85 Women under 13 1 Grace Hallen 9 2 Brooke Elvenjem 11 3 Shelby Betz 10 Women 13 – 16 1 Noelle Elvenjem 13 2 Alyssa Nordin 16 Women 17 – 19 1 Britta Shroyer 19 2 Derek Dobesh 17 Women 20 – 29 1 Genessa Tjader 26 2 Pam Stanoch 20 3 Jessica Mott 29 Women 30 – 39 1 Kristin Byrne 33 2 Elissa Hinze 31 3 Julie Backstrom 31 Women 40 – 49 Mary Punochar 44 1 2 Kristi Fenning 45 3 Diane Heintz 45 Women 50 – 59 1 Kathy Nickelson 51 2 Miriam Newby 58 3 Karen Porath 52 Women 60 – 69 1 Mickey Nickelson 63 2 Cathy Hinze 62 3 Barb Hughes 60 Women 70 & Up 1 Marian Simacek 73 2 Alice Hoffman 74 3 Mae Kocha 72

Roseville, Minn.

Siren Arlington, Ill.

48:25.3 48:43.6 1:02:25.0

Savage, Minn.

Mora, Minn.

Hudson

47:38.0 51:55.8 52:25.1

Mora, Minn.

Luck

34:50.8 48:44.4

Hudson Blaine, Minn.

43:00.0 45:46.9

New Richmond 40:53.6 St. Louis Park, Minn. 42:25.6 Frederic 43:07.2 Sterling, Mich.

38:59.8 Shell Lake 42:17.2 South St. Paul, Minn.42:22.4 Shoreview, Minn.

Luck New Richmond

26:58.5 42:51.6 43:05.6

Roseville, Minn.

Grantsburg Shoreview, Minn.

23:53.9 38:07.9 40:33.5

St. Paul , Minn.

Siren Forest Lake, Minn.

24:24.8 42:20.2 46:46.6

Danbury Roseville, Minn.

DePere

44:12.0 51:11.1 1:02:25.0

Eagan, Minn.

32:49.6 Roseville, Minn.

36:22.0 Minneapolis, Minn. 38:21.2 Roseville, Minn.

Blaine, Minn.

23:54.5 45:46.9

Rush City, Minn.

Newton, Ma.

28:32.4 32:49.9

Inver Grove, Minn. 32:52.6 Shell Lake 37:58.7 Somerset 41:52.8 Uniontown, Pa. 45:44.7 Eden Prairie, Minn. 48:48.0 Siren 49:09.8 Roseville, Minn.

Deer Park Lindstrom, Minn.

36:23.2 42:21.5 42:23.6

Oconomowic Siren Danbury

37:01.6 42:07.8 49:11.5

Three-generations of the Smith family were on hand for the Freedom Five Race. (L to R) Grandpa Billy Smith is from Milltown. His son, Dr. Brian Smith, and wife, Dr. April, also from Milltown, run Siren Family Eyecare and Optical. Six-year-old Ben and 3-year-old Sydney make up the third generation of the family. A fourth-generation of runners from California could not be located at the time this photo was taken.

The national anthem at the start of the Freedom Five Race in Siren was sung by (L to R) Troy Daniels, Adam Daniels, Rick Kosloski and Kent Lindquist. Daniels, Kosloski and Linquist are members of the Harmonic Balance quartet from Siren. Adam filled in for the fourth member of the quartet, Jim Muus, who is recovering from a recent stroke.

Rudy Ritger, Grantsburg, technically was the first walker to cross the finish line at the Freedom Five Race in Siren. However, unlike the other walkers, Ritger started on the course at 6:31 a.m., as he has for many years past. Ritger was injured years ago while retrieving his son’s kite from an electric pole. Every year thereafter, he has walked the race course, starting well before the other walkers. The first official walker, Kathy Nickelson, 51, Roseville, Minn., came in with a time of 23:53.9; followed by Patrick Nickelson, 17, Roseville, at 23:54.5; and Mickey Nickelson, 63, St. Paul, Minn., at 24:24.8.

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Lorain Township tractor and truck pull FREDERIC – The Lorain Township Fire Department held their 24th-annual tractor and truck pull behind the Indian Creek Legion Hall on Saturday, July 5.

Through the hot sun and high temperatures, spectators sat and watched as several tractors and trucks competed for first-, second- and third-place trophies during the day. – submitted Tractor pull placings Place Driver Tractor 4500 farm stock 1949 JD 1st Tony Hellstern 2nd Rick Brown 1947 Farmall M 3rd Rick Bierbrauer 1938 McCormick 5500 farm stock 1st Darin Lundquist 1953 Case 2nd Summer Johnson Oliver 3rd Carl Benck 1950 Allis 7000 farm stock 1st Ryan Brown 1961 JD 4010 2nd Mark Berglund 1969 JD 1984 Allis 3rd Mike Holub 9000 farm stock 1st Paul Furchtenicht 1972 JD 2nd Miles Fehn 1981 IH 1486 3rd Mike Holub 1984 Allis 12000 farm stock 1st Bob Churney 1977 JD 2nd Ronny Roberts 1974 IH 1066 3rd Corey Furchtenicht 1975 IH 4th Craig Furchtenicht 1975 IH 15000 farm stock 1st Jay Thompson 1976 Case 1570 2nd Todd Eggers 1976 IH 1066 3rd Rodney Lawrence JD 4630 Unlimited 1st Harold Sommerfeld1984 JD 2nd Steve Larson 1981 JD 5500 super farm 1st Paul George 1936 McCormick 2nd Rick Brown 1950 Farmall M 3rd Tony Hellstern 1949 JD 10000 super farm 1st Mike Olson 1976 IH 1066 2nd Miles Fehn 1981 IH 1486 12000 super farm 1st Mike Olson 1976 IH 1066 2nd Mike Fehn Case IH 3rd Dennis Fehn 1981 Case IH 15000 super farm 1st Mike Fehn Case IH 2nd Jay Thompson 1976 Case 1570 6000 modified 1st Paul George 1936 McCormick 2nd Josh Swanson 3rd Brad Adolphson Truck pull placings Place Driver 4000 open mods 1st Rob Buchholz 5500 carb stock 1st John Humphrey 2nd John Rose 3rd Hank Smith 5500 EFI stock 1st Kerry Shilts 2nd Forest Davis 3rd Rod Davis 5500 improved stock 1st Kenny King 2nd Charles Bittorf

Distance 292.3 232.8 210.6 267.7 250.0 236.0 299.1 295.5 294.1 242.1 237.7 236.3 290.0 290.0 282.0 282.0 288.8 276.9 242.3 287.1 257.0 287.5 251.7 249.6 285.9 221.5 285.5 237.1 237.1

These children found a way to stay cool by sticking their hands in the ice water that held beverages.

Temperatures neared 90 degrees during the Indian Creek tractor and truck pull held on Saturday, July 5. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld 3rd Taurean Hanson 5500 open mod 1st Rob Buchholz 6500 carb stock 1st Albert Betterley 2nd John Humphrey 3rd Hank Smith 6500 EFI stock 1st Murray Kuhnly 2nd Kenny Shilts 3rd Paul Malinovsky 6500 improved stock 1st Charles Bittorf Under 7000 diesel 1st Tammy Mundt 2nd Kevin Sommerfeld 3rd Josh King Over 7000 diesel 1st Dave Beecroft 2nd Tammy Mundt 3rd Josh King

1973 Chevy

297.5

1991 Chevy

306.4

1980 Chevy 1978 GMC 1977 Ford

308.2 305.7 301.2

1987 Chevy 2008 Ford Chevy

307.2 300.0 284.5

1986 Chevy

250.3

1994 Dodge 1995 Dodge 2008 Chevy

302.1 284.2 255.1

1995 Dodge 1994 Dodge 2008 Chevy

306.6 306.2 262.2

Harold Sommerfeld pulled the largest tractor taking first in the unlimited tractor class with this 1984 John Deere.

307.5 277.4 276.6 271.6 175.2

Tractor

Distance

1991 Chevy

288.9

1978 GMC 1977 Ford 1977 Ford

311.5 301.4 297.1

2008 Ford 2008 Chevy 2000 GMC

309.7 292.6 287.9

1977 Chevy 1986 Chevy

339.0 298.4

Logan Hopkins rode with his dad in the Lorain Fire Department’s tanker as they watered down the pulling track.

With loud engines, these childern’s parents made them where hearing protection as they enjoyed the show.

Smoke rolled from Tammy Mundt’s diesel truck as she took first in the under 7000 diesel class and second in the over 7000 diesel class.

Some of the modified tractors don’t look like the tractors that are used in the fields. This one is probably just for tractor pulls.

Rob Buchholz was the only truck to pull in the 4000 open modified and the 5500 modified classes, giving him a first-place trophy in both.

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Luck man finishes 20th marathon on anniversary date

by Brenda Sommerfeld DULUTH, Minn. – At age 33, Luck resident Eric Olson ran in his 20th marathon on June 21. This is exactly five years after he ran his first on June 21, 2003. Both were the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn., bringing his total to six Grandma’s Marathons he’s run in.

This year, Olson was not the only local to participate in the Grandma’s Marathon. Ben Gutzmer, Luck, Kris Johansen, Luck, and Sara McCurdy, St. Croix Falls, also ran. Luck residents Eileen Gutzmer, Pamela Klatt and Sheila Brom were also among those to compete in the half marathon.

Ben Gutzmer and Olson actually grew up across the street from each other. This was Gutzmer’s first marathon. Olson and Gutzmer trained together and ran the entire 26.2 miles side-by-side.

“I got a little older and decided to clean up my health a little bit,” Olson explained on how he got started. “It’s really changed my life in many ways.

It’s got me into incredible shape, it’s been fun, and I’ve met some really neat people.”

Olson has run most of his marathons in Wisconsin and Minnesota, including four in the Twin Cities. He has also had the opportunities to go to New York City, Chicago and Las Vegas to compete.

“New York City marathon was by far the most fun,” Olson said. “There were over 40,000 runners in the one race.”

For these big marathons, runners are

started,” Olson said. “I’ve been very fortunate I haven’t had to pull out of any.”

Olson is now training for the Ironman Triathlon to be held in Madison on Sept.

7. The Ironman is where competitors swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run the full 26.2 miles of a marathon.

“I’ve never done a big one like that before, so we’ll see what happens,” Olson commented.

To prepare Olson trains every day.

Some days he adds a 40-, 50- or 60-mile bike ride to his running routine and others he has friends kayak along side of him as he swims for long distances.

Luck’s Ben Gutzmer (far left) and Eric Olson run side-by-side during the Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn. on June 21.– Photos by Jenna Clemenson put into a computerized lottery and picked. Competitors come from all around the world, and Olson was one of the thousands selected.

A standard marathon is 26.2 miles long, with the runners separated into age brackets. There are several different starting positions for all the individual runners. In order to make it fair, runners wear a computer chip on their shoelace called chip timing. Chip timing starts as the runner passes over the start line and stops after crossing the finish line. There are also markers throughout the race to prove that the runner ran the entire route.

Olson’s personal best time is 3 hours Eric Olson stands with parents, Gary and Cheryl Parkins after finishing his and 31 minutes.

“I’ve finished every one that I’ve 20th marathon

Maki steps up to pro open Chad brings the Maki name back to the pro open lineup.

by Kerri Harter GRANTSBURG – Chad Maki, 17, of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., is making IWA history as the youngest racer to compete in the pro open. Son of Snowmobile Hall of Famer and 12-time World Champion Mark Maki, this young man took to the water at the age of 14, and quite literally, continued where his dad left off, making a name for himself as well.

Maki entered the watercross circuit in 2005, competing in the 800 stock drags and semi-pro stock ovals. He, and fellow young gun, Alex Nelson of Grantsburg, clinched first and second year-end points that year in both classes. At the time, IWA rules stated the top two year-end points winners in semipro must advance to pro class the following year. However, because the boys were 14 and 15 respectively, rules were rewritten to state if the racer is under age 18, advancement would take place only after winning two years consecu-

Chad, #413, competes at last year’s World Championship race in Grantsburg. – Photos by Kerri Harter

Chad and Mark Maki stand by Chad’s stock and mod sleds. – Photo submitted tively.

The boys did just that in 2006, and advanced to the pro stock class in 2007.

Maki had a great season, Nelson did not. In his first pro stock race in Milnor, N.D., Maki beat the reigning champ Andy Busse. “I was doubting my skills for the pro class,” said Maki, “but after that I knew I was going to be fine.”

Maki finished that year in second place in pro stock and amazingly, also walked away as year-end points winner in the semi-pro open ovals, his second year racing in that class. In fact, because he had the points chase wrapped up prior to the last race of the season, held in McHenry, Ill., he made his pro open debut there, earning a spot in the finals.

“I went into the finals tied as the number one qualifier and led around the first corner, but sank while passing for the lead in the second corner,” said Maki.

Growing up in the watercross circuit

watching his dad race, Maki has known many of the pro racers for years, but racing against them has been an experience for the young racer.

“Last year at Ely, Minn., I was in the pro stock final lined up between Jeff Fisher and Howie Steenberg. I grew up watching those two ride on the trails and water. They were my heroes second only to my dad, and to be racing with and against them was cool yet weird, I guess,” said Maki “Some people still refer to me as “Mark’s boy,” but for the most part, they look at me as my own driver,” he continued.

And, why wouldn’t they? Maki has been a points winner every year since he began racing watercross, and when asked if that brings an added burden of pressure to the starting line, he replied, “I don’t think about that when I’m racing, but in the pits I’m probably the most nervous person you’ll meet, and I always want to win. I enjoy the sport,

I’m out there to win, not just to finish. I just try to run my own race, and hopefully it’s quicker than everyone else. I’m maybe a little nervous for pro open, but for the most part I think I’ll do okay, and hopefully bring home a few wins and a World Championship! “ Maki’s first appearance at the World Championship race in Grantsburg where he took two titles, will forever hold a mixture of emotions for him.

“The Friday of the race, my grandfather (Ray Maki) died of a heart attack.

My family and I found him at his home.

That is something that I had never experienced in my 14 years, and I had no idea what to do. I was pumped for the race, yet scared, sad and totally in shock. I was a wreck all weekend, except on the water, where I managed to win both of the titles in my classes,” recalled Maki.

Chad’s dad, Mark, retired since 1999 from the racing scene, may not be on the starting line anymore, but he’s not far behind it. As the one-man pit-crew for no. 413, the senior Maki has decades of snowmobile racing and mechanics experience.

“I still love the wrenching part of this sport, but it’s much more stressful being the parent on the shore,” said Mark.

“You have no control in the situation, so you worry. It’s much easier being the one on the sled!” Mark grew up in his father and grandfather’s Ski-Doo shop in Grantsburg, and began his racing career at the first Grantsburg Watercross 32 years ago. In fact, the Maki family was instrumental in starting and promoting the sport for years.

The Grantsburg Watercross events begin a day earlier this year, with gates opening at noon on Friday, July 18.

Drag heats will run from 1 to 4 p.m. and new this year, vintage snowmobile racing, will begin at 5 p.m. For more information on the event, go to www.grantsburgwatercross.com

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Larson leads Grantsburg Legion in good start Grantsburg 3, Baldwin 1

and one an unassisted by Thompson.

by Brenda Sommerfeld GRANTSBURG – Thane Larson pitched for the Grantsburg Legion team in the first game of the doubleheader against the Baldwin Buzz on Tuesday, July 8. He finished it out winning the game, 3-1.

Larson pitched 28 pitches in the first three innings, striking out seven in a row. The eighth batter managed to hit a grounder, but right to second baseman Devan Christensen, who got it to Trevor Thompson at first. The ninth batter struck out, leaving Baldwin hitless and scoreless at the end of the third inning.

Grantsburg batters were making contact, scoring three runs by the third inning. The first inning, Dylan Marohn was the first batter and was put on base after getting hit with a pitch. Austin Eskola hit a single, and Trent Bonneville a double bringing in Marohn.

During the second, Russ Thoreen hit a single but was left stranded at third as his next two teammates were taken out.

Eskola came up to bat first in the third and struck out, before Bonneville hit his second double of the game. Bonneville and Ben Cole both crossed home plate

Baldwin 9, Grantsburg 7 GRANTSBURG – The second of the two games, didn’t go quite as well, as Grantsburg fell 9-7 to the Baldwin Buzz.

As Grantsburg tried several different pitchers, Baldwin got in nine runs, mostly unearned, and they struck out only five batters.

The Buzz scored two in the first, one in the second, two in the third, leaving Grantsburg ahead, 7-5. They came back in the fourth to score four in the fourth and zero in the fifth, giving them the lead.

Grantsburg kept up with runs for much of the game, with one in the first, four in the second, two in the third, but zero in both the fourth and fifth. The Grantsburg batters had five out of seven batters strike out in the fourth and fifth innings.

Matt Wood and Gavin Meyer each scored two runs. Dylan Marohn, Austin Esokla and Trent Bonneville each scored one of the remaining three. No one was credited with an RBI throughout the game.

Despite efforts of three Baldwin players, Thane Larson makes it safely to thrid base. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld before the team’s inning came to an end.

In Larson’s fourth inning pitching, it was top of the order. The first Baldwin batter got walked to first, but never

made it in, with three more strikeouts

by Larson. Baldwin did, however, score in the fifth and final time up to bat, bringing in their first batter before the three outs. Two more were strikeouts

Unity shuts down Luck in game one Unity 10, Luck 2 Luck 4, Unity 2

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – Unity rolled out five hits during the first game of a doubleheader on Tuesday, July 8, against Luck and capitalized on a few Luck errors and walks.

Luck took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning but Unity got three in that inning. Brady Flaherty went 2-2 for Unity and Drew Walker hit an RBI double, and Luke Nelson went 1-3 in the game.

Nelson pitched five innings and gave up three hits one walk and had three strikeouts. Collin Svoboda pitched the first few innings before Connery Johnson and Jake Meyer filled in for relief.

Game two went much better for Luck as they carried over a 4-2 win. Mitch Larson smashed a three RBI triple in the second inning. Harry SeversonDickinson pitched a solid five innings to

Unity’s Luke Nelson slides under a tag from Luck third baseman Bryson Clemenson on Tuesday, July 8. – Photo by Marty Seeger shut down Unity. He allowed just two hits, had one walk and 10 strikeouts.

Saints get one over Amery Amery 3, St. Croix Falls 2 St. Croix Falls 12, Amery 1

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – Both the Blue A’s and Amery could only muster two hits apiece during the first game of Tuesday night’s doubleheader in St. Croix Falls. All four hits came on infield singles, and two of those runs came in the first inning for St. Croix Falls.

Josh Larcom had a no hitter going for the last inning but gave up a couple of walks and a couple of hits and Amery pulled through with the win.

“It was kind of a weird sloppy game,” said coach Scott Lindholm, but added that in the second game, the team woke up and started to hit the ball very well with lots of extra base hits and home run balls.

Gus Koecher hit a two-run homer, and Cory Gebhard hit a grand slam and had five RBIs, Matt Vold went 3-3, Larcom was 2-3 with a double and a

Cory Gebhard had a big night for the Blue A’s with five RBIs, including a grand slam during the second game. – File photo by Marty Seeger triple with 3 RBIs and Austin Whittenberger had a nice game at first base and went 2-3.

Unity shortstop Jason Vlasnik throws a runner out at first. – Photo

by Marty Seeger

Duathlon comes to town OSCEOLA – Athletes wishing to participate in the second-annual Osceola Duathlon can get training help through a duathlon training clinic Wednesday, July 30. This one-evening clinic will help athletes prepare for the 3-mile run, 22-mile bike and 1-mile run contest.

“This clinic will provide you with a training schedule and information on how to prepare for this event,” according to Mike Colaizy, clinic presenter and trainer at Wild River YMCA. “This clinic is open to beginners, established runners and bikers and everyone one in between,” he said.

In addition to a training program, participants will also get information on race nutrition, hydration and equipment, according to Sally Williamson, clinic presenter and physical therapist at Osceola Medical Center.

The clinic is 7-8:30 p.m. in the Cascade Room at OMC. Another duathlon clinic is scheduled for Aug. 30. That clinic will feature a preview ride of the bike route and tran-

sition practice into running the last leg of the contest.

The duathlon, sponsored by The RiverBank, OMC and YMCA, is geared for those people who are familiar with triathlons, but are unsure about competing in them, Williamson said. A duathlon provides a more comfortable and attainable venue for them, she said.

The duathlon is Sunday, Sept. 28. In addition to the main event, activities will also include a 5K run Sunday and a kids’ duathlon on Saturday. All events will start in Oakey Park. More information is available on midwestsportsevents.com; click on Osceola Duathlon. – submitted

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Luther Point sixth-annual Golf Scramble GRANTSBURG – Luther Point Bible Camp, located on Big Wood Lake near Grantsburg, hosted its sixth-annual golf scramble on Monday, June 30. Eighty golfers from western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota came out for a day to have some fun and support a great cause. The golf scramble is a fundraising event to help families with camperships.

Luther Point Bible Camp has a policy that any child will be accepted into a camp program regardless of their financial ability to pay. This policy requires that the camp raise the funds in order to make this outreach ministry possible.

The golf scramble event is one of the venues for helping the camp to raise the much-needed financial support.

This year, through the hole sponsorships and golf registration donations, the camp was able to raise about $4,500.

“These funds come at a very opportune

time for the camp due to the high demand for campership requests this year” stated camp director, the Rev. Craig Corbin. The camp anticipates it will give away over $35,000 for camperships, discounts and registration incentives this year.

This year the winning team was from the Pine City, Minn., area. The foursome included, Larry Rose, Gerald Carlson, Larry Armit and Gary Barrows.

This event is sponsored by local businesses, with hole sponsorships and prize sponsorships.

Luther Point would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the local sponsors for helping to make this golf scramble a great success. – submitted The Luther Point Bible Camp fundraising golf tournament’s winning team was from Pine City, Minn., this year. – Photo submitted

$700 Payday ST. CROIX FALLS – With action on the track as hot as the July afternoon sun, Ronnie Rihn dominated the field of WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds to claim the top prize in the $4,000 NATCO Performance Racing Products and Midwest Converter Supply Invitational. Thanks to sponsor bonuses awarded in all the classes, a pit-busting total of 113 cars were on hand for the second night of Kopellah Speedway’s Star-Spangled Spectacular.

As the nation celebrated its birthday and its freedoms, Kopellah Speedway started off the evening with a touching tribute to three local U.S. Marines.

Midwest modified driver Jim Shulz has dedicated his 2008 racing season to Cpl. Aaron Flynn, Lance Cpl. Kyle Anderson, and Cpl. Johnathan Benson.

Flynn circled the track in Shulz’s race car flying the Stars and Stripes during the live playing of the national anthem, while Anderson stood at attention in victory lane. Joining Anderson were family members of Benson, who died as a result of injuries sustained in the Iraqi war. After the anthem, the Marines signed the flag and presented it to a lucky young fan in the grandstands.

Kopellah Speedway wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to the members of Cpl. Benson’s family, Anderson and Flynn for their attendance and for their selfless dedication and service to our country.

To top off the show, 24 WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds thundered towards flagman Randy Davis’ green flag. A pair of Siercks sat on the front row, with Dave on the pole and brother Bryan to his outside. Dave Siercks took to the point early, and the No. 71s of Tim Siercks quickly made it a Siercks trio out front as he moved into third on the opening lap. Through a series of early cautions, Dave Siercks maintained control of the point and the race. Friday night’s feature winner Ryan Viltz was on the move, albeit briefly, as he passed a handful of cars before mechanical woes caused Viltz to become the first driver to retire from the main event.

The action stayed hot and heavy and on lap six when Bryan and Tim Siercks found themselves in a three-wide battle for the runner-up spot with Matt Leer.

Starting the race just behind Leer in the fifth row, Bloomer native Ronnie Rihn patiently worked his way into contention. Prior to halfway, Rihn went around Dave Siercks with what proved to be the winning pass. A few restarts later in the contest were handled superbly by Rihn as he was able to pull away each time and went on snag the

$700 stack of cash to go along with the trophy and his second WISSOTA feature win sticker of 2008. Leer eventually crossed the line in second ahead of Denis Czech, Dave Siercks and Terry Sirek.

Fourteen street stocks took the first WISSOTA Amsoil Dirt Track Series feature event green flag with Chanda Fjorden Nord the leader after the opening lap. A lap two caution would hand the lead over to the 7R of Bud Richards, who stretched his lead for several laps in what had the makings of a runaway victory. Deven Neske, however, had other plans. Neske found a strip of tack down low that pepped up his No. 67E and he chased down Richards. Neske and Richards went a few laps side-byside, with Neske sticking to his low groove. With just three laps remaining, Neske finally nudged a bumper in front of Richards. With two to go, Neske still hadn’t managed to clear Richards, and as the pair took the white flag it was still up for grabs. The final drag race out of turn four went in favor of Neske, forcing Richards to settle for second after dominating most of the race. Tenth starting Shawn Kammerud crossed the line in third place ahead of Andy Miskowic and Jeff Antczak.

The WISSOTA Super Stock main event turned out to be a tale of two races. In the “first” race, Cory Davis immediately jumped to the low groove Neske had used in the previous race to catapult to the lead on the opening lap, and track veteran Rick Kobs was right along side. While Kobs and Davis were duking it out up front, there were twoand three-wide battles for position behind them, the best one between JB Stortz, John Remington and Mike Loomis. After about 10 laps, the drivers began the “second” race, in which Davis finally dispatched of Kobs and began pulling away.

Meanwhile, Loomis would emerge as the fastest car in his group and began a battle with Kobs after a late-race caution. Kobs abandoned the high groove and started driving his No. 6A right down the middle, while the charging Loomis frantically searched high and low for a fast path around Kobs. On the last lap, Loomis cast his lot with the high groove and made his final charge. Side by side for the final 400 feet, at the stripe it was Kobs securing the runner-up spot by less than a foot. Davis took the comfortable win over Kobs and Loomis, followed by Paul Erikson and Stortz.

The WISSOTA Modifieds ran the penultimate race with Shawn Kelley and Tim VanMeter on the front row.

Mike Mueller provided the early pressure on Kelley for the lead, finally gaining the top spot on lap five. Mueller’s lead was short-lived, however, as Kevin Adams zoomed by on a lap six restart, and as he had done the night before, once out-front Adams left little doubt.

While Adams was stretching his lead Justin Jones, Mueller and Dave Siercks would all vie for the second spot.

Siercks was scored second most of the way with Mueller taking the spot briefly with just five laps remaining.

The No. 00 of Robbie Bunkelman was a late factor, dueling with Jones as the laps ticked off. Then Jones found a burst of speed and raced from fourth to second in the last five laps, getting by Mueller prior to the white flag coming out. Adams cruised to his second victory in as many nights ahead of Jones, Mueller, Bunkelman and Siercks.

While cautions slowed the other five features, the Hornets set the example the “big boys” failed to follow by keeping the yellow flag stowed for their 15 lap feature race. In one of the most entertaining races of the weekend, the front-wheel-drive four poppers put on a classic racing display. After early leader Dan Strobach pulled off, pole starting Tyler English led through lap nine, while fifth-starting Jacob Christensen worked his way as high as second. Also on the move was seventhstarting Paul George, who swiped the top spot from English on lap ten. But the biggest mover of all was 13th-starting Kevin Bradwell. Fresh off his win from the previous night, Bradwell swiftly sliced through the 14-car field and cracked the top five by lap six.

Without the benefit of a caution, though, each additional pass became increasingly difficult, and eventually impossible. When the checkers waved, it would be the No. 24 of George accepting the winners trophy, ahead of Christensen and the hard-charging Bradwell. English eventually faded to fourth with Brad Schramel rounding out the top five.

For the second consecutive night, the pure stocks suffered from an uncharacteristic bout with yellow fever, with just eight of 18 cars still running at the finish. The worst of the carnage was a hard hit against the backstretch wall resulting in a flipped No. 92 of TJ LaMere. Post race inquiries assured that LaMere weathered the storm in fine shape, but the same could not be said for his hotrod – which was a total loss.

The race was eventually shortened due to time limit restrictions and winner Zach Manley led every lap. The rest of

the top five were Cooper Berlin, Ben Johnson, Krysta Swearingen and David Leaf.

Next up for the Speedway is the regular Friday night racing program, July 11, featuring WISSOTA Modifieds, super stocks, street stocks and midwest modifieds, as well as the Kopellah Pure Stocks and Hornets. Also on tap for this Friday are powder puff races. For more information and directions to the Speedway, please visit the track’s Web site at www.kopellahspeedway.net.

Summary: Hornets, Feature: Paul George, Jacob Christensen, Kevin Bradwell, Tyler English, Brad Schramel, Jeremy Frendt, Joe Cloutier, Doug Fick, James Mattson, Danny Beck, Pamela Lutgen and Dan Strobach.

Pure Stocks, Feature: Zach Manley, Cooper Berlin, Ben Johnson, Krysta Swearingen, David Leaf, Fabian Jackson, Matthew Skipper, TJ LaMere, Steven Johnson, Jesse Lutgen, Danny Richards, Rodney Jacobson, Dusty Brown, Sonja Ellingson, Bruce Lutgen, Steve Baker, Michael Dyrdahl and Dennis Nelson.

WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, Feature: Ronnie Rihn, Matt Leer, Denis Czech, Dave Siercks, Terry Sirek, John Remington, Tim Swanson, Sam Nelson, Deven VanHouse, Tim Siercks, Michael Haseltine, Vince Corbin, Charlie Hillukka, Bryan Siercks, Bryce Johnson, Eric Herbison, Josh Bazey, Tom Johnson, Dan Wheeler, Thomas Balluff, Jim Schultz, Jason Hall, Doug Merrill and Ryan Viltz.

WISSOTA Street Stocks, Feature: Devin Neske, Bud Richards, Shawn Kammerud, Andrew Miskowic, Jeff Antczak, Jeff Heintz, Robert Lowe, Kyle Howland, Kim Korstad, Chanda Fjorden Nord, Tito Viltz, Kris Peterson and Steve Lowe.

WISSOTA Super Stocks, Feature: Corey Davis, Rick Kobs, Mike Loomis, Paul Erikson, JB Stortz, John Remington, Aaron Wilson, Luke Strandlund, Joel Collins, Tim Baxter, Ed Markel, Brent Thronson, Steve VanHouse, Dave Chambliss, Andrew Cimfl and Brent Kobs.

WISSOTA Modifieds, Feature: Kevin Adams, Justin Jones, Mike Mueller, Robby Bunkelman, Dave Siercks, Tim VanMeter, Jason Gross, Tony Proell, Shawn Kelley, Tony Gates, Steve Lavassuer, Scott Pomeroy, James Cimfl, Mike Raboin, Mark Blood, Erik Peterson, Lonny Loeschke, Scott Hudack and Pat Hardy. – submitted

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

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Happy Birthday America

ST. CROIX FALLS – Night number one of Kopellah Speedway’s StarSpangled Spectacular celebration was off to a rollicking start with a seasonhigh 89 racers checked in to do battle on Independence Day. The Centuria Fire Department was also trackside with a pair of their shiny fire engines on display for the younger crowd and the evening was topped off with a dazzling fireworks display and karaoke party.

As a prelude to the big NATCO Invitational scheduled for the following night, the WISSOTA Midwest Modified feature had the crowd oohing and ahhing well in advance of the fireworks display. “The Rev” Mike Haseltine set the early pace as he held the lead for the first half of the feature. While Haseltine showed the way, there were four-wide fireworks exploding for third place. At the completion of lap three, Denis Czech, Ryan Viltz, Sam Nelson and defending track champion John Remington spanned the track coming out of turn four. Nelson held thirdplace honors for most the early laps while Bryan Siercks was chasing down Haseltine for the lead. Viltz slipped by Nelson on lap 10, and the race would change dramatically after a caution on lap 11. On the lap 12 restart, Viltz squirted out to the point and never looked back. Two late-race cautions failed to provide the elixir any of Viltz’ competitors needed to make the winning pass. With a handful of top-five finishes so far this season, Viltz picked up his first WISSOTA Feature win on his first visit to Kopellah Speedway in 2008. Nelson chased Viltz to the line for second, ahead of 15th starting Tim Siercks, Remington and Bryan Siercks.

The WISSOTA Amsoil Dirt Track Series Street Stocks saw Tim Baxter take off from the outside of the front row and lead the first three laps. After lap

four, two familiar faces, Chanda Fjorden Nord and Jeff Heintz dominated the middle stages of the race. Heintz held the point with Fjorden Nord trying in vain to take over. Behind the lead duo, Kris Peterson, Bud Richards, Andy Miskowic and Clark Swartz would engage in a race-long line-swapping, position juggling free-for-all as any one of the four might have been scored in third place throughout the race. After Fjorden Nord was charged with a lap 14 caution, Miskowic would emerge from the four-way fray for third to pressure Heintz. At the checkers, it was defending track champion Heintz who was first across the line ahead of Miskowic, Swartz, Peterson and Richards.

The four-car battle theme continued in the WISSOTA Super Stock main event. Pole starting John Feirn jumped into the early lead with the No. 6 of Shane Kisling and Dan Gullikson in tow.

Behind the top three, John Remington, Cory Davis and Rick Kobs were involved in their own tussle. In the later stages, it was Gullikson on Feirn’s tail while Davis, Remington, Kobs and Curt Myers were going fourwide for position. Feirn managed to hold off defending track champion Gullikson for the flag-to-flag victory, his first of the season. Remington finished third, with Kobs fourth and Davis rounding out the top five.

Thirteen WISSOTA Modifieds took the final green flag of the Star-Spangled Spectacular’s first night. Dave Siercks and Scott Hudack were the top two early on ahead of Tim VanMeter, Shawn Kelley and Kevin Adams. After starting seventh on the grid, Adams was nipping at the heals of Siercks by lap four.

Adams looked to dive under Siercks in turn four on each lap, but each lap Siercks’ momentum proved to be too much for Adams to overtake. With nine

LEADER S P O R T S S C O R E B O A R D LEGION BASEBALL

St. Croix Valley Legion League Team Luck St. Croix Falls Unity Grantsburg

Overall 10-1-4 6-1-7 5-1-8 5-9

Scores Tuesday, July 8 Unity 10, Luck 2 Luck 4, Unity 2 Grantsburg 3, Baldwin 1 Baldwin 9, Grantsburg 7 Amery 3, St. Croix Falls 2 St. Croix Falls 12, Amery 1

Coming up Thursday, July 10 5:30 p.m. Luck at Osceola St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg Friday, July 11 5:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Unity Grantsburg at New Richmond Somerset at Luck Tuesday, July 15 5:30 p.m. Cumberland at Unity

INDEPENDENT BASEBALL Southwest Group

Team Grantsburg Honkers Siren Steelers Webster Orioles

Overall 4-2 0-2 0-2

Coming up Saturday, July 12 1 p.m.

Brill at Grantsburg St. Croix at Webster 7:30 p.m. Siren at Hayward Sunday, July 13 1 p.m.

Webster at Siren Grantsburg at Hornets 7:30 p.m. Webster at Siren

St. Croix Valley Team St. Croix River Bandits

Overall 7-9

Scores Sunday, July 6 Elmwood 11, Bandits 3 Tuesday, July 8 River Falls 8, Bandits 2

Coming up Sunday, July 13 1 p.m.

Bandits at Bay City

SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL Falun Church League

Team Falun Churches Calvary Covenant Siren Assembly Siren Covenant/Bethany Webster Baptist Trade Lake Baptist Faith Lutheran Living Hope/Grace Frederic Free West Sweden/Zion Lutheran Trade River Free

Overall 6-0 6-1 5-1 5-1 4-2 4-2 1-5 1-5 1-5 1-6 0-6

Siren Ballpark Men’s League Team Sundown Chell Well Church League Team Hole in the Wall Pour House 1 Fur, Fins & Feathers Century 21 Pour House 2 Gjonnes Construction Da Crew

Overall 8-0 5-2 5-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 3-4 2-5 1-6 0-7

laps in the books, the yellow flag made an appearance for the No. 1k of Kelley.

On the lap 10 restart, a slight bobble by Siercks provided the opening Adams needed. Adams dived low, exiting turn two and shot to the point. Once out front, Adams settled into his customary and comfortable high groove and began pulling away. At the checkers it was Adams followed by Siercks and VanMeter. Hudack crossed the line fourth and 13th starting Mike Mueller charged up to finish in the top five.

The Kopellah Hornets got the feature races rolling with their caution-free 12lap main event. Kevin Bradwell rocketed from sixth to first on the opening circuit and immediately began to stretch his advantage. Eighth-starting Rocky Kempe worked his way through the field and passed Jacob Christensen for second on lap nine. Kempe was gaining on leader Bradwell, but there were simply too few laps remaining for Kempe to contend. Bradwell picked up his second win of the season ahead of Kempe, Christensen, Tyler English and Paul George. In an odd twist, only Bradwell made the required stop in the tech area, so positions two through five were awarded to Cole Cloutier, Alec Nesbit, Jeremy Frendt and Doug Fick.

Just half of the 14 pure stocks on hand would still be trackside for the checkered flag. Several cautions marred the 15 lap main event eventually won by Danny Richards. Rookie Ben Johnson led the opening lap before being overtaken by Richards on lap two. At about the midway point, seventh-starting Mike Dyrdahl had caught up to Johnson and the two engaged in a very close, but clean side-by-side battle for runner-up honors. Dyrdahl finally wrestled the position away with just three laps remaining. At the end it was Richards collecting his second sticker of the season in front of Dyrdahl, Johnson, Steve Baker and David Leaf.

Next up for the Speedway is the regular Friday night racing program, July 11,

featuring WISSOTA Modifieds, super stocks, street stocks and midwest modifieds, as well as the Kopellah Pure Stocks and Hornets. Also on tap for this Friday are powder puff races. For more information and directions to the Speedway, please visit the track’s Web site at www.kopellahspeedway.net.

Summary: Hornets, Feature: Kevin Bradwell, Cole Cloutier, Alec Nesbit, Jeremy Frendt, Doug Fick, Pamela Lutgen, Rocky Kempe, Jacob Christensen, Tyler English and Paul George.

Pure stocks, Feature: Danny Richards, Michael Dyrdahl, Ben Johnson, Steve Baker, David Leaf, Krysta Swearingen, Matthew Skipper, Jesse Lutgen, TJ LaMere, Fabian Jackson, Steven Johnson, Sonja Ellingson, Rodney Jacobson and Bruce Lutgen.

WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, Feature: Ryan Viltz, Sam Nelson, Tim Siercks, John Remington, Bryan Siercks, Doug Merrill, Bryce Johnson, Michael Haseltine, Tim Swanson, Josh Bazey, Eric Herbison, Shane Patrin, Sampson Haseltine, Jake Miller and Mike Gibson.

WISSOTA Street Stocks, Feature: Jeff Heintz, Andrew Miskowic, Clark Swartz, Kris Peterson, Bud Richards, David Goulet, Kyle Howland, Loren Swanson, Todd Rieken, Steve Lowe, Trisha Nyren and Tim Baxter.

WISSOTA Super Stocks, Feature: John Feirn, Dan Gullikson, John Remington, Rick Kobs, Cory Davis, Luke Strandlund, Joe Nelson, Curt Myers, Shane Kisling, JB Stortz, Andrew Cimfl.

Ed Markel and Tim Baxter.

WISSOTA Modifieds, Feature: Kevin Adams, David Siercks, Tim VanMeter, Scott Hudack, Mike Mueller, Tony Gates, Steve Lavassuer, James Cimfl, Scott Splittstoesser, Shawn Kelley, Mike Raboin, Mike Anderson and Mike Kelly Jr. – submitted

Annual chamber golf tournament set FREDERIC – The Frederic Area Chamber of Commerce will host its fifth-annual golf tournament at the Frederic Golf Course on Wednesday, July 30.

The tournament will be a four-person scramble format, with no handicap rules enforced. There will be lunch on the cart, dinner following, and many raffles, door prizes and silent auctions.

Registration will begin at noon, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost for the event is $60 per golfer. This year’s pro-

ceeds will be donated to Frederic’s Save the Pool fund.

Come join them at this fun scramble.

Good golfer or bad, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

To sign up, call the Frederic Golf Course at 715-327-8250, or if you have any questions, call Vonnie Anderson at 715-327-5513 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Bean’s Country Griddle. - submitted

Siren Steelers

Scores Wednesday, July 2 Fur, Fins & Feathers 22, Hole in the Wall 10 Church League Team 20, Gjonnes Construction 12 Sundown 17, Pour House 1 14 Century 21 12, Pour House 2 7 Chell Well 18, Da Crew 2 Sundown 24, Church League Team 20

Siren Ballpark Women’s League Team Chell Trucking/The Beehive Skol Bar Wizards Coyland Creek Smith Family Eye Care H Town Girls Mauer Construction

Overall 5-0 4-2 4-2 3-3 3-3 1-5 1-5

Scores Monday, July 7 Maurer Construction 13, H Town Girls 9 Wizards 9, Coyland Creek 7 Skol Bar 16, Smith Family Eye Care 9

Marty Niles jersey hangs with the Siren Steelers as he keeps fighting his battle with cancer at Regions Hospital. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld

Siren’s Ryan Schmidt attempts to get a Spooner runner out at second base during their game on Sunday, July 6.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Poacher guilty of taking large bucks illegally Wardens make case with help from concerned citizens

by Marty Seeger ST. CROIX FALLS – Conservation Wardens Chris Spaight and Jesse Ashton used tips from concerned citizens to help convict Steven W. Bruns of St. Croix Falls in a poaching case that took place in November of 2007.

Bruns was convicted of shooting two large bucks illegally with the use of a crossbow during the 2007 archery season, was fined $2,138, and had his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges revoked for a period of three years.

Ashton says cases such as this can oftentimes go unnoticed by the DNR. Not only because warden staffs are already stretched thin, but because there is generally a lot of area to cover for one warden. Ashton says he’s covering an area of about 480 square miles. There are also restrictions on the amount of miles a warden is allowed to drive.

“We really wouldn’t have made the case if somebody wouldn’t have called us and told us what was going on,” Ashton said.

According to the case report, Ashton and Spaight confiscated two large bucks, as well as a crossbow, from Bruns at his residence on Nov. 13, 2007. Over the course of a week and a half, prior to confiscating the two deer, game wardens were alerted that Bruns had at least three different deer hanging in a tree at his home. Through further investigation it was found that Bruns had tagged a small, 11-point buck with his archery tag after allegedly finding it in along the road in a ditch, and registered it in Cushing.

Without a valid archery tag or crossbow permit, Bruns then shot two larger bucks, a 12-point and an 8-pointer. He

transported both bucks untagged and then butchered them at his residence. It was not learned whether the deer were shot at night or during daylight hours.

Through investigation it was found that the deer were shot between Nevers Dam Road and Otter Slide Avenue near Eureka Township.

Ashton later confiscated the third deer on Nov. 15 at Swank’s Meats in St. Croix Falls.

European skull mounts will be done to the confiscated deer and used for educational purposes. According to the Warden report, Bruns was able to keep the venison from the deer. While this is not something they normally allow, it was felt that Bruns could use the venison and the meat would go to good use.

“Every one of these bucks, whether it’s a spike or whether it’s a 12-point buck, is a stolen opportunity,” Ashton said, which is why, he says, it is important for those who see cases of poaching or any other wildlife violation to notify the local authorities as soon as possible.

“Citizen complaints are really key in a lot of the cases that we make,” Ashton said.

The Wildlife Violator Compact Every year more and more states are getting on board with what is known as the Wildlife Violator Compact, which allows the suspension or revocation of hunting, fishing or trapping privileges with member states that are part of the compact.

“Basically what it means is, if I get revoked in Wisconsin for poaching a deer, I’m revoked in 27 other states,” Ashton said, and added that this is important for this area, being so close to the Minnesota border. In the past, he said, he could revoke someone’s privileges for hunting, fishing or trapping, but that person could simply drive the short distance across the river and continue to hunt and fish without breaking any laws.

A trophy 12-point buck grossing 164 inches and an 8-pointer grossing 135 inches were seized by Wardens Jesse Ashton (L) and Chris Spaight on Nov. 15, 2007, along with the crossbow used to kill the deer. With the help of concerned citizens the wardens were able to charge Steven W. Bruns with the crime. - Photo submitted The Wildlife Violator Compact was signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle in the spring of 2006, but according to Ashton it did not become effective until April 15.

“It’s really a neat deal for us, especially on the border,” Ashton said, and added that it took Wisconsin years to get legislation to pass, but it has finally become a reality.

The 28 states currently in the compact include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota,

Oregon, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Depending on what privilege is revoked, will determine what you can do in other states listed above. In the poaching case of Bruns, he will not be able to hunt, fish or trap for the next three years in any of the states listed above.

To report any wildlife violations call 1-800-TIP-WDNR, or contact your local field warden. Calls can remain anonymous.

2008 fall turkey application deadline approaches MADISON – There will be 95,700 wild turkey permits available to hunters for the fall 2008 turkey hunting season, an increase of nearly a thousand over the 2007 fall season. Permit levels were finalized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Turkey Advisory Committee after consideration of hunter interference rates, previous fall permit levels, another record spring harvest and predicted spring turkey production.

The 2008 fall season runs Sept. 13 through Nov. 20 with a bag limit of one turkey of any age or sex per hunting approval notice. Hunters must bring their tagged turkey to a designated registration station no later than 5 p.m. the day after it is harvested.

Turkey hunters harvested 12,010 turkeys in the 2007 fall season, for which 94,800 permits were available.

There were no hunting accidents reported during the 2007 fall season.

The application deadline for the fall season is Aug. 1. The $3 application can

be purchased: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at DNR service centers during their regular business hours – check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center; service centers are closed Saturdays; at license sales locations; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE 877-945-4236. In addition to this application, hunters are also required to purchase a 2008 Fall Turkey License and Stamp unless they have previously purchased this license and stamp or are currently a 2008 conservation patron license holder.

Permits remaining after the drawing will go on sale beginning at noon on Saturday, Sept. 6. The permits will be available online and at license vendors.

DNR Service Centers are closed Saturdays. The fee for these permits will be $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. Purchases are limited to one permit per day until each zone is sold out.

Purchasing permits does not affect a hunter’s preference status for future

spring or fall turkey permit drawings.

Because the number of leftover turkey permits for the fall season is only a quarter of spring sales, DNR customer service and licensing officials do not expect computer problems with fall sales. In addition, the agency has been working with the private vendor who handles permit sales to make changes to the computer system to better handle high sales volumes, and backup plans are in place to avoid causing hunters to wait in line as they did last spring.

Additional work continues by the licensing system contractor and DNR staff to ensure that the problems that caused last spring’s computer crash are not repeated.

What’s new for fall 2008?

• Zone consolidation will begin with the fall 2008 turkey hunting season. The number of turkey hunting zones will be reduced to seven large zones instead of the 46-zone structure. There is still the same amount of total turkey-hunting

Read Leader Outdoors!

area. Each of the new zones combines a number of the smaller zones to give hunters more flexibility to move about in search of wild turkeys.

• In the fall 2008 season only, hunters may use dogs to hunt wild turkeys in the following counties only: Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon and Wood. This is a pilot program that may be extended for the 2009 fall season as well.

• Blaze-orange clothing and blaze orange on ground blinds are required for turkey hunters statewide during the youth deer hunt, Oct. 11-12, and during the October gun hunt in certain units Oct. 16-19. Check the 2008 Fall Turkey Hunting Regulations for more information.

For more information contact Sharon Fandel at 608-261-8458 or Scott Hull at 608-267-7861. – from the DNR

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

Par For Pets golf tournament brings in $2,000 for humane society MINONG – The first-annual Par For Pets Golf Tournament was held Sunday, June 8, at Black Bear Golf Club in Minong.

There were 36 golfers from all around Northwest Wisconsin taking part in the golf event, which brought in $2,000 for the animal shelter.

In addition to the winning team scores, there were prizes for individual golfers on several holes, as well as a putting contest and a prize for the highscoring team.

WGMO’s Rock N’ Roll Dr. Dan graciously served as local celebrity host for the tournament and was instrumental in the initial organization of the event with Black Bear Golf Course. Owners of Black Bear Golf Course, John and Rhonda Passolt, were “absolutely super to work with in the coordination of the golf tournament,” said Patti Burns, golf event coordinator/W.C.A.H.S. volunteer. “John and Rhonda have just the

Pictured (L to R) are: Patti Damon, W.C.A.H.S. volunteer; Connie Salquist, W.C.A.H.S. board of directors/volunteer coordinator; Rhonda and John Passolt, Black Bear Golf Course owners; Teresa Anderson and Kathy Tonnar, W.C.A.H.S. Par For Pets committee; and Patti Burns, Par For Pets golf event coordinator. – Photo submitted perfect combination of tournament experience and knowledge, as well a challenging golf course and friendly staff, which were perfectly suited for hosting the W.C.A.H.S event,” said Burns.

Festival Theatre presents...

Festival Theatre welcomes a member of Actors Equity to St. Croix Falls for the opening of “Dates with a Nut” on July 10. Meg Merckens was fairly adopted by St. Croix Valley theatre-goers last year with her stellar performance as Annie Nations in “Foxfire.”

Meg first studied theatre in Ohio at Ke?nyon College where she majored in theatre and went on to study acting at The Edward Moor Studio in New York City. In February of 1976 she got a phone call from The Old Creamery Theatre Company in Garrison, Iowa. A three-month contract to tour the state of Iowa as Corie Bratter in “Barefoot in the Park” turned into a 31-year career as one of that state’s best known cultural treasures.

As a member of the resi?dent acting company pf the Old Creamery, favorite roles included June in “Smoke on the Mountain,” Mother Superior in “Nunsense” and “Nuncrackers,” Kate in “Broadway Bound” and all five women’s roles in “Dates with a Nut,” a comedy that she co-wrote with her husband, Tom Johnson. Meg also directed for the main stage and for the Theatre for Young Audiences where she wrote and/or directed over fourteen original productions aimed at elementary school audiences.

Having co-founded the Iowa Theatre Artists Company with Tom, Meg is on the road again, making exceptional theatre happen throughout the upper Midwest. A successful tour of "Pump Boys & Dinettes" started their 2008 season and the current tour of "Dates with a Nut" is drawing audience members from near and far.

“Dates with a Nut” is the story of a middle-aged widower, William Fox, who is convinced by co-workers to reenter the world of dating by way of an internet service. He proceeds to set up his initial “safe dates” at the local café where he is taken under wing by Dori, the long-time waitress and self-appointed dating coach. One disastrous date after another serves up nothing but “Nuts” with the only steady hand being the waitress pouring the coffee. Meg plays Dori, but also all four women who meet William for a date. This quick-change comedy requires costume changes that are SO quick that Meg needs a costume assistant backstage.

“Dates with a Nut” opens on Thursday, July 10th and runs through

Meg Merckens August 10th - except for Wannigan Days weekend (July 17-20). For tickets call 715-483-3387 or online at www.festivaltheatre.org.Meg also directed for the main stage and for the Theatre for Young Audiences where she wrote and/or directed over fourteen original productions aimed at elementary school audiences.

Having co-founded the Iowa Theatre Artists Company with Tom, Meg is on the road again, making exceptional theatre happen throughout the upper Midwest. A successful tour of "Pump Boys & Dinettes" started their 2008 season and the current tour of "Dates with a Nut" is drawing audience members from near and far.

“Dates with a Nut” is the story of a middle-aged widower, William Fox, who is convinced by co-workers to reenter the world of dating by way of an internet service. He proceeds to set up his initial “safe dates” at the local café where he is taken under wing by Dori, the long-time waitress and self-appointed dating coach. One disastrous date after another serves up nothing but “Nuts” with the only steady hand being the waitress pouring the coffee. Meg plays Dori, but also all four women who meet William for a date. This quick-change comedy requires costume changes that are SO quick that Meg needs a costume assistant backstage.

“Dates with a Nut” opens on Thursday, July 10 and runs through Aug. 10 - except for Wannigan Days weekend (July 17-20). For tickets call 715-483-3387 or online at www.festivaltheatre.org.

Check out our e-edition for additional news and photos www.the-leader.net

The success of the fundraiser was in large part due to hole sponsors: T & T Tool, Anderson, Hager & Moe, Edina Realty, Haack Orthodontic Clinic, C & J Auto Body and Black Bear Golf Course.

Several other local businesses support-

ed the event by donating merchandise, gift certificates or services. Those businesses include: Grand Casino Hinckley, St. Croix Casino, The Prime, Dog Patch Grooming, Subway, Ohm, Sweet Ohm Yoga Studio, Foxxy’s Bar & Grill, Indianhead Eye Clinic, Holiday, Cumberland Golf Course, Washburn County Register, Mobile Access, Kegler’s Pub & Pin, Mario and Jill Benassi and Sallie Lindstrom.

Since its inception in March of 1994, the Washburn County Area Human Society has worked diligently to create a community that is responsible for animals. Persons wishing to make a donation of money/supplies or learn more about volunteer opportunities may contact the shelter at 715-468-4720 or visit the shelter at 1400 Cottonwood Avenue (near the Spooner Fairgrounds). - submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

Timberland Pub open for business

by Regan Kohler BARRONETT – The Timberland Pub, Barronett, is under new management with a new variety of food and an owner with years of hospitality experience.

Randy Holm, McKinley, purchased the restaurant from its previous owners, Bobbi and Wayne Boyd. The place was previously The G Spot, a Packer-themed tavern.

Holm is originally from the Twin Cities, but bought a vacation house in McKinley a few years ago. He appreciated the beauty and history of the area, and began looking for a way he could move there full time.

“I love the area,” he said, adding that residents are awesome and the country is beautiful.

Post-college, Holm studied restaurant management and hospitality training and development. He worked for the Don Pablo’s Mexican restaurant franchise as a corporate trainer, traveling around the country to open new markets.

Holm then worked for the Doubletree Corporation, running the food and beverage division in downtown Minneapolis. After that, he was an assistant general manager for the Buca di Beppo Italian restaurants’ corporate training hub; Holm said his position was hospitality trainer. He trained 38 restaurant managers during his time with the restaurant.

Holm got out of the restaurant business for 10 years, saying if he ever got back into it, it would be for himself. He got this opportunity when he found The G Spot needed a new owner.

Holm said the place used to be called the Timberland Tavern, since it is located in the Timberland Hills area, in the township of Roosevelt. People still

Randy Holm, new owner of Timberland Pub, Barronett, designed the restaurant’s logo in keeping with the area’s history. – Photo by Regan Kohler

referred to it by that name even when it was The G Spot, he said. He decided to keep that name – “Why fight history?” he asked – and because of his Irish descent, chose the pub term.

Holm said Timberland Hills is an area rich with history, especially logging, and he has repainted the restaurant and decorated it with photographs of the Timberland, Cumberland and Barron in bygone days, which he got from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

When Holm was first working on the building, he got the chance to meet residents who stopped in out of curiosity.

He was able to get a general idea of what kind of food people wanted. He found many farmers wanted cold sandwiches or pasta salads for lunch on a hot day. Along with these offerings, he also has burgers with Louie’s Finer Meats beef, hot sandwiches and desserts.

There are daily specials too, such as Taco Tuesday, Wing-Ding Wednesday and Fish-Fry Friday.

The restaurants opened June 3, with a limited menu – the official one began Tuesday, June 17 – and Holm said it has been consistently busy. People who have eaten at the pub already say the food is great.

Holm said he wants the Timberland Pub to be known for good food and customer service. His plans include having bands in the winter when it slows down; karaoke nights on Fridays starting in the fall; and meat raffles in July.

The Timberland Pub is open from 3 p.m. until close Tuesdays through Thursdays, and from noon until close Fridays through Sundays; it is closed Mondays.

The restaurant is located at 20991 CTH H, off Timberline Road, near the Burnett County line. Take Hwy. 63 south to arrive at CTH H.

New events highlight Memory Days this weekend CENTURIA - Centuria Memory Days has loads of activities happening this weekend, but one of the new events will be a toilet bowl race, with teams of three manuvering a toilet brush, plunger and oversized underwear with a nerf ball.

Come watch at the McKenzie Lanes lawn area on Saturday, July 12. Family games will also be held benefiting area youth groups.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, the Unity Lions Club will be holding the Wisconsin’s first annual horse apple toss with all proceeds benefiting the World War II vets going to Washington, D.C., in November. There are men’s and women’s divisions for people over 16 years of age. For only $5, a person gets two tosses of the horse apples, gloves provided.

Farthest in each division gets a cut of the fee and a coveted horse apple trophy. This event will take place at 4 p.m. near the family games area by McKenzie Lanes.

The Unity FFA Alumni will be holding their 5K milk run on Saturday morning at 7:30 in Legion Park. Entry fee is $5 with proceeds this year benefiting the Centuria Neighborhood Watch pro-

gram. A kiddie tractor pull will also be held on Sunday afternoon immediately after the parade on Main Street. An antique tractor show will also be sponsored by the Unity FFA Alumni beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday on the far end of Main Street. Tractors are welcome to enter the parade as well. - submitted

Feingold accepting applications STATEWIDE - U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold is accepting applications for nominations to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

The Service Academies provide high school graduates the opportunity to

serve their country while receiving a quality education on a full government scholarship.

These academies are extremely challenging, both physically and academically, and accept only highly motivated students.

In order to qualify for entrance into a Service Academy, an applicant must be

a United States citizen and at least 17 years of age but not past his or her 23rd birthday upon entrance to the academy.

To be considered by Feingold’s office, you must be a Wisconsin resident.

Applications are available online at Feingold.senate.gov or by contacting the Senator’s Academy Coordinator,

Locks of Love Wade Hanson, Polaris employee, donated his hair to Locks of Love at the relay. He then shaved his head within one inch because Polaris reached their goal of $75,000 and Hanson had agreed to shave his head if that happened. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

Michelle Murray, at 608-828-1200. All applications must be received by Friday, Oct. 17, in order to be considered by the senator’s office. - from the office of Sen. Feingold

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Danbury bed races

The second-annual bed races were held as part of Danbury Days on Saturday, July 5, after the parade. There were five teams competing. The competing beds ranged from fully decorated to plain. As the photo shows, the bed on the right, The Dirty Sallys, had a few problems along the race route. – Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Webster Water Fights

The Webster Fire Department held their annual water fights after the parade on Friday, July 4. There were men’s, women’s, boys and girls divisions. – Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Balsam Lake Homeowners Association donates over $5,000 to community

by Tookie Werthmann, BLHA Community Outreach board member BALSAM LAKE – At the June 14 Balsam Lake Homeowners Association board meeting, the board members unanimously approved giving the following four donations to the community of Balsam Lake: 1. $1,200 was given to the Balsam Lake Fire Department Emergency First Responders for a new heart defibrillator, which will be compatible with the new, high-tech hospital ambulance equipment. In 2007, at least 138 calls were made by the emergency first responders to Balsam Lake residents, of which 80 percent were from the Balsam Lake Homeowners Membership.

2. Balsam Lake Police Department: $575 for the following three items: a) A Lowrance fish finder for the BLHA sheriff’s safety-patrol boat to assist the officers in locating a car, objects, etc., in the water and also facilitate the use of a drag net and retrieval efforts. b) A Garmin 200NUVI portable GPS for the

Debbie Irestone and Jean Tilton, Balsam Lake Homeowners Association board members, present a check to Angie Nelson, (center), first responders.

Debbie Irestone and Jean Tilton, Balsam Lake Homeowners Association board members, present a check to Patricia (Tricia) Olson, (center), library director, Balsam Lake Library.

Balsam Lake Police squad car will give officers the ability to give EMS paramedics and EMS helicopter responders the coordinates for quick accident location and response. c) A spotlight for the Polk County boat-patrol boat.

3. Balsam Lake Library: $1,570 for the purchase of four new computer stations and the purchase of comfortable reading chairs, tables and lamps for a new library reading area.

4. Kinship of Polk County: $2,000 to support the Kinship Foundation Luau Benefit on Thursday, Aug. 7 at Paradise Landing. This benefit will support Kinship’s mission of mentoring youth and adults who are “at risk” and in need of adult mentors who help them through crisis situations and work to improve the quality of a child’s life by establishing a relationship with a caring, adult mentor for the purpose of

Jen Williams, Kinship of Polk County, receives a check from Tookie Werthmann, BLHA Community Outreach board member. – Photos submitted promoting stability, support, friendship and community.

The above four donations were made to be consistent with the wishes of BLHA members. In the replies on the membership mailings, BLHA members have overwhelmingly written that their No. 1 interest is in the safety of the lake area and to assist those with the most need, if extra funds are available for donations.

The gratitude from those who have been helped by their 2008 donations has been tremendous and sincere and they thank everyone for your generosity.

Not to be forgotten is the annual $3,500 donation to the Balsam Lake Fire Department for the annual Balsam Lake fireworks display on July 4 Freedom Festival weekend. The association always budgets $2,000 for this, and with the optional donation on the membership form, it has been able to give them $1,500 more.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

Real Estate

Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Dewey, July 1: Megan L Hotchkiss, 21, Shell Lake, reported hitting a deer on Poquette Lake Road.

No injuries were reported.

Town of Jackson, July 2: Jeanne M. Reis, 18, Siren, was eastbound on CTH A, stopped with the right blinker on indicating a right-hand turn onto Oakerlund Road. Instead she turned left onto Pope Road and into the path of Allen C. Glorvigen, 60, Maples, Fla., who was passing on the left of

the Reis vehicle. No injuries were reported and minor damage reported on both vehicles.

Reis was issued one citation for improper turn.

Arrests Town of Webb Lake, July 3: Michael S. Chadderdon, 37, Hertel, was arrested on a Burnett County warrant and driving without a license.

Other incidents Town of Roosevelt, July 2: Eric J. George, 45, Ramsey, Minn., reported a hunting cabin broken into. Nothing appeared to be missing. The incident is under investigation.

Town of La Follette, July 2: Sarah E. Ricci, Webster, was issued a citation for dog running at large and dog bite for a tan dog named Mia. This is the first offenses for this dog.

Town of Trade Lake, July 3: Judith Haley, Frederic, reported a mailbox damaged. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Daniels, July 6: Frederick W. Fischer, Eau Claire, reported an intruder in a cabin. A vehicle on the premises also appeared to have been entered. Nothing appeared to be missing. The incident is under investigation.

Burnett County criminal court Laura J. Wolf, 28, Siren, mandatory seat belt violation, $160.80.

Thomas J. Porter, 28, Webster, speeding, $186.00.

Laurie L. Thompson, 48, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Matthew J. Fierro, 18, St. Paul, Minn., trespass to

dwelling, $249.00.

Brock B. Miller, 18, Roseville, Minn., possession of marijuana, $249.00.

Agnes J. Helsper, 49, Hayward, OAR, five-day jail sentence, $224.00.

Paul G. Howland, 53, Webster, manufacture or deliver THC – two counts, 18-month prison sentence followed by two years’ extended supervision each count– concurrent, no consumption of alcohol, comply with counseling recommendations, provide DNA sample, $702.00; possess with intent to sell THC, 18-month prison sentence followed by two years’ extended supervision – concurrent to other sentences; maintain drug trafficking place, 18-month prison sentence followed by two years’ extended supervision – concurrent to other sentences.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents June 25, 6:30 p.m., Balsam Lake Twp., CTH I at 160th Street, ROBERT L. BRIGGS, 25, Balsam Lake, operating a motorcycle, was traveling eastbound on CTH I near 160th Street when the motorcycle slipped out from under the operator, causing the operator and motorcycle to fall to the ground.

It was negotiating a curve at the time. Minor injuries were sustained to the operator’s ankle (no EMS/wearing helmet).

June 26, 3:57 p.m., Milltown Twp., 185th Avenue, .3 mile west of 140th Street, #1— DAVID G. KUNDERT, 73, Lindstrom, Minn.; #2-MARCELINA E. DOWNS, 57, Cumberland; Unit 1 was traveling eastbound and while trying to park hit unit 2 driver’s front

bumper.

June 27, 2:34 p.m., St. Croix Falls Twp., 200th Street, .05 mile north of 160th Avenue, ERICK D. SWANSON, 35, Centuria, left the roadway near 1637 200th Street and drove across a cornfield into a marshy area and up a grassy hill where the vehicle struck a tree, severing it in half. The vehicle continued southbound until it struck another tree.

Four-year-old occupant exited the vehicle and ran for help. Operator left the vehicle at an unknown time and went to 1637 200th Street where he attempted to get a ride home.

Operator was placed under arrest for suspicion of operating while intoxicated and other charges. Van was completely destroyed by fire. No injuries to either occupant.

June 28, 5:33 p.m., Alden Twp., 120th Street, .6 mile north of 20th Avenue, JENNIFER L. WINDSOR, 36, Minneapolis, Minn., was northbound on 120th Street. Driver stated she lost control of vehicle after the dog jumped onto her lap. Vehicle swerved towards the east shoulder. Vehicle then crossed the road toward the west ditch.

Vehicle entered the ditch and rolled one-half time, coming to rest on its roof. Driver was cited for OMVWI. June 30, 2:40 a.m., Balsam Lake Twp., Hwy. 8, 50’ east of 150th Street, JENNIFER L. PATON, 30, St. Paul, Minn., swerved to avoid a deer on the roadway. Vehicle went into shoulder portion of the roadway where driver lost control and struck a Polk County park sign.

Vehicle went across 130th Street and ended up in a swamp. Driver and passenger, MATTHEW J. HAUGH, 36, St. Paul, Minn., received minor injuries. Driver was wearing a seat belt/passenger not wearing seat belt. Both were transported

by EMS. June 30, 8:30 a.m., Apple River Twp., CTH E/80th Street, 300’ north of 163rd Avenue, ROBERT A. SANDBERG, 47, Amery, was southbound, on motorcycle, on CTH E/80th Street and struck a deer in the roadway. Unit 1 slid into the left ditch.

Driver removed the motorcycle from the scene prior to reporting injuries (no EMS/no helmet worn).

July 3, 8:50 a.m., McKinley Twp., CTH E/10th Street, 5’ south of 260th Avenue; #1—

HEIDI E. SPRINGSTEEN, 40, Cumberland; #2—LISA A. OLSON, 47, Frederic; Unit 1 was traveling eastbound on 260th Avenue. Unit 1 had stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of CTH E/10th Street. Unit 2 was traveling southbound on CTH E, approaching 260th Avenue. As unit 1 had a view obstruction, she pulled out into the path of unit 2. Unit 1 struck unit 2 in the passenger side. The impact sheared off the bumper of unit 1.

After being struck, unit 2 began rotating until it tipped and rolled over onto its roof.

July 5, 6:53 p.m., Alden Twp., Hwy. 65, .5 mile north of 40th Avenue, LARRY T. DANIELSON, 56, River Falls. Vehicle left the road on Hwy. 65 as it was traveling southbound. The

vehicle drove down a steep embankment.

The driver attempted to drive the vehicle out of the embankment and ended up rolling it backward into a tree, causing some damage to the rear bumper and breaking out the rear window. The driver had been drinking and was impaired. The driver was arrested for OMVWI. July 6, 2:33 a.m., Osceola Twp., 60th Ave, .25 mile west of 210th Street, LEON VIEBROCK, 46, Dresser, was traveling (on motorcycle) westbound on 60th Avenue when his motorcycle struck a deer. The body of the driver came to rest 84.5 feet from the impact and the motorcycle came to rest 113 feet from the point of impact.

This was a fatal collision. Driver was not wearing a helmet.

rolling stop through a stop sign.

July 5: Frank Edward Lowry, 48, Prior Lake, Minn., was cited for speeding at 12:28 p.m. on CTH B and Hwy. 35.

Richard Alan Firkus, 52, Woodbury, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 and South Shore Drive.

Siren police report June 4: The theft of a 1992 Dodge Van was reported by Kasie Koser, St. Marie’s, Idaho.

Koser, who formerly lived in the area, received a bill for $3,000 for storage of the vehicle from an auto repair company in Montana.

June 19: A car/deer accident was reported at 9:33 p.m. by Donald I. Chell. Chell will file a self-report form with the state.

June 20: A complaint was investigated regarding a juvenile riding a pit bike on Siren streets.

Previous warnings had been given. The officer took the bike, and is holding it until the $25 impound fee is paid.

June 21: A green Lawn-Boy push mower was found at 9 p.m. on Fourth Avenue and Lilac Lane. The police will keep the mower until the owner claims it.

June 24: Juan Carlos Sanchez, 48, Itasca, Ill., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 and Elizabeth Avenue.

Kevin L. O’Gara, 55, Frederic, was cited at 10:41 p.m. for nonregistration of a motor vehicle on Hwy. 35 at CTH B. June 25: Dallas M. Johnson, 81, Grantsburg, was cited for operating to the left of center at 1:20 p.m. on Hwy. 35/70 and Works Progress

Street.

Chaz R. Smallwood, 27, Webster was arrested on a warrant at 3:10 p.m. at his place of employment in Siren.

Richard L. Cook, 46, Frederic, was cited for speeding at 5:50 p.m. on Hwy. 35/70 and Elizabeth Street.

Daniel J. Novak, 50, Bridgeview, Ill., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 and Elizabeth Street at 8:30 p.m.

Elsie Nicole Bearhart, 22, Webster, was picked up on a warrant out of Polk County for contempt of court at 11:48 p.m.

June 27: At 9:15 a.m., damage to a candy machine at the Pheasant Inn on Main Street was reported by machine owner Wayne C. Thompson, Webster.

The damage was discovered June 24, and probably had happened on the night of June 21.

Robin Johnson, 28, Siren, was picked up in the back of Olsen Drug at 2:08 a.m. on a no-drink probation pickup.

Douglas P. Wegener, 53, Cable, was cited for failing to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Hwys. 35 and 70 at 5:48 p.m.

Jeffrey Thomas Seeger, 58, St. Paul, Minn., was cited for failing to stop at the stop sign on Hanson Avenue and Hwy. 70 at

Polk Co. marriage licenses Barbara L. Murphy, St. Croix Falls, and Ivan Bowen III, St. Croix Falls, June 24.

Heidi P. Henck, Amery and Jeffrey J. Martin, Amery. June 27.

Tamara R. Grobe, Waseca, Minn., and Patrick J. McGuiggan, Waseca, Minn.

June 27.

Sarah F. Route, West Sweden and Ross A. Larson, Laketown. June 27.

Maxine D. Rud, Milltown, and Russell D. Carlson Milltown, June 30.

Alyssa M. Nonemacher, Amery, and Cody J. Kopp, Amery, July 1.

Jari T. Thompson, Milltown and Marty V. Nelson Clinton, July 1.

Jamie M. Schmid, Garfield, and Daryl W. Littell, Minneapolis, Minn., July 2.

Kelli R. Mahoney, Lincoln, and Jared P. Holmes, Amery.

July 3.

Rachael C. Lyons, Chaska, Minn., and Eric D. Herrmann, Chaska, Minn. July 3.

Polk County divorces Divorces filed Jane M. Hosking, Luck, and John E. Heid, Winona Minn.

Married 1996, no children.

Mary J. Baxter and Troy R. Baxter, Milltown. Married 1991, four children.

Julie A. Torma, Osceola and Rodney P. Torma, Milaca, Minn. Married 2002, no children.

Divorces granted Michael Wondra and Ashley Wondra. Married 2005, one child.

Mark Wiswall and Kimberly Wiswall. Married 1980, no chil-

dren.

Dean Scholz and Cynthia Scholz. Married 1968, no children.

Robert DiCosimo and Dianna DiCosimo. Married 1997, two children.

Frank Quaderer and Shellie Quaderer. Married 1992, two children.

Joseph Mattson and Sonja Nelson. Married 2007, one child.

Kevin Kahl and Jennifer Kahl. Married 2000, two children.

6:04 p.m.

June 28: Jules J. Zappa, 18, Webster, was cited for failing to stop at the stoplight on Hwy. 35/70 at 8:15 p.m.

A letter was written to Thomas Ries, Shoreview, Minn., regarding a $80.59 gas drive-off at Siren Auto Stop.

Ries has five days to pay the money, or he will be charged with theft.

June 29: Nicholas Alan Daniels, 21, Brooklyn Park, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 and Ellis Avenue at 7:05 p.m.

July 2: Fredericka L. Docoteau, 50, Siren, was cited for failing to stop at the stop sign on South Shore Drive and Fourth Avenue at 7:18 p.m.

Steven Robert Leafgren, 47, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 and Nyberg Road at 11:19 p.m.

A letter was written to Joshua Tobyus Moen, 28, Andover, Minn., regarding a $20 gas drive-off from Siren Auto Stop.

Moen has five days to pay or be charged with theft.

July 3: Denise Diane Schoepke, 38, Corcoran, Minn., was cited for failing to stop for a red light on Hwy. 35/70 at 2:40 p.m.

Ronald R. Stambek, 58, Chippewa Falls, was cited for speeding on CTH B and Third Avenue at 4:30 p.m.

Matthew Clay Batulis, 29, Farmington, Minn., was cited for operating without a driver’s license at the Hwy. 35/70 intersection at 11:53 p.m.

July 4: Jake J. Chell, 18, Webster, was cited for not using a seat belt at 8:43 p.m. on Fourth Avenue and South Shore Drive.

Chell’s vehicle was stopped because it made a

Polk County deaths Lucille H. Petersen, June 13, 94, Luck Leonard O. Harbosky, June 18, 94, Amery Leonard L. Koehler, June 19, 86, Alden Township Elsia B. Cook, June 24, 88, Luck

Doris M. Swanson, June 24, 88, Amery Irene T. Gehrman, June 27, 84, Beaver Township Georgia P. Carpenter, June 30, 85, Frederic

Polk County civil court Wells Fargo Bank vs.

Richard G. Stone and Jane Doe Stone, Luck. $134,162.13.

Foreclosure of mortgage.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as trustee for first Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust vs. Keith W. Tober and

Jennifer G. Tober, Milltown. $159,476.72. Foreclosure of mortgage.

Wells Fargo Financial Wisconsin, Inc., vs. Judith Fisher and Robert P. Fisher, Milltown. $87,191.10.

Foreclosure of mortgage.

Garage Sales

Polk County criminal court Felony Patrick J. Larsen, 25, Amery. Child abuse–recklessly cause harm. Signature bond set $500. Preliminary hearing Aug. 4.

Anita D. Puro, 52, Harris, Minn. Possession with intent THC. Resisting or obstructing an officer. Signature bond set $5,000. Preliminary hearing Aug. 5.

Tyrone D. Hoffbeck, 41, Milltown. Child abuse-intentionally harm. Sgnature bond set $1,500. Preliminary hearing Aug. 4.

Misdemeanor Joseph D. Bohn, 26, Milltown. Disorderly conduct.

Cash bond set $150. Final pretrial on Oct. 10.

Heather K. Zacco, 22, Luck.

Possession of drug paraphernalia. Signature bond set, $500.

Final pretrial on Oct. 10.

Ardys M. Foster, 45, Amery.

Retail theft–intentionally take, $2,500. Cash bond set $500.

No contact with Wal-Mart or MarketPlace. Final pretrial on Oct. 10.

Steven Bruns, 21, St. Croix Falls. Possession of THC. Signature bond set, $1,500.

Bench warrant issued.

Jennifer L. Jones, 28, Amery. Theft–moveable property, $2,500. Resisting or obstructing an officer. Signature bond set $1,000. Final pretrial on Oct. 10 Nicole S. Kittleson, 30, Balsam Lake. Battery, domestic

abuse. Disorderly conduct.

Resisting or obstructing an officer. Signature bond set $2,500.

Final pretrial Oct. 10.

Nicholas S. Carlson, 23, Grantsburg. Theft–moveable property, $2,500. Resisting or obstructing an officer. Signature bond set $1,000. Final pretrial Sept. 26.

Brian F. Doll, 31, Osceola.

Disorderly conduct. Cash bond set $150. Final pretrial Oct. 3.

Mark A. Larson, 20, St. Croix Falls. Disorderly conduct.

Signature bond set, $500. Final pretrial Oct. 3.

Anthony Rositzki, 20, Amery. Resisting or obstructing an officer. Signature bond set, $500. Final pretrial Oct. 3.

Jacob J. Draves, 22, St. Croix Falls. Two counts battery, domestic abuse. Disorderly conduct. Signature bond set $500.

Final pretrial Oct. 17.

David J. Anderson, 50, Osceola. OWI with PAC .02 or more. Cash bond set $2,500.

Adjourned initial appearance on Aug. 11.

Justin P. Trachta, 21, Frederic. Disorderly conduct.

Signature bond set $500.

Chad L. Rondeau, 29, Clear Lake. Disorderly conduct. Cash bond set $150.

Glen L. Maxson, 39, Amery.

Disorderly conduct. Cash bond set $150.

Harry D. Ellingworth, 28, Centuria. OWI and disorderly conduct. Signature bond set $1,500. Final pretrial Sept. 26.

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

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Siren bed races

The bed titled Siren Fancy Freeze was the winner of the best-dressedbed honors at the July 4 Siren bed races. The Pherson family from Prior Lake, Minn., put this bed together, apparently not knowing that there was once a Fancy Freeze business in Siren. The Hillbilly Hoppers came in second, followed by Dive Into Freedom.

For the second year in a row, 12 beds were entered in the bed races in Siren on July 4. One of the units was this Biker Bed, a bed built onto a two-wheeled bicycle. The Biker Bed came in seventh place among the 12 units in the final tally for fastest bed, but was in second place at the halfway point.

The fastest bed on the bed-race course (1:54) was run by members and friends of the Daniels family from Viola Lake, above. Their bed (below) was called Viola Lake Vatos, with no good answer to the question of what the word Vatos meant. Team Bucky came in second in the fastest category, followed by the Mallard Lakers.

One of the obstacles in this year’s July 4 bed races on Siren’s Main Street was to throw red/white/blue hoops over a stake. Anyone getting a hoop onto the stake would get five seconds off their time, a way to forge ahead of the competition.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Two heats were set up in this year’s bed races, one to throw a hoop over a stake, the second (shown here being done by one of the Team Bucky members) for each bed corner to go one-quarter around the square with a ball secured between their legs, then passing it to the next team member. Hopping was permitted. The only restriction was that if the ball was dropped, it would have to be replaced between the knees at the exact spot where it dropped.

Siren kiddie parade

Dive Into Freedom, a bed entered in the Siren July 4 Bed Races, also rode the course at the end of the Kiddy Parade. Participants included members of the Stubbe, Koball and Stanford families.

This young lady, one of the units in the kiddy parade in Siren on July 4, is perfecting her parade wave.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - JULY 9, 2008

S p i r i t L a k e r e f l e c ti o ns

Bruce and Kathy Java of rural Frederic took these dramatic photos of loons on Spirit Lake recently. One of two pairs of loons had babies last week. As the Javas were watching them, they heard the loon’s alarm calls as an bald eagle flew overhead. Later they saw and photographed a rare white pelican. – Photos courtesy Bruce and Kathy Java

An o t h e r d a y a t t h e o f f i ce

After appearing in Siren’s Fourth of July parade, visiting queens head back to their transportation home, another summer parade completed and another one not far away. - Photo by Gary King

Muus/from page 1 community Christmas concerts and his years as a runner in local road races.

He recently performed in the musical “Music Man,” as part of the barbershop quartet he belongs to, Harmonic Balance.

This past weekend, his students and friends who took part in Siren’s Freedom Five Run showed up with messages of support for their mentor.

Muus is doing well at Sister Kenny, according to good friend, Roy Ward. He says Muus is walking and making good progress, especially physically, and the family and doctors are hopeful for a full recovery - but realize it will take time.

“The best thing people can do for the family is pray,” Ward said.

Muus is not accepting visitors but those wishing him well can send a card or letter to: Sister Kenny Rehabilitation 333 Smith Ave. St. Paul, Minn., 55102 Room 8948

Members of the Krause family, along with other participants in the Freedom Five road race in Siren July 4, penned the name of Jim Muus on their arms or chests. Muus, Webster School music teacher, suffered a stroke early Monday morning, June 30. He is undergoing therapy in the Twin Cities, and, according to reports, is doing well.

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Ju ly 9, 20 08 2nd Se ct io n B Int e r-C o unty Lead er

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

Grandpa cheers success of Coyour's dream

Coyland Creek Sporting Clays and Game Preserve encompasses all of the 610 acres on the Coyour farm in the town of LaFollette. With his dad, Doug’s, farming centered on raising beef cattle and planting corn and hay, Mitchell Coyour uses land and fields during the year for his sporting business.

by Nancy Jappe TOWN OF LAFOLLETTE – Gene Olson regrets that he is of an age where he can’t do a lot to help his grandson, Mitchell Coyour, with his business. One thing Olson can do, however, is to get on the riding mower and help keep the grass down. Another way he helps is by spreading the word about Coyour’s dream that is coming true.

“I’d like to take you on a ride with me.

How about next Wednesday?” Olson said when he called on the phone. We set up a time, and midday Wednesday, July 2, we were on our way to the little spot on CTH B that is known as Coomer.

Coomer is the place where there are eight people and 80 bears. Or so says the sign along the roadway.

We turned right onto Coyour Road, then another right onto Townline Road and were soon at the place Olson is most proud of – Coyland Creek Sporting Clays and Game Preserve.

Mitchell Coyour started Coyland Creek three years ago on 20-30 acres of his family’s farm. “It was a dream of his since high school days,” Olson said, going on to talk about Coyour’s try at college. He had been awarded scholarships at the University of Michigan, went there for summer school and the first semester after high school graduation, then decided that college life just wasn’t for him.

Coyour called his mother, Laura, to tell

her he was going to quit college and go to Denver, Colo., for a class on gunsmithing. “His mother was upset,” Olson said. “She tried to talk him into

College wasn’t for him.

He wanted to be outside and pursue his dream.

- Grandpa Gene Olson about his grandson, Mitchell Coyour staying in school.”

Instead, Coyour went to Denver for the two-day gunsmithing seminar.

When he came back from Colorado, Coyour went to work as a gunsmith for St. Croix Outdoors in St. Croix Falls.

While he was attending a gun show in Anoka, Minn., Coyour met Jon Kruger from Indiana, a nationally known gun expert. Kruger took Coyour under his

The main building at Coyland Creek was designed and built by owner Mitchell Coyour.

Mitchell Coyour and his fiancée, Kelsie Bakken, a girl who grew up in Scandia, Minn., will be married at Coyland Creek Saturday, Sept. 6. Bakken is an important part of the business Coyour has built up. – Photos by Nancy Jappe wing, encouraging him in pursuing his dream and allowing Coyour to work with him on various occasions. Coyour has set traps for five years for the Kruger Cup. Coyour built a clubhouse, and started a gun shoot using live pheasants placed around the property. “He goes through a couple thousand (pheasants) a year,” Olson commented. Clientele for the shoots come from the Twin Cities, Rice Lake, Hayward and other places.

The property has two sporting clays courses, with seven to eight stands on each course. There are three areas where birds are released and flushed out by the hunters. Hunting licenses are not required to hunt there. Coyland Creek is licensed to give out certificates showing that any pheasants in the hunter’s possession were purchased there.

Coyland Creek operates from 2:30 p.m. to dark Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to dark Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed Wednesdays except for special events. For example, employees of 3M Company come out after work three Wednesdays a month, wives and kids in tow.

Four-season shooting is offered at Coyland Creek. Fourteen groups are involved in summer league. With an annual membership, shooters get five rounds of play free (those rounds normally cost $16 per round) and five free birds between August and March.

The Northwoods Open is coming up July 18-20 put on by DNA Meets, Grantsburg. Registration is done through the National Sporting Clays Association.

This is the first time Coyland Creek has been the site of a national shoot.

Coyland Creek is the site for hosting

corporate hunts, Christmas parties, employee appreciations, weddings and wedding receptions and other special events. The bar inside the clubhouse is a sight to behold, a design created and laid out by Coyour himself. The bar is topped with all sorts of hunting memorabilia surrounded by 300 pounds of lead shot. According to Olson, there are probably 500 items in the bar top. The polyethylene finish on the top was put on by Sid Sherstad, Siren.

See Coyland, page 2

Grandpa Gene Olson is proud of his grandson, Mitchell Coyour, who gave up college scholarships to spend his life outdoors, pursuing his dream of running a sporting clay/game preserve.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

Coyland/from page 1 One piece of family memorabilia embedded in the bar top is a World War II 50-caliber machine-gun shell contributed by Grandpa Olson.

Coyland Creek opened Sept. 5, 2005. A special occasion will be held there Sept. 6 of this year. On that day, Coyour and Kelsie Bakken will be united in marriage on the lawn in the back of the clubhouse. The two have known each other for the past three years. Bakken’s cousins, Kelly and Aaron Hopkins, live just down the road, and run Hopkins’ Northwoods Taxidermy.

As far as future plans go, Coyour wants to build cabins for overnight/weekend stays by next year. His aim is to grow bigger and be set up to guide hunts for quail, grouse and maybe ducks. He would like to open more fields, do dog training and have dog kennels.

Youth in the Outdoors Day will be held for the second time there Saturday, Aug. 9, with free admission for youth ages 2-12. Volunteers will be on hand to help with the activities, including Lynda Wood, Frederic, who paints on turkey feathers. The youth will learn how to build wood-duck houses as just one activity that day.

Range Day will be held during the first weekend in October. During Range Day, visitors are taught how to use a gun, and questions about guns are answered.

“People coming out here have no idea where we are,” Bakken said. Once they find out about Coyland Creek and what it has to offer, they won’t be able to easily forget the special spot in the landscape that Mitchell Coyour has created.

“This is a successful dream that has come true,” said proud Grandpa Gene Olson.

For more information on Coyland Creek Sporting Clays and Game Preserve, call 715-222-5000 or 715-653-

Mitchell Coyour shot and stuffed this pheasant, one of the wildlife accents in the main building at Coyland Creek.

Mitchell Coyour can be seen in the distance, giving shooting lessons to a woman who got her first gun recently as a 16th-wedding-anniversary present. Her goal – to better compete with the men.

Kelsie Bakken is shown here with the release buttons for the clays that will be shot at by visitors to Coyland Creek Sporting Clays and Game Preserve, a business run by Bakken and her fiancé Mitchell Coyour. The business owns 30 automatic throwers.

4273. There is also a Web site at www.coyland.com.

Grandpa Gene Olson crafted this stainedg l a s s pheasant as the window over the front entrance of the clubhouse his grands o n , Mitchell Coyour, built.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Clays are shot out of this holder as hunters aim their guns in an attempt to bring the clays down.

The clays simulate different size game. There are two sporting clays courses, each on a different terrain, as well as three bird-hunting fields.

Grandpa Gene Olson looked out over the back deck of the main building at Coyland Creek, a view that will be transformed into the wedding location for Olson’s grandson and his bride.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Charles Cremin and the Black Bear Adapted by Pat Cremin from a story published in the book “Bears”

by Ben East, a renowned writer for Outdoor Life Magazine James Cremin, his wife and their six boys and two girls, were camped on Nels Lake along the Echo Trail in Minnesota in 1962 on a fishing vacation. One day after lunch when they decided to go fishing, sevenyear-old David, offered to stay in camp and take care of seven-month-old Charles.

David put Charles, wearing nothing more than a diaper, on a blanket outside and gave him toys to play with. A little later, the seven-year-old sensed something behind him. Only thirty feet away a bear lumbered toward him. The boy panicked. He dove for the tent without closing the zipper behind him and crouched in a corner, clutching a medal and praying.

Then he remembered the baby on the blanket outside. When he peered out, the bear was going through food supplies and ripped the lid off a Styrofoam cooler, leaving huge claw marks on it. He also handily dispatched eggs, bacon, milk, and everything else in the cooler. Each time David attempted to get the baby, he saw the bear only a few yards away. His courage failed.

When he looked out again, the bear was standing over Charles, licking the baby’s face and body. The bear scooped little Charles up in its right forepaw,

PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 or Iris Holm 715294-3174 for more information. - submitted

Writer’s Corner much as a person might have done, and ran for the woods, hobbling on three legs. The bear went out of sight behind the tent, down a deer trail, and into the brush. In that same instant he heard the sound of a motor coming across the lake.

The sound of the motor grew louder then stopped as the two oldest Cremin boys, Patrick and Stephen, came ashore in the family’s square-stern canoe with a 3 hp Johnson motor on it. David ran to the beach, shouting, “There was a bear in camp and he picked up Charles and took him into the woods!”

The look on his face let the boys know this was no joke!

Panicked, the boys rushed off down the deer trail after the bear. Fifty yards from camp they found Charles lying in a bed of pine needles. Relieved they returned to camp with Charles looking like a sprinkle-dipped ice cream cone. Amazingly, Charles was fine—no puncture wounds, no blood, and no apparent trauma. Then Charles started to cry for the first time.

Patrick grabbed Charles and told Stephen and David to take refuge in the station wagon with the baby. Then Patrick shoved the canoe off and raced for his parents. He stopped several times to wave his paddle to gain their attention but was unsuccessful. Finally pulling up alongside their boat, Patrick repeated the words David had stated earlier. But his father didn’t wait to hear, “but he’s OK,” and hit the gas of their 12-hp Scott-Atwater trolling motor, sending fishing poles flying.

Approaching shore the terror-stricken mother, Delores, jumped from the boat as it slowed in shallow water and ran for the camp. She found David, Stephen, and the baby huddled safely in the station wagon. Picking up Charles, she examined him thoroughly. And she too found the bear had left no marks on Charles.

A thoroughly shaken Jim Cremin and his wife looked over the camp disaster, while the children asked David all kinds of questions. Then one of the youngsters asked, “Did he look like THAT bear?” pointing across the campground’s clearing! The bear was padding out of the woods once more.

The parents rushed the children into the station wagon. The bear moved slowly back and forth, as if impatiently pacing and waiting for the return of the baby. Appearing almost sloth-like in its movements, the bear deceived the family into thinking it was a slow, dumb animal.

Eventually everyone left the van, shouting and waving their arms and throwing rocks to drive it off. Indifferent, it kept up its agitated pacing until it had finally had enough and retreated at race horse speed 20 some yards, wrapping itself around a tree to eye the humans with both its head and rump facing them. It waited, sniffing and eyeing the people with no show of fear.

The bear prowled the camp area for several minutes until it disappeared in the woods. The Cremin family had escaped tragedy by a very narrow margin.

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

Pedals and Forks: Grantsburg Fire Hall

by John Preissing GRANTSBURG – For the first Saturday in June, we decided on a different kind of route, one that would take us back to Grantsburg to try some of the heartiest breakfast meals around, the annual Grantsburg Fire Department Pancake Breakfast. It is held as part of the village’s Big Gust Days celebration. Rather than visit another town, we opted to do a grand loop that would return us to Grantsburg in time for Big Gust pancakes.

Elevations and valleys produce great scenery and challenging bicycling. To build up our appetites we decided to aim for one of the top five hills in Burnett County, the widowmaker - Whispering Pines Road.

But first, we had to get there. Travelling in the group were regulars Tim Wick and Mike Myers and Jeff and John. Tom Hinrichs had to beg off at the last moment because of a previous running race commitment.

We left Grantsburg on Russell Road, hitting a nice hill

A happy Jacob Bernard with an empty plate. – Photos by Jeff Evenson

Connor, Whitney, Lucy, and Brent Meyers enjoying the breakfast at the first table.

in town, that cruises past the golf course. It was a good warm-up for the group. We crossed Hwy. 70, traveling south until we reached Hoffman/Crosstown Road, which we took to the left. This took us along for several miles until it linked up with CTH M, which we took to the south. As M approached Spirit Lake Road, we turned south on West Spirit Lake Road. The road ambles past many nice, quaint, well-kept lake homes that are on the west side of the road. It finally dead ends into Whispering Pines Road where we turned eastward. Here’s where the real work began. This incline has a feature that bikers either abhor or our challenged by – two hills. In fact, if one were to take a long backward glance it would become apparent that this road offers an even longer hill, we just began midway up its run. One should then stay on this road, which changes its name to 340th Avenue until it dead ends into CTH W. This leg of the route is similar to the one we took to reach Frederic, for those keeping score.

John was thirsty and had forgotten to fill his water bottles, so on Tim’s suggestion, the group stopped at the Grace Lutheran Church in downtown West Sweden to fill up the bottles. In my estimation, this is one of the two most graceful churches in the area (the other being the Central United Methodist Church in the village of

Grantsburg). After a short break we traveled north on W until meeting back on Crosstown Road, which we took back to Russell Road and into Grantsburg. These 29 miles of riding built up an appetite and the firefighters’ feast awaited.

As a pancake breakfast, we had only one real choice, how much to eat. The fare was simple, but delicious, featuring pancakes, sausage links, milk, coffee and juice. According to chief cook and breakfast planner, firefighter Todd Synder, the breakfast feeds between 600 and 800 each year. Things were bustling when we arrived, but the lines moved quickly. I must say that none of the waiters could compare to any of the sweet or sassy waitresses that we had previously in terms of charm. But, they made up for their lack of style and grace by their speed and friendliness. Jeff rated the pancakes as very tasty and the coffee as outstanding.

Josh Olsen, a firefighter and server, told us that breakfast had been held since the mid-1970s. We wish them another 30 years to equal their success and growth.

Since we all enjoyed the meal and all have homes in the Grantsburg Fire Department District, we can only rate their breakfast five forks out of five. See you on the road.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

Leaving Home

by Gorden Neslund

by Russell Hanson The reason I had for leaving high school was that an elderly couple, which we used to live by in Apple River, needed help on their farm. Of course, I was advised not to quit school by the folks, but it seems I knew better. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Johnson were a wonderful couple. Very religious Lutherans always had a smile on their face and a good word for anybody. A couple years before, their youngest son was playing with the neighbor boy. They made a raft and floated out into the middle of the pond. The raft tipped over and their son drowned swimming to shore. The other boy swam to shore.

Visiting them that night, I remember I was surprised at Mrs. Johnson. She was all smiles as usual to see us and no tears. They were sorry their son was gone but she knew he was in Heaven now. She said “who knows what would happen if he would have grown up to manhood.”

The farm work was the usual. Up early to do the milking before the milk hauler came, then in for a good breakfast. Clean up the barn then it was to do the fall plowing. We used a sulky plow so at best we could ride on it. It seemed that was the coldest fall days I have ever spent sitting on that iron seat.

We used three horses and one was a western with a brand and a little wild. To hold her back we put her in the middle and some times put a blindfold on her to slow her down. After eating noon lunch, Oscar said we always lay down for a half hour nap.

Then he was up and ready to go again. He thought everybody should do that for good health.

I enjoyed working for them but one day I heard that our former Pastor was going to San Diego. They didn’t mind having a rider as their son was also going. It was an easy trip stopping at anything interesting to look at. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was surely an eye opener. The big ranch’s without barbed wire with big herds of beef cattle and the hot desert was new to us. Once in San Diego, I bid the Nelsons goodbye and boarded a bus for Oakland.

That is where brother Albin was living and what could he say but “Welcome” when his Wisconsin brother knocked on the door. It was great to see each other. We couldn’t believe it. We sat talking and when looking at the clock it was two in the morning. We spent the weekend visiting other people I knew there from Wisconsin. We went to San Francisco with its China town plus other parks. Fisherman’s’ Wharf was an interesting place to eat.

This was in the late thirties and the economy was at a standstill. Jobs were very hard to come by. Many of the college graduates were walking the streets. Albin and Doris had a friend that owned a vegetable farm near Hayward. They needed help as it was the busy season, so I hired on. They raised lots of Cauliflower and Rhubarb.

The field help were Mexicans. They would cut the crop and load it on the truck and I was the driver hauling it into the sheds. There others cleaned it some, crated it and it was hauled into town. There was a shack out in the field where I slept but ate meals cooked by the farmer’s wife. She was a very good cook and he was another guy that always took a nap after he ate. He was short, fat and as soon as he finished eating, his head would drop so his chin laid on his chest and he started snoring immediately.

He didn’t have to go and lay down like Oscar Johnson did after eating. They were scratching to make a living, but later I heard they sold the farm to developers between Oakland and Hayward but the farmland was soon covered with houses all the way.

That year it seemed to rain every day and was a record rainfall some said. The temperature was always cool and damp. Their house had very little for heat and of course, my sleeping shed had none. Was not the nice California weather I expected. Along that thought, Albin had a job for a while with a company that insulated houses. It was as much to keep them cool inside in the summer and dust free as to keep them warm in winter season.

One job I enjoyed was working at a Dude Ranch. Being raised with horses, it was easy to take care of them. Brush them down before putting on the saddles. Some of the first time riders needed a boost to mount the horse. It was always the reverse job when they came back.

After almost a year around California, a

Gordon Neslund’s first car, a 1928 Pontiac Roadster. Neslund tells of his hobo trip from California back to Wisconsin in the Great Depression years.

– Photo submitted friend of mine talked me into going back to Wisconsin. He was Gordon Hanson who used to live back there. He came to Oakland with the rest of his family. They were hard scrabble farmers not doing good, only hard work trying to make a farm out of brush land. They loaded two cars with their best belongings, the five children and headed west. The father had a brother living in Oakland and he had a landscape business so they were promised work when they came out there. Many of the families in the dust bowl dry years of Oklahoma headed to California and Oregon about those years.

After deciding to leave California, the first was to get our luggage. At the local feed store, we got two sacks that were empty and clean. Into them, we put some clothes, small blanket and the all famous can of Pork and Beans. Maybe some soap, toothbrush and a razor. We were taking the railroad, but not the passenger as the ticket price was more than Gordon had. I had saved enough of the small wages I had made to buy a ticket, but why not have the experience to ride for free.

It sounded like a new adventure for a couple farm boys.

After saying our goodbyes, we boarded a city bus and headed for the railroad station.

Walking down to the main yards was not really the thing to do, but we didn’t know it at that time. After standing by the tracks for some time, an engine came by pulling some empty box cars. It wasn’t moving very fast so we just threw our sacks inside and hopped in. We sort of looked at each other and said that was easy and we are heading home. Well, after a few blocks the cars were side tracked and disconnected. A short trip so we jumped out, walked back to where we started. Standing there like a couple lost sheep, I can imagine what people thought looking at us. About that time, a big locomotive was coming down the track but it was pulling a passenger train. I happened to look up at the engineer and he kept pointing to the other side of the tracks or yard.

Way over there was a freight just starting out but there must have been twenty sets of tracks between us and the train. We looked again at the engineer and he waved at us to get going over there. He was going slow so we had time to run in front of his engine.

Well run we did, jumping over all those tracks and got to the train just as a flat car came rolling up.

We threw our sacks onto the car and I can still see the big black hands that grabbed my arm and pulled me up as if I weighed only thirty pounds. Gordon was also pulled up and this time we were in the company of eight men and really on the way out of town.

The weather was fine so we sat down, talked to our new found friends and rode the day through.

Coming into a town, it was evening, the men were jumping off before we get into the station. Walking down to the river, we found lots of people that had been riding the trains. The place is called the “Jungle” where they have their campfires to make meals, clean up and sleep over. When they leave the idea is to walk through town and catch a freight as it leaves. That way you probably wouldn’t get caught by the “Bulls” or police. As long as you were leaving their town, they seemed to think good riddance.

Well we had our beans heated right in the can and it was a great meal when you are hungry. After a campout for the night, we did leave town on another train that was heading south. This time there was no open boxcars, so we sat on the top where there is a foot wide cat walk the length of the car.

After a couple hours we climbed down onto the car behind that had farm machinery so we sat on the seats. There also sat our

new friend that had told us to get off the train the day before. Talking to him, he asked about where we were going and why leaving California. The answer of course was we were returning to Wisconsin where we grew up.

We were taking the southern route, as it would be warmer climate. That’s when Fred, our new friend, told us we should change our direction. He had been a “Hobo” for years so he knew the best ways of traveling.

A Hobo is someone that would probably travel and go with the seasons. It could be where the work is or where the weather is warmer like California in the winter, get a job to make a living and enough money to travel on to different states and new jobs. A “Bum” would also travel by freight but was not very likely to work. He would rather beg for food and handouts and move on instead of work. That is the way it was explained to us but we were among the other breed. We saw many people traveling that way. Both men and women, some with their children. One fellow we really felt sorry for was a guy limping along on one leg and crutches. When he grabbed the ladder on a moving boxcar and pulled himself up the crutch came with as he had them tied to himself.

Now back to Fred. He told us we should not travel the southern line because they did not like free riders and many were put in jail.

He said the chain gang was not uncommon in some states. The Northern Pacific was not that concerned unless you made trouble of some kind. Fred said he was making his way back to New York so we could travel together if we wanted to. As green as we were at it, that sounded good. The first thing we had to do was change direction. He knew there was a crossing up in the mountain where the train will be going very slow and we can jump off. Jump off we did but there was not even an outhouse there. Just a set of rails running northeast. How Fred knew about that junction I don’t know but he must have been there before. It was soon sundown so what to do in the middle of this pine forest. We broke off enough pine boughs to make a teepee to sleep in and had a camp fire burning just outside most of the night. Fred was much better equipped for sleeping out that we were. He had a canvas to put on the ground first, in Boy Scouts we called it the ground cloth that kept the blanket dry and warmer. Then we put our two blankets down, then his other thin plastic on top and we all crawled in. When you are tired enough you can sleep anyplace and it really wasn’t bad. Two nights and the next day a train we needed came chugging up the mountain. Putting out the fire and grabbing our gear we made a dash and climbed on.

Good to be riding again and now in the right direction. Where we were I still don’t have any idea, but in a day or so we were staying in a jungle along side some river. It was a nice place to spend a couple days and it was the first time I had ever panned for gold. To our surprise, we did find some, which I had in a little bottle for years. Some of the people were going to spend all summer there.

The gold rush days were long gone but the rivers were still producing gold. Some of the guys would work the rivers and stay along the river below the high water mark. The land owners didn’t like it but legally they didn’t own the shoreline below the high water mark. That is what they said and I have heard of it since.

Traveling through the mountains was certainly a scenic experience. From the snow caps to the river valleys with the beautiful waterfalls. Then there were the tunnels that the trains run through. The first one we saw was an education. Not knowing the tunnel

was just ahead we were riding on top a car too close to the engine. Inside the tunnel the smoke, sparks and soot was warm and we came out the other end much dirtier that when we went in. Just a lesson to learn when riding the rails. It would have helped probably to crawl down and stand between the cars on the coupling.

The train was following a river and a small town was coming up so we got our sacks and readied ourselves to step off. Well, the train was not about to stop there but it did slow down so off we jumped. Your feet had to be running when they hit the ground or you would go falling head over heels.

There was a nice jungle there by the river so we stayed a couple days to rest and clean up.

Some thoughtful traveler had even wired a mirror to a tree to shave with. Just like back home with running water only this water is the river. Our food was not just a can of beans anymore. Good old Fred cured that.

He had said if we gave him twenty five cents a day each he would see to it that we all eat.

He would walk into town and come back with anything from pie to potatoes. Even in hard times, we knew that fifty cents a day wouldn’t buy much. Before he left us in St. Paul, he told us some tricks of the road. He would carry his coat over his arm and the sleeve of the coat was put into the pocket.

The bottom of the pocket was cut open so when he picked an item off the shelf in the store it would be put into the sleeve. It would slide down the sleeve into the pocket, which had an open bottom so the item would end up in the coat lining. It sounds complicated and even hard to explain but that was his story. Of course, he had to buy some things.

Traveling on the freights is not always the safest way to go. I remember one evening we were riding in an open car meaning the car was empty and the door was open. We were sitting in one end inside and four guys on the other. During the night, there was a big argument between them but next morning all was quiet. The three guys were not talking and the fourth fellow must have been thrown out the door. Some have been killed while jumping on or off, or have fallen under the wheels to have a arm or leg cut off.

One day we were riding on top of a refrigerator car. The wind was cold and so were we. On the end of the car is a compartment to put ice into. It was empty and the cover was blocked open a few inches. We opened them up and crawled down the ladder inside. It was a lot warmer in there and we did block the cover open some but not a smart place to ride if the lid closed on us. When riding inside a box car we would try to have something to put in the doorway so it couldn’t slam shut and lock. It has happened and they have found themselves locked in for days. On nice days, if we found an open car we would sit for hours in the doorway watching the scenery go by. Fred always had a small rope to tie himself on if riding in the open.

The tracks look smooth and the wheels look round so that should make for a nice ride. Not always so! If the wheels had been braked too hard they could slide and make a flat spot and the car would be constantly bouncing making a rough ride. Sometimes very rough and one would try and go to the next car. Another jolt you could get is when the engineer puts the brakes on. There is slack in the couplings between the cars so it snaps the car and you get thrown forward and when he speeds up you get jerked backward.

After about three weeks, we came into St. Paul, Minn. Fred said goodbye as he was going on to New York and we were heading for the Greyhound Bus Station. After buying a ticket for Centuria, we looked for the rest room. Warm water and soap and a guy standing there to offer you a towel. What a different world. Apparently, we were a little shabby looking as the man asked Gordon if I was “colored” or a white man. I could understand why because when I washed my face the water turned pretty dark. Well, he didn’t offer us a towel. Suppose he thought there would be no tip from those two bums, so we used the paper. The last day was a dirty ride. The only place to ride was in an open gondola or coal car. It was also too close to the engine so we got a lot of soot and smoke. Boarding the bus and it seemed a short ride till we arrived in Centuria. A man was hauling the mail to Balsam Lake and we rode with him so our journey was over.

Looking back on it, I am glad we traveled by freight but would not advise it as a way to go, but thanks to James Jerome Hill (18381916) and the Northern Pacific Rail Road and the Great Northern Railway.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Auction at a Country School

by Bernice Abrahamzon Red arrows tacked to trees point the way to the country school auction. Across Wood River bridge in Burnett County, Bernice northwestern Wisconsin, I turn right off the highway, drive two Abrahamzon miles south and there the school sits on a shady, corner lot. The building is white clapboard with a belfry at the front. It is surrounded by tall trees, and the playground is all green grass.

Just for today, the school is no longer deserted; the rooms once again echo to the sound of voices, and there is activity and laughter, visiting among neighbors. Small children play in groups, sliding down the slides with shouts of, “We don’t have these where we are now!” and swinging on giant strides and pumping hands full of water for each other at the old pump near the door.

The antique hunters are here, mentally cataloging what to bid on and how high to go. The onlookers are here, too, like me, who came because an ad in the newspaper beckoned with its promise of rare treasures. It is an offer which describes, not the bargains of the year, but the bargains of yesteryear.

The school itself is a big, two-room building with high ceilings and high windows. Although it was built in the late 1800s, there are signs that the people in the area have cared for and tried to maintain the property. The high ceilings are squared and in embossed tin; the floors are completely tiled in red and gray vinyl and there is a well-equipped kitchen for the hot lunch program. Two new furnaces provide heat, and each room has a piano to provide music.

Closer scrutiny however, reveals there is no running water in the building; outdoor buildings are the restroom facilities, boys in one direction, girls in another, old fashioned cloakrooms lie along one side with pipes for coat racks, and wooden steps resound to the stampede of feet. Moss is growing on the roof, and the cedar shingles are warped and bulging.

It is no wonder that consolidation has come to a country school, and progress has moved the children to a new building on the highway, with much glass, brick and a brave display of primary colors.

But I can’t help but wonder how many children have passed through grades here, how many school programs have been presented on the wooden platform erected at Christmas time, how many teachers have tried their wings teaching their first children here? How many Friday nights have the lights burned for the oldtime school meetings with parents making school decisions, visiting together and enjoying the lunch afterwards?

Now, before the auction begins, crowds mill around as people inspect the furniture, pulling out drawers, slamming them shut, opening cupboards, peering and poking and asking themselves if this is something they could possibly use.

The auctioneer with his traditional cane, mark of his trade, taps the edge of the hay wagon and calls out, “All right, folks, let’s start.” He climbs up on the wagon bed and for this particular show, it becomes his sounding board, his stage. The people move closer as the auctioneer taps his cane again and they look appraisingly at the piles of articles already stacked on the platform.

Rows of teachers’ desks stand to one side of the school grounds, old bookcases with the glass gone, marbletopped home economics tables with little round swingout stools attached, coat racks, benches, tables; all the equipment which filled a schoolhouse in another era is out in the cool autumn light.

The auctioneer shares his platform with a clerk who writes down all purchases and names of buyers. The sale begins small, with stacks of utility dishes from the kitchen, odds and ends of silverware and glasses, dishpans, rolling pins and graters. A few people bid. Faces become more interested as Paul Bunyan-sized kettles and pans are held up. They go high, we all agree.

Men who are helping at the sale carry out whole sections of blackboards and the auctioneer says, “Here you are, folks, real slate. Who’ll say five dollars?” She answers, “Just one.” Piece after piece is sold and handed out to the buyer. A woman says, “Oh, this is heavy. Wait until I get my husband to help me.” The auctioneer continues, “Just one left, folks. The best of the lot!” and he throws in a handful of felt erasers as a bonus to the buyer.

Water coolers are next. Some are fat blue-gray crocks with bubbler attachments. Others are enameled cabinets with a place for a pail underneath for wastewater. Several go to county historical societies.

World globes do a spinning business, and roll-up maps in their olive-green cases sell well. Many who have never left their own communities take an interest in faraway places. One woman watches a man buy a whole bundle of maps for a dollar and then offers him 5¢ for just the one map of South America. He sells it to her.

Folding chairs go quickly, as bidders purchase them for churches or clubs. Brown metal ones go for $2.25.

“How many you want?” The answer is “20” “Give her

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

20 here. Still have 15. Who wants them at the same price?” asks the auctioneer. The wooden folding chairs go for less. “I should have waited and bid on them,” grumbles a man who purchased 20 metal ones.

The sale progresses. Small student desks go sky high as parents buy them for their children. The larger-sized student desks go begging. Perhaps due to the deep craving and scratches on their lift-up lids, or perhaps older children wouldn’t care for desks at home.

Lucky bidders carry their purchases to their cars.

Some items will have to be hauled later: the furnaces and parts, gas tanks, deep well pump, kitchen range, refrigerator and lumber.

A wall clock is held up by the sale clerk. Set in a wooden frame of oak, no glass, a key for winding still stuck into its middle, the thin pendulum swinging back and forth in the man’s hand, the clock speaks of another world. It has a paper face glued onto the surface, and there are more numbers on it than the usual twelve. Antique dealers close in as the auctioneer alerts them with the words, “This is a real old-timer, folks.” They already know that fact, and the bidding is brisk.

A second clock is held aloft with the remark, “This one still runs, folks. Been running since 1895. The date is on the back.” His stamp of approval sends the bids higher.

Assorted tables are carried out, bought and carried off. Everything is to be sold, and all sales are final. The bell in the tower is the piece de resistance and is expensive. “It’s worth that in scrap iron,” the buyer says. How many reluctant pupils has it called to school, how many recesses has it given and then recalled in 15 minutes, how many echoes has it set up across the fields? It was a privilege indeed if the teacher allowed one to pull the bell rope. There is no rope attached to it now, and the bell has been silenced. What a job it will be to remove it from the lofty height it has occupied all these years.

The teachers’ desks are next in line. Spectators, who have been sitting on the desks, now rise, and the auctioneer hops on the top of the first desk and says, “All right, folks. What’ll you give for it?” A farmer in bib overalls buys that one.

I find myself caught up in the mood of the crowd and what has been a vague longing to have a desk some day is now a compelling force. When the auctioneer says, “Who’ll give me five dollars?” I answer, “Here.” Someone raises my timid bid. “Say six dollars,” the auctioneer urges me. “Yes,” I repeat in a voice growing stronger by the second. My competitor goes higher. “Say seven,” pleads the auctioneer. “Don’t lose out when you’ve gone this far.”

I look at the sturdy oak desk; I note the deep drawers; I visualize it in my house. My heart is pounding.

The crowd is waiting and suddenly it seems like the most important thing in my life to possess that battered old desk, to claim it for my own. I can’t speak, but I nod my head. My opponent knows I mean to have it at any price. He drops out of the bidding, and I am the owner.

The final sale is the flagpole, set in cement in the schoolyard. It will have a new life on somebody’s lawn.

The crowd has thinned out. Evening is coming on, and the auction is over. The auctioneer looks around and asks, “Is that it?” and his helpers answer “Yep, that’s it.” The clerk is buys totaling up what people owe him, making change, and I pay for my desk. Cars pull away from the country crossroads.

I return home in my small car and tell my husband, “I bought a desk.” He’s nice about it and says, “Let’s go and get it then, will it fit in the station wagon?”

“I don’t know,” I answer and am suddenly struck by the enormity of my deed. We drive the 15 miles back to the school. By now the red eye of the sun is resting on the rim of the work, and the chill of evening has come.

My desk sits alone in the grassy year. We manage to wedge it into the back of the station wagon.

“Do you want to see the school?” I ask my husband, and we go inside, walk through the classrooms, snap the lights on and off, come out and shut the door. Someone will probably be back to lock up.

The ground near the pump is wet; the grass is crushed from the many feet standing there throughout the afternoon. Blank windows stare back at us as we stand there.

The schoolhouse, too is going, going, gone.

This essay earned first place and a jade ring in the statewide contest of the Wisconsin Regional Writers’ Association in 1984.

Summer people The summer people have moved back to town; I am alone with the fall.

Grapes in the arbor are hanging down; Woodbine is red on the wall.

Shining horse chestnuts dot the lawn; Thorn apple trees are aglow – The summer people have packed up and gone, I was glad to see them go.

The lake and the beach, trees and the sky, The late-blooming asters and trailing vine, The formal garden, the geese on high – With no intruders, the country is mine. – Bernice Abrahamzon Reprinted from “New Poetry of Wisconsin” edited by August Derleth, 1969.

Until next week, Bernice

Do you remember ?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago The Polk County Fair was set for Aug. 1-3.-A training hospital would be at Blasam Lake Aug. 8, 11, 12.George Grim would be speaking at Milltown Co-op meeting.-Do you remember Stamy Resort and Restaurant at Luck?-W.E. (Bill) Thompson was running for county clerk for Burnett County, Town of Anderson.-Specials at the Frederic Farmers Co-op Store were seedless grapes at 2 lbs. for 29¢, cabbage at 3-1/2¢ lb., Thuringer at 79¢ lb., picnic hams at 49¢ lb. and pork roast at 55¢ lb.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included Certo at 29¢ qt. bottle, Sure Jell at 2 for 29¢, kidney beans at 4 cans for 45¢ and potatoes at 10 lbs. for 39¢.-The Webster postmaster, Roy Fahland, was retiring after serving for 25 years.-A grand opening was held for the Children’s Shop at St. Croix Falls. Co-owners were Ruth Budsall and Carrie Olson.-The film “The Young Lions” was playing at the Frederic Theatre starring Marlon Brando, Montgomery Cliff and Dean Martin.-The film “God’s Little Acre” was coming to the Frederic Theatre.-Ray’s Firestone was having a big sale, as they said the boss was gone.

40 Years Ago Fourth of July breakfast was served at the Clam River Clubhouse south of Webster, sponsored by the Fishbowl’s United Sportsman’s Club. Cost was $1, and children under 12 at 50¢.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Super Market were all-meat wieners at 49¢ lb., Co-op salad dressing at 39¢ qt., Jell-O at 4 pkgs. for 77¢, marshmallows at 19¢ lb. bag and Van Camp’s Pork and Beans 5 cans for $1.-Route’s Super Market, Frederic, was remodeling for customers convenience where bananas were 9¢ lb. and ice cream was 59¢ for 1/2 gallon.-A dance was held July 4 and also July 6 at Log Gables, Webster.-A wedding dance was held at Indian Creek Hall on June 29 for Gloria Lansin and Chuck Wood, with music by Vince Nahkala.-Specials at the Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included bananas at 10¢ lb., Prem at 49¢ can, Heinz catsup at 2 for 89¢ and Velveeta cheese at 2 lbs. for 99¢.-Pastor and Mrs. James Everson were moving to Madison. Pastor Everson came to Atlas in 1935 to serve the parish and left in 1968. Both were much respected and beloved.Burnett County officials learned of Breathalyzer tests.-The Indianhead Gem and Mineral Club met July 2, at the Sportsman’s Rod and Gun Club, Webster.

20 Years Ago Former school board chairman at Frederic, Robert Blake, gave an evaluation formula.-Frederic Lioness Club sponsored a tour of homes on June 18.-Henry and Ruth Ogren of Frederic celebrated 50 years of marriage.-Roger Giller was charting local weather.Harvey Stower will be a candidate for state Assembly.-The Frederic Lioness were sponsoring a magic and comedy show starring Bruce Russell and Gigi plus the Frederic Bell Choir.-Frederic Family Days ran June 16-19, with many events, including music

by Rick Malecha, Joe Campbell and Mel Guyette; square dancing by director Ike Joles and group; mixed sampler quilt show, etc.-Obituaries included Betty Erickson, Michel Minadeo, Jennie Lindgren, Gerald Rose, Thomas Brooks, Elrie Ullum Jr. and Joyce Jullen.-Combined bids brought the Polk County Social Services building $56,000 over base.Lois Eklund celebrated her 80th birthday on June 26, at Sunrise Apts., Frederic.-The 40th anniversary of Arvid and Doris Jensen was celebrated June 18, 1988, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.-Open house was held for the 50th wedding anniversary of Eldo and Helen Bengtson at West Sweden Lutheran Church.-Wayne King, Webster, had plans to expand at Wayne’s IGA Store.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hello, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County. I hope you all had a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday. Mine was pretty quiet, which is OK by me.

Fireworks make me want to go run and hide. Did you know that a lot of Blacky dogs wind up at a shelter for just this reason? It’s true. We can become so afraid of the noise and spectacle that we take off running, YAPpenings and then get lost because we’re all confused and upset. It’s not fun. I think someone should invent earplugs for dogs. Until they do, please be mindful of the kinds of things that can scare your dog right out the yard.

I have to admit that when I first sat down to write this week’s column, both my mind and my computer screen were blank. I’ll tell you why: I was not able to hitch a ride to the shelter with my mom the last few days because she was away extra-busy at work, and she still won’t let me drive the car! (I know my feet will reach the pedals, but she says I need a driver’s license and opposable thumbs. Hmmph, details.)

Anyway, holidays are like that around my house, and my brothers and I have to hold down the fort, but it’s still easy livin’ for us, at least. We still get to squeeze in a walk or pile into the car on too-hot days for a quick swim. I’m thankful we are not tied up and forgotten about in the backyard like some unfortunate dogs. A dog shouldn’t have to live on the end of a

SHELTER

chain, or be left alone indefinetly in a kennel. We’d all like to have a full life, too, with companionship and play time and excercise. Taking your mutt out for a walk is the social equivalent of a night on the town for you humans. There are so many things to sniff and check out - it’s a blast! And simple: It doesn’t cost you money, and you won’t wake up with a sore head the next day, either! A word of caution, however. In the summertime when it gets really hot and humid, either walk us in the early-morning or evening hours so we don’t overheat. Hot pavement is the worst! It burns our paw pads and makes us hotter than we already are. Also, if you are the owner of a dog of the short-nosed variety, (think “pug” and you’ll know what I mean), then you need to be extracareful as they have a hard enough time breathing as it is. Those fellas are best kept inside with the air conditioning on.

Picky, aren’t I? I don’t mean to be, but I know not everyone considers what it’s like to be a dog, and I feel I need to give people a gentle prod once in awhile.

Not all dogs have an outlet to tell you what they want you to know, so I consider it my duty to speak for my four-legged pals. Next time, I will have more shelter tales to share with you about who’s new, who’s who and other goings-on. In the meantime, stay cool, and I’ll see you here next week!

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 715-866-4096.

Siren

349-2964

I hope you all enjoyed a safe and fun-filled Fourth of July through all our family gatherings and our neighborhood backyard picnics. I hope you took some time to remember how this event took place and the reason we enjoy it. Let’s not forget the past men and women who served, fought and died for this freedom, and the ones who are now serving so it will continue.

The Friends of the Burnett County Library will hold a luncheon on Saturday, July 12, starting at 11:30 a.m., at the Webster Community Center. Author John Koblas will be the speaker. Tickets are $6 per person and can be purchased from Friends of the Library or at the library.

Sympathy to the family of Viola Selma Marie Peterson, who passed away June 25.

Sympathy to the family of Louise Torrez, who passed away June 25.

Sympathy to the family of John Lind, who passed away June 26.

The Siren Covenant Church will host a Siren commu-

Bev Beckmark

nity block party on Sunday, July 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. Come enjoy the free entertainment and refreshments.

Tent City, at the so-called Bells Ranch went up this year on Thursday evening and Friday morning in anticipation of the Fourth of July weekend. Art and Bev Beckmark joined the group for the annual Fourth of July picnic Friday evening. On Saturday evening all the girls gathered at Bev’s house for a margarita and taco party, leaving the guys to handle the kids and make supper on their own.

The Siren Covenant Church will be hosting the second anniversary of Burnett County’s Drug and Alcohol Court on Friday, July 11, with a pancake breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Art and Bev Beckmark enjoyed visiting with Bev’s nephew, Craig Anderson, of Monroe, N.C., on Sunday. He has been visiting friends and relatives in the Minneapolis and Duluth, Minn., areas for a week and will return home this weekend.

Amery Senior Center

by Susan Shachtman, assistant director It’s hard to believe it, but half the year is already over!

Where does the time go? Sure goes fast when you’re having fun and busy, though. Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July, with lots of visiting with family and friends, cookouts, swimming, fishing and watching fireworks.

The Wii bowling was a success and a lot of fun. Mary Fisher was the winner, with Jerry Fisher second, Ed O’Neill third and Paul Seidel fourth. Tournaments are on Tuesdays at noon, cost $2, with top winners receiving prize money. Come on in and join the group if you are a member and over 18. The first 12 people to sign up and pay get to play.

Next Thursday, July 10, at 11:45 a.m., we will be having our monthly birthday party with a hot lunch and birthday gifts for those celebrating their birthdays in July. Anyone who would like to join us for lunch and socializing is invited to give the center a call to get on the list. There will also be blood pressure checks done prior to lunch.

The center will be closed on Friday, July 18, for maintenance, which will also cancel any rides that day.

Sidney Lund was the winner of Monday bridge, with Bernice Gilbertson second. There were 10 players in the pool tournament this week, with Carl Johnson winning first place after a good battle. Mary Fisher came in second, Art Butler third and Val Hansen in fourth. They really had a good time. Our Wednesday bridge players always enjoy themselves. This Wednesday, Sandy Thorn was the winner, with Lila Ward second, Syndey Lund, third and Shirley Staebler in fourth.

Our trip to Branson in October is still open for signup. It is going to be a great trip, with lots of shows and activities, and hopefully, beautiful fall colors down that way in the Ozark Mountains. Don’t miss out on this trip.

We still have some seats on the bus for the Church Basement Ladies second show, but you do need to call as soon as possible to make your reservation and pay, as time is getting short. Also, don’t forget the Twins game on Sept. 11.

Door County is the first weekend in September after Labor Day. It will be a great getaway, especially staying at

the beautiful Bridgeport Waterfront Resort in Sturgeon Bay, with its waterfront views, indoor pool and hot tub. This is another trip you don’t want to miss.

There are always many activities and things going on here at the center. It you are not already a member, don’t hesitate to drop by and check us out, we’ll be glad to talk to you and show you around.

Have a great week.

Judith Alles, trip director

Engagement

Morseth/Barry Esten and Sharon Morseth of Frederic and Paula and Charles Barry of Lakeville, Minn., are pleased to announce the upcoming marriage of their children, Emily Morseth and Andrew Barry.

Emily is a 1999 graduate of Frederic High School and a 2000 graduate of Anoka-Hennepin Technical College as a surgical technician. She is currently attending the UWEau Claire for her Bachelor of Science in nursing and will be graduating in December 2008. She is currently employed at Fairview Southdale in Edina, Minn., for a nursing internship.

Andrew is a 2000 graduate of Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a 2006 graduate of UW-Stout with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and minor in business. He is currently employed in Minneapolis, Minn., as a property manager.

An Aug. 9 wedding is planned in Wisconsin.

The couple will reside in Eagan, Minn. – Photo submitted

Dewey - LaFollette 468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Donna and Gerry Hines hosted a family potluck picnic at their home on the Fourth of July. Thirty-four relatives were there.

Nina and Lawrence Hines spent the Fourth of July in Richfield, Minn., at the home of their daughter, Sue and Colin Harrison.

Alan and Ryan Hanna were guests of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen on the weekend.

Chris Harrison came to visit Lawrence and Nina Hines Friday and he went home Saturday.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen were supper guests of Jake and Holly Mangelsen and family Saturday. Other family members and friends were there also.

Nina and Lawrence Hines went to Tracks Saturday evening. They attended the 55-year reunion of the class of ‘53 of Shell Lake High School.

Saturday evening visitors of Ronda and Maynard Mangelsen were Terry, Jean, Brin, Bria and Bryce Williams and Karen and Hank Mangelsen.

Don and Lida Nordquist were guests at the home of Joleen and Richard Funk and family Sunday. Jan and Jim Schott and family were there also and they all helped Lida celebrate her birthday.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Olin/Borresen Norma Olin of New Richmond and Jeff Olin of Balsam Lake wish to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Jean Olin, to Tony Daniel Borresen, son of Connie and Rick Whittier of Lidgerwood, N.D., and Bruce and Sally Borresen of St. Croix Falls.

An Aug. 16 wedding is being planned.

The couple resides in Balsam Lake. – Photo submitted

Engagement

653-4281

Lewis

It’s amazing how quiet it was here in Lewis on the Fourth of July. Very different from the old days, thank goodness.

Have you been to the Pine City Flea Market this year?

Lots of blueberries and blackberries along with lots of miscellaneous merchandise.

People enjoyed the auctions in this area over the weekend. Imagine a whole trailer load of depression glass.

They say it’s not worth what it once was. So the market fluctuates. My sons have strict orders, “If you find a hand can opener that looks as if it might work, buy it.” Three new ones in the kitchen drawer are so hard to turn that the operator runs the risk of spraining a wrist.

When I mentioned to a friend that I once picked berries off a Juneberry tree, she asked, “Where did you find such a tree?” It was under the electric lines between us and our neighbors. It’s surprising how many trees are planted by birds. It’s also surprising how many trees are cut down by electric company crews.

When we first moved here, I used to make wild strawberry jam. I see the plants and blooms but never any berries.

We always picked pincherries and made jelly. So much pectin, it never failed. Road crews have ripped out most of the pincherry trees through the years. Mother Nature’s free gifts are no longer available.

I don’t know what year it was that I wrote “On the Fourth of July/I made a Juneberry pie.”

Well, I warned you, if you don’t call me with any Lewis news, I’d make it up as I go.

It was Communion Sunday on July 6 at the Lewis church, with Marie Nelson and LaVonne Boyer, stewards.

Assisting Pastor Tom Cook with the service were Sylvia Schaetzel, Dave Gorson and LaVonne B. It was a patriotic service and the choir members get in the mood with straw skimmers on their heads. How thankful we are to be Americans! We all enjoyed coffee and cake after the service.

Winkie is a 9-year-old, female, Chihuahua-miniature pinscher mix. She has a short, brown and black coat with a docked tail. Winkie was born without her right eye. Her lid on that eye is permanently closed and it doesn’t seem to bother her one bit.

She is a surrendered pet; her owners unable to keep her because of the Arnell economy. Winkie is friendly and outHumane going. She has lived with dogs and cats and likes them both. She tolerSociety ates small children, but would prefer to live with humans 7 years and older.

She knows the commands, “Sit, Stay, Come, Off and Speak.” Winkie is waiting for the right adopter to walk through the door.

Animal shelters and humane societies across the country take in stray, abandoned and surrendered pets.

Whenever possible, the pets are returned to their owners or if unclaimed or unwanted, are adopted to new homes. The animals come to shelters like Arnell, without a dime in their pockets and the shelter assumes the cost of their care. As in any business, and nonprofits like Arnell are no different, a budget must be met in order to remain in business. At times, finding adoptive homes for abandoned animals and meeting a budget don’t seem to go together and this was the case last week when Arnell received a letter from a former adopter who questioned our adoption fee for a kitten.

The letter suggested that a $30 adoption fee was too high and offered a price structure of another shelter that was more in line. Each animal shelter sets their adoption fees by a number of criteria. The cost to care for that “pet without a dime in it’s pocket” until it finds a home, is not without a price tag. Humane societies must pay for electricity, water, heat, medications, telephone, computer privileges, staff wages and much more to stay in business. People are surprised to learn that each animal brought to Arnell costs the shelter approximately $100.

In 2007, that cost was $96.05 for each of the 896 animals taken in. Finding homes and offering a helping hand to

HAPPY TAILS

AWAIT

Chell/Shafer Bruce and Tammy Chell of Siren and Richard and Debora Raisbeck of Fennimore would like to announce the engagement of their children, Amanda J. Chell to William J. Shafer.

Amanda is a 2002 graduate of Frederic High School.

She attended Lakeland College and is currently employed as director of sales at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren.

William is a 2000 graduate of Fennimore High School.

He attended Southwest Technical College and is currently employed full time with the Wisconsin Army National Guard as a recruiter, and is also employed with the Siren Police Department.

A July 26 wedding is being planned, with the ceremony to be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic and a reception to be held at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren.

The couple resides in Siren. – Photo submitted

E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net

Fran Krause

LouAnn and Ray Gackle are ushers for the month of July.

Some juggling of schedules this week with the United Methodist Women meeting at 6 p.m. at the church on Tuesday before the Bible study group at church meets at 7 p.m. DOGS meet Wednesday night at church.

Plans are being made for Charles E. Lewis Day in conjunction with the third-annual tent revival the second weekend in August.

Before that the 41st-Annual Gem and Mineral Show is set for July 26 – 27.

This Friday at 11 a.m. members of the Northwest Regional Writers will meet to carpool for the drive down to Osceola for a noon potluck with the Poco Penners. Bring a dish to pass and something short, which you have written. Meet at the parking lot of St. Dominics.

Part of the information was omitted from the notice about Monday’s meeting of the Indianhead Gem and Mineral Club meeting at the Luck Senior Citizens Center on July 7.

The listed speaker was Larry Retherford on “Working with Opals and Fire Agates.” Also potluck lunch.

As a special treat the Lewis church band played on Sunday, including Bob Nelson, Gloria Chell, Starr Warndahl and Carl Warndahl.

Christine Hjele entertained at her lake home in Siren last Tuesday. Sheila Staples, Lonna Anderson of Stevens Point and LaRae Schaurs of Somerset were her guests.

Christine’s parents were Ray and Gladlys (Mangseth) Anderson. Lonna and LaRae’s parents were Carl and Mary (Harrison) Johnson. Sheila’s parents were Wally and Helen (Westlund) Staples. The ladies parents were friends for many years. Christine served a lunch and the ladies had an enjoyable day.

Since Nicole Nelson’s wrist is broken, her arm is in a full cast, and in three weeks it will be changed to a half-cast.

Nice that summer has really arrived. animals in need is our mission. Our goal is not to make a profit on the animals in our care, but to save lives, raise awareness of their value to society, and keep our doors open.

We accept a loss on each animal for which we find a new home, because that is our mission.

Why ask for a fee at all? Aren’t these animals just lucky to be getting a second chance? Isn’t that the goal of the Humane Society in the first place?

If an animal is free, it might be seen as a throw-away pet and treated as such. It is widely accepted in the animal welfare community, that a fee should be charged to instill a sense of value for each animal. An investment by the adopter ensures his or her commitment to give responsible care to their new pet.

Shelters utilize all of the donations and volunteers available to them and those things differ for each shelter.

They must purchase everything else necessary to provide a safe and healthy shelter to their animals and the public. Adoption fees cover only a fraction of the costs involved in finding homes for stray pets. If the adoption fee for a kitten is higher or lower from one shelter to another, it represents the donations and services that shelter receives. In fact, since all adoption fees are donations to the shelter, it is more helpful to consider the difference in adoption fees from one shelter to another, as just that, a donation. Humane societies are not in the pet-store, retail business. Our business is a service to our community and the animals in it.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, Amery, 715-2687387 or online: arnellhumane.org

Orange

Sympathy to the family of Bill Shives, longtime Webster resident, whose funeral was Thursday at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Harmony HCE received first-place on their booth at the Central Burnett County Fair held in Webster. A large crowd attended the parade on July 4.

Brad and Bryan Krause are spending a week at the boundary waters with the Boy Scouts.

The Jack Witzanys had a family picnic at their home on July 6.

Helen Stone and family returned home to Texas after

Bernice Abrahamzon

LaVonne O’Brien

spending several weeks visiting in the area.

The Teresa Childers family spent the week visiting friends and relatives.

Tom and Becky O’Brien, Mike and Tylyn O’Brien and Teresa Childers and family had a cookout on Thursday evening at Jack and LaVonne O’Briens.

The Tony O’Brien family spent the weekend at their cabin.

John Burford from Colorado, Teri Burford from Harris, Minn., and Bob Burford Jr. from Fairbault, Minn., visited their dad, Bob Burford, over the Fourth of July holiday.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 866-4334 I apologize for not getting a news column out last week and my excuse is that I had a house full of family members painting the walls and ceilings of my home and I was exhausted from all the company and cooking. Thus, I will do a little catch-up.

Thirteen ladies from the Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society enjoyed the delicious salad luncheon prepared by Marion Obzarny at Ike Walton Lodge on Tuesday, June 24. Jane Wardean and Delores Farr received gifts from Queen Mother Mary Klar and were wished a happy birthday in song and greetings. The traveling purple birthday hat was passed on to Mert Kisselburg for her July birthday. It was great to have Darlene Rogers of Menasha with us as she had just returned with her husband Roy and mom, Gladys Beers, from an Amtrack railway trip with other family members to the Leavenworth, Wash., area.

Several hilarious jokes were told by Elva Hughes, Mert and QM Mary. Our mascot, Ms. Hattie, was taken home

by Judi Reese for the month of July. Door prizes were won

by Marie Van Guilder, Helen Sellman, Elva Hughes and Gladys Beers. The place for the July Red Hat luncheon will be listed in next week’s news column.

Deb’s roast beef dinner for “hat day” on June 26 went over well, as 30 diners showed up – with quite a few wearing hats. Winners were Peggy Lawless in her gorgeous 1950s white silk hat; Pete Neubauer – fireman; John Cullen – solar powered hat; and Sandy Wohletz – patriotic hat. All received plates of homemade brownies or cinnamon rolls. Only 11 ladies played dime bingo in the afternoon but they all enjoyed the delicious refreshments served by Peggy Lawless.

Even though Harold Peterson hasn’t been feeling well lately, he still was able to join Gene Johnson, Pat O’Brien, Ken Hayes and Dave Wardean playing pool on Thursday evening, June 26. Darlene Rogers joined her mom Gladys Beers, Jane Wardean, Margel Ruck, Nancy O’Brien and yours truly for cards too.

Deb served yummy white cake with coconut sevenminute frosting for dessert on Friday and those having June birthdays were Edna Canfield, Effie Wester, Delores Farr, Harold Miehle and Jane Wardean. After lunch Gladys Beers, Margel Ruck and I decorated the center with a patriotic theme for the July 4 holiday.

Dave Wardean was busy on Tuesday evening, July 1, moving tables and chairs out of the dining area to clear the way for Steve Zmuda and Mike Pomerleau to install a new energy efficient window on our west wall. Thanks Dave! There was no dime bingo held on July 2 due to the holiday and the crew working at the center, no Thursday night pool or cards, and the center was closed on Friday.

Fourteen ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary, Otis Taylor Post 96, Webster, met on Tuesday, July 1, at the Webster Community Center. An election of officers for 2008-2009 was held and June Larson was elected president; Judy Rother – vice president; Delores Lien – secretary; Anne McCarthy – treasurer; publicity chairs – June Larson, Judy Rother and Mary Klar to share the position.

President June reported that Danielle Stanton and Rachel Larson, the two girls partially sponsored by the Auxiliary on a 19-day trip to Fiji and New Zealand, recently stayed in native huts and went scuba diving and in a glass bottom boat in Fiji, and are now in New Zealand. Both girls individually raised $8,200 for their trip. June’s son John Larson, recently accompanied his daughter, Chelsey, to

Webster Senior Center Washington, D.C., as part of a WHS eighth grade class trip. They also visited Ground Zero in New York City and Ellis Island. The auxiliary also donated to Chelsey’s expenses. President June and Donna and Chuck Lehman attended the Legion and Auxiliary Spring Conference on June 8 at the Veterans Community Center in Hayward.

June also reported that Past-Department Commander Jim Chapin and wife Mary, St. Croix Falls Post #143 and Auxiliary, received an authentic flag that flew over Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. It came with a certificate of appreciation for their effort in the family support of our troops serving in Iraq. The flag was flown into combat on board a U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler in Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 26, 2007.

The village of Webster was jam-packed with cars on Friday, July 4, for the parade that had 80 floats and units registered in addition to other groups of walkers. The parade was led by the Legion and Auxiliary from Webster, and one of the Legionnaires in uniform was Rod Hopkins who has walked in the parade for over 60 years carrying the flag for them. A great record of commitment! The Webster Lioness Club gave free ice cream at the community center after the parade to children age 10 years and under, had a pie and ice cream social and bingo, while the ladies of the Grace United Methodist Church sold ice cream sundaes and root beer floats, the fire department sold hamburgers and brats and then sponsored a water fight, to the delight of the crowd.

To add to the holiday excitement was all that was going on at the fairgrounds with their scheduled activities. For the first time in 38 years, I never even went near the fairgrounds to get a brat or play Lions Club bingo. I spent the weekend in St. Paul, Minn., at the home of my daughter, Connie and Doug Geiger, as we attended the funeral of Debra Campbell, who was the stepdaughter of my late brother, Bill (Joan) Smith, of Excelsior, Minn.

Special thanks go to Jane Wardean for weeding the flower planters; Dave Wardean for weeding the two raised flower beds; Linda Isaacson and the 2 Rivers 4-H Club for planting flowers in all the planters and raised beds; Maxine Stone and Roy Rogers – books; Wes and Norma Mauerer – asparagus; and the Webster Lions Club – chicken and sheet cake.

Just a reminder that the Aging/Nutrition Program annual picnic is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, July 16 (not the 15 as indicated earlier – I was given the wrong date) at the Siren Crooked Lake Park #2 Pavilion.

The Webster High School all school reunion will be held on Thursday, July 17, at Ike Walton Lodge, with the social hour at 11 a.m. and buffet luncheon served at noon. In addition, the Webster High School Class of 1958 50th reunion is set for Friday, July 18, at Ike Walton Lodge with their social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 6 p.m.

Some recent diners that we haven’t seen for a while were Edna Greeson, Charles and Elaine Scott, Gloria and Virgil Beecher, Lois Snyder, Norma and Wes Mauerer, and Earl and Bernie Boelter.

Our get-well wishes and prayers go to Mary Garbe, Antone and Jeremy Gronski, Jim Muus, Edna Canfield, Harold Peterson, Eunice Tollander, Kathy Beyer and Mary Lou Peterfeso. Our sympathy and prayers also go out to the families of Bill Shives and Ernie Lind, in their recent passing.

In these busy days of summer with people vacationing,

Mary Klar rushing holiday traffic, people out sightseeing, others on shopping trips or going about traveling from one garage sale to the next, we hear the distinctive and alarming sounds of sirens. Singer Don Henley says that a siren usually means that “somebody’s going to the emergency room” or “somebody’s going to jail.” And he’s right.

Whether it is an ambulance, fire truck, police car, whatever, someone’s day including the rescue personnel or law enforcement just took a turn for the worse. Sirens are a reminder that our world is sadly broken. Whether the siren is the result of a personal tragedy or criminal activity, something is desperately wrong and needs to be made right. “It helps to remember that God sees our world in its brokenness and has pledged that one day he will wipe away the old and make all things new. That promise encourages us in the hardships of life, and provides the whisper of his comfort, a whisper that can drown out even the sound of sirens.” – B. Crowder. “He is coming! Star of Morning, all the faithful caught away, when the trumpet, in a moment, ushers in the glad new day.” – Dimmock. “He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” – Revelation 21:5. See you at the center!

St. Croix Valley Senior Center The Tuesday afternoon Domino winners were: Ione White in first place, Donna Schlosser in second place and George Meixner in third place. 500 card winners were: Dorothy Falstorm in first place, Jeanne Thomfohrda in second place, Mary Lou Lund in third place, Jim Anderson in fourth place and Alice Darroll in fifth place.

Our July birthday folks are: Russ Adams, Leo Chartrand, Rita Boyle, Mary Lou Lund, Joyce Nelson, Verna Wood, Nina Hooverman, Rich Hustad, Mary McGlothlin, Leota Schwanz and Joan Ziegler. Happy birthday to all of you and have many more.

Humility. Nobody is perfect. Humility asks us to acknowledge our weaknesses and to use our strengths to serve others. Being humble means being grateful for our talents and not bragging about them. It means recognizing greatness in others without being jealous. Thank the people who helped you accomplish a task. Compliment someone for doing a great job. List your strengths and weaknesses. How can your strengths help others? What can you do to overcome your weaknesses? Ask for help when you need it Recognize your limitations. Acknowledge the talents of others without judging yourself. We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.

Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Kim Rosen in first place, Arliss Rosen in second place and Bob Norlander in third place.

The garage sale went over great, as did the bake sale.

Our gratitude goes out to all of those who worked hard getting everything priced and ready for the sale, and for those who baked the goodies to sell.

Have a great day!

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Frederic Senior Center Monday, June 30, Spades was played at 1 p.m. with the following winners: Willie Williams in first place, Stuh Ruhn in second place, Carmen Marek in third place and Vi Luke in fourth place.

Tuesday Whist was enjoyed.

Wednesday Pokeno players, as always, had an enjoyable time together.

Thursday night 500 cards was played at 6:30 p.m., with

the following winners: Nina Vold in first place, Donald Weik in second place, Eleanor Bonneville in third place and Del Hansen in fourth place.

Friday, July 4, was the potluck holiday get-together with lots of holiday food, games and fellowship.

Saturday was our potluck and birthday celebration of the month.

Our monthly meeting will he held at 1:30 p.m., on Fri-

Ardyce Knauber day, July 11. All members are urged to attend.

Wednesday, July 16, the United Aging group is meeting at Golden Oaks Apartment. The topic is nutritious cooking for one and two, presented by Shirley Crowe, nutrition educator.

The Aging Council is important to our age group, as they have gotten benefits for us and fought to keep the benefits that we have been fortunate so far to receive.

Birth announcements Born at Burnett Medical Center: A boy, Levi Henry Matson, born June 28, 2008, to Roy and Krista Matson, Pine City, Minn. Levi weighed 8 lbs., and was 20 inches long.

Grandparents are Frank and Linda Libra Jr., Hinckley, Minn., and Ken and Linda Matson of DeSmet, S.D. Greatgrandparents are Sylvia Raudabaugh of Pine City, Minn., Wally Matson of Hinckley, Minn., and Martin and Bernice Seppanen of Lake Norden, S.D. ••• Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A boy, Kasyn Joseph Fisher, born June 17, 2008, to Alysia and Shaun Fisher, St. Croix Falls. Kasyn weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A boy, Brody Michael Peloquin, born June 24, 2008, to Karli and Garrett Peloquin, North Branch, Minn. Brody weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz.

••• A boy, Lewis James Anderson, born June 24, 2008, to Desiree and James Anderson, St. Croix Falls. Lewis weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A boy, Kalub Jerry Boettcher, born June 19, 2008, to Michelle Johnson and Jeremy Boettcher, Osceola. Kalub weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A girl, Kenadie Grace Points, born June 19, 2008, to Philip

Luck Senior Center Written for last week Greetings from the center! Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful weather. How much rain did you get last Friday, June 27? I had almost 2 inches! Speaking of rain Friday night, we had our monthly potluck/birthday get-together that night, just got in the building then the heavens opened up and did it ever pour! Couldn’t see out the window, it was coming down so hard.

We had a great turnout, with lots of food, fun and fellowship. Our entertainment originally planned did not pan out, so, not to worry, without any expense, we contacted the Not Ready for Night-time Players, and they were willing to put on a skit for us. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Hope we get a good turnout for our Tuesday at the movies this week. “Driving Miss Daisy” will be our movie.

I will let you know next week how things went.

Remember our days and hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Until next week, keep smiling.

P.S. Who took our closed sign? There might be a reward if you know who took it. Remember, we have air conditioning, so come on in to cool off. And, if anyone is interested in learning how to play garbage, I will be very happy to teach you.

Check out Cannel 3 on your TV to see our ad.

Written for this week Hello, there!

So I goofed again. I forgot to get the news to the paper early because of the Fourth of July. Copy needed to be in early. Another senior moment.

Therefore, you are getting last weeks news this week.

Hope you all had a safe and fun Fourth of July. Mine was

and Katie Points, Dresser. Kenadie weighed 5 lbs., 14 oz.

••• A boy, Noah Benjamin Cox, born June 17, 2008, to Ben and Shannon Cox, Milltown. Noah weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Kylie Noelle Thompson, born June 18, 2008, to Rachel Cardin and Calvin Thompson, Osceola. Kylie weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A boy, Daemon Edward Dusick, born June 27, 2008, to Michelle and Brian Dusick, Webster. Daemon weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz.

•••

Shirley Lund uneventful, I was sick, so I watched the fireworks on TV. It was great, no mosquitos.

Update on our closed sign. Thank you Gayland Jensen for the new closed sign.

Last Tuesday was the first Tuesday of the month, also known as Tuesday at the movies day. Our movie was “Driving Miss Daisy.” We had a nice turnout. I think our first Tuesday of the month is a hit. Watch the news for next month’s movie.

A celebration of life for Lou Peterson will be held at the Luck Senior Center on Sunday, July 13, 2 to 5 p.m. All are welcome.

Heat gotcha? Come to the senior center, it’s air conditioned and we have ice tea too.

We are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Keep smiling!

Interstate Park news Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park Friday, July 11 3 p.m. – Hike to the Summit. Join naturalist Barb Walker for a hike up the Summit Rock Trail. Learn fascinating facts about the history and geology of the area and see spectacular views of the St. Croix River. Meet at the Summit Rock Trail sign.

Saturday, July 12 2 p.m. – Junior Ranger. Free booklets with fun activities for parents and their children entering grades K3. Meet the naturalist on the lake side of the Beach House.

2:30 p.m. – Wisconsin Explorer. Free booklets with fun activities for parents and their children entering

grades four and up. Meet the naturalist on the lake side of the Beach House.

4 p.m. – Snakes. Snakes are among the most misunderstood and feared creatures on earth. Stop by the Ice Age Center and visit with naturalist Barb Walker and learn more about these amazing animals. You will also have an opportunity to meet two live representatives!

7 p.m. – Secrets of Eagle Peak. Join the naturalist for a short walk up Eagle Peak Trail.

Learn the secrets of the peak and see a spectacular view of the St. Croix River Valley. Meet at the Eagle Peak Trail sign in the Pines Group Camp.

Wednesday, July 16 2 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.

Thursday, July 17 10 a.m. – Nature Story Time. Join naturalist Barb Walker for a story and activity chosen especially for children pre-K through kindergarten and their parents. Check at the park office upon arrival for program location.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information call Walker or Fox at 715-483-3747. - submitted

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Milltown Public Library The card is key Please bring your library card with you to the library. With it, you can log right on to our six fast computer stations without having to wait in line at the front desk. Our new computer log-in system will help us provide better service to everyone at the library. We greatly appreciate your patience with this new improvement to our computers.

Parenting discussion group The Milltown library will host a weekly parenting discussion circle starting Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. Each week, this group’s discussions will relate to a different chapter from the book “Parenting for Peace and Justice,” by James and Kathleen McGinnis, published in 1990. This secular discussion circle is free and open to all parents. Free, on-site childcare will be provided (although the baby sitters may appreciate a small tip!). The discussion circle will meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for eight weeks, Aug. 5 through Sept. 30. Parents are encouraged to attend as many of the meetings as possible, but not required to attend every week; likewise, reading the book is encouraged but not required.

Copies of the book will be available at the Milltown Public Library.

Summer reading program Catch the reading buzz at the Milltown Public Library this summer. Kids 18 and under can win awesome prizes by registering for the summer reading program. The more you read, the more you can win. Every Friday we’ll give away valuable gift certificates to use at local businesses, and at the end of the summer, we’ll hold a grand prize drawing for an iPod and other exciting prizes to be announced later. Also, every par-

ticipant who turns in 10 reading record sheets will get a cool T-shirt. There will also be a weekly contest called Who Wants to be the Next Entymologist?

Reading program events: free admission • Thursday, July 10, 11 a.m.: Bruce the Bug Guy • Saturday, Aug. 2, 1 p.m.: “A La Carte” puppet show by Circus Minimus • Friday, Aug. 29, 5 p.m.: Grand Prize iPod Touch drawing. Door prizes will be given to those present at the grand prize drawing!

Gamers club Play with the new Wii until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. This is only open to high school and middle school teenagers who have a library card with under $10 in fines. During summer vacation, the Wii will be available from 3:30 until 7 p.m. every Thursday.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast, wireless Internet access. No library card necessary!

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. year-round. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sunday.

The most recent summer reading program event which was the “Love andLanger Magic Show” on Tuesday, July 1. The three kids with balloon hats made by magicians Jason Love and Jeff Lang are (L to R): Tony Koethe, Brandon Koethe and Tyler Brooks. – Photos submitted

Clear Lake Public Library Upcoming summer programs Tuesday, July 15, 3:30 p.m.: Bruce the Bug Guy – see live insects, spiders, scorpions and millipedes.

Thursday, July 17, 10 a.m.: Horray for Honeybees with David Weber of Weber Apiary. Come see a hive, honeycomb, smoker and bee suit.

Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m.; Friday: noon - 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Amery Public Library “Firefly Lane,” by Kristin Hannah Two eighth-graders meet at the bus stop for the first time in 1974 and forge a relationship that will last a lifetime. Coming from very different backgrounds, Kate Mularkey has found her school popularity at its lowest ebb ever, while Tully Hart, beautiful and stylish, befriends Kate and pulls up her status.

Kate comes from a loving family but needs to find a way to navigate eighth grade. Tully hides a drug-addicted mother from prying eyes. Kate and Tully make a pact to be best friends forever, but even though they work at it, distance comes between them when Kelly must move. During college years they reconnect, with Tully heading into television journalism and Kate following behind her backstage in the production end. Tully is obsessed with fame but Kate longs for love and a family of her own. Kristin Hannah is a master of this light but entertaining novel, which will be perfect beach reading.

Library notes Summer reading program has made it very busy at the Amery Public Library. We checked out 1,100 pieces of material on June 25! Many kids enjoyed storyteller Rob Reid last week. Two-hundred-seventy children are signed up for Catch the Reading Bug. It is still not too late to sign up; the program runs until Aug. 23.

Friends of the Library book group will

meet on Monday, July 21, to discuss “The Chosen,” by Chaim Potok. Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us at 7 p.m. for exciting book talk. Everyone is welcome.

Please read the book before you come.

Teens Read book group will meet again on Monday, July 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to discuss “I am Legend,” the classic science-fiction novel by Richard Mathison. Pick up a book at the circulation desk if you are 13 or older. We have a Subway snack, pop and book talk.

Watch this column for more information on The Big Read, which will be happening in September. The Amery Public Library will become the Amery Area Public Library, celebrate it’s 80th birthday, have a Big Read on “The Great Gatsby” and move into our new space. Whew!

Story time on the road will began on Monday, July 7, at 5 p.m. behind the Twin Pines apartments on Minneapolis Avenue. Stop in for stories and crafts with Christinia and Katelyn at 5 p.m. every Monday until Aug 25.

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.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Summer reading 2008 at the St. Croix Falls Public Library The library is a primary resource for fun and creative learning opportunities for school age children over the summer months. This is an invitation to participate in this summer’s Catch the Reading Bug. Catch the Reading Bug programs will began July 1. Kids register for Catch the Reading Bug at the library.

Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m. – Live Bugs, Really!

Wednesday, July 16, 6 p.m. – Swamp Things Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m. – Wormy Wednesday, July 30, 6 p.m. – Buzzzz Upcoming book sale The Friends of the Library will also be holding a huge book sale this summer during Wannigan Days, July 18 and 19. We are accepting donations of gently used newer titles for this sale at the library.

Saturday talk about the book club The book club will meet on Saturday, July 26, at 9:30 am, at the Buzz. The current selection is “Growing Up,” by Russell Baker. ‘’Growing Up’‘ is touching and funny, a hopeless muddle of sadness and laughter that bears a suspicious resemblance to real life...Like all the best humor, Baker’s is

Osceola Public Library

grounded in truth and mellowed by a sense of the sadness in things...His laughs are distilled from the juices of life. He draws from a time and a world very much in the American grain: memories of listening to grown-ups rocking on the porch and sonorously reciting clichés or of Depression evenings in Baltimore spent around the kitchen table with endless talk and cups of coffee. – New York Times Technology Free wireless is available at the library.

Also, visit the library Web site www.stcroixfallslibrary.org to get information on the building project, programs at the library and much, much more!

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Closed on Sunday, 715-483-1777. Check out the library Web site and explore the links – Go to www.stcroixfallslibrary.org

Frederic Public Library

E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Centuria Public Library Book sale at Centuria Public Library Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. is the Memory Days book sale at the Centuria Public Library. Many books will be available for sale on that day and the library staff will provide bags and boxes for you to load up with great books at bargain prices.

between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m., play a fun-filled Wii game with a friend and win special prizes in honor of the Memory Days celebration. Youngsters of all ages can have their face, arm, or leg painted with a summertime themed picture at the library between the hours of 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate Memory Days Besides all of the other activities happening in the village of Centuria for Memory Days, the Centuria Public Library is hosting Wii games for youngsters between the ages of 10 and 15. Come and sign up at the library

Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.; Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: closed; and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.

Osceola Public Library Book discussion “Cannery Row,” by John Steinbeck, will be discussed on Tuesday, July 22, 6 p.m. Drawing characters based on his memories of real inhabitants of Monterey, Steinbeck interweaves the stories of Doc, Henri, Mack and his boys, in a world where only the fittest survive, in a novel that focuses on the acceptance of life as it is – a story at once humorous and poignant. New participants are always welcome.

Catch the reading bug The Osceola Public Library’s youth summer reading program is just picking up speed. We’re giving away lots of great incentives for the young people in our community to keep up their reading this summer. All you have to do is come into the library and register your child. Then pick up the age-appropriate reading record. Once you’ve filled your reading record drop it off at the library for a chance to win any of the cool weekly prizes and the grand prize iPod! (You must be registered to win.)

There are also oodles of programming and events. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. there is an insect-themed story time filled with songs, stories and even special guests from around the area. Every Thursday at 3 p.m. there is a family friendly program at the library, like beekeepers, Bruce the Bug Guy, and lots more! If you’re up for the challenge, take a wack at the weekly entomologist challenges. And for the teens, there is a bug video contest for cash prizes!

So stop on in. There’s plenty of time to still win some cool stuff and there is so much to do!

Grant provides new strength to children Our children’s department got a big boost with the addition of nearly 70 new books thanks to a grant from the Libri Foundation.

In a financially tight year we need to make each dollar provide as much service to our patrons as possible. It is through grants and an active and hardworking Friends group that we are able to do just that. Enjoy the

books everybody!

Summer reading program July schedule: Thursday, July 10 – 3 p.m.: Bruce the Bug Guy. Come see all sorts of local and exotic bugs and live, crawly arthropods like hissing cockroaches and giant millipedes.

Saturday, July 12 – dusk: “The Spiderwick Chronicles” at Millpond Park. Bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy the outdoor showing sponsored by the Osceola Public Library.

Wednesday, July 16 – 6 p.m.: Family story time: Those pesky fleas and flies, with special guest, yoga instructor Cindi Buenzli.

Children and an accompanying adult are encouraged to come join in the themed fun, songs and stories every Wednesday at 6 p.m. throughout the summer months.

Thursday, July 17 – 3 p.m.: Beekeeper: David Weber, a bona fide beekeeper, will share the tools and tricks of his trade.

Wednesday, July 23 – 6 p.m.: Family story time: Tasty Treats in Your Backyard, with special guest artist David DeMattia and Audrey II (a robotic Venus flytrap). Children and an accompanying adult are encouraged to come join in the themed fun, songs and stories every Wednesday at 6 p.m. throughout the summer months.

Thursday, July 24 – 3 p.m.: Bat Lady. She’ll share the myths and realities of bats, peoples and cultures, biodiversity and lots of audience interaction.

Preschool story time Preschoolers and an accompanying adult are invited to join in the fun and stories every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Polk County Library Federation Do you need a vacation? Well, with the price of gas you may need to stay close to home this summer. The Polk County libraries have a great variety of resources on travel in Wisconsin. Some of the titles you may want to check out are; “Grandparents Wisconsin Style,” by Mike Link and Kate Crowley, “101 Things To Do On The Wisconsin Great River Road,” by Norm Rogers and Chris Dinesen Rogers, “Golf Wisconsin: The Official Guide to the State’s Top 25 Public Courses,” by Jeff Mayers and Jerry Polong, “The Best in Tent Camping, Wisconsin: A Guide for Car Campers,” by Johnny Molloy, and “Natural Wonders of Wisconsin: A Guide to Parks, Preserves and Wild Places,”

by Don Davenport.

Visitors at the Polk County Library Federation fair book sale. – Photo submitted

Library booth at Polk County Fair July 24-27 Shop at the library booth at the fair while perusing the other sights of this year’s county fair. The Friends of the Polk County Libraries are selling many items. Stop in and say hi to your favorite librarian and stock up on books for your winter reading.

For further information, contact the library at 715-485-8680. The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant director/youth services is Molly Kessler, and the library clerk is Stephanie Fansler.

The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Balsam Lake Public Library Live Frogs of Wisconsin Saturday, July 12, at 10:30 am. Free program by educator Randy Korb at the library.

All ages are welcome.

Summer reading program: Catch the Reading Bug Join us from 9 - 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month for bugs and gardening fun. Please come to the library, this Saturday, July 12, and get a brochure on all our summer activities or call 715-485-3215.

Free wireless Internet access Find out what you need to know to connect.

Story time Please join us for story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks.

Book club “Peace Like a River” by Leif Enger is the

selection for July. Set in the Minnesota countryside and North Dakota Badlands of the early 1960s, “Peace Like a River” is a moving, engrossing, beautifully told story about one family’s quest to retrieve its most wayward member.

Equal parts tragedy, romance, adventure yarn, and meditation, “Peace Like a River” is an inspired story of family love, religious faith, and the lifelong work and trust required of both. Leif Enger’s first novel is a work of easy generosity and uncommon wisdom, a book to be shared with friends and loved ones. Book club meets Wednesday, July 16, at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Balsam Lake Public Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake.

Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us, Web site: www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave., Dresser, WI 54009.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Coming up Summer Reading 2008, Catch the Reading Bug! continues Thursday, July 10, with Jeremey Williamson from Polk County Land Conservation and lots of buggy critters and

water invertebrates.

July 15: Join us as we go to Dresser’s Central Park on a bug hunt.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and fax number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.

Luck Public Library

Catch the Reading Bug is the theme for this year’s summer reading program. The programs will be held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the library. Come for stories, games crafts and reading bingo. Pick up your bingo cards at the library. See you Wednesdays.

The library is now taking book donations for the Lucky Days book sale. Bring in books, games, puzzles, audio tapes, music tapes or CDs and videos. Remember your donations are tax deductible and we will give you will be given a donation slip for your items. Donations will be accepted until

Friday, July 18, at 4 p.m.

Also the library will be having its secondannual yard sale. Donate what you don’t sell at your sale to the library. It’s tax deductible and for a good cause. Also we would love those one of a kind treasures you no longer have room for. Luck Library will take anything, and is looking for six special items for its raffle. If you have anything to donate, call Marilyn Berg 715-472-2806 or the Luck Public Library 715-472-2770 to make arrangements for drop off.

Frederic Public Library Fishing for Laughs with the Bassmeister The Bassmeister will be at Coon Lake Park on Saturday afternoon, July 26, at 1 p.m. to entertain us with ventriloquism, puppets, balloon animals, and a hands-on exhibit with different fishing “bugs.” The Bassmeister has performed for audiences throughout the country, so mark your calendars and make plans to attend this special event for the whole family.

Join us for Wednesday story time Preschoolers and early elementary children are invited, with their caregivers, to story time at the library on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for an hour of books, activities, and fun. If you would like to read to the children this summer, we welcome you. Please talk to a librarian to choose a date, and we will supply the materials.

Visit our backyard The summer reading program has generated pictures and projects and poems about bugs of all kinds, and we encourage you to stop in to see the colorful, buggy backyard in the children’s room. Kids are welcome to join the activities at any time, so make room on your calendar for weekly events including family movies on Mondays at 3 p.m.; preschool story times on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and a tweens book club that meets every other Thursday at 3 p.m.

Tweens book group meets July 17 We are looking for more middle school kids to join the tweens book group, which will meet Thursday, July 17, at 3 p.m. at the library. Be sure to also check out the new tweens poster and book display of recommended reads. Special projects will include performing a puppet play for preschool story

time this summer, so if you would like to be part of the fun, come to the tweens book group.

July activities for the book groups The Thursday Morning Book Group will meet at the library on July 17 at 10 a.m. to talk about “Assassination Vacation,” by Sarah Vowell, an amusing yet fascinating tour of American history and its connections as the author sets out to learn more about the first three presidential assassinations. Copies of the book are available at the library, and new members are always welcome. The evening Book Group plans to have a supper meeting at an area restaurant on July 17. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact the library for more information.

Watercross donation The library extends gratitude to the Frederic Water X Racing, Inc., for a generous donation as a result of their recent successful watercross race in Frederic. The library appreciates the support from community organizations, and will purchase new materials with the funds.

Free wireless access available The library offers free wireless Internet access for patrons who bring in their laptops installed with wireless cards - no more waiting to use the public access computers.

Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Regular open hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.

- 1 p.m.

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Toxic honey may be the problem Bees disappearing and dying Bees across the nation are disappearing and dying at an alarming rate. They call this devastation Colony Collapse Disorder.

Wisconsin is not immune to CCD, even though it has not been officially reported here. Still, Badger beekeepers are having serious problems. Across the state they’ve reported heavy losses in overwinter colonies this year.

Their concerns are real and official.

Government heads and scientists are scrambling for answers, as bees are vital to our agriculture and the economy.

Infected honey One researcher thinks the answer is in the honey – infected honey.

“Nobody has looked at honey to speak of,” said Dr. Nancy Ostiguy, associate professor of entomology at Penn State University.

“It’s been sort of the elephant in the room that nobody has wanted to look at,” she said Her colleagues might avoid looking at honey for commercial reasons.

“Basically, the general public views honey as pure organic, natural,” she said. And commercial interests do not want that perception polluted. Having researchers suggest U.S. honey is infected would adversely affect the pure perception.”

Regardless, her hunch is the bees’ problem lies in honey.

You’re what you eat Her theory is based in the adage: You are what you eat. Bees eat the honey they make. It’s their main source of food.

For years, beekeepers have used harsh chemicals to combat parasites and diseases that attack bee colonies.

“For 62 years that I know of, we’ve been using chemicals,” said Paul Ekblad, 80, a hobby and commercial beekeeper since 1947 and winner of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association’s 2007 Pioneer Award.

He said beekeepers try and use nonsoluble treatments; otherwise the chemicals get into the honey and no one wants to buy “ medicated Wayne M. honey.”

Anderson Still beekeepers treat their hives with chemicals.

And during foraging the bees are in the farmers’ fields bringing back nectar and pollen – and pesticides. All of these “contaminants from those chemicals in the honey” are what the bees are eating. And this may be a significant part of CCD, said Ostiguy.

THE ANDERSON REPORT

Pathogen problem The bees’ problem “seems to behave like a pathogen,” she said.

Years of eating contaminants may have taken their toll and adversely affected the bees. And the affects are just now showing up in the CCD phenomenon. She said the long exposure to poisons may have weakened the bees’ immune system. And this makes them more susceptible to pathogens, like a virus.

“So that’s what we are trying to do,” she said. “Find out what chemicals might be in colonies, or the range of chemicals, so that we can begin to ferret out what particular ones might be problematical.”

To find this problem, she is canvassing the country requesting honey and comb samples from beekeepers.

Two beekeepers Some members of the Polk-Burnett County Bee Association are helping in this nationwide research. It’s certainly a novel approach and worthy of attention.

Chris Lyman, of Amery, and myself are participating in the Penn State study. The university is leading the pack on finding the cause of CCD. Of course farmers and beekeepers have been using chemicals for years.

Wayne Anderson (L) and Chris Lyman at the Polk-Burnett County Bee Association meeting. The two beekeepers donated honey samples to Penn State University for research on what’s killing bees. – Photo submitted And thus far the bees seemed to be OK with these known substances.

It’s the unknown that’s under investigation.

Nicotinoids “We’ve had to focus on particular chemicals that are of high interest,” said Ostiguy. “So we’re looking at the nicotinoids.”

Nicotinoids are a new kind of insecticides. They act on the central nervous system of bees and other insects, causing irreversible blockage of receptors.

Nicotine in tobacco works in a similar way.

The use of these new chemicals may be a problem.

“See, in order for a person to get sick from a pathogen, you need both the pathogen and you need your immune system not able to handle the pathogen,” said Ostiguy. “What I think is that the pesticides are interfering with the bees’ ability to handle the pathogen, and we have a new pathogen that has come in.”

IAPV Presently what the current, popular

culprit researchers are looking at is a disease called Israel acute paralysis virus. Last year, Wisconsin had its first reporting of IAPV, which was discovered in St. Croix County. IAPV is a known marker of CCD. The mystery of CCD may be caused

by IAPV or toxic honey. Scientists are baffled.

“We haven’t figured out what are the confusing things that are confusing us,” said Ostiguy. “We don’t know yet.”

So she pushes forward with the study into chemical use and pathogens.

Her research should reveal something within a year. Beekeepers and farmers all across the fruited plains and around the world hope she is on to something.

Bees are agriculture’s best pollinators. Humans depend on bees. The cost of losing them would be devastating to all.

••• You can get the buzz on bees with Wayne at wayneanderson@centurytel.net or visit his Web site: www.theandersonreport.com.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Pasture walk held at Trade Lake sheep farm

Strolling through the pastures of a dairy sheep farm at the Falks pasture walk in Trade Lake Township on Wednesday, June 18.

TRADE LAKE – The Northwest Wisconsin Grazier Network held a dairy sheep pasture walk at the Love Tree Farmstead owned by David and Mary Falk on Wednesday, June 18. Dozens of people walked the pastures of the Trade Lake farm to see firsthand how the sheep are rotated through different grazing areas for optimum sheep and plant health.

The Falks have been raising sheep for 20 years. For the last 14 years, they have been milking sheep and making sheep

cheese that is available at the St. Paul Farmers Market and on the Internet.

Grazing animals has become a popular farming method in recent years and is likely to become more popular as the price of corn and other grains increase.

For more information about grazing methods or future pasture walks, contact the UW- Extension ag agents in Spooner at 715-635-3506 or Lynn Johnson at NW Graziers at 715-268-8778. – Sherill Summer

Some of the sheep were as curious about the visitors as the visitors were curious about the sheep. - Photos by Sherill Summer

The bears are back

Gebel Anderson, visiting from San Diego, Calif., investigates the mystery of the appearing stuffed bears and gets ready to place honey supers on beehives. Honey supers are removable upper stories of beehives, where the bees store excess honey. Area beekeepers are now putting on their supers, in preparation for the season’s honey flow. – Photo by Wayne Anderson WEST SWEDEN—Yes, they’re back.

Those two adorable bears discovered sitting outside a local bee yard are back. It is still unknown from where they came – and who is playfully sneaking around and setting them up. But mama bear was again hanging on a bamboo pole with a sign stating, “We’re Back.” Papa

was again sitting against a fence post with one full bottle of honey and several empty bottles on his lap. This time both bears were dressed in blue-plaid vests, instead of red plaid. Anyone having information about these cuddly bears, please call 715-327-5525. – Wayne Anderson

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Dedication of the new Veterans Park held

The ribbon for the new Veterans Park along the Gandy Dancer Trail on Hanson Avenue, Siren, was cut by Ethel Daniels (center), widow of former Burnett County Board Chairman Melvin Daniels, who was a member of the Lund-Brown American Legion Post #132, Siren. With Daniels were (L) Jody and Susie Imme, whose son, Josh, represents those who are currently serving in Iraq, and (R) Sharon and David D’Jock, whose three sons, Jet, Doug and Derek, are in the military, with Doug and Derek representing all those who are serving in the military.

Military parents Jody and Susie Imme, Sharon and David D’Jock hung red, white and blue ribbons on the sign for the new Veterans Park. This photo shows members of the Lund-Brown American Legion Post #132, Siren, OtisTaylor American Legion Post #96, Webster, and V.F.W. Post #1256, Siren. The park is not yet complete, but the community, as well as those who are visiting in the community are welcome to enjoy all that has been provided there.

Photos by Nancy Jappe Pastor John Siedschlag, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Webster, a former member of the United States Navy, gave the prayer at the dedication of the new Veterans Park along the Gandy Dancer Trail at the west end of Main Street, Siren, Friday, July 4. With the pastor is Cmdr. Peggy Morse V.F.W. Unit #1256, Siren, emcee and organizer of the dedication program.

RIGHT: Members of American Legion Post #96, Webster, raised the flag during the dedication of the Veterans Park in Siren July 4. Shown here are (L to R) Mike Huss, Chuck Lehman, Rod Hopkins and Kent Muschinske from Amery V.F.W. Post #7929. The national anthem was sung a capalla by Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland.

As the St. Croix Falls Public Library seeks support for its move to a new location – renovating the building at the south end of the Main Street business district at a cost of $1 million - we look to the past, when only the wealthy people in town had access to books.

Books were offered for rent at various business places, as at Balsam Lake, where Dr. Henry Radcliff made his personal collection available to the public in his sundries store, adjacent to his dental clinic.

The dentist was always eager to help and guide young people. Children who sincerely wanted to read were often allowed to pay the nickel a week rent for books by doing odd jobs such as sweeping or dusting about the store.

In 1848, the year Wisconsin became a state, two traveling Episcopalian clergymen donated 50 books for a library in Osceola. This “Lumberman’s Library” was housed at the Kent and Company store and open only Saturday afternoons.

But it was not until March, 1921, that the St. Croix Falls Women’s Club decided that the village should have a public library. A committee of the club – Bertha Berger, Minnie Clayton, and Helen Church – got in touch with the Wisconsin Library Commission to ask how they should proceed. They ordered 50 books from the Wisconsin Free Traveling Library Department and Emma Fisk, who had taken an extension course in library work from the University of Wisconsin, volunteered “to act as custodian of the books – without pay.” Fisk was to remain librarian for 40 years. (A room of the St. Croix Falls Historical Society headquarters in the Baker Building is named The Emma Fisk Reading Room.)

In 1937, Mrs. Fisk was awarded a scholarship by the Wisconsin Library Commission and her studies at the University Library School earned her a library

certificate.

In 1924 the village board organized the library according to state regulations, appointed a library board, provided village funds for books and supplies and a salary for the librarian.

Meanwhile the American Ledonated 75 books and a Rosemarie gion bookcase, and many others in Vezina the community added books to the library collection.

Braatz The library moved about as circumstances made necessary, from the Municipal Building to the First National Bank in a room on the first floor of what Sponsored by the had been the old Vincent House Hotel, and from there to the St. Croix Falls Historical Society American Legion clubrooms in the Odd Fellows Hall on north Adams Street. In 1932 the library returned to the Municipal Building. When that property was sold in 1972, the library moved to the Auditorium Theater building on north Washington Street where it is today located.

The library today owns some 11,000 books in addition to periodicals, audio-cassettes and videos. In addition it has a microfilm reader (donated by the late Charles Fisk, son of Emma Fisk) and film of the St. Croix Falls Standard Press and its predecessors back to 1885.

The director-librarian is Sarah Adams; her assistant, Eloise Anderson, has worked at the library since 1962.

A ST. CROIX TALE

We’re online @ www.the-leader.net

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Over-90 birthday party

Big moves at Red Rock Radio - Amery AMERY – Red Rock Radio, Amery, is pleased to debut the New Mix 105, the Fun FM. The New Mix 105 is heard at 104.9 on your FM dial. The New Mix 105, WLMX-FM plays a huge and better variety of music from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today. Listeners across Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota can also hear the new live and local morning show of “Raven and Revere” from 6-9 a.m. weekdays. Check out their new Web site: www.1049online.com.

In other Red Rock Radio news, Ron Revere has been named market manager for Red Rock Radio’s five stations in Pine

City, Minn., and Amery. Revere will work out of the Amery, office managing the New Mix 105 FM and AM 1260 WXCE in Amery as well as overseeing WCMP AM/FM and Classic Hits 105.7, WXCX-FM in Pine City, Minn.

NewsRadio 1260 WXCE-AM and The New Mix 105, WLMX-FM along with Classic Hits 105.7, WXCX-FM/WCMP AM and FM are owned by Red Rock Radio based in Fargo, N.D. Red Rock owns 19 radio and three TV stations in the Upper Midwest. - submitted

Siren Community Band holds concert

An over-90-yearold birthday party was celebrated at Frederic Nursing and Rehab on Friday, June 27. Entertainment was provided by Bill Java while 15 residents enjoyed sandwiches, cake and refreshments.

Gratitude is extended to all family members for attending and especially to Java for providing music. – Photos submitted

The Siren Community Band, consisting of 31 members playing 13 types of instruments, played their first concert Friday, July 4, in the new band shell at Crooked Lake Park. The group started playing together Tuesday nights in June at the school under the direction of Siren School band director Bryn Anderson. “Some of them had to go up in the attic and dust off their instruments,” commented emcee Rich Hutchison.

Stay cool and save energy CENTURIA – With rising energy costs, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our energy use. Below are lowcost, no-cost conservation tips to keep cool this summer and lower the electric bill: 1. Change the A/C filter monthly, making sure filter is facing the correct direction.

2. Close fireplace damper.

3. Close shades and drapes during the day to keep summer heat out.

4. Use portable or ceiling fans; air movement makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler.

5. Ensure window A/C units are weather-stripped; close fresh-air vents.

6. Clean dryer lint trap before each

load and make sure the exhaust door closes when dryer is off.

7. Use microwave for cooking when possible; it’s quicker and you will avoid heating the house.

8. Use cold water when running the garbage disposal.

9. Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded and use air-dry cycle instead of heat-dry cycle.

10. Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances and electronics.

For information about rebates on Energy Star appliances and home performance test to help stay cool, save energy and lower your electric bill, contact Polk-Burnett, 800-421-0283. - from PolkBurnett

American Red Cross assists Osceola fire victims POLK – The St. Croix Valley Chapter, Polk County Branch, is providing assistance for the family in Osceola who lost their home to a fire. Disaster response by the American Red Cross provides for food, clothing and shelter for victims of

disaster based on emergency needs.

Red Cross disaster assistance is provided by local trained volunteers, freely given and supported by financial contributions from the people of Polk County.

- submitted

Seeking centenarians POLK COUNTY – Centenarians will be recognized at the Polk County Fair again this year. A centenarian is someone who is 100 years and older. Names of Polk County residents who are centenarians are being sought.

Sid Bjorkman, Amery, 268-2446 can be contacted with appropriate information.

This is the 11th-consecutive year the Polk County Fair Society has sponsored this recognition program. - submitted

This young photographer was ready to take pictures from the audience during the Siren Community Band’s July 4 concert at Crooked Lake Park.

Rich Hutchison, Siren, was the emcee for the first concert of the Siren Community Band Friday, July 4. Hutchison also sang a vocal solo, “God Bless America,” that resulted in stand-up applause from the audience. Band members come from as far away as St. Paul, Minn., Shell Lake, Spooner, St. Croix Falls, Frederic and Luck as well as Danbury and Webster. Directors included Bryn Anderson, Cora Sower and Dan Zimmer.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

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Northwoods Respite - Burnett County Adult Day Service SIREN – Northwoods Respite had an eventful and successful open house Tuesday, June 24, at the Birchwood Manor apartment complex in Siren. Caregivers, volunteers, tenants and family members were among those gathered in the Manor’s community room playing Bingo and enjoying Bethany’s (Lutheran Church) bell choir. About a dozen children ranging from ages 411 filled the room with ringing as they played five songs for their captive audience, who got to play the last two songs with them. Volunteers served an array of good-

ies, while Bingo winners walked away with prizes.

The open house encouraged caregivers and family members to visit the adult day care so they could experience firsthand what their loved one would while at Northwoods Respite. Bumett County Adult Day Care primarily focuses on providing a break to the caregiver of someone with memory loss due to dementia. However, any person wanting more socialization and activity is welcome.

Northwoods Respite currently meets on Tuesdays

from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Birchwood Manor in Siren.

Meals, transportation and activities are included. Visitors are welcome during operating hours. If you are a caregiver and want more information on how to get your loved one into respite care, please contact Northwoods Respite Director, Julie Dalsveen at 715-349-5250.

– submitted

Biker town?

Frederic’s Main Street - from the bakery to the library - was a mass of parked motorcycles recently as riders stopped in the village during a summer ride through Polk and Burnett counties. - Photo by Ed Berdal

X

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Balsam Lake’s

Freedom Fest Parade Balsam Lake’s Fourth of July celebration - the Freedom Fest - culminated Sunday with the grand parade down Main Street. Temperatures were hot enough to merit seeking out a spot in the shade at the old Polk County Courthouse and now museum (below) or being squirted with water

by Miss Cumberland (photo at left).

Well over 100 parade units made for nearly an hour-and-a-half of entertainment. Dennis Connell, the village’s postmaster who recently retired, drove his wooden horse “off into the sunset,” (photo lower left) with a sign that read “Alaska or bust.” The Polk County Historical Museum presented one of the more vintage units in the parade (bottom photo).

- Photos by Gary King

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Burnett County celebrates

Siren Photos by Gary King

This young member of the Attitudes Dance Company was obviously a bit tired at the end of the Siren Fourth of July parade. And some (photo upper left) were still having fun, like this young man who squirted parade-goers with water.

A young girl asked for a refill of candy (photo at left) during Siren’s Fourth of July parade so she could toss it to waiting youngsters (above). Siren’s parade drew hundreds of units and well over 1,000 spectators, who braved the Fourth of July heat to watch the event.

at Webster Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Captain America was back in Siren’s parade this year, this time campaigning for president. At right, tossing candy from this bike called for a real balancing act.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

the Fourth of July

More parade photos in our e-edition

Danbury Photos by Raelynn Hunter

Little Miss Danbury Emily Holmstrom (center) was a bit overshadowed by older sister Jill (R), a Danbury princess and Miss Danbury Kelsey Tretsven (L) during the Fourth of July parade on Danbury’s Main Street. Klaus Nieder (photo upper center), a longtime event organizer and leader in the Danbury Lions Club, promoted the village’s annual Oktoberfest, held each year in August. Overheated spectators welcomed the shower from atop a Danbury fire truck. At far left, the excitment may have been too much for one little parade member, but the throwing of candy was joyful for a young representative of the Log Cabin Store.

Some parade units were more reliable than others at the Webster Fourth of July parade. At left, a youngster went the distance of the parade on a unicycle while the demo derby car didn’t fare as well. Josh Johnson, who was riding in the car with driver Jordan Werdier, had to get out and push the car when it overheated and broke down. The Parson Entertainment float (photo above right) offered beagle rides or schnoodle kisses for 5 cents. Webster’s Legion members (far right) led the parade which brought out the red, white and blue in everyone.

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Central Burnett County Fair • 2008

Amber Davis (L) and Christina Weis enjoy a ride on the swings.

Mason Getts was the official flag boy to signal the start of the truck and tractor pull held on Thursday evening.

Michelle Dalsveen eagerly waited for the blue horse to begin moving at the Central Burnett County Fair held in Webster.

Josh Moretter is all smiles after earning two ribbons for his craft entry.

The rabbits were a big hit at the fair. This rabbit shown by Jill Glover received a Grand Champion ribbon.

Kayce Rachner races around the barrels during the showdeo. She placed second overall in her age group.

Horse pulling held on Wednesday, July 2, was the first grandstand event at the Central Burnett County Fair.

Photos by Sherill Summer and Raelynn Hunter

Essie Mackyol received a first place on this entry in leather burning.

L u c u s Stiemann, grade 6, received a first place on his collage of Brett Favre.

The demo derby held Saturday night, July 5, entertained a packed house. The derby included five different classes this year.

Nicole Dalsveen was waiting for a turn during the sheep competition.

Not a nervous face to be found – on the sheep anyways.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Central Burnett County Fair • 2008 Best of Show results

burg 1st: Ture Duden, Clear Lake 2nd: Jeremy Adams, Clayton 3rd: Ryan Sottam, Barron

Note: If an exhibitor is listed more than once in a department, it is because they won Best of Show multiple times in that department.

Tractor pull winners

Announcers Choice Trophy: Mike Olson, Clayton Farm Stock 5,500 lbs.

1st: Wright, Webster 2nd: Jon Hawkins, Luck 3rd: Carl Rachner, Webster

Overall Fair Exhibits Overall Junior Division Exhibit: Rose Kopecky, Jacob Stiemann Overall Open Class Exhibit: Garret Derouin, Jen Bybee Overall Senior Citizen Exhibit: Lloyd Steeg, Fran Krause

6,500 lb.s 1st: Wright, Luck 2nd: Bill “Bronco” Deiss, Danbury 3rd: Jimmy Larson, Lindstrom, Minn.

Dairy Overall Junior Dairy Exhibit: Jessica Strabel Intermediate Dairy Showmanship: Austin Otis Dairy Posters Exhibit: Kody Menke Overall Open Class Dairy Product: Lane Anderson

7,500 lbs.

1st: Ryan Brown, Cumberland 2nd: Mike Holubum, Rice Lake 3rd: Dennis Segelstrom, Grantsburg

Beef Overall Junior Beef Exhibit: Anthony Otis Overall Junior Beef Reserve Exhibit: Alan Strabel Overall Junior Beef Calf Exhibit: Austin Otis Junior Beef Showmanship: Anthony Otis Intermediate Beef Showmanship: Austin Otis Senior Beef Showmanship: Melinda Linke Beef Posters Exhibit: Jorden Otis Overall Open Class Beef Exhibit: Erin Otis Overall Open Class Beef Reserve Exhibit: Erin Otis Horse Junior Horse Showmanship: Anthony Otis Intermediate Horse Showmanship: Austin Otis Senior Horse Showmanship: Barbie Antill Junior Western Horsemanship: Alexis Frazee Intermediate Western Horsemanship: Austin Otis Senior Western Horsemanship: Jeanna Colombo Junior Trail Class: Alexis Frazee Intermediate Trail Class: Austin Otis Senior Trail Class: Jeanna Colombo Junior Barrels: Alexis Frazee Intermediate Barrels: Austin Otis Senior Barrels: Jeanna Colombo Junior Pleasure Class: Alexis Frazee Intermediate Pleasure Class: Austin Otis Senior Pleasure Class: Lori Linke Junior Halter Class: Essie Mackyol Intermediate Halter Class: Melinda Linke Senior Halter Class: Lori Linke Horse Posters Exhibit: Olivia Kopecky Model Horse Exhibition: Anthony Otis Sheep Overall Sheep Exhibit: Austin Otis Junior Sheep Showmanship: Anthony Otis Intermediate Sheep Showmanship: Austin Otis Sheep Posters Exhibit: Jorden Otis Swine Overall Swine Exhibit: Jessica Strabel Intermediate Swine Showmanship: Jessica Strabel Swine Posters Exhibit: Kendra Peterson Goat Overall Junior Division Dairy Goat Exhibit: Jessica Glover Overall Junior Division Dairy Goat Reserve Exhibit: Joshua Glover Junior Division Goat Showmanship: Joshua Glover Intermediate Goat Showmanship: Jessica Glover Goat Posters Exhibit: Kendra Peterson Overall Open Class Meat Goat Exhibit: Maddie Berglund Rabbits Overall Junior Division Rabbit Exhibit: Jessica Glover Overall Junior Rabbit Exhibit: Kendra Peterson Overall Intermediate Rabbit Exhibit: Jessica Glover Junior Rabbit Showmanship: Kendra Peterson Intermediate Rabbit Showmanship: Jessica Glover Rabbit Posters Exhibit: Kendra Peterson Poultry Overall Junior Division Poultry Exhibit: Jessica Glover Intermediate Poultry Showmanship: Jessica Glover Poultry Posters Exhibit: Kendra Peterson Overall Open Class Poultry Exhibit – White Eggs: Mason Getts Overall Open Class Poultry Exhibit – Brown Eggs: Charlene Strabel Overall Open Class Poultry Exhibit – Any Other Eggs: Mason Getts Cat Overall Cat Exhibit: Olivia Kopecky Junior Cat Showmanship: Nicole Moretter Intermediate Cat Showmanship: Amy Sue Greiff Senior Cat Showmanship: Ellie Isaacson Dog Dog Posters Exhibit: Jeanna Colombo Stockman Award (Donated by Burnett Dairy Co-op): Alan Strabel

9,000 lbs.

1st: Paul Furchtennicht, Sarona 2nd: Dennis Segelstrom, Grantsburg 3rd: Mike Holubum, Rice Lake 11,000 lbs.

1st: Phil Most, Prescott 2nd: Craig Furchtennicht, Sarona 3rd: Ben Peterson, Shell Lake

The Central Burnett County Fair was held in Webster over the Fourth of July weekend. Some youth who received trophies and awards are back row (L to R): Rose Kopecky and Barbie Antill. Fourth row: Jeanna Colombo, Alan Strabel, Melinda Linke and Brittney Casey. Third row: Essie Mackyol, Jessica Glover, Olivia Kopecky, Jessica Strabel and Lori Linki. Second row: Josh Glover, Bryce Highstrom, Josh Moretter, Kendra Petersen, Anthony Otis and Austin Otis. Front row: Hannah Smith, Jamie Glover, Dolan Highstrom, Derek Highstrom, AmySue Greiff, Nicole Moretter and Jenna Curtis (sitting in for Alexis Frazee). – Photo by Becky Strabel Plant & Soil Science, Flowers, Houseplants, & Landscape Junior Division Plant & Soil Science: Alan Strabel Open Class Plant & Soil Science: Jen Bybee Junior Division Flowers/Houseplants/Outside Plant: Ryan Curtis, Jessica Glover, Brandon Andren, Emma Olsen Open Class Flowers/Houseplants/Outside Plant: Renelle Sears, Gaylen Brown, Linda Thill Senior Citizen Flowers/Houseplants/Outside Plant: Helen Steffen, Fran Krause, Eldora Brown Vet Science Junior Division Vet Science Exhibit: Melinda Linke Natural Sciences Junior Natural Sciences: Jacob Stiemann Cultural Arts Junior Cultural Art Exhibit: Kendra Peterson, Chelsea Larson, Rose Kopecky, Kendra Peterson, Jacob Stiemann, Open Class Cultural Art Exhibit: Barbara Steeg Senior Citizen Cultural Art Exhibit: Lloyd Steeg Exploring: Overall Explorer Trophy: Dolan Highstrom Overall Explorer Face-to-Face Judging: Lillian Schmidt Exploring Grand Champions: Ricky Stahl, Derek Highstrom, Lillian Schmidt, Nicole Dalsveen, Derek Highstrom, Dolan Highstrom Nicole Dalsveen, Josh Moretter Photography Junior Photography: Kody Menke, Kody Menke Intermediate Photography: Jessica Glover, Brianna Phernetton, Mathew Wampfler Senior Photography Exhibit: Chelsey Nichols, Michael Wampfler, Toni Derouin, Toni Derouin, Dianna Olson, Ellie Isaacson, Kelley Wampfler Open Class Photography Exhibit: Rhonda Peterson, Donald Strabel, Donald Strabel, Renelle Sears, Rhonda Peterson, Barbara Steeg, Renelle Sears, Jen Bybee Senior Citizen Photography Exhibit: Lillian Anderson Computer Junior Computer Exhibit: Jacob Stiemann Woodworking Junior Woodworking Exhibit: Bryce Highstrom Open Class Woodworking Exhibit: Richard Shutt Jr. Senior Citizen Woodworking Exhibit: James Dotseth Mechanical Projects Junior Mechanical Exhibit: Derek Stevens Foods and Nutrition Junior Food Exhibit: Diane Olson 4-H Foods Review: Kaylynn Anderson Open Class Food Exhibit: Deb Anderson Senior Citizen Food Exhibit: Lillian Anderson Knitting/Crocheting Junior Division: Rachel Gloodt Open Class Knitting/Crocheting Exhibit: Nettie Otis

Senior Citizen Knitting/Crocheting Exhibit: Patricia Larson Clothing Junior Clothing Exhibit: Jacob Stiemann, Emily Stiemann Clothing Review State Fair Candidate: Jacob Stiemann Open Class Clothing Exhibit: Eldora Brown Child Development Junior Child Development Exhibit: Bryce Highstrom

13,000 lbs.

1st: Scott Demulling, New Richmond 2nd: Brian Fiedler, Braham, Minn.

3rd: Todd Eggers, Indian Creek 15,000 lbs.

1st: Ryan Peterson, Dresser 2nd: Darren Peterson, Dresser 3rd: Brian Fiedler, Braham, Minn.

Antique Farm Stock (1939 or older) 4,500 lbs.

1st: Carson Swenson, Grantsburg 2nd: Rick Bierbrauer, Osceola 5,500 lbs.

1st: Carson Swenson, Grantsburg 2nd: Rick Bierbrauer, Osceola Hot Farm Stock 9,500 lbs.

1st: Joe Kruschke, New Richmond 2nd: Al Becker, Almena 10,500 lbs.

1st: Al Becker, Almena

Home Furnishings/ Home Environment Junior Div. Home Furnishings Exhibit: Rachel Gloodt Open Class Home Furnishings Exhibit: Garret Derouin, Nikki Derouin Senior Citizen Home Firnishings Exhibit: Ardyce Okonski

Powder Puff Tractor 1st: Charlene Strabel, Webster 2nd: Hannah Smith, Frederic 3rd: Jessica Strabel, Siren

Health, Social & Political Science Junior Div. Health, Social & Political Science Exhibit: Amy Sue Greiff

5500 lbs. Local (Carb) Stock 1st: Tony Guhrmun, Turtle Lake

Demonstrations Demonstrations State Fair Candidate: Kaylynn Anderson Youth Leadership/Self Determined Projects: Junior Div. Youth Leadership/Self Determined Projects Exhibit: Kelley Wampfler Booths Junior Div. Booth: Wood Creek 4-H 4-H Billboard Sign Contest Winner: Coomer Badgers 4-H Club

Truck pull winners Announcers Choice Trophy: Tammy Mundt, Grant, Minn.

5,500 lbs. Improved Stock 1st: Aaron Sears, Webster 2nd: Zach Holmstrom, Danbury 3rd: Jason Casey, Danbury 6,200 lbs. Local (Carb) Stock 1st: Kevin Sommerfeld, Frederic 6,200 lbs. EFI Local Stock 1st: Darrell Sears, Webster 6,200 lbs. Improved Stock 1st: Aaron Sears, Webster 2nd: Jason Casey, Danbury

Demo derby winners Announcers Choice Trophy: Kevin Jones, Cushing

8,000 lbs. Diesel Unlimited 1st: Tammy Mundt, Grant, Minn.

2nd: David Beecroft, Frederic 3rd: Ross Noak, Somerset

Compact-Size Stock Car Crowd Pleaser: Paul Mueller, Milltown 1st: Paul Mueller, Milltown 2nd: Jordan Werdier, Webster 3rd: Clifford Thompson, Shell Lake

Horse Showdeo high point winners Junior Class 1st: Alexis Frazee 2nd: Hannah Smith 3rd: Madison Frazee

Compact-Size Pickup Crowd Pleaser: Craig Jones, Cushing 1st: Craig Jones, Cushing 2nd: Scott Clifford Sr., Pine City, Minn.

3rd: Keith Saumer, Pine City, Minn.

Intermediate Class 1st: Brittney Casey 2nd: Casey Rachner 3rd: Kayla Rinkle

Full-Size Car 1980 or Newer Crowd Pleaser: Dallas Miller, Danbury 1st: Dallas Miller, Danbury 2nd: Ed Hubbell, Siren 3rd: Darrell Fossum, Siren Full-Size Car Crowd Pleaser: Duane Roberts, Grantsburg 1st: Derek Craft, Ham Lake, Minn.

2nd: Eric Waba, East Bethel, Minn.

3rd: Jim Johnson, Grantsburg Full-Size Pickup Winners: Crowd Pleaser: Duane Roberts, Grantsburg Watermelon Crasher: Corey Smestad, Grants-

Senior Class 1st: Alicia Johnson 2nd: Tasha Larson 3rd: Pam Denetz Senior Plus Class 1st: Brenda Rachner 2nd: Rod Hopkins 3rd: Virginia Daniels

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

Heywood and Hull up next in the Festival Theatre Music Series ST. CROIX FALLS – Two of the Minnesota Guitar Wizards will take the stage on Friday, July 18, for a 7:30 p.m. concert during Wannigan Days weekend. Phil Heywood and Dakota Dave Hull will make the trek to St. Croix Falls for this all-ages concert, a night of journeying through a wide range of music genres along with the wit and storytelling of two gifted guitarists.

Heywood and Hull defy strict categorization and their capricious concert will meander along the pathways of jazz, ragtime, folk, vintage pop and bluesy swing.

Heywood is a fingerstyle guitarist with a bucketful of whatever it is that helps a performer turn an instrumental piece into an arresting lyrical narrative. His lucid playing encompasses the down-home rhythmic groove of Mississippi John Hurt or Leadbelly, and the sheer fluidity and flair of Leo Kottke (who once handpicked Heywood to tour and perform duets with him). A soul-grabbing instrumentalist, Heywood draws listeners in with his voice as well, singing in a warm, plainspoken style that blends smoothly with his rock-solid guitar work. He is the 1986 national fingerpicking champion, and the winner of the 1987 American Fingerstyle Guitar Festival competition, an event judged by some of the top players in this field.

Dakota Dave Hull is hailed by everyone from Dave

Dakota Dave Hull and Phil Heywood perform together at Festival Theatre on Friday, July 18. – Photo submitted Van Ronk to Doc Watson and from the Washington Post to DownBeat. Hull’s guitar style spans a wide musical geography to create an infectious, uniquely personal blend of jazz, ragtime, folk, blues, Western

swing, and vintage pop. Hull is a restlessly curious, adventurous traveler along the broad highway of America’s music. In his playing the masters speak, but in a vocabulary that is Hull’s alone: alternately mirthful and moving, always melodic.

A gifted composer as well as a strikingly original interpreter of older tunes, Hull calls what he does “classic American guitar.” Folk legend Van Ronk called Dave “one of the best guitarists in the world.” Most of all, his music is great fun. As Douglas Greene (Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky) puts it, “There is an imp within Dave Hull that always expresses itself on the fretboard; a witty, intelligent yet respectful imp who frolics in his music, an imp Dakota Dave neither fights nor lets take control, but simply absorbs into the heart of his style.”

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. Heywood and Hull concert are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Festival Theatre subscribers may use their regular Flex Passes for this concert. They can be purchased on the Web at www.festivaltheatre.org, by phone at 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002, or in person during box office hours.

Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls at 210 North Washington. - submitted

Duck races at Danbury

The duck races were held as part of Danbury Days over the July 4 weekend.

The ducks were sold and numbered before they started floating down the Yellow River. The Danbury Royalty released the ducks from the bridge on Saturday, July 5, at 2 p.m.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

JULY

THURS. - SAT./10-12 Osceola

• A play, “The Book of Liz,” at the Osceola ArtBarn, 7:30 p.m., 715-294-2787, www.stcroixartbarn.com.

THURS. - SUN./10-13

Coming events

Spooner

Amery

• Wii Bowling Tournament at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Sjoland Lodge 5-635, Sons of Norway meet at First Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. George Stroebel and wife, Libby Collins, will talk about their travels to Greece.

Amery

• Birthday party at the senior center, 11:45 a.m.

• Rep. Hraychuck’s listening session at city hall, noon-1 p.m., 888-529-0028.

• NARFE, Chapter 1581, dinner meeting at the Tac Entertainment Center. All federal and retired federal employees welcome, noon, 715-2688618 to make reservation.

Clam Falls • Coffee hour at Clam Falls Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.

Balsam Lake • Meeting regarding community service program for nonviolent offenders at the Justice Center, 6 p.m.

Cumberland • UCare informational meeting about UCare for Seniors Medicare at Tower House, 1:30 p.m., 877-523-1518.

Frederic

• “Dates With a Nut” opens at Festival Theatre, through Aug. 9, 2 and 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3387.

Siren • Ruby’s Pantry at Siren Covenant Church parking lot, 4-6 p.m.

FRI. & SAT./11 & 12 St. Croix Falls

• Rummage sale & silent auction at First Presbyterian Chruch, Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.3 p.m.

• Garage Sale for Breast Cancer Walk at 1666 Hwy. 87, just north of Lions Park. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRI. - SUN./11-13 Amery

Dresser • Rep. Hraychuck’s listening session at the community hall, 5-6 p.m., 888-529-0028.

The Central Burnett County fair, which was held this past week, July 2 - 5, was very tiring for this young colt. – Photo by Raelynn Hunter

St. Croix Falls • Leo & Wright Concert performs at the Overlook, 6-7:30 p.m., 715-483-3580.

Siren • 2nd Anniversary of Burnett County Drug & Alcohol Court pancake breakfast at Siren Covenant Church, 8:30 a.m., 715-349-7600, ext. 1256.

SATURDAY/12 Balsam Lake

• Red Cross Baby-sitting Classes at the Red Cross office, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 715-485-3045.

• 18th-annual All-School Reunion at the American Legion Hall, 11:30 a.m. potluck.

• Authors day at the museum.

Centuria

• Bluegrass & Gospel fest at Little Falls Lutheran, www.geocities.com/littlefallschurch.

• Celebrating Who We Are Interfaith Caregivers tunes & treats fundraiser at Fristad Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715-483-9263.

Centuria

Clam Falls

• Memory Days; craft fair, games, tournaments, pancake breakfast, car show, etc., noon street theater on Sat., parade on Sun. www.centuriawi.org.

• Pancake breakfast at the Lutheran church, 7:30-10:30 a.m. .

FRIDAY/11

• Food, fellowship & games at the senior center, noon.

• FHS Class of 1983 25th reunion at Trade River Winery, 6 p.m. dinner, 715-566-0064. .

Amery

• Bingo at the senior center, 1 p.m.; Wii game night, 6:30 p.m.

Centuria • Sophie’s Manor Assisted Living open house, 1-5 p.m.

Grantsburg • 2008 Polk County Holstein Breeders Twilight Meeting at Northernview Farms, 7 p.m., 715-648-5401.

Osceola • Combined meeting of NW Regional Writers w/Poco Penners at the Community Room at noon for potluck lunch. To carpool meet at 11 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Church parking lot. Bring dish to pass and something to read aloud.

Taylors Falls, Minn.

TUESDAY/15

THURSDAY/10

St. Croix Falls

Siren • Webster/Siren Area After 5 dinner meeting at the Siren Assembly of God, 6:30 p.m. 715866-8106, 715-349-7006.

• Taylors Falls Christian Women’s Club presents Lunch with a Princess at the high school, 11:30 a.m., 651-257-4741 for reservations.

• Spooner Rodeo Performances on Fri.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m.; parade Sat. at 1:30 p.m., 800-3673306 for more info.

• Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Dairy Pasture Walk at the Darold Nelson farm, 1-3 p.m., 715-485-8600, 715-268-8778.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

St. Croix Falls • Bloodmobile at the SCF Medical Center, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Frederic

Milltown

• Spaghetti supper fundraiser for skate park at the community center, 4-7 p.m., 715-5530212.

SUNDAY/13 Apple River

• Apple River Park & Apple River Valley School all-school reunion at the County Park, 2 p.m. Bring a dish to pass, 715-483-9202.

Centuria • Chicken dinner at Fristad Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-646-2357 or 715-825-3755.

Cushing • Foundation Quartet at Skonewood Christian Retreat Center, 7 p.m. Listen to Ann Bell on piano at 6:45 p.m.

Frederic

Frederic • Ruby’s Pantry at the Frederic school bus garage. Start serving at 5 p.m. Questions: 715327-4143.

Grantsburg • Grantsburg Christian Women’s Club meets, 9-10:30 a.m., call Pam at 715-463-5953 for reservations.

Luck • Bloodmobile at Luck Lutheran Church, 1-7 p.m.

• Music in the Park at Centennial Pavilion, The Wilson Family Singers, 7 p.m.

Spooner • UCare informational meeting about UCare for Seniors Medicare at Northwest Sports Complex, 9 a.m., 877-523-1518.

• Special music by Brad Knauber at 9 a.m. worship, Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

WED. & THURS./16 & 17

Grantsburg

• Harness Horse Races at Barron County Fair, 7 p.m.

• EEA, Chapter 875 annual pancake breakfast at the C. Gerald Hedlund Field, 7 a.m.noon, 715-463-4350.

Osceola • St. Croix River cleanup, volunteers sought, meet at Osceola Landing on Minn. side, bring canoe, 10:30 a.m. Lisa at 651-433-5498, stcroixriverassociation.org.

St. Croix Falls • Juizzy Blazz in concert at the Overlook, 6-9 p.m., 715-483-3580.

Siren

Rice Lake

WEDNESDAY/16 Frederic

• Pokeno at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Polk County United Aging Group meeting in the Community Rm. of the Golden Oaks Apartments, 1:30-3:30 p.m., 715-485-8599.

• Friends of the Pool meeting at the library, 6 p.m., fredericpool@yahoo.com.

Grantsburg • Rep. Hraychuck’s listening session at the village hall, noon-1 p.m., 888-529-0028.

Osceola

St. Croix Falls

• Community Block Party at Covenant Church parking lot, 5-9 p.m. Free entertainment & refreshments. Bring your own chairs.

• Bloodmobile at the high school, 12:30-6:30 p.m.

• The Minnesota State Band performs at the Overlook, 5-7 p.m., 715-483-3580.

Trade Lake

• Annual Burnett County Aging Nutrition Program picnic at Crooked Lake Park, noon.

Siren • Lions & Lioness yard sale drop-off day, 9 a.m.-noon.

• Arts & crafts only fair at Bobbie’s World, 11 a.m., 715-349-2585.

Webster • Free slide lecture on “Ma” Barker & gangster history by author John Koblas at the community center, noon.

• The Schimpps will sing at Trade Lake Baptist Church, 10:15 a.m.

MONDAY/14 Frederic

• Spades played at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Hayward • UCare informational meeting about UCare for Seniors Medicare at Comfort Suites, 9 a.m., 877-523-1518.

Siren

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

Frederic businesses are changing

by Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – If you have been driving or wandering through Frederic these past few weeks, you may be noticing changes to the businesses. If the businesses aren’t new to Frederic, they have changed ownership. So far there are at least five changes.

Frederic Liquor In March, Skip Sofie took over the Frederic Liquor store on the west side of Hwy. 35. Sofie came from owning an auto repair business for 30 years in Stacy, Minn., to run this new-to-him business in a different small town, only in Wisconsin this time.

“I decided to retire and try something different,” Sofie said.

Sofie enjoys the small-town atmosphere and says that Stacy was even smaller than Frederic.

Sofie currently lives in Forest Lake, Minn., but is looking to move into the Frederic area. Frederic Liquor carries a full line of beer and liquor and they are open to taking special requests.

If you would like to contact Sofie or the business, you may call 715-327-8234.

Heat-N-Cool Services/ Johnson Insurance Agency Larry Johnson and his wife, Jen, have brought their businesses to the building that used to hold Lucky Party Rental on the west side of Hwy. 35.

Part of the building is Larry’s, heating and cooling business named Heat-NCool Services. The other part is Jen’s, with Johnson Insurance Agency.

The building opened for business on Tuesday, July 1, and there will be an open house held on Friday, July 11, after construction is completed. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and after hours by appointment.

Larry does heating, air conditioning, fireplace and air-duct-cleaning services.

He has been doing these types of services since 1996. He started his own business in 2000, and had since been working from home. He can be reached at 715327-8797.

Jen assists her clients in acquiring auto, home, business and life insurance. She is also working on getting into the financial security aspect. She has been a licensed insurance agent since 1998 and last year went out on her own after working with other local insurance agencies. She has many clients, of which several are from the Frederic area. Her phone number is 715-327-4334 or toll-free 800-985-5790.

Larry and Jen have been married for 10 years and have three children. Jen grew up in Frederic and Larry moved from Grantsburg to Frederic during his freshman year in high school.

Red Iron Studio Michael Route is starting a business in Frederic on Hwy. 35 across from the Bremer Bank in the old Early building.

He builds custom ironwork including wall pieces, lights, signs and tables. He will also begin getting into the architectural side with railings. He will soon be opening up a showroom and office for people to be able to see his work.

Route will not be depending on just the local market and tourists, but will also attend art shows in order to sell his art.

“I don’t weld farm equipment,” Route said. “People have asked if I do, but I don’t.”

Route’s father, Jon Michael Route, is a metalsmith and artist from Frederic, exposing Michael to the business for several years.

After graduating from Frederic High School, Route went on to UW-Stout where he pursued a course of independent study in metalsmithing. He also attended Maine College of Art and Peters Valley Crafts Center to further his education in the department.

The sign in front of the building was Route’s work, with the help of Schaffer’s

Skip Sofie purchased Frederic Liquor in March. Sofie comes from Forest Lake, Minn. and is looking to moving to the area. He says Frederic Liquor carries a full line of beer and liquor and will take special requests.

Betty Knutson recently moved her business into the building with Bean’s Country Griddle on Main Street of Frederic. Knutson renamed it from Tin Cup Promotions to Frederic Design & Promotion.

Heather Wendt Johnson started Beauty Ever After in the building above the Frederic Clinic. Johnson is doing permanent cosmetics. It is a tattooing of makeup.

Michael Route has started a business making metalwork art in the building across from Bremer Bank on Hwy. 35. He will soon have a studio where people can visit and see his work.

Larry and Jen Johnson have purchased the building on the west side of Hwy. 35 that used to hold Lucky Party Rental. They will share the building to run their businesses. Larry does heating and cooling services, while Jen is an insurance agent. in Milltown who cut out the letters for him. If you would like to see examples of his work and learn more about it, visit his Web site at www.redironstudios.com.

Frederic Design & Promotion What used to be known as Tin Cup Promotions on Cedar Street in Frederic, has been renamed and relocated by owner Betty Knutson.

“It wasn’t my name,” Knutson explained.

Knutson named it Frederic Design & Promotion and moved it into the building with Bean’s Country Griddle on the south side of Main Street.

James Tinman had first owned it, then Steve and Rochelle Baillargeon, before Knutson purchased the business and its name two years ago.

Frederic Design & Promotion is where you can get trophies, engravings, custom embroidery to apparel, athletics, etc. The store is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment. You can reach them at 715-3274807.

Beauty Ever After Nurse Heather Wendt Johnson is not only a RN, a new mom and has a radio spot, but she is also now making a business with permanent makeup in Frederic.

Johnson grew up in Balsam Lake. She was married to Jay Johnson in December.

They have five children combined. There latest is Caleb who was born two months premature Feb. 6. Caleb is doing great now.

Johnson will now have her business, Beauty Ever After above the Frederic Clinic. She will tattoo people with makeup. She does eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner and full lip procedures.

“My slogan is ‘Wake up with Makeup,’” Johnson said.

Anyone can have this done. Once you have it, it just needs to be touched up every few years.

She went to the Wisconsin Institute of Permanent Cosmetics in Madison 1-1/2 years ago. She is now licensed in Wisconsin and Polk County with a tattooist license.

“It’s a tattoo, but it’s a different process,” Johnson said. “When you tattoo facial skin, you only want to go down into the second layer of skin.

Whereas, when doing regular body art, they use different dyes and go down past the third layer. That’s why we use a lot of different equipment.”

You can find out more about permanent makeup in a separate story of this paper. To contact Johnson you may call 715-554-1577.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

Wake up with Makeup

by Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – Have you ever awakened and not wanted to put on makeup in the morning or wished your makeup was just always there without the hassle?

Nurse Heather Wendt Johnson may have a solution for you. She has opened a permanent makeup business in Frederic called Beauty Ever After.

At Beauty Ever After, you are able to have permanent makeup procedures done. The business is located above the Frederic Clinic on the east side of Main Street in Frederic.

Top, before, and below, after, this client received a full eyeliner treatment.

“I love being part of the medical community,” Johnson said of her location. “I think its real important with permanent cosmetics because there’s also the medical aspect to that. Patients that have lost their eyebrows that have gone through chemo. I like that aspect.”

Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing. Johnson will tattoo on your makeup so there’s no need to put it on every day.

“My slogan is ‘Wake up with Makeup,’” Johnson said. “Permanent cosmetics have actually been around since ancient Egyptian time. Women have always been interested in being beautiful and making it easy.”

Johnson does procedures for eyeliner, eyebrows and lips. These processes are much like, but also different than, body art tattooing. While tattooing facial skin different tools are used, and the tattooist only goes down into the second layer of skin. Body art is taken past the third layer.

Interfaith Caregivers to open thrift shop

“Just recently I had a client who didn’t have any eyebrows,” Johnson said. “She was born with a birthmark.

She has been drawing on her eyebrows since she was a young kid, and she literally told me that I changed her life. She was always self-conscious. It’s not just an outside thing. You can really change people inside and give them self-confidence.”

If someone decides they do not like the finished results, the tattooing may be removed or a different color can be applied right over the top.

Johnson got into the permanent makeup business because of her mother. Her mother had been in a car accident 20 years ago, which caused her to need reconstructive surgery on her eyelid and had no eyebrow on that side. She found permanent cosmetics in California, got her eyeliner and eyebrows done and about seven years ago started permanent cosmetics as her career.

Johnson, following in her mother’s footsteps, went to the Wisconsin Institute of Permanent Cosmetics in Madison 1-1/2 years ago and is now licensed by the state of Wisconsin and Polk County. She would also like to go through the paramedical training so she can do nipple restoration and scar camouflaging.

Heather Wendt Johnson holds her 5-month-old You may contact Johnson at 715-554-1577 for further son, Caleb, in her new office above the Frederic information.

Clinic.

You first see Johnson to get a consultation, fill out paperwork, ask any questions, see the tools she will use and get an allergy patch done. Anytime 24 hours after the allergy patch, you go back in for the 2 to 3-1/2-hour procedure. Half of this procedure is the numbing process and the other is the actual tattooing. After healing for three weeks, you go back to Johnson for a follow-up to make sure everything is right. Then you receive a coupon for brightening during the next two years.

All of the dyes used during the process are MRI-compatible, making them safe, and much like body art, the colors eventually fade over time.

Johnson describes the process as more stressful than painful, because people don’t know what to expect.

“Every client that I have ever done, when they walk out they say, ‘Oh that was nothing,’” Johnson said, referring to the pain.

Permanent makeup is appropriate for many different individuals. It is for busy individuals who just don’t have the time to put on their makeup, those who are The tools and dyes are set up on the table for one sensitive to makeup, those who have lost their eyeof Beauty Ever After’s clients. brows or were born without any and many others.

Frederic Watercross Board donations

Arlen Peterson of the Frederic Watercross Board handed Ken Java of the Frederic Historical Society a check for $300. It was a donation from the $1,800 profit from the Frederic Watercross held June 28 and 29. The board plans on giving many other local organizations donations from the money made. – Photos submitted Barbara Blodgett, director of Burnett County Interfaith Caregivers, received a check for $4,200 from Katie Smith (L), manager of U.S. Bank, Webster and Kerry Brendel, manager of U.S. Bank, Siren on Tuesday, July 8. The grant money was a cooperative effort between the two banks. It will be used to help people. “We are building wheelchair ramps, offering rides, doing light housecleaning and yard work,” Blodgett said. “Our two biggest projects are Christmas for Kids and opening our (own) Thrift Store. Christmas for Kids allowed 631 children to have gifts for Christmas last year. We expect many more children this year. The Thrift Store will allow people to buy things at a price they can afford. The check from U.S. Bank will give us the opportunity to accomplish our goal (of helping) when needed.” – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Chris Byerly of the Frederic Library received a check for $200 from the Frederic Watercross Board.

Besides giving over $1,000 in scholarships to the two ladies involved in the queen pageant, the board plans on donating a total of $1,800 to other area organizations.

Ryan Keith performs in Siren’s boat parade Ryan Keith put on a show for the people at Crooked Lake in Siren during the boat parade Fourth of July weekend. He is practicing for his next race in Grantsburg, July 18 - 20. Keith, 19, is semipro watercross racer No. 321. He is fulfilling a lifetime dream to be a racer. – Photo submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

Rod Hopkins still bringing home ribbons from fair’s showdeo

Apache and Rod Hopkins Sr. with this year’s ribbons from the Central Burnett County Fair held in Webster July 2-5. Not to be outdone, Apache is wearing a halter with “top point earner” inscribed on it. – submitted

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER – Picture retirement after 40-plus years in the workforce. Now picture a horseback rider guiding his horse around barrels at high speeds at the fair in Webster. Hard to picture? What if the rider was 84 years old?

Maybe this isn’t a normal activity for someone his age, but Rod Hopkins Sr. of Webster has been competing at area showdeos since his retirement 19 years ago. Each year he’s in the Wild River Showdeo and the fairs at Webster and Grantsburg. He stays well practiced for these events by riding three or four days a week, two or three hours each outing. He has a basketful of ribbons accumulated from the many years of showdeos. He also has participated in events such as the Camp Courage Wagon Train in Minnesota.

Hopkins says that he still rides because it’s fun. It also keeps him in shape. And why stop something that is good for you and fun at the same time?

Village accepts band shell

The new band shell in Crooked Lake Park, Siren, was officially turned over to the village of Siren Friday morning, July 4. On hand for the turnover were (L to R), front row: Siren/Webster Rotary Club Outgoing President Kelly Hibbs, Siren Village President Janet Hunter and Rotary Secretary Nancy Jappe.

Back row: Incoming Rotary President Mike Kornmann and club members Dean Roland, Joe Wacek and Shelly Roland. Another Rotarian, Ken Kutz, was involved with the trophy presentation for the Freedom Five race in which his son, Sean, was the top runner, when the photo was taken. – Photos by Nancy Jappe Village Siren President Janet Hunter holds the certificate presented to the vilby the lage Siren/Webster Rotary Club, the organization that spearheaded the building of the new band shell at Crooked Lake Park. The band shell is nearly complete, with only some staining, landscaping and placement of engraved bricks in the front half-circle left to be done.

Siren/Webster Rotary Club members Joe Wacek and Kelly Hibbs (L) talked with major donors to the new band shell at Crooked Lake Park, Dr. Norman and Nancy (Huser) Jensen, at the time the band shell was turned over to the village. The band shell is completely paid for due to the generosity of the Jensens, local construction tradespeople and others in the community.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Milltown native named acting president of National Foundation WASHINGTON, D.C. – Myrvin F. Christopherson, Ph.D., president emeritus of Dana College, has been appointed acting president of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education in Washington, D.C. Dr. Christopherson replaces William E. Hamm, FIHE president for the past nine years who is moving on to the post of interim president at Wartburg College in Iowa beginning in July.

Christopherson’s served for 19 years as president of Dana College, in Blair, Neb. Under his leadership, the college’s full-time enrollment grew by over 60 percent, and its endowment increased nearly tenfold. During his tenure, gifts to the Dana College surpassed $100 million and the academic programming was strengthened and diversified. Following retirement, he served as the founding president of the Dana College Foundation, created to help the college develop their endowment.

Additionally, during his presidency,

Myrvin F. Christopherson Dana College expanded international connections with several countries, most notably with Denmark. These efforts created opportunities for cultural ex-

Bremer collects food for the Frederic Food Shelf

During June, the Bremer Bank branches collected food and money donations on behalf of National Hunger Awareness Month. All proceeds from the Bremer Bank in Frederic were donated to the Frederic Area Food Shelf. People were able to drop off food or give money while visiting Bremer Bank. On June 6, hot dogs were served at the bank with a freewill donation that was also added to the donations. Bremer Bank employees handed a total of $267.36 and a cart full of food to the food shelf employees on Tuesday, July 8. Pictured (L to R): LaVonne Boyer, Frederic Food Shelf; Melissa Rapp, Bremer Bank; Glenn Meier, Bremer Bank and Rita Gerlach, Bremer Bank. Not pictured: Anita Peterson, Frederic Food Shelf. – Photo by Brenda Sommerfeld

OBITUARIES Georgia P. Carpenter Georgia P. Carpenter, age 85, of Frederic, died Monday, June 30, 2008, at Frederic Nursing and Rehab.

Georgia was born Dec. 6, 1922, in Clam Falls, to Richard and Alice Fenton.

She attended West Sweden and Frederic Schools. She graduated from Frederic High School in 1941.

Georgia was united in marriage to Max Carpenter on July 7, 1941. To this union were born two daughters, Marilyn Clausen and Connie Sauerbrey.

Most of Georgia’s life was spent on the family farm southeast of Frederic, except for a few years living in St. Paul, Minn., when their children were small. The last few years of her life she lived in Sunrise Apartments in Frederic.

Georgia helped on the farm, and she was a stay-at-home mom. Later places of employment were Duncan Yo-Yo in Luck, and Twin City Arsenal in New Brighton, Minn.

Preceding her in death were her par-

ents; husband Max; sister, Irene Matz and husband, Bill; brother, Clifford Fenton; niece, Donna Fenton; nephew, Allen Tietz; and son-in-law, Gary Aggerholm.

She is survived by daughter, Marilyn and husband, Don Clausen; daughter, Connie and husband, Leroy Sauerbrey; grandsons, Jeff Clausen and wife, Linda; Tim Clausen and wife, Pam (all of Frederic); and Brent Aggerholm and wife, Rocky of Woodville; two great-grandchildren, Amanda and Travis Clausen; one great-great-grandson, Brandon Tyler of Frederic; sister, Jane and husband, Fred Tietz of Amery; sister-in-law, Jean Fenton of Frederic; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at the Rowe Funeral Home on Thursday, July 3, 2008, with the Rev. Craig Jorgenson officiating. Interment was at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Frederic.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with arrangements.

change, collaborative programming, travel and study abroad for both students and faculty. For his leadership in strengthening ties with Denmark, her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark awarded Christopherson the distinguished Knight of Dannebrog Cross.

Upon his retirement, Queen Margrethe II made him a Knight of Dannebrog First Class.

With a history of serving on a variety of national, state and church-related boards, Christopherson has also been a member of the board of directors of FIHE and its state partner, the Nebraska Independent College Foundation. Since his retirement from Dana College, he has served as a fellow for the national foundation. “Myrv Christopherson has long been associated with FIHE and brings to this time of transition an exceptional understanding of our work and service,” said James H. Austgen, chairman of the

FIHE board. “We are grateful for his willingness to take the helm at this important juncture.”

FIHE is the national partner in a network of state and regional associations of private colleges that develop resources for 638 private colleges and universities nationwide. The foundation has an endowment from which it dispenses nearly $2 million a year in scholarships and competitive matching grants to encourage collaboration among colleges. In recent years, FIHE’s signature initiative, First Opportunity Partners, has aimed to help private colleges broaden access and success for first-generation, low-income, minority and new American students.

The foundation’s offices are located in Washington, D.C. Christopherson is a 1957 graduate of Milltown High School and the son of the late Fred and Inger Christopherson. submitted

Universe in the Park ST. CROIX FALLS - Don’t miss Universe in the Park, a special presentation beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Wisconsin Interstate Park. The program is about the latest discoveries and puzzles about our universe combined with a hands-on stargazing session (weather permitting). The program will be presented rain or shine at the Ice Age Center.

Universe in the Park is an extremely

popular outreach program of the Space Astronomy Laboratory and the Department of Astronomy of UW-Madison, sponsored by a grant from the NASA IDEA program.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information call Walker or Fox at 715-483-3747. - submitted

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Academic news BARRON COUNTY – Dr. Paul W. Chase, dean of the UW-Barron County, announced that 56 students have been named to the spring 2008 dean’s list, which recognizes students achieving academic excellence.

Local full-time students named to the dean’s list who earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and carried a minimum of 12 semester credits are: Almena: Jedidiah Fauske Birchwood: Joseph Carthel, Erik Severson and Glenn Wilson Cumberland: Leah Hullinger and Gary Keeler Danbury: Billie Dubek Frederic: Jamie Worthington Grantsburg: Cheryl Kolb Shell Lake: Dustin Duin Spooner: Adam Frankiewicz and April Witkus Turtle Lake: Trisha Ellingsworth and Jacob Jensen.

••• MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The local area students that were honored during the 2008 spring quarter at The Art Institutes International Minnesota, a creative design and culinary arts college located in downtown Minneapolis have been named. Students appearing on the honors lists must be enrolled and complete 12 credits or more and meets the following corresponding designation: 4.0 GPA - President’s List; 3.7 - 3.9 GPA Dean’s List; 3.5 - 3.6 GPA - Honor’s List.

Danbury Glen R. Faught, honor’s list, Bachelor of Science, visual effects and motion graphics.

Frederic Bryan L. Knauber, dean’s list, Bachelor of Science, design management.

••• DES MOINES, Iowa – Dayna Daniels from Siren has been named to the dean’s list at Drake University. Daniels achieved this academic honor by earning a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the spring 2008 semester at Drake. – submitted ••• EAU CLAIRE - The UW-Eau Claire has named 3,535 undergraduate students to its academic distinction list for the 2008 spring semester, according to Dr. Steven Tallant, provost and vice chancellor.

Students from the area who earned academic distinction during the 2008 spring semester are: Amery Lee Behling, biochemistry/molecular biology; Margaret Behling, English; Lillian Budke, biology; Spencer Dix, business administration; Brittany Frye, biology; Corey

Hartman, information systems; Scott Morfitt, journalism; Derek Olson, physics/mathematics; Sara Pertz, art; Aaron Sabelko, computer science; Amy Seeland, communication sciences and disorders; Sarah Wienke, marketing; and Andrew Zager, nursing.

Balsam Lake Megan Hendricks, mathematics.

Centuria James Zahler, biology.

Dresser Audra Haas, biology; Hillary Rugroden, mathematics; and Katherine Weinberg, kinesiology.

Frederic Dawn Harlander, elementary education; Kathleen Jerry, biochemistry/molecular biology; Traci Lundeen, chemistry with business emphasis; and Emily Morseth, nursing.

Grantsburg Ashley Frommader, elementary education; and Katelyn Kooiker, marketing.

Luck Kelli Miles, elementary education; and Amy Wallin, social work.

Milltown Sara Olson, nursing.

Osceola Rebecca Brandt, information systems; Daniel Devine, theater arts; Daniel Gjerning, accounting; Nathan Graf, business finance; Kyle Hudick, American Indian studies; Mark Miller, marketing; and Jenna Selzler, psychology.

Siren James Flanigan, kinesiology; and Ashley Provo, special education.

St. Croix Falls Jonathon Burton, psychology; Teresa Olson, management; and Angela Peper, psychology.

Webster Casey Ince, elementary education; David Morrill, chemistry with business emphasis; and Sheli Steiner, social work.

••• RIVER FALLS – Jennifer Rogers, Frederic, has been added to the dean’s list at UW-River Falls. Only students carrying 12 or more credits, and having a grade-point average of at least 3.5 are honored.

•••

Classmates, teachers and friends of the Class of 1983 to gather FREDERIC – Frederic High School Class of 1983 will be celebrating their 25th year class reunion, Saturday, July 12, at the Trade River Winery. Class reunion dinner and program will be held from 6 8 p.m. Classmates, teachers and friends of the class are invited to join from 8 – 10 p.m.

Any classmates who have not RSVPed and would like to join them, please contact Kim Daeffler for details at 715-5660064. There is also a Friday night social hour and Saturday morning golf scramble planned. - submitted

Chorus seeks would-be stars STILLWATER, Minn. – Ladies of all ages and voice ranges are invited to join the acclaimed Vallee de Croix Chorus on their Silver Anniversary Show Sunday, Oct. 5. It is your opportunity to be a star!

The Vallee de Croix Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, sings the original American musical art form of four-part a cappella harmony. Under the directorship of Patrica Rygg of Oakdale, Minn., the Vallee de Croix Chorus

has earned its way to two Sweet Adelines International chorus competitions, in 2003 in Phoenix, Ariz., and 2005 in Detroit, Mich.

Rehearsals for the show begin on Monday, Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 S. 5th Street in Stillwater, Minn. Information and registration call Laurie at 651-439-7102 or visit the Web site at www.valleedecroix.org. submitted

EAA breakfast in Grantsburg GRANTSBURG - EAA Chapter 875 will host their annual pancake breakfast, Sunday, July 13, at the C. Gerald Hedlund Field, Grantsburg Airport. Breakfast includes wild rice pancakes, ham, eggs, coffee, juice and milk and will be

served from 7 a.m. to noon. Young Eagle airplane rides will be given to children ages 8-17 starting at noon. Participants must have a signed permission slip from a parent. Call 715-463-4350 to preregister. - submitted

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

CHURCH NEWS Perseverance pays A young black bear visited my backyard the other day—for almost two hours. I named him Butterball. I had taken the birdfeeders in every night against bear-poaching, so I believed they would be Sally Bair safe in daylight. Silly me!

Butterball knocked the sunflower seed feeder down first.

I ran for my camera, took a few PERSPECTIVES shots, and then gingerly stepped onto the deck to holler at him. He ran a few feet away, stopped, and returned. This time I blasted his ears with a small air horn. He ran a few feet away, stopped and returned. I tried again—first hollering and then blasting. He merely stared at me and kept eating.

In spite of his fluffy, cuddly looks, I decided to stay behind my backdoor. And since I don’t own a gun, I was left with the option of watching him. I took some more pictures and watched him eat. After he finished the sunflower seeds, he walked over to the other feeder. When he pulled it down from its hook, the seeds scattered everywhere. I could read his mind.

“Wow, a double treat! I’ll just lie down here and finish this banquet. That lady isn’t going to hurt me.”

For 105 minutes, that cute, round bear remained settled and immovable. Nothing deterred him in his quest for a free meal.

Butterball’s immovable stance reminded me of biblical admonitions to persevere in our Christian lives.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”–1 Corinthians 15:58. We must never give up in following God’s commands, even when it’s not easy. We know how hard it is to love our troublemaker neighbor and how tempting it is to want to write him off.

We know how hard it is to not give up on a wayward loved one or to throw in the towel after forgiving someone countless times. We’re told to persevere in God’s law of love with the same kind of immovable, constant determination Butterball had.

Perseverance is necessary in our faith, too.

Strength and stability will see us through sufferings, attacks and persecution. They’re also needed in our walk with other believers. The new church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”–Acts 2:42.

Lord, help us to be steadfast in our devotion to you and your word. Give us strength to stay the course even through trials and temptations. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com. You may also visit her blog at http://bairbonesblog.blogspot.com.)

ETERNAL

First place, or no place!

let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his Jesus said, “So likewise, whoever of you life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24does not forsake all that he has cannot be 25).

My disciple.” (Luke 14:33) The simple truth Are we willing to deny ourselves anything, is, Jesus, as Commander in Chief of His in order to promote the cause of Christ? Or, army, expects absolute loyalty from His have we saved our lives for our own selfish troops. The Lord demands first place in your purposes, only to lose them eternally? We life, or He wants no place at all. You can’t be sometimes wonder why the cause of Christ a wishy-washy, on-again off-again friend of does not prosper, when the answer glares beJesus. If you value any relationship, any posour The problem lies with a lack of fore session, or any position more than you value Garret loyalty toeyes.

Christ. Why is it that attendance at Christ and your standing with Him, then Derouin Worship Services, Bible studies, and Gospel you are unworthy to be His follower.

Meetings continues to diminish? Why? The Loyalty as the friend of Christ requires answer is obvious, isn’t it? It’s because too few complete obedience to his commands. Jesus are loyal to Christ. As the old saying goes, THE said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:14) Loyalty PREACHER’S “Most of the time in life, you do what you really want to do,” which is just as true in relito Christ means complete allegiance to His gion as in any other realm. cause. In other words, Christ and His Are you loyal to Christ? Can He count on church must come first, before school, work, you to put Him first, before all other people, hobbies, vacation, recreation, friends, relathings, or commitments? Are you loyal to tives – before everything! Sometimes that Him in attitude, articulation, and action? Can requires sacrifice, but if we truly love the Lord, we will be willing to sacrifice for Him, even as we do for He depend on you? Think about it! Remember, Christ demands first place in your life, or He wants no place any person or cause we truly care for in our lives. at all. (Adapted from an article written by David McIf we love other people more than Christ, then we Cain) are unworthy of Him (He who loves father or mother If readers have questions or simply wish to know more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. more about the Church of Christ, we would like to inMatthew 10:37). If we care more about our earthly re- vite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church lationships than we do about our heavenly relation- building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible ship, then we are unworthy of the Lord’s love. If we class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 give earthly things more value, time, and care than we a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Ofdo eternal, heavenly things, then we cannot be His fice hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. disciples. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, noon.

PEN

News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran

Webster/Siren After 5 meeting set SIREN – The Webster/Siren Area After 5 invites all women to attend a dinner meeting on Monday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in the fellowship hall of the Siren Assembly of God. The special feature will be presented by Holly Mangelsen from the Acorn Pantry itchen store in Siren, and music will be performed by Joybells, a handbell choir from the Assembly of God, Siren. Sandra Cook, Lakeshore, Minn., will be the special speaker, with her talk entitled “You Are Special.” Cook owns a McDonald’s restaurant with her husband and lived in Germany for five years. She enjoys knitting, stitchery and scrapbooking. All will be inspired by her tips on developing a positive self-image to withstand life’s challenges.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $10, but reservations are needed - please call Jan at 866-8106 or Carol at 349-7006. After 5 is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

– submitted

Jay and Patty Wondra’s grandson was baptized during worship services this past Sunday, the eighth Sunday after Pentecost. Shown in the picture are Nathan and Tiffany holding their son Jackson William Glinski.

Jackson wore an antique baptismal gown that was found in his great-grandmother, Marge Denn’s, house.

The gown was also worn by Jackson’s cousin, Morgan Elizabeth, when she was baptized at Pilgrim in April of this year. His sponsors were Mitch and Sarah Stauner and honorary sponsor was Marge. The congregation welcomed Jackson into God’s family through the sacrament of Holy Baptism.

The Christian Education Committee is busy making plans for Vacation Bible School which begins Sunday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m., and each evening thereafter and ending on Thursday night, Aug. 7 with a family picnic. The theme this year will be Rainforest Adventures. Mark your calendar as everyone young and old alike are invited to join them as there will be story time, songs and activities for the children as well as adults.

The date has been set for Pilgrim’s Harvest Dinner which will be on Saturday, Aug. 23. Mark your calendar and join them for a meal and fellowship with one another.

Pilgrim invites everyone to attend Sunday morning worship services at 9 a.m.

For more information, call the church office at 3278012 or go to their newly upgraded Web site at www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.com. - submitted

Schimpps to sing at TLBC TRADE LAKE – The Schimpps will be singing at Trade Lake Baptist Church on Sunday, July 13, at morning worship. Service will begin at 10:15 a.m.

The Schimpps family hails from Staples, Minn., and have performed at several local venues in the past.

They have also made appearances on “Midwest Country.”

Trade Lake Baptist is located on the corner of CTH Z and Hwy. 48. Services are at 9:15 a.m. Sunday school and 10:15 a.m. morning worship. – submitted

Christian women to meet Monday TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – Lunch with a Princess will be the theme of the Monday, July 14 meeting of the Taylors Falls Christian Women’s Club. The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Croix Falls High School commons. This meeting is one week earlier than usual and will be special for many reasons. But mostly because we are inviting our special princesses to come along. Girls sixth grade and up are encourage to come along for lunch and a special feature, “Beading for a

Princess,” with Julie Struemke from Creation Station in Osceola.

The music will also be by a young woman named Erin Wajcik. The speaker will be Sandy Cook with “You are Special.” The cost is $8 inclusive and reservations are very important. For reservations/cancellations please call Carrie 651-257-4741 or Velda 715-857-5573. submitted

Interfaith Caregivers to open thift shop WEBSTER – Interfaith Caregivers is hoping to have their own thrift shop, owned and operated by Interfaith Caregivers and volunteers. If you care to donate to Interfaith you may call 715-866-4970. Interfaith Caregivers will pick up or accept gently used clothes,

furniture and household goods. They are always looking for volunteers for their driving and home visits, yard work and cleaning. Please remember, they also need donations for their Christmas for Kids - Helping Hands program. - submitted

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

OBITUARIES Leon P. Viebrock

Thomas Milton Paul

Eugene Louis Carlson

Leon P. Viebrock of Dresser died Sunday, July 6, 2008, as the result of a tragic accident at the age of 46.

Leon was born June 9, 1962, to Arvid and Ilene Viebrock.

He lived in the Osceola/ Dresser area most of his life.

Leon owned and operated Precision Paint Company for over 20 years. He loved his family very much, was an avid Packer fan, enjoyed motorcycle trips, camping, fishing, especially time with his brothers. He loved his girls Lovie, Nikki and Choppers.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Janes; niece, Anna Viebrock; and cousin Pam Greene. He is survived by his wife, Heidi; daughters, Nicole and Peyton Viebrock; son, Marcus Gross; brothers, Wayne, Wendell, Mickey, Brian, Craig, Al and Neil; sister, Judy Cabreana; brother-in-law Pastor Ken Janes; godchildren, Jayden, Dylan and Etta; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Osceola with Pastor Ken Janes officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas Milton Paul, 67, died Jan. 24, 2008, at Burnett Medical Center. Thomas was born on March 28, 1940, in St. Paul, Minn., to Milt and Jeanette Paul, the first of three children.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Victoria Paul of Tallahassee, Fla.; brother, David Paul; and sister, Judy Bauerfeld of Siren; nieces and nephews, Tom, Joann, Fred, Jr., Dawn and Pat Bauerfeld, as well as Sarah and Amber Paul; great-nieces and nephews, Ashley, Megan, Lindsey, Andrew, Shawndee, Alyssa and Stephen.

Tom enjoyed playing pool at the senior citizens center and had many friends there. He also enjoyed buying and restoring cars. He was happiest hanging with his brother, Dave, and when he could, his cousin Bill.

Tom loved sports and would talk football and baseball to anyone who would listen.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center in Siren. Interment will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Eugene Louis Carlson, Amery, died Monday, June 30, 2008. He was 86 years old.

He was born on July 21, 1921, in Amery, the son of Henry and Tina (Bruner) Carlson. He grew up near Amery and was baptized and confirmed at Balsam Lutheran Church. He attended Amery High School and was a member of the 1943 undefeated Amery football team. After graduating, he entered the United States Navy, and after his stint in the Navy spent a short time in the Army. On Dec. 25, 1945, he was united in marriage to Beatrice A. Daam and to this union three children were born. After being discharged, he attended college in River Falls where he received his teaching degree. He taught agriculture in Suring before taking a job as high school math and science teacher in Siren. Besides teaching he also farmed in Apple River Township. He was active with 4-H and the FFA and also belonged to the Amery VFW and the Apple River Community Church. Gene was a resident of Willow Ridge in Amery for a short time before his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, David and Marvin.

He is survived by his wife Beatrice; daughter, Pat (Gary) Marquand; sons, Tom Carlson and Larry Carlson; sister, Lois Lovegren; two grandsons, Chris (Sue) Searles and Andrew (Kari) Searles; six great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 7, 2008, at the Apple River Community Church with Pastor Bruce Tanner officiating at the service. Organist was Sue Lundgren. Casket bearers were Paul Aune, Dareld Lundgren, Ansel Johnson, Tom McKinstry, Dale Jensen and Gerald Cords. Honorary casket bearers were Chris, Zack, Nick, Cade, Kendall and Kale Searles. Interment was at the Amery Cemetery.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery was entrusted with arrangements.

Willard (Bill) Fredrickson Willard (Bill) Fredrickson passed away peacefully on June 19, 2008, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a good son, husband, father and grandfather.

He was born in Minneapolis and graduated from South High School where he excelled in basketball, football, and was president of his high school class.

After graduation, Bill was honored to hold the elite position of chauffeur to the governor of Minnesota, Elmer Benson and his family. He then proudly served the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. Bill was the owner of Carlson Candy Company in Luck, where he and his wife resided for over 60 years.

They took delight in traveling and spent many winters in Palm Desert, Calif., after retirement. They were original members of the Luck Country Club, and Bill was a 50-year Shriner. The Fredricksons enjoyed entertaining and were blessed with lifelong friends at home in Wisconsin as well as many more in Montana and the Southwest.

He is survived by his loved ones - his beloved Florence, wife of 68 years; daughter, Suzanne Dressler; and granddaughter, Amanda Dressler. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children—Twin Cities, or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends were invited to meet Sunday, July 6, at Oakwood Inn for a celebration breakfast prior to the service. The group then proceeded from the Oakwood Inn to the Union Cemetery for a short memorial service. Rowe Funeral Home of Luck, assisted the family with arrangements.

Karin Ingrid (Kallberg) Greenberg Karin Ingrid (Kallberg) Greenberg, 82, formerly of Albert Lea, Minn., died at home on May 12, 2008 in Trade Lake, where she lived with her daughter, Nyla.

Karin was born in Pitea, Sweden, on March 9, 1926, the only child of Walt and Elsa (Nordberg) Kallberg.

The family immigrated to the United States in 1927, eventually settling in Albert Lea. After graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1944, she worked for several years before pursuing her extensive artistic interests and abilities at the Art Institute of Chicago. She married fellow art student Joseph Greenberg of Elgin, Ill., on Sept. 23, 1951 and settled in Elgin. In 1953, Karin was chosen from among some 3,000 contestants to represent Illinois in the Mrs. America pageant in Florida.

While raising two children and an ever-evolving roster of creatures (domesticated and otherwise), she remained active as an artist doing watercolor and pastel portraits from home. Her wonderful creativity was also evident in unique birthday cakes, Halloween costumes and handcrafted gifts. She taught local knitting classes, and usually had several knitting, sewing and crocheting projects under way.

In 1987, Karin moved back to her childhood home in Albert Lea where she maintained an avid interest in gardening and became active in the local art center. She is profoundly missed, and lovingly remembered for her many talents, tremendously sweet and generous spirit, abiding optimism, appreciation and gentle humor.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her son, Gary; and daughter, Nyla.

Visitation was on Friday, May 16, 2008, at the Edling Funeral Home in Grantsburg. A memorial in celebration of Karin’s life and art was held Friday, June 27, in the Jacobsen Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minn.

Steven Scott Salmon Steven Scott Salmon, 49, died July 3, at the home of his mother.

He is survived by his children, Ashley, John and Nicklas of Georgia; his mother, Marilyn of Centuria; brothers, Bradley of Cushing and David of Corpus Cristi, Texas; and sister, Carla Fehlen of Dresser.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m., at the Nazarene Church in St. Croix Falls. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Edling Funeral Home in St. Croix Falls.

The Edling Funeral Home, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Lloyd D. Steeg Lloyd D. Steeg, 96, a resident of Webster, died July 4, 2008.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 9, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster.

A full obituary will be published in a following edition. The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Delphine K. Hendrickson Delphine K. Hendrickson of Osceola died Monday June 30, 2008, at Amery Regional Medical Center at the age of 84.

Delphine was born March 13, 1924, in Garfield Township to Harry and Sigrid Ellingworth. On June 1, 1942, she married Donald Hendrickson. She was a homemaker all of her life, and enjoyed sewing, knitting and camping.

Delphine was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Dave) McIntosh; sons, Dennis and Duane; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brothers, Sidney (Jo) Ellingworth, Larry Ellingworth and Mike (Kathy) Ellingworth; and sister, Delores Sylte.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 3, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola with Intern Doug Anderson, officiating. Interment was in the Bethesda Cemetery.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

William “Bill” Shives William “Bill” Shives, 78, a resident of Webster, died June 29, 2008, at Burnett Medical Center.

Bill was born May 2, 1930, in Detroit, Mich., to Henry and Gladys Deloss. Bill served in the United States Navy for 22 years as a navy chief, retiring in 1967. Bill married Margaret on June 6, 1953, in Fall River, Mass.

He was a past member of the VFW Honor Guard. Bill owned/operated a refrigeration business for 10 years as a hobby. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycle and driving his Ford tractor.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Elizabeth Cairns; parents; brother, Robert; and grandson, David John.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret; children, James (Rita) Shives, John Deloss (Roxanne) Shives, Jacqueline Ann Hallberg (Dean Waytashek) and Randy (Rachel) Schuneman; grandchildren, Trinity, Dana, James Jr., Devan, Veronica, Benjamin, Adam, Isiah, Hillary, Patrick and Katie; expecting two great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 3, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Carl Heidel officiating. Music was provided by organist Fran McBroom and soloist Dayna Daniels. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors.

Casket bearers were Randy Schuneman, Isiah Kidd, Dana Hallberg, Devan Hallberg, Benjamin Shives and Patrick Waytashek.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

OBITUARIES Lucille H. Petersen

Vernon LeRoy Grefsrud

John Ernest “Ernie” Lind

Lucille Helen Petersen of Luck, died June 13, 2008, at the age of 94.

Lucille was born on Nov. 18, 1913, in Doran, Minn., to John and Lillian Peterson. Following graduation from Frederic High School, Lucille attended Burnett County Normal and then taught all eight grades at the Mud Hen Lake School in Siren.

Lucille married Jess Petersen on Dec. 26, 1935, and to this union two daughters and two sons were born.

After Jess and Lu settled in rural Luck, Lucille was the first woman to drive a school bus in the Bone Lake area. During their 52 years of marriage, Lucille and Jess owned and operated the Bone Lake Store, Petersen Sawmill and the Luck Gambles Store. Lucille enjoyed gardening, playing cards with neighbors, traveling with husband, Jess, reading and sewing. She especially enjoyed making quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lucille’s small stature was never to be taken advantage of as she could always hold her own whether it was a job to be done, a conversation of currents events, or just plain having a little fun. She will be remembered for her exceptional memory, good health, generosity, intelligence and love and commitment for her family. Lucille remained living in her own home and only recently was cared for at the United Pioneer Home.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jess; son, Charles; sister, Loraine; one infant grandchild and one infant great-grandchild.

Lucille is survived by daughters, Betty Johnson of White Bear Lake, Minn., and Janice Bystrom of Luck; son, David Petersen of Luck and daughters-in-law, Lois and Karen; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Vernon Peterson (Gwen) of Siren; nieces and nephews.

Interment will be held at the Luck Village Cemetery on Sunday, July 13, at 1:30 p.m. with a celebration of her life following at the Luck Senior Center from 2 – 5 p.m.

Vernon LeRoy Grefsrud, 81, died April 10, 2008.

Vernon was born Oct. 22, 1926, the middle child of 13, to Gustav Helmer and Martina nee Bratlen Grefsrud.

After helping run the family farm for several years, Vernon attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, Minn. In 1956, he married Joanne Tatley of Hitterdal, Minn. They lived in Minneapolis, Minn., where Vernon worked in steel construction for the L.H. Sowles Company. In 1959, Vernon discovered that he had Addison’s disease. Despite the challenge of this illness he continued working until he retired, in 1990, from his position as field superintendent. Nevertheless it was being able to escape to the country near a lake each weekend that renewed his energy.

In 1972, Vernon and Joanne purchased Viola Lake Resort. While Vernon continued to work in Minneapolis, Joanne and their children managed the resort.

Eventually, some of the cabins were sold to private owners, and the Grefsruds made Viola Lake their permanent residence, naming it Vort Helme, which means our home.

Part of the enticement to buy the resort was its wooded setting with ample space for flowers and trees.

Vernon loved growing things, and enjoyed the sight and song of a great variety of birds that collected at his feeders. He planted trees, bushes and plants that echo his love of nature, along with two labyrinths created to help people find serenity.

Over 20 years ago, Vern started tapping the maple trees on his property and began making the maple syrup that many have enjoyed. In his retirement, Vernon worked on several Habitat for Humanity houses.

He appreciated his church and loved reading the Scripture lessons for worship services. In 2000 Vernon and Joanne joined his sister Wanda and her husband on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway. Vernon was extremely proud of their children and grandchildren, as well as all of his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Orvald Grefsrud; sisters, Mamie (Ernest) Peterson and Thelma (Norman) Peterson.

Celebrating Vernon’s life together with his wife Joanne are their daughter, Cheryl Ann (Scott) Canfield, with children Alicia and Ian; their son, Timothy James (Marilyn) Grefsrud with son, Timothy James Grefsrud Jr., grandchildren, Chantel and Makya Jay Grefsrud and stepchildren, Stacy and Emily Erickson; nine siblings, Myrtle Olsen, Raymond (Joan) Grefsrud, Norris (Muriel) Grefsrud, Earl (Priscilla) Grefsrud, Ardell (Robert) Nelson, Glenda (David) Bengtson, Lorraine Grefsrud, Ardean (Adele) Grefsrud and Wanda (Carl) Erickson; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John Ernest “Ernie” Lind, Siren, died at the age of 65, on June 26, 2008.

He was born June 20, 1943, in Grantsburg to John A. and Evelyn Lind. He attended Siren Schools, graduating in 1961. Ernie joined the Army National Guard in 1960 and received an honorable discharge in Dec. 1968. He married his wife, Janice, on March 7, 1964, and to this union five children were born.

During his life, he worked as a farmer, millworker at North States and Penta Wood Products. In 1979, he started his career with the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department. After 23 years of service, he retired to spend more time enjoying life, doing the things he loved with his wife and family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking many trips to Canada and going out west, hunting.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Joseph and John Jr.; and granddaughter, Kelsey.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Janice; daughters, Johnna (Robby) Rose of Anacortes, Wash., Jackie (Todd) Hills of Danbury, Jamie (Eric) Windbiel of Webster; four grandchildren, Steven (Jessica) Peterson, Derek Petersen, Elise Windbiel and Korey Rose; step-great-grandchildren, Michael (Vicki) Rose and Sarah Rose, Logan and Nolan Rose; sisters, JoAnn (John) Nelson of Harrisburg, Pa., and Barbara (James) Ott of Grantsburg; brother, James Lind; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, July 2, at Crooked Lake Park, Siren, with Pastor Kevin Miller officiating. Military honors were provided. Honorary pallbearers were all past and present Burnett County Law Enforcement personnel. Memorials preferred to the family. Interment will be held at a later date.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Ione M. Martin Ione M. Martin, 86, a resident of St. Croix Falls, formerly of Webster, died July 2, 2008.

Ione was born Oct. 21, 1921, in Jackson Township to Francis and Maggie Rand. Ione married Louis on Jan. 14, 1946, in Pine City, Minn. She was active in the Viola Lake Homemakers Club, and was a member and Sunday school teacher at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Webster. She enjoyed knitting, quilting and sewing.

Ione was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis; daughter, Betty Lou; daughter-in-law, Sheri Martin; brothers, Glen, Otis, James and Melvin.

Ione is survived by her children, Don (Kathy Brandt) Martin, Ray Martin, John (Twila) Martin and Colleen (Dwon) Frey; grandchildren, Barb, Rhonda, Rodney, Troy, Nichol, Pam, Joe and Jennifer; 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor John Siedschlag officiating. Music was provided by Shawn Gudmunsen and Inez Buboltz. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Casket bearers were Freddy Arana, Joseph Martin, Troy Martin, Dustin Newcomb, Jeremy Gackle and Christopher Wiechert. Honorary casket bearers were Allen Rand, Arnold Strasser and Cary Steeg.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Louise S. Torrez Louise S. Torrez, 84, a resident of Siren, died June 26, 2008, at Indianhead Medical Center.

Louise was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Markville, Minn.

Louise enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and making crafts. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; son, Robert; and brother, Jim. Louise is survived by her granddaughter, Damita Jo (Steve) Lane; and brothers, Frank (Mary) Schaaf and Bob (Marge) Schaaf.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, July 2, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Mike Tupa officiating. Music was provided by Kim Dropps and the St. John’s choir. Interment followed at Markville Cemetery.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Trend toward early puberty may be changing course Q: Are there limits to the trend toward younger and younger sexual development? If not, the kids of the future may enter puberty in the middle of childhood.

That could create enormous problems if sexual awareness precedes emotional maturity by a decade or more.

DR. DOBSON: It could happen, but that isn't likely.

Actually, studies now indicate that a leveling off and perhaps a reversal of this trend are occurring. In 1988, the average age of the menarche reached a low point of 12.5. By 1993, however, a study found that the curve had begun to swing back in the other direction. Puberty appears to be arriving slightly later.

Why? Well, just as better nutrition and health care caused the average age to drop in the recent past, the present emphasis on ultra thin bodies and intense exercise is apparently delaying development somewhat.

Many physicians are concerned about today's obsession with what used to be called "skinniness." Extremes, they say, are rarely beneficial to human beings whether they are manifested in grossly overweight bodies or those that are bone thin.

A famous biochemist at the University of Southern California, Dr. Sam Bessman, once told me: "Remember that the body never stops eating. If you don't feed it properly, it will begin to consume itself." That is precisely what happens in the girl who consumes too few calories; she may have no periods for years at a time.

••• Q: I'm in my early 20s and trying to figure out a career path and general direction for my life. Do you

have any suggestions?

DR. DOBSON: First, you need information. You might begin by going to an occupational psychologist or another knowledgeable counselor who can assess your skills and interests. There are excellent psychometric tests available today that will acquaint you with your own abili- Dr. James ties. Computers will analyze your Dobson responses and correlate them with those of people who are successful and contented in given professions.

You might be surprised at what you can learn about yourself from an occupational inventory.

Second, you should begin an energetic exploration of eight or nine occupations that you might find exciting. Visit people who are working in those fields and ask them for advice and counsel. Attack this problem like a private investigator who is determined to unravel a mystery.

Leave no stone unturned.

Third, when you've identified the area of greatest interest, commit to it. Beyond that point there's no looking back. Even if there might be a more attractive goal out there somewhere, there comes a point where you have to get on with life. Take your best shot and stay with it until you have a more secure and certain alternative to chase. Millions of others have been where you are now. They eventually got the rockets to fire. I believe you will too.

••• Q: You have said that every healthy married couple should learn how to fight. What do you mean by

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

that?

DR. DOBSON: What I have said is that people need to learn how to fight fair, because there is a big difference between healthy and unhealthy combat in marriage. In an unstable marriage, hostility is aimed at the partner's soft underbelly with comments like: "You never do anything right!" and "Why did I marry you in the first place?" and "You're getting more like your mother every day!" These offensive remarks strike at the very heart of the mate's self worth.

Healthy conflict, by contrast, is focused on the issues that cause disagreement. For example: "It upsets me when you don't tell me you're going to be late for dinner." Or: "I was embarrassed when you made me look foolish at the party last night."

Can you hear the difference in these two sets of examples? The first approach assaults the dignity of the partner while the second is addressed to the source of conflict. When couples learn this important distinction, they can work through their disagreements without wounding and insulting each other.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, P.O. Box 444, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903; or www.family.org. Questions and answers are excerpted from "The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide" and "Bringing Up Boys," both published by Tyndale House.

Brought to you by:

Pilgrim Lutheran Church Frederic

JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

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JULY 9, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 35

Devils Lake boat parade

The Devils Lake boat parade was held Saturday afternoon, July 5. Patriotic themes were popular among the pontoons. Award winners were (pictured clockwise: first place: Team USA – The Frey family; second place: Melting pot – The Merchant-Fair family; third place (tie): Mary Kay – The Herzfeld family and Paradise – The Jacobson family. A new category for boats was also added this year with first place going to the Finley family and second place went to the Herzfeld family. – Photos by Allie Rydel Daniels

Balsam Lake karaoke idol contest

Contestants for the karaoke idol contest held on Main Street in Balsam Lake on Saturday, July 5, waited anxiously to hear who would be in the finals.

Jodi Tripp sang “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin for her opening song at the karaoke idol contest in Balsam Lake. – Photos by Marty Seeger Lexi Kothlow sang a Carrie Underwood song called “Before He Cheats” during the karaoke idol contest.

Jodi Tripp was the first-place winner of the karaoke idol contest in Balsam Lake during their Freedom Festival. Tripp won $500, and donated $100 of her winnings to the Milltown VFW.

Karaoke idol fans lined Main Street Saturday, July 5, to cheer on their favorite performer.

Larry Jepsen was one of three finalists on Saturday. He chose two Willie Nelson songs to sing.

Jepsen took the second-place, $100 prize.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - JULY 9, 2008

Balsam Lake Queen Pageant • 2008

The 2008 Balsam Lake royalty include back row (L to R): Miss Congeniality Joy Albrecht and Katelynn Swiontek gave Jessica Larson a big hug after LarPrincess Katelynn Swiontek. Front row: Little Miss Balsam Lake Carly Nelson, Miss Balsam son was crowned Miss Balsam Lake.

Lake Jessica Larson, First Princess Kristen Norlund and Little Princess Samantha Stryker.

Katelynn Swiontek played “You Raise Me Up” on the piano during the talent show.

Jessica Larson was crowned as the new Miss Balsam Lake for 2008.

Larson is a junior at Unity High School and the daughter of Jackie and John Larson.

Joy Albrecht reacts after she was chosen Miss Congeniality. Albrecht presented a slide show during the talent contest that featured her own photography of the Balsam Lake area. The slide show was entitled “Take Time to Realize.”

Jessica Larson sang, “I’ll Stand by You” on Thursday evening for the talent show.

Kristen Norlund performed an upbeat dance routine to the song “Bridging the Gap” during the talent show on Thursday, July 3.

Photos by Marty Seeger

The 2008 Balsam Lake pageant contestants lined up to answer questions read by former Miss Balsam Lake 2006, Kendra Nelson. Pictured (L to R): Nelson, Joy Albrecht, Jessica Larson, Kristen Norlund and Katelynn Swiontek.

Samantha Stryker (L) and Carly Nelson answered questions posed by former Miss Balsam Lake Bethanie Rice prior to announcing this year’s little miss.

E ! E D I T I O N E X T R A

Fourth of July Area celebrations

A young girl holds up a patriotic scarf during Siren’s Fourth of July parade (left). Above, a Viking fan braved the Wisconsin fans and received applause in some spots from Minnesota vacationers watching the parade. - Photos by Gary King

Miss Frederic Candace Buck and her court rode in the Siren Fourth of July parade (photo at left). Above, a young man along the Siren parade route pauses to check his supply of candy. - Photos by Gary King

E ! E D I T I O N E X T R A

Siren royalty appeared in the Balsam Lake Freedom Five Festival parade on Sunday. At right, a young man showers parade-goers with water at the Danbury parade on Saturday. - Photos by Gary King and Raelynn Hunter

Jerry Fiedler of Fiedler Ford in Grantsburg drove this classic Thunderbird in the Siren Fourth of July parade. - Photo by Gary King

E ! E D I T I O N E X T R A

Fourth of July Area celebrations

Balsam Lake village president Guy Williams rode in Sunday’s Freedom Festival parade. - Photo by Gary King

Balsam Lake village president Guy Williams rode in Sunday’s Freedom Festival parade. - Photo by Gary King

Mike Miles, grand marshal of this year’s Freedom Festival parade at Balsam Lake, throws candy to the crowd. - Photo by Gary King

E ! E D I T I O N E X T R A

Kiddie parade contestants took part in the big parade at Balsam Lake on Sunday, as did a few dogs (photo below).

The North Hudson float brought music and dancing to Balsam Lake’s Main Street (right) and some of the parade units (lower right) provided free water. - Photos by Gary King

E ! E D I T I O N E X T R A

Lisa Ihrke hikes out to help keep their catamaran upright as she and her husband, Layne, take advantage of the strong wind during Shell Lake’s Fourth of July regatta. - Photo by Larry Samson

National Guard members promoted the Guard during the Siren Fourth of July parade. - Photo by Gary King

Teamwork

The water fights at Webster every Fourth of July takes place in front of the fire hall on Main Street. - Photo by Raelynn Hunter

JUNE 25, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

E ! E D I T I O N E X T R A Horn workshop at Shell Lake Arts Center SHELL LAKE — An instrumental workshop offers the possibility of delving much more deeply in the musical and technical aspects of performance than is possible in most people’s daily life.

This first horn workshop at the Shell Lake Arts Center offers horn players a chance to experience master classes, lessons, horn ensemble, playing in a recital, natural horn, special topics and even do Professor Jeffrey musical games.

Agrell will be the According to the director of director during the horn week, Professor Jeffrey Shell Lake Arts Agrell, horn players will have Center horn worka chance to advance them- shop. — Photo subselves technically and musically in this concentrated environment in a beautiful lakeside setting. Players will work with Agrell as well as collaborating with each other in horn ensembles

and master classes. Agrell says, “It’s a chance for everyone to learn a great deal in a short time and have a lot of fun in the process.”

Students will learn new techniques on warming up, practicing, and playing repertoire; horn design, choosing a horn; and how to find resources and further information about playing the horn after the camp is finished.

Agrell has much experience educating students through workshops, similar to Shell Lake Arts Center, all around the world, from Hong Kong to the prestigious Kendall Betts Horn Camp in New Hampshire.

He has had a 25-year career as a professional horn musician with Lucerne Symphony Orchestra in Switzerland, an experience he describes as requiring him to play perfectly every day and seeing just about every musical context there is: symphonies, opera, musicals, ballet, chamber music and more. He has worked with students from 15 to 80 years old and relates to them all by responding to their unique abilities and needs.

Agrell helps students “learn to use their time effectively and to solve musical and technical problems.”

Benefits of the workshop include the knowledge and

Debate over wind energy continues

inspiration that students take back to their daily lives at home and at school for the rest of the year. Agrell is also an expert in leading musical games, which “help players think for themselves, approach technique in a new way, and incidentally have more fun than they can imagine.”

This summer, instead of only watching and listening, participate actively in a program that will engage your head, heart and spirit. Professor Agrell’s horn workshop is sure to provide insight into your musical communications with the world as well as your own personal world. For more information on Agrell, see his University of Iowa Web site: www.uiowa.edu/~somhorn.

The horn workshop at the Shell Lake Arts Center is Aug. 10-15 and open to all ages and abilities. For more information on how to register for this workshop and all programs offered at the Shell Lake Arts Center, visit their Web site at www.shelllakeartscenter.org or call the center office at 715-468-2414. — from SLAC

Lighting the fuse

STATEWIDE - The wind power industry wants more taxpayer help, but a neighbor of a Wisconsin wind farm says companies just want corporate welfare.

More than 200 wind turbines are operating in Wisconsin and more wind farm projects are on the drawing board, but the American Wind Energy Association worries new wind generation would slow down if Congress doesn’t renew a national production tax credit for renewable energy by the end of the year.

Spokesman Jeff Anthony says Wisconsin needs to catch up from a several-year dry spell during which little wind was brought into production. He says for Wisconsin utilities to meet their requirements under state law and for the state to start making a down payment on addressing climate change, his group’s position is that more wind turbines need to go online in the near future. He acknowledges a battle in Congress over how to pay for the tax break.

Wind power critic Joe Breaden of Horicon Marsh Systems Advocates says lawmakers should simply not renew the credit. He says it’s nothing more than more corporate welfare and adds that wind is not something that’s going to work for the most part in the United States.

Breaden says the wind turbines don’t generate enough electricity to make up for causing what he calls a “scar” on the land near his home in northern Dodge County. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Chuck Quirmbach)

Milwaukee police chief pushes for jail time for gun-carrying felons MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn is calling for mandatory jail time for felons who carry guns.

Flynn made a statement Sunday as he linked a shooting that killed four people on Friday to a drug-related street gang called the Murda Mobb. Flynn says the gang has been responsible for about 24 murders in Milwaukee over the last decade.

Flynn says the gang recruited some members while they were in prison, and he says he expects some members now carry guns.

Flynn says the legal system has too much discretion on setting bail and issuing prison sentences. But some legal experts say getting state law to order mandatory jail time for felons arrested with a gun would increase prison overcrowding. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Chuck Quirmbach)

Dave Zaloudek wears a protective suit as he lights the fuses on the 4-inch rockets during the Fourth of July fireworks display at Shell Lake this year. All the years of experience and training comes down to a 30-minute show, with safety his top priority. - Photo by Larry Samson