Leader|march 25|2009

W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 2 5 , 2 0 0 9 • V O L U M E 7 6 • N O . 3 1 • 2 S E C T I O N S • S E C T I O N A

W EEKEN D WA TCH : • Judicial candidates forum @ Siren • Polk County history film showing @ Luck • “The Wizard of Oz” @ SCFalls • “The Cow Tippers” @ Frederic • “The Lion King” @ Webster • Play @ Wood River • Chili Fest @ Danbury See Coming Events and stories

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Leader INTER-COUNTY

Candidate profiles Pages 13-16

www.the-leader.net Reaching more than 7,500 readers

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GAM makes money in 2008

Reverses several years of losses; improvements moving forward PAGE 35

Mama D’s legacy lives on

Son Gino of Balsam Lake tells of family’s history and tradition of feeding those in need CURRENTS FEATURE

Pilot makes emergency landing in marsh

R i gh t o n c u e

Walks away; cause of failure investigated PAGE 12

Pay for former police chief approved

Board to view options for police coverage PAGE 35

Local couple joins raw milk/real milk movement Page 6

Luck Library/Museum honored Page 4

O UT DOO RS

Services set for Gene Early

Early Oil owner, village leader PAGE 2

Local attorney reprimanded by Supreme Court Action stems from 2003 case tried in Burnett County PAGE 3

$35,000 bond set for Milltown man

Accused of attempted homicide PAGE 3

Doing their part to protect wildlife See OUTDOORS Inside this section

Meeting on referendum

Siren voters will vote again April 7 on school referendum PAGE 35

Just a few days before the official start of spring, last Friday, this bluebird and his mate were checking out bluebird houses at the home of Mary Pollock who lives just north of Centuria. - Photo by Mary Pollock

C ho o s i ng a j u d ge Burnett County voters will choose a judge in the April 7 election; incumbent Judge Ken Kutz is being challenged by Paul Baxter

by Sherill Summer BURNETT COUNTY - Voters will choose a circuit court judge for a six-year term in the April 7 election.

The current judge is Ken Kutz who was appointed to the seat by Gov. Jim Doyle last year after Judge Michael Gableman was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Judge Kutz is being challenged by Paul Baxter, a judicial court commissioner in Douglas County who is familiar with Burnett County via family and work.

Both candidates responded to the Leader election questionnaire as follows: Ken Kutz (Incumbent) My reasons for wanting to be judge are numerous. My main reason is that, after working in the district attorney’s office for 25 years, I was getting burned out, both personally and professionally. I enjoyed prosecuting tremendously, but as you know from the articles on our caseload statistics, there was simply too much of it for one person (even with a quartertime assistant).

I often compared practicing law in the district attorney’s office to practicing medicine on the old “Mash” television show: it felt like you were always under the gun and never had time to give matters the full attention that they deserved, and that wasn’t how I wanted to practice law.

Candidates will square off in a forum this Thursday at government center in Siren. See story, page 12

Ken Kutz

Paul Baxter

Becoming judge made a huge difference in that. I now had time to actually consider cases, do the legal research, and make a reasoned decision instead of shooting from the hip and hoping for the best.

A second reason for pursuing the judgeship is that it gave me both the time and the ability to pursue programs and policies to make a difference in what’s going on in the county. I started this with

See Judicial race, page 4

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

Leader

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Services set for Gene Early, community leader

by Nancy Jappe FREDERIC – Gene Early, the third generation in his family to run the Early Oil Company, died Monday, at the age of 78, after living with multiple myeloma for the past 10 years.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 4, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. An obituary is published elsewhere in this issue.

“His death saddens me,” said John Glockzin, longtime Frederic fire chief. “I first met Gene when we were in grade school, then lost track of him in the teen years (the years when the Early family lived in Eugene, or “He was a very clean person, and he was tremendous for the village,” Glockzin went on. “He was very active with village concerns and served on the village council. He was also very active at St. Luke’s Church, serving in all of the church positions.”

In 2001, Gene Early wrote a history of the family for “Frederic: The First 100 Years 1901-2001, the Centennial Edition.”

In that history, Early talked about his years in Oregon, where he graduated from high school and married his best high school girlfriend, Eunice Miller.

Following two years active duty in the Army, Gene and Eunice returned to Frederic to assist Gene’s dad, Wallace, in the oil business. This was in October 1955.

In 1978, Gene and Eunice started Frederic’s first self-service gasoline station, a business that later turned into the Early Mart Convenience Store, which operated until March 1997.

Janice Nelson, Luck, worked for Gene Early as a bookkeeper for about 11 years.

“It was fun working there,” Nelson said.

“Everybody liked everybody, and it was like a big family. Gene and Eunice ran the business together, (although) she was in and out. Gene was really great to work for. After my son was born, Gene let me bring him to work in a playpen. I did this until he got big enough (to leave him home). When Roger (my husband) was on night shift at one time, Gene let me work nights, too. He was all-around nice to work with.”

Nelson said she learned good bookkeeping and accounting skills from Gene.

“He was a good teacher,” she said.

Another memory that came to Nelson’s mind was during the early days, when everyone went hunting, and the girls, meaning she and Eunice, were out pumping gas at the station.

Roger Miller commented that Gene Early gave high school kids a place in which to work. “Both my sons, James and Todd, and my daughter, Janet, worked at Early Oil,” Miller said.

Gene and Eunice Early were honored as Frederic’s Citizens of the Year in 1999.

Kordi Kurkowski remembers the song that she and Kathy Hutchison from St. Luke’s United Methodist Church sang at the Citizen of the Year Dinner. The song was based on the words of John Wesley – “Do All the Good You Can.” About Gene, Kurkowski said, “He was an instrumental human being in all of our lives.”

Early was the first person Kurkowski

Gene Early met the first time she attended a service at St. Luke’s. “He came up to me, said hello and asked if I would consider singing in the choir. I hadn’t sung in 12 years,” she remembered.

Kurkowski and Eunice Early were active in The Good News Singers, a choir of young singers. “Gene was there encouraging the kids,” Kurkowski said.

“He and Eunice loved to plan parties, and hold parties for the kids at their house. They wanted to welcome people to their house.”

Kurkowski compared Early to the man described in the Bible in Galations, Chapter 5, exhibiting all the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, fruitfulness and self-

control. “He had all of those things,” she said.

The Early Mart and Phillips 66 in Siren closed in the spring 1997 due in part to the semiretirement and health of Gene Early. Gene and Eunice built a home on Dunham Lake, a home with windows all around from which to enjoy nature and the changing of seasons.

“Gene Early was always a good and civic-minded neighbor and friend on Dunham Lake,” said neighbors Rudy and Pat Solomonson. “He was instrumental in prompting the Daniels Town Board to replace the inadequate public access (to the lake).”

“The Early Family, including Wallace and Clara, deceased, Gene and Eunice, and their children Miriam, Karen, Jon, Susan, all value to a high level, the opportunity and rewards of living and working in this fine family business,” wrote Gene in 2001. “We take pride in our village and greater community. We are especially thankful for the hundreds and thousands of people who have been our customers and for the many loyal, hard-working employees who contributed a great deal to making it all possible,” wrote Gene Early in 2001.

Jon Early said his father, above all else, was dedicated to his wife, family, community and country.

“His life was defined by his Christian faith, his conviction to be true to himself and his belief in the goodness of all people. One of his favorite quotes was from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true; And it must follow, as the night the day; Thou canst not then be false to any man.’”

It's not all water under the bridge - yet

Charged with sexual assault POLK COUNTY – A 23-year-old from Emerald faces a charge of repeated sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl, according to court records.

Jeremiah P. Potter was charged Wednesday, March 18, for allegedly having sexual contact with the girl approximately five times between Nov. 1, 2008, and Jan. 31, 2009, at the grandmother’s home in rural Frederic.

According to a criminal complaint, Potter and the girl had developed a relationship and they knew any sexual activity between them was illegal. – with information from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

The ice in the St. Croix River along the Wisconsin-Minnesota border west of Grantsburg broke up this past weekend, marking, for many area residents, the real beginning of spring. Local residents gather each spring at the bridge to watch the sometimes dramatic movement of ice as it breaks up and moves downriver. - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

Briefly

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

POLK COUNTY - Events have been scheduled locally during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout the nation, and especially, throughout our county. All county citizens are being asked to take time to reflect on what we are doing as a community to support children and families. Throughout the month of April, the Polk County Child Advocacy Referral Interagency Network Group will be promoting a countywide Blue Ribbon Campaign through various activities.

Every week in April there will be a Child Abuse Prevention Blue Ribbon Campaign event that is open to the public: Wednesday, April 1 – Blue Ribbon Yard Sign Kickoff; Tuesday, April 7 - Sexual Assault Awareness Presentation - 6 p.m. at Unity School in Balsam Lake; Wednesday, April 15 – Countywide Blue Ribbon Candlelight Vigil - 6:30 p.m. at eight locations throughout the county; Friday, April 24 - Wear Blue Day; Monday, April 27 - Dedication Service for Zachary Wolfe – 5:30 p.m. at Bering Park in Milltown. For more information or how you can get involved call Community Referral Agency at 825-4414. - from Polk County C.A.R.I.N.G. ••• SIREN - The Capeside property sale is off, at least for now. Siren Village Administrator Randy Surbaugh received a letter dated March 20 from Neal Blanchett, president and general counsel for Traditions Management, the company that had hoped to run an assisted-living home on the property. “It is my understanding that Good Samaritan (the property owners) will be continuing to market the property,” Blanchett wrote.

“If Capeside Cove meets our needs in the future and is still available, we would love to add it to our family.” No other information is available at this time. Nancy Jappe ••• SIREN – Pamela Stearns, the officer in charge at the Siren Post Office, will be taking early retirement Tuesday, March 31. She is exercising the post-office option that allows retirement to anyone over the age of 45 who has put in 25 years of postal service. Siren postal customers will be glad to hear that Greg Schewe, currently the OIC at the Danbury Post Office, will be coming back to fill the OIC position in Siren. Schewe, in title the Milltown postmaster, was the OIC in Siren before Stearns took over the position. - Nancy Jappe ••• BALSAM LAKE — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, and state Rep. Ann Hraychuck will be hosting a Law Enforcement and Judicial Roundtable on Tuesday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m. The roundtable will provide law enforcement officials from Polk County opportunities to discuss public safety concerns and other issues of importance to the county with the attorney general. The roundtable will be held at the Polk County Courthouse in the county boardroom at Balsam Lake. – from the office of Attorney General Van HollenM Correction ••• CORRECTIONS: Last week’s story “County to negotiate for property by fairgrounds” incorrectly stated that supervisor Keith Rediske asked for an amendment to authorize $10,000 to cover the cost of negotiating. The actual amount Rediske said that was approved by a 15 to five vote was $1,000. We are sorry for any inconvenience the error caused.

••• A story last week incorrectly listed the job title of Patty Bjorklund as clerk for the village of Webster. The proper and full title is clerk-treasurer. We apologize for the error.

Sign of the times?

This bulletin board at the Polk County Justice Center is filled with notices of property to be sold by sheriff’s auction. – Photo submitted

Comprehensive plan progress focus of meeting BURNETT COUNTY - Two public information meetings on the progress of the Burnett County Comprehensive Plan will held soon.

The first meeting will be held at the Siren High School Auditorium on Monday, April 6, at 6 p.m.

A presentation will be given first and will be followed up by a question and answered period. Maps and charts will be on hand as well as handouts. The second public information meeting will be held at the Burnett County Government Center in Room 165 at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.

Members of the county planning committee may be present at each meeting. The public is encouraged to come and learn about the progress and provide input verbally and in writing. For more information contact Mike Kornmann at 349-2151 or www.burnettcounty.com/compplan.

The comprehensive plan will determine policy for land use decisions at the county level and in other areas including housing, transportation, economic development, cultural resources and more. – from UWExtension Burnett County

$35,000 cash bond set for Locke the alleged female victim was POLK COUNTY - Joseph in the laundry room of her Locke, the 46-year-old man apartments at about 9 p.m. who slit his throat after According to the victim’s running from authorities statement in the criminal comlast week, is now in the plaint, Locke confronted the Polk County Jail on $35,000 female who left the laundry cash bond following a room and headed toward her court appearance Friday apartment. Locke was reportbefore Judge Molly ed to have followed her and GaleWyrick. entered her apartment before Locke is charged with Locke she could close the door. attempted first-degree The report says Locke tried intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, attempted to rape the woman and to snap her first-degree sexual assault use of a dan- neck by twisting her head and jaw sevgerous weapon, strangulation, suffoca- eral times with quick jerks.

After a period of time, she convinced tion use of a dangerous weapon, and false imprisonment use of a dangerous Locke she needed aspirin for a weapon, stemming from an alleged migraine. As the two left the apartincident March 6 in the village of ment, according to the complaint, the Milltown. female ran to another apartment door, He’s scheduled to appear at a pre- knocked on it and was let in. liminary hearing Wednesday, March The apartment resident then called 25, before Judge Galewyrick. the police. According to Sheriff Tim Locke was in Regions Hospital on Moore, 14 officers were dispatched to Monday, being treated for the cut to his look for Locke for four hours, concludneck, which he self-inflicted at a rela- ing he had left the scene. – with infortive’s home in New Richmond. mation from Polk County District According to a criminal complaint, Attorney’s office

Local attorney reprimanded by Supreme Court SPOONER – A Spooner attorney has been publicly reprimanded by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for professional misconduct stemming from a 2003 case involving a logging company, tried in Burnett County.

It is the first public reprimand for Thomas O. Mulligan, who has been practicing law since 1985. He previously faced private reprimands from the court for professional misconduct, in 1997 and 2005.

A complaint filed by the Office of Lawyer Regulation charges Mulligan failed to communicate with his client regarding his decision to file a cross appeal – seeking a reversal of the court’s findings – without first obtaining transcripts from the trial.

“On Jan. 2, attorney Mulligan filed a cross-appeal seeking reversal of the jury’s finding that a breach of contract had occurred,” states the court’s opinion. “He argued that the evidence at trial was not sufficient to support the jury’s verdict. However, Mulligan never obtained the transcripts from the trial and never filed a transcript from the jury trial with the court of appeals.

He never consulted with or advised (his client) that he was proceeding with the appeal without having obtained the trial transcripts. Indeed, he did not communicate with his client after Jan. 17, 2004 – the date Mulligan received advance fees to pursue the appeal – until June 3, 2005 – the date he notified (his client) of the court of appeals adverse decision.”

Mulligan’s testimony in his defense as to the lack of trial records or testimony was found “wholly undeveloped and unsupported” by the Supreme Court.

The court ordered Mulligan publicly reprimanded and that he take part in 12 hours of continuing legal education in legal research and writing, and the appellant process, and must pay about $6,115 for costs associated with the disciplinary action.

In 1997, Milligan was reprimanded for failing to communicate with his client, refund unearned fees and communicate his rates. In 2005, he failed to refund, in a timely manner, an unearned advance fee.

Supreme Court Judge Michael Gableman, a circuit court judge in Burnett County in 2003, did not participate in the review of the latest case against Mulligan. – Gary King with information from www.wicourts.gov

E l e c ti o n p r o f i l e s This is the first of two issues featuring profiles of candidates running lfor local office in the April 7 election. This issue features contested races in Burnett County. Next week’s issue will feature primarily Polk County races. Candidates wishing to be included in our coverage may send their photo and information to the-leader@centurytel.net, or Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837. Information should include personal background, reasons for seeking office, thoughts on what you feel are the most important issues facing your school district, town/village, etc. This is the last issue prior to the election that letters to the editor pertaining to candidates will be published.

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PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

P O L K

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Luck Library/Museum receives award

LUCK — The new Luck Library and Museum was recognized in Madison this week as one of 10 projects across the state to receive the Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin award.

The awards were presented by Elizabeth Burmaster, state superintendent of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Accepting the award on behalf of the village, the library, and the museum were project Chair Tam Howie, historical society President Chuck Adleman, and library board President Marty Messar.

The Luck Library and Museum project, which opened last fall, is Luck’s first new construction on Main Street since the 1970s. The collaboration of private donations and a rural development block grant made the project possible.

Included in the long list of in-kind donations for the project were excavation and cement work, plumbing, interi-

Key players in bringing the Luck Library and Museum to reality went to Madison Monday to accept the Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin award the Department of Public Instruction presented to the project. From left are Carol Adleman, Chuck Adleman, Marty Messar, Elizabeth Burmaster, Sue Messar, Jan Howie, Tam Howie and Pat Schmidt. Burmaster is the state superintendent for the DPI. — Photo submitted or finishing, heating, painting and carpeting, which makes the project a true communitywide effort and a legacy to

literacy and lifelong learning.

“Everyone here knows the joys of our rural schools and communities,”

Burmaster said at the March 23 award ceremony. “The sense of unity and the values of hard work, collaboration and innovation inspire thoughtful, committed citizens to work for the public good.

“Rural residents know that the future of their towns and villages is inextricably linked to the health and vitality of their public schools and libraries. Their communities are what they make them.”

Burmaster concluded the awards program by congratulating the honorees.

“Your efforts — the efforts of your schools, libraries, and communities — provide a strong, solid foundation for the work of educating our children and for the enrichment of rural Wisconsin.

“Thank you for the tremendous contributions you have made to you state’s rural communities.” — with information from the Department of Public Instruction.

Former Frederic resident works in agriculture in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service announced that Anthony S. Doth, Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist, has returned from a two-year voluntary assignment in Afghanistan to help rebuild that country’s agricultural sector. Doth had previously worked with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Lihue, Hawaii.

In 2003, three USDA employees were among the first civilians to offer their expertise as agricultural advisors in Afghanistan. Since then, about 50 advisors have been deployed, working on a variety of projects design to help reconstruct The agricultural sector.

USDA programs have led to the planting of more than 5 million trees, con-

struction of agricultural extension centers in half of the provinces, training of key Afghan agricultural officials, and the start of a national system to detect and control animal disease.

Doth served for one year on the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, and volunteered for a second year on the Ghazni PRT. Doth was born in Minneapolis, Minn., and was raised in Frederic.

More information on the PRT program can be found at www.fas.usda.gov/icd/drd/afghanista n.asp. — submitted

Tony Doth, formerly of Frederic, has recently returned from working with the USDA in Afghanistan for the last two years. — Photo submitted

Jail inmate charged with attempt to intimidate a victim

BALSAM LAKE – Cole Dosch, 23, Amery, who is being held in the Polk County Jail, was charged on Wednesday, March 18, with attempted bail jumping and attempted intimidation of a victim.

A Polk County officer was informed on that day that Dosch had called a woman and asked her to speak to the

victim in his battery case, which had occurred earlier this year.

Inmate phone records confirmed a call by an inmate to a female on March 17.

The inmate asked the woman if she had “talked to her,” then asked her to tell the victim to write a letter to his probation agent and the district attorney saying that “things were just a misunderstand-

ing.” The inmate said if that were done, his charges would be dropped and and he could get out of jail.

The officer spoke with Dosch, reminding him he was not to have contact with the victim. Dosch said he had talked to the other woman, but not the victim. He said he had tried to reach the victim but was unsuccessful.

There were six attempted calls to the number listed as the victim’s residence, all of them made after Dosch had received a bond with a no-contact provision. Dosch remains in custody on a probation hold but has been released on the battery charge. — from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

their business for growth. I believe this consistency comes from a judge with real experience hearing issues of contract law, resolving issues of personal injury and property damage, and interpreting credit and debt law.

I ask that all citizens interested in the working of their Burnett County court visit the Wisconsin Court Web site at www.wicourts.gov. The Consolidated Court Automation Programs will allow everyone to search for accurate data on Burnett County court workload, cases, individuals, ongoing case activity and the actual resolution of the cases that came before your courts. I believe some of the information will have a strong impact on you and will motivate your vote on April 7.

The Burnett County citizens I talk with express deep concerns about repeat criminal offenders and career criminals continuing to be able to harm their family, their neighbors and their property. They have asked me to never forget the importance of the Burnett County residents who never cross the law and want to enjoy a peaceful and

safe life.

My wife, Elizabeth, and I want to join these citizens and our family members here in Burnett County. We want it to be our home for the remainder of our professional and private years. I am committed to serving the law. The judgeship of Burnett County is not a professional stepping-stone or an early retirement. I am experienced, and I will assume the judge’s post ready to work on day one.

I have served on the bench as the judicial court commissioner for Douglas County, for well over six years. In this position, every day I hear and rule on a full range of cases from criminal felony cases to family law disputes and private civil lawsuits. For the preceding years when I was an attorney in private legal practice, my focus was on Burnett, Douglas and Washburn counties.

I am 51 years old. I am an NRA Life Member and enjoy hunting and shooting sports. I have been a member of the Burnett County Historical Society for several years, and I never miss the annual rendezvous.

Judicial race/from page 1 the weekly truancy court and countywide truancy ordinance, and I’m now pursuing similar programs for mortgage foreclosures, community service for unpaid fines and repeat offender drunk drivers.

As district attorney I could often see the need for such programs, but I never had the time to do anything about it.

That’s all changed since I was appointed judge, and I’m hoping to continue to do this after April 7.

Basic background info: Married to wife Pat for almost 28 years. We live in Grantsburg and have three sons, Brian, Sean and Brendan. Brian is a senior at UMD, Sean is a freshman at UWOshkosh, and Brendan is a freshman at Grantsburg High School.

I was born and raised in Hibbing, Minn. Graduated high school in 1972; college in 1976, from UMD; law school in 1979 from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Private practice in Ripon, 1979-1983; Burnett County District Attorney’s office 1983-2008 (assistant district attorney 1983-1986; district attorney 1987-2008). Current communi-

ty activities: president-elect Siren/Webster Rotary Club; board of directors, Restorative Justice; trustee and pastoral council member, Immaculate Conception Church. Past community activities: board member and president, Burnett Medical Center; finance council member and secretary, Immaculate Conception Church; board member, Community Referral Agency; member and chairman, Player/Parent/Coach committee, Grantsburg Youth Hockey Association.

Other: law enforcement instructor, WITC, 1997 to present.

Paul Baxter (Challenger) The citizens of Burnett County need a consistent court they can rely on right now and for the years to come. They want someone to competently hear every kind of issue they bring to the court.

Especially in times with a stressed economy, Burnett County needs impartiality and predictability in how the law is applied so they can be comfortable in financially extending themselves and

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Administrative/nonunion staff offer zero-percent wage freeze

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Administrative and nonunion staff members at Siren Schools have offered to take a zero-percent wage increase for the 2009-2010 school year. This includes staff in the district office, directors and supervisors.

For the administrators, this zero-percent wage freeze will be in effect for their two-year contracts.

Roads expert Clayton Jorgensen came to the March 23 meeting of the Siren School Board to present the school district with a copy of the early county roads map he, along with the county’s land information staff, researched and prepared.

Jorgensen pointed out some of the early roads with particular significance to people in the Siren community. The intention in giving a copy of the map to each of the three Burnett County schools is for it to be used as a teaching tool.

In open session, following closed-session discussion Monday, March 23, the school board accepted this offer, extending appreciation to the staff members for their recognition of the state of the economy.

Also in open session following the closed-session, the board approved the hiring of John Ruud as the new baseball coach and Rebecca Leis as the junior high assistant track coach. Ruud has had six years experience as an assistant baseball coach and is a former baseball athlete. “He will be an asset to the program,” commented District Administrator Scott Johnson.

A public meeting has been set for 7 p.m. Monday, March 30, in the auditorium, regarding the referendum for a $150,000-a-year recurring tax levy that will be voted on in the April 7 election.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend this meeting to become better informed on the need for this referendum, which is to maintain the last school-building addition of 54,000 square feet. More about the referendum is included in the election section of this edition of the newspaper.

At the March 23 meeting, the school board approved a resolution stating that the district will only levy $150,000 annually to exceed the revenue limit when it is absolutely necessary.

Rudy and Ruth Mothes have been chosen as this year’s addition to the district’s Wall of Honor. Presentation of the award will be made during the graduation ceremony Sunday, May 31.

Diane Lund, chaperone for the band that went to Madison for the Lady Dragons state basketball appearance, told the board that she is not only proud of the Lady Dragons but of the band.

“They did an excellent job of playing,

After 15 years on the Siren School Board, Doug Coyour attended his last meeting as a board member Monday, March 23. Coyour (L) was given a plaque by board President Dayton Daniels in recognition of his years of service. were well-behaved and showed a lot of school spirit. I was very proud to be with that group,” Lund commented.

Thirty-seven students are registered for kindergarten for the next school year, with 29 in prekindergarten.

“That’s a good sign for the district,” Johnson said.

Actions taken by the board at the meeting included: 1) Hearing about 23 requested college credits for students through the Youth Options program. 2) Approving a three-week summer program to run from June 15 through July 3, with no transportation provision set up at this time. 3) Approving the low bid of $12,300 from Stalker Flooring for refinishing the gym floor. 4) Approving an open-enrollment count for next year

that involves 20 students going out and 18 students coming into the school. 5) Authorizing the execution of the employee benefit plan, a yearly formality.

The board’s April meeting schedule is as follows: Budget and finance – Monday, April 20, 5 p.m. Building, grounds and transportation – Wednesday, April 22, 5:30 p.m. and negotiations – Personnel Wednesday, April 22, 4 p.m. Policy, planning and curriculum – Monday, April 20, 6 p.m. The next school board meeting will be held Monday, April 27, at 5 p.m., because of activities at the school in the evening.

Three plead guilty in St. Croix Tribal drug investigation MADISON – Three defendants pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court in Madison to conspiring to distribute crack cocaine on St. Croix Tribal lands.

They are George Rainey, 29, Rice Lake; Diana Martin, 33, Webster; and Andrew Sonnenberg, 26, Cumberland.

Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, without parole.

Visiting Judge James Moody, from the Northern District of Indiana, accepted the guilty pleas and will schedule sentencing dates in the near future.

The government’s proof at the guilty plea hearings established that each of these defendants worked with Jean Sonnenberg, and others, to obtain and

distribute crack cocaine on St. Croix Tribal lands from at least January 2001 through September 2008. Each, at various times, traveled with Jean Sonnenberg, and others, to obtain crack cocaine from sources in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The drugs were then sold to customers on tribal lands in northwestern Wisconsin.

During the first several months of 2008, an individual working with law enforcement officers purchased crack cocaine from Andrew Sonnenberg and Martin on several occasions. Each of these purchases was recorded by law enforcement officers.

Rainey’s involvement began in approximately 1998 and ended with his conviction of drug offenses in Barron

50 years of membership recognized Bob Lee (L), a member of the Lund-Brown American Legion Post No. 132, Siren, was congratulated on achieving 50 years of continuous American Legion membership by Lyle Johnson, post commander. Lee’s years of service were recognized during the Legion’s meeting Thursday, March 19. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

County in 2006. During this time period, he and his girlfriend – Margrette Cobb – were in the business of selling crack cocaine for the Sonnenberg drug organization.

The remaining five defendants in this case, Cobb, Bruce Sonnenberg, Amanda Sonnenberg, Jean Sonnenberg, and Rainey – are scheduled to enter guilty pleas on March 30 and 31.

U.S. Attorney Erik Peterson stated that Monday’s guilty pleas resulted from a long-term investigation being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Jutsice, Division of Criminal Investigation – Narcotics

Bureau; Federal Bureau of Investigation; St. Croix Tribal Police Department; Rice Lake Police Department, Barron County Sheriff’s Department; Burnett County Sheriff’s Department; Polk County Sheriff’s Department; Native American Drug and Gang Initiative; and Wisconsin State Patrol.

Peterson said the investigation is continuing and additional indictments and arrests are expected.

The prosecution of the cases is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Vaudreuil. – from the office of United States Attorney Eric C. Peterson

Ruby’s Pantry seeks to expand volunteer base

by Carl Heidel SIREN - In an effort to expand its volunteer base, Ruby’s Pantry is holding information sessions at the Siren Covenant Church, Thursday April 2, at 2 and 7 p.m. According to Julie Werner of the pantry, Ruby’s is seeking volunteers for its new food shelf in Siren.

Werner said that volunteer duties will include direct interaction with clients such as greeting them when they arrive to use the food shelf services, helping them complete the forms to apply for services and going over completed paperwork. Other duties will include accepting donations, unloading trucks, stocking shelves, cleaning the food shelf, driving to St. Paul to pick up food, public speaking to explain the food shelf and to request donations.

The new Ruby’s Pantry Food Shelf will be located on Hwy. 35 in Siren at

what is now The Place To Be furniture store, and will serve the people that live within the Siren School District. The plan is to open in May. The food shelf will be open a minimum of two days per week, Mondays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. These hours may be adjusted depending on need and the number of volunteers available.

“Clients will be able to shop for the food they like and need,” said Werner.

“There is no charge for the food received at the Ruby’s Pantry Food Shelf,” she continued.

This new location will also be the location for the Ruby’s Pantry monthly distribution.

For additional information on the volunteer information sessions call Julie Werner at 320-629-7139 or Dave Guertin at 715-349-5601.

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

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Local couple joins raw milk/real milk movement

Wedin’s Lillabacken dairy unique in area

by Gregg Westigard WOOD RIVER – Milk from the cow to you, fresh, organic, unpasteurized, sold at the farm.

That is what Cheryl and Daryl Wedin are offering to members of a buying club that is a part owner of their Lillabacken Organic Dairy LLC. The farm on Little Wood Lake Road in Wood River is the only listed local source of raw milk. The Wedins are developing a steady base of members who get their milk at the farm.

Raw milk, called real milk by its advocates, is unpasteurized. Advocates say that raw milk contains nutrients including enzymes, vitamins, minerals and beneficial bacteria that are destroyed or changed by pasteurization. The raw milk/real milk movement says that today’s store milk may be causing health problems that were rare in the past.

Raw milk is legal to be sold to the public in 29 states, but not in Wisconsin. However, it can be offered to the people who own the farm. This farm-shares method is now being used by 11 farms in Wisconsin including the Wedin farm. People who join the Little Hills

Cheryl and Daryl Wedin and their Lillabacken Organic Dairy in Wood River supply raw milk to member/partners of a buying club. They are advocates of “natural” milk, fresh from the cow to the consumer. – Photo by Gregg Westigard

Buyers Club by paying a small annual membership fee can come to Lillabacken farm, containers in hand, and buy fresh, whole milk, chat with the Wedins, and see the cows that produced the milk that day.

Daryl Wedin has been operating the farm since 1987, the third generation on the 100-year-old family farm.

The Wedins chose to keep their herd small, milking 30 cows in a time when some farms are going to herds with hundreds of cows. They wanted an operation they could manage themselves. And they chose to go organic, not using growth hormones or antibiotics, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. The farm has been certified organic since 2007.

The 30-cow herd produces enough milk to serve an estimated 20 buying club members and the Wedins are accepting new members now. They keep the family farm going in an age of expanding farm operations by lowering their overhead. Less processing also keeps the price of the milk down. The excess milk is sold to Burnett Dairy so the milk in the bulk tank is never more than two days old.

Cheryl and Daryl Wedin enjoy explaining the virtues of raw milk and they enjoy showing their farm and herd to visitors. Give them a call and pay them a visit. They may make a convert out of you.

Governor declares April Sexual Assault Awareness Month

STATEWIDE – Gov. Doyle has issued a proclamation declaring April 2009 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Wisconsin. His proclamation recognizes that sexual assault “continues at an unacceptable rate” in Wisconsin, and that together we can prevent sexual assault by declaring “we are all responsible for modeling good behavior” and “to prevent future violation of our citizens it is imperative that we foster greater public awareness” and to “commit to addressing this problem on every civic level.”

According to statistics from the state Office of Justice Assistance, approximately 5,600 assaults are reported to Wisconsin law enforcement annual. By conservative estimates, the actual number of sexual assaults in Wisconsin, including reported and unreported cases, exceeds 15,000 annually.

The face of the average sexual assault victim in Wisconsin is a young one. Over 70 percent of all victims are under the age of 15. The face of the assailant

is a familiar one. Nine out of 10 victims knew their assailant. Two out of 10 were related to their assailant.

Most sexual assaults occur either at the victim’s or assailant’s home.

“A powerful way to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2009 and every month throughout the year is to become involved. Make a commitment to help when you see someone in trouble. Don’t laugh at sexist jokes. Call your friend out when he’s treating his partner badly. Always ask for permission before touching someone and understand that silence is not the same as giving consent. Raise your voice against sexual violence.

“No more silence – prevent sexual assault before it happens!” stated Jeanie Kurka Reimer, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Our governor stated in the proclamation “the vision of ending sexual violence can be a reality.”

“We need to recognize that the first and best step we

can take to help prevent and end sexual violence is to not remain silent. Give your child the clear message that his or her bodies are their own. Talk to your kids, your family and your co-workers about respect and equality in relationships. Speak up when someone makes a degrading comment. Believe and support victims of sexual assault,” said Joann Phernetton, executive director of Community Referral Agency, Inc. CRA, Inc. has scheduled activities to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, including a sexual assault survivor who is speaking on Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m., at the Unity School auditorium (for high school students and adults). To learn more, or to get involved, contact Community Referral Agency, Inc. at 800-261-7233 or visit the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s Web site at www.wcasa.org. - submitted

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

P O L K C O U N T Y H E A D L I N E S

Fundraising supper will help meet medical expenses FREDERIC – The local Lioness Club, along with other groups, are helping to sponsor a fundraising supper to help meet medical expenses incurred during the sickness of the late Marilyn Sederlund.

Sederlund, a member of the Frederic Board of Education and village clerktreasurer, died Feb. 26 after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Gary.

The fundraiser will be a spaghetti dinner to be held Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Frederic High School.

Tickets are $5 with drawings for prizes of $100, $75 and $50, along with other prizes. A bake sale will also be held.

Donations will be accepted at Bremer Bank, where a fund has been established. Other businesses in the Frederic area will accept donations, also. Prizes for the raffle will be accepted a the Frederic Village Hall.

Groups involved in the benefit are representatives of the South Fork Sporting Club, Clam Falls Lutheran Church, the Frederic Lions Club, Frederic Schools, the village board and community and family members.

Thrivent Financial of Polk and Burnett counties will match funds raised at the event. – with submitted information

Sterling Bank to host Spirit of Education shuttle

LUCK – Sterling Bank is proud to announce it will host the Spirit of Education bus, the innovative Dream Flight USA student space shuttle, on Thursday, April 2, from 4 to 5 p.m. at its branch location in the Evergreen Plaza at 2547 Hwy. 35. The public is invited to come and check out this innovative, traveling education center free of charge.

The 45-foot long shuttle is the focal point of the Dream Flight USA Foundation that seeks to motivate children to learn by offering hands-on activities using space travel and aviation as a catalyst. The 44,000-pound shuttle is just over 13 feet high and 8-1/2 feet wide. On board, visitors will find study areas and work stations where students

participate in a variety of activities.

Thanks to donations from Sterling Bank and others in the community, the Spirit of Education will embark on a two-day mission to Northwest Wisconsin, stopping at the Luck Elementary School on April 2, and at Frederic Elementary on April 3.

Sterling Bank is a locally owned community bank that has served the communities of northwestern Wisconsin for more than 120 years. With branches in Barron, Chetek, Luck and Rice Lake, Sterling Bank is a full-service financial institution that consistently supports initiatives that benefit the community.

Member FDIC. – submitted

Frederic grad certified as pharmacotherapy specialist

MORA, Minn. - Nick Giller, Frederic graduate, was board certified as a pharmacotherapy specialist at Kannabec Hospital in Mora, Minn.

“BCPS certification indicates a very high level of clinical knowledge and skill,” said BPS executive director Richard J. Bertin, Ph.D. Giller received his certification in the fall of 2008.

Pharmacotherapy speccialists are responsible for ensuring the safe, appropriate, and economical use of drugs in patient care and often

Nick Giller, Frederic graduate, was board certified as a pharmacotherapy specialist at Kannabec Hospital in Mora, Minn. — Photo submitted

serve as a primary source of drug information for other health care professionals.

Kannabec Hospital’s pharmacy director, Brent Thompson, said of Giller, “His knowledge and skills are extraordinary.

Nick has a huge heart which he invests in his patients and his profession.”

Giller is the son of Susan Jensen and husband, Steve, of Laketown.

Susan is employed at the Rural American Bank in Luck.

— submitted

Man arrested after sending nude pictures over cell phone

BALSAM LAKE – Robert Reynolds, 46, Balsam Lake, was charged with disorderly conduct, domestic, on Tuesday, March 17.

At about 11 a.m. that day, a woman called the Polk County police and said she planned to kill someone at the Reynolds’ address when she got there at 3 p.m. Two Polk County police officers were dispatched. At the residence, a woman there said Reynolds had been using her identification on a lesbian text/Web site over the cell phone. She said he was communicating with and sent nude pictures of her to a 15-yearold girl.

The 15-year-old then allegedly sent nude pictures of herself back to Reynolds, believing he was a woman.

The woman found out about it and sent a text message to the girl, telling her she was communicating with a 46-year-old man.

Reynolds allegedly admitted it was true that he had been using the woman’s identification, texting and sending nude pictures of her in order to get nude pictures of other women.

The officers arrested Reynolds for disorderly conduct and brought him to the Polk County Jail. — from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

L e a d e r We b Po l l

Results from last week’s poll:

This week’s question

Have you filed your income tax yet?

1. Yes, online 2. Yes, with a professional tax service 3. Yes, by mail 4. No 4. I usually wait until the last minute To take part in our poll, go to www.theleader.net and scroll down to the lower left portion of the screen

J o e H e l l e r

F O R U M Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Judicial endorsement We are writing in advance of the April 7 election to urge voters in northwestern Wisconsin to support Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.

Abrahamson began practicing law with a small law firm in Madison in 1962. Gov. Patrick J. Lucey appointed her to the Supreme Court in 1976 and U.S. Chief Justice William Rehnquist, a Wisconsin native, presided over her swearing-in ceremony as chief justice in 1996. With this, our trailblazing chief justice went from being the first woman to serve on Wisconsin’s highest court to being the first woman chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Abrahamson enjoys wide support. Individuals as diverse as former Gov. Scott McCallum and his wife, Laurie; Melvin Laird, former congressman and Secretary of Defense; Barbara Lawton, lieutenant governor; along with over 260 circuit court and municipal judges, all support the reelection of our chief justice.

We are not alone in recognizing that Abrahamson has a national reputation for independence, integrity and excellence. She has been elected chief of the chief justices from all 50 states and has won three Supreme Court elections, each time with opposition. In her last election, she won 63 percent of the vote and carried every county but one.

During her tenure, she has taken the Supreme Court on the road so that all our citizens have the opportunity to see the highest court in their own backyards. She is forthright, intelligent, hardworking and tremendously engaging. She is one of Wisconsin’s most prominent citizens and yet when you speak with her one-on-one, her warmth and wisdom are what you will remember.

Please learn more about Chief Justice Abrahamson by going to her Web site at www.abrahamson2009.com, and please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.

Molly GaleWyrick and Robert Rasmussen Polk County circuit judge, Branch 1 and 2 Balsam Lake

Partial quote

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

President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 president@whitehouse.gov

Where to Write

Governor Jim Doyle P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us Congressman David Obey (7th District) 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515 or Federal Building, Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606 Rep. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 221 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708 E-mail: rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

T h e

Rep. Ann Hraychuck (28th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 • Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-district: 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@ legis.state.wi.us Rep. Mary Hubler (75th District) Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St., Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

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

Senator Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 19 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 788, Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Senator Sheila Harsdorf (10th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 232-1390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

In Merrill Olson’s rambling response to my letter he, like Mark Shoen earlier, stooped to the dishonest tactic of using a partial, out-of-context quote to try to mislead readers into thinking Darwin doubted his own theory when the full quote shows the opposite to be true.

Anyone with Internet access can read Darwin’s book online at www.literature.org/authors/darwincharles/the-origin-of-species/ or better still pick up a copy of “ Why Evolution is True,” by Jerry A Coyne.

Using deception to bolster his argument destroys it, as well as Olson’s credibility if any actually existed.

Olson’s letter has proven my contention that creationists (A.K.A. liars for Jesus) are untruthful about the theory of evolution. His position would have been better served by silence.

Curtis Anderson Siren

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

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

Devastating crime Sexual assault is a devastating crime that is committed with shocking frequency in our society.

In Wisconsin alone there were over 15,600 sexual assaults reported to law enforcement in 2004. This number is alarmingly high, but it does not begin to reflect the full extent of the problem.

According to the American Medical Association, sexual assault remains the most dramatically underreported crime, and an estimated two-thirds of assaults are never reported—often because victims fear they will be blamed for the assault.

As leaders and role models in our communities, we cannot afford to remain silent about sexual violence or blame victims for the decisions of perpetrators. This injustice only serves to create an atmosphere where sexual violence is implicitly condoned and perpetuated. We must use our voices to break the silence and build a culture where respectful relationships are expected, where sexual violence is not tolerated, where offenders are held accountable for their actions, and where victims and their families are given the support they need to heal.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nationally recognized time to focus our efforts on sexual assault education, prevention and awareness.

Community Referral Agency, Inc. joins advocates and survivors across the nation in observation of this time.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and throughout the year, we invite everyone to take a stand with us against sexual violence.

There are simple ways each of us can take a stand against sexual violence on a daily basis. We set a powerful example every time we talk to our kids about the importance of respect and equality in relationships, every time we speak up if someone makes a degrading comment, every time we demonstrate support for survivors of sexual violence.

By educating ourselves and talking with others, we can challenge our communities to reject sexual violence.

For more information or to get involved, contact Community Referral Agency, Inc. at 800-261-7233. Together we can end sexual violence.

Amanda Jensen Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocate Community Referral Agency, Inc. Milltown

P o l i t i c a l l e t te r s This is the last issue prior to the April 7 election that the Leader will publish letters to the editor pertaining to candidates. Candidates themselves may write a letter for publication next week to respond to any letters published this week or to clarify information pertaining to their candidacy.

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MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Give and take

I would like to take this opportunity to extend gratitude to the parents of the local children currently appearing in St. Croix Festival Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” These parents (and grandparents) inherited a time and transportation commitment that was almost as great as their children’s. Without this commitment, not to mention their love and support, the production would not have been possible.

In exchange for “lending” us your children, I would like to point out some of the ways that Festival reciprocates in this give and take. Over the past seven weeks of rehearsals, the 26 children bonded with two adult actors, complete strangers, not family members and not authority figures. They have learned a new sense of responsibility being regarded as equals in the reproduction of the show over 13 performances – everything from not missing entrances to assisting with costume changes. And they have learned to hang up their costumes after every show. By the time the show closes on April 5, they will know every word of dialogue by heart. Festival will not be returning to you the youngsters that you thought you knew last January.

This year’s young members range in age from 5 years old to 19 and they represent 10 local communities. Youth cast members are: Truman Ader, Dio Aluni, Eli Anderson, Palo Deconcini, Anja Erickson, Anna Klein, Grace Klein, Henry Klein, Sophie Klein, Anthony Locken, Matthew Rude, Emma Wondra and Nora Wondra from St. Croix Falls; McKenzie Fortier and Jeremy Richter from Osceola; Solomon Falls from Dresser; Noah Neault from Centuria; Steven Rice from Milltown; Hunter Teasley from Somerset; Ashley Johnson from Forest Lake, Minn.; Abby Johnson and Mikayla Johnson from North Branch, Minn.; Jasper Herman, Dajonai Rohlf and Treana Mayer from Taylors Falls, Minn.; and Lexie Ferguson from Stacy, Minn. Completing the cast are our two adult actors: Amanda Schulze and Janey Raven.

It was an honor and a privilege to work alongside these budding thespians, and I thank all for their time, energy, commitment and talent.

Marilyn Mays, director “The Wizard of Oz” Chisago City, Minn.

One of America’s best Last November, Wisconsin had a huge turnout for the presidential election. As Wisconsinites, we were proud of the high interest and participation in the ObamaMcCain contest.

Now, on Tuesday, April 7, we have another election; unfortunately the predicted turnout is one-fourth of November’s. The April 7 election, however, has a major impact on the lives of all citizens. A crucial election is for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson is on the ballot for re-election. She has been recognized as one of America’s best 100 judges, and was asked by nations after the fall of the Iron Curtain, to teach lessons of an independent judiciary to the members of their legal system. She has sought to educate the public on the role and function of the courts, visiting every county in Wisconsin. She has taken the full court to hear cases in 17 counties, including St. Croix County last year. She has remained steadfastly nonpartisan. At the beginning of the campaign, Chief Justice Abrahamson state her commitment “to a fair, impartial, and nonpartisan judiciary.

A court election is like no other. Justices are not for or against any cause – we are not pro or anti anything … People need to know that when it’s their day in court, the judge will be a fair, even-handed and independent decision maker of justice.”

Reflecting the high regard in which she is held, Chief Justice Abrahamson is endorsed by many law enforcement leaders and other citizens. They include

Republicans Melvin Laird, Sue Ann Thompson, Scott McCallum, Herb Kohler Jr. and Don Haldeman. Prominent Democrats include Sen. Bob Jauch, Gov. Jim Doyle and Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton, David Newby and Sen. Russ Feingold.

I have known Shirley Abramhamson for over a quarter-century and am honored to be her Polk County Chair for this election. For a judge of such importance, Shirley is absolutely down-to-earth. In 1998, youth leaders and I took a group of kids from St. Luke’s and Lorain United Methodist churches to a state United Methodist rally in Madison. On our way we stopped for a late afternoon tour of the Capitol. Most everyone had gone, but there was Shirley Abrahamson, who spent almost a half-hour with us in the Supreme Court Chamber, answering any and all questions.

Please make the effort to vote absentee or to vote in person on April 7. Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson and another friend, Tony Evers for State Superintendent of Schools, are first-class public servants.

Harvey Stower Amery

Koschnick best choice Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, running for re-election on April 7, is the only justice to twice vote that Wisconsin’s Sexual Predator Law is unconstitutional. This law keeps violent criminals who pose a threat to our communities off the streets. She is opposed by Jefferson County Judge Randy Koschnick, who is quoted in the March 2 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as saying that the Supreme Court protected public safety when it upheld the predator law in 1995 and again in 2002 over Abrahamson’s objections.

According to Judge Koschnick’s Web site, on Nov. 20, 2008, he invited Chief Justice Abrahamson to sign his clean campaign pledge. To date, she has declined.

She has accepted donations of over $30,000 from attorneys who have cases pending before the court. Ryan J. Foley, in his article in the Feb. 13, 2009, Chicago Tribune, says these donations are legal.

But their acceptance creates the perception of favoritism. She should either return the donations or recuse herself from the cases. Abrahamson says these contributions are too small to even worry about!

Two former Supreme Court justices, William Callow and Donald Steinmetz, who worked with Chief Justice Abrahamson have endorsed Jefferson County Judge Randy Koschnick for Wisconsin Supreme Court. He has also received the endorsements of the National Rifle Association and Wisconsin Right to Life.

Judge Koschnick is an experienced, award-winning leader who believes in judicial restraint and in interpreting the law the way it is written. He believes that dangerous criminals should be held until they are no longer a danger to others, and that when the Legislature makes a good law, the court should respect that law. He is the only candidate with trial court experience and he has been reversed by the Court of Appeals only seven times in over 42,000 cases.

Please join me on April 7 in voting for Judge Randy Koschnick Maude Dahlberg Grantsburg

Letters to the editor The Leader welcomes letters to the editor. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Letters are subject to being edited for length, taste and/or clarity, and we urge writers to be brief and limit their letters to 500 words or less. Writers must provide their name, address and phone number. Content that will cause letters to be rejected include: Crude language, poor taste, disrespectful comments other incendiary language or personal attacks.

Love’s last cord

Lowell

and Nina were cut from much the same cloth. Both were the children of Swedish farmers recruited to America by Yankee merchants needing to fill their ships as worldwide opium and slave markets softened.

Both knew how much determination it took after Wisconsin’s majestic pines, oak savannahs and maple-basswood forests fell, to clean up the mess and put up enough hay for five-month winters. Both also knew a love that kept them warm during dozens of those winters.

Over time merchant ships also carried Lowell and Nina’s beans to China and barrels of oil from Iraq to the local Stop-A-Sec. Return on investment for modern global merchants didn’t beat those made delivering African families to Southern plantations or black paste to Shanghai’s opium dens, but ports around the world burgeoned and most people were under the impression that the system was working.

Lowell and Nina never saw it that way. After signing up with the Great American Emigration Land Company, their families expected rich farm fields ready to plant once they made the long passage to the St. Croix Valley.

However, as millions of African families found before them, the Swedes soon understood that they were simply the human capital needed to colonize the nation’s latest expansion. After stripping most of the good lumber from lands leveraged at less than a dollar an acre, well-connected Boston Brahmins offered mortgages to the Swedes at $5 an acre. Only decades of dawn-to-dusk work saw the fields cleared - one stump at a time – crops harvested and mortgages paid.

Fields plowed where maple and basswood once climaxed were especially productive and Lowell and Nina’s families were blessed with many. Unlike so many of their neighbors, their people made sure to never cut down every last tree. They well remembered the sad state of the forests left behind in Sweden’s Norrland where fuel for heating was a rare commodity. Instead, they spent weeks each

A gift of kindness Here is how my day started and a little gift of kindness that came my son’s way, the very same day. I feel a gift of kindness should not go unrewarded.

I phoned unemployment and was unable to process my weekly claim.

Phoning the unemployment office again, I reached a representative who stated I would probably not get another check until April 10. That was over three weeks away. Hum, I thought how would I pay for the gas to look for a job.

In a partial daze, I left for town to drop off a resume and stop at the local gas station. During the drive to town, my cell phone started to ring and I noticed a number that I did not recognize, but answered it. It was Sheri who works for the Dremel Corporation.

With my first unemployment check, I had bought my older son, who is disabled and living in a wonderful group facility, a Dremel tool from the Menards St. Croix store. He had been asking for this tool for months, but with my no funds and his limited funds, we had not had the money to purchase such a luxury.

Sheri identified herself as being a representative from Dremel and stated that they had received the letter I had mailed out to them to extend the free offer for the Dremel Flex Shaft attachment. I had missed their deadline for the offer by only a few days, but I thought I would try anyway. The letter had been honest and factual and stated I was unemployed and it was for my son who is disabled.

Sheri and Jayne stated they could not

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

Community Voices Lisa Doerr spring transplanting thousands of the millions of saplings that flourished on the forest floor so that the woods grew bigger and lusher.

Their woods filled many needs. Deer thrived along the borders between forest and field. Spring’s rising maple sap sweetened their lives all year-round.

Deep roots held back erosion, protecting fish and waterfowl in their sparkling lakes.

Lowell spent countless winter days harvesting scores of cords as fuel for many winters to come. Like factory and government men busy accruing their vacation time, Lowell lined the back of his farmyard with simple sheds full of 16-inch oak, elm and maple logs. Even in good times, he wouldn’t dream of spending dollars earned selling hay to horse people and corn to the co-op for fuel brought in from the Mideast or worse yet - Texas.

Lowell’s determination kept Nina, his kids, grandchildren and many a welcome guest warm through countless soggy Northeasters and frigid Alberta Clippers even after his death at 84 years of age. In fact, it wasn’t until six years after Lowell died that Nina saw she would soon be burning her love’s last cord. There was no way she could keep the woodstoves stoked on her own. After careful deliberation, the kids and she decided to install a solar heating system. Nina knew Lowell would approve of their ongoing efforts to keep the global merchants at bay.

Lisa Doerr lives with her husband, Ron Erickson, near Cushing, where she writes and trains Rocky Mountain gaited horses. (www.northernlakesfarm.com)

extend the free offer but that they were sending the Dremel Flex Shaft attachment to my son anyway and that I would be considered the Customer of the Month.

After talking with the unemployment office and then getting their call, I could not thank them enough.

Yesterday, my son received the Dremel Flex Shaft attachment and today my sister told me that my son had received another box. I told her to open it and asked her what was inside. Dremel had sent my son a Dremel hat, Dremel key chain, Dremel contractor pencil and another Dremel Flex Shaft attachment. With the economy the way it is, they did not have to do that for my son, but they did.

My philosophical quote for all of you who read this message is. It’s not a sin to be poor, but it’s important to be honest, and it may come back in a rewarding way.

God does not always take away the darkness, but he guides us through it, so appreciate the small gifts, as “There are no small acts of kindness.”

I want to extend gratitude to Dremel for being kind to my son and making my day!

And, to the unemployment office, I promise I will send the paperwork back to you as soon as I can afford the stamp.

“God Bless Us, Everyone!”

Carol Raymond Frederic

E-mail your letters to: the-leader@centurytel.net

n e w s p a p e r

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

Judicial elections should remain nonpartisan We have always had great respect for the judiciary, knowing that judges endeavor to be impartial. We have never thought of judges as being politicians, having a political agenda. We have always believed that judges determine matters based upon the law and the evidence presented to them. And, indeed, that is the way that it is and always has been. We must not allow that to change.

We have enjoyed nonpartisan judicial elections for our entire history until recently certain “political activists” decided to politicize our constitutionally established nonpartisan judicial system. They speak of “activist judges” when really only disparaging those who do not advance a particular political philosophy.

It is their desire to replace such judges, regardless of their integrity, with judges of a certain political philosophy who could then be relied upon to be “activist judges.”

Reliance upon political beliefs would be a terrible way to select judges who are required to be impartial. The beliefs and philosophy of a judge have no bearing upon what is mandated by his or her position. Judges do not make laws.

Legislatures make laws. This was all decided when our great country was born, when it was determined that we would exist under the rule of law, with a Constitution being the rock we stand on.

The election of judges has unfortunately become political, with overt and hardly disguised identification of political leanings. Candidate Randy Koschnick describes himself as a “judicial conservative,” and claims that Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson is, “by far, the most liberal activist member of the court.” This is nonsense. She has never at any time allowed her personal feelings to influence a decision.

Chief Justice Abrahamson is a jurist of impeccable integrity, who is committed to the rule of law and the fair administration of justice. Justice Abrahamson has established a long and outstanding record as chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The lawyers of this state have voted her the best Supreme Court Justice by far. She has been recognized as one of the top 100 judges of this county.

Moreover, she has been endorsed by business and labor leaders, and by Republicans and Democrats, including Gov. Jim Doyle, and former U.S. Secretary of Defense and U.S. Rep. Melvin Laird. In endorsing Justice Abrahamson, former Gov. Scott McCallum stated: “The Chief Justice’s name is synonymous with independence, integrity and excellence, and she deserves re-election.”

Justice Abrahamson has the overwhelming support of the judiciary and the law enforcement community, including 40 district attorneys, 262 judges, 33 current and retired sheriffs and 114 police chiefs.

She must not be removed from office for political reasons.

Ron Ylitalo Grantsburg

No sale

In early 2009, St. Criox Falls Mayor Darryl Anderson and Ed Emerson, administrator, proposed to Xcel Energy that they approach the school board and get permission for an easement of property to run an electric transmission line on school grounds.

The Chisago Electric Transmission Line Project has been finalized since 2002 by a binding order from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative.

The three commissioners on that Wisconsin state board decide when and where a transmission line is placed. A city or school board does not, nor should they be told they can change a state order.

Making it more enticing for the school district to agree to the selling of school property, Xcel Energy will pay the school district $50,000 and give them a brand-new road worth approximately $230,000. The road will help with existing mitigating traffic issues at the school.

The order from the Public Service

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

Commission of Wisconsin from 2002 stipulates that Xcel will “work with the city of St. Croix Falls to perform the underground construction in conjunction with major roadwork that the city plans for Louisiana Street and Blanding Woods Road.”

The homeowners along Blanding Woods Road were contacted by the school district by request of the current mayor and administrator of SCF (in early 2009) to see if they agree to having the transmission line routed on the school grounds verses their road.

Nice idea, but the state of Wisconsin has already granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity order to the utilities to run the line under their road and the city of SCF signed it. The city knew that the undergrounding of the power line was ordered by the state of Wisconsin under Blanding Woods Road in 2002 and sooner or later the city will need to upgrade the infrastructure under that road. To work with Xcel during the replacement of sewer and waterlines and undergrounding the transmission line under and in the center of Blanding Woods Road would save everyone money, as was intended in the signed agreement.

If the school district property is such a good idea, why didn’t Xcel and Dairyland propose that route from the beginning of its transmission project?

It is because utility companies should avoid schools, hospitals and senior citizen facilities as a common precautionary principle.

If the school board of St. Croix Falls signs the property easement, Xcel will have its large team of lawyers take the agreement signed in 2002 and will conclude the contract has been broken (no longer binding) by the city of St. Croix Falls initiating a change of route.

Xcel and DPC will then have the perfect reason to take the changed contract to the WPSC and ask the commissioners that, at the request of the city of SCF, they want permission to change the route and have a property easement agreement from the school district of SCF supporting such a change.

Xcel and DPC will then tell the commissioners that it will save all the electric rate payers millions of dollars if they put the transmission line above ground through the entire city and/or portions of the city.

It will happen if Xcel has “any substantial change in the design, size, cost (10 percent), location or ownership of the proposed facilities of the project and subject to the conditions stated in the order,” Xcel will do it and the easement on school property will change the location.

The property easement on school grounds is exactly what Xcel needs to change the whole thing in their favor.

Everything, everyone who helped, all the money spent by the taxpayers in the city of St. Croix Falls to litigate and reach a historic binding contract with Xcel and Dairyland Power from 1996 to 2002 to underground the transmission line through the entire city will be for nothing.

Put all those good intentions and wasted tax dollars (since 1999 to present is $162,695.95) in a mail sack and send it down the river. For what, 50 grand and a road?

The transmission line cannot be stopped, preventing Xcel from requesting it be changed at the 11th hour can be.

Please contact the SCF School Board members and ask them to say “no” to the selling of school property for a transmission line on April 14. Their names are listed on the school Web site at scf.k12.wi.us.

Or contact the administrator’s office at 715-483-9823. I believe in our community, and I know there are many out there who will take five minutes to let our school board members know you, too, believe in our community.

For more information on the Chisago Transmission Line Project go to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin at psc.wi.state.gov, there are two docket numbers 1515-CE-102 and 4220-CE-155 enter in boxes on home page.

Barbara Singerhouse Dresser

Hang on to your wallet

Hang on to your wallet, fellow Wisconsites, the Democrats are in charge.

Guess who pays the tab for increasing government spending? Those of us that pay taxes do and that is just about every one of us. Gov. Doyle and his liberal friends in the Assembly and Senate, including our representative, are working on increasing state spending by over $7 billion over the previous budget.

There isn’t much to explain except the facts, so here they are as it relates to previous budgets. After looking at the staggering numbers, ask yourself if your personal income has kept pace with the percentage of increase.

2001-2003 Wisconsin total spending – $48.87 billion 2003-2005 Wisconsin total spending – $52.15 billion 2005-2007 Wisconsin total spending – $54.26 billion 2007-2009 Wisconsin total spending – $59.9 billion 2009-2011 Proposed Democrat budget – $63-plus billion Many of us that served in the Legislature prior to the Democrat takeover signed a pledge to never support a general tax increase, what a difference an election makes!

One would think Wisconsin just struck gold, but it doesn’t matter to those on the left, they will just tax more and spend more anyway. If this keeps up, I hope the last person to leave Wisconsin shuts off the lights.

Mark Pettis Hertel

Man of dignity

On April 7 an election will be held to determine who will be the judge of the Burnett County Circuit Court. I intend to vote for Ken Kutz and recommend that your readers do the same.

For over 25 years, Ken has served the people of Burnett County as assistant district attorney, district attorney and now as our judge. He is thus a longtime resident of Burnett County and has throughout that time distinguished himself as a leader. He is calm, intelligent, knowledgeable and pleasant. He and his family have established themselves as supportive of and hardworking in the causes that make our communities and our county better.

As judge, he has encouraged and participated in the highly successful Restorative Justice program. And he has now taken on two thorny issues, mortgage foreclosure and the perennial problem of student truancy from our schools. It is my bet that he will succeed.

While I have never had to appear before Judge Kutz (and hope to never have to), I know how I would be treated if that should happen. I would be treated with fairness, consistency, respect, helpfulness and concern. He is a man of dignity and treats people with dignity. He is a veteran in all issues Burnett County.

We know Ken Kutz and need to keep him working for us.

John Sauerberg Grantsburg

Shameful Having been a past member of the village board of Balsam Lake, I have some knowledge of proper procedure.

Chief Sheryl Gehrman has always preformed her duty under the guidelines set forth by the village board. For the board to quietly sit by while a vocal few hang her out to dry, and not defend those procedures she is to follow, is pitiful. For a few of the board members to then admonish her in such a public forum was inexcusable.

The behavior of the Balsam Lake Community Club leaders and the Balsam Lake Village Board is shameful!

The majority of the local residents appreciated Chief Gehrman and the work that she did. We will miss her. Thank you, Chief Gehrman, and good luck.

Judy Swenson Balsam Lake

Change for Webb Lake Yes, the election is here. Tuesday, April 7, again, township folks and we, the taxpayers really need to make change in the township officials. I see by the papers other towns do also.

First of all, two-term limits for office holders rather than 40 years in office should be the norm. The opportunity to become complacent in office and ignore the wants and needs of the residents becomes too easy.

Background: In November 2007 the local building inspector told a property owner of a building in downtown Webb Lake there was not to be anything inside of it before the work was completed. The property owner ignored that statement.

The building inspector gave him until 12/20/07 to finish 28 items or be penalized $100 to $120 per day until compliance was met.

Do you think either you, yourselves, or any contractor, could construct a building for a year and a half (18 months-plus) while the local building inspector cannot get the backing of her bosses to get proper enforcement?

I went to a town meeting and asked about this and I was told I was a liar and so was the building inspector. Until this day, nothing has been complied with and the building is full, plus flooding occurs in front of the building in downtown Webb Lake.

Finally, at the time of the last election, I spoke to Anne Hraychuck, our state representative. I had contacted the Wisconsin governor’s office in an attempt to get names of inspectors who would be in charge of the local building inspector. This went on for nearly a year with no results.

In January of 2009, I again contacted Ann Hraychuck’s office. I spoke to a young woman in her office who was able to contact the building inspector’s bosses and is getting the ball rolling. This amazed me because she was able to do what no one else seemed to be able or willing to do.

It’s too bad we can’t elect her here.

From the beginning I have talked to the people in the Burnett County government.

They told me the building in question is very close to the right-of-way setback. No one else could get by with this. Are politics involved? Or can the property owner just do anything he wants and just laugh at us? I also spoke to the road commissioner of Burnett County about the flooding conditions in beautiful downtown Webb Lake. The reply was that he could do nothing about it. It is up to the town board of Webb Lake to remedy the situation. When the property owner is closely involved with the town board, isn’t it obvious that politics are involved? When does “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander” come into play? Folks, it is time for change!

I do have all the facts, times and dates. I could fill a book. If you have any doubt about what I am telling you I would be glad to prove it. As a board member told me, I shouldn’t say a word without proof.

Now I have it. I will let the courts do the answering. That was during the last election and recount. As for the recount, I can speak volumes. We never got answers due to the fact that the corporation counsel threw the case out of court. Again, is this politics?

I talked to the local building inspector this morning and was told the process is starting, slowly. Let’s hope.

Also, I would like you to know that the road crew is about to quit again. This crew is doing the best plowing I have ever seen in Webb Lake. I have talked with them and told them to hang in there. Let us not let this happen again.

I am sure if Harry Patneaude is elected along with David Johnson, John Kielkucki or Greg Main, things will be better. These men are for change and also for better communications at the meetings.

Get out and vote April 7.

Roger Fontaine Webb Lake

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

Lessons of the Exxon Valdez Twenty years ago, the Exxon Valdez supertanker spilled at least 11 million gallons of oil into Alaska's pristine Prince William Sound. The consequences of the spill were epic and continue to this day, impacting the environment and the economy. More than a pollution story, Riki Ott sees the Exxon Valdez disaster as a fundamental threat to U.S. democracy.

Ott, a marine toxicologist and commercial salmon "fisherma'am" from Cordova, Alaska, opens her book on the disaster, "Not One Drop," with the words of Albert Einstein: "No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it."

The massive spill stretched 1,200 miles from the accident site, and covered 3,200 miles of shoreline and an incredible 10,000 square miles overall. Early on March 24, 1989, Ott, who was on the board of the Cordova District Fishermen United, was airborne, surveying the scene: "(I)t was a surreal scene. It was just drop-dead gorgeous, March, sunrise, pink mountains glistening with the sunrise. And all of a sudden we come on the scene, where there's this red deck of this oil tanker that's three football fields long; flat, calm water, dark blue; and there's this inky-black stain that's just stretching with the tide."

News of the spill went global, and people poured into Valdez, Alaska, to start

the Valdez case in the courts for decades, while the injured commercial fishers slowly die off. the cleanup. Sea life was devThe power of ExxonMobil to astated. Ott says up to half a battle tens of thousands of citimillion seabirds died, along zens has pushed Ott to join a with 5,000 sea otters, 300 or so growing number of activists who harp seals, and billions of want to put corporations back in young salmon, fish eggs and their place by stripping them of young juvenile fish. The death their legal status as "persons." A of the fish eggs created a long19th-century U.S. Supreme Court term but delayed impact on Amy the herring and salmon fish- Goodman decision gave corporations the same status as people, with eries in Prince William Sound. access to the protections of the By 1993, the fisheries had colBill of Rights.

Ironically, this comes from lapsed. Families lost their livelihoods after taking huge loans to buy boats and the 14th Amendment's "equal protection expensive fishing permits. While the clause," adopted to protect freed slaves salmon fishery has improved, the herring from oppressive state laws after the Civil War. Corporations were historically charhave never come back.

This economic disruption is one basis tered by states to conduct their business. of legal action against ExxonMobil, the States could revoke a corporation's charbiggest oil corporation in the world. ter if it broke the law or acted beyond its Complex litigation has dragged on for charter.

Corporations' "free speech" is interprettwo decades, and ExxonMobil is wined to include making campaign contribuning. There are 22,000 plaintiffs suing tions and lobbying Congress. People who ExxonMobil. A jury awarded the plaintiffs $5 billion in damages, equal to what break laws can be locked up; when a corwas, at the time, a year's worth of Exxon poration breaks the law -- even behaving profits. This was cut in half by a U.S. criminally negligently, causing death – appeals court, then finally lowered to just rarely are the consequences greater than a over $500 million by the Supreme Court. fine, which the corporation can write off During the 20 years of court battles, 6,000 on its taxes. As Ott put it, "If 'three strikes of the original plaintiffs have died. and you're out' laws can put a person in ExxonMobil, with its billions in annual prison for life, why not a corporation?" profits and armies of lawyers, can tie up So-called tort reform in U.S. law is erod-

ing an individual's ability to sue corporations and the ability for courts to assess damages that would actually deter corporate wrongdoing.

Ott and others have drafted a "28th Amendment" to the Constitution that would strip corporations of their personhood, subjecting them to the same oversight that existed for the first 100 years of U.S. history.

With the global economic meltdown and welling public outrage over the excesses of executives at AIG as well as other bailout beneficiaries, now just might be the time to expand public engagement over the imbalance of power between people and corporations that has undermined our democracy.

••• Denis Moynihan contributed research to this column.

••• 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.

Letters t o t h e e d i t o r Insurance legislation The state Legislature’s nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau is unearthing provisions buried in the budget introduced last month by Gov. Jim Doyle.

For example, the bureau’s Summary of the Governor’s Budget Recommendations, available on my Web site budget.senatordaleschultz.com puts the light to provisions that you pay dearly for by raising the cost of your car insurance. First, let’s consider why Wisconsin drivers currently enjoy the third-lowest car insurance rates of all 50 states.

Our rates are low because our driver financial responsibility law is progressive public policy. Under the law, you lose your driver’s license and vehicle registration if you’re found responsible and can’t cover damages in a crash.

Having car insurance makes you financially responsible. The carrot and stick approach, plus relatively few uninsured drivers in our state, combine to give us affordable rates.

The law sets minimum coverage levels at $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident and $10,000 property damage. Trial attorneys love the governor for trying to raise the minimum to $100,000, $300,000 and $25,000 respectively.

Since the current 25/50/10 limits cover total damages in 90 percent of all claims, why do the trial attorneys want us to have unnecessary coverage? The answer is coming, but there’s more to the story.

If you have car insurance and the trial attorneys get their way, in a few months you’ll be forced to buy underinsured motorist coverage at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Today, underinsured coverage is optional!

Trial attorneys are also praising the governor for tucking in the budget more car insurance changes to mandate “stacking,” broaden the definition of “underinsured motor vehicle” and prohibit reducing clauses. Each of these policy changes will further raise your cost for car insurance.

These policy changes will raise everyone’s car insurance costs leading some drivers to drop coverage altogether.

Buckle up and be on the defensive; you’ll be sharing the road with more uninsured drivers.

It’s obvious these public policy issues

have no business in a fiscal budget. But it’s an old trick to stick unpopular items in a budget when the courage is lacking to vote for the items separately.

Fact: Democrat legislators control Wisconsin’s Assembly and Senate and if they fail to help me yank these mandates out of the budget, you and other responsible drivers will soon have the nation’s highest minimum car insurance levels, and we’ll go from the third lowest to among the highest-cost states for car insurance.

Rural drivers would be hit harder than urban and suburban drivers by these changes. The more miles you drive, the higher your insurance cost.

And rural residents drive many more miles for work, school and everywhere else. It’s a cruel plan for rural families with no public transit and household incomes averaging far below an area like Madison.

Please ask your insurance agent how these changes will affect you and family members.

Then ask your state legislators to join me in standing up for you instead of special interests on this issue.

So, where will your additional dollars go if the trial attorneys win and your car insurance costs jump? Bet on a windfall for the trial attorneys.

With higher insurance coverage, we’ll see many more claims litigated and attorneys will receive higher settlements from your insurance company and win more big awards from juries.

State Rep. Dale Schultz Richland Center Editor’s note: Schultz (R-Richland Center) represents a rural region in southwest Wisconsin. He has chaired the committee for insurance in the Senate, been active with the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, and taken a lead role on many insurance issues in the Legislature. Contact him at sen.schultz@legis.wi.gov.

Follow the Leader.

The recession It is obvious that we are in a recession but is nothing compared to the Great Depression where people lined up in the streets of our major cities to get a bowl of soup. The president always gets the blame but that is seldom the case. There has been a lot of finger pointing and enough blame to go around. We also have to remember that we now have more than twice as many legal citizens and at that time women had not entered the workforce so there was only one worker per household.

Everyone is aware the problem started with the downturn in the housing market because people had bought houses they couldn’t afford. About a month ago a Canadian TV video was aired which was forbidden to be aired in the U.S. This of course is political censorship, and since we can’t see it on U.S. television, but it is on the Canadian TV Network Web page, it has been making it’s way around the U.S. It is a high-quality video of the portion of the Canadian News broadcast that shows the interaction between our congressmen and our president at the time congress authorized Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac to make low or no down payment mortgages on homes regardless of the buyer’s credit rating. You can see and hear the interaction when the legislation was passed several years ago. See and hear Barney Frank explain it to you.

Click on to: http://www.youtube/com/watch?v=cMnSp 4qEXNM&NR=1 It should also be noted that 2 CEO’s and a chief financial officer were forced out with a golden parachute: Franklin Raines, with a $240 million golden parachute, for illegal accounting activities; Jim Johnson with his $28 million golden parachute for numerous serious violations; Chief Financial Officer Tim Howard, who was “cooking the books,” got an estimated $20 million.

What happened to these people: Rains: Worked for Obama during his campaign as chief economic advisor.

Howard: Worked for Obama during his campaign as a chief economic advisor Johnson: Was also hired as a senior Obama finance advisor and was selected to run Obama’s vice-presidential search committee.

Sam Jones Siren

Dresel a good choice With local elections just around the corner, I think we need to seriously consider putting Dale Dresel back on the Grantsburg Village Board. Dale knows construction from one end to the other and would be a big asset to the street repairs done in the village – just ask any of the village street employees. More importantly, he is a person who speaks up and takes into consideration the taxpayers and their point of view.

Dale helped us defeat the affordable housing project that was to be built in the East Benson Avenue area. Even after 50some taxpayers signed a petition in opposition to this project, our mayor still voted in favor of it. Can anybody explain why he did this?

When Dennis Dahl resigned from the board, I called the remaining members and asked why they didn’t take the nexthighest vote-getter from the previous election – which would have been Dale – to fill the vacant seat. This is what the board has done in the past. I got positive responses from all but one board member who said that Dale didn’t belong because he couldn’t win an election.

When I attended the next board meeting and brought this subject up, it was an entirely different story. I was told that Dale didn’t want the job, which is funny because Dale had told me he would have taken it, had he been asked. Our mayor said there were two applicants for the open position and after giving his suggestion, the vote was in favor with one board member dissenting. He was on via phone and said that my suggestion was the only fair way – in fact, that’s how he got on the board at one time! There was no discussion of either applicant’s background or qualifications, simply a “follow the leader” approach by the board. Is this the way you want the village to be run? I hope not.

In the upcoming election, we can begin to change this. I urge you to get out and vote and help elect Dale Dresel to the Grantsburg Village Board. Earl Mosley would be another fine candidate, as he is a retired police officer and would bring knowledge in this area of village operations to the board. Mark Dahlberg has been on the board for almost 40 years.

That’s too long for anyone regardless of how good or bad their performance has been.

Virgil I. Olson Grantsburg

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

B U R N E T T

C O U N T Y

H E A D L I N E S

Webster’s food shelf benefits from much-needed grants

Food shelf recipients up 65 percent in area

by Sherill Summer WEBSTER The Indianhead Community Action Agency food shelf in Webster has received a couple of needed grants for 2009, according to the community service director at Indianhead, Donna Wishowski.

The food shelf has received another FEMA emergency food and shelter grant that provides ongoing support, and they also received a Bremer emergency grant. This is the first time the food shelf in Webster has received a Bremer grant.

Unlike the FEMA grant, the Bremer grant specifically provides for a variety of services, including gas vouchers, housing or heating assistance, medical/dental or eye care assistance and fresh dairy-product vouchers. The Bremer grant totaled $29,000.

To stretch the purchasing power of the

Volunteers at the Indianhead Community Action Agency food shelf in Webster recently posed for a photo after unloading a truck from Second Harvest food bank. - Photo by Sherill Summer FEMA grant, the food shelf will be using the Second Harvest food bank. Second Harvest is able to purchase at least three

times the amount of food as can be purchased at retail prices.

Wishowski reports that the timing of

the additional Bremer grant is fortunate, as the number of Burnett County residents using the Webster food shelf is up during these tough economic times.

Overall, the number of food bank recipients is up by about 65 percent over last year throughout the six-county area served by Indianhead Community Action Agency.

The food shelf does not depend entirely on large grants, however. Many area churches, businesses and civic organizations also raise money or collect food for the food shelf.

The emergency food assistance program aims to give out a balanced diet based on the USDA food pyramid.

Wishowski says that donors can call ahead of time before purchasing food to see what is especially needed. Cash is also accepted.

For more information or current information of what is needed, call 715-8668151.

Curves offers Prom Challenge program

WEBSTER – The calendar says it’s spring, and that means prom time is almost here.

To help high schoolers prepare for the occasion, Curves is offering junior and senior high school girls in Webster, Siren, Frederic and Luck a free month of workouts at Curves in Webster or Frederic, and is extending a prom chal-

lenge to the four schools.

“We are genuinely interested in the health and fitness of young women in our communities,” says Janet Swenson, manager of the Webster Curves. “We also want to make it fun, so this Prom Challenge is also a competition between the junior and senior classes, with a prize going to the winners,” she added.

All four schools are onboard with the challenge, which encourages girls to work out at their local Curves Fitness Center three times a week. “Fitness levels vary, so this free offer gives them a chance to participate in exercise and build self-esteem,” says Swenson.

The Curves Fitness program offers a 30-minute workout that combines

strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe hydraulic resistance. The workout can be modified to meet nearly all levels of desire and capability.

For additional information about the Prom Challenge, contact the Webster Curves, 715-866-8018, or Frederic Curves, 715-327-8588. - submitted

Pilot makes emergency landing in swamp

TOWN OF ANDERSON - Chad A. Hardy, 32, Wyoming, Minn., reported to a Burnett County Sheriff deputy on Thursday, March 19, that he had just made an emergency landing of his 170 Cessna, four-seater airplane in a swamp in Anderson Township.

Hardy reported that he took off from Rush City, Minn., between 4:30 and 5 p.m. on the day of the accident. He traveled to Anderson Township and made a “touch and go” landing on a homemade landing strip created by Michael B. Schute, Grantsburg. Soon after, the

plane lost power and he made the emergency landing in the Fish Lake Wildlife Area about three miles west of Hwy. 87 and two miles north of CTH O, just two miles from the private air strip.

The pilot was alone at the time of the emergency landing and the plane was not damaged, but it was in a wetland area and Hardy stated that he had to walk through water up to his waist to leave the accident. He also estimated that he walked for about an hour before he was picked up by Schute on Anderson Road.

The sheriff’s department requested to be taken to the plane, but Hardy said that it was hard to get to because of the water and that a hovercraft, helicopter or airplane were needed to get to the location were he landed the plane.

The FAA and the DNR were contacted by the sheriff’s department and are cooperating in the investigation the incident.

Steve Meyers from Meyers Aviation in Oshkosh removed the plane on Saturday, March 21. The wings were removed and the plane was loaded onto

a trailer.

According to DNR Ranger Bob Hartshorn, they didn’t need a helicopter or hovercraft to retrieve the plane because the marsh was still frozen and they were able to move equipment across the ice to where it was needed.

In Oshkosh, the plane will be reconstructed and try and Meyers Aviation will determine why the plane lost power. Once repaired, the plane will be flown back to Rush City, Minn. – Sherill Summer with information from Burnett County Sheriff’s Dept.

Burnett judicial candidates to square off in forum, Thursday

BURNETT COUNTY - The Voter Service League of Burnett County will host a candidates forum for the two men running for the position of circuit court judge in Burnett County. Each candidate has agreed to participate at 7 p.m.

on Thursday, March 26, at the Burnett County Government Center.

Appropriately, the forum will be held in the courtroom on the second floor.

The current office holder, Judge Ken Kutz, and his opponent, Paul Baxter,

have agreed to answer written questions from those in attendance. Each will be given time to introduce himself.

Questions will be presented to each candidate by a moderator, and then each will have time for closing remarks.

Burnett County Drug Court graduation

Burnett County Circuit Court Judge Ken Kutz presented Burnett County Drug Court graduate Dennis LaSarge with a certificate of completion, a $50 gift certificate from Wal-Mart and a medallion upon LaSarge’s graduation. The presentation came at the drug court session Thursday, March 19, in the Burnett County courtroom.

CeCe Mitchell, the county’s first drug court graduate, works now with court participants. “There are ups and downs. It’s (all in) how you deal with them,” Mitchell commented.

Burnett County Drug Court graduate Dennis LaSarge was the first graduate to be given a remembrance medallion.

LaSarge, who was in the program for almost 17 months, has had his ups and downs. “He buckled down and got the job done,” said Judge Ken Kutz. “It has helped me in knowing how to live without using,” LaSarge commented. “Sometimes it’s not exactly easy, but (drug court) gives you the tools.”

Photos by Nancy Jappe

The Voter Service League urges attendance so that voters can be wellinformed when they go to the polls on Tuesday, April 7. - from VSL

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

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Four seek three seats on Webster School Board

WEBSTER – Four persons are competing for the three open seats on the Webster School Board.

Incumbent Chuck Macke is seeking to retain his position as his current term expires. Two additional positions have been vacated by retiring board members Brenda Bentley, vice president of the board, and Scott Treichel, board clerk. Douglas Quenzer, a former board member, Brenda Rachner and Wendy Larson are trying for the open seats.

The Inter-County Leader asked each of the four candidates to answer the following questions: 1) Why are you seeking a position on the Webster School Board? 2) What qualifies you for this position?

3) What are the most important issues for the district at this time? 4) Appropriate background information on you?

Chuck Macke (incumbent) 1) I’m running for school board because I feel when possible you should serve your community in whatever way you can. This is an opportunity for me to do my part. As an incumbent, I will bring experience to a board that will have at least two new members. I feel one of my strengths is listening to all sides of an issue, before making a decision.

2) I have had the privilege to serve the district as a board member for the past six years, serving on various committees. Also, my 31 years of experience as an educator in the classroom give me certain insights in helping to make the tough decisions that will need to be made. We have established a progressive curriculum agenda at WHS, which truly gives our students the ability and opportunity to compete after they graduate.

3) As has been the case the last few years, how the district stays within its budget guidelines, with declining funds a good possibility, and not discontinue the education opportunities we would like to offer to our children. With the economic uncertainty our district is experiencing, more than ever we must present a sound and responsible budget to the taxpayers, while still offering the best possible education and curriculum for our students.

4) I am a retired teacher and have lived in the Webster District for 40 years. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas with BA and MA degrees.

Julie and I have been married for 39 years and have four sons who graduated from WHS. Currently we have five grandchildren, two who are attending WHS. In 1967, I started my teaching career in the business department at Webster High School, retired in 2000, and have since been working part time in accounting and financial areas.

Macke

Quenzer

ELECTION PROFILES Webster School Board Douglas Quenzer (Challenger) 1) I have a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary of St. Paul, Minn. I was a full-time pastor for 17 years (12 years in Webster) and an Army Reserve chaplain for eight years. In 2000, I started a real estate appraisal business and appraise real estate in Northwest Wisconsin.

2) I have been a volunteer high school track coach for the past five years, and previously served on the school board for one year to finish out Dave Swingle’s term.

3) I don’t have any particular agenda for change in the school except the guiding principle that the school exists to make sure that the youth of our community get the best education possible. Webster generally has a good school system. All of my children graduated from Webster with a good foundation. The school at this point has no major issues other than the budget which is always an issue. Also communication between staff, teachers and the administration is always something that needs to improve just any other organization. All aspects of the school can improved in some way. That is accomplished through carefully listening, analyzing and collaborating with the other board members, the administrators and the teachers to make it better. It also takes constant vigilance, creative thinking, and at times making tough decisions. But ultimately it means asking the bottomline question, “Are the students learning?” If they are then what can we do to make it better? If they aren’t, then what do we need to change? My experience as a pastor working with and managing people of all ages, a business owner working with the public, and as someone that has gone to college and graduate school gives me a unique set of skills to work in that kind of process.

4) My wife’s name is Twila. We have lived in the Webster area since 1986, and all five of our children graduated from Webster High School.

Rachner

Larson

Brenda Rachner (Challenger) 1) I would like to help out in the community, and I feel this is one way I can serve my community and our school. I also would like to be more involved in the school and get more familiar with how decisions are made concerning the education that our children receive. I have a great interest in the youth of our community and want the best we can give them.

2) I feel the best qualification I have to be a member of the school board is the geniune desire to make sure that our students have the best education we can possibly give them and see them succeed in whatever their dreams may be.

3) Budget will be a big issue this coming year, and I hope that we will be able to continue with the programs that we are currently providing as well as keeping the staff that we have. I also feel there are some issues with keeping our teachers in the district, we have lost so many in previous years. We have good staff and teachers and we need to ensure that we keep them. I would also like to see more evaluations of teachers on up to administration. This is important in keeping accountability and making sure that everyone is doing the best they can to provide the students with all that they need to receive a good education.

4) I grew up in Webster, graduated from Webster High school and have three children currently attending Webster Schools. I have been married for 17 years, and my husband also grew up here and graduated from Webster. I have been active in our community serving as a first responder, working with North Ambulance, volunteering in the schools, working with the youth at church, am a member of the Burnett County Law Enforcement citizens auxiliary, and I currently work as a nurse at the Ingalls Clinic in Webster.

I enjoy spending time watching our children at all of their school events, baking, reading, and being with family and friends.

Wendy Larson (Challenger) 1) I have a personal interest in the success of our district. I have three daughters attending school here and their success and best interest is my priority. The reality is that our kids spend as much time during the day at school as they do with their parents in the evening at home, so the teachers, staff, policies and environment that are molding and influencing our kids need to be of the highest standards.

2) Also, I am a parent who is involved with my children and active in the community, and it is important that we are positive role models and our children know they can depend on us. I know I would have much to learn as a board member, but I can honestly tell you that your children’s best interest would be my first priority and the lines of communication will always be open.

3) The budget will be challenging. We will have to work together to stretch funding so all programs remain financially supported. I want to be optimistic about the stimulus money distributed to our district, but we must be prepared to deal with the worst case scenario. I believe the FACE class should expand their abilities as they progress through the grades, collaborating with the school kitchen staff making daily nutritional menus, obtain a Food Handlers Certification, participate in food preparation and serving as part of their curriculum. The interaction with the staff and the inputs from those that partake of the lunch program (students) can provide valuable insight for the need for nutritious, healthy and well-balanced lunches that for some, may be the main meal of their day. I think this would also provide a great lesson to students as they prepare to embark on their own.

4) I’m a 1984 graduate from Minerva, Ohio. We moved into the district in 1999 after my husband retired from the Air Force. I own a family day care.

My interest and profession is in early childhood. We have one daughter in the elementary and two daughters in the high school. I’ve been a Girl Scout leader for eight years and volunteer weekly at the humane society.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

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Four seek three open spots on Siren School Board

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Three positions on the Siren School Board need to be filled in the April 7 election – seats currently held by Dayton Daniels, David McGrane and Doug Coyour. After serving for 15 years on the school board, Coyour opted not to run for re-election.

Incumbents Daniels and McGrane are joined on the ballot by Bert “Fudd” Lund Jr. and Molly Bentley.

ELECTION PROFILES Siren School Board David McGrane (Incumbent) I grew up on the east side of St. Paul, Minn., and attended Harding High School, the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University. I worked in the warehousing and transportation business, later owning a warehousing and transportation business.

I was elected president of the Minnesota Warehousemen’s Association, and was on the board of directors of the Association of Manufacturers Representatives. I was a member of the Delta Nu Alpha fraternity.

I retired in 2000, and moved to Siren from White Bear Lake, Minn., in 2001 with my wife, Diane, who works at the Siren Clinic. We have five children and eight grandkids.

I have served as board chair for the Community Referral Agency in Milltown, and board chair for Diversified Services Inc. in Siren. I am currently board chair for Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin and vice chair of Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity. I am a longtime member of the Moose Lodge, and member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

I am very dedicated to the best education we can give our children. As the current treasurer of the Siren School Board, I know that it is very important to keep a balance with costs from our taxpayers and paying for education.

These are very trying times. We need to be very cognizant of the burden put on

the taxpayers of Siren and still give a quality education to our children.

We have an excellent staff at Siren School. We will work together to accomplish that. Our children are our most reassured assets.

Molly Bentley (Challenger) 1) Why are you running for the position?

I am running for a seat on the Siren School Board because I wanted to be involved with the community and school. I want to be able to help make decisions and make Siren School and community the best it can be.

2) What are the most important issues facing your board at this time?

The referendum has been an ongoing issue and whether it passes or not, financial problems will always be an issue for the school and community.

3) How does your background qualify you for the position?

I have lived in Siren for 13 years and graduated from Siren High School.

Being a former student and now having my own daughter attend Siren Public School, I believe there is great value in public education.

4) Any specific brief comments you want to make?

I do not have my own agenda. I plan to take each issue that comes to the board and listen to all the facts. I plan to make what I feel is the best decision for the school and students.

My goal is to devote my time and energy to the board to make a difference in Siren and give back to the community. I understand how the community and school go hand-in-hand and have the interest of the Siren community and school in mind. We need to make Siren the most effective and respected public school system it can be.

Dayton Daniels (Incumbent) Educational background: I graduated from Siren High in 1976, attended one year of college in Superior, and then completed a four-year plumbing apprenticeship program at WITC, Superior.

McGrane

Bentley

Professional experience: I have been on the Siren School Board for six years, and the last two I have served as president. I have a Master Plumbers license in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and I am the co-owner of Daniels Plumbing and Heating with my parents, Don and Joan Daniels. I serve on the Northern Wisconsin Plumbing Advisory Committee. I have been a member of the Siren Fire Department for 15 years. I am a member of the Siren Covenant Church.

Why residents should vote for me: I have the experience needed to keep the district moving forward in difficult times. The hard work of balancing the need to educate tomorrow’s leaders with the need to be fiscally responsible for the district taxpayers is a task I enjoy. I believe this board has done a tremendous job of leading this district into the future by taking care of the building and grounds maintenance to avoid large costs in the future by being proactive in the way we are tackling yearly maintenance projects. We have upgraded the curriculum and technology yearly to give our students the best possible chance at success at the college, tech school or work environment they choose beyond Siren High School. We work hard to hire and retain the best available staff to educate and support the Siren School District students.

Personal background: I am married to Nancy Daniels. I am the father of two daughters, Dayna and Courtney, both in college. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to concerts my daughters sing in and watching the Dragons sports teams.

Daniels

Lund

Bert “Fudd” Lund Jr. (Challenger) I was born, raised and educated (K12) in Siren. My wife’s name is Diane, and we have two sons, Darren and Nathan. I am a veteran.

My purpose in running for school board is to try to maintain the quality early childhood through grade 12 educational programs that Siren School District is noted for at the most economical cost to our community. As stated previously, there is importance in trying to maintain the quality educational programs that have been weakened due to needed economic cut backs that we have at Siren School at an economical cost, as well as enhancing educational areas such as art, music and physical education.

I have my master’s degree in English and am a licensed professional counselor. For a total of about 30 years, I taught high school English and served as the guidance counselor for Siren School District. I worked as a professional counselor for a little over a year during the Burnett County tornado recovery. At present, I serve on the Siren Township Board of Supervisors and the Burnett County Board of Supervisors. I feel that with my years of service on these two supervisory boards for township and county plus my experience in education that I can represent the citizens of Siren School District quite effectively as a member of their school board.

The students in our school district are one of the most important assets that we as voters need to support.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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Every seat challenged in town of Webb Lake

by Sherill Summer TOWN OF WEBB LAKE - This race is one of two town election races in Burnett County where every seat on the three-person town board is being challenged.

The race for Webb Lake chair is a rematch of the county board race last spring. Present town Chair Clifford (Larry) Main again faces Harry Patneaude. The two had a virtual tie last spring in a contest that covered a larger area.

The two incumbent supervisors, Pat Pockrandt and Greg Main are being challenged by John Kielkucki and David Johnson.

The following information was submitted by the candidates:

ELECTION PROFILES Webb Lake Town Board Cliff (Larry) Main (Incumbent) I graduated from Webster High School in 1964, attended and graduated UW-Superior.

I have worked at the Webster High School teaching and coaching. I owned the Lamplighter Inn restaurant in Webb Lake for eight years, worked for the Shell Lake School District, coaching basketball and track, obtained my real estate broker license and sold real estate for a short time, and currently have owned and operated The Main Store since 1989.

I have served on the Burnett County board for 12 years, serving on the highway and finance committees, and was county board chairman for four years. I served on the Northwest Regional Planning Board for four years, and presently I am serving the Webb Lake people on the board and have for last the 28 years.

My goal is to continue to serving the people of Webb Lake in these tough economic times. Our town is financially in very good shape, and we have new updated equipment and I would like to continue to serve the people. I feel I have always served the majority of the people and have the experience that is needed to hold the chairman’s position.

Photo unavailable

Main

Patneaude

Harry Patneaude (Challenger) I served in the U.S. Navy during Korean War and was discharged honorably.

Returned to my employer Burlington Northern Railyard and during that time I became engaged to my wife. In 1956, we purchased property on Des Moines Lake in Webb Lake Township. My wife died suddenly in 1988, and I sold the city home and moved here permanently. I can say I know the area.

My education includes high school, two years’ college, professional school - banking and insurance (ongoing). I owned an insurance agency for 20 years. I then became a MFG representative, selling wheel service equipment in the automotive line and training technicians how to operate these units.

I served on the planning/zoning commissions for 11 years in South St. Paul, Minn. I have been on the Webb Lake town board as a supervisor and now represent Webb Lake (District 21) on the county board.

My reason for running is that I believe I’ll try harder to serve the community of Webb Lake. Two statements: I try to keep in my mind always: Lincoln’s “Government is of the people, by the people and for the people,” and Kennedy’s, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Trustee races

Greg Main (Incumbent) I am near the end of my first term on the town board, and I am seeking re-election to continue the work I have started. I enjoy representing the people’s views on the board and maintaining open board meetings. I think taxpayers should feel comfortable coming to board meetings to ask ques-

Main

Pockrandt

tions.

Like most of the other townships in Wisconsin, Webb Lake is faced with trying to maintain and improve services on shrinking revenue. Finishing the required comprehensive plan in the next eight months is important for the future planning for the town. I also think developing a town Web site will provide answers to property owner’s questions when it is difficult to reach a town official.

My wife, Sue, and I have two teenage children. I have been a member of the Webb Lake Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was a driver for the ambulance service for 20 years. I have lived most of my life here and have a business in Webb Lake.

Pat Pockrandt (Incumbent) My name is Pat Pocrkandt, I am on the Webb Lake town board. I was appointed to the supervisor’s chair in January of 2008. In 1986 I was the voice for the people in the district where I lived in the Twin Cites. I realized that I could speak for my people there, who were shy in coming forth. We won our case with the DNR. After that I was elected and served nine years on the city council. I have been doing that now on this board.

Speaking for you!

I seek unity within the town for its people, with that goal and your help we can make this a community of harmony.

John Kielkucki (Challenger) Why am I running? Elections are set up to get new minds into office every two years. I will be a new member with fresh ideas and an open mind. I know I can help operate the township and work with members of the board, employees and residents of Webb

Kielkucki

Johnson

Lake to address issues as they arise. I believe Webb Lake town board has not had enough change to keep a watchful eye for too many years.

I think the biggest concern in Webb Lake and around the world is a sound economy.

Even in a small township like Webb Lake, we need to be accountable to the people who live in our community. I will work hard to keep Webb Lake’s financial security, roads, safety and town dump in order to help all that live in our community.

My strongest assets are hard work, communication skills and knowledge of the Webb Lake area and residents.

We have a beautiful area, which has kept its vacationland atmosphere for many years.

Like most people here, we lived in other communities. We enjoy our lives here for many reasons whether it is seasonal or yearround, recreation or retirement. I will be here to listen and communicate at our town board meetings to have all concerns addressed.

I have enjoyed all of my life here in Webb Lake. As a child I came with my parents to our cabin that my dad built. Currently, I live in Webb Lake earning a living and raising a family with my wife, Deb, and three daughters, Kayla, Elizabeth and Valerie. If you have questions or concerns please contact me.

David Johnson (Challenger) The Leader has learned that the Johnsons have a family emergency and are out of town. There will be opportunity for David Johnson to submit something for next week’s paper.

Contest for chairman in town of Meenon MEENON – In this election, the race for chairman of the town of Meenon is between incumbent chairman Larry Johnson and his challenger, Christopher Sybers. The following information was submitted by the candidates.

Larry Johnson (Incumbent) I am running as the incumbent for this position because I feel progress has been made. I would like the opportunity to continue.

Important issues facing the board: We (the township) are currently working on receiving government stimulus money and grants for the repairs on Austin Lake Road, Connors Bridge Road, Jamison Road and possibly Wood Lane.

My background: I have had two years’ experience as the town chairman, and served as supervisor for one year and nine months. I have gone to schools in reference to ordinance adoption, amendment and enforcement; current legislative issues; open meeting law; town road maintenance and safety; running effective meetings, budgeting, evaluations and adjournment; highway right-of-way issues; livestock facility sitting

ELECTION PROFILES Meenon Town Board Johnson law; fire department issues; land-use decision-making bodies; board of review training; mower safety training and bidding for public contracts.

I am currently president of the Webster Lions Club and vice president of the Webster Fire Association.

Specific comments: By implementing the use of inmates for cutting trees along the town roads, cutting grass at the town hall, painting the town hall and paving potholes on town roads, we saved over 800 hours of wages. Some of the inmates that worked called and thanked the township for letting

them out to work and for the experiences they acquired.

Four juvenile boys did damage at the Clam Dam Park.

Restorative Justice had a meeting with me on how the boys could do community service for the town of Meenon. Three of the Sybers boys did 10 hours each of community service by picking rock and landscaping. They worked very hard for the town of Meenon.

Supervisor Randy Strese donated his time mowing grass in the road ditches for the township. We have had several compliments from people in the town of Meenon and bordering townships.

Christopher Sybers (Challenger) My name is Christopher P. Sybers. I am 42 years old, married and have three children.

I grew up in Minong. My family moved to Spooner when I was a senior, and I graduat-

ed from Spooner High School. I went to college in Superior for communications. I then went to Chippewa Valley Technical College for police science.

I have been in law enforcement since 1991, serving as an officer in Siren for about 13 years. I have been Siren’s police chief for five years. I have had many other jobs where I have dealt with personnel, public and budgets. While being the police chief, I have a very good understanding of how budgets work and should be used.

I have represented District 12 on the Burnett County Board of Supervisors for four years now. District 12 covers a major part of the town of Meenon. While on the county board, I have been vice chair of the zoning committee, and chair of the health and human services committee. I also worked for three years for the Burnett County Highway Department.

I believe in my training and years of public service and common sense. I will take the time to listen to the public, and will see what is best for the well-being, safety and prosperity of the people of the town of Meenon.

I will bring back common sense and financial responsibility to your township.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

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Seven on ballot, four open seats for Webster Village

by Sherill Summer VILLAGE OF WEBSTER – There are races for every office in Webster. President Jeffrey Roberts is being challenged by Tom Stusek. Three trustees, William Rock, Kelly Gunderson and Timothy Maloney, are running for re-election. Their challengers are Paul Cyms and Mary Klar. The following information was submitted by the candidates.

Village president Jeff Roberts (Incumbent) I have lived in Webster for 23 years. I’m married to Roxi, and we have two grown children. I graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in social studies. I have been a teacher for 27 years and love my job. I’m also the head girls basketball coach at Webster. I’m very active in my school and community.

As far as why should people vote for me, good question!

I believe this village board has tried to do what’s best for the village of Webster. The moving of the PFP to the water bills was a good move; unfortunately it affected people with empty lots disproportionately. We have attempted to correct this problem. I believe the village has run smoothly for the last two years, and I would like to remain village president for another two years. There has been a lot of untrue information put out over the last year about things we have done or not done. The village board has acted in good faith and been very economically responsible. We cut the budget by $10,000 last year, and with the change in the PFP, we cut another $10,000. We all understand that times are tough and that we have to be fiscally responsible. I believe I’m the best candidate for the job. I would appreciate your vote in April.

Thank you.

Tom Stusek (Challenger) I grew up in Grantsburg, where I attended grades 1-7.

Both of my parents served terms as sheriff of Burnett County. When they lost the next election, my family moved to Webster where I attended grades 8-12. I went to college for two years in Superior and one year at River Falls.

I married my wife, Laurel, in 1970. We have two grown children, Blake and his wife Laura, who live in Salt Lake City, Utah., and Damon and his fiancée, Vanessa, living in East Bethel, Minn.

I apprenticed under my father for plumbing, attending both Superior and Rice Lake vocational schools to eventually attain my Master Plumber’s license. I have been selfemployed in the plumbing and heating business for approximately 35 years in the Webster area. We purchased our home in Webster in 1973 and have been residents ever since.

I feel this business background will help in the operation of the village of Webster.

I have served on the village board as a trustee and as a village president in the past. It was the policy of the past village board to rotate committee chairman positions every two years so everyone would have a working knowledge of the committees of the board. When I ran for village president, we wanted to bring industry to the village. We were able to facilitate Horton Manufacturing (now Nexen) to come to Webster. My second motive to run during those years was to keep taxes down.

As the years have gone by, I see the need for looking at the taxes again and trying to run the village more efficiently. I have seen the businesses move out of Webster. I have seen the taxes and evaluations rise. I have seen people lose their homes as they can no longer afford to pay the rising costs of owning their own homes. Having been a resident here most of my life, and choosing to live in Webster, I am well aware of these issues. I ask for your support during the coming elections and will work to accomplish these goals.

Village trustee Kelly Gunderson (Incumbent) I am running for my fourth term as village trustee. I’m about to complete my 10th year at Straus Knitting Mills Inc. in St.Croix Falls. I have been a past Webster business owner and a past member of the Webster Voluntary Fire Department. As a taxpayer, I have the same concerns as the residents of Webster in keeping our budget and operating expenses in balance. If re-elected, I will continue to listen to the residents and make sound decisions to the betterment of the village. I would like to see development in our industrial park and see how we can market and sell the lots in the Smith Pines Development.

Tim Maloney (Incumbent) After graduating from Webster over 30 years ago, I moved back to buy a home in the village with my wife, Debbie, in ‘84. We still live in the same home, and both of our children attended school and graduated here as well. We enjoy smalltown life here, and whenever possible, have supported the schools, community groups, and businesses in the surrounding area as well as in Webster. I have worked for Nexen Group Inc. in Webster for the past 26 years as a machinist with a vocational technical degree from Pine Technical College.

The toughest challenge local governments face today is to try to maintain acceptable levels of services for its taxpayers while keeping levies as low as possible. With the everincreasing costs associated with labor, insurance, fuel, state and federal mandates, and all other goods and services the village spends taxpayer money on, this is a very difficult task in these tough times. While not always popular with everyone, I believe the current village board (we are taxpayers, too) has faced some tough decisions regarding these issues and for the most part has made the right choices. I

would appreciate another opportunity to continue doing so.

Bill Rock (Incumbent) Education: High school graduate with some college.

Military service: USMC (1959-1966) Work background: Retired defense worker; I worked for Honeywell in Hopkins, Minn., on production contracts to build, and redesign torpedoes for the U.S. Navy.

During my employment with Honeywell, I lived in San Diego, Calif., Newport, R.I., and Nagasaki, Japan, for extended periods of time in support of the torpedo program.

I retired in 1998 and returned to the Midwest in 2002. I lived in Prescott, for several years prior to my job-related travels which began in 1985. My wife, Laurie, and I have been married for 22 years and bought our home in Webster in 1999.

I have been on the village board of trustees for almost two years. I have been the finance committee chairman, and assigned to the personnel and utility committees. My goal remains to control spending and to reduce the budget while still providing the necessary services to our residents. While some progress has been made in holding the line on property taxes, I still feel that most residential properties in the village of Webster are over valued. Because the state allows properties to be assessed at 90 to 110 percent of the market value, there is no margin for error. A prime example of the shortcomings of this ridiculous practice is apparent due to the reduction in home values caused by the current housing crisis. It is time for our state representatives to act and provide the tax reductions that represent the current value of our homes. I have met with Ann Hraychuck on two occasions to discuss the tax issue. I intend to continue to address this issue with our board as well as with our state representatives should I be re-elected to the board.

Paul Cyms (Challenger) I have lived in Webster for 21 years. Currently I am the coowner of Moonglow Cafe in Webster and have been selfemployed my entire life.

I have been a part of the Webster Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and amcurrently the chamber’s vice president.

I have already served two years as the village president, five years as a village trustee, was responsible for creating a skate park, helped set up the municipal court system and was responsible for reconstructing Main Street.

The Webster Village should be run as a business. The village has no say in the taxes as they have to stay within the 2percent freeze. I would like to finish some projects that were started during my previous terms on the village board like developing Smith Pines. I would also like to see development in the industrial park, but all of this depends on the economy.

Mary Klar (Challenger) My childhood was spent growing up in Webster and graduating from WHS. I have lived in the Webster area since returning in 1970. I have four married daughters, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and have been widowed since November 2007.

My education has consisted of being a graduate of Webster High School; HIAA health and life insurance and executive secretary training at Dunwoody Institute, Minneapolis; computer word processing - WITC; Dale Carnegie public speaking course; Wisconsin Paralegal Association certification; UW- Extension Burnett County Strategic Planning training; domestic abuse training – WITC; and Burnett County Government Leadership Training Program – UW- Eau Claire. In March, 1999, I attended Wisconsin Senior Statesmanship advocacy training at Madison, sponsored by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups; and then in September 2003, attended the Wisconsin Senior Statesmanship Graduate Program in Madison. This training provided the opportunity to sit in on legislative sessions, attend hearings at the state Capitol, visit state agencies and learn how to be an effective advocate on issues concerning senior citizens. In March 2000, I attended the WACEC National Lay Leadership Seminar in Washington, D. C. representing Burnett County.

I have held the appointed position of clerk for the town of Sand Lake, 1991-1992; appointed trustee for the village of Webster, 1983-1984; Webster School Board member 19761978, serving as clerk; past president for 13 years of Otis Taylor Post 96 American Legion Auxiliary, Webster, and being a current member for 37 years; a member and officer of the Webster Lioness Club for 25 years, and having perfect attendance for 24 years; past executive board member and current member of Burnett County Association for Home and Community Education; past president and current vice president of Burnett Community Library Board, Webster; past member of Webster Community Economic Analysis Planning Committee and Community Education Committee. I was appointed in 1993 to fill a term on the Burnett County Board of Supervisors and then served five two-year terms until April 2004, serving on the zoning/land use, surveying, agriculture/extension committees, health and human services committee that included aging/nutrition and transportation, and the personnel committee.

I am current vice president of the Burnett County Nutrition Project Council and a member of the Burnett County Aging Advisory Board. In January 2009, I was appointed to serve on the newly formed Aging and Disability Resource Center governing board that consists of a consortium between Burnett and Polk counties and the St. Croix Tribe. I also am president of the Webster Senior Citizens Center and have served in that capacity since 2000 when we first became a nonprofit organization. With my legal background I was able to do all the paperwork of arti-

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ELECTION PROFILES Webster Village Board Klar cles of incorporation and bylaws, and drafting and filing all the documents to become a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation for our senior citizens center.

I am running for a trustee position on the Webster Village Board for a number of reasons. I like being involved in community matters, and enjoy advocating the concerns of the elderly and have a good rapport with them. In addition, my legal background and advocacy training has been an asset while serving on the Burnett County Personnel Committee and in employee wage and benefits union negotiations. I feel that my education and experiences will be an asset while serving as a village trustee, and that the village residents who will vote for me also will respect my wisdom and judgment to make decisions in their best interests.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

Spirit of Education, Dream Flight FREDERIC– The Spirit of Education, the innovative Dream Flight USA student space shuttle, is on its way to Luck and Frederic Elementary Schools, and Sterling Bank in Luck.

The 45-foot-long shuttle is the focal point of the Dream Flight USA Foundation.

The mission of the Wausau-based foundation is to motivate children to learn by offering hands on activities using space travel and aviation as a catalyst.

The vehicle travels to schools and events wherever requested.

The shuttle will arrive at Luck Elementary on Thursday, April 2, and be at the school most of the day working with upper elementary students. Then it arrives at Sterling Bank, where the community is invited for an open house from 4 to 5 p.m. to take a look at what the students got to experience. The space shuttle will then travel to Frederic Elementary School for an open house from 5:30 – 7 p.m., that same evening. At both Sterling Bank and the Frederic Elementary School open house there will be a donation box for food that will go to the local food pantries. That is the only cost to community – bring a few items for the food shelves.

This effort is sponsored by Luck and Frederic FFA chapters. Then on April 3 the bus will be at Frederic Elementary School and work with students in grades five and six and a few fourth-grade students.

The shuttle will be piloted by Barry Brubaker and the onboard teacher will be Jack Gostisha.

The 44,000-pound shuttle is just over 13 feet high and 8.5 feet wide. Onboard, visitors will find study areas and work stations where students participate in a variety of activities. The workstations onboard the shuttle are designed for students in grades four, five, and six, but can be modified for students in grades three through eight.

The Dream Flight USA Foundation and curriculum

Grantsburg fifth-grade teachers awarded grant GRANTSBURG – Grantsburg fifth-grade teachers were awarded an $800 grant from the Target Field Trip Grants program. The teachers plan to take fifth-grade students to Leisure Lake Campground in Spooner in early June.

Criteria for the selection of grant recipients included the description of the field trip and its objectives, the benifits to students, the tie-in to school curriculum, the number of students who will be benefited.

The Target Field Trip Grant program, which was started in September 2006, has distributed 5,000 grants totaling $4 million in funds this year to education professionals. The program was created in recognition of increasing budget shortfalls in schools which result in field trips being eliminated. — submitted

The Spirit of Education, the innovative Dream Flight USA student space shuttle, is on its way to Luck and Frederic Elementary schools, and Sterling Bank in Luck. – Photo submitted

were developed by Sharon Ryan, a fifth-grade teacher at John Marshall School in the Wausau School District.

Ryan, a Presidential Award recipient, developed a similar program in the school district, which served students for 10 years.

The shuttle visit is made possible by donations from Frederic Elementary teachers, John Nichols, Frederic FFA Alumni, Luck FFA Alumni, Sterling Bank, Great

Northern Outdoors, Larsen Auto Center, Bremer Bank, Rural American Bank, Frederic Grocery, Daeffler Trucking, Daefflers Quality Meats, Fribergs Gone Green, Chell Trucking, Earl Lee, Brad Harlander, D.D.S, Wisse Real Estate, Gerald Tischer, Tomlinson Insurance Agency, Bella Salon, Dairy Queen, Fur, Fins and Feathers, T and J Farms and Corey Arnold. – submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

Unity Girl Scouts host Festival of Nations

Unity’s Daisy Girl Scout troop shared a poster on Canada and some maple cookies.

The American flag led the international flag ceremony at the Girl Scout Festival of Nations recently held at Unity. Lexi Anderson, third-grade Brownie, held the flag.

China was represented at the Unity Girl Scout Festival of Nations recently.

Unity’s fourth-grade troop, led by Lisa Johnson, left, hosted the group at Unity Girl Scouts Festival of Nations with crafts and treats from India. – Photos submitted

Unity’s Spanish club, with advisor Cynthia Johnson and Brianna Petersin, was a part of the Girl Scout Festival of Nations, sharing Nicaraguan information and a tasty rice dish.

Woodland owners to host April 4 field day SEELEY – Changes in the state’s Managed Forest Law program and other current forestry issues will be presented in a field day hosted by the Northwest Chapter of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association Saturday, April 4, at the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley, on Hwy. 63, 12 miles northeast of Hayward.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and a brief general membership meeting is at 10 a.m. Following the meeting, Kathy Nelson, chief of the DNR’s Forest Tax Section, will explain recent changes to the Wisconsin Managed Forest Law program, which offers tax benefits for landowners agreeing to use sustainable forestry practices, and will address other private forestry issues.

At noon, a luncheon of soup, club sandwiches and dessert will be served for $8.50, including tax and tip.

Preregistration for lunch is requested by April 1, by contacting Alice Kissinger at 715-865-3419, by e-mail to ajkiss@centurytel.net or 3597 N. Drake Lane, Stone lake WI, 54876.

After lunch, the field day continues at the Uhrenholdt State Forest, just outside of Seeley. DNR forester Gordy Christians, superintendent of the Hayward State Nursery and manager of this state property, will describe how to establish a new stand of white pine from natural seeding. “Letting nature take its course to reforest an area with white pine often takes many years and often with mixed results,” he says. “But by intentionally creating ideal conditions for white pine regeneration, we can ‘fast track’ that process.”

The Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association is committed to educate and support private forest landowners in managing their land for all woodland benefits, now and in the future. The Northwest Chapter meets four times per year, offering education programs and opportunities for forest landowners to meet and share information and experiences regarding their woodlands. The Northwest Chapter serves private woodland owners in Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn counties.

For more information on NWWOA activities, contact Liesel Virchow, Polk County chapter representative, at 715-483-1113. - from NWWOA

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

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Fifth-Annual All-Leader girls basketball teams

by Brenda Sommerfeld and Marty Seeger LEADER LAND – This year’s AllLeader girls basketball teams were no easier to pick than any other season has been.

The one thing that was easy to decide was to pick our local state-qualifying coach, Ryan Karsten, for first-team coach. Karsten spoke of the seven girls who played for him regularly after each game.

The top three Dragon scorers, sisters Janey and Carley Emery and Ashley Guevara, received recognition on our

first team and the other four athletes, Haily Mulroy, Meghan Baasch, Jamie Fischbach and Sarah Howe, got honorable mentions for their great season, making it all the way to Madison.

This is Janey Emery’s second year as our most valuable player. Emery not only led the Siren team in stats but continued this season to show her team leadership and would make a great addition to any team.

The Rookie of the Year was given to the Saints starting freshman, Sarah Petznick. Petznick showed great potential as St. Croix Falls point guard. She

helped the Saints take second place in the West Lakeland Conference.

The other three members of the first team, Marissa Campeau, Kortney Morrin and Becca Anderson, were in the top five leading scorers of the West Lakeland Conference. All three were top performers. Watch for both Campeau and Morrin next year.

Our second-team coach, Marty Messar, gets credit from us for taking a 5-16 record team last season, up to 11-10 this season. The Cardinals received third in the conference under Messar’s direction and with the help of Morgan

Denny and Taryn Pilz.

Luck sophomore Morgan Denny receives most improved after making all-conference this year and averaging 9.1 points per game this season, compared to last year’s 2.5.

In order to give several area athletes the applause they deserve for all of their hard work over the last months, we picked two players from each of the other area teams beside our state-going Siren team.

Thanks to all the coaches, athletes and fans for your help in covering all of our seven schools over the past season.

First team coach, players, MVP and rookie

Coach Ryan Karsten Siren

Most Valuable Janey Emery Siren

Forward Ashley Guevara Siren

Center Marissa Campeau St. Croix Falls

Forward Kortney Morrin Grantsburg

Guard Carley Emery Siren

Guard Becca Anderson Frederic

Rookie Sarah Petznick St. Croix Falls

Second team coach, players and most improved

Coach Marty Messar Luck

Forward Rose Kopecky Webster

Center Megan Anderson Frederic

Forward Becca Milligan Unity

Guard Taryn Pilz Luck

Guard Michelle Gibbs Webster

Guard Cailin Turner Unity

Most Improved Morgan Denny Luck

Jenny Benoy St. Croix Falls

Amanda Larson St. Croix Falls

Reba Smallwood Webster

Brittany Burrow Webster

Honorable mentions

Ana Miller Frederic

Chrissy Chenal Frederic

Sarah Wald Grantsburg

Gabrielle Witzany Grantsburg

Melissa Jenssen Luck

Aleah Lemieux Luck

Honorable mentions

Haily Mulroy Siren

Meghan Baasch Siren

Jamie Fischbach Siren

Sarah Howe Siren

Annie Confer Unity

Elizabeth Ebensperger

Unity

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

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

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

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Unity Father/Son Wrestling Challenge Extra Points

Danny “Doctor” Peper hands a rope to “Mr. Basketball” Chris Nelson to tie up Luke “Appendectomy” Nelson, which was a legal move considering all dads were allowed to cheat.

Dylan “Green Shoes” Hendricks sported his toughest-looking singlet during his match against his dad, Dan “Mr. February” Johnson at the Father/Son Wrestling Challenge VI on Thursday, March 19. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Dad “Mr. Basketball” Chris Nelson spent a lot of time disputing calls made by referee Rick Kemis, and managed a narrow win over his son Luke “Appendectomy” Nelson.

Neil “The Hammer” Larson had the look of an intimidating wrestler while keeping Joe “Kung Fu Grip” Swanson on the mat.

Dennis “The Menace” McKinney grabs Danny “Concrete” McKinney as he tries to escape. Danny also had to wrestle his other son Dusty “Runner Up” McKinney.

Several vintage Unity High School wrestling singlets were worn at the father/son wrestling challenge, including this one worn by Jared “Hot, Hot, Hot” Peper.

Dylan “Rabid Squirrel” and dad, Gary “The Crippler,” Koethe were one of the first pairs to hit the mat.

Dave Johnson escapes the grasp of his son Steven Johnson, who sported what emcee Mark Ferguson called vintage wool. All dads, including Dave, had a slight advantage in the weight category.

••• FREDERIC – Blizzard defenseman David Harlander tried out and made the Section 1 team to play in the Wisconsin senior tournament.

Harlander and his 19 teammates will play in Waupun March 27-29.

Twenty hockey player seniors David Harlander were picked to eight different teams. The Section 1 team was picked from schools in Superior all the way to River Falls.

••• SIREN – Siren boys basketball coach Jon Ruud was hired as the new head coach of the Siren/Webster baseball team for the 2009 spring season. He replaces former coach Greg Sears. The hiring of Ruud became official at the regular school board meeting on Monday, March 23.

••• LUCK – Luck senior Brennan Olson was one of just 11 basketball players named to this year’s Division 3, Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-State Team. Olson averaged just over 22 points per game this season and was this year’s All-Leader boys basketball MVP. Siren senior Janey Emery also made the WBCA All-State Team for Division 4 schools.

••• VERMILLION, S.D. – Former Grantsburg athlete Mollie Bjelland belted two solo home runs for the Winona State softball team in their two, one-run wins over the Division 1 University of South Dakota.

Bjelland knocked Mollie Bjelland in the game-winning run in the first 4-3 win, and in the second game, hit both homers in the team’s 11-10 victory. The Warriors are ranked ninth in the nation among Division 2 teams.

••• FT. PIERCE, Fla. – Former Grantsburg athlete and Bemidji State pitcher Jamie Lund allowed five hits, three earned runs and struck out two in a complete game against The Penn State Beavers last weekend at a tourJamie Lund nament in Florida.

Lund was solid at the plate in the second game, hitting 1 for 3, scoring twice and had one RBI. Lund is listed as a sophomore this season.

••• 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 2009 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Other Dragons have made the trip to state Engstrom took the state champion title in discus in 1999. She had taken fifth place the year prior.

Wes Wegner is the most recent gold medal winner from the Siren track and field team. He received first in the long jump at the state competition in 2006.

He also ran in the 200-meter while there.

The state athlete information was provided with help from both Mike Murphy and Wayne Koball. Gratitude is extended to both for keeping such good records.

Girls cross country only other team

by Brenda Sommerfeld SIREN – With the Siren girls basketball team making their way to Madison for the state tournament, it got people wondering if any other Dragon team has made it to all the way to state.

As far as teams, only one other has ever made it that distance, the 1991 girls cross-country team. Sarah Blahauvietz, Amy Ward, Heather Ward, Heather Thomas, Janet Howe, Lynn Murphy, Shawn McBroom and Lisa Billy were the athletes to make up the only other team to represent Siren at a state competition.

The 1983 football team was close, making it to the game to qualify for state, but losing to Shiocton, 32-6.

While only two teams have made the trip, several individuals have gone to their sport’s state competition in track and field and cross country.

Some Dragon athletes have even gone to state in two different sports. Sarah Howe made two trips in track-and-field in 2007 and 2008. She went for the 1,600meter and 3,200-meter runs in 2008 and the 1,600-meter and 4X800 relay in 2007.

She accompanied her basketball team this season for her second appearance at state.

Molly Engstrom, Lynn Murphy, Lisa Billy and Janet Howe each made trips to state in both track and field and cross country.

There have been many track-and-field athletes, both boys and girls, to move past sectionals on to state over the last 34 years. Five of the qualifiers went on to become state champions, Jeff Johnson, Jeremy Magnuson, Chris Pribula, Engstrom and Wes Wegner.

Johnson won the high hurdles event in 1982. He had taken fourth the year before.

Magnuson received first for his triple jump in 1994. During that year, he took home a first-, second- and third-place trophy. Magnuson received second in the 800-meter run and third in the long jump. He had also traveled to state in 1992 and 1993.

Pribula was Wisconsin state champ of the high jump in 1997. She earned a place in the state meet all four years of high school, finishing her career with gold. Two of the four years, back when only two high-jump competitors made it beyond sectionals, Courtney Emery was the other competitor to qualify with Pribula.

Sarah Howe has made a trip to state three times. Twice for track and once for basketball.

State Cross-Country Athletes

1991 - Sarah Blahauvietz, Amy Ward, Heather Ward, Heather Thomas, Janet Howe, Lynn Murphy, Shawn McBroom, Lisa Billy.

1993 - Amy Ward 1998 - Molly Engstrom

State Track & Field Athletes

The Siren 1991 girls cross-country team was the only other Dragon team to go to state besides the 2008-2009 girls basketball team. Pictured back row (L to R): Sarah Blahauvietz, Lisa Billy, Lynn Murphy, Heather Thomas and coach George Benson. Front row: Shawn McBroom, Janet Howe, Amy Ward and Heather Ward. – File photos

Siren’s Wes Wegner stood on the podium to receive his gold medal for long jump at the state competition in 2006.

Kendra Jones competed at state for discus in 2008.

Derek D’Jock received 13th at state in 2007 for discus.

2008 - Sarah Howe, 1,600 meter and 3,200 meter; Kendra Jones, discus.

2007 - Lauren Howe, Caitlin Flanigan, Kim Lindberg, Lynette Renberg, Jennifer Mitchell and Sarah Howe, 4X800 relay; Sarah Howe, 1,600-meter; Derek D’Jock, discus.

2006 - Lauren Howe, 1,600 meter and 3,200 meter; Wes Wegner, long jump and 200 meter.

2005 - Lauren Howe, 3,200 meter; Kristina Sherstad, Lauren Howe, Kim Lindberg, Caitlin Flanigan, Jordan Johnson and Lynette Renberg, 4X800 relay.

2004 - Doug D’Jock, long jump; Wes Wegner, long jump.

2003 - Delane Emery, discus.

2001 - Beth Barnes, discus; Carly Anderson, 400-meter; Mitch Coyour, Steve Taylor, Jim Beales, Troy Mengel, Tom Swanson and Darrin Sherstad, 4X800 relay; Steve Taylor, 300-meter hurdles.

1999 - Molly Engstrom, discus.

1998 - Molly Engstrom, discus.

1997 - Courtney Emery, high jump; Chris Pribula, high jump.

1996 - Courtney Emery, high jump; Chris Pribula, high jump.

1995 - Chris Pribula, high jump.

1994 - Karen Bucher, Melissa Christianson, Alison Kurkowski and Carrie Fallstrom, 4X100 relay; Jamie Wondra, Melissa Christianson, Alison Kurkowski and Carrie Fallstrom, 4X400 relay; Jamie Wondra, Melissa Christianson, Carrie Fallstrom and Alison Kurkowski, 4X200 relay; Chris Pribula, high jump; Jeremy Magnuson, triple jump, 800 meter and long jump.

1993 - Jeremy Magnuson, 400-meter, 800 meter, long jump; Kristin Herrick, long jump; Karen Bucher, Melissa Christianson, Alison Kurkowski and Kristin Herrick, 4X100 relay; Alison Kurkowski, Lynn Murphy, Melissa Christianson and Carey Maurer, 4X200 relay.

1992 - Jeremy Magnuson, long jump; Val Perez, Greg Lyga, Ryan Benson and Jeremy Magnuson, 4X400 relay; Amy Wethern, high jump, Janet Howe, 3,200 meter; Carey Maurer, Lisa Billy, Lynn Murphy and Jeanine Lunceford, 4X400 relay; Lisa Billy Kristin Herrick, Melissa Christianson and Carey Maurer, 4X200 relay.

1991 - Deanna Johnson, low hurdles; Janet Howe, 3,200 meter; Lisa Billy, Kristin Herrick, Carey Maurer and Deanna Johnson, 4X200 relay; Carey Maurer, Lisa Billy, Amy Lamphere and Deanna Johnson, 4X400 relay; Korey Herrick, Greg Lyga, Jason Hinze and Jeremy Magnuson, 4X400 relay.

1990 - Tim Murphy, discus; Janet Howe, 3,200 meter; Lisa Billy, Carey Maurer, Kristin Herrick and Deanna Johnson, 4X200 relay.

1989 - Tim Murphy, discus; Deanna Johnson, 300-meter low hurdles; Lisa Billy, Carey Maurer, Terri Klein and Deanna Johnson, 4X100 relay; Terri Klein, high hurdles.

1988 - Dan Maurer, Adam Benson, Tim Murphy and Matt Marth, 4X400 relay.

1987 - Mike Clemenson, high jump; Dan Maurer, Tim Beedle, Steve Blair and Matt Marth, 4X400 relay.

1986 - Tim Beedle, Travis Hinze, Gregg Scott and Chris Anton, 4X100 relay.

1985 - Andy Wethern, high hurdles.

1984 - Jeff Alden, discus.

1983 - Carol Kelly, 300-meter low hurdles.

1982 - Jeff Johnson, high hurdles; Jay Draonco, Chip Schauers, Gregg Johnson and Jeff Howe, 4X400 relay.

1981 - Jeff Johnson, high hurdles.

1979 - Non Nyren, 1,600 meter.

1974 - Rod Coyour, long jump; Cindy Anderson, 100 meter.

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READ LEADER SPORTS! Youth Hockey Blizzard PeeWee B Saturday, March 7

Antigo 5, Blizzard 1

Goal: Brady Mangen.

Assist: Aubriannah Larson.

Saves: Baily Mangen (38).

Blizzard 6, Sheboygan 5

Goals: Brady Mangen (5), Andrew Ruiz.

Assists: Jenna Curtis (3), Tanner Lee, Andrew Ruiz.

Saves: Baily Mangen (20).

Sunday, March 8

Altoona 5, Blizzard 3

Goals: Brady Mangen (2), Jenna Curtis.

Assists: Logan Tayler, Andrew Ruiz.

Saves: Baily Mangen (24).

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Chippewa Checks 56, Hot Shots 51, Mark’s Girls 49, Gold Rush 45, Hole in the Wall 41, Sandbaggers 36, Spare-Us 32, The Gutter Busters 26.

Women’s games: Gail Linke (MG) 199, Cheryl Matrious (CC) 187, Audrey Pardun (HITW) 182.

Women’s series: Gail Linke (MG) 543, Cheryl Matrious (CC) 503, Lori Linke (GB) 503.

Men’s games: Jim Loomis (SU) 212, Chuck Moyer (SB) 186, Rick Benjamin (CC) & Larry Matrious (CC) 179.

Men’s series: Jim Loomis (SU) 506, Larry Matrious (CC) 486, Scott Lamphere (SU) 480.

Team games: Sandbaggers 851, Mark’s Girls 824, Spare-Us & Chippewa Checks 820.

Team series: Hot Shots 2402, Sandbaggers 2400, The Gutter Busters 2370.

Splits converted: 3-10: Melissa Burgraff, Lori Linke. 5-7: Lori Linke, Rick Benjamin. 2-7: Brian Johnson. 56: Cheryl Matrious.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: AnchorBank 69, House of Wood 59, Mane Attractions 51, The Bottle Shop 47.5, Miller’s Chicks 42, Hacker’s Lanes 43, Thrivent Financial 39.5, Bye 5.

Individual games: Ramona Renfroe (MC) 208, Kathy Java (HL) 203, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 181.

Individual series: Ramona Renfroe (MC) 554, Kathy Java (HL) 539, Nancy Anderson (HL) 499.

Team games: Miller’s Chicks 634, Hacker’s Lanes 610, The Bottle Shop 595.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1818, Miller’s Chicks 1795, Mane Attractions 1704.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Hacker’s Lanes 95.5, Great Northern Outdoors 89.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 89, Bottle Shop 82.5, Olsen & Son 55, Pioneer Bar 41.5, SCVH 37.5, Reliables 29.5.

Individual games: Reed Stevens 297, Mike Sullivan 257, Dale Gregory 256.

Individual series: Ed Bitler 685, Dale Gregory 684, Reed Stevens 671.

Team games: Hacker’s Lanes 700, Great Northern Outdoors 652, Olsen & Son 618.

Team series: Hacker’s Lanes 1919, Great Northern Outdoors 1818, Olsen & Son 1690.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Reed Stevens 11x = 297.

Games 50 or more above average: Reed Stevens (+113); Mike Sullivan (+75).

Series 100 or more above average: Reed Stevens (+119).

Tuesday Late Standings: Terminators 36, LCR 26, Red Rollers 25, Joe Blow 24, Cushing Rollers 17, Bye 0.

Individual games: Seth Olson 194, Ron Pitts 192, Tony Hach 169.

B O W L I N G Individual series: Ron Pitts 477, Dixie Welling 476, Tony Hach 463.

Team games: Joe Blow 491, Terminators 472, Red Rollers 390.

Team series: Joe Blow 1359, Terminators 1355, Red Rollers 1114.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: 4 Seasons Wood Products 34, Larsen Auto Center 29, A-1 Machine 22, Lewis Silo 21, Pioneer Bar 20, Cummings Lumber 17, Parker 17, Skol Bar 16.

Individual games: Dale Frandsen (PB) 255, Don Hughes (4S) 253, Bryce Daeffler (LAC) 253.

Individual series: Don Hughes (4S) 635, Gene Ackland (4S) 609, Dale Frandsen (PB) 608.

Team games: 4 Seasons Wood Products 1018, Pioneer Bar 1007, Lewis Silo 989.

Team series: 4 Seasons Wood Products 2884, Pioneer Bar 2866, A-1 Machine 2703.

Thursday Early Men’s Standings: Grindell Law Offices 34.5, Fab Four 32, K-Wood 31, Full Timers 28.5, Wikstrom Construction 27.5, Hell Raisers 24, Frontier Trails 21, Bye 9.5.

Individual games: Don Hughes (GLO) 277, Don McKinney (FF) 259, Dennis Lieder (FuT) 225.

Individual series: Don Hughes (GLO) 734, Don McKinney (FF) 683, Mike Sullivan (WC) 635.

Team games: Fab Four 679, Full Timers 633, Grindell Law Offices 600.

Team series: Fab Four 1873, Grindell Law Offices 1707, Full Timers 1644.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Ed Bitler 6x = 222; Don Hughes 8x = 277 & 6x = 248; Don McKinney 7x = 259.

Games 50 or more above average: Don Hughes (+58); Don McKinney (+51); John Anderson (+56).

Splits converted: 5-6: Laryn Larson.

Thursday Late Standings: Stotz & Company 30, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 27, Johnson Upholstery 20, Bazey Racing 19, Hansen Farms Inc. 19, Fisk Trucking 17.

Women’s games: Rita Bohn 173.

Women’s series: Rita Bohn 508.

Men’s games: Aaron Arjes 244, Dale Frandsen 234, Lee Mangelsen 233.

Men’s series: Dale Frandsen 664, Dave Gabrielson 622, Aaron Arjes 610.

Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 933, Johnson Upholstery 912, Stotz & Company 844.

Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2657, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 2561, Stotz & Company 2490.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Hole in the Wall 62, Junque Art 57.5, Frederic Design & Promotion 48, Meyer’s Plus 48, The Dozers 45.5, The Leader 40, Pioneer Bar 38, Skol Bar 25.

Individual games: Sandy King 214, Gail Linke 199, Shelia Hanson 195.

Individual series: Sandy King 547, Gail Linke 543, Jen Carlson 513.

Team games: Junque Art 653, The Leader 645, Skol Bar 626.

Team series: Junque Art 1893, The

Leader 1780, Skol Bar 1729.

Games 50 or more above average: Sandy King.

Splits converted: 5-7: Gail Linke; 4-710: Melinda Linke.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Milltown Appliance 99, Frederic Truck & Tractor 94.5, McKenzie Lanes 87, Sam’s Carpentry 86, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 83.5, Metal Products 78, Edina Divas 74, Bye 35.

Individual games: Cindy Castellano 225, Yvonne Snyder 196, Marie Sogge 195.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 642, Yvonne Snyder 554, Marie Sogge 505.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Wolf Creek Log Furniture 993.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Wolf Creek Log Furniture 2822.

Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: Lemon Heads 69, Wild Boys 56, Kluge 55, Jim’s Flooring 53, Lane Crashers 53, Mom’s Boys 50.

Women’s games: Sasha Garbow 189, Brenda Lehmann 169, Linda Larson 135.

Women’s series: Sasha Garbow 506, Brenda Lehmann 492, Linda Larson 371.

Men’s games: Jeff Lemann 212, Cory Crowell 199, Jim Coen 197.

Men’s series: Jeff Lemann 575, Glen Minnick 537, Jim Coen 518.

Team games: Lemon Heads 512.

Team series: Lemon Heads 1479.

Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: B & H Builders 152, Country Gals 148.5, Custom Outfitter 134.5, Kassel Tap 130.5, Tomlinson Insurance 129, Hauge Dental 127, Gutter Dusters 86.5, Bye 44.

Individual games: Norma Hauge 220, Jan Kruse 208, Jane Smith 203.

Individual series: Norma Hauge 545, Denise F. Donaghue 538, Jan Kruse 537.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Country Gals 822, Hauge Dental 814, B & H Builders 789.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Country Gals 2398, Hauge Dental 2318, Custom Outfitter 2299.

R E S U L T S Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Steve’s Appliance 51.5, Dream Lawn 49.5, Glass Bar 42.5, McKenzie Lanes 42, Greatland Transportation 36, The Dugout 35, Hack’s Pub 33.5, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 30.

Individual games: Jim McKenzie 275, Darren McKenzie 268, Jeff Lehmann 258.

Individual series: Jim McKenzie 739, Darren McKenzie 729, Roy P. Price 711.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Greatland Transportation 1269.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Dream Lawn 3657.

Wednesday Early League Standings: Holiday StationStores 55, Lite House 54, JJ’s Club 35 50, Cutting Edge 48, Hendrick’s Motor 46, Suzie Q’s 44, Hack’s Pub 31, Top Spot 24.

Women’s games: Jeanne Kizer 225, Kathy Braund 173, Janice Fox 170.

Women’s series: Justine Melin 497, Dixie Welling 490, Kathy Braund 484.

Men’s games: Gene Braund 289, Mike Welling 257, Chris Madison 236.

Men’s series: Mike Welling 680, Gene Braund 672, Chris Madison 635.

Team games: (Handicap scores) JJ’s Club 35 740.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Cutting Edge 2069.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Edina Realty 18, Davy’s Construction 14, Dalles Electrician 14, Tiger Express 12, Harvest Moon 12, McKenzie Lanes 10, Hanjo Farms 8, Reed’s Marina 8.

Individual games: Brad Hacker 300, Greg Dick 270, Scot Anderson 257.

Individual series: Scott A. Anderson 729, Greg Dick 714, Daryn Sylvester 695.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Dalles Electrician 1094, Tiger Express 1086.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Davy’s Construction 3028, Dalles Electrician 3013.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Hack’s Pub 60, Hauge Dental 54.5, Cutting Edge Pro 52, Eagle Valley Bank 49.5, K.C. Electrical 49, RiverBank 46, Century 21 45.5, Bont Chiropractic 43.5.

Individual games: Dawn Blanski 211, Paula Foerst 205, Debbie Korsan 198.

Individual series: Dawn Blanski 538, Debbie Korsan 531, Denise Donaghue 513.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Eagle Valley Bank 1007, K.C. Electrical 994, Century 21 993.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Century 21 2868, Eagle Valley Bank 2867, K.C. Electrical 2843.

Black & Orange

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Bruce’s Auto 35-9, Larry’s LP 26-18, Black & Orange 26-18, Glass & Mirror Works 20-24, Pope’s Construction 18-26, Vacant 7-37.

Individual games: Curt Phelps (BA) and Josh Phelps (BA) 213, Larry Johnson (L) 203, Jack Witzany (L) 201.

Individual series: Josh Phelps (BA) 605, Curt Phelps (BA) 560, Jack Witzany (L) 531.

Team games: Bruce’s Auto 965, Larry’s LP 933, Black & Orange 906.

Team series: Bruce’s Auto 2839, Black & Orange 2594, Larry’s LP 2587.

Games 50 or more above average: Josh Phelps 213 (+69).

Series 100 or more above average: Josh Phelps 605 (+173).

TNT Standings: Larry’s LP 31-17, Flower Power 28-20, Cashco 24-24, Wild Bill’s 13-35.

Individual games: Sue Eytcheson (FP) 201, Vicki Tollander (C) 192, Jean Bickford (L) 187.

Individual series: Sue Eytcheson (FP) 547, Becky Reynolds (L) 530, Jennifer Kern (L) 503.

Team games: Larry’s LP 929, Flower Power 928, Cashco 827.

Team series: Flower Power 2609, Larry’s LP 2566, Cashco 2454.

Games 50 or more above average: Sue Eytcheson 201 (+60), Vicki Tollander 192 (+57), Becky Reynolds 183 (+51), Jean Bickford 187 (+58).

Series 100 or more above average: Sue Eytcheson 547 (+124).

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Cashco 29-15, Northview Drive Inn 28-16, Lions 20-24, 10th Hole 20-24, Black & Orange 16-28, T&P Tree Service 15-29.

Individual games: Larry Johnson (L) 222, Roger Tollander (C) 2111, Jack Witzany (L) 205.

Individual series: Monte Rinnman (C) 557, Larry Johnson (L) 551, Jack Witzany (L) 529.

Team games: Lions 957, Cashco 948, Northview Drive Inn 916.

Team series: Cashco 2688, Lions 2648, Northview Drive Inn 2628.

Early Risers Standings: 10th Hole 31-17, Hole in the Wall 23-25, A+ Sanitation 22-26, Gandy Dancer 20-28.

Individual games: Lylah Nelson (A+) 183, Cris Damman (10th Hole) 176, Donna Crain (G) 154.

Individual series: Lylah Nelson (A+) 502, Cris Damman (10th) 446, Cheryl Parkins (10th) 418.

Team games: Gandy Dancer 740, 10th Hole 702, A+ Sanitation 689.

Team series: 10th Hole 2054, A+ Sanitation 2017, Gandy Dancer 2009.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Lip’s 32-8, Check Services 21.5-18.5, Pour House 15.524.5, Ben Ott Construction 11-29.

Individual games: Angie Olson (CS) 193, Sandy Churchill (L) 171, Dawn Kleis (PH) 162.

Individual series: Angie Olson (CS) 502, Jackie Churchill (L) 461, Becky Reynolds (L) 442.

Team games: Lip’s 709, Check Services 693, Ben Ott Construction 691.

Team series: Lip’s 2041, Check Services 1984, Ben Ott Construction 1973.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

Doing their part to protect wildlife Local efforts help swans and other species from lead poisoning

by Marty Seeger HUDSON – The prognosis is never good. A swan, or raptor species such as an eagle, is found showing symptoms of lead poisoning. Volunteers step in to try and help, but in most cases it’s too late, and painful to witness the death of such a majestic bird. Mary Wicklund of Grantsburg knows this all too well. For the past year she and large group of others have been volunteering their time to helping trumpeter swans and eagles that have succumbed to lead poisoning.

Although Wicklund helps other species as well, trumpeters have been the most common over the past couple of months.

“Somebody’s got to help them, and just to be able to get them in to help is really gratifying,” Wicklund said, but admitted that it’s heartbreaking when swans don’t survive even after treatment.

Wicklund can recall several stories that have taken place over the past couple of months, including one that took place on the St. Croix River in Hudson on New Year’s Day near the home of Barry Wallace, who has been observing swans in the Hudson area since the mid-1980s and captures swans that show signs of lead poisoning. Wallace also has had a permit from the DNR to feed swans throughout the winter.

Wicklund said Wallace had transported several sick birds to the Raptor Center in Minnesota, but because of permit regulations and state transport laws, many of those birds had to be transferred to Antigo (west of Wasau) for treatment, which is one of the reasons Wicklund got involved.

The New Year’s Day story was special not just because volunteers were able to capture two swans poisoned by lead, but Wicklund said it showed the dedication of those involved.

“I called people on New Year’s Eve and they just dropped everything,” Wicklund said. Barry and Dan Bertalan of Siren were involved in the rescue efforts as well as a volunteer from the

Marge and Don Gibson get set to release swan 87Y back to the St. Croix River near Hudson on Thursday, March 5. – Photos by Kathy Java Raptor Center. Once caught, swans P58 and Z70, (numbers given to swans via DNR collar) were eventually transported by Wicklund to the Raptor Education Group, Inc., in Antigo, where they received chelation (removes lead from the bloodstream) treatment from Marge Gibson and REGI volunteers. Since the summer, Wicklund has made around eight trips to Antigo.

Arriving in Antigo, Wicklund said P58 suffered seizures in her arms. It was a horrific experience, and unfortunately, swans P58 and Z70 eventually died from the lead poisoning in late February.

“Lead poisoning this year has been worse than ever,” said Gibson in a phone conversation from REGI, where she’s the executive officer. REGI is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, and began in 1990, but Gibson, along with husband Don, have been working with birds for 40-plus years.

Gibson said the number of birds taken in for treatment for lead poisoning varies significantly from year to year, but they commonly deal with eagles and loons as well. Most eagle cases come up in the fall because they are eating off carcasses that have been shot with lead ammunition, and loons get lead poisoning from lead sinkers and

jigs. In just under two months, Gibson says REGI has seen several cases of lead poisoning in swans from around the state. At least 14 have been caught, or spotted near Hudson with signs of lead poisoning. Some have been taken to the Raptor Center, some could not be caught and at least two are currently floating dead in the river.

She says one of the reasons they feel more swans are turning up is due to recent drought conditions, where swans can access lower areas they haven’t had access to in the past.

Despite not being able to save as

many swans as they hope, the efforts of the many volunteers do not go unnoticed. A lack of funding makes tagging of swans difficult, and treating just one swan for lead poisoning can cost in excess of $2,000. Gibson said the process to save just one is a 24/7 job, which makes volunteer efforts that much more important. Much of those efforts are organized by Pat Manthey, the DNR avian ecologist.

“The part of banding the birds relies so much on volunteers that come out and catch them, because it takes a lot of people out on the water,” Manthey said in an earlier interview about the success of the trumpeter swans recovery from the states endangered species list. The efforts from volunteers to help treat them from lead poisoning are much the same.

“They really have such an impact that it would be hard to imagine what it would be like without their help,” said Gibson.

Some success Wicklund, says she and others are still busy with helping swans recover from lead poisoning, so busy that she keeps a bag packed and a cage in the car in the event a swan needs transport to REGI. Recently she and several others were part of the release of swan T-50, a 14year-old trumpeter that was one of the first wild birds hatched in the state in about 100 years.

T-50 showed early stages of lead poisoning back on Jan. 17 near Hudson and was captured by Wallace, who eventual-

See Swans/ next page

Trumpeter swan 87Y flaps its wings toward the St. Croix River on Thursday, March 5, toward several other swans.

Big cat lays low

DNR avian ecologist Pat Manthey fixes a new collar on swan 87Y and banded the bird as well. Manthey has been instrumental in the recovery of the trumpeter swan.

SUPERIOR - The cougar spotted west of Spooner hasn’t been seen since Thursday, March 5. Wildlife officials say the animal could be anywhere, even in the Superior or Grantsburg area.

“When we left it, it was in a heavily wooden area. If it would have gone west into Burnett County or up north into Douglas, an animal can find a lot of wild area,” says Jim Bishop of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “It could still be roaming

around. Or, it could’ve gone west where we believe it came from, into Minnesota and possibly back to South Dakota or up in Canada.”

Bishop says the DNR is relying on the public to find out where the cougar is. He says if anyone gets a verifiable sighting, to keep their distance and try to preserve any tracks they see. DNR officials can then take a look at it and verify if the animal is still in the area. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Joe Caddotte)

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

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Totogatic closer to being designated a wild river WASHBURN COUNTY — The Totogatic River has moved a step closer to being designated as a State Wild River. On Wednesday the bill passed with unanimous support in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Freshman state Rep. Nick Milroy, D-Superior, a member of the Natural Resources Committee, applauded the bipartisan support for his first piece of legislation.

“I’m glad that both sides of the aisle understand the importance of protecting the last of our wild places in northern Wisconsin,” Milroy said. “This designation will protect the Totogatic River

for generations to come, enhancing our quality of life and strengthening our economy.”

During a legislative hearing the lawmaker described the river as a “truly wild and beautiful place. I have canoed this river, and it’s a place where you actually imagine that you are the first person to visit,” Milroy said. “It is also important that this river receive this designation as it flows into the Namekagon River which is already a federally designated wild and scenic river,” he noted.

Milroy also praised state Sen. Bob Jauch for sponsoring the identical bill in

the Senate and for reviving the decades old legislation that allows for this designation. “It’s been over 40 years since the last wild river was designated in Wisconsin, and I couldn’t be more pleased than to work with Senator Jauch on this bill. Senator Jauch has long been a leader and advocate for the protection of the quality of our water.”

Milroy stated that Washburn County officials and supporters from the Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association originally proposed this legislation. “A lot of the best legislative ideas come from individual citizens.

Having started at the grassroots level in

Washburn County, this proposal is no exception,” continued Milroy. “As a citizen I lobbied for this designation for several years as a delegate to Superior Days, so it’s very exciting to be bringing this citizen-led effort forward as my first bill as a state representative.”

Having passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, the bill is tentatively scheduled to be voted on next week by the full Assembly. Milroy is optimistic that the bill will receive favorable support in both houses and will be signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle. — from the office of Rep. Milroy

Alternatives exist to burning yard waste and debris MADISON – Springtime in Wisconsin usually means a thorough yard cleaning, but state officials are urging people to consider alternatives to burning yard waste – branches, leaves and the like.

Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin and accounts for roughly one-third of all wildfires in the state. These fires can quickly get out of control and, especially in the spring before grasses turn green, can burn hundreds of acres of fields and forests, and even buildings and other structures before they are brought under control.

“Wisconsin’s firefighters are particularly concerned about debris burning in the spring,” said Catherine Regan, wildfire prevention specialist with the Department of Natural Resources.

“Homeowners and landowners have a big financial incentive to not start wildfires. Anyone found responsible for causing a wildfire on state, federal or private lands is liable for all costs associated with fighting the fire and the damage to the state’s natural

resources.”

Burning permits – which are free – are required in many areas of the state.

People wishing to burn should contact their local DNR office, emergency fire warden, fire department or local officials before burning to find out if a burning permit is required. Anyone burning without a required permit may be issued a citation. More information on burning permits and current fire danger can be found on the DNR Web site.

For those cleaning out attics and garages, tossing a match onto a pile of burnables may seem like the easy way to get rid of them, but burning just about any material, whether plastic, paper or wood, produces a variety of hazardous and toxic air pollutants, including carcinogens such as arsenic, benzene and formaldehyde.

State law prohibits the burning of the following materials under any conditions:

Swans/continued from page 23

Shiloh pond for several years, which is located in Polk County in Apple River Township, north of Hwy 8.

ly called Wicklund to help transport the bird to REGI. Wicklund said she met with a person in Wausau to save on mileage costs and the volunteers are currently developing a pipeline to save on such costs.

“It has worked well on a number of occasions, and keeps the time and mileage down for those of us who volunteer,” Wicklund said. More recently, Kathy Java of Frederic joined as a transporter on a different case.

T-50 continued to improve and was eventually released back to the St. Croix River on Thursday, March 5. Prior to its release, T-50 was affixed with a new collar and new number 87Y. Wicklund says its mate, T70 had already left the area, but they hope it will meet back up with T70 in time for the breeding season.

Trumpeter swans mate for life, and Wicklund said the pair have had several generations of trumpeters. Most recently, Wicklund said “That swan did take off the other day, we don’t know where it is yet. We’re hoping that it got home.” 87Y and T-70 have nested in

• Wet, combustible rubbish, such as

Not going away anytime soon Volunteers are a humble group of people that are quick to point out that their efforts have nothing to do with them, but about the wildlife suffering from lead poisoning. The problem with lead goes far beyond the trumpeter swan and affects other wildlife as well.

Through their efforts, many hope to create awareness about the problems with lead and the environment, and what it poses for wildlife.

“The big thing is that this isn’t against any form of outdoor sports at all, it’s just about the way we do things, this is hazardous waste,” Wicklund said.

Wicklund is an avid outdoorswoman who hunts, traps and fishes frequently, and Gibson says she loves to fish and comes from a rich hunting background.

Both feel that more information and education will open people’s minds to the problems of lead. A closer look at the lead impact will be explored in the next issue of the Inter-County Leader.

Great Northern Outdoors Archery League week 9 A League Team C&Z: 42 Kill em: 39 JM Electric: 36 TNT: 32 Terrible Twosome: 30 Shockers: 28 James Gang: 25 Whiz Kids: 24 Breezy Tee: 18 Damage Inc.: 18 Off Constantly: 18 H&H Performance: 14

B League Stupid Fox: 42 GNO: 41 Beauty & Beast: 38 Jail Bait: 38 Johnson & Johnson: 38 Crash: 36 Broken Arrow: 27 Merry Men: 26 Challenged: 18 Meyer: 18 Silver Slingers: 8 Men in Tights: 4

C League He Said: 52 B&E Ammo: 40 Team B: 34 She Said: 32 Browning Blasters: 29 Robin's Hoodz: 28 Swamp Busters: 18 The Cripplers: 16 Litter Runts: 10 Animal Lovers: 5

wet cardboard or paper.

• Oily substances, such as oily or greasy rags, oil filters, etc.

• Asphalt, such a asphalt shingles or tar paper.

• Plastics of any kind, including plastic bottles and plastic bags.

• Rubber products, including tires and hoses.

• Treated or painted wood.

Donating usable but unwanted items to local thrift stores, charities, schools or churches is a perfectly suitable option for home furnishings and appliances that people who need to get rid of.

Recyclables and some other items may need to be taken to a local landfill.

Businesses, commercial enterprises, and industries may not use burn barrels or engage in any other kinds of open burning and may not be granted burning permits by municipalities.

Businesses may obtain a permit to burn small brush piles that are the result of clearing business property on a case-by-

case basis.

“Even much of a person’s yard waste could be used in ways other than fuel for fire,” Regan said. “You could consider composting some material or even creating some wildlife habitat in nearby woods.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to consider alternatives to outdoor burning such as reducing the amount of waste produced, recycling, landfilling or composting yard waste and brush.

More information on open burning and backyard composting and recycling is available on the DNR Web site.

“If you do burn, make sure you have the proper permit and don’t burn illegal materials,” Regan said. “You should also have a plan ready just in case your fire gets out of control. And, keep in mind, your local DNR staff is there to answer your questions or address your concerns.”

For more information contact Catherine Regan at 608-266-2359. – from the DNR

Marge Gibson takes care of swan P10, which was poisoned by lead, at the Raptor Education Group Inc. in Antigo. The swan later died as a result. In some cases the cost to care for one swan can exceed $2,000 due to the cost of medications. – Photo submitted

Timberland Archery League Final Bowhunters League Final

Traditional Bone Collectors: 3,958 R and D Web Solutions: 3,868 The Woodsman: 3,525 Men Stellrecht Tractor and Auto Repair: 7,612 Granite Electric: 7,263 Knoop Construction: 7,237 Shell Lake State Bank: 6,820 WFO: 6,381

Sheelan Flooring: 6,268 Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church: 5,507 Big Mike’s Sports Shop: 4,923 Sandstrom: 4,516 The Lakers: 4,352 Bow Dogs: 3,684 Men/Women Wildlife Solutions: 5,967 Knoop Construction (2): 5,461 Women Red Brick Café: 3,934 Custom Ink: 2,923

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MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Library bids awarded at St. Croix Falls

Financial strategy approved

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The St. Croix Falls Public Library bids were awarded Monday night, March 23, at the city council meeting. The total project cost, including the solar panels, is $1,016,042.

The bids came in at the previous council meeting, March 9, but some checking needed to be completed before the general contractor for the project, Gene Johnson, could recommend the bids to award and calculate the final tally for the project. As suspected, the bids came in as projected.

Johnson was back before the council with architect Brent Norsmann. The council approved the bids and construction schedule with a start date of April 1. The completion date is planned for Sept. 26, the open house.

Councilman Brian Blesi brought up a concern about the specs of the project at the March 9 meeting. The concern was the water tank being buried below ground as part of the alternative-energy component in the project. Blesi was not

comfortable with that option. At the March 23 meeting, Norsmann explained that the plan was altered slightly to include the water tank to be located above ground in the library building.

The option seemed more acceptable to Blesi and the council.

The council heard from Sarah Adams, librarian, who stated, “We are glad to shift our focus from getting there to getting our building.”

The council approved the awarding of the bids with all in favor except Debra Kravig, who was absent.

The council also discussed the financial strategy for the library construction project. The council reviewed a resolution including funding for $400,000 of the project. The library committee has raised $1 million. Of that, over $200,000 was used for the roof and plaza work.

The council reviewed a strategy of financing including $250,000 in TIF funds because the library is a TIF-eligible expense. Another $28,000 in river enhancement dollars (Xcel Energy mitigation dollars) was included. Impact fees collected over 40 years, anticipated to net $215,000 also were included.

Opting out of the Polk County Library

System, as a savings of $20,000, was included.

A stimulus fund expectancy to the city of $100,000 for the solar panelsis anticipated in May. Also included was a maintenance fee from the library, payable to the city, for $325 a month.

The last two issues listed caused considerable discussion during the meeting. The first discussion involved the $100,000 stimulus funds. The language in the resolution indicated if the funds are not secured, the city shall borrow said amount. Blesi stated he was not comfortable with that wording. He was not sure where the money would be borrowed from and felt the solar could be added later, instead of at this time.

Johnson said that if the bid for the solar was delayed, it would cost more later, and there would be added costs to not install it at the same time as the water tank. He stated he was “Confident the city will get the stimulus funds,” but thought maybe to wait six weeks to see before committing the city to borrowing the money would be a better option. Blesi stated he though that the council was moving forward with the project, but that the solar component

could wait.

The council discussed the language of the stimulus paragraph in the resolution. Councilman Paul Kuhlman suggested the language to be changed and not include that the city shall borrow the amount, but rather include wording that the library can work with the city.

The council agreed with that language. The next area of concern was the issue of maintenance paid to the city from the library of $325 a month. Blesi suggested that the language be changed to rent instead of maintenance. The suggestion was met by disapproval from the library board members in attendance at the meeting. The library board said they would prefer the term maintenance to be used in the resolution. The council discussed and decided it did not matter what language was used to them and kept the language of maintenance in the resolution.

The resolution passed with the change to the item about the stimulus funds to read: the city shall join in partnership with the library board to raise such funds if they are not secured. All members present voted in favor.

ST. CROIX FALLS – Andriane Meissner, 31, Osceola, was arrested for disorderly conduct on Friday, March 20.

Polk County police officers were called to the Holiday Inn Express in St. Croix Falls on Friday, March 20, to help with someone that was “going out of control.” On arrival, the officers were

directed to one of the rooms, where they found Meissner, who was lying on the floor, and a man.

The man said he had agreed to meet with Meissner and that she had wanted to “fool around.” When he said he was married and didn’t want to do that, Meissner allegedly started yelling and

swearing at him. The man said she bit him on the arm and slapped him, and he ran down to the lobby to call for the police. The officers saw a red mark on the man’s arm.

Meissner denied there had been any problem, although she was highly intoxicated, according to the officers;

when she stood up, she needed assistance or would have fallen. Eventually she admitted there had been a fight over the fact the man was married. Meissner was arrested. She was administered a Breathalyzer, which registered .227. She was taken to the Polk County Jail. — from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

ST. CROIX FALLS —Exciting times have begun for the newly merged St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls chambers of commerce.

The new Falls Chamber of Commerce serves member businesses in both area business districts.

“Our mission is to advocate, promote and support member businesses and our communities” says Shelley Staeven, executive director. “St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls chambers of commerce have had a long history of collaboration, so it was a relatively easy decision and

the transition has been quite seamless.

We’ve seen an increase in memberships since the merger, and I think that’s indicative of the enthusiasm it has created.”

New events coordinated by the chamber promote area businesses. One such event is the Taste of the St. Croix Valley which takes place at the Chateau St. Croix Winery on Friday evening, May 1, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. The event showcases more than 25 area restaurants, wineries, bakeries and other businesses that will provide tasting samples of

wonderful foods available in the St. Croix Valley region. Reservations are required to attend the event. Cost of reservations is $15/person through April 15; $20/person after April 15. For details, visit www.scfwi.com, call 715483-3580, or e-mail info@scfwi.com.

Another event organized by the Falls Chamber is a Motorsport Madness Expo. Motor sports fans will unite for Father’s Day weekend in St. Croix Falls on Saturday, June 20, from 9a.m. to 5 p.m., in the parking lot of Tractor Supply Co. on Hwy. 8. The public is

invited to visit with vendors of cars, trucks, four-wheelers, motorcycles, boats, and more!

The Falls Chamber of Commerce is supported financially by membership dues, sponsorships, and fundraising activities. The physical address for the Falls Chamber of Commerce is 106 S. Washington Street in St. Croix Falls. For more information regarding the chamber or its events, please call 715-4833580 or e-mail: info@scfwi.com. - from Falls Chamber of Commerce

OSCEOLA – Have a question about your physical wellness?

Worried about your financial wellness?

Get these and other questions answered at the first Osceola Wellness Fair, Saturday, April 18. The free, midday event will feature presentations, demonstrations and information all centered on wellness.

“The Wellness Fair is pulling together many aspects of wellness and presenting them to the public at one convenient setting,” according to Bob Wolf, community relations manager at Osceola Medical Center, one of the sponsors of the fair.

The presentations and demonstrations will include such topics as nutrition, managing your HSA, fitness and researching your health, he said.

Information booths will also present a wide range of wellness information.

The fair is in conjunction with the annual OMC Healthy Heart 5K Run/Walk, which starts earlier that morning.

According to Jenny Frank, business manager at Osceola School District, “we thought this would be a great opportunity to spring board off an already successful event and keep the message of wellness going. The excitement of a 5K run or walk will spill over into a collec-

Woman arrested after altercation at SCF hotel

Falls Chamber of Commerce – New merger and new events

Osceola Wellness Fair is April 18

Gov. Doyle approves $5,694 project at L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport MADISON - Gov. Jim Doyle has approved a $5,694 project to replace the rotating beacon at the L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport, near Osceola.

The governor’s action releases the full $5,694 in state funds to complete the project. The village of Osceola is contributing personnel and equipment to install the new unit.

According to Craig Butler, project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the project will greatly enhance safety during night and low-light conditions

by making it easier for pilots to locate the airport from the air.

The project is scheduled to be completed in March 2009.

The L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport is located immediately south of the village of Osceola. The airport has one paved runway and one turf strip. Approximately four dozen aircraft are based at the airport, which accommodates some 19,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings each year.- from the office of Gov. Doyle

OMC Healthy Heart 5K Run/Walk tion of great topics all centered on wellness,” she said.

The free Wellness Fair is sponsored by the school district, OMC and The RiverBank Insurance Center. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Osceola High School gym.

The Healthy Heart 5K starts at the high school and will take runners and walkers along a scenic route through the community of Osceola. Individuals, families and teams are invited to participate. Registration starts at 7 a.m. with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented.

A Kids Run, for those who do not wish to participate in the 5K, will follow a short course at the school at the end of the 5K. Each participant will receive an award for participating. Preregistration is not necessary for the Kids Run. Entry fees for the 5K are $15 by April

3 and $20 after April 3, and on race day.

Family rates are available.

The 5K is sponsored by OMC and its health care providers, Diagnostic Radiology Associates, Dr. David Katz – Western Wisconsin Urology, HealthPartners, Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates, The RiverBank Insurance Center and St. Croix Orthopaedics.

Vender registration materials and more information for the Wellness Fair can be found on the Community Education tab at www.osceola.k12.wi.us or by calling the Community Education Office at 715-294-2127, ext.407.

Registration material and information for the Healthy Heart 5K Run/Walk is available at www.osceolamedical center.com or by calling 715-294-5736. submitted

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

“Lucky to be alive”

Two teenage girls were injured in an accident that occurred Saturday night, March 21, in Wood River Township in Burnett County. Rachel D. Tober, 16, St. Croix Falls was westbound on Meyer Road, driving left of the centerline, when she hit a pile of lime on the road. The vehicle she was driving went airborne and landed on the driver’s side roof, severely damaging the vehicle. A 17-year-old Grantsburg girl, Emily D. Benson, was a passenger in the vehicle. Both were transported to the hospital by friends. Both were reported to have consumed alcohol and alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident. The driver received three citations: operating left of the centerline, OWI, and a license restriction violation. Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland commented on Red Rock Radio that the girls, “were extremely lucky to be alive.” – photo courtesy of the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department

Edward Jones ribbon cutting

Members of the Siren Area Chamber of Commerce held a welcome-to-thebusiness-community ribbon cutting at the new Edward Jones office in Siren Wednesday, March 18. On hand were (L to R): Chamber member Karen Howe, Trista and Dan Edaburn (cutting the ribbon), Dawn Nelson, and chamber members Nick Haessly and Amanda Shafer. Edaburn is the Edward Jones financial advisor; Nelson is his office assistant. – Photo by Nancy Jappe

Polk-Burnett seminar helps improve home efficiency

Polk County Dairy Banquet CUSHING – The Polk County Dairy Banquet will be Saturday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cushing Community Center in Cushing.

The evening’s program includes a presentation by the Polk County Junior Holstein group, recognition of dairy

fundraising contributors, presentation of the Polk County Holstein Association Scholarship and 4-H Dairy Judging team awards.

The cost of the evening meal is $10.

Tickets can be reserved by calling Karrie at 715-483-9797. – submitted With energy costs on the rise, Polk-Burnett held home efficiency seminars in February and March with Dave Hepfler, Energy Star homes regional coordinator, to help its co-op members build energy efficiency into home remodeling and construction projects. One more seminar will be held in April. – Photo submitted CENTURIA – As energy costs rise, Polk-Burnett is taking steps to help its members improve energy efficiency in their homes. Co-op members who are thinking about remodeling or building a new home were invited to learn about energy efficient construction strategies with energy expert Dave Hepfler, Energy Star homes regional coordinator, at Polk-Burnett in Centuria. The free seminars offered the latest tips and techniques for building energy efficiency into home remodeling and construction projects.

According to Hepfler, Polk-Burnett is the first co-op in Wisconsin to bring this conservation message to its members.

Turnout at the first two energy seminars in February and March doubled co-op

expectations and an additional session has been added.

“We all know that costs to generate and distribute energy are going up,” said Todd Schulte, Polk-Burnett’s member services manager. “We’re filling a need to help members control home energy costs.”

Seminar participants gain expert advice on how to conserve energy and save on energy bills. Topics include roofing, siding, windows, insulation and more. Participants also learn about coop rebate programs on Energy Star appliances and lighting, home performance testing, geothermal heating and cooling systems and other rebate programs available from the cooperative.

They also receive two free, energy-efficient CFL bulbs and the Touchstone booklet, 101 Low-Cost, No-Cost Home Energy Savers.

One final home efficiency seminar will be held at Polk-Burnett, 1001 State Road 35, in Centuria, on Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Space is limited. To register or for more information about PolkBurnett rebates and home performance testing, call 800-421-0283, ext. 318/319.

– from Polk-Burnett

The Inter-County Leader: Bringing you the local news for 75 years

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Burnett County Circuit Court Steven M. Alderton, Grantsburg, petty theft, $185.00.

Allen J. Anderson, Forest Lake, Minn., snowmobile owner permit unauthorized operation, $173.40.

Gregory B. Anderson, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Kenneth J. Anderson, Medina, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Larry D. Anderson, Bloomington, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

John E. Andresen Jr., Webster, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Jessica L. Antonson, Luck, speeding, $160.80.

Earl J. Baker, Grantsburg, unsafe backing of vehicle, operate large vehicle after rev./susp. of registration, operating while suspended, not guilty pleas.

Ashley N. Beach, Danbury, fail to provide water/animal, not guilty plea.

Morris J. Bearhart, Danbury, operating unregistered snowmobile, not guilty plea.

Erin R. Bearhart, Webster, fight at school, disorderly conduct, underage drinking – possess 17 – 20, not guilty pleas.

Derek J. Becker, Trego, speeding, $160.80.

Heather L. Behling, Duluth, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Chasity A. Benjamin, Sandstone, Minn., drink open intoxicants in motor vehicle, not guilty plea.

Sherry Benjamin, Webster, nonregistration of auto, not guilty plea.

Kirk W. Berg, Bloomington, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Kari B. Betz, Lake Nebagaman, speeding, $160.80.

Blomberg Trucking Inc., Ogema, vehicle equipment violations – group 3, $168.80.

Stephanie K. Bogat, Rice Lake, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Patrick J. Borgman, Savage, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Ronee L. Boswell, Hayward, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, OAR, speeding, not guilty pleas.

Preston B. Bowen, Rush City, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Miranda L. Brackenbury, Pine City, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Burronnie L. Brosh, Crystal, Minn., waterskipping with snowmobile, $160.80.

Jean K. Buchanan, Barronett, speeding, $160.80.

Mark J. Byers, Grantsburg, snowmobiler fail to carry registration, $160.80.

Julie A. Cairns, Danbury, operate after rev./susp. of registration, $160.80; operate while suspended, $186.00.

Dane P. Carey, Eau Claire, speeding, $160.80.

Mark W. Carlson, Harris, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Richard B. Carlson, Golden Valley, Minn., fish without license, $192.20.

Dennis P. Chartland, Vadnais Heights, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jacob J. Chell, Webster, speeding, $160.80.

Eric J. Chryst, Pine City, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Daniel T. Clark, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Spencer S. Cobb, Siren, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Dale E. Coen, Frederic, possess/loan/borrow another’s license, not guilty plea.

Richard R. Connors, Danbury, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, OAR, nonregistration of vehicle 10,000 lbs., not guilty pleas.

Ritchard K. Cook, Webster, snowmobile owner permit unauthorized operation, $173.40.

Shana L. Corbine, Webster, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

David S. Corty, Rush City, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Duncan Crawford, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Christopher C. Currie, Pine City, Minn., speeding, operating while suspended, fail to stop at stop sign, not guilty pleas.

Mary J. Dailey, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jamey W. Danielson, Mora, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $186.00.

Maria L. Dearbin, Webster, violation of child safety restraint requirements, $160.80.

Dean M. Dibias, Eden Prairie, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Richard G. Doriott, Webster, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.00.

Gary J. Dorsey, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, operating while suspended, not guilty pleas.

William F. Ellis, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

David H. Emery, Garland, Texas, speeding, $160.80.

Ralph E. Erickson, Siren, speeding, $223.80.

Jeffrey M. Evenson, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Robert L. Finch IV, Siren, fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Vernon J. Fix, Braham, Minn., operate snowmobile illegally on or in the vicinity of highways, $186.00.

Barb Ford, Siren, theft of movies, $159.00.

Anthony M. Fox, New Brighton, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Brian M. Freeberg, Bemidji, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Christopher A. French, Centuria, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.00.

Lawrence F. French, Centuria, speeding, $186.00; vehicle operator fail/wear seat belt, $10.00.

Maxine M. Gerdts, Edina, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Jeren M. Giese, Junction City, speeding, $160.80.

Miigis B. Gonzalez, Hayward, speeding, $186.00.

Christine T. Gorman, Superior, operating while under influence, operating left of centerline, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, not guilty pleas.

Burnett Co. sheriff’s report Accidents March 18: Ann M. Basgall, 48, Spooner, reported hitting a deer while on Hwy. 70 in Daniels Township.

The vehicle sustained moderate damage. No injuries were reported.

March 18: Michael E. Friesen, 19, Houghton, Minn., reported hitting a deer while on Hwy. 35 in Blaine Township. The vehicle we severely damaged. No injuries were reported.

Devin B. Greil, Rogers, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Jerome H. Gundersen, La Crosse, operating while suspended, $186.00; speeding, $160.80.

Terrie A. Gunderson, East Bethel, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Shane M. Hall, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, operate without valid license, not guilty pleas.

Jason R. Hansen, Webster, OAR, not guilty plea.

Douglas M. Hanson, Plymouth, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Matthew D. Hatfield, Sandstone, Minn., drink open intoxicants in motor vehicle, not guilty plea.

Joshua A. Hayes, Grantsburg, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, not guilty pleas.

Desiree M. Hicks, Frederic, driving too fast for conditions, $198.60.

Jonathan D. Hicks, Siren, speeding, not guilty plea.

Mark W. Higgins, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00; place/transport uncased firearm in vehicle, $173.40; place/transport loaded firearm in vehicle, $173.40.

Shirley A. Hill, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jack M. Holmes, Danbury, failure to notify police of accident, $249.00.

Laura S. Holtzman, Shell Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

James J. Jacobs, South St. Paul, Minn., ATV – operating on highways, $186.00.

John G. Jacobs, Webster, fail to stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Drew N. Jaspers, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, not guilty plea.

Henry W. Java, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

Donald L. Jensen, Danbury, speeding, not guilty plea.

Dean D. Johnson, Minnetrista, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Brad A. Jones, Grantsburg, speeding, not guilty plea.

Michael R. Jones, Siren, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.00.

Kevin A. Karge, Siren, fail to stop/improper stop at stop sign, $160.80.

Charles F. Karpinske, Ankeny, Iowa, speeding, $160.80.

Cynthia A. Kerr, Hastings, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Michael L. Kessler, Siren, possession of drug paraphernalia, $139.00.

Michael L. Kettner, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Patti C. Koivisto, Gulliver, Mich., speeding, $186.00.

Matthew E. Kroulik, Brooklyn Park, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

James R. Kuzzy, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

William J. La Pointe, Amery, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .10 or more, speeding, operate without valid license, not guilty pleas.

Gaylin A. Larson, Oakdale, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Theresa M. Larson, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

John W. Lawton, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Robert H. Le Boeuf, Spooner, speeding, $186.00.

Rick A. Leffelman, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Paul E. Levesque, North Branch, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Lori J. Lien, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Larry C. Lindfield, Green Cove Springs, Fla., speeding, $160.00.

Chelsea R. Lindmeier, Danbury, operating while revoked, not guilty plea.

Kyle D. Lindus, Grantsburg, operating with PAC .10 or more, not guilty plea.

Charles M. Lunsman, Danbury, underage drinking – possess 17-20, $249.00, and order for assessment.

Patricia C. Lynnc, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Katelyn R. Mack, Grantsburg, speeding, $211.20.

Troy D. Main, Webb Lake, speeding, $236.40.

Michael L. Maloney, Birchwood, speeding, $160.80.

Gabrielle G. Marazzo, Webster, operate after rev./susp. of registration, $160.80.

Jennifer McAbee, Grantsburg, speeding, not guilty plea.

Seth J. McMurtrey, Farmington, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Christy R. Merrill, Siren, theft of movies, $239.00.

Patrick F. Merth Jr., Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Susan M. Metcalf, White Bear Lake, Minn., speeding, $211.00.

David L. Mielke, Cottage Grove, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Michael J. Myers, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Sara C. Nefs, Webster, operate without valid license, $186.00.

John R. Nelson, Oak Park Heights, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

James M. Njus, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Kurt R. Nustvold, Amery, speeding, $160.80.

Jerry A. Olson, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Nicholas L. Olson, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Niki J. Olson, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Tanis A. Olson, Danbury, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

Thomas A. Olson, Grantsburg, speeding, $186.00.

Michael S. Palosaari, Crystal, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Michelle M. Parsons, Webster, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $186.00.

Timothy L. Peck, Grantsburg, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.00.

Amery woman charged with hit and run of a police vehicle AMERY – Denise L. Burstad, 37, Amery, was arrested on Thursday, March 19, and charged with OWI, and hit and run.

A Polk County police officer was patrolling at about 9 p.m. when Burstad’s vehicle approached from the other direction in the officer’s lane and without headlights on. The officer slowed nearly to a stop, Burstad’s vehicle moved suddenly toward the other lane but hit the side of the patrol car as it passed by.

The officer turned around, turned on his lights, followed the other vehicle and stopped it.

Burstad was unable to find the doorknob or window crank in her car. The officer opened the door, Burstad got out and was given field sobriety tests.

She was then arrested and taken to the Amery hospital for a blood test and then to jail. — from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Rhonda J. Peterson, Siren, speeding, $160.80.

Brian C. Pinska, Somerset, careless operation of snowmobile, not guilty plea.

Jennifer A. Piper, Beloit, speeding, $160.80.

William M. Puchner, Webster, speeding, not guilty plea.

John J. Pupkes, Minneapolis, Minn., operate ATV without valid registration, not guilty plea.

Thomas D. Reimer, Belle Plaine, Minn., operate snowmobile without trail sticker, $186.00.

Debra Reynolds, Webster, OAR, not guilty plea.

Amber A. Richison, Frederic, operating while suspended, $186.00; operate after rev./susp. of registration, $160.80.

Grace L. Roberts, Twin Valley, Minn., drink open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $186.00.

Jennifer H. Rochelle, Lac Du Flambeau, speeding, $186.00.

Jon M. Route, Frederic, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.00.

Michael F. Route, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Larry J. Samson, Shell Lake, failure to keep vehicle under control, $198.60.

Christopher N. Sanford, St. Croix Falls, speeding, not guilty plea.

Kayla M. Schmidt Burmeister, Balsam Lake, speeding, not guilty plea.

Steven J. Schneider, Hastings, Minn., fish with unattended lines, $168.20.

Adrienne E. Schultz, Minong, speeding, $186.00.

Travis J. Simon, Blaine, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Chaz R. Smallwood, Siren, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Diana R. Snelson, Frederic, speeding, $186.00.

Jon D. Songetay, Danbury, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.00; OAR, not guilty plea.

Veronica L. Songetay, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Jason R. Sparling, Minong, nonregistration of auto, $160.80.

John D. Stamos, Lakeville, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Wayne S. Staples, Danbury, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, approaching operator fail/dim

multibeams, not guilty pleas.

Shannon R. Stevens, Grantsburg, OAR, not guilty plea.

Vernon C. Stevens, Duluth, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Marvin G. Studeman, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Darrick D. Suckow, Webster, operate unregistered snowmobile, $184.50.

Gary G. Thompson, Maple Grove, Minn., passing in nopassing zone, $198.60.

Tyler W. Tronnes, Hudson, speeding, $160.80.

Shannon K. Tuttle, St. Louis Park, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Richard J. Van Dommelen, Spooner, nonregistration of auto, operating while under influence, operating with PAC .08 or more, not guilty pleas.

Matthew J. Vrudny, Finlayson, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Matthew A. Wagner, Hayward, speeding, $186.00.

Todd R. Wagner, Shorewood, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Bobbie J. Wakefield, Siren, speeding, not guilty plea.

Robert T. Waldron, Fridley, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

John D. Wallenfelsz, Maple Grove, Minn., modify snowmobile to exceed noise emissions, $160.80.

Karl C. Weber, Danbury, speeding, $160.80.

Robert J. Weigel, Farmington, Minn., fish without license, not guilty plea.

David L. Weller II, Siren, speeding, not guilty plea; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Mary F. Wheeler, Grantsburg, failure to keep vehicle under control, $198.60; drink open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $249.00.

Matthew H. Winkel, Shoreview, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Morgan M. Wistad, Spooner, speeding, $186.00.

Michael J. Workman, Grantsburg, fail to stop at stop sign, not guilty plea.

Roberta J. Young, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

David M. Youngbauer, Braham, Minn., operate snowmobile illegally on or in the vicinity of highways, $186.00.

Jamie M. Zinda, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Comstock woman arrested ST. CROIX FALLS – On Tuesday, March 17, Nicole F. Hoverman, 26, Comstock, was arrested and charged with OWI, as well as possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

That afternoon a complaint was made to the officer that a teal-colored van had almost hit another vehicle head-on in St. Croix Falls on Louisiana Street. The officer found the vehicle, stopped it, and Hoverman was arrested for OWI. The officer searched the vehicle and found a “dugout” under the front passenger seat which contained what looked like marijuana and a marijuana pipe.

Hoverman was taken to the hospital for a blood alcohol test. While there, she allegedly was “loud and profane,” yelling and swearing at the hospital staff and the police officer. At one point she attempted to kick an officer in the groin, hitting his leg instead. Her blood alcohol registered at .18, and she was taken to the Polk County Jail. — from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

Polk County Circuit Court Kerri L. Barrington, Mound, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Jerome W. Beach, Jordan, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Bradley A. Benoy, Hudson, speeding, $160.80.

Brian R. Bistram, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Andrea S. Bjergo, Coon Rapids, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Steven D. Boyd, Siren, passing in no-passing zone, $198.60.

Robert C. Brace, Osceola, speeding, $160.80; operating while under influence, $675.50, six-month license suspension and order for assessment.

Franklin R. Brickman, Amery, operating left of centerline, $198.60.

Brenda A. Bruggeman, White Bear Lake, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Dustin A. Carrico, New Richmond, no valid driver’s license, $105.00.

Samantha J. Carter, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kateleen J. Cavett, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

David J. Cofman, Plymouth, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Sara M. Cox, Sparta, speeding, $160.80.

Jon M. Curtis, Circle Pines, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Ryan N. Davis, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Thomas A. Fagnan, New Richmond, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Debra A. Finch, Dresser, speeding, $160.80.

David J. Flor, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $186.80.

Larry W. Found, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Mitchell T. Fowler, Siren, operating while suspended, $186.00.

Richard E. Frankson, Shafer, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Nathan E. Gerdts, Janesville, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Michelle R. Goff, Andover, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Laura E. Graski, Amery, failure to keep vehicle under control, $198.60.

Dustin D. Green, Amery, speeding, $160.80.

Jimi J. Hacken, Barron, issuance of worthless check, $230.00.

William A. Hanson, Clayton, speeding, $160.80.

Ahmed M. Hassan, Barron, speeding, $160.80.

Patricia J. Hause, Weyerhaeuser, speeding, $160.80.

Jeremiah O. Heesch, Turtle Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Marcus J. Hibbard, St. Croix Falls, operate without valid license, $105.00.

John C. Hofer, Olathe, Kan., speeding, not guilty plea.

Jeffrey R. Holmes, Luck, operating motor vehicle by probationary licensee with unauthorized person in vehicle, not guilty plea.

Donald D. Hoverman, Dresser, nonregistration of auto, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Klay W. Huber, Centuria, speeding, $160.80.

Kathleen M. Jablonski, Blaine, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Mahad H. Jama, Minneapolis, speeding, $160.80.

Aaron N. Johnson, Shell Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Charlene M. Johnson, Milltown, operate without valid license, not guilty plea.

Jordan D. Johnson, Amery, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Shawn P. Keeley, Glenwood City, issuance of worthless checks, $292.50.

Kevin W. Kluever, Minnetrista, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Aaron M. Koehler, Portage, speeding, $160.80.

Kyle A. Koepp, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Dudley J. Lahti, Turtle Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Nicole E. Langlois, River Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Courtney J. Larson, Clear Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Joseph V. Laval, Clayton, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Michael A. Loken, White Bear Lake, Minn., speeding, $211.20.

Todd A. Lund, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jenna M. Luttinen, Osceola, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kysaundra J. Luttinen, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $160.80.

Brandon Madison, Milltown, possess drug paraphernalia, $249.00; possession of THC, $249.00.

Melissa L. Malone, Barron, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Karen L. Manske, Lindstrom, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Gregory A. Marquand, Amery, operating while revoked, $186.00; operating while suspended, $186.00.

Deanna K. Martell, Amery, operating while suspended, not guilty plea.

Brittney A. Marz, Milltown, issuance of worthless checks, $275.96.

Mark W. Mauer, Bloomington, Minn., speeding, $186.00.

Kenneth D. McDonald,

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents March 10, 9:29 p.m., St. Croix Falls Twp., Hwy. 35, .25 mile south of 140th Avenue, MICHEAL J. NASE, 21, Shafer, Minn., was traveling, pulling a trailer, southbound on Hwy. 35, hit an icy patch after a slight curve and lost control, sliding to the south and east across Hwy. 35 into the opposite ditch. The vehicle continued into the ditch onto the embankment, causing damage to the vehicle undercarriage and front end. Driver was issued a citation for failure to notify police of an accident.

March 11, 3:14 a.m., Beaver Township, CTH D, .6 mile north of Hwy. 8, DAVID J. MERRILL, 26, Balsam Lake, was northbound on CTH D, lost control, entered the east ditch and struck a fence. Driver was issued a citation for failure to report accident to police.

March 11, 8:23 a.m., Farmington Township, Hwy. 35, 100 feet north of 30th Avenue, PEDRO A. ORWELAS, 35, Dresser, was southbound on Hwy. 35 when he attempted to slow for traffic. He lost control, left the roadway to the right and crashed into a mailbox (owned

by DANIEL GREEN, Osceola).

The wooden post was broken off.

March 13, 12:01 a.m., Milltown Twp., 235th Avenue, one-quarter mile west of 140th Street, RICHARD M. KEMIS, 61, Luck, was traveling east on 235th Avenue when his vehicle ran off the roadway into some trees, severely damaging the front end of the vehicle. It appears the vehicle just drove into the ditch, broke off some small trees and then hit a larger tree. Driver was cited for failure to report accident to police.

March 13, 11:55 a.m., Apple River Twp., 110th Street at 145th Avenue; #1—JENNIFER C. CEBERY, 38, Amery; #2— NORA E. MARTIN, 41, Minneapolis, Minn.; unit 1 was westbound on 145th Avenue, began to cross 110th Street and was struck by unit 2, which was southbound on 110th Street.

Unit 1 failed to yield the right of way. Unit 1 driver was cited for failure to yield right of way.

March 13, 7:54 p.m., St. Croix Falls Twp., Hwy. 8/130th Avenue at Hwy. 35 (north junction); #1— TAIT M. DEAT, 34, Milltown; #2—KARIN M. EGELAND, 60, Grantsburg. Unit 2 stopped in the left turn lane on Hwy. 8, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass before turning north onto Hwy. 35. Signal was on. Unit 1 approached unit 2 in the same

lane and struck unit 2 from behind at low speed. Driver of unit 1 was arrested/cited for OMVWI/second offense. Driver of unit 2 received a minor injury (wearing seat belt).

March 13, 10:54 p.m., Alden Township, West Church Road at 177th Street, JAMES M. VORWALD, 58, Star Prairie, was traveling westbound on West Church Road, lost control after the curve, crossed the eastbound lane, drove into the south ditch and came to rest on the embankment. Driver received a citation for unreasonable speed.

March 14, 7:05 p.m., Sterling Township, River Road, 100 feet north of 250th Avenue, JOSHUA R. TACHENY, 25, Luck, was traveling southbound on River Road. Unit 1 swerved to avoid striking another vehicle.

Unit 1 went into the west ditch and struck a traffic sign. Unit 1 then over-corrected and skidded across the River Road and entered the east ditch, facing northbound. Driver cited for operating after revocation, endangering safety of a person by reckless driving and failure to notify police of an accident.

March 14, 11:24 p.m., Clear Lake Twp., Hwy. 63 at 40th Avenue, SANDRA L. SANDERS, 45, Clayton, lost

control in the loose gravel of the shoulder and entered the ditch, striking a no parking sign. The driver showed signs of being intoxicated and was subsequently arrested for OWI. Driver had attempted to drive out of the ditch area several times before getting stuck.

Driver complained that she had hit her head (received minor injury/wearing seat belt/no EMS).

Other incidents March 13, DYLAN KOETHE, RR Balsam Lake, reported the theft of two 12-inch 600-watt subwoofers, brand new, from his vehicle while it was parked in rural Balsam Lake.

March 13, GERALD A. ANDERSON, RR Amery, reported the theft of a Victor brand cutting torch and tanks from his property.

March 14, LARRY A. SCHIEFELBEIN, Forest Lake, Minn., reported that a burglary occurred to his residence in rural Turtle Lake. Taken were a drill, DeWalt sawzall, new bathroom vanity/sink and a new tub and tub surround.

March 14, NANCY SCHILLING, RR Luck, reported mailbox vandalism.

Turtle Lake, speeding, $186.00.

Zachary A. Moltzer, Turtle Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Seth T. Moore, Frisco, Colo., speeding, $160.80.

Brian M. Morris, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Joan M. Morris, Turtle Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Justin L. Nelson, Balsam Lake, speeding, not guilty plea.

Kelly M. Nelson, Turtle Lake, neglected animals, $113.40.

John E. Olson, Maple Grove, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Jonathan J. Olson, Clayton, speeding, $160.80.

Jo Ann Orn, Turtle Lake, speeding, $160.80.

Karl M. Paquette, Balsam Lake, issuance of worthless checks, $225.00.

Debra K. Peterson, Turtle Lake, speeding, not guilty plea.

Neeraj Rai, Siler City, N.C., speeding, $160.80.

Eloy Ramos, Rice lake, speeding, $186.00.

James R. Reiter, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Melissa A. Richison, Osceola, seat belt violation, $10.00.

David E. Richter, Frederic, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jennifer L. Rogers, Frederic, speeding, $160.80.

Patrick J. Root, Grantsburg, speeding, $160.80.

Jeffrey A. Rubenzer,

Bloomer, speeding, not guilty plea.

Steven G. Schaefer, North Branch, Minn., speeding, $160.80; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Steven M. Schaffer, Luck, speeding, $160.80.

Benjamin J. Schommer, Milltown, operate without valid license, not guilty plea.

Aaron J. Schwinn, North Oaks, Minn., speeding, not guilty plea.

Aaron J. Scott, Eau Claire, speeding, $160.80.

Roxanne K. Sherburne, Hudson, speeding, $186.00.

Mark D. Smith, Rice Lake, speeding, $186.00.

Stephen C. Solie, Coon Rapids, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Roy W. Tice, Colfax, speeding, $186.00.

Robert C. Troutz, New Auburn, issuance of worthless check, $125.00.

Brian J. Uthe, New Auburn, speeding, $160.80.

Joshua M. Vossen, Somerset, speeding, $160.80.

Scott A. Webster, Phillips, speeding, not guilty plea.

Andrew D. Westenberg, Amery, not guilty plea.

Dinincio J. Zappa, Milltown, speeding, not guilty plea.

Andrew J. Ziegler, Star Prairie, speeding, $160.80.

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MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

Burnett County criminal court Deanne E. Lange, 40, Grantsburg, dog causing injury, $529.45 restitution, $186.00.

Tara L. Swanson, 33, Centuria, speeding, $186.00.

Christopher A. Puchner, 43, St. Louis Park, Minn., speeding, $160.80.

Craig E. Jorgenson, 56, Luck, speeding, $123.00.

Lisa M. Mosay, 44, Luck, issue worthless check, $309.00.

Douglas L. Roberts, 41, Gordon, operate commercial vehicle without a license, $400.00.

Terrence B. Rogers, 39, Webster, disorderly conduct, one-year probation sent. withheld, 45-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, enroll in anger management within 90

days, alcohol assessment. $188.00.

Jason D. Colsrud, 35, Hinckley, Minn., carrying a concealed weapon, one-year probation, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Alex K. Merrifield, 20, Frederic, theft of movable property, one-year probation, restricted from some premises unless under adult supervision or recieve previous approval, may appley for expunction, write an apology letter to victims within 30 days, $88.00.

Randi L. Songetay, 25, Danbury, possession of methamphetamine, three-year probation, no consumption of alcohol, no use or possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphena-

lia, must participate in drug court, must obtain her GED or HSED, must submit to random urine analysis, must complete evaluations recommended by probation agent, $363.00.

Autumn L. Sonnenberg, 17, Cumberland, possess amphetamine / LSD / Psilocin, one-year probation sent. withheld, license suspended six months, ordered to attend school as scheduled to graduate, must reside with Aysia Fickbohm, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Rick J. Garbow, 49, Webster, bail-jumping, one-year probation sent. withheld, alcohol assessment, $88.00; OWI, $1,219.00, 60-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 24 months, alcohol

assessment.

Robert R. Belisle Sr., 63, Webster, disorderly conduct, two-year probation sent. withheld, no abusive contact with victim, $88.00; OWI, $1,597.00, two-year probation sent. withheld, 60-day jail sentence, Huber release if employed, alcohol assessment, license revoked 27 months.

Jeffrey S. Ahartz, 40, St. Paul, Minn., OWI, $1,219.00, two-year probation sent. withheld, 60-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 24 months.

David J. Bina, 57, Pine City, Minn., hunt in a refuge or closed area, $248.60.

Siren police report March 4: A backing accident took place between two vehicles in the Holiday Station parking lot at 8:10 a.m. A vehicle driven by Alexandrea M. Bertch, 17, Siren, was backing out of a parking space when it struck the rear passenger side of a vehicle driven by Laurie Daneen Harper, 39, Cass Lake, Minn.

March 15: The Siren officer on duty provided assistance to Burnett County regarding an

unwanted person at a Webster residence.

March 17: Melissa A. Taylor, 22, Maple Grove, Minn., was cited for speeding at 4:55 p.m. on Hwy. 70 and Hanson Avenue.

Michael N. Lunden, 29, Osceola, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 and Hanson Avenue at 5:41 p.m.

Craig Stevens, Webster, was charged with theft for not returning a video game to Siren Auto

Stop after a letter was sent to him Feb. 17.

Justin A. Elkins, Shell Lake, was charged with theft for not returning a movie to Siren Auto Stop.

March 20: Cody Studeman, 18, Webster, was cited in the Holiday Station parking lot at 1:50 a.m. for: underage drinking. having an open intoxicant in his vehicle. operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration of .10

Burnett County civil court Premium Properties Limited Partnership vs. Janet Andreson, Siren, $2,487.00.

Acuity vs. Gloria M. Merrill, Danbury, $777.23.

Target National Bank vs.

Jean M. Schumann, Webster, $2,846.40.

Capital One Bank vs.

Ardyth Stream, Webster, $2,050.66.

Capital One Bank vs. Zena

M. Boettner, Grantsburg, $849.16.

Grantsburg Auto Truck Center vs. Jason Wilson, Grantsburg, $266.28.

Polk County deaths Vernon E. Hutton, 69, March 4, 2009, Frederic Rosella C. Bergstrand, 86, March 7, 2009, St. Croix Falls

Carolyn I. Axman, 69, March 9, 2009, Frederic Paul A. Paulson, 87, March 10, 2009, Clear Lake

Burnett County deaths William C. Randt, 66, Meenon Township, March 6.

Lawrence M. Mandalke, 60, Jackson Township, March 10.

Burnett County warrants Violet S. Reynolds, 28, Siren, warrant - failure to appear, March 17.

Eunice A. Faurot, 96, March 13, 2009, St. Croix Falls Iris O. Lumsden, 91, March 16, 2009, St. Croix Falls

Real Estate

percent or higher and operating while intoxicated.

Disorderly conduct by a juvenile at Siren School was referred to social services.

March 21: Sara E. Larson, 18, Lino Lakes, Minn., was cited for speeding at 10:40 p.m. on Hwy. 70 and Hanson Avenue.

Notices

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

Notices Try our E-edition

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Notices/Employment

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Notices/Employment

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

“The Cow Tippers” debuts Friday

GAM makes money in 2008 Improvements moving forward

The Frederic High drama club, under the direction of Kathy Lexen, will be presenting the comedy “The Cow Tippers,” beginning with a performance Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Birch Street Elementary School auditorium. There will also be performances Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. According to the director, it has been a challenge scheduling this year around basketball and the coming band/choir trip to Florida. However, the process has been a lot of fun and full of laughter as the students try to master Southern accents. There are returning stars as well as some gifted, new talent. Shown above (L to R) are Will Primm, April Halverson, Isabel Lexen, Sarah Lexen (cow) and Megan Amundson. – Photo by Sherill Summer

Pay for former police chief approved

by Mary Stirrat BALSAM LAKE — At a special meeting Monday evening, the Balsam Lake Village Board voted to compensate former police chief Sheryl Gehrman through Sept. 30 at the rate of her current contract.

She will also receive an as-yet undetermined amount for each of her seven years of service at Balsam Lake.

Gehrman submitted her resignation by phone to public protection Chair Geno D’Agostino Wednesday, March

11, and turned in her keys March 13.

Her verbal resignation was accepted by board at Monday’s meeting The board also discussed various options for providing police protection in the village, directing the public protection committee to pursue parttime coverage while developing a proposal for the future.

Applicants for permanent position(s) will be advertised for once the public protection committee comes up with a proposal.

Fred the Fish and his crib go under

Mark Buley and Jack Route from the Frederic Arts Board make the first attempt to retrieve Fred the Fish and the clib, but the ice was still too thick.

The winner of The Big Sink will be announced as soon as they can get through the ice. Gratitude is expressed to everyone who participated.– Special photo

by Gregg Westigard AMERY – The audit is not completed and the figures are still preliminary, but Golden Age Manor, the Polk County owned nursing home in Amery made money in 2008, reversing several years of losses that had to be covered by transfers from the county’s general fund. The preliminary figure shows a gain of $657,147.

The year-end results were reviewed at the monthly GAM governing board meeting Tuesday, March 24. The board also took action on four capital-needs projects that have been on hold for a number of years.

A GAM profit had been anticipated for 2008 and figures over the year showed that actual revenues and expenses were in line with the budget. The new figures, which include adjustments from the auditors, confirm the gain. The $657,000 preliminary profit compares to a loss of $103,445 for 2007.

A major change in GAM income came from an increase in Medicare revenues.

That revenue was $1,361,205 in 2008 compared to $758,352 in 2007. GAM Administrator Gary Taxdahl said that Medicare pays more of the actual costs of provided care than the funds from Medical Assistance/Medicaid. GAM and all government-owned nursing homes receive federal/state funds to partially cover operating losses from Medicaid.

That funding, called the Supplemental Payments program, was $711,721 for 2008, up from $625,825 in 2007. In addition, GAM received a one-time additional payment of $343,121 during the year. It was noted by GAM Board Chair Bob Dueholm that GAM would have come out in the black even without that additional revenue.

While revenues were up, expenses were about even with the 2007 numbers and to the 2008 budget. It was emphasized during the meeting that the audit is not complete and all numbers could be

adjusted.

Now that the proposed sale of GAM has been stopped and the home is starting to make money, the board is starting to address some of the items on 2007 capital needs list. The four projects are a new time and attendance system, carpets, windows, and a bathing system.

The time-keeping project is part of a long-planned county government upgrade. GAM is said to have the most immediate need, with a time clock system that is outdated. The county has started work on the new system. The bathing system for patients was identified as an immediate need by the board and the members authorized Taxdahl to proceed with the purchase as soon as possible, using GAM assets. The cost of the bathing system is estimated to be just over $16,000.

The other two items will be dealt with as part of the county’s capital improvement program. The governing board passed a motion asking the county to proceed with the carpeting and window projects but the vote was split. Board members Gerald Newville, Dave Ollman, and Dueholm voted for the motion while Patricia Schmidt and Bob Blake voted no.

Schmidt said there were too many critical county issues now and she could not vote for the projects. She raised the question of whether the GAM Friends Group could raise the money for the carpets.

Ollman said the group was just being officially organized and is not yet a taxexempt organization. Blake said the projects should be part of the county board discussion on critical issues, not just a GAM issue. Since he is not on the county board, he said he did not feel comfortable in voting for the projects.

The carpeting project is estimated to cost $46,000 while replacing the 50-yearold windows has an estimated price tag of $145,000. Taxdahl told the board that all improvement costs, including interest expenses on borrowed money, are reimbursed over a period of years.

Referendum meeting is Monday

Public meeting set to go over reasons for Siren School referendum

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – A public meeting has been set for Monday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in the Siren School auditorium to go over the reasons why the school district has asked that a $150,000-a-year recurring buildingmaintenance referendum be on the April 7 election ballot.

The purpose of the referendum is to ensure that maintenance and upkeep is continually done to the 54,000-squarefoot addition put on the school building 10 years ago. Through two previous fiveyear referendums, district voters approved a levy of $125,000 to maintain the addition to the building. This was part of two $250,000 referendums, with the additional $125,000 going to fund curriculum and other district improvements.

A referendum for renewal of that levy for another five years was defeated in this year’s February primary election.

“People are asking ‘Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?’” commented District Administrator Scott Johnson during the March 23 school board meeting.

He proceeded to explain that the district has 10 years left to pay off the debt on the building addition and changes that were made 10 years ago. The debt payment has been set to go up each year, from $637,060 in the 2008-09 school year to the last payment of $826,200 in the 2018-19 school year.

After that last debt payment is made, there will be no more debt levy to the taxpayers and, as Johnson pointed out, if maintenance and upkeep continues on

the 54,000-square-foot addition, the district will have as fine a building as they have now. “That’s the light at the end of the tunnel,” Johnson commented.

After discussion, the board approved a formal resolution that the district will only levy $150,000 annually to exceed the revenue limit when it is absolutely necessary. The approval motion was made by Dave McGrane, seconded by Bill Ellis.

The district will be isolating the cost for maintaining the 54,000 square feet of building and grounds in making this determination.

“We need to take care of that addition.

It wasn’t put in the budget at that time (the time the additions were made,” McGrane said.

“The real concept to be kept in mind,” Johnson said, “is that the levy will go away. There is no sign of building expansion down the road because of enrollment. If we spend our dollars wisely in preventive maintenance for district facilities by putting money into the building, we will have, 10 years from now, just as strong and safe a building as we have today … That’s what this is all about.”

No contest in village of Siren elections SIREN – Three positions are open on the Siren Village Board. The names of three candidates – incumbents Dave Alden and Josh Henry and newcomer Tom Anderson – are on the ballot to fill those positions. Anderson is the son of previous village board President Jerry Anderson. Incumbent Janet Hunter is running unopposed for re-election as village board president. – Nancy Jappe

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 25, 2009

Shakespeare at Frederic Students, with help from Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, present a unique adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

This past weekend scores of local children and young people teamed up with two professional actors to present Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s most enchanting classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Shown above are cast members Ava Ruhn-Pouliot, Ashley Kurkowski and Zane Matz. The play was adapted by Prairie Fire managing director Ben Ratkowski and designed by executive director Deborah Nelson Pick, with original music by Daniel Stock. PFCT billed their production as a story with “joyful romp of mistaken identity and pranks.” - Photos courtesy Ann Fawver

Austin Kurkowski played the role of Oberon in this past weekend’s performances of “A Midsummers Night’s Dream,” the Shakespeare classic.

The entire cast posed for photos following their performances this past weekend, March 20 and 21, at Frederic’s elementary school auditorium.

LEFT: The three dancing sprites - Haley Kurkowski, Taylor Schneider and Kinzie Matz, were part of this past weekend’s Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre production at Frederic. ABOVE: Actors playing the groundlings, posed on the stage following their performances.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 1

Currents N

‘Follow the Leader’

O R T H E R N

News and views from the NW Wisconsin community

Ma ma D's lega cy l ives on

by Brenda Sommerfeld BALSAM LAKE/ST. PAUL, Minn. – Famous St. Paul restaurateur Giovanna D’Agostino – better known as Mama D – was remembered by many during her funeral services held in Northeast Minneapolis Saturday, March 21. Mama D is the mother of local bar/restaurant owner, Eugene (Geno) D’Agostino. Geno owns Angler’s Inn in Balsam Lake.

Mama D was well known in the Twin Cities for her annual St. Joseph’s Day tradition of a free dinner that anyone could attend. Mama D started the dinner back in 1966. The day after her funeral, Sunday, March 22, her tradition was carried on at her son, John’s restaurant, Café Biaggio, located on University Avenue in St. Paul.

“There was shrimp, meatballs, lasagna, chicken, all kinds of vegetables and desserts,” Geno said. “I think we fed about 600 people.”

St. Joseph’s Day is actually on March 19. This year, like many, it did not land on Sunday. In that event the D’Agostinos wait until Sunday to hold the dinner.

Anyone and everyone is invited to eat. If able, people donate money to the event.

The money is then forwarded on to a charity of some kind.

“Traditionally, St. Joseph’s Day is the fest of feeding the poor,” Geno explained. “In Chicago and in Italian communities, Italian families, in their houses, they will set up a table, a St. Joseph’s Day table, with food on it. They will invite all of their family and friends to come and eat, but the basis of it is the feeding of the poor.”

Mama D started the dinners after moving back to Minneapolis from Chicago, following her husband’s death. She partnered with her son, Sam, in a restaurant

Late famous St. Paul restaurateur and mother of local bar/restaurant owner Geno D’Agostino, Giovanna D’Agostino, was known as Mama D to many.

Mama D not only served several people in her restaurant, she also wrote cookbooks and conducted cooking lessons. She later wrote an autobiography entitled, “I’m Mama D – Shut up and listen.” – Photos submitted where she hosted the meals.

“When my father was dying, she prayed and she promised God that if he

Mama D fed hundreds of people a free dinner every St. Joseph’s Day. After her passing, the 43rd-annual meal was served Sunday, March 22, at her son, John’s restaurant, Café Biaggio in St. Paul, Minn.

got better she would feed the poor every St. Joseph’s Day,” Geno said. “He didn’t get better, but she did it anyway, in his memory.”

Mama D was born in Northeast Minneapolis to immigrant parents. She married Eugene D’Agostino and moved to Chicago, where he was a candy maker

and she a housewife.

“She used to tell the story that she didn’t know how to boil water when she first got married,” Geno said. “She’d cook for my dad, he didn’t care for the food, but he would never say anything bad to her. She knew he didn’t like it.”

In order to become a better cook, Mama D started speaking with her Italian neighbors. Each one of the ladies showed her little things to do while cooking.

“Little by little, she got better and better at it,” Geno explained. “One of the neat things about her style of cooking was there were no measurements. She could throw things together and it would always turn out. I couldn’t believe it.”

Since not knowing how to boil water, Mama D has written several cookbooks, cooked for thousands of people and taught many cooking lessons, including some at the Stillwater Prison.

“There was a gentleman at the funeral mass that actually had been in Stillwater when she’d been there,” Geno said. “He told me she taught him how to cook a little bit, he got interested in it and that’s what he does for a living now. He’s a cook.”

“She touched a lot of people in a lot of ways,” Geno commented. “She did good things.”

Mama D started becoming famous with U of M students who were hungry and didn’t have much money. While cooking at her son’s restaurant, Sammy D’s, she fed anyone who was hungry.

Eventually the restaurant was partnered between Mama D and Sam, and was renamed Mama D’s.

“During the course of all this, she met people like Tony Bennett, Andy Williams and Henry Mancini. She fed them and she got to be a little more popular,” Geno said. “Bennett actually helped her get on

See Mama D, next page

Mama D is pictured with her three sons, (L to R) Sam, John and Eugene “Geno” D’Agostino.

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

Mama D/from page 1 a few TV shows.”

Mama D appeared on shows with hosts including Dinah Shore, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and Regis Philbin.

Besides becoming famous for her cooking, Mama D found time to serve on several committees, run for mayor, become the City of Hope Woman of the Year, help write plays for the Margaret Barry Settlement House to perform for children and write an autobiography entitled “Shut Up and Listen.”

“She had a heck of a life,” Geno commented. “She saw a lot of things in her life.”

The restaurant Mama D’s shut down eight years ago, when Sam retired, but John and Geno continue following in their mother’s footsteps, both cooking in

their own restaurants.

Geno had first graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree and was attending law school when he decided he didn’t like law school and became the cook at Mama D’s. “I’ll cook until I figure out what I’m doing,” Geno had told Sam. “I never did figure out what I was doing, apparently, ‘cause I cooked for the next 23 years,” Geno said.

Having a cabin in the Balsam Lake area, Gino had heard that Angler’s was going up for sale. He looked into it and has owned the bar/restaurant for 12 years.

To this day, Gino says he uses the same type of cooking style as Mama D. He barely measures anything. He, too, helps

Giovanna married Eugene D’Agostino many years before becoming known as Mama D in the Twin Cities.

Tony Bennett was one of the famous people that Mama D met. Bennett helped get her on several TV shows.

the community. He provides spaghetti for the firemen’s fundraiser and other benefits.

“I had a philosophy when I bought the bar,” Geno explained. “My philosophy was that if I was somewhat successful that I would do charitable things for people to help them, just out of gratitude for being successful myself, I guess. I believe that giving back to the community is a good thing.”

One of Mama D’s cookbooks was “Mama D’s Homestyle Italian Cookbook.”

Mama D holds one of her cookbooks while standing next to a table full of food she had prepared.

Eagle Scout Award presented to Pierce Hanson ST. CROIX FALLS – Pierce A. Hanson was recognized on Sunday, Feb. 8, for having earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award. Hanson is a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 160, which is sponsored by the Amherst I. Hansen Post No. 143 American Legion in St. Croix Falls.

Hanson is one of approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster Glen Museus.

Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church or synagogue-related service project to earn his Eagle. Hanson chose to build six picnic tables for Crex Meadows in Grantsburg.

Hanson has served in leadership positions within the troop along with acting as crew trek leader at the Philmont Scout

Ranch in Cimarron, N.M. Hanson joins other outstanding American citizens who have become Eagle Scouts, among them former President Gerald R. Ford Jr., astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, cinematographer Steven Spielberg and the head of the F.B.I, William Sessions.

Hanson is a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser and is a senior at St. Croix Falls High School.

He is the son of Christine Hanson of St. Croix Falls and Allen Hanson of Centuria.

Hanson has been admitted to Stout University where he will major in plastics engineering.

Assistant Scoutmaster Al Wamphler, Pierce Hanson and Scoutmaster Glen Museus. – Photo submitted

Community is invited to ACS run/walk kickoff to help fifigght cancer FREDERIC – The Frederic community is asked to participation in the American Cancer Society Run/Walk. The kickoff for this year’s Run/Walk is Friday, March 27, at 7 a.m. upstairs at Hacker’s Lanes. Joan Funne is the honorary chair this year. The kickoff provides registration forms and general information about the run/walk. All team captains and interested persons are encouraged to attend.

The Frederic ACS event is a two-, three- or five-mile walk following a designated course through town streets.

Cancer survivors, families, friends and others affected by cancer celebrate life while raising funds to find a cure and help cancer patients. This year’s event is Saturday, May 9, beginning with registration at 8 a.m. at the Birch Street Elementary School in Frederic. This is the

third year for this site.

Teams, as well as individuals, are encouraged to join in the day’s festivities to help raise funds for cancer. Event chair Elvira Schmidt states, “This event is about getting some physical exercise while doing something positive to help fund cancer research, education, advocacy and service.”

Registration forms will be available at the Bremer and U. S. Banks and the Medicine Shoppe. Quilt raffle tickets will also be for sale at the banks and from committee members. Quilt raffle tickets will also be sold the day of the walk.

Athletic shoes will be available for $1 in area businesses.

The walk is going green and asking participants to bring their own water for the walk again this year.

For more information on how you can

participate in this year’s American Cancer Society Run/Walk event, please contact Schmidt at 715-653-2684.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to elimi-

nating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. - submitted

Sponsors announced for Frederic Area American Cancer Society Run/Walk FREDERIC - The American Cancer Society Frederic Area Run/Walk Committee is pleased to announce that the sponsors for the Saturday, May 9, run/ walk, will be Larsen Auto Center and Amery Regional Medical Center. Donations by sponsors help to defray the costs of the walk. The fewer expenses there are for a walk, the more money

there is available to fight cancer. The committee is very grateful for the sponsors generous support of the ACS Run/Walk.

If you are interested in forming a team or just want to have more information about the run/walk, please contact Elvira Schmidt at 715-6532684. - submitted

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Hunting for Bridges

by Brenda Mayer We traversed the back roads, the pathways, the byways, For that which we sought was off of the highways.

The name was familiar to me and to you And also was made as a movie to view.

The things we were seeking were not to be found Until we had covered some hidden old grounds.

So what were we seeking And why were we there?

To find covered bridges And history to share.

The first was the hogback and we could see why, For the ribs on the bridge were clear to the eye.

The second, it seems, could not be found.

We twisted and turned the country around.

The third one we found in a cloud of white dust As we followed a K City big tour bus.

That one was a most popular site For there was a gift shop and that was all right.

By now you have guessed where we went one fine day ...

To the bridges of Madison County I say.

Writer’s Corner My Life as a Soda Jerk

by Iris Holm Once upon a time in early 1945 I lived in a three-season porch of a private family in El Paso, Texas. I visited my bedridden husband twice daily at Wm Beaumont General Hospital. Time was heavy on my hands between visits even though transportation took a lot of time.

There was a two-block walk to the streetcar line. Then a ride to the end of the line on the outskirts of the city plus a wait for the shuttle bus to the hospital.

One day a help-wanted sign appeared at the nearby drugstore. I didn’t really need the job because after all Ken was a staff sergeant earning all of $86 a month. However, I reasoned it would be better than sitting, waiting for time to pass.

I hadn’t a clue what working in a drugstore meant but I was hired and soon learned. It was quite an elaborate place with a long counter that served plate lunches at noon or until the food was gone. Two other women and a pharmacist made a congenial “family.” Besides pay I got a nourishing meal, all the

treats I wanted, a 10-percent discount on other merchandise, not to mention learning a lot.

My duties were tending to customers and keeping the place sparkling clean, plus assisting with the cooking. It was there I first heard of using mashed potatoes for potato salad. It was surprisingly good. I still add mashed potatoes, if I have them, for better texture.

When our meat ration coupons ran out, the menu would be a vegetable plate instead of meat loaf, fried ham, or pork chops. The meals were always tasty, nourishing and cheap.

I learned to make really good malts, not like the fluffy ones served today. We used to challenge each other when making sodas—usually root beer, strawberry or chocolate—to see who could build the tallest without bubbling over.

It’s a real trick that needs to be done slowly and carefully. The customer is watching.

We had an English war bride who came in frequently for an egg “fleep.”

We had no idea how but she finally taught us to start with a vanilla milk shake, mix it well with an egg until it is frothy. Ugh, I never tried it.

Another customer had his own bottle of spirits of ammonia on the shelf. Five or six drops of it added to cola gave it a nice tang. I did try that.

The worst time each day was when high schoolers came in, all exuberant (we were tired) and tried, usually succeeding, in tripping us up. There would be six or eight kids crowded around a

four-chair table with orders something like this: lime phosphate, chocolate Coke, strawberry fizz, lemon-vanilla Coke, cherry Coke, or plain 7-Up double. You get the idea. I wonder if they still get their kicks doing things like that—if they could find a soda fountain.

Probably not.

Some things are best forgotten. I forgot about all this until I came upon my auction sale list. The Roseville Pottery bud vase that I got at Gunning Casteel Drug Store and used for 50 years sold for $35. It still had the $1 mark on the bottom. Unfortunately, most of my possessions didn’t appreciate in value. Yes, some things are best forgotten.

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Brenda Mayer at 715-485-3571 or Iris Holm 715-294-3174 for more information. - submitted

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor Hi again from Interfaith Caregivers.

First, just a quick request. I need a female driver in the Grantsburg area. Call 715-866-4970, I will give details. Thanks so much.

Today I was thinking about thankyou notes. My mother taught me to always write a thank-you note and for the most part I did, with her standing over my shoulder to be sure I didn’t say something like, “I loved the sweater. I will never wear it, but I liked it.” She isn’t here anymore, so I have no one to stand over my shoulder and remind me.

I try to thank every single person who contacts me or sends a donation, I sometimes get so busy, I forget. My mother is turning in her grave as I admit that. It isn’t that I am not completely grateful, but it is just an overwhelmed brain that can’t hold all of the information it is given.

That and the fact that I am just forgetful and a procrastinator. I get that from my daughter. My mother used to say, Kelsey will be late for her own funeral.

Me too. If I am not late for something then I am either not coming or if I arrive early, people look at me like they don’t know me. Early is a word I seldom use just in case it will never happen. It is not lack of respect, it is simply bad planning. I get ready to leave in plenty of time and then the dogs have to go out or the phone rings or I can’t find my keys or I get behind a school bus or the roads are bad or … have I mentioned all of my excuses? I usually don’t give a reason for being late. Everyone is already involved in the meeting or whatever they are doing and don’t notice me

anyway. It is sometimes fun to be invisible.

I have one gentlemen I spend time with every week and if I am two minutes late I certainly hear about it.

It makes his whole day wrong. Everything is in order if I change the Blodgett and order, I am in trouble and he is concerned we won’t get everything done. I love him.

We have so much fun together and I hate to mess up his plans, but invariably I do. By the way, my husband knows about this relationship and I would adopt this lovely man if I could, we have so much fun.

That is one of the neatest parts of my job. Meeting people and being part of their lives.

You know the poem “When I get old, I will wear purple”? Well, I wear purple now. Of course if you ask my 6-year-old grandson, I am old. I remember our conversation when he asked how old I was. I told him I was going to be 67.

His eyes got big and he said, “Do people really live that long?” The words “senior citizen” bother me. Senior to who? I don’t have a junior, none of my children are named after me, so why am I a senior? Age has nothing to do with it. When you get that red, white and blue Medicare card you are suddenly a

Barb

Caregiver's

Gifts

senior. My insurance card doesn’t say I am a senior. My credit cards don’t say I am a senior. My driver’s license doesn’t say I am a senior. Why does that Medicare card classify me as a senior? I would talk to the government about the classification, but Lord knows they have their hands full right now.

Speaking of which. I am not going to read any more articles, I am going to put the TV on mute and I am not going to listen to anything about the state of our economy. It is depressing and I have enough to be depressed about without that. I can be depressed about what is happening to my body each year that passes. I swear I am turning into my mother or maybe even my grandmother. My mother was a little tiny thing, my grandmother was pleasingly plump, so I guess that makes me more like her or one of those people on “The Biggest Loser.” I have no personal trainer and I can’t eat broccoli all the time and citrus doesn’t agree with me so I can’t really diet properly and I guess I just have to accept the way I am and eat smaller portions. Smaller portions unless it has to do with cheesecake or chocolate chip cookies (the old fashioned kind, made from scratch). There are no smaller portions of things like that. The portions just have to fit the plate and if they are large, then so be it.

I am trying to eat nothing white. Potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, etc. Ice cream doesn’t count. New York vanilla is not white, it is sort of a cream color and therefore is not in the white category.

We do have to make exceptions now and then. I talked to a man who lost 67

pounds by giving up cookies, soda and ice cream. Now really, I just can’t see it.

I tried that for a while and lost two pounds. That was only because my father-in-law and husband, Denny darling, got to the cookies before I did.

A wonderful thing happened last Saturday and I have to mention it. At about 8 a.m., 12 men showed up at our house with chain saws, splitters, skids (whatever that is) and energy. Interfaith Caregivers had bought two semi loads of wood with some grant money we got, to prepare for the requests we get for wood each winter. These men had those logs cut before noon. An amazing sight. I had the only female in the bunch take tons of pictures but they are in color and I don’t think they can be printed. I don’t do outside so I just baked sweet rolls. One of the wives sent some too and that and soda and coffee gave the guys all of the energy they needed to get the job done. These men are all volunteers and every year the number grows. They each used to bring their trucks, but this year they came in a bus. They were from here, there and everywhere. There are simply not enough thank-yous to go around. People actually stopped on the road to see the action. It was truly amazing. I should also mention here that even what we have will never meet the requests, so if anyone has wood to donate, we sure can use it.

Once again, I have overstayed my welcome and have to go.

See you next time Spring is in the air (?)

God bless, Barb

Free health seminar talks about asthma and allergies OSCOLEA – April showers, May flowers . . . and allergies.

Asthma and allergies are the topics of the next free health seminar at Osceola Medical Center.

Join Janet Malkiewicz, respiratory nurse clinician, and Rick Stafne, respira-

tory therapist, as they present information on these two conditions. Learn about common conditions that can trigger asthma and allergies, treatment options and tips on how to allergy proof your home.

Healthy Breathing: Asthma and Aller-

gies will be presented Tuesday, April 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in OMC’s Cascade Room. All seminars are open to the public. Registration is recommended by calling 715-294-4936.

This is the sixth in a series of free health seminars sponsored by OMC. Up-

coming seminars include Exploring Summer Safety, May 5; Aging: Starting When You’re Young, June 2; and Clinic Practices: Physicals and the Flu, Aug. 4.

- submitted

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

CCC Days

Collected by

Part 2

River Road

by Gunnard Swanson (1910-1986) (Tape recorded and transcribed by his sister, Doris Hanson) So here it is April 29, 1935, and I’m on my way to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC was a program to put young men to work during the Depression).

Well, Victor brought me up to Siren to the county shop. That’s all there was, a little building right on Main Street.

Here Victor stopped, we said our goodbyes, Dad headed for home, and I went in and signed up that I would be joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. By 8 a.m. we were on our way up to Spooner.

They took us to the high school gym there. There were 70 of us down there.

Everybody stripped down to bare jaybirds - that’s it – to get our examinations and physicals and all that stuff. There were four Army officers in a row to take care of us. We are now being taken care of by Uncle Sam. We were given Army clothes that we changed into.

Six-inch-high work boots that we used as our dress shoes, which we were expected to have polished at all times.

Another pair of shoes, which had been repaired with new soles, we had for everyday use. We also were handed socks, some underwear, shirt, pants and a uniform jacket to match the trousers.

These were 1914-style uniforms. I’ll tell you we were “well-dressed” troops when we went out for reveille in the morning. Everyone had to come out and be present and accounted for.

We got done about 3 p.m. and thought it would be nice if we could have some dinner. They took us up to the café on the Main Street across from the depot. This place was really classy.

The tables were dressed with white linen cloths and napkins. The food was very good. After we finished our meal we left for the railroad station.

It was already dark by the time we were loaded on the train and headed for Hayward. We thought “That ain’t very far to go, what the heck!” Well, it was midnight by the time we got to Hayward, and there stood six forestry trucks ready to haul us into camp. There were fold-down benches in the back of the trucks along each side, and they weren’t padded either. So you can just imagine how comfortable that was riding over those rough roads. From here on there were no more gravel roads, only trails.

So it’s the spring of the year, and old corduroy logging roads, that’s what we had to go in on. When we got off the county road, down the truck sunk into a hole. That meant we fellows had to get out of the truck and help lift the truck up on drier ground. It’s a good thing that these trucks were lightweight, or I don’t know how we could have gotten them out. Then the next truck had to be helped, then the next, until all the trucks got through that mess.

If it wasn’t a hole in the road it was just plain mud. Oh, we had a picnic that night all right!

We got into Camp Sawyer a little after 1 a.m. It’s a trip none of us will ever forget! Everybody was swearing, everybody was mad, “why the hell did they have to bring us

Russ Hanson

Ramblings

The CCC was partially run by the Army. Here some young men from Camp Sawyer are at attention, dressed in old Army uniforms. – Photo from the Ed Sova Collection into this gull darn place!” Here we were unloaded, and the next thing we heard was, “All right fellows, line up on the company street!”

Here we were given two pair of jeans, two chambray shirts, three pair of cotton stockings, an overseas cap, three woolen blankets, a pillow, towels and toiletries. We were given our packs; these looked like rubbers with a leather top about ten inches high. It was the worst damn thing that they had in camp. I was scared of them. I knew from working at home in the woods, that if your feet start to sweat before you get to the woods, your feet are going to freeze very quickly, and there’s no way you can correct it until you get back to camp and get dry socks. You don’t put them on until after breakfast and the truck is waiting to pick you up. One thing for sure, the trucks won’t leave until all the fellows were loaded. We were also given a mess kit and canteen that clipped on our belt. The collapsible cup was on the bottom of the plate. We were then assigned a barracks to call our home, and instructed as to where the latrine and bathhouse were. This pretty much sums up my first day’s experience with the CCCs. We even got a snowfall afterwards, which made it look very pretty.

Wake-up call was at 6 a.m. We had to dress, make our trip to the latrine, then the bathhouse, then the mess hall for breakfast. There was a special crew that came from the logging camps that had closed down now that the logging season was over. This one fellow’s name was Mudcalf. He must have weighed about 300 to 400 pounds. He was big, but boy could he cook. He was the head cook at Sawyer, a wonderful cook. He and his crew could fix meals fit for a king. They trained the new fellows in camp how to cook. They also cooked at “Y Pines” Restaurant. Now we received our orders from Orgurja, the forester.

His boss was the camp superintendent.

Each forester had a quartermaster who answered to the Army. It was the job of the forester to line up the work schedule for us. Most of our jobs related to sawing down trees and dynamiting

stumps and huge rock boulders. We were building roads through the wilderness of the Chequamegon National Forest.

I and 24 other fellows were selected and transferred to Goose Creek to build fire lanes. This took most of May and June of 1935, until a permanent battalion of men came and took over. Some of these fellows were Alfred Englehart, Henry Kubecka, Paul Westring and Shlaky. Some of these came home with me for a weekend. Then we went out to Squirrelly and had a great time.

When we were out working in the woods, a forestry truck would bring us out there. When it was time for lunch, the truck would bring out our lunch to us. When our day’s work was done, the forestry trucks would come and bring us back to camp again, where we had time to clean up before going to the mess hall for dinner.

We worked a five-day week, eight hours a day. We were paid $30 a month.

We could keep $5 of our pay; the other $25 was sent home to our parents for them to set aside for us to use later when we were discharged from camp.

There was one doctor and two male nurses at the camp for emergencies.

The camp had a capacity of 250 men, mostly there were around 200. The overhead included six Army officers, rangers and superintendents.

Six forestry service fellows all were university graduates.

I also did a few jobs on the side. I bought an iron for $2.98 and earned a quarter every time I ironed a shirt and pair of trousers. Would use my trunk as a pressing board. I would press pants and shirts. Trousers were 10 cents each and shirts were 15 cents, complete with creases and everything. Saturdays and Sundays I was pressing all day. The generators were turned off at 10 p.m., but if the boys wanted to listen to a ball game, I would go and talk to the C.O.s then the generators could be left on.

Then I could keep on ironing also. Anything that the boys wanted for recreation they could get. I did haircuts for the fellows, they were 25 cents each.

The commanding officer and secre-

tary were in charge of ordering what was needed in the kitchen, all food items and cleaning supplies. The mess sergeant made out the m e n u s .

These orders would be Gunnard Swanson, mailed to from Trade Lake joined C a m p the Civilian ConservaMcCoy at tion Corps in 1935. – Sparta. This Photo from Doris Hanson was the supply station where the order would be filled and shipped to Hayward. Then I was in charge of going there to pick up the supplies.

There had been a big snowstorm, and the only eats we had had been beans for three days, and that was that! The troops were protesting! They wanted better variety. I knew that I wouldn’t make it out to the highway with the empty truck, so I asked if one of the fellows could help pull me out to the main road, Highway 77, so I could make it into Hayward. He said he would, and everything went fine with his help to get me out to the road. I asked him then, if he was going to wait for me until I came back. He said, “Hell no, you will have so much weight coming back, you won’t need me.”

I went on my way, got the truck loaded and headed back to camp. It was dark by the time I got back. There had been a terrible ice storm, solid ice all over. There was a doctor from Sawyer that had been called to perform an operation at the general hospital in Ashland. Since I was the only one authorized to drive a company truck, it became my duty to take this fellow to Ashland. When I came to pick him up he said, “Are you a good driver?”

“No,” I answered, “but I’ll get you there.” I drove fast down the hills and coasted up the hills. It was a scary trip, but we made it all right. I waited while he did the surgery, then I brought him back to Sawyer again.

One time I got the job of going to Camp Loretta to get a dentist and bring him back to camp. He would stay about two weeks to do dental work on the fellows. Then I took him to Camp Drummond, (this was also called Pigeon Lake) and left him there. He would stay there for two weeks, and then someone else would have to take him to another camp.

••• The maple trees are just beginning to drip. As of Sunday we haven’t started cooking yet. For some reason, the trees in the lowest areas – bordering swamps, are running and the rest are still waiting for ideal conditions. My neighboring syrupers are waiting too, a few having started by cooking their first small batch of syrup. Maple trees are cantankerous; they wait for ideal conditions and then sometimes still hold back the sap. I remember 1977, the best year we ever had. The trees ran 3-gallon buckets to overflowing day after day for two weeks in April. Dad and Byron were doing most of the work that year and never got close to cooking the sap as fast as it came out. Most years we have two or three days when it fills the pails, and the rest of the time it drips a little.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Jule Zinn and Bohemian humor The other day I came upon a story I wrote about Jule Zinn years ago. She was a remarkable lady, who turned every writers club meeting into a party. With Easter coming, she’d bake an Easter lamb cake Abrahamzon in a special mold, frost it with white icing and pat on coconut to look like wool.

One day, her husband, Ted, looked at the stack of saucers in a kitchen cupboard and asked, “What happened to all the cups? Did you break them?” and she answered, “I must have done!”

She solved that problem, however. As a Girl Scout leader, she gave a pretty saucer to each of the little girls. One told her afterward, “I put my toast on it every morning.”

God in his infinite wisdom came for Jule one day when she was at St. Dominic’s, a place she prized above all others. Family, God and church were her life.

On some special occasion I went to church with Jule. When it came time for Communion, I whispered, “Jule, I can’t go up. I’m not Catholic,” but she said, “Yes, you can. You can go up with me.”

My German grandfather was Catholic, but he married a strong-willed German Lutheran. They kept their own places of worship.

Jule is gone now but as a good friend she seems to be here, very much in my thoughts. I can see her yet, walking to church, picking up trash to deposit in the nearest trash basket or stopping to pick dead leaves or flowers off the plants in the window boxes on light poles in Frederic.

Sometimes, Jule would stop at the Leader plant to rest a bit. If I was eating lunch or on coffee break, Jule would write a note, “Hello, Beautiful. Have a good day. Love, J.” What lovely encouragement along life’s way.

She shared her Bohemian humor with us. After an unforgettable trip to Hawaii, she would get up and dance her own version of the hula and we couldn’t help clapping and smiling. One day, nothing would

Bernice

Behind the Signpost

do but we all had to traipse into her home to see her newly-decorated Hawaiian bathroom.

She spread happiness like sunshine all around her.

She had a humble nature and thought she did not deserve the honor of being Citizen of the Year. She underestimated herself. She seemed to love the whole world. She had the gift of being able to laugh at herself and her ethnic background.

She wrote about making a Good Neighbor or Friendship cake, and how it increased and she moved it from one smaller bowl to a bigger bowl, on and on, and had all of us laughing and visualizing every bowl in her cupboard out on her kitchen table. Bless her memory and the example she set.

The Bohemian Creed. Living Stipulations.

1. Born in the old neighborhood.

2. Make money.

3. Move to Berwyn.

4. Build a two-flat and live in the basement. (Reason being you can get more rent for the first and second floor than for renting the basement.)

5. Do not use living room.

6. Cover all furniture with bed sheets.

7. Do not heat in wintertime, unless guests are expected.

8. After removing screens in the fall, wash and use to dry Houby (mushrooms).

9. Should have car 10 years old, in perfect condition, with not more than 3,000 miles.

10. Keep shined and covered.

11. Do not move from garage, except on Sundays.

12. Prior to removing car from garage, scan skies for possible inclement weather. If forecast is acceptable, prepare for “Houby hunt.”

13. Camoflage all Houby-hunting equipment from neighbors. Proceed to secret place for Houby with caution, i.e., drive through alleys, around the block several times, down side streets to ensure you are not being followed by neighbors who discover place for your Houby picking.

Until next week, Bernice

Five Flags Golf Course announces new management BALSAM LAKE – Five Flags Golf Course has named a new management team to oversee golf and clubhouse operations. Longtime course employee Haylie Nielsen will now serve in the position of operations manager. Nielsen handles all food and beverage operations in the clubhouse, as well as tee times, equipment rental and greens fees. Nielsen and current course employee Tommy Pfeiffer will also be handling many new services to be offered at the course, including food service in the bar.

A more recent addition to the staff at Five Flags is Balsam Lake resident Jamie Calabria, who will be serving as coordinator of course operations. Calabria will be working closely with Five Flags current greens keeper Tommy Thompson, who has been associated with the course since it was established. Calabria will also oversee planned changes at the course which may include sand trap re-establishment, fairway/rough redefinition and watering system changes, as well as development of the driving range.

Five Flags Country Club was built in 1983 and includes nine holes and a driving range. The course is located at 145th Avenue near Unity High School. It has a par of 36, and a course distance of 2,727 yards. Five Flags is approved by the Wisconsin Section of the Professional Golfers Association and is open to the public seven days a week. Power carts are available for rental as well as clubs. Season memberships are available, so

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Open house was held at the Siren office of the First Bank of Grantsburg on Thursday, March 12.– The film “Some Came Running,” starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine, was playing at the Frederic Theatre, and other films coming were “Terror from Outer Space” and “The Spider.”–Playing at the D’Lux Theatre, Luck, was “The Kettles of the Ozarks.”–Noah Nelson had a March 7 auction near Milltown. He had 33 head of cattle, and farm machinery.– Hallquist Supply Co. of Luck had a supply of Harris Tweed wallpaper.–John Deere Day was held Saturday, March 7, at McCarty Implement Co., Inc. at Osceola.-The singing and dancing Tamburitzans planned to present two programs at Frederic.–David Dversdall, 7, of Luck, saved his sister Jill, 5, from possible fatal burns.-The Frederic Liquor Store was in process of being sold.–Polk County Sheep Breeders elected new officers including Roland Marschall of Amery; Bud Curnow, Luck; and Harvey Hellerud, Milltown.-Karen Peterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Fischer of Lewis, was spelling champ at the Frederic schools.–Curt’s Radio and TV service, Siren, advertised good used TV sets. Curtis Basten was the proprietor.–Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, were spare ribs at 37¢ lb., T-bones at 79¢ lb., sugar at 10 lbs. for 98¢, cocoa at 39¢ for a 16-oz. box.–At Hagberg’s Federated Store, Frederic, ladies shoes were $1.77 (values to $4.98).

40 Years Ago

The Polk Burnett Community Orchestra met at the Frederic band room to resume rehearsals on March 17 with director Ed Manteuful in charge.–Clam Falls voters selected candidates for town board, including Arvid Pearson, Carl Ahlgren, Albert Fischer and John Smith. Assessor George Sommerfield was unopposed and Alvin Olson withdrew as a candidate. Donald Miller and Robert Nelson of Clam Falls were also on the ballot. Chairman Ed Jeffery would be opposed by Vernon Engel for chairman. Clerk Myrtle Engen would be unopposed. Either Ruth Hill or Anna Foltz would be treasurer.–Specials at the Frederic Co-op Store included round steak at 79¢ lb., diced carrots at 7 cans for 99¢, tomatoes at 5 cans for 89¢, peas at 5 cans for 99¢, Red Delicious apples at $2.49 for a 1/3bushel box.–Tom Lemieux was a new car salesman at Frederic Auto Co.–The Burnett County draft board called four men.–Arrow Building Centers at Milltown – Amery – Danbury – Grantsburg – Frederic – Siren – Webster had Spring Spruce-Up Sales.–The Burnett N.F.G. had a Whole Hog Sausage Feed on March 15, 1969, at a charge of $1.50, children at 74¢ and children under 5 years, free. It was held at the Siren High School, with speaker John Kuch.–The Academy Award winner “The Graduate” was playing at the Frederic Theatre for seven nights.–Funeral rites were held for Einar Nelson of Luck. He was 65 years old.–Polk Sno Rovers planned to meet March 27 at the Frederic Rec.

20 Years Ago

Jamie Calabria will serve as coordinator of course operations and Haylie Nielsen as operations manager at Five Flags Golf Course. - Photo submitted call for rates.

The course will now be operated as Five Flags Golf LLC. Many new services are anticipated at the course, including tournaments and a club championship event, food service in the clubhouse including pizza and hot sandwiches, a 300-yard driving range and pro shop. The course will also offer men’s and women’s leagues, which are forming now. For more information on Five Flags golf you can call Calabria or Nielsen at 715-825-2141. – submitted

Public invited to a drama about hymn writer TOWN OF WOOD RIVER - The public is cordially invited to a drama portraying the inspirational life story of the famous hymn writer Fanny Jane Crosby.

Some of her hymns include “Blessed Assurance,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,” “He Hideth My Soul” and “Safe in the Arms Of Jesus.”

Born in 1820, an incompetent doctor treated Crosby’s infected eyes, which left her without sight from her infancy to her death at the age of 95. As a child, she was educated by her loving grandmother who became Crosby’s eyes, as she often described the physical world around her. But through prayer and the memorization of vast portions of Scripture, Fanny’s spiritual insight grew in an extraordinary way. As probably the

Do you remember ?

most prolific hymn writer in history, her over 8,000 hymns have been an encouragement and inspiration to untold thousands.

The play is appropriately called “Queen of Sacred Song.” The cast comes from members of various local churches and from Wood River Christian Fellowship who is hosting the event.

The presentation will be given on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. Wood River Christian Fellowship is located two miles east of Grantsburg, then two miles south of Hwy. 70 on South Williams Road. There will be a freewill offering, and everyone is invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship following the play. Any questions can be answered by calling Kim Karge at 715-689-2555. - submitted

A penalty on delinquent property taxes was being considered.-Harvey Stower announced hearings in Northwest Wisconsin.-The Luck Council discussed programs to keep kids off the streets.-Patricia Hughes attended a co-op youth conference in Madison.-Obituaries included Gerald Zinda, Norman Robinson and Eddie Marek.-The Frederic Hospital set an April date for a health fair.-Youth ministry was banned from the Webster school.-Former Texans, Mark Pettis Jr. and his sister, Myrtle Lynn, built an igloo at Hertel.-A respite care program was not ready yet in this area.The Ridge Runners paid tribute to Carlyle Sherstad.Alice “Theresa” Linn, known as the Teddy Bear Lady, was featured in the Eye to Eye column.-The question was asked by Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, “Ever wonder why so many smart people insist on off-peak electric heat?”-Grantsburg Inn was part of a recreational complex featured in the Business of the Week page of this newspaper.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

866-4334

Webster Senior Center

Gladys Packer took Lily Gleason to Zia Louisa Restaurant on Friday evening, March 13, to celebrate Lily’s birthday.

Lily’s family then had a party for her on Saturday, which was the actual date of her birthday.

Our regular monthly senior meeting was held on Monday afternoon following the congregate meal. It was decided that since Feet First, Inc. has not held a foot clinic at our center for almost a year, and due to the fact that foot clinics are being held monthly at the Siren Senior Center, the Burnett County Health Department and Ingall’s Clinic, we will ask to have the key to the center returned to us. In the near future, Pat O’Brien will be reinstalling our window blind behind the dining area; Dave Wardean will have outdoors motion-sensor lights installed; a new garbage can on wheels will be purchased; Stotz and Co. will call our treasurer, Jane Wardean, as soon as our annual reports are ready; the remaining section of split rail fence and the rear parking lot project will be completed as soon as possible after the frost is out of the ground. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 20, at 12:30 p.m.

Gail Pearson from North Country Independent Living gave a presentation on services available through their program to a very interested group of diners before and after the meal on Wednesday. She had a selection of items such as large-size rearview mirrors, amplified telephones and large-numbered remote controls in addition to information on long-term care changes, transportation voucher and personal care programs, and other assistive technology. The purpose of their program is to support the independence of people with disabilities and to inform them of their loan program. She also gave the same presentation to the residents at Cedarwood Manor in Webster. Anyone wishing further information can reach her at 800-924-1220.

Only nine ladies played Dime Bingo on Wednesday afternoon but everyone still had a good time and they enjoyed the refreshments furnished by Jane Wardean.

The Webster Lioness Club had their monthly dinner meeting on Thursday evening at the Webster Community Center.

The scholarship committee reported that ten Webster High School scholarship applications had been received for reviewal. Plans were made to bring personal care products to the April meeting to donate to the food shelf, and a silent auction was held to raise money for the administrative account.

The regular group of pool players were at the center on Thursday evening for their weekly pool fix. I’m not sure if any of the ladies played cards or not because I wasn’t there and no information was available. I was home recovering from a medical procedure done earlier in the day. Four liters of Go Lightly does not go down lightly! Maybe if it was chocolateflavored it wouldn’t be half as bad.

Kurt Anderson and I visited my daughter, Julie, on Friday and Saturday at Waseca, Minn. She is doing well and greets her friends and family back home. She appreciates all the prayers and letters received. After completing a horticulture course, she is now working on an apprenticeship. She looks forward to being home and putting her new skills to work.

“Love you, Julie!”

Lily Gleason won homemade baked goodies Friday in the weekly National Nutrition Month drawing.

Birth announcements Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center:

A girl, Kaydence Marie Viney, born March 3, 2009, to Elisha Drabant and Mathew Viney, Balsam Lake. Kaydence weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A girl, Shayden Celia Lynn Mattson, born March 5, 2009, to Michelle and Joshua Mattson, New Richmond. Shayden weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Joey Lucille Leopold, born March 5, 2009, to Danielle Johnson and Kristopher Leopold, Frederic. Joey weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz.

••• A boy, Aiden Nicholas Johnson, born March 6, 2009, to Stephanie and Nicholas Johnson, Milltown. Aiden weighed 6 lbs., 12 oz.

••• A girl, Kiara Hokulani Kosloski-Baker, born March 8, 2009, to Natasha Kosloski and Charleston Baker, Siren. Kiara weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A boy, Charles Timothy Shalander, born March 9, 2009, to Michelle and Timothy Shalander, Milltown. Charles weighed 9 lbs., 11 oz.

••• A girl, Ashlyn Ann Tisdale, born March 9, 2009, to Carrie Shattuck and Cory Tisdale, Cushing. Ashlyn weighed 7 lbs.

••• A boy, Deagan James Dalbec, born March 10, 2009, to Christopher and Molly Dalbec, Lindstrom, Minn. Deagan weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A girl, Ivy Ramona Evans, born March 10, 2009, to Jenny Evans, Dresser. Ivy weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A girl, Eliana Rose Acero, born March 13, 2009, to Dawn and Elias Acero, Chisago City, Minn. Eliana weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz.

••• A girl, AnnMarie Rose Messina, born March 15, 2009, to Salvatore and Jenny Messina, Dresser. AnnMarie weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Abigail Jo Wundrow, born March 18, 2009, to Joe and Nikki Wundrow, Grantsburg. Abigail weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz.

•••

Mary Klar

Congratulations to Bruce and Chrissy Gibbs who are now sharing the news that they are expecting a baby within the year. I think Bruce is wearing a perpetual “new daddy” grin on his face.

June and Gene Dopkins and other members of Iva Leef’s family had a birthday party for her on Sunday at the United Pioneer Nursing Home in Luck. Marion Doriott also took a cake that the other residents will be able to enjoy eating on Monday.

The next AARP tax aide assistance date is scheduled for Friday, March 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. The nutrition menu for the day is baked fish, au gratin potatoes, stewed tomatoes, rolls, dessert and milk. Call 715-866-5300 to sign up to eat at 11:30 a.m., and then have your taxes done. You can’t get it any easier!

Don’t forget, red hatters, that the next Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society Luncheon will be held at noon on Tuesday, March 31, at Yellow Lake Lodge, 27924 Yellow Lake Road, Webster.

Gratitude is extended to Margaret Frazee for donating two large bags of books, including a few Westerns; and to Lily Gleason for all the volunteer help she has been giving Nicky in the kitchen, as we haven’t gotten a kitchen helper yet through Experience Works. Also gratitude is extended to Lily for loaning us a coffeepot to use until we got a replacement coffeemaker from Hayward Coffee Co. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Denise Brown, Alfred Jackson, Edna Canfield, Donna Johnson, LaVern Gardner, Marvel Miriam, Angie Nelson, Chuck Macke’s sister, Kathy Ebnet of Rochester, Minn., who is dealing with complications following a kidney transplant, and Mercelia Studeman who is a patient at Burnett Medical Center, Grantsburg, following a stroke. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the family of Dorothy Majsterec in her recent passing.

We often hear the phrase “paying it forward” and “paying it backward,” which means leaving money to pay a bill for someone in need later on or paying the bill for the people in the car behind you at a fast-food drive-thru – even if you didn’t know them. The goal is to do a Christ-like act of kindness for people who don’t expect it and to leave a note saying you did it because of your love for Christ. People may say, “Why should I do this?” “Why spend money for someone else, especially for someone we don’t know and who may be hostile to the faith?” “Why give without any hope of return?” It sounds countercultural, but the idea has strong biblical basis.

Jesus said as he addressed a large crowd: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6:32-33).

It is clear that Jesus wants us to do good to people who can in no way pay us back. Whether we pay someone’s bill at McDonald’s or drop money into the Salvation Army kettle, our concern should be selfless giving – whether we get credit for it or not. The motive of giving reveals the character of the giver more than the gift itself. In Jesus’ name, who can you bless today? “Be a servant of the Lord, and do not look for a reward; not for glory or for fame, just give freely in His name.”

- Roworth.

See you at the center!

Check out our new e-edition @ www.the-leader.net Hi, everybody! Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County.

Things have been quiet at the shelter again the last few days, and I don’t even have any new dogs to tell you about! I stopped in Monday morning, and the only new face I saw was a cat.

His name is Morris ... uh, no, he’s already here, all orange and everything.

Umm, Harris ... no, wait, I only met this new guy briefly so I can’t remember.

Ah, yes, Scamper! Scamper is a neutered male cat, between 5 and 6 years old. He has black and white markings and is a friendly feline. I think he’s stumped as to why he is at the shelter, and he is doing a lot of YAPpenings pacing around in his cage. I can’t blame him. It’s hard to be yanked out of your life as you know it and plunked down in a strange place all by yourself.

A lot of folks see us dogs and cats as “just a pet,” like we have no feelings or attachments, but that’s not so. We don’t expect to be treated like humans, because that confuses us, but we have our own emotions nonetheless. You as a pet owner are the smarty-pants that has to learn how to interact with us in a way in which we understand. You picked us, after all.

I know I’ve said this before, but there is all kinds of information on training and understanding your furry friend.

Take a class, read books, ask an expert, or go to the library, or online, for clues to your pet’s behavior and tips to help you if you are in a quandry and don’t know what to do. For example: I have a friend who has separation anxiety whenever her mom leaves the house. She got into trouble last week because she ate the couch. After I asked her how it tasted, I asked around, and one good idea was this: feed her a handful of cooked macaroni in with her food. The carbs in the noodles will make her sleepy and more relaxed.

My mom leaves public radio on for my brothers and me when we are left inside, not that we are destructive at all.

Blacky Shelter

Engagement

Lunsman – O’Connor Melissa Lunsman and Brian O’Connor are engaged to be married May 16, 2009, at Christ Community Lutheran Church in Green Bay with a reception to follow at Riverside Ballroom.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Victor and Nancy Lunsman of Danbury. Melissa has a master’s degree in psychology from the UW-Oshkosh and is completing a Ph.D. in gerontology at the University of South Florida.

The future groom is the son of Lyle and Betty O’Connor of Pulaski. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in business from the UW-Green Bay. He currently owns and operates Green Tree Studio, a video and audio production company and Green Tree Christian Homes, an adult foster care establishment.

The couple will divide their time between properties in Green Bay and Lakeland, Fla. – submitted

Dewey - LaFollette

468-2940

Karen Mangelsen

Don Israel called on Karen and Hank Mangelsen Monday afternoon.

Hank and Karen Mangelsen visited John and Diana Mangelsen Monday evening.

Karen Mangelsen called on Harry Ferris Wednesday morning. That afternoon she visited Dick Macho.

Several ladies were lunch guests of Kay Krentz Thursday.

Guest of honor was Kay’s sister, Marian Brincken, whose birthday was celebrated.

Andy and Geri Mangelsen and Diana and John Mangelsen visited Donna and Gerry Hines Friday afternoon. Other visitors during the week there were Vaughn and Phyllis Hallings.

Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen traveled to Princeton, Minn., Friday night. They attended the all-school choir concert there. Grandsons Allen and Ryan Hanna were among the singers.

Cal and Mert Mellen from South Wayne, were weekend visitors of Nettie and Duane Otis and Ronda and Maynard Mangelsen. Cal is a cousin of Nettie and Maynard. Sunday visitors of Karen and Hank Mangelsen were April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close and Kaylin and Reed Ritchey.

Clam River Tuesday Club will meet Wednesday, April 1, at 1 p.m. at the home of Lida Nordquist. Please note the time change.

The talking is more soothing than a lot of music for us, and it turns us into couch potatoes. Plus, it drowns out a lot of outside noise so my hyperactive brother doesn’t bark and come undone at every single sound he hears - like the wind - and, boy, has it been windy lately! He will be sleeping soundly one minute, hear something, abruptly jump up and bark, and scare the wits out of everyone in the household.

Mom jokes that she’s going to hang the For Sale sign around his neck soon and take him down to Adoption Day in St. Croix Falls if he doesn’t chill out. It stirs me up, too!

If only I was allowed to keep my sticks indoors ...

I mentioned Adoption Day above, and that is this weekend, Saturday, at Tractor Supply Co. in St. Croix Falls from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. I would like to go there for a while myself, just to hang out and see everybody. I might - I’ve been a pretty good boy the last couple of weeks, and haven’t broken or wrecked anything, so I think there’s no danger of me wearing the For Sale sign. I’m kidding, I hope you know. I know my home is forever, even if I get myself into hot water now and then.

The shelter staff is hard at work getting ready for the big spaghetti dinner fundraiser next month, and they tell me they still can use some more donated items for the silent auction. New stuff, or if you have a service to donate, that would be great too! Last year? Black dirt was the hottest item up for bid. Honestly, just when I think I’ve figured you people out, you confound me once more. You go to great lengths to rid us dogs of dirt, and then you go out and buy it.

Anyway, I know I’m doomed not to be invited to eat a big plate of spaghetti; I am not allowed in the kitchen of the Moose Lodge, nor in their dining room. Hmm ... I’m getting an idea, though. Perhaps if I demolish some furniture at home, and my brother barks his head off, we can score a couple of big bowls of macaroni and cheese! Oh, I am a clever boy...

Shhh, don’t tell anybody, and I’ll see you here next week!

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 715-866-4096.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Frederic Senior Center

by Ardyce Knauber Spades was played on Monday, March 16, at 1 p.m., with the following winners: Vi Luke in first place, Carmen Marek in second place, Shirley Sandquist in third place and Inez Pearson in fourth place.

Tuesday a community breakfast was held at the senior center from 7 to 11 a.m., hosted by R.J. Severude, police chief.

The breakfast was delicious and our senior members enjoyed attending the event. We appreciated the fine service R.J. and his helpers provided all who attended.

Wednesday Pokeno was enjoyed and other card games.

The Community Referral monthly meeting was held here at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday for the shelter at Milltown’s board members.

Thursday 500 cards at 6:30 p.m. with the following winners: Donald Week in first place, Arvid Pearson in second place, Lorraine Hansen in third place and Bob Holm in fourth place.

Friday Pokeno was enjoyed and other games.

The morning group and pool players keep the place a good place to gather. The executive board meeting will be held on March 27, 9:30 a.m.

It’s only in giving of ourselves that we truly live. Look around you and you will find people who need your help. It’s been proven that individuals that volunteer live longer and have a more satisifying life.

349-2964

Siren

Bev Beckmark

Spring has arrived, at least it says so on the calendars. However, last Friday it looked like Old Man Winter was sneaking back in for a second round of winter when the snow started coming down. We ended up with an inch or so on the ground.

It didn’t take long for it to disappear when the sun came out on Saturday.

The grandmas group met at the home of Erna Luecks Monday, March 16. A potluck lunch was enjoyed by all and the afternoon was spent doing a variety of crafts while visiting. The number of years the grandmas group had been in existence was brought up. The group started 24 years ago, in 1985, with just four members, Hazel Hahr, Naomi Glover, Ila Mae Wethern and Bev Beckmark. Over the years others have been brought in. Ila Mae passed away in 1994. Those present this month were Naomi Glover, Dorothy Lahners, Hazel Hahr, Marge Peterson and Bev Beckmark. A great time was had by all.

Last Monday at the grandmas group, Marge Peterson informed the group that her in-laws, Vernon and Gwen Peterson, had celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 14. Vernon was town chairman of Daniels township for many years. A belated congratulations from everyone in the township of Daniels.

Sympathy to the family of Vernon Hutton who passed away March 4.

The Siren Methodist Church men’s group met last Saturday, March 21, for their monthly breakfast and meeting. During their meeting they discussed the many projects they have planned for this year.

The word is out, several bears have been sighted. John Larson of Webster saw one on his drive to work at the Burnett Dairy and also a farmer in the Grantsburg area has seen a sow with her three cubs, so be on guard.

The benefit for Nettie Ottis has been changed, as there was a conflict of interest on the former date. The new date for the spaghetti dinner/silent auction at Madden’s Steakhouse is Saturday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m., to help with Nettie’s medical bills, so make the change on your calendars.

The Siren Lioness met on Tuesday, March 17, for their monthly meeting. Being St. Patrick’s Day, several came decked out in St. Patrick’s Day garb. A smaller-than-normal group attended because of illness and several out traveling.

Congratulations to elementary student Raymond Merrill, middle-schooler Sam Vasatka and high-schooler Catrina Luna, for being chosen Siren schools students of the week.

Those of you who plant food plots for the deer, turkeys or other wildlife, there is an open house on Friday, March 27, at the Burnett Dairy’s Agronomy building from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be a guest speaker, Greg Aston, and a custom food plot installer, agronomists, and more to help make your wildlife plot the best ever.

The Food and Friends community dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 31, at the Siren Covenant Church, at 5 p.m., with freewill offering.

Art and Bev Beckmark spent Sunday afternoon visiting with Peggy Strabel out on Waldora Road. Art visited with Jim Glover of Grantsburg at his home on Saturday.

Interstate Park news Final winter nature story time

ST. CROIX FALLS - Join naturalist Julie Fox for the final winter nature story time this season. Meet her at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park for a story and activity chosen especially for preschoolers and their parents. Please bring clothing for outdoor play (weather permitting). After a brief spring break, the popular program will resume again on Thursdays in June through August.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a state park sticker is required to enter the park.

Annual passes for 2009 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. Daily passes are $7 for residents or $10 for nonresidents. For more information call Julie at 715483-3747. - submitted

Lewis

653-4281

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon spent Saturday morning judging written 4-H poetry or short story entries in a Burnett County contest. Later in the day, they brought Bernice Abrahamzon home from the Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg. She was there overnight for tests.

The choir sang “The Old Rugged Cross” during Sunday’s church service. A visitor gave a very moving testimony. Treats were served by Sylvia and Phil Schaetzel.

This week’s combined Lenten service for Lewis and Siren United Methodist churches will be held at Lewis at 7 p.m. Before that, the United Methodist Men will provide a free chili supper. Welcome to all.

Last Sunday, Daffodil Sunday was observed with daffodils Ellie is a 2-year-old female black Lab with all the right stuff. She has a shiny black coat and eyes that welcome a soothing pat on the head.

Ellie is one of the many stray black dogs temporarily finding shelter at the Arnell Humane Society. She is special because she is so nice. Ellie is the perfect companion dog or family pet because of her gentle nature.

She wants to please and would never say an unkind word about anyone. She would enjoy a walk in the field as well as an evening in front of the TV. If she can be with you, that is all that matters.

Seven out of the 10 dogs available for adoption at Arnell this week are black Lab mixes or predominantly black.

Scout is a 14-week-old black Lab-pointer mix pup with energy to spare in the hunting department. Sam is a 1-yearold German shepherd mix, neutered male. He is handsome and loves to play. He will protect your yard and keep the cats away.

Lewis is a 10-month-old black Lab mix male in need of some direction. He is friendly enough and smart enough and gosh darn it, he’s handsome enough. He just needs someone to take him out for exercise and some training to

Arnell Humane Society Happy Tails

Await

Bernice Abrahamzon

all over the altar as gifts to all who worshipped there. JoAnn Gibbs volunteered to order them and the United Methodist Women paid for 50 blooms. Individuals ordered extra bunches of flowers. The money collected pays for flowers and the rest goes toward cancer research to find a cure for cancer.

Work is being done on a combined Lewis-Siren U.M. churches directory.

Rene Edge, Balsam Lake, hosted a birthday party for husband, Dan, on Saturday. Sheila Staples and Clarice Nelson were local guests, along with Larry and Sharry Nelson of Bayfield, Rene’s sons and families and several members of Dan’s family from the Rochester, Minn. area were also guests. set him straight.

Lewis also would watch your yard for you when you couldn’t be home to enjoy it. All he asks is a pat on the head for a reward and some quality time with you.

Bailey is a 10month-old purebred black Lab female pup with papers.

She is sleek and sassy; ready for family-pet training by way of love and attention. She enjoys playing “chase the birds” during the day and “chase the ball” in the evening. Also still available for adoption are the mother-and-son team of black-and-tan cocker spaniels, Willow and Santana. They are older and would make excellent pets for an older couple wanting a reason to go for walks together. Willow and Santana are great pets just waiting for that special home to call their own. Do the right thing. Adopt from your local shelter.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, Amery 715-268-7387 or online: arnellhumane.organe.org

SCF Senior Center What an exciting and busy week at our senior center.

On Monday, 98 Christian women were served lunch prior to their meeting. Gratitude is extended to all the workers who helped on Friday and again on Monday.

Tuesday found 35 people playing Dominoes and 500 cards. Card winners were: Leone Montgomery, Roger Greenly, John Brown, BreNel Ward and Jeanette Berquam.

Phil Mevissen had the low score of the day. Domino winners included Martha Lundstrom, Ione Meixner and Don Anderson.

Wednesday the AARP tax aides helped many people with their tax filing.

Thursday was the big day of the week. In anticipation of a large and hungry crowd, “Chef Elaine Edlund” started cooking early for the St. Pat’s supper. By 5 p.m., approximately 70 people had gathered for the meal. With beverage server Ron, everyone had a terrific evening. Kudos to the Edlunds.

Fran Krause

500 card winners that evening were Cliff Qualle, Rich Husted, Jerry Willits, Don Benson and Ron Hostrand. Lady winners included Kim Rosen, Marion Edler, Mary Lou Lund, Carol Van Buskirk and Audry McNurlin. Domino winners were Deloris Benson, Ione White and Don Anderson. Pat Jensen was low Domino scorer and Charlie Mevissen won the nine bid.

Friday morning the weekly bridge players were eagerly sharing their skills. In the afternoon, Don Benson was the Bingo caller for about 15 people. Jack Lund won the coverall game.

The following people are in our thoughts … Dottie Adams, Ron Edlund, Carl Van Buskirk, Darlene Cross and Connie Gray.

Stop in at the center and share some fellowship. Coffee and treats are always available.

Orange

Mark and Kent Krause, Kris Peterson, and Tim Sasatka returned from their annual golf outing to Myrtle Beach. S.C., on Sunday.

Tuesday Fran Krause attended the HCE executive board meeting at the government center.

The Orange 4-H took part in the county cultural arts contest Saturday at the Siren School.

Friday night Fran Krause and Shaina Pardun were dinner guests at the Mark Krause home.

LaVonne O’Brien

Visitors last week at the home of Maxine Stone were Margel Johnson, Ethel Daniels, Fran Krause and Donna Carlson.

Saturday evening LaVonne and Mike O’Brien went to see Tylyn O’Brien in the Prairie Fire Theatre play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Frederic Elementary School.

Sunday evening visitors at Jack and LaVonne O’Brien’s were Tom and Becky O’Brien.

Amery Senior Center

by Kari Fladwood, director I saw my first robin today! It was hopping in the grass outside the office window and it was such a wonderful sight to see. It still seems a bit chilly, but now I know spring is on the way!

Well if you weren’t able to make it to the Elvis Experience held out at the TAC on March 15, you really missed a fun time! It is a family affair – the father and son play young and ‘older’ Elvis – and do they ever put on a good show! I was surprised at how much the father sounded like Elvis. We had a successful fundraiser and we appreciate the support of everyone who came out to the show. Also, thanks to Susan Shachtman, Judith Alles and Todd Fladwood for helping out.

Our fifth-annual rummage sale is coming up the end of April, and we are still taking donations. Please bring your items to the center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. We do not take old TV’s, or computers older than Windows XP. Our April birthday party is just around the corner, and we are pleased to have Jake Marxhausen from Edward Jones coming to speak on long-term capital gains. The birthday party starts at 11:45 a.m., and costs $5/plate. The seminar is free and open to the public and will start about 12:30 p.m. If you want to attend the party, please call the center by Tuesday, March 31, and reserve a spot. Our number is 715-2686605.

We have a wonderful trip planned to the Minnesota Arboretum on Thursday, May 14. It should be in one of their most colorful seasons with the various bulbs, rock garden plants, iris, crabapple trees, azaleas and lilacs in bloom. We will enjoy a narrated guided tour on the Trumpet Creeper Tram through the gardens. There are also walking tours available (must be set up separately). The new Arboretum Restaurant offers homemade soups, hearty sandwiches, beverages and desserts. The gift shop offers a great selection of interesting items for your selection. The cost for the bus, arboretum and the tram is only $35 for members, $47 for nonmembers, with the difference going toward a 2009 membership. Stop in today to reserve a spot and pay!

Tuesday’s pool had Paul Hartung in first place with Carl Johnson in second, Paul Seidel in third and Art Butler fourth.

Carl also won first place in the bowling tournament with a score of 647, with Jerry Fisher in second and Ed O’Neill following in third. Sharon Paulson was first in Wednesday bridge, with Mary Delougherty second, and Rachel Shay following in third.

Have a great week!

God bless you all.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Cloverton-Markville Eleanor and Mel Elliott would like to thank everyone for all of the cards and flowers she has received since her recent diagnosis of cancer. She is undergoing chemotherapy now and things seem to be getting under control. A loving, closeknit community wishes only the best for you, Eleanor.

Marlene Mishler, Marge Wolf and Fran Levings attended the delegate meeting of the Seven County Senior Federation last week. Plans are now all set for the big convention in Onamia on Thursday, April 2.

Cloverton and Markville firefighters, Don Mishler, Dave Baker, Gary Ament and Dave Drake, joined the fire chief, Mike McCullen and Mark Pahlo, to conduct a prearranged burn in Markville recently.

Bob Carlin came up for a weekend recently to help his dad, Ed, do some more work on an addition the Carlins are adding

to their home.

Peggy and Ken Coveau joined his parents, Peg and Clint, and other family members awhile back for dinner at the Yellow Lake Lodge in Webster. Their daughter, Alicia, came home to attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Webb Lake.

Another enjoyable event for Peggy and Ken occurred when they went to Duluth to the home of daughter, Annie, and her husband, Mike, for a fire pit weenie roast.

Signs of spring are showing up out here in our little township with Peggy announcing that both her hyacinths and columbine are peeking through the grass.

Shirley and Jerry Blokzyl also reported they had a beautiful white-winged crossbill in a tree by their window one day.

The bird stayed for about three hours, then flew away. But the big surprise for the Blokzyls was when the flock of 42, (yes,

Siren Senior Center

by Barb Munger Sorry we didn’t make the news last week, but I am not going to take the blame. Our column was sent in as usual and it is not up to the reporters if it is going to be accepted by the paper, and ours apparently fell through the cracks. Copies of the article were copied and are available at the center if anyone was interested in what happened the week before.

A few of the highlights that were in the news that week were that the St. Paul Winter Carnival royalty and their Vulcan crew visited the center on the 14th to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Siren and also knight Roy Clark and Don Brand from our center.

On Thursday, April 2, we will have our Dining at Five dinner.

We are calling this our comfort meal, as CeCe is planning on serving your choice of either turkey tetrazzine or pepperoni hot dish as the main entrée. All of the other fixings will be included plus she is having strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Time to sign up or call in your reservation, as the time is getting short.

We had our monthly birthday meeting on Tuesday with 16 people attending. A surprise was that we had 43 people turn

they counted them) robins landed in their yard.

Good friends of the Blokzyls came for a wonderful threeday visit a while back.

Deloris Schirmer made a trip to Superior recently to get her Jeep serviced, then stopped at the huge Wal-Mart store up there.

On the homefront, we were visited last weekend by Erin Adams and Skoggin Zimmerman, who had come up to set up their sugar bush on DNR land off the Kirchberg Road. This is their third year of doing this and it is always so good to visit with them.

My husband, Dave Baker, has hung out 38 buckets to catch some sap for making maple syrup this year. ‘Tis the season.

Barb Munger

out for our noon meal, which was corned beef and cabbage. jorie Nyberg, Gerry Vogel and Corrine Root.

A letter from the humane society thanking us for our donaMarjorie Nyberg was the winner of the Friday March nutritions was read and also a letter from Ruby’s Pantry which is tion raffle. Everytime you dine at the center during March you going to be a permanent fixture in Siren beginning sometime were to register for a chance for some nutritious foods. At the in April. They will be having a meeting looking for suggestions end of March a grand prize drawing will be held and you must and volunteers for the food shelf at the Siren Covenant attend that drawing to be eligible.

Church at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 2, so if you If you have any questions please call the center at 715-349are interested please join them.

2845 or 715-349-7810. We are open Monday through Friday A meeting was held to discuss our annual Good Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. breakfast. We will sponsor that on Friday, April 10, beginning at 7 a.m., until 11 a.m. The menu this year will be scrambled eggs, sausage, cheesy potatoes, fruit cup, juice, cinnamon rolls, toast, biscuits/gravy, coffee and milk. The cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Volunteers will be needed for this event and if you can spare a little time we would appreciate all the help we can get.

The weather cooperated with all of activities this week and Melinda and Delbert Smith of Cedaredge, Colo., and Robert we had good turnouts for dime Bingo and our card games.

Winners at 500 this week were Dick Klepetka, Millie Provo of Dallas, Texas, announce the engagement of their Hartshorn, Arvid Pearson, Carl Link and Dorothy Cronquist. daughter, Maggie Provo to Kevin Mansfield, son of Martin and Spade winners were Marie Van Guilder, Dick Klepetka, Mar- Kathy Mansfield of Webster.

Maggie graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and is a manager at Patrivio’s Restaurant in Dallas, Texas.

Kevin graduated from Webster High School and received an associate degree from UW-Barron County and from Anoka Hennepin Technical College. He is the field manager at the University of Texas, Dallas. son A July 3, 2009, wedding is being planned in Cedaredge, • No. 1 Seekers, “The Quest Begins,” by Erin Hunter Colo. The couple will reside in the Dallas, Texas, area. - sub• No. 2 Seekers, “Great Bear Lake,” by Erin Hunter mitted

Engagement Provo/Mansfield

Burnett Community Library Tax forms are available on the lower level.

Preschool story time is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Craft group is held every Thursday at 10 a.m. Bring your favorite craft to work on.

Adult book club is held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. On April 28, they will discuss “Murder at the Bad Girl’s Bar and Grill,” by N.M. Kelby.

The library has purchased the DVD “Under Our Skin – The Untold Story of Lyme Disease.” Those who were unable to attend our presentation on March 4 are encouraged to check this DVD out. For more information on Lyme disease, visit www.lymenet.org or www.underourskin.com.

The library has decided that the Thursday morning craft group is too large for the available space. An evening craft group is being offered to those who are unable to attend during the daytime. For more information, please call the library at 715-866-7697.

National Library Week is coming up April 12 – 18. Our library will be having a drawing for a gift certificate to Adventures in Siren. Visit the library during that week for a chance to win. Each drawing slip asks you to write a few words to complete the sentence “My public library is important to our community because …”

We are in the midst of organizing a presentation based on the PBS Series “We Shall Remain: An American Experience,” which relates key events, peoples and stories that helped form the Native American Nation.

New books for young adults • No. 6 The New Prophecy: Warriors series, “Sunset,” by Erin Hunter • Maximum Ride series, book 5, “Max,” by James Patter-

New books for adults • 25 large-print romance books • “Pursuit,” by Karen Robards • “Handle with Care,” by Jodi Picoult • “The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett • “Autumn Letters,” by Michael Frederick • “Confronting Lyme Disease,” by Karen Yerges New books for children • Nursery Rhyme Board Books • “The Littlest Lighthouse” • “Say Daddy” • “Happy Birthday to You!” • “Willow” • “‘W’ is for Woof” • “‘H’ is for Hook” • ATVs • Dirt Bikes • Monster Vehicles • Motocross Cycles • Dragsters • Hot Rods New DVD • “Nights in Rodanthe” Hours Monday through Thursday open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Luck Senior Center

by Kathy Mueller Hi folks. My husband and I have been gone for two months, and arrived back home from the Southwest almost three weeks ago already. And spring is here already; we are all looking forward to those wonderful Wisconsin summers.

Our hostess for three days a week at the center has been cooking good soups and making super snacks all winter, I understand. Marlene is also a makeup artist, I learned last Friday. She invited anyone interested to a session on Friday to help us all learn how to properly apply makeup. There were eight ladies who came to be made beautiful. I brought my knitting along to keep myself occupied while Marlene did her makeup magic on others, but it was so interesting to watch her work on each person, my knitting never came out of the bag. Everyone was so pleased – we were all so lovely!

And I did not bring my camera!! Marlene has promised to do it again if there is more interest.

We are still open four days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Come in to see good friends and make new ones. Last

week one day, lunch became a joke-telling session. It seems some people can just rattle off one hilarious story after another; others manage one or two just as funny. If you come in and see Richard Warwas, ask him about the French Guillotine joke. That one was my favorite.

On the second Wednesday of the month, we have our board meeting. That is also the day Trudy is there to do foot care for anyone interested. You need an appointment for foot care. Call the senior center at 715-472-8285.

We have had inquiries about card playing–at this time we have no organized time for cards. If you are interested please call us and leave a name and phone number. If we get enough calls, we will get something organized.

We have crafts every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. Bring your own craft – whatever you working on – show it off, share your expertise, and learn from others all while sharing conversation and having coffee and treats.

Follow the Leader

UNPLUGGED Unplugged is an educational column about the Internet. Starwire Technologies is a local high-speed Internet provider.

This month we will discuss the difference between many of the technologies for connecting you to the Internet.

You see it on the commercials all the time, “10 times faster than DSL” or “Not shared like Cable.” The truth is that some Internet providers try to use these statements to make you think you are getting a better deal. Each technology can provide a variety of different speeds, so simply saying that one is faster than other can’t be done.

Let’s cover some of the differences between each technology.

Cable Internet is usually only available right in town and is delivered to you over the same coax wire that is used for cable TV. Disadvantages: limited availability, usually need to purchase TV to get Internet. Advantage: usually offers faster speeds than DSL. DSL is provided over the copper phone lines that your landline telephone service uses. Disadvantages: Usually need to purchase landline phone service to get DSL, old phone lines or distance from the phone company can cause slow connections. Advantage: usually available in a much larger area than cable.

Fiber is a newer technology utilizing fiber optic cables which use light to transmit and receive data. Disadvantage: New expensive fiber cables need to be buried to each house. Advantage: can support high speeds and, can provide phone, TV, and Internet over the same cable.

Satellite Internet is received with a satellite dish, much like satellite television. Disadvantages: higher cost, much slower than the other technologies. Advantage: available almost anywhere.

Wireless Internet uses an antenna which receives the signal from towers, similar to cell phones. Disadvantage: need to be in an area where signal is available.

Advantages: no need for phone or TV service, can be expanded into new areas quickly and low cost.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next edition of Unplugged!

Starwire Technologies 877-679-4242 PO Box 428 ? Siren, WI www.starwire.net

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Pioneer Memoirs This is the sixth installment of a publication of memoirs written in 1947 by Frederic pioneer Alice Dahlin Lund. Editor

by Alice Dahlin Lund My husband and I bought father’s old homestead. It had been his wish to pass his last days there, where so many years before he and my mother had started out together to build a home for themselves and their family, and had helped to build up a good Christian community for the younger generation to grow up in and take over after the older folks passed on. These plans were sadly interrupted by the death of my mother eight short years after they moved up to their home, leaving father with a family of nine children. The oldest girl was 15 years old.

His wish was granted. He came home for a visit from the state of Washington, became ill and passed away. He was laid to rest beside his wife and one son in the West Sweden Cemetery. His memory is dear to me and all his children, grandchildren and some great-grandchildren.

We all realize that a pioneer had to know a great deal about living and that it demanded a great deal of courage to live in those days. We also realize there was a great deal of joy in connection with each day of a pioneer’s life as well as hardships and that living was not in vain.

One Sunday, there was no church service or Sunday school, I went to visit my family. I am now picturing that Sunday as I eagerly ran home. I was barefoot and the ground was covered with a white frost. Brr! My feet were so cold, it hurt way up to the top of my head, but I thought, “I will soon get home, and then I will get my shoes and stockings.” I was thrilled and sort of talked to myself all the way home. Suddenly at the top of a hill I saw a beautiful sight. “Oh,” I murmured to myself, “There stands a big buck and two does. They are beautiful, but won’t they move? I wonder, will I dare go closer?

No, I will circle around them, but oh! If I do that I will lose the path and I’ll get lost. Here I go, you naughty deer, Brr! My feet are so cold.” I had to talk to myself as I hurried along, I guess I felt warmer that way. I returned to the path safely and soon came to the road and arrived at my home shortly after that as it was only about a half mile from there.

It was nice to get home, and so nice to get my feet warm. It was lovely to spend a day at my own home and have my mother wash and braid my hair. After all, it was a little hard for a girl 8 years old to braid her own hair

Cleansweep Hazardous Waste Collection programs across Wisconsin to be cut Tens of thousands of pounds of hazardous wastes may end up in landfills if Gov. Doyle’s proposed 2009-2011 biennial budget is passed.

The governor’s proposed budget included a provision to terminate the Wisconsin Cleansweep Program in the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection in its entirety. Due to budget cuts at the state level many important solid waste and recycling grant programs have been frozen. Most of these funds are originally derived from landfill tipping fees and designated for programs and services that properly dispose of or manage various solid and hazardous wastes.

Cleansweep 2009-2011 is one of the services affected. While understanding the need to find appropriate reductions in state government, the NW Cleansweep program believes this provision to be excessively harsh on agriculture and rural areas and seeks restoration of significant funding.

After years and years of successful Cleansweep collections, citizens have expected household hazardous waste collection to be a frequent baseline service. If taken away dramatically without reasonable alternatives, it can be expected that some number of citizens will resort back to bad habits and chemicals will start being dumped down drains or ditches with more frequency. It is well to keep in mind that the cost of cleaning up just one spill equals the cost of an entire local collection. The need for Cleansweep will not go away by simply removing grant funds.

HHW collection needs have, in fact, escalated dramatically in recent years and this trend will not slow down.

This is a pollution prevention and public safety program that works!

You can help - phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses are listed below. If you would like to share your concerns about maintaining the funds designated for proper disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, please contact your representatives and senators on this matter.

Aside from your immediate area delegation, please consider contacting the others listed below who have interest in this issue: Rep. Sherman (on Joint Finance Committee), Reps. Vruwink (Assembly Agriculture chair) along with Ott and Nerison. Contact Sens. Vinehart (chair) and Harsdorf who are both on the Senate Agricul-

Jen Barton Earth Notes

herself. I had to leave in the afternoon, so that I would get back before dark. I felt a great deal better, for now my feet were dressed. I was happy to have had the privilege of being home. Home meant much to me.

The next day we started picking acorns. We picked many bushels of them. They were fed to the pigs in place of corn. I received much praise in picking them. I could fill my pail just as quickly as the grown folks could as I could crawl on my knees and get around faster. They always seemed to get a backaches.

At last it was time for me to go home to stay, as it was time to start school. We had three months of school in the fall and three months in the spring. We had to walk two and a half miles morning and evening. Some children had to walk five miles or more. In the entire school, there was not one pupil who could speak English. We first had to learn the alphabet. I learned to read the first reader and was doing pretty well as far as reading was concerned, but I did not understand what I was reading about. It really was hard.

I was 11 years old when I finally learned to speak English, and after that it all seemed so easy. I had to quit school when I finished the fifth grade. I felt badly about it, as I liked school, but now I am thankful that I learned as much as I did, for I would have missed a great deal in life as years at school unlocked the door of knowledge and made life richer and fuller for me.

The last three terms of school, I worked for my board, room and clothing. I worked for a family in St. Croix Falls when I was 12 years old. This family had a daughter by the name of Nell who was two years younger than I, however, I enjoyed her companionship a great deal. She liked to play with me, so I was allowed to spend some of my time with her. This was nice for me. After all, I was but a child and lived to have some fun too.

One afternoon, we had a lot of fun. Her mother went to town, after giving me the orders of the day. Nell wanted me to come out and play with her, but I felt I had to do my work. She agreed to help me, so we hurried with the work and dressed ourselves in her brother’s overalls and went out and climbed trees, went in the haymow and slid down the hay. We took the old horses out and rode bareback around the yard. We felt we had to get the horses in

before anyone came home, so we put them in the barn and went to the house, turning somersaults all the way.

We changed our clothes and were busy sewing carpet rags when Nell’s uncle came in, asking us if we had company. We said, “No, not that we know of.” Nell could not keep a straight face and gave us away, so we told him what we had done. At supper he told the rest of the family about it. He said we were a couple of real tomboys.

Nell’s brother was so angry with us for having worn his pants, he would have been pleased if we had been punished. It was very undignified for a girl to dress in boy’s clothing.

We often climbed the steep hills and large rocks on the banks of the St. Croix River. It was very exciting to watch the log drive in the spring. During the winter, lumberjacks had been cutting down trees, trimming off their branches and getting them ready to be pushed into the river to drift down the river to sawmills. They would clear a wide road free of underbrush and rocks, and make an icy track where they could roll the logs down the banks of streams to a sawmill. Men called drivers would go with them with long iron rods, called cant hooks or peaveys, to keep them from jamming and piling up along the river. The drivers wore shoes with spikes to save them from destruction. They were highly paid, for it required both skill and courage to be a driver. Nell and I loved to watch the logs as they neared the rapids.

People often came to watch the log drives, as they found it interesting too. It was much fun, too, to watch the big wanigans, which had to be unloaded before they went over the rapids. A wanigan is a raft of lumber on which a shanty is fitted for sleeping and cooking quarters, food and clothing supplies and tobacco. They had to unload them before they sent them down the rapids, for some of them went down under the water entirely, and you could see them coming up a short distance from the rapids. Some of them would glide beautifully over the whirls of foaming water. I think it would still be of much interest to all of you today if you could watch the logs go over the rapids. Most of the logs go over nicely, but now and then some of them would stand on end and would bunch up, giving the drivers trouble. When the logs reached the lower and larger streams they were gathered and fastened together with long, strong chains and then moored into a millpond. Logs held in place in this way were called a boom. – With information submitted by Brian Johnson’s family. – From Betty Fenton, director of public relations, Frederic Area Historical Society.

ture Committee. The Assembly Natural Resource Reps.

Black (chair), Clark, and Mason. Sens. Miller, chair of the Senate Environmental Committee (and also the chair of the Joint Finance Committee), and Jauch should be contacted.

• District Number 25, Washburn /Douglas/Bayfield/Sawyer/Iron/Barron counties: Sen. Robert Jauch, Sen.jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov, (608) 266-3510, Capitol 118 South, Madison WI, 53713 • District Number 74, Ashland/ Bayfield/Sawyer/Iron counties: Rep. Gary Sherman, Rep.sherman@legis. wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7690, Room 304 East, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 87, Price/Taylor/Rusk counties Rep. Mary Williams, Rep.WilliamsM@legis. wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7506, Room 17 West State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 29, Price/Taylor/Rusk counties: Rep. Russell Decker, Sen.Decker@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-2502, Room 211 South State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 • District Number 73, Washburn/Burnett/Douglas counties: Rep. Nick Milroy, Rep.Milroy@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-0640 or 888-534-0073, Room 8 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District 75, Washburn/Barron counties: Rep. Mary Hubler, Rep.Hubler@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-2519 or 888-534-0075, Room 119 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708-8952 • District 28, Burnett County: Rep. Ann Hraychuck, Rep.Hraychuck@legis. wisconsin.gov, 608-267-2365 or 888-529-0028, Room 6 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 • District 28, Burnett County: Rep. Sheila Harsdorf, Sen.Harsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7745, Room 19 South State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 537077882 • District Number 70: Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink, Rep.vruwink@ legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-8366, Room 112 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 3: Rep. Alvin Ott, Rep.ott@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-2665831, Room 323 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 96: Rep. Lee Nerison, Rep.nerison@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-3534, Room 310 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 31: Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, Sen.vinehout@legis. wisconsin.gov, 608-266-8546, Room 104 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707

• District Number 77: Rep. Spencer Black, Rep.black@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7521, Room 210 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 42: Rep. Fred Clark, Rep.clark@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608266-7746, Room 418 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 62: Rep. Cory Mason, Rep.mason@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-0634, Room 321 East, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 16: Sen. Mark Miller, Sen.miller@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608266-9170, Room 317 East, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 • District Number 30: Rep. Kitty Rhoades, Rep.rhoades@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-1526, Room 115 West, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708 • District Number 12: Sen. Jim Holperin, Sen.holperin@legis.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-2509, Room 409 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Wisconsin’s Cleansweep model is a national standard for how to run a statewide program efficiently and wisely. It is run as a partnership with local governments and local governments are encouraged to design and manage programs that meet local needs. The program serves homeowners, farmers, schools, municipalities and businesses. Many collection sites offer solid waste and recycling services at the same time. It can be an integrated service program for all users. Serving Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Iron, Price, Taylor, Rusk, Douglas, Burnett and Washburn, the Cleansweep Program is invaluable. By contacting as many of the above representatives as possible, together we can make a difference.

In closing, there can be little doubt that rural areas will be more hurt than urban areas by the sudden and permanent loss of publicly supported hazardous waste services. Many urban and metropolitan areas have permanent collection sites that would likely continue at reduced operation levels without DATCP grants. This will not be the case in rural areas. DATCP grants have always made sure that rural residents, businesses and farmers get access to service on a frequent basis. Chemicals and pesticides will needlessly build up in sheds, barns and abandoned facilities in the absence of Cleansweep services over the coming years if this problem is not addressed.

Should you have any questions regarding the potential loss of Cleansweep services, do not hesitate to contact Bill Welter at 715-635-2197. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Betty Fenton Historical

Vignettes

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library The history group will be commencing at the Amery Area Public Library in April led by Herb Cederberg. This group has been meeting for eleven years discussing aspects of American history. This year they will meet on the second Monday of the month in April, May and June. They read one book a month and meet for discussion. The books they are reading this year are: “White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain’s White Slaves in America,” “Westward Vikings: The Saga of L’Anse Aux Meadows,” and “Sexual Revolution in Early America.” If you are interested in attending this group call the Amery Area Public Library at 715-268-9340. The group meets at 7 p.m.

If you come into the entryway at the Amery Area Public Library you will notice a new addition. We now have a coffee machine which dispenses coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and a snack machine. Drinks and food are allowed in the entryway of the library and in the meeting rooms. Please dispose of them before you use the rest of the library or use the public access computers.

Gratitude is extended to everyone who donated and worked at the book/garage sale.

They made almost $3,000 toward our debt reduction. A book cart with items for sale is located near the check-in desk as you enter the library. Items are marked with prices. People were missing the book sale cart before and

after the sale so it is back.

Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Everyone is welcome for songs and stories. It was fun to see the school kids last week who are story time graduates.

Teens Read meets on March 30 to discuss “Born to Rock,” by Gordon Korman. We meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a snack and lively book talk. Pick up a copy of the book at the circulation desk and join us if you are a teen.

Friends of the Library Book Group meets on April 20, to discuss “Miss Willie,” by Janice Holt Giles. They meet at 7 p.m. Stop in and join the group; pick up a copy of the book at the circulation desk.

Be sure to attend the Friends of the Library Amery’s Got Talent Show, Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m., at the Amery High School Auditorium. Come early for a snack and a certificate sale. Funds raised go to the debt retirement for the new library. A freewill offering will be taken, with no charge for the event. Gratitude is extended to Marv Nevala who has been the coordinator for the event.

Library hours Hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Polk County Library Federation Fourth-annual Library Road Trip In honor of National Library Week, April 12 - 18, local libraries are hosting the third-annual Polk County Library Road Trip, April 1 -30. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the libraries and the outstanding library service in Polk County. Here is how the “road trip” will work: 1. Cut out your Polk County Library Road Trip car.

2. Make plans and visit each of the 10 municipal libraries in Polk County during the time period of April 1-30. This will be a great opportunity to visit marvelous local communities in Polk County! Check the times and days each library is open in the Polk County Library News pages in the Inter-County Leader, Northern Currents section.

3. While visiting each library, be sure to get your Polk County Library Road Trip car stamped.

4. After visiting each of the 10 municipal li-

braries in Polk County and obtaining a stamp from each library by Thursday, April 30, turn in your stamped Road Trip car to your local librarian.

There are three winner categories – child, teen and adult.

As you have read in the Inter-County Leader, there is thorough and wide-reaching library service in Polk County, in each of the ten municipalities as well as the countywide library support and assistance of the Polk County Library Federation. The third-annual Polk County Library Road Trip is an opportunity to become more familiar with the various local libraries while taking the time to see more of the wonderful Polk County.

Questions? Call Colleen Gifford, director, at the Polk County Library Federation - 715485-8680, or any of your local librarians.

See you at the library.

Road Trip 2009 Child, Teen, Adult

St. Croix Falls Public Library One in a hundred drawing Here’s chance to win a gift certificate for a massage from Lori at Wind Song Retreat here in St. Croix Falls. Purchase your ticket at the circulation desk – $1 per chance, only 100 tickets sold. Brought to you by the Friends of the Library.

Recommended reading It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan For Living A Richer Life With Less Stuff,” Peter Walsh.

If you are spring cleaning, looking for more space in your home, feeling stressed out from clutter, This book is highly recommend.

From Publishers Weekly: Veteran organizational consultant, TV show host and author Walsh (How to Organize (Just About) Everything) has more ideas in his latest book on clutter management than the spare closet has junk, and, even better, it’s organized, indepth and entirely user-friendly. Part one examines the Clutter Problem: how it happens, how it hampers and how to face it without excuses or discouragement. Part two presents a step-by-step approach to Putting Clutter in its Place, which begins with surface clutter and developing a household plan before moving on to the bulk of the book, a walkthrough of each room in the home. Walsh is upbeat and funny throughout, treating the task at hand like a thrilling archeological dig, a positive and exciting way to unlock your ideal home and unearth those things that are most important in your life. Entertaining and instructive, this is one guidebook readers should place in their keep pile.”

“Childhood Unbound: Saving Our Kids Best Selves–Confident Parenting In A World Of Change,” by Ron Taffel. With warmth and clarity, Taffel, who is himself a parent struggling with these issues, helps us to understand our sons and daughters in an entirely new way: as a distinctive “free-est” generation, born to the first generation of “post-baby boomer” parents and the products of a decades-long cultural sea change that intensified in the ‘90s. As a result, kids of all ages are now a bundle of contradictions: they exude entitlement, back talk shockingly, negotiate endlessly, worship celebrity, do 10 things at once, conduct independent lives online, and engage in high-risk behavior at younger ages. Yet, they are also far more open with their parents and each other than kids in prior generations, are strikingly generous and empathetic, and care deeply about ethical issues. In addition, their high-speed multitasking is preparing them for the demands of the future. The key question, then, is how to encourage the good while steering them away from the bad. Taffel believes today’s parents, having lived through the beginning phases of the same social changes, are uniquely qualified to bring out kids best – and he shows you how. Using a wealth of ex-

amples, he walks parents through innovative methods to get children’s and teens’ attention, to set limits they will respect, and to engage them in meaningful conversation to provide the guidance they need. He also instructs on how to rebuild supportive community around us. His inspiring analysis and expert guidance will be embraced as the authoritative new approach to raising their kids that parents have been searching for.

“Animals Make Us Human: Creating The Best Life For Animals,” Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. From Publishers Weekly: “Grandin, famed for her decadeslong commitment to treating livestock as humanely as possible on its way to slaughter, considers how humans and animals can best interact.

Working from the premise that an animal is a conscious being that has feelings, the autistic author assesses dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, poultry, wildlife and zoo animals based on a core emotion system she believes animals and humans share, including a need to seek; a sense of rage, fear, and panic; feelings of lust; an urge to nurture; and an ability to play. Among observations at odds with conventional wisdom: dogs need human parents, not alpha pack leaders, and cats respond to training. Discussions of why horses are skittish and why pigs are arguably the most intelligent of beasts—raccoons run them a close second—illuminate the intersection of people and more domesticated animals; chapters on cows and chickens focus more generally on animal welfare, particularly the horrific conditions in which they are usually raised and slaughtered. Packed with fascinating insights, unexpected observations and a wealth of how-to tips, Grandin’s peppy work ably challenges assumptions about what makes animals happy.”

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. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, except Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed on Sunday. 715-4831777. E-mail: scflibrary@ifls.lib.wi.us. Online: www.stcroixfallslibrary.org. Holiday hours: The library will be closed Saturday, April 11.

Frederic Public Library Get

"Stamped" at each of Polk County's 10 public libraries.

Friends of the Library meeting The Friends will meet at the library Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. The group meets four times each year, and conducts activities that support library projects and programs. If you would like to become a Friend, please pick up a brochure at the library, or plan to attend the Mar. 26 meeting.

Support your food shelf in March and April During March and April, the more food or financial donations made to the local food shelf, the more money they will receive from the Feinstein Foundation, a group dedicated to alleviating hunger. When you visit the library, be sure to bring some nonperishable food items – you will help keep the food shelf stocked, and the weight of your items will count toward receiving a larger monetary donation from the Feinstein Foundation.

Self checkout now available The next time you’re at the library, try the new self checkout machine, available near the circulation desk. It’s easy, and you will be able to check out or renew items and be on your way in no time.

Book groups to meet The Thursday morning book group will meet April 16, at 10 a.m., to talk about “Broken for You,” by Stephanie Kallos, a story of a reclusive woman whose life changes dramatically when a young boarder turns up on her doorstep. The evening Book Group will meet April 16, at 7 p.m., to discuss Jose Saramago’s “Blindness,” a harrowing tale of

a city hit by an epidemic of “white blindness” which spares no one. Copies of both titles are available at the library, and new members are always welcome.

Need home delivery?

If you live in the village of Frederic and are homebound and cannot visit the library, the library will come to you! Volunteers or library staff will set up a schedule with you, choose materials by your request, and deliver them to your door. If you would like this service (or if you know someone who would benefit from it), please contact the library.

Tax forms are available The basic federal and Wisconsin tax forms are here, including the homestead credit and rent certificate schedules. We will also be happy to download other tax forms from the Web for you.

Free at the library Here’s what’s available from your library, all for you: a library card and millions of items to borrow; a daily newspaper to read; coffee (and sometimes cookies); public computers; wireless access for your laptop; a friendly staff to help you; and interesting conversation with your friends and neighbors.

Stop in!

Hours and information Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak Street West.

715-327-4979, email 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.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Milltown Public Library Book club Calling all bibliophiles! The Milltown book club will gather again on March 25, at 7 p.m.

No assigned books, no stodgy questions.

This will be a time for book lovers to gather, share, and inspire. We’ll post all the discussed books on our Web site.

Autism Awareness Month April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Milltown Library is hosting an informational night on Thursday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. We’ll begin the night by looking at homemade sensory toys and other inexpensive resources.

There will also be time to ask questions of a local teacher who works with kids with autism spectrum disorders, and to talk with other families. Finally, there will be a chance to create your own toys and resources and to check out a variety of valuable materials from the library’s ASD book and video display.

Story hour Join us for a special Peter Rabbit story time on Tuesday, April 7.

Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., year-round.

Story times are free and are designed for children under six and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Perk up We now proudly offer Wren Blend coffee at the Milltown Library all day, every day we’re open! This organic, fair trade coffee tastes fantastic. Meet with friends in our coffee lounge, which now has extra seating, or surf the Web on your laptop while watching the hustle and bustle of Milltown’s Main Street. Our goal is to make your library the living room of the community – please check out and support this newest effort.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast, wireless Internet access. No library card necessary.

Hours The library hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sunday closed.

Polk County Library Hours Osceola Public Library Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Balsam Lake Public Libary

Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m. -8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.

– 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Web site http://www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Centuria Public Library Monday: Noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.; Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: closed; and Saturday: 10 a.m. - noon.

Thursday. Fridays we will be open 11 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Saturday we will be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Dresser Public Library Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Polk County Library Federation The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant library/clerk in Tina Riley. Please call the Polk County Library Federation for more information, 715-485-8680. The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Clear Lake Public Library Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: 2 - 8 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. We can be reached by phone at 715-263-2802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Luck Public Library Open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday –

Poetry contest night and open mike night LUCK – Attention teen poets, April is National Poetry Month. To celebrate this event, enter the Teen Poetry Contest and share your thoughts. Dates for contest: anytime during April 1- 21.

Poetry contest night and open mike night will be held Tuesday, April 28, 5 – 7 p.m. at the Luck Public Library. Rules and entry form are at your local or school library. Between now and April 21, submit up to three of your best poems to a Polk County Library or to a designated school media specialist or English teacher for consideration in the contest. The contest is open to students in grades six through 12 with two categories for middle and high school. First, second, third place and honorable mention will be awarded. Winners will be announced and awards given.

Special hints: Poetry is strong because

of careful word choices, poetry encourages new words, dream words, and poetic license gives you lots of creativity.

Types of poetry to get you started: Metrical poems like Robert Frost writes with rhyme and meter.

Free-verse poetry with no rhyme or pattern, lines of varied length, free punctuation and capitalization.

Sonnets – of many types and topics, Your own poetry style unique to you, with your important message or word style.

Find an entry form and enter your library card number and submit your poem(s). Poets use words which make librarians everywhere very proud. Questions?

Ask a librarian at your local library or call the Polk County Library Federation, 715-485-8680. - submitted

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

Rainbow Bridge Today was awful.

This morning Bart called to tell us Drake had died. It wasn’t unexpected but he had been one of the family for 14 wonderful years. Drake grew up as Brandon and Tristan’s ‘bestus’ friend and he will be missed- a lot.

their shih-tzus. They talked about how cute the dogs were and the idiosyncrasies of each one. Jim said he fed his everything and the other guy said his liked turkey hot dogs.

When they got to stories about loosing prior pets I headed for the fishing department so I wouldn’t embarrass myself. As I stood looking at the Rapalas, the tears ran down my face as I recalled Drake. If either one of those guys had seen me, I was going to tell them I was allergic to minnows.

After I got composed I headed for the front door. As I was leaving, the guy from Minnesota said “Do you have a dog?”

Over my shoulder I said “Ya, a couple of Great Danes,” as I hurried to my truck.

Both of our shih-tzus were looking expectantly out of the back seat window.

By the way, Stormin’ Norman Schwarzkopf once said, “A man who doesn’t cry scares me a little.” My sentiments exactly.

Rainbow Bridge Drake and Megan After moping around all morning I went to Great Northern to check on the fishing reports and look at the picture board. I was eavesdropping on a conversation between Jim and a guy from Minnesota about

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

– Author unknown

Brooke Biedinger

Irregular

Columnist

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Wormy and Squirmy

by Wayne M. Anderson “Where are they?” Wormy whispered to Squirmy, hiding behind two mango trees in Indonesia. “I can’t see them. But something smells rotten. P.U.!”

“Oh, it’s awful,” Squirmy quietly replied, holding his nose. “But that stinky smell means the Komodo dragons are close by. They smell like spoiled eggs.”

The giant Komodo dragons live on the tiny island of Komodo. They grow up to nine feet long and weigh 300 pounds.

But boy, they move fast! Their long claws and big teeth are like razors. And they’re always looking for something to eat.

They don’t eat kids, normally. Deer and goats are tastier. They stink so badly because the saliva (spit) in their mouth is full of dripping, poisonous bacteria.

So when they catch their prey and bite them, the victims get all infected and die.

Then they let their prey rot for awhile and then devour the stinky carcass.

Yuck! It’s gross, but it works. They’ve been dining like this for about 130 million years, give or take a century or two.

Today the dragons only live in Indonesia, mostly on the famous Komodo Island.

“This jungle we’re in is beautiful and creepy, Squirmy. I don’t know what to make of it. What kind of place are we in now?”

“We have to be quiet, Wormy. But I’d better tell you, we’re sitting on another active volcano.”

“What! Are you kidding?” Wormy yelled. “Dragons or not, I’m heading for the beach, pronto!”

“Hey, wait for me,” Squirmy called, bolting after his friend.

Indonesia has lots of beaches and coastline. It’s a country made of 13,700 scattered islands. If you lined them up, they’d make a string 3,400 miles long.

All of this area was created by volcanoes; 130 are still simmering.

The biggest volcanic explosion known happened in Indonesia. The Tambora volcano exploded in 1815, killing some 10,000 people. The soot was so thick in the sky, it blocked the sun’s rays and cooled the whole Earth. People called it, “the year without summer.”

“Let’s hop on a boat and go visit some kids on another island,” suggested Wormy. “I’d like to see what else is happening in Indonesia.”

“You bet other things are happening,” Squirmy chimed in. “I see lots of people here.”

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-mostpopulous country. Only China, India, and America have more people.

“I see a port city up ahead,” Wormy announced, from the bow of the little boat they were island hopping on. “It looks like Semarang, from the map.”

“Yep, that’s it, mate. Semarang is dead ahead – the island of Java.”

Java is home to one very famous person. He was the first visitor to Indone-

sia. Scientists call him Java Man. He lived here about 1.8 million years ago.

Long after Java Man, the famous adventurer Marco Polo passed Wayne M. through here in the 13th century Anderson looking for delicious spices. He The ended up bringAnderson ing spaghetti back from Report China to Italy, which now is a famous Italian food. It’s hard to say where pizza came from.

“It’s hot, Squirmy. Is it always this warm in Indonesia?”

“Yeah, it’s always warm and humid here. It’s because we’re near the equator.”

In winter it’s 70 degrees, and in summer it’s 90 degrees on average. And it rains a lot. Expect to get soaked during the monsoon season.

The traveling worms got off the rickety boat and wormed and squirmed their way downtown to meet some new friends. Talking with others in Indonesia could take a long time.

Here they speak about 300 languages and dialects. The official language is called Bahasa. But out and about on the streets and marketplaces, you will hear many tongues, like Chinese, Indian, Dutch, and English.

“Hi,” said Wormy to a bright-eyed girl standing in a school uniform. “My pal over there and I just got into town. We’re traveling around the world meeting new kids and checking things out.”

“Hello, my name is Ika,” she replied.

“I am 13 years old. I go to School No. 13.

It’s a government school.”

“How do you do,” Squirmy said, introducing himself. “I see lots of kids around here. Do they all go to school?”

“No, I am lucky. I can go,” said Ika. “Many cannot.”

She pointed to three little ones playing on the street corner, as cars busily drove by. They are too poor and have no way to get to school. So these children just hang around the marketplace all day and try not to get into trouble.

Ika called the three little kids. The children were wearing dusty clothes and ran over to meet the strangers.

“Hello, I am Iin. I’m 10,” said the tallest one.

“My name is Randi … Oh yeah, I am 6 years old. I never met a worm before.”

Everyone started giggling. Then the last one spoke up.

“Never mind him. I am Monic and I am also 10.”

Ika explained that these children had to stop going to school because their mothers could no longer afford to pay.

Private school costs as much as $10 per month. Books, paper and other supplies

A pair of Komodo dragons bask in the morning sun on the famed Komodo Island.

A typical island family gathers to cook their afternoon meal. – Illustrations

by Jake Ryan, Kaylynn Anderson and John Schneider, Grantsburg High School.

Photos by Wayne Anderson are extra.

This year the government is creating more free public schools. But a lot of them are far away, too far to walk. They have very few school buses, unlike in Wisconsin.

Even if they could get to school, a lot of parents don’t think education is real important. They believe it’s better for the boys to get jobs, and the girls to find a rich man and get married.

“The hardest thing is to change the way parents think,” said Ika. “But change is happening.”

And Wormy and Squirmy are encouraged about the future of these great kids in Indonesia. It is a poor country, but they have a rich culture with a beautiful

smile—and an open invitation.

“Please come and visit here,” said Ika with open sincerity and a secret. “The girls like American boys, because they are tall!”

Things to remember: Komodo dragons’ mouths are full of bacteria; they like rotten food.

The biggest volcano, Tambora, exploded in 1815 and the soot blocked the sun’s rays, cooling the Earth. People called it, “the year without summer.”

The first visitor to Indonesia was Java Man. He lived 1.8 million years ago.

Private school costs about $10 per month. Many kids can’t afford this and don’t go to school.

Two local boys paddle out to meet the cruise ship, hoping for a tip.

Four student girls in uniform do some shopping after school and send “peace” to the students in Wisconsin.

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

"Beauty and the Beast"

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG – The Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre and Grantsburg Community Education presented “Beauty and the Beast” on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, delighting audiences with music and laughter.

Grantsburg Elementary, Middle and High School students acting in the play had one week to learn lines, music and choreography for the two performances.

The Prairie Fire Theatre group tours throughout the Midwest during the year to give children the opportunity to participate in a professional theatrical experience. The group specializes in original adaptations of classic children’s tales, conducts a program for junior and senior high schools, and is also available for theatrical workshop residencies.

Grins on gypsies Tymber King, Audrey Lauer, Carolyn Peterson and Jordan Phillips showed how much they enjoyed their “Beauty and the Beast” roles. Over 50 Grantsburg students participated in two performances of the classic children’s tale this past weekend.

Grantsburg first-grader Zachary Maslow showed off his best gargoyle pose during the “Beauty and the Beast” performance at the Grantsburg High School auditorium Saturday afternoon.

Roses by any other name would be Belle Ress, Rachel Ress, Danielle Bertelsen and Savanna Trittlewitz. The budding actresses gave a flowery performance in the “Beauty and the Beast” play performed last weekend by Grantsburg students at the high school auditorium.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

The classic story of “Beauty and the Beast” was presented this past weekend at Grantsburg High School. The play ended as many fairy tales do, with the prince, played by Derek Stevens, and the beauty, played by Elizabeth Gaffney, looking into each other’s eyes, hoping to live happily ever after.

Samantha Scribner’s character, Ambitia, one of the beauty’s family, checks out her image during a scene from “Beauty and the Beast,” presented at the Grantsburg High School auditorium last Friday and Saturday.

LEFT: There were plenty of giggles from gypsy girls, Grace Gaffney and Katie Curtin, during a performance of “Beauty and the Beast” last Saturday at the Grantsburg Fine Arts auditorium.

RIGHT: Portraying a group of madrigals, Katie Miller, Delia Labatt and Megan Miller entertained the audience during the “Beauty and the Beast” performance at Grantsburg High School Saturday afternoon.

In her role as a rose, Rachel Ress nearly sang her petals off, during one of the musical numbers in “Beauty and the Beast.” The Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre and Grantsburg Community Education presented the play last weekend at the Grantsburg High School auditorium.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Pins, not pucks bring in big bucks Grantsburg Youth Hockey Association holds successful second-annual Ice Bowling fundraiser

by Priscilla Bauer GRANTSBURG - When 27 teams hit the ice at the Grantsburg Arena Friday night it wasn’t to play hockey. Pins replaced pucks as Grantsburg’s hockey arena was transformed into a bowling alley for the second-annual Grantsburg Youth Hockey Association Ice-Bowling event.

Bowling balls bammed down ice where usually hockey sticks slapped, and pins plunking down replaced the sound of sliding pucks. Players slid across the ice in shoes instead of skates.

Ice bowlers trod carefully, trying to

stay upright on the icy lanes while attempting to make the pins fall, resulting in a laughter-filled arena of bowlers and spectators alike, watching the unique styles and techniques displayed by team members.

“Everyone had a good time,” said icebowling organizer, Rick Quimby.

Quimby said he was pleased the second year of the event was such a success.”

Quimby said the hockey group considered the current economy and refined some things including the event’s admission charges. “We lowered the price this year for the teams due to the economy,” said Quimby.

“We raised around $5,200 and that’s fantastic for us,“ added Quimby, who noted the event’s success is not only gauged from a financial standpoint but also for the entertainment value it provides to the community.

Along with the ice bowling, those attending bid on silent auction items, had

Judy Olsen showed fellow bowler Mike Chell her unique technique of how to get a bowling ball down an ice lane. Olsen’s style provided lots of funny moments for her Village Floral teammates during ice bowling Saturday night at the Grantsburg Hockey Arena.

fun winning raffle prizes and enjoyed the food and beverage concessions.

Quimby said some of the money from the fundraiser would to grow the association’s program of teaching hockey to kids. “Last year was the first year we offered the program. We gave 50 percent off to new skaters who wanted to try playing hockey. We had two kids who were 13 years old and had never played before. It was good to see older kids taking advantage of the program. We want kids of all ages to have the opportunity to try the sport.”

Next year Quimby says kids wanting to try hockey will be able to do it 100 percent free of registration and equipment charges. “We have already purchased 10 full bags of equipment for next year to add to 12 we had.”

Quimby said the association also sponsors a free learn to skate program, which just focuses on teaching kids to skate.

“We had a good turnout last year with 24 kids. We just want kids to come and learn to skate. We don’t push them to join hockey. We want to grow this program, too, as it will also help grow our hockey program.”

The McNally Industries team was this year’s tournament winner. The Village Floral team, decked out in Hawaiian attire, beat out Lee’s Pro Shop (last year’s winners who this year made their own champion team sweatshirts) for the best team costume award. The Trailer City team placed second. Craig “Saint” St. Sauver of Lee’s Pro Shop won best individual costume with his big cowboy hat.

Quimby said the group will build on this year’s success for next year’s event.

“We’re learning what works and what

Sheri Hacker points to where she hopes to send her bowling ball as she gets ready to take her turn at ice bowling. Hacker’s team, McNally Industries, went on to win this year’s hockey association ice-bowling tournament. doesn’t,” commented Quimby. “Next year we plan to add a band or DJ and have an ice dance after bowling.”

Quimby said the members of the hockey association really worked to make this year’s event a success. “I had back surgery and really needed to rely on the help of others in the group this year. They really stepped up to do a great job.”

Judy Olsen takes a tumble after her turn at ice bowling. Olsen, who was embarrassed but uninjured, took the fall in fun, as did other bowlers slipping and sliding at the ice-bowling event at the Grantsburg Hockey arena last weekend.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

After finishing bowling with her Farmer’s Independent Telephone Company team, the High-Speed Strikers, Kelly Gross gets a ride on the ice from husband, Jared, at Saturday night’s ice-bowling event.

A gloved Michelle Lee smiles as she resets pins for another bowler during Saturday night’s ice-bowling event at the Grantsburg Hockey Arena. Lee and other Grantsburg Youth Hockey members didn’t seem to mind taking turns at the chilly job of pin setting, cheering bowlers on throughout the evening of fun on the ice.

Mitch Ryan lets out a cheer after getting a strike on the ice. The Ryan, Thoreson and Finch families teamed up for some ice-bowling fun at the Grantsburg Hockey Arena Saturday evening.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

Girls Scouts hold Raingutter Regatta

All the Girl Scouts who participated in the Raingutter Regatta.

GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Girl Scouts Service Unit held their yearly fundraiser for the Family Partnership Campaign. The Scouts have done numerous different events in the past. This is the first Raingutter Regatta that they have held. As a whole family event, the girls built and painted their own boats. The regatta was held at Woodlands Bar and Grille / Crex Convention Center.

Photos submitted

LEFT: Dad Paul Moyer and daughter Tiffani were racing against each other during the event.

RIGHT: Some of the Girl Scouts with their boats.

Vern Peterson donates rocks to Siren School

Siren fifth-graders, along with their teachers, Laurie Bakkum and Darrell Imhoff, were invited into the school’s media center Tuesday, March 17, to hear about the rocks Vernon Peterson is giving to the school. The rocks will be housed in a special, lighted cabinet, and the students were told about the significance of each one. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Region 2 FFA Speaking Contest Teacher Jeanne Alling, her daughter, Johanna Alling, and Jessica Raboin represented Unity High School FFA at the Region 2 FFA Speaking Contest hosted

by Shell Lake FFA on Monday, March 16.

— Photo by Larry Samson

Siren fifth-grade teacher Darrell Imhoff (L) helped Vernon Peterson unpack rocks that will be placed in a special, lighted case in the school’s media center. Peterson, a lifelong rock collector, donated special rocks for similar cases at Grantsburg and Webster schools, and has gone to each of the schools to explain why he chose those particular rocks. His visit to Siren came Tuesday, March 17.

The trilobite is the Wisconsin state fossil, and a trilobite was included among the rocks Vernon Peterson has given to each of the three schools in Burnett County.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Retired Educators to host Wisconsin Retirement Systems Seminar LUCK – The Polk-Burnett Retired Educators Association will host a free seminar for participants of the Wisconsin Retirement System on Tuesday, April 7, from 7 – 8:30 p.m., at the Luck High School Library, 810 7th Street South, Luck.

The focus will be on the Wisconsin Retirement System pension benefits and

options. This seminar is geared to WRS participants including teachers, administrators, support staff, spouses, and school personnel who are planning to retire or are beginning to think about it.

The presenter from the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association will be Roger Byers, a former retirement benefit specialist at the Department of Em-

ployee Trust Funds.

WREA, which was organized in 1951, is a statewide association of over 13,000 members. It is recognized for protecting the public pension fund and promoting public education. With a central office in Middleton, WREA maintains a strong lobbying presence by representing the views of retired educators.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 1, to either Muriel Pfeifer at 715-268-6578 or e-mail mpfeifer@amerytel.net or Clayton Jorgensen at 715-463-5725 or e-mail gramputt@grantsburgtelcom.net. - submitted

Milltown American Legion Auxiliary Post 254 is reorganizing MILLTOWN - All women who have or have had a member of their family involved in any of the following conflicts are eligible to be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary: World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War,

Girl Scouts to hold spring dog wash SIREN – The Girl Scouts are having a dog wash on Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at The Pet and Tack Store in Siren, to help raise funds for a trip to Europe to meet other Girl Scouts and learn how they do things. The Scouts would like to visit Germany, France and England. The dog wash is sponsored

by The Pet and Tack Store of Siren.

The cost of the dog wash will vary depending on the size and the length of the hair of the dog, from $10 to $25. All dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine before entering the store. To reserve a spot, please call 715-866-5446. - submitted

CPR review classes offered by th e American Red Cross BALSAM LAKE – The American Red Cross is offering the following classes.

Adult/AED CPR Review on Tuesday, April 7, 5:30-8 p.m.; First Aid Review on Wednesday, April 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Infant/Child Review on Thursday, April 9, 5:30-8 p.m.

These classes will be held at the Polk County Red Cross Office located in Balsam Lake. Preregistration is requested.

To register call Terry Anderson at 715-4853025 or register online at www.scvarc.org. Classes may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment. submitted

Lebanon/Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf or Iraq.

Milltown America Legion Auxiliary Post 254 is reorganizing with the purpose of serving the community and supporting military and former military

personnel.

Please consider joining the Milltown American Legion Auxiliary. They meet the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., at the Milltown Community Center.

For more information, call Joan Juleen,

715-825-3423, Brenda Wheeler, 715-8252454, or Lynn Wonka, 715-472-2090. submitted

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

Good Samaritan Society - Home care provides growing medical service in Polk County

by Ginger LaMotte, marketing coordinator POLK COUNTY – In 2007, Wade Reddy, administrator of the Good Samaritan Society – St. Croix Valley campus in St. Croix Falls, and a team of experts from the Good Samaritan Society National Campus in Sioux Falls, SD, laid the groundwork for adding home care to the campus’ list of home and community-based services.

In 2008, Karen Littlefield joined the campus as home care director. Karen graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She attended college at the same time as her two children, which fulfilled a longtime dream of receiving a college education.

Littlefield has worked in the home care environment and as a public health nurse, and she was director of nursing at a long-term care center for five years. Currently, she serves on the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Nursing Advisory Board.

As home care director, Littlefield has formed the Home Care Advisory Board. Members are Dr. Thomas Hinck, Dr. Steven Bont, the Rev. Mark Woeltge, Kathleen Gionis, Kris McCormack, Kitty Severson and Diane Lechman. Littlefield is now visiting local senior centers, churches, dining programs, senior support groups and discharge planners to tell them more about the advantages of home care. Contact also has been made with the 11-county consortium, Northern Bridges, that will start serving Medicaid patients in June.

The Good Samaritan Society – Home Care offers the assistance people need to keep living at home, whether

Karen Littlefield, RN, BSN, is the Good Samaritan Society – Home Care director. – Photo submitted

it’s helping them stay well, recover from sickness or injury, keeping them company or having someone provide for their daily needs of living.

Home care provides registered nurse assessments, skilled nursing visits, all therapies, home health aides and homemakers. In addition to specific health-related needs, services include companionship, grocery shopping, picking up medications, medication services, appointment scheduling and home safety evaluations.

The Home Care Agency office is located at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls. This partnership with the medical center is beneficial to both entities, offering full-service choices from hospital care to home care and recuperation. State license approval was received in December 2008. Private duty services have been offered since Jan. 5. The agency will begin serving Medicare clients no later than April 1.

Choosing a home care agency is an important responsibility. Besides delivering the most qualified care possible, the home care agency must be one that clients and their families trust and feel comfortable about. It must be one that employs staff members who are technically skilled and emotionally sensitive, reliable and respectful. The Good Samaritan Society – Home Care rests in a philosophy that everyone deserves to feel loved, valued and to be treated with dignity. Home Care is about giving people hope and helping them overcome fear.

If considering home care for a family member or friend please contact Littlefield at 715-483-0373.

E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.theleader.net

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

District music festival at Frederic FREDERIC - Hundreds of music students from numerous area schools will participate in a Wisconsin School Music Association sanctioned Solo and Ensemble Music Festival hosted by Frederic High School on Tuesday, March 31. During the festival, which is free and open to the public, students will perform vocal and instrumental solos, duets, trios and small ensembles before an adjudicator.

WSMA music festivals annually attract thousands of students from middle, junior high and high schools throughout Wisconsin. The festival held at Frederic High School on Tuesday, March 31, will draw students

from a number of area schools, including Amery Middle and High School, Frederic High School, Grantsburg High School, Luck High School, Osceola High School, St. Croix Falls High School, Siren High School, Somerset High School, Unity High School and Webster High School.

“These festivals are focused on providing a positive learning experience for students with lifelong educational benefits,” said Gregg Butler, WSMA interim executive director.

The primary purposes of WSMA music festivals are to:

• Establish standards of quality for music literature.

• Motivate students to prepare and perform to the best of their abilities.

• Improve students’ understanding of music literature and music concepts (performance with understanding).

• Support improvement of school music programs through individual and group achievement.

• Encourage exploration of diverse musical styles and ensemble combinations.

For more information on WSMA, go to www.wsmamusic.org. - from WSMA

St. Croix Falls students to appear in Capitol art exhibition ST. CROIX FALLS – For the second year in a row, three St. Croix Falls Elementary students are receiving honors for outstanding achievement in art. These students will have their artwork on display with other K12 students from across the state at the annual Wisconsin Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison and will be on display March 7-20.

Only three students may have their work submitted from each school. The students pictured were chosen to represent St. Croix Falls. Their work was sent to be judged regionally, in hopes of advancing on to the state level. Only 50 works of art from local area schools

(made by students of all ages) can move forward to the state exhibition. These three students were fortunate to all advance.

In addition, 40 other students’ artwork will be on display at the YAM Northwest Regional Exhibition. This show will be held in New Richmond at the WITC Campus from March 22 through April 1. Works made by the following SCF students will be exhibiting: Kindergarten—Sienna Shoop, Michael Knapp, Sam Wilson, Abby Jensen, Clarissa Nygren, Austin Peterson and Ellie Brice. First grade—Ryan Ciminski, Isabella Langer, Emily Launderville, Bradly Schmitz and Azalea Edwards. Second grade—Marlynne Deede, Alyssa Tucker, Ella Berens, Jenna Hankel, Tony DeLuca, Joe

Erin Gray, shows her Frida Alaina Driscoll, displays her Kahlo-inspired self-portrait. monochromatic leaf print. She She is the daughter of Joel and is the daughter of John and Joann Gray.

Kris Driscoll. – Photos submitted

Gorres, Christina Nygren, Heather Hankel and Austin Cummings. Third grade—Noah Horn, Collin Podritz, Rachel Easland, Kalli Christenson, Grace Klein and Sam Hoefler. Fourth grade—Olivia Peer, Joey Schmitz, Sam McKinven, Eve DeSmet and Kevin Cross. Fifth grade— Treven Gearhart, Sophie Klein, Natalie Fisk, Ori Blesi, Anthony Seeley, Jon Bishop, Jaylyn Lammert, Erica Mevissen and Brooklyn Kelash. - submitted by Jennifer Clemins, SCF K-5 Art Instructor

Carver Hoverman, holds up his glueline sunflower. He is the son of Brad Hoverman and Melissa Ward.

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

Menu LOCATION

MARCH 30 - APRIL 3

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST Hot pocket, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Nachos, assorted toppings, corn, refried beans OR chicken taco salad.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon pancake, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH K-6 Menu: Chicken corn dogs, assorted dipping sauce, green beans, no salad.

BREAKFAST Cinnamon roll, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Smile chicken, nuggets, smile fries, raw veggies OR beef taco salad.

BREAKFAST Breakfast bites, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Easter Dinner: Turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, Easter cookie, dinner roll. No salad.

BREAKFAST Yogurt/Rice Krispie bar, cereal, juice, milk.

LUNCH Italian dunkers with sauce, cooked carrots OR tuna salad.

LUNCH Hamburger with fixings, vegetable beef soup, mini carrots & celery sticks, mixed fruit.

LUNCH Taco salad with fixings, refried beans, corn, applesauce.

LUNCH Hot ham & cheese wrap, oven potatoes, broccoli, bananas, oranges, apples, bread basket.

LUNCH Spaghetti, meat sauce, garlic toast, carrots, chocolate pudding, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Pizza, lettuce salad, green beans, sliced pears, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/bagel.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, corn bread, baked beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hamburger, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/French toast.

LUNCH Meatballs & gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/long john.

LUNCH Chicken patty on a bun, tater tots, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Nachos supreme, tortilla chips, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken patty , 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Hot dogs, hash browns, green beans, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 712.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with juice and milk.

LUNCH Hot dog, french fries, veg. beans, carrots, peaches. Alt.: Fruit/cottage cheese/yogurt.

BREAKFAST Mini pancakes, juice and milk.

LUNCH Peanut butter & jelly, yogurt, peas, veggies, applesauce. Alt.: Chicken tender wrap.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with juice and milk.

LUNCH Hamburger on a bun, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, baked beans, pears. Alt.: Pita pocket.

BREAKFAST Mini pancakes, juice and milk.

LUNCH Chicken patty, corn chips, green beans, coleslaw, strawberries. Alt.: Sloppy joes.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal, toast served with juice and milk.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, rice, whole-kernel corn, veggies, pineapple, mandarin oranges. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Strawberry cinnamon bakes.

LUNCH Chicken patty, bun, french fries, green beans, applesauce.

BREAKFAST Scrambled eggs with toast.

LUNCH Pepperoni pizza, lettuce salad, corn, pears.

FREDERIC GRANTSBURG Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITY WEBSTER

Early risers.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Pizza calzones & creamed corn.

LUNCH Cheeseburger, bun, green beans, potatoes, pineapple, banana.

MENU NOT AVAILABLE

MENU NOT AVAILABLE

BREAKFAST French toast.

LUNCH Hamburger and fries.

BREAKFAST Breakfast bites.

LUNCH Sub sandwich, cottage cheese and chips.

BREAKFAST Belgian waffles with toppings.

LUNCH Tacos with fixings, soft shell or chips.

LUNCH Pizza patty, carrots, potatoes OR beef stroganoff, rice, corn, applesauce, peaches.

LUNCH Barbecue pork, bun, potato wedges, baked beans OR hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, mixed fruit, pears.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, scalloped potatoes, green beans, peaches, pineapple.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Cheese dogs w/toppings, MENU NOT AVAILABLEbaked chips, cinnamon applesauce baked beans. Alt.: Veggie beef barley, turkey sandwich.

Long johns.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Cheese pizza, mixed vegetable and pudding.

LUNCH Tuna salad sub sandwich, fresh veggies, fresh fruit.

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

CHURCH NEWS

Consistent Christianity

Moving experiences

I just can’t count on the deer that come to my food pile. For several days they appear about 4 p.m And then, boom! They start coming at 10 a.m. Sometimes I wait all day for them, checking out the window every time I walk past.

They’re as unreliable as an old car.

Their unreliability got me thinking about my own. How reliable am I as a follower of Christ? Do I consistently spend time ministering to the Lord by daily studying Perspectives his word and praying? Do I consistently praise him for his love and power and strength, and thank him for his unfailing provision?

Or am I as undependable as the deer in my backyard?

Do I consistently show him my love by helping others? Am I even-tempered when I feel upset? Am I willing to forgive a wrong against me? Or do I put my own wants before the needs of those I encounter?

The Bible tells us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God … and walk in love.” (Ephesians 4:32-5:1) The Bible also tells us to serve one another, submit to one another fervently, instruct one another, encourage one another, help one another, love one another, and be hospitable to one another. As we minister to others, our ministry extends to God himself.

Many believers wait and wait for God to guide them into a certain kind of ministry. Perhaps we don’t need to be looking to do “great things” for God’s kingdom.

Perhaps he merely wants us to practice serving one another.

When we humbly minister to one another, great things can be accomplished for his kingdom. These things can draw others to his love and forgiveness.

They can encourage someone to leave a sinful lifestyle. They can strengthen a discouraged follower of Christ. God encourages us to show acts of kindness in everything we do.

Such ministry should be undertaken every day. A life of self-sacrificing, loving Christianity should not be a part-time endeavor. We should strive to be followers of Christ all of the time.

Lord, teach us to minister to you by serving one another every day. May your love shine through us in all of our thoughts, words, and deeds. Unlike the inconsistent deer, we want you to be able to count on us to be faithful ministers for your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

Sally Bair Eternal

They didn’t have Mayflower, U-haul or cattle trailers.

We can’t be sure what kind of carts they may have had, but they did caravan their people and their substance out of Ur to Haran on their way to the land of Canaan.

Genesis 11:31 states, “And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter-inlaw, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.” Why did they do this?

Because “the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1).

Even when you want to move, it’s never easy. The older you get, the more content you are to stay put.

Home is home. No one would come to understand that more than Lot and his wife. Even when Lot’s righteous soul was vexed daily (2 Peter 2:8) and moving was a must, that family’s roots were in Sodom and moving would be difficult on a number of levels.

There were several hardships along the way to Canaan. In fact, there was no way to travel a straight line. They would have had to cross the Arabian Desert.

You notice in most Bible maps, the route followed the path of water sources, namely the Euphrates River, then from Haran down into the area known as Palestine.

There were two deaths in the family while on this pilgrimage. Haran, Lot’s father (Abram’s brother) passed away in Ur before they left. This must have been difficult for Terah, Haran’s father. Then Terah died while they dwelt in Haran for a period of time. Nevertheless, “Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran” (Genesis 12:4).

He did all this with the promise that God made, “I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3).

Many would have made excuses why they couldn’t carry out the charge of God. One time a disciple said to Jesus, “Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead” (Matthew 8:21-22).

It’s not clear why Abraham kept on moving toward

the south, perhaps curiosity. But there was a grievous famine that developed in the land. And Abram went down into Egypt. One might question why Abram did this. Did God tell him to go to Egypt? He was to sojourn to the land of Canaan. He was there, why travel further? He trusted God to get him safely to Canaan, why not trust Him to help him survive the famine? You’ll remember, not only did he lie to Pharaoh about Sarai and his marital status (Genesis 12:11-20), Abram also allowed Sarai to take matters into her own hands regarding God’s promise of Preacher’s childbirth and the fulfillment of a seed promise (Genesis 16:1-6).

Abram’s sojourn and even the Israelites 40 year wilderness tour are typical of the Christian’s life while on this earth. God has called us out of the world into His Kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet 2:9). We have been called that we might inherit a blessing (1 Pet. 3:9). This world is not our home, we’re just passing through. We’re on our way to Canaan’s fair and happy land. But sometimes we are distracted by the drama of this life and we make decisions that are not consistent with the promises of God. I don’t know about you, but doing the will of God is enough adventure, without having to experience the repercussions of making decisions without the approval of God! May God help us to learn from the mistakes of others and save ourselves the heartache. (Written by Kris Groda) If readers have questions you would like answered in this weekly column or simply wish to know more about the Church of Christ, we would like to invite you to call 715-866-7157, visit our Web site at www.burnettcountycofc.com or stop by the church building at 7425 West Birch Street in Webster. Sunday Bible class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

Office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. noon.

Garret Derouin The Pen

News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran The women of Pilgrim are cooking up a storm for the Lenten suppers. Pictured are (L to R) Sylvia Hansen, June Fossum, Clarice Lindahl, Joan Funne, Betty Schmietendorf and Nancy Morten. – Photo submitted

Easter church schedules set Yellow Lake Lutheran Church DANBURY – Good Friday service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Easter Sunday services are at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a .m.

Faith Lutheran Church BALSAM LAKE – Palm Sunday service at 9:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m.

East Balsam Baptist Church BALSAM LAKE – Good Friday service at East Balsam Baptist Church at 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday service at 9:30 a.m.

Easter Cantata is on Sunday, April 19, at 7 p.m.

Fristad Lutheran Church CENTURIA – Maundy Thursday Passover supper at Fristad Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday worship service at North Valley, 5 p.m..

Easter Sunday services: Sunrise service at 7 a.m.; breakfast, 8-9:15 a.m.; festival worship at 9:30 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. –Reconciliation service on Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Holy Thursday, 7 p.m. Mass with Adoration to follow until midnight; Good Friday, 3 p.m. service; Holy Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil; and Easter Sunday, 7:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Masses.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church FRANCONIA, Minn. –Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Confessions, 7 p.m. Stations/Cross, 7:30 p.m. Mass; Holy Thursday, 7 p.m. Mass, Adoration to follow until 10 p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m. service; Holy Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil; Easter Sunday, 9 a.m. Mass.

FREDERIC – The women of Pilgrim are cooking up a storm for the Lenten suppers. Last Wednesday the group made homemade chili and grilled cheese sandwiches and of course some cookies and bars to satisfy the sweet tooth. Supper is served every Wednesday at 5:30 with worship at 6:30 throughout the Lenten Season.

After services last Wednesday, the sanctuary choir had their first rehearsal and sang the song “Lamb of God” at worship this past Sunday. The choir is busy rehearsing hymns for Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

The church is conducting a food and money drive for the local food shelf from March 1 through April 30. The Feinstein Foundation has once again agreed to match

dollars for money raised and items that are donated to the food shelf here in Frederic as well as other participating food shelves in the area. What a great way to help those who have less than we have.

Pilgrim Lutheran invites everyone to attend Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. and Sunday school at 9 a.m. and all children from pre-K through sixth grade are welcome to come. On the second Sunday of the month worship is a more contemporary service which has been well received by the congregation. Check out their Web site www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org or call the church office at 327-8012 for more information. submitted

Public invited to “The Thorn” Easter drama ST. PAUL. Minn. - Plan now to attend the incredible Easter production of “The Thorn” at North Heights Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn., on April 4.

“The Thorn” is the amazing Easter story, told by the disciple, John. Following in the tradition of “The Passion Play,” North Heights brings you this stage production. It is a real, relevant, and realistic portrayal of what happened to Jesus. This story is a behind-the-scenes look at the greatest supernatural battle between darkness and light. “The Thorn” portrays the spiritual significance of the crown of thorns Jesus was forced to wear and his deep love that compelled him to lay down

his life for us.

The kids will love it as “The Thorn” is performed complete with animals including: bunnies, baby chicks, a goat, a donkey, a camel, sheep and more. There is a large variety of animals to see during the popular marketplace scene.

Transportation will be by coach bus from Frederic Free Church on Saturday, April 4, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are group discounted at $15 each. Call Bonnie at the Frederic Free Church at 327-8767 to purchase tickets or for more information. - submitted

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

CHURCH NEWS/OBITUARIES Spring orchestra concerts set ST. CROIX VALLEY Spring is here – what better way to celebrate than with some great pieces played by musicians from your neighborhood! The St. Croix Valley Orchestra will be continuing its 18th season with spring concerts soon in this area.

Cheryl Clemens of Amery is the featured soloist, playing Mozart’s last instrumental composition, the Cheryl Clemens of Clarinet Concerto. Along Amery is the featured with this great work the or- soloist, playing chestra will perform Mozart’s last instruBeethoven’s first sym- mental composition, phony and an elegant the Clarinet Concerto, Strauss waltz, the “Em- in the St. Croix Valley peror Waltz.” Under the diOrchestra’s spring rection of Randolph Elliott, Special concerts. the orchestra consists of about 30 players coming photo from the extended St. Croix valley area – from Balsam Lake to Cambridge and from Marine on St. Croix to Grantsburg.

Public performances will be begin with a preview at Point Pleasant Heights in Chisago City, Minn., on Monday, March 30, at 7 p.m. Concerts will continue at Spring Lake Lutheran Church west of North Branch , Minn., at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3; in Amery at the Congregational church at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4; and in Taylors Falls, Minn., at the Methodist church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 5. With the generous help of donations from local businesses and individuals, admission is open to all with a freewill donation at the concerts. For more information, visit the Web site at www.scvorchestra.org. - from SCVO

Iris O. Lumsden Iris O. Lumsden, 91, died March 16, 2009, at Good Samaritan in St.Croix Falls.

Iris was born on Oct. 16, 1917, in North English, Iowa, to Grace (Miles) and Perry Bear. She moved to St. Croix Falls, with her parents and sister, Norma, when she was 3 years old.

She attended grade school and high school in the city of St. Croix Falls. She attended the Polk County College there in 1936 and 1950. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin State College of River Falls in 1963, while she continued teaching 27 years in Polk County schools.

Iris married Harry Lumsden on July 22, 1940, in New Hampton, Iowa, and moved to their farm home in Centuria. After retirement, she became active in volunteer work at the St. Croix Valley Memorial Hospital and as a member of the St. Croix Valley Memorial Auxiliary as secretary for 10 years.

She served as an officer of the St. Patrick’s Altar Society as vice president. She became a Eucharistic minister and a lector at the church. With an interest in quilting and crafts, she became a member of a quilt group and a craft club. She conducted annual bazaars at the hospital salad luncheons and the St. Patrick’s Church for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Lumsden; her parents, Perry and Grace (Miles) Bear; her sister, Norma (Leo) Moncrief; and special friend, Stephen Rivard.

She is survived by two nieces, Molly Howard and great-niece Allison of Longview, Wash.; and Joanne (Bob) Waldrop; and great-nephew, Alex Waldrop of Lynnwood, Wash.; many special friends and neighbors; and especially John and Kathie Wilson and family.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 23, 2009, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, with Father John Drummy officiating. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Milltown.

The St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Taylors Falls United Methodist Church celebrates its 150th anniversary TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – On Sunday, March 29, at 10 a.m., Taylors Falls United Methodist Church will celebrate Founder’s Day as part of their sesquicentennial celebration. The public is invited. This church building is the oldest continuously used Methodist church in Minnesota. It is constructed of white pine and built in the Greek Revival architectural style familiar to the many early settlers from New England because it reminded them of “back home”.

John Wesley will be the guest speaker. Wesley, founder of the Methodist Movement, will be portrayed by the Rev. Jack Haddorff. Items of interest from the first 50 years of the Taylors Falls church will be on display and the congregation will sing to the accompaniment of its original pump organ. Mr. Folsom will greet you at the door.

One hundred and fifty years ago on March 27, 1859, a class of 35 was organized, officially forming the congregation. The land for the building was donated by W.H.C. Folsom and his wife, Mary Jane.

Although officially organized in 1859 and the church building dedicated in early January, 1862, it has its roots in the early 1850s. Circuit riders from the Sunrise Mission started holding service in homes and in the schoolhouse in 1852. In 1857 the Wisconsin Conference appointed the Reverend H. M. Nichols to hold service in Taylors Falls’ Town House School.

Parishioners at Columbia Heights Community UMC made a John Wesley costume for the Rev. Jack Haddorff to help celebrate the bicentennial. Haddorf has since portrayed Wesley on many occasions.

As a history major in college, Haddorff found the connection between the Methodist Movement within the Church of England a fascinating study. Added to that is the unique Wesley family dynamics which had its profound affect on how things are done as United Methodists. Come meet the grand old man in person.

The church is located at 290 West Government Street

Taylors Falls United Methodist Church is celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary throughout this year. The public is invited to a special Founder’s Day Service to take place this Sunday, March 29, at 10 a.m. Construction on the church began in 1859. It took two years to complete because of a manpower shortage. When President Lincoln called for volunteers for the Civil War in 1860, recruits from the Taylors Falls area were sworn into service inside the still-uncompleted church. This historic church with its present-day active, vital ministry, has been an important presence in the St. Croix Valley these 150 years. – Photo submitted next to the 1855 Folsom House Museum in the Angel Hill Historic District of Taylors Falls. Call 651-465-6635 for additional information. - submitted

Agnes Helene (Bakken) Thorstad Agnes Helene (Bakken) Thorstad of Frederic died Monday, March 16, 2009, at the United Pioneer Home in Luck. She was 95 years old.

Agnes was born on Dec. 21, 1913, one of six children, to Hannah (Dahl) Bakken and Albert Bakken. She grew up on a farm in Barron County south of Chetek, where she especially liked the wooded bluffs with violets and arbutus on the hilltops and chokecherries and blackberries in the valleys.

Agnes was baptized and confirmed (and eventually married) at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church near Sand Creek. She taught Sunday school for many years and was active in the Luther League. At age 16, she joined her older siblings in church choir. That spring the choir drove to Northfield, Minn., to take part in Syttende Mai (Norwegian Independence Day) festivities at St. Olaf College. Later their choir would sometimes participate in the Choral Union Concerts at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.

After graduating from the one-room elementary school that stood on a corner lot on the Bakken family’s own land, Agnes took the two-year high school course then available in Dallas, and then graduated from Barron High School where she was class salutatorian. Soon after, she graduated from Barron County Normal School at Rice Lake. From 1932 to 1942, she taught in rural elementary schools of Barron County, including the same schoolhouse she’d gone to as a child. She also took summer school sessions in Eau Claire and always attended the annual teachers conventions there. In 1939 she and her cousin Gladys traveled by train to the New York World’s Fair.

In July of 1942, Agnes married Harold Marlin Thorstad of Rice Lake and the couple moved to Minneapolis to do defense work for the World War II effort.

Since gasoline was rationed, the couple didn’t use the car much except for trips back home to Wisconsin, but they rode the streetcars of the Twin Cities and also took long walks. They enjoyed attending many different churches and had many nice times going to plays, concerts and other events with relatives.

In 1947, they moved with baby son Bruce to Rice Lake, where they joined Bethany Lutheran Church, and where Harold became an employee of the Home Gas Company, later to become the Texgas Company. In Rice Lake, the young family grew as daughter, Merilee and son Brian were born. In 1962 they moved to Frederic when Harold was promoted as manager of the Texgas LP gas plant. After renting a house on Round Lake for a few months, they moved into their new home in Frederic and joined Pilgrim Lutheran Church on Dec. 1.

Their household on Benson Avenue was the scene of a warm family life, and as the children grew independent, Agnes and Harold enjoyed trips to visit relatives in the West and extended vacations in Florida and Arizona.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Harold on April 24, 1978. She was preceded in death as well by two brothers and a sister who died in infancy; by brothers, Arvel and Norman Bakken; sister, Cora Anderson; sister-in-law, Harriet Bakken; brothers-in-law, Arthur Anderson and Elmer Van Dorston; and also by two nieces, a nephew and twelve cousins.

Survivors include three children, Bruce (Ruth) Thorstad, Merilee Thorstad and Brian (Donna) Thorstad; and grandchildren, Jesse, Holly and Eric Thorstad. She is also survived by her sister, Ruby Van Dorston and brother, Leland (Mildred) Bakken; and by 15 nieces and nephews and six cousins.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 20, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic with Pastor Catherine Burnette officiating. Burial of ashes will be at a private ceremony at Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with arrangements.

Fleming to speak at Life 24/7 CENTURIA - Isaac Fleming will speak at Life 24/7 in Centuria on Saturday, March 28, at 6 p.m.

Fleming was raised a Christian in Mauston. At the age of 16, he dedicated his life to Christ and started sensing God calling him into ministry. For the last two years he attended Rod Parsley’s World Harvest Bible College, and has graduated at the top of his class. While he was there he led a group of 10 to 20 students out every week to Ohio State University to evangelize and discuss their faith one-on-one.

The church is located at 309 5th Street in Centuria.

For more information call 715-640-1450. - with submitted information

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

Mildred Alvina Holen Mildred Alvina Holen, 93, Somerset, died March 22, 2009, at Presbyterian Nursing Home of Roseville, Minn.

Mildred was born on Oct. 21, 1915, to Ernst and Anna Papenfuss. She was baptized, confirmed and was a lifelong member at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Farmington.

Mildred graduated from Osceola High School in the spring of 1931 (she skipped two grades) and went to Polk County Normal in St. Croix Falls and graduated with a teaching certificate in the spring of 1932. She taught from 1933-1935 at Forest View School in East Farmington.

From 1936-1938, she taught at Lamar School in St. Croix Falls. On April 6, 1940, she was married to Selmer Alfred Holen. They farmed for three years on his home place in Horse Creek before moving to Somerset Township in April 1944, where they operated a dairy farm until 1979. She continued to live on the farm until July 2007.

She was active in Zion Ladies Aid and Circle and taught Sunday school from 1949-1950 and from 19631971. She taught Vacation Bible School from 1963-1971.

She served for 17 years as the church secretary. In her younger years, playing the accordion for area dances was her passion. Mildred enjoyed caring for her chickens, canning and freezing garden produce and growing her beautiful glads.

Selmer preceded her in death on Oct. 3, 1980. She helped to care for her uncle William C. Arndt and her aunt Elsie Olson as well as her parents in their last years.

She is survived by children: Gene (Jill) Holen of Shoreview, Minn., Janice (Don) Shoeman of Shoreview, Minn., Judy (Tom - deceased) Lillesve of Stillwater, Minn., and Gerald (Mary) Holen of Roseville, Minn.

She was blessed with eight grandchildren, Brian, Shelley, Kyle, Anna, Laura, Jill, Beth and Jonathan; and seven great-grandchildren. She is survived by a brother, Morris (Lillian) Papenfuss of Arden Hills, Minn.

Funeral services were at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church at East Farmington, Minn., on March 25, with Pastor Sengbusch and Pastor Staab officiating. Pallbearers were her grandchildren. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery in East Farmington.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

OBITUARIES Vernon E. Hutton

Wallace Eugene Early

Vernon E. Hutton, 69, a resident of Frederic, died March 4, 2009, at Frederic Nursing and Rehab after a long-battled illness.

Vernon was born on Nov. 3, 1939, in Milltown, to Mildred and William (Bill) Hutton. He attended schools in Polk and Burnett County areas.

In December of 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Vernon spent eight weeks of basic training in Fort Leonardwood, Mo., and eight weeks of extended training in Fort Benning, Ga. From there he was transferred to Oahu, Hawaii, with the 21st Infantry. He was honorably discharged on March 5, 1962.

On Aug. 8, 1964, Vernon took the hand in marriage of Linda Fox in Bethel, Minn. Their union was blessed with three children, JoAnn, Scott and Daniel. After 18 years, the marriage was dissolved. In 1981, Vernon remarried in Galesville and was blessed with two children, Shawn and Holly. This marriage too was dissolved.

On July 3, 1999, Vernon and his son, Shawn, were baptized together at a small gathering at the residence of Larry and Nancy Cox of Milltown.

Vernon was a hardworking farmhand nearly all his life, working from sun up to sun down. He still found time for family and humor. He was well-known for his easygoing personality and sense of humor. He was forced to retire early due to health issues. His hobbies included small projects like woodworking, lawn ornaments and shelves were his specialty.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Leola; and two brothers, Virgil and Delroy.

Vernon is survived by his five children, JoAnn Meissner, Scott, Daniel, Shawn and Holly Hutton; his four grandchildren, Samantha Meissner Felmlee, Valynn, Felecia, Desirae and Dakoda Hutton; three greatgrandchildren, Alexis Destiny Mitchell, Brayden Michael Meissner Felmlee, Wyatt Matthew Bennett; five sisters, LaVerda (Mel) Payson of Holcombe, Arlene Growt of Luck, Eunice Banta of Coon Rapids, Minn., Imogene (Tom) Heimer of New Auburn and Nancy (Larry) Cox of Milltown; three brothers, Erling, Charles and Jim (Jacquie) of Luck, and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held Friday, March 20, at Siren United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Cook officiating. Music was provided by Fran McBroom. Interment followed at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, where military honors were provided.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Wallace Eugene Early, 78, died March 23, 2009, at his home on Dunham Lake.

Gene, son of Wallace and Clara Early, was born on Jan. 11, 1931, in Frederic. He was a third-generation businessman of Swedish descent in the Frederic community.

After completing the eighth grade, his family moved to Eugene, Ore. He graduated from Eugene High School in 1949, where he met his wife, Eunice Jean Miller. They were married in 1951. Gene graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Oregon in 1953. He served two years active duty in the U.S. Army and moved back to Frederic to raise a family and work in the family business of Early Oil Company. Gene ran the business until he retired. Shortly after, he developed Multiple Myeloma followed by complications, which he courageously lived with for 10 years. During this time, he and Eunice built a home on Dunham Lake, where he enjoyed the change of seasons and viewing wildlife.

Gene has lived a life of service to his community and provided spiritual leadership to his church, friends and family. Gene’s approach to life was an inspiration to all with a foundation of love, forgiveness and acceptance as exemplified by his faith. He offered a welcome and patient smile to all and was selfless in offering assistance to others. He lived the “Pay it Forward” motto.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Eunice; and four children, Miriam (Scott) Early-Nelson in Minneapolis, Minn., Karen Early in Green Bay, Jon (Coco) Early in Lake Elmo, Minn., and Susan (Dave) Burger in Stillwater, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Maari (Andy) Early-Nelson, Casey Early-Krueger, Hans Nelson, Anthony Early-Krueger, Lindsey and Ryan Burger, Clara and Anna Early; and two great-grandchildren, Talula and Ella. He is further survived by his sister, Marilyn (Ken) Reiser in Oregon, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials preferred to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church or the Multiple Myeloma Foundation.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Frederic, on Saturday, April 4, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m., and continued visitation with lunch immediately following the service.

Dorothy M. Majsterek Dorothy M. Majsterek, 98, a resident of Hayward, formerly of Webster, died March 17, 2009, at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.

Dorothy was born on Oct. 20, 1910, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Henry and Mary Zach. Dorothy had been a member of the Grace United Methodist Church. She worked as a registered nurse in Illinois for 21 years and also in Gary, Ind. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Elmer Zach and Roy Zach; sisters, Frances, Mildred, Delores and Esther.

Dorothy is survived by her brother, Robert (Shirley) Zach of Webster; sister, Hazel Anderson of St. Paul, Minn.; sister-in-law, Ruth Zach of Hayward; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating. Music was provided by Fran McBroom and Rose Bauman. Interment followed at Oakland Cemetery. Casket bearers were Wayne Zach, Ronald Zach, Robert Zach, Thomas Hustvet, Don Anderson and Mike Conley.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Albert W. Will Albert W. Will, 77, Osceola, died Thursday March 19, 2009, at Osceola Medical Center.

Albert was born May 6, 1931, in Osceola Township to John and Alma Will. He attended school in Dresser and Osceola. On Aug. 22, 1959, he married Marilyn Wisen of rural Anoka, Minn. Three sons were born to this union. Albert spent his whole life in the Lotus Lake area, farming and driving school bus. He enjoyed raising black Angus beef, cutting wood and feeding his outside boiler.

Albert was preceded in death by an infant sister; his parents, John and Alma Will.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marilyn; sister, Elsie (Glenn) Reed of Center City; sons, Brian (Allison) of Osceola, Bruce of Amery and Gary of Carver, Minn.; grandchildren, Jonathan Will, Carolann Will, April Will, Jordan Will, Mauren (Karl) Nowlin, Natalie Jefferson; and great-granddaughter, Taylor Ann Will.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 27, at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in St. Croix Falls with the Rev. Mark Schoen officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will be in the Pleasant Prairie Cemetery.

The Grandstand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

OBITUARIES Stuart D. “Sam” Bottolfson

Dennis Charles Goossen

Bianca Eliana Stenner

Stuart D. “Sam” Bottolfson of Osceola died Friday, March 20, at Osceola Medical Center at the age of 75.

Sam was born March 17, 1934, in Star Prairie to Arnold and Lillian Bottolfson. He graduated from New Richmond High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He managed the lumberyard in Wanderoos, worked at Wyard Industries in Forest Lake, Minn., for many years and owned Signs by Sam. After his retirement in 1996, he continued to paint signs, the job he loved. In Feb. 1987, he married Charlotte Flattum. Sam enjoyed woodworking, painting signs, occasional trips to the casino, and his two or three times a week trips back to Star Prairie.

Sam was preceded in death by his sons, Michael and Kevin; grandson, Zachary Bottolfson; parents, Arnold and Lillian; brothers, Jim and Roger “Tobe”; sisters, Lois Boardman, Fern Howard, Donna Moen and Darlene Singerhouse; and sister-in-law, Jane Bottolfson.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; daughters, Lori (Craig) Swanson and Brenda (Dick Rowell) Hinrichs; son, Kent; Char’s children, Eric (Marian) Flattum, Kelly (Steve) Johnson and Michael (Ann) Flattum; grandchildren, Scott, Dana, Alex, Logan, Tosha, Nathan, Nick, Tessa, Eric, Jacob, Hunter, Shania, Cole, Michael, Daniel and Joel; great-grandchildren, Dillon, Connor and Tristen; sister, Helen Howe; brothers-in-law, Keith Boardman and Clarence Moen.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 23, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Star Prairie with the Rev. Amy Hessel, officiating. Interment was in Oakland Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post No. 80.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

Dennis Charles Goossen died March 20, 2009, at home. He was 66 years old.

He was born Jan. 10, 1943, to Lawrence and Eleanor (Kobeska) Goossen of Baldwin. The second of three children, he lived in Emerald until 1948 when his parents purchased a farm in Deronda. He went to the two-room school in Deronda through the eighth grade and attended high school in Amery. He enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and served in Vietnam as a Seabee-MCB7 (Mobile Construction Battalion). He worked in road construction from 19671974. He married Susan McKenna in 1969 and to this union four children were born. They purchased the family farm in 1974, but divorced in 1986 and the farm was sold in 1988. Dennis continued to care for and raise his children. He worked at Equity in Amery from 1988-1997, and was employed at Domain in New Richmond, from 1997 until his retirement in 2005.

In 1999, he married Elsie (Mattson) Thoen and they have enjoyed many special times together.

Dennis enjoyed caring for his yard and gardens, building wood projects, making special gifts for family and friends, playing with his extensive toy collection, playing Cribbage, and caring for the birds and his dog.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one nephew.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie; son, Paul (Jean) Goossen of Somerset; daughters, Pauline (Ross) Goerdt of Somerset, Sally Goossen of Somerset, Rose Goossen of New Richmond; and three stepsons, Greg (Jacki) Thoen, Steve (Karen) Thoen and Gary (Melissa) Thoen of Ellsworth; as well as several grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, David (Jean) Goossen of Amery; and a sister, Darlene Magnuson of Clear Lake; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 23, at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Carol Heckmann officiating. Music for the service was provided by Lyn Klug and Denise Christiansen.

The Williamson – White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery were in charge of funeral arrangements.

Bianca E. Stenner, of Mondovi, died Sunday, March 22, 2009, at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

Bianca was born Feb. 23, 2009, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, to Micaela and Jason Stenner.

She is survived by her loving parents; sister, Kenna; grandparents, Dallas and Diana Stenner and Larry and Gloria Linder; great-grandparents, Erving and Florence Smith, Gunnard and Marjorie Linder and Vi Braby; and great-great-grandparent, Winnie Johnson.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, March 25, at Zion Lutheran Church in Trade Lake.

The Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, was entrusted with arrangements.

••• Bianca Eliana returned to heaven on March 22 and took her place among the angels, where she will forever be our perfect baby. We are eternally thankful that God let us borrow her, if only for a little while. A moment in our lives, forever in our hearts. Goodbye, beautiful girl. 31L

Ruth Marjorie Prose Ruth Marjorie Prose, 85, died March 22, 2009, at St. Croix Falls.

She was born Oct. 21, 1923, at Hammond, to Melvin and Minnie Stromley. She was baptized at Baldwin Lutheran Church and confirmed at Milltown Lutheran Church. She grew up on a farm just outside of Milltown.

On Sept. 3, 1949, she married Kenneth Prose at Milltown Lutheran Church. They moved to Mounds View, Minn., where they raised their family. After their youngest child’s graduation, they moved to a home on Balsam Lake, before finally settling in Milltown.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; sister Kay Cox of Minneapolis; and brother Clarence of Hector, Minn.

Left to mourn are her husband, Ken of 59-? years; son Kevin of Minneapolis, Minn.; daughters Connie Prose of Siren and Cathy (Rich Romano) Prose of Minneapolis, Minn.; her grandchildren Claire and Annika Romano; and her brother, Donald Stromley of Milltown.

Funeral services will be held at Milltown Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 26, at 11 a.m; visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 5-7 p.m., at Rowe Funeral Home in Luck.

The Rowe Funeral Home, Luck, was entrusted with arrangements.

Myrtle L. Emery Myrtle L. Emery, 91, Milltown, died March 11, 2009.

Myrtle was born April 15, 1917.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Odvin and Clara Pederson; and brothers, Perry, Joseph and Ernest Pederson.

She is survived by sister Fern Quist, St. Croix Falls.

There will be a private memorial service.

Rosella Ahlgren Rosella Ahlgren 89, formerly of Frederic, died March 8, 2009, at Woodland Terrace Nursing Home in Lecanto, Fla. Rosella was born to Milo and Maggie Anderson on Feb. 15, 1920, in Frederic. She was married Nov. 23, 1920, to Jack Dversdall, to whom five children were born: Pat, Susie, Kathy, David and Jill. They raised their family in Luck. Rosella married Carl Ahlgren on April 24, 1972. They resided at the family home in Clam Falls.

She worked at Duncan Yo-Yo in Luck, Minnestoa Plastics and Pioneer Bar in Frederic. She loved to spend time with her family and friends playing golf, cards and bowling with anyone who was willing. After Carl passed away in 1997, she moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., to be with her son and daughter. Her son-in-law taught her to play Pinochle and it became her passion. She played it until the end. In 2007, she moved to Florida to be with her daughters.

Rosella is survived by her children, Pat Bentz, of Amery, Susie Boatman-Gugino of Clermont, Fla., Kathy Pepper of Rice Lake, David Dversdall of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Jill (Wayne) Thomas of Lecanto, Fla.; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Jack and Carl; sisters, Madeline and Ida; and brother, Milo.

A celebration of her life will be held on July 21, an the Clam Falls Lutheran Church.

Agnes JoAnn Lee Agnes JoAnn Lee, 77, of St. Croix Falls, died March 21, 2009.

She was born Aug. 26, 1931, in Nessel, Minn., to Fred and Gladys Strelow. She attended Rush City High School and graduated with the class of 1949. She married Donald Lee on Oct. 21, 1950. They made their home in St. Croix Falls and together had four children.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved to travel and would often talk about her trips to Hawaii, Scotland, South Dakota and Branson, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; sister, Marion; brother, Marvin; and son, Steven.

She is survived by brother, Frank Strelow of Rush City, Minn.; two daughters, Patricia (Charles) Stellick of Medford and Susan (Butch) Berthiaume of Osceola; son, Craig Lee of St. Croix Falls; one granddaughter, Miranda Stellick; and two grandsons, Dustin and Darrin Berthiaume.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 24, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylors Falls, Minn.

Pastor Mark Woeltge officiated. Organist was Ward Moberg and soloist was Michelle Lynch. Spring interment will be at St. Croix Cemetery.

The St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society was entrusted with arrangements.

Sandra J. Orfei Sandra J. Orfei of Bone Lake, Luck, died peacefully at her home on March 19, 2009. She was 69 years old.

Sandra was born on June 11, 1939, to Carl and Mathlida Lundquist.

Sandra married Armand Orfei on Nov. 7, 1959. She had a son, David; and a daughter, Dina.

She is survived by son, David, of Roseville, Minn.; and daughter, Dina (Mike) Boie of Roseville, Minn.; grandchildren, Angelia Orfei, Alex and Marco Boie; and sister, Mary Jo (Fred) Kreitz of Maplewood, Minn.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 24, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake.

Burial was at the Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minn., next to her husband.

The Rowe Funeral home of Luck was entrusted with arrangements.

PAGE

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MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

CHURCH NEWS Too much pressure on kids is counterproductive to success Q: If beauty is the most important attribute in determining personal worth in this culture, what is in second place?

DR. DOBSON: It is intelligence as expressed in scholastic aptitude. When the birth of a firstborn child is imminent, his parents pray that he will be normal ... that is, “average.” But from that moment on, average will not be good enough. Their child must excel. He must succeed. He must triumph. He must be the first of his age to walk, talk or ride a tricycle. He must earn a stunning report card and amaze his teachers with his wit and wisdom. He must do well in Little League, and later he must be a track star, first-chair trombone or the valedictorian. His sister must be a cheerleader, the senior-class president, the soloist or the best pupil in her advanced-placement class.

Throughout the formative years of childhood, parents give their kids the same message day after day: “We’re counting on you to do something fantastic.

Now don’t disappoint us!” The hopes, dreams and ambitions of an entire family sometimes rest on the shoulders of an immature child. And in this atmosphere of fierce competition, the parent who produces an intellectually gifted child is clearly holding the winning sweepstakes ticket.

Unfortunately, exceptional children are just that - exceptions. Seldom does a 5-year-old memorize the King James Version of the Bible, play chess blindfolded or compose symphonies in the Mozart manner. To the contrary, the vast majority of our children are not daz-

zlingly brilliant, extremely witty, highly coordinated, tremendously talented or universally popular!

They are just plain kids with oversized needs to be loved and accepted as they are. Thus, the stage is set for unrealistic pressure on the younger generation and considerable disappointment for their parents.

••• Q: Isn’t it our goal to produce children with self-discipline and self-reliance? If so, how does your approach to external discipline imposed by parents get translated into internal control?

DR. DOBSON: There are many authorities who suggest that parents take a passive approach to their children for the reason implied by your question: They want their kids to discipline themselves. But since young people lack the maturity to generate that self-control, they stumble through childhood without experiencing either internal or external discipline.

Thus, they enter adult life having never completed an unpleasant assignment or accepted an order that they disliked or yielded to the leadership of their elders.

Can we expect such a person to exercise self-discipline in young adulthood? I think not. That individual doesn’t even know the meaning of the word.

My belief is that parents should introduce their children to discipline and self-control by any reasonable means available, including the use of external influ-

Dr. James

Dobson Focus on the Family

ences, when they are young. By being required to behave responsibly, he gains valuable experience in controlling his own impulses and resources. Then as he grows into the teen years, responsibility is transferred year by year from the shoulders of the parent directly to the child. He is no longer required to do what he has learned during earlier years in hopes that he will want to function on his own initiative.

To illustrate, a child should be required to keep his room relatively neat when he is young. Then somewhere during the midteens, his own self-discipline should take over and provide the motivation to continue the task. If it does not, the parent should close the door and let him live in a dump, if that is his choice.

In short, self-discipline does not come automatically to those who have never experienced it. Self-control must be learned, and it must be taught.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 (www.family.org). Questions and answers are excerpted from “Solid Answers” and “Bringing Up Boys,” both published by Tyndale House. COPYRIGHT 2009 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106; 816-5817500.

Brought to you by:

Faith Fellowship Luck

East Balsam Baptist Church to host ecumenical choir BALSAM LAKE - The East Balsam Baptist Church will host the ecumenical choir which will perform the Easter Cantata on Sunday, April 19, at 7 p.m. The pub-

lic is welcome.

East Balsam will hold Good Friday services at 7 p.m.

An article in last week’s Leader erroneously reported

East Balsam Baptist would host potluck suppers on Wednesday evenings. - with submitted information

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

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MARCH 25, 2009 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Trent Kuechenmeister has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade and the son of Nick and Mande Kuechenmeister. Trent is a very kind and hardworking student. His favorite subjects are math, reading and music. He also loves recess and breakfast. When not in school he likes playing video games with his brothers and walking over to his grandfather’s farm to help feed the goats, cows and play with kittens.

Gino Lonetti has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Billy and Krista Struck. Gino is an active and involved student who is an excellent school supporter, gets his work in on time, is a class leader and a well-rounded individual who is liked by all. He is involved in baseball, track, hockey and football. Gino enjoys hunting, fishing and sports. His future plans include college.

Tanesha Carlson has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Robert and Connie Carlson. Tanesha excels in academics and athletics alike. She is pleasant, enthusiastic and has a strong will to succeed and please.

Tanesha is in National Honor Society and FFA and participates in track, volleyball and hockey. She enjoys long walks on the beach and watching the sunset. She plans to attend college.

Jami Michel has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Tim and Jennifer Michel Jami is an all-around great student. She is always very respectful and works very hard every day. She is a great listener, too. She likes writing, spelling, gym and making crafts while at school. Jami likes to swim in the summer and sled in the winter. She is a Girl Scout.

Jordan Bazey has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Daryl and Rhonda Bazey. Jordan is a hardworking, polite young man who tries to do the best he can in his classes. He is a basketball manager, volunteers for Ruby’s Pantry and at the Bone Lake Fair booth. Jordan is involved in baseball and basketball. He enjoys going to the races, playing Wii and spending time with family and friends.

David Gaffney has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is the son of Molly and Greg Gaffney. David is hardworking, dedicated, consistently prepared, on-task, positive, dependable and conscientious. He is involved in football, track, FBLA, link group, band, choir and works at the Kozy Kitchen. David is interested in law enforcement and helping people. He plans on going to WITC Rice Lake for law enforcement.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Kerrigan Ekholm has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Eric and Renette Ekholm. Kerrigan loves to read and is helpful to her classmates. Outside of school, she is very active in Girl Scouts and likes to play team sports. Kerrigan likes to have fun at school.

Haley Larsen has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Kevin and Terri Larsen. Haley is very responsible, conscientious and a good leader. She enjoys math and language arts. Haley loves to read and is an active athlete. She enjoys many sports, but she especially loves playing soccer.

Collin Svoboda has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Jim Svoboda and Lynette Burdick. Collin is a serious student with a pleasing personality and is respectful of adults and peers. He works at Wild Mountain and is involved in baseball, football and basketball. Collin enjoys spending time with his younger siblings. He plans to attend college in the future.

Ella Kerkow has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in fourth grade and the daughter of Jason and Kelli Kerkow. Art is Ella’s favorite subject, along with phy ed. Ella likes to play with the family’s new chocolate Lab puppy. They also have another dog, two cats and seven horses. Ella enjoys riding her horse, Minnie. She is considering becoming a veterinarian some day.

Alex King has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade. Alex is an awesome student and a genuinely good person. He is a leader and a great influence on his peers. Alex works hard on everything he does. His favorite subject in school is social studies, where he enjoys working on projects. He is involved in band and soccer. Alex enjoys swimming and soccer.

Michael Carpenter has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman. Michael has perfect attendance so far this year.

He enjoys playing guitar, snowboarding, BMXing, video games and airsoft. Michael likes playing basketball, Ping-Pong and tennis.

WEBSTER

Congratulations students for a job well done!

Grace Schultz has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Todd and Dawn Schultz. Grace loves school, where her favorite subjects are math and art. She enjoys drawing and writing about horses.

Gracie has perfect attendance and is a motivated student. Outside of school she enjoys playing with her younger sister, Annie and riding bike.

Megan Hophan has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Michelle and Greg Hophan. Megan is an excellent student. She never has to be reminded of what she is supposed to get done. Megan is nice and polite to everyone and always willing to help. She is involved in volleyball. Megan likes to play volleyball and hang out with her family in her spare time.

Mason Kriegel has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Kim and Laurie Kriegel.

Mason is responsible and works hard on his grades. He treats everyone with respect and is willing to put time and effort into volunteer work. Mason is involved in Boy Scouts, church group, band, basketball, football and track. He enjoys hunting, biking, paint-ball, fishing and camping. He plans to go to college for engineering.

UNITY

Luke Flaherty has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of James and Michelle Flaherty. Luke has proven to be an ideal student. He is a very hard worker and a great listener. Luke is a very nice friend to others and is a wonderful helper. He is a star student in math.

Zac Johnson has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Mark and Nancy Anderson. Zac does a great job in class and he has a good sense of humor. He participates and shows respect for everyone. Zac is an inspiration to others and he has a solid work ethic.

Hannah Florer has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Maxine and Stephen Florer. Hannah has a great attitude. She is involved in ecology club, Sad/Fact, works part time as cashier at Conoco in Taylors Falls, Minn. Hannah enjoys music, art and outside activities.

She plans on becoming a nurse.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - MARCH 25, 2009

MARCH

THURSDAY/26 Amery

• Soap making class, register with Community Ed, at the senior center, 1-3 p.m.

Cushing

• Blood drive, 2-7 p.m. at the community center, for appt. call Sharron, 715-825-3733.

Coming events

Frederic

• 500 card night at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

• First through third grades show “Summerfest,” at the elementary school, 7 p.m.

• Spaghetti supper scholarship fundraiser at Masonic Center, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 715-259-4444.

meet at Apple River Community Church at 7 p.m., 715-268-2176, 715-268-8360.

Chisago City, Minn.

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra spring concert at Point Pleasant Heights, 7 p.m., www.scvorchestra.org.

Frederic

• Spades at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Spooner

• Informational meeting on 2008 deer season and herd management at the elementary school, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 800-936-7463.

TUESDAY/31 Balsam Lake

Grantsburg

• Law Enforcement and Judicial Roundtable at the courthouse, 1:30 p.m.

Luck

• Laketown voters Meet the Candidates Night at the community center, 7:30 p.m., 715327-8446.

• Oak wilt workshop at Crex Meadows, 7-9 p.m., 715-463-2897.

Cushing

• Showing of 16mm film featuring Polk County schools and community activities from the 1930s-1950s at the Luck Museum, 7 p.m., 715-472-4378.

Luck

• Take Off Pounds Sensibly #WI 261 meets at the senior citizens center at 5:30 p.m., 715-4722341.

Osceola

• Tax aides at the Millside Apts., 715-268-7884.

Siren

Siren

• The Parent Resource Group for parents of children with special needs will meet at the Burnett County Family Resource Center, 6:308:30 p.m., call Jenny at 715-463-3941.

• Food and friends community dinner at Siren Covenant Church, 5 p.m.

• Burnett County circuit court judge candidates forum at the government center, 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise at the senior center, 10-11 a.m.

• Blood pressure at the senior center, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Potluck at the senior center, 12:30 p.m.

• General meeting at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

FRI. & SAT./27 & 28

St. Croix Falls

• Exercise at the senior center, 10-11 a.m.

• 500 cards and Dominos at the senior center, 12:30 p.m.

A spring sunset offers hope for warmer weather as area residents seek to look past what was a long, snowy winter. - Photo by Ed Berdal

Centuria

• Indoor rummage sale at 309 5th St., 8 a.m.4 p.m. Life 24/7.

St. Croix Falls

Rice Lake

• WITC Leadership Conference at the conference center, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 800-243-WITC, ext.

5257 or www.witc.edu.

• Women’s brunch at Siren Assembly Church, with speakers, 10 a.m., 715-463-3624.

FRI. - SUN./27 - 29

St. Croix Falls

• Humane Society of Burnett County Adoption Day at Tractor Supply, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 715-866-4096.

• Bridge at the senior center, 10 a.m.

• “The Cow Tippers,” at the elementary school, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Hayward

Webster

• Tax assistance for seniors and people with low incomes at the senior center, 1-4 p.m., 715-866-5300.

St. Croix Falls

SUNDAY/29

THURSDAY/2

• “The Lion King,” at the high school. Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Webster

• Spaghetti Supper Camp Fundraiser at Bone Lake Lutheran Church, 4:30-7 p.m., 715-4722535.

FRIDAY/27

SATURDAY/28

• Open house at Burnett Dairy agronomy building concerning wildlife food plots, 4-8 p.m., 715689-2605.

• Infant/Child CPR review classes at the Red Cross Office, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-485-3025, www.scvarc.org.

Balsam Lake

Centuria

Amery

• Isaac Fleming to speak at Life 24/7, 6 p.m., 715-640-1450.

• Bingo at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Frederic

• Pokeno at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Frederic area ACS kickoff meeting at Hacker’s Lanes, 7 a.m., 715-653-2684.

Grantsburg

• Play, “Queen of Sacred Songs, The Life of Fanny Crosby,” at Wood River Christian Fellowship at 7 p.m. Contact Kim Karge for info: 715-689-2555.

Danbury

• 2nd-annual Chili Fest at Wild Waters, 3 p.m., 715-656-7500.

Frederic

• Food & fellowship at the senior center, noon.

Cards and games after dinner.

Grantsburg

• Pancake breakfast benefit for Chloe at Wood River Christian Fellowship, 715-4633941.

Frederic

Luck

• Reflections on Ice 2009 at the Northwest Sports Complex, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., 715468-7289, 715-822-4736.

Alpha

Balsam Lake

• 4K Roundup and open house at the Polk County Early Learning Center, 1-3 p.m., 715485-3413.

Amery

SAT. & SUN./28 & 29 Spooner

WEDNESDAY/1

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Pokeno at the senior center, 1 p.m.

• Amery’s Got Talent at the high school auditorium, 2 p.m.

• Gun & knife show at LCO Convention Center, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-292-8415, 866-583-9083.

APRIL

Siren

• “The Wizard of Oz” at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3837, 888-887-6002 or festivaltheatre.org.

Frederic

Webster

• Ravishing Rubies Red Hat Society luncheon at Yellow Lake Lodge, noon.

Rice Lake

• Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra spring concert at UW-Barron, 7:30 p.m., 715-2349755.

St. Croix Falls

• “The Wizard of Oz” at Festival Theatre, 2 p.m., 715-483-3837, 888-887-6002 or festivaltheatre.org.

• Spaghetti dinner benefit for Kari Swanson at Wolf Creek Bar, 1-6 p.m., 715-483-9255.

Taylors Falls, Minn.

• Founder’s Day Service at the United Methodist Church, 10 a.m., 651-465-6635.

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra spring concert at the Methodist church, 3 p.m., www.scvorchestra.org.

MONDAY/30 Amery

• DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids

Amery

• Dallas Brass performs at the high school, 7 p.m., www.my.communitytickets.com.

Frederic

• Spirit of Education Space Shuttle replica open house at elementary school, 5:30-7 p.m.

• 500 cards at the senior center, 6:30 p.m.

Luck

• Spirit of Education Space Shuttle replica open house at the Sterling Bank, 4-5 p.m.

Milltown

• Autism awareness information night at the library, 6:30 p.m., 715-825-2313.

• American Legion Auxiliary Post 254 meets at the community center, 7 p.m., 715-825-3423.

Siren

• Ruby’s Pantry information session at the Covenant Church, 2 and 7 p.m., 715-349-5601, 320-629-7139.

St. Croix Falls

• Good Samaritan Society Auxiliary meeting, in the center community room, 1:30 p.m.

"The Wizard of Oz" opens for a two-week run ST. CROIX FALLS – Eight weeks of rehearsals and workshops culminate on Friday, March 27, with the opening public performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at Festival Theatre. Twenty-five youth and three adults representing 10 communities in the St. Croix River Valley make up the cast of this Youth and Family Theatre production, which has just eight performances for the general public at Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls before it closes on Sunday, April 5.

Set in Kansas and the marvelous land of Oz, this well-known adventure comes to life on stage and celebrates the importance of not underestimating ourselves.

The script leans heavily on L. Frank Baum’s original novel for children, which was published in 1900. “The Wizard of Oz” is directed by Festival Theatre veteran artist Marilyn Mays.

“What a great opportunity for family audiences to introduce young children to live theater,” said Amy Klein, arts education director at Festival Theatre. “We choose plays that will provide excellent

Scarecrow and the crows, Jasper Herman with McKenzie Fortier, Emma Wondra and Sophie Klein. – Photo submitted entertainment for audience members as well as a sound learning experience for young actors. This show is really fun because it’s a known story with a twist.

Talk-back sessions are held after each matinee performance so audience members can ask questions of the cast and

crew.”

With funding support from Polk-Burnett Operation Round-Up, The RiverBank, and private donations, Festival’s Youth and Family Theatre program offers theater arts training within the process of producing a play. The prepro-

fessional training includes production coordination by the arts education director, inclusion of a professional director, and hiring at least one teaching artist to teach workshops throughout the rehearsal period.

Public performances of “The Wizard of Oz” begin Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m., with a total of eight shows through April 5. Matinees are at 2 p.m. on two Sundays, March 29 and April 5, along with a Thursday matinee on April 2. Evening shows are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting on March 27 through April 4. Single tickets are $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for youth. This production is especially suited to young children (age 3 and up) and their families.

Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls, at 210 North Washington Street. To reach Festival Theatre by phone, call 715-483-3387 or 888-887-6002.

Check the Web site at www.festivaltheatre.org where tickets are available to order online. - submitted