Leader|march 26|2008

W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 2 6 , 2 0 0 8 • V O L U M E 7 5 • N O . 3 1 • 8 , 0 0 0 C O P I E S • S E C T I O N A

Leader INTER-COUNTY

WEEKEND WATCH: • “The Music Man” @ Siren • Frederic 1-3 spring program • “The Show” @ Luck School • “It’s Comedy! It’s Tragedy! It’s Life With Kids!” @ SCFalls • Spring bash fundraiser @ Cushing

See Coming Events & stories

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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Write-ins to be factor in election Sharpen those pencils; Tuesday’s election offers plenty of write-in options PAGE 3

S w ee t t oo t h

Candidate profiles inside

GAM sale can proceed, judge rules He also grants temporary stay to allow appeal to district court PAGE 3

Pool options

Crowd gathers at Frederic to hear options for 50-year-old community pool PAGE 2

Nonmotorized Amery-Dresser Trail to proceed

County authorizes next step

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A curious Belgian checks a bucket for maple sap at the Dennis O’Donnell farm near Frederic. Reporter Sherill Summer writes about a day spent tapping trees at the O’Donnell farm in this week’s Outdoor section.

- Photo by Sherill Summer

ALSO INSIDE

Strategy for Burnett County Committees present strategic projects for consideration by county board as problems and solutions are studied PAGE 7

Frankenstein veto up for vote Ruby’s Pantry: Meeting a need CURRENTS, Page 1

Who’s at the top of the All-Leader Girls Basketball team?

Find out, front page Sports!

S e e

S P O R T S

Referendum asks to curtail governor’s veto power PAGE 5

Gableman vs. Butler for State Supreme Court seat

Burnett County could lose its circuit court judge should Gableman be victorious PAGE 4

Six face drug charges from one search House search leads to charges of cocaine possession, intent to deliver

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The Inter-County Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

Leader

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

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

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

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

Community looks at pool options

New pool could serve all ages

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – The Frederic community had its first look at options for building a new pool complex Monday night.

A large group of residents were told that the present pool could be replaced by a multiuse pool built at the present location. The cost could be about $2 million.

For that price, Frederic could have a pool that would be attractive to all ages.

The pool will have a beachlike, shallow entrance backed up by a turf/lawn area for sunning. There would be many aquatic play options for young swimmers including water slides. Adults would have lap lanes for more serious swimming and new diving facilities. A bathhouse would be built on the site, which would include a food court and shaded seating areas.

The new pool would provide options for all ages. Adults would not only have pleasant places to sit and enjoy the sun while their children swim but could use the pool themselves. Seniors could use the pool and enjoy the health benefits of water exercise. Night use would be possible.

The meeting was hosted by Friends of the Pool, the local support group that has succeeded the Save the Pool group.

Timothy Gremmer, senior project manager for Water Technology, Inc, presented the results of a study commissioned by the Friends.

Gremmer started his report by stating that the present 50-year-old pool does not meet code requirement. Replacing it with a new pool built of a similar design would cost over $5.6 million, a price he called prohibitive.

Existing bus parking

Bus garage

The existing site is an excellent location for an outdoor pool, Gremmer said.

There is plenty of room, utilities are in place as is parking, and the site would require minimum preparation. The new pool would be smaller but divided into sections, making it more usable than the present pool.

Pool needs immediate work

Repairs recommended before 2008, cost could be $15,000 to $30,000

by Gregg Westigard FREDERIC – “The pool has a number of code violations,” Timothy Gremmer said Monday night. “Here is a list of recommendations that should be implemented before the pool is opened in 2008.”

Gremmer, the engineer hired to study the Frederic pool, was speaking to the crowd gathered to look at options for a new community pool. He went on to say that the cost to fix three items on a list of six immediate concerns could cost from

$5,000 to $10,000 each. He added that the six recommendations are just the most immediate concerns from a detailed list of 34 code violations relating to the pool.

The six immediate recommendations are part of a report on pool evaluation and options commissioned by the Friends of the Pool group and prepared

by Water Technology, Inc, Gremmer’s employer. The report includes six pages of details on problems with the present pool.

The Frederic School Board will need to look at the recommendations and decide if the repairs should be made, how they would be paid for, and if the pool will be used this coming summer.

He detailed the six items that he said should be addressed now.

The gas chlorine system should be changed to a safer pool sanitizer. The

Mel tdo wn

present equipment and its location is dangerous. Gremmer added, “I feel very strongly about this. The gas chlorine is effective but very dangerous.”

The electrical system in the maintenance building needs to be reviewed by an electrical engineer. This is a safety issue for the staff. All equipment must be properly grounded.

The pool needs an additional drain.

There is one drain now. High velocities of water entering the drain could cause entrapment. (These are the items that could cost from $5,000 to $10,000 each to fix before the pool opens).

The pool needs adult supervision by a trained and certified aquatic professional.

The pool guarding is now managed by part-time young staff.

The one-meter diving board should be removed. The water depths for the board are four feet shallower than code requires.

The slide should be removed. It is too high for code and is an obstruction.

Structure fire in Timberland

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The Inter-County Leader is a qualified newspaper for the publication of legal notices, meeting the requirements as set forth in Chapter 985.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Every government official or board that handles public money should publish at regular intervals an accounting of it, showing where and how each dollar is spent. We hold this to be a fundamental principle of democratic government. Publisher reserves right to reject any advertisement or news release or letter of opinion at any time.

The next steps include refining the design to fit the needs and finances of the community, raising the funds for the pool, and contracting for its construction.

More community meetings will be held to work out details, but Frederic could have a new pool built to serve the entire community for the next 50 years.

The ice has begun to melt on the banks of Rice Beds Creek. - Photo by Keri Michele

BURNETT COUNTY — The Shell Lake Fire Department responded to a structure fire of a machine shed/shop at the residence of Greg and Cheryl Odden in the Timberland area in the early hours of Tuesday, March 25.

The Oddens were out of the area when one of their adult children noticed the fire. Shell Lake firefighters responded to the fire call around 4 a.m.

Substantial damage was caused to the structure. The firefighters used 7,000 gallons of water to put out burning piles of debris. The firefighters finished up at the fire hall around 7 p.m. - Suzanne Johnson

Briefly

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. next Tuesday, April 1, for the spring election.

In 2006, Wisconsin adopted uniform polling hours for every polling place in the state. Reminder: Only Wisconsin residents who are 18 years old or older may vote.

••• Some local residents are getting a bit tired of the winter weather and are ready for the snow to head south. Of course, that’s already happened this winter.

Madison received a record 100 inches of snowfall. That kind of precipitation helps drought conditions – but creates a concern over flooding. Maybe we should be happy with what we got this winter.

••• Thank you to those who have subscribed to the Leader’s new e-edition, which offers the entire paper via our Web site. Just a reminder: our special offer of $5 for three months expires Monday, March 31. Many like the immediacy of being able to see and read the entire paper before the print edition is delivered. Some like to see all the photos in color and being able to print them. Some like the idea of saving trees. Check it out at www.the-leader.net.

••• ST. CROIX FALLS – AARP tax aid volunteers will be at the senior center in St. Croix Falls on Wednesday, April 2, to give free assistance to middle- and low-income persons still wishing to file their federal or state tax reports, Wisconsin Homestead Credit requests or federal stimulus payment forms. Hours are from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments may be made by calling the senior center at 715-483-1901, but walk-ins who wish to wait for a turn are also welcome. For further information about the tax-aid program call Mary at 715-258-7884. - submitted ••• STATEWIDE With the tax-filing deadline now just a few weeks away, state revenue officials are encouraging people not only to get their forms in by the April 15 deadline, but to do so electronically.

Online tax returns are becoming more popular. According to Jessica Iverson of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, 1.6 million returns have arrived so far this season. Of that number, 73 percent were done electronically, up 2-percent from this time a year ago. Iverson says revenue officials are expecting to receive between 1 million and 1.5 million more returns by the April 15 deadline. The average refund so far is $646. She says those taxpayers making under $54,000 can go on to the irs.gov Web site and will be directed to online vendors that will offer filing for free. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Brian Bull)

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GAM sale can proceed, judge rules

BALSAM LAKE – A group attempting to stop the sale of Golden Age Manor, the Polk County-owned nursing home in Amery, was dealt a blow this morning, March 26, when a judge ruled the sale is legal and should proceed.

Judge Eugene Harrington of Washburn County ruled before a packed courtroom at the Polk County Justice Center that the law supports the sale of the home, which is scheduled to pass into the hands of a new owner in less than a week.

Following his ruling, Harrington heard arguments for the right to appeal his decision. He then granted a temporary stay while the group wanting to block the sale filed a motion with the state district court of appeals at Wausau. A decision on whether that

motion will be granted is expected before next Monday. More information will be posted on our Web site at www.the-leader.net.

At this morning’s hearing, Harrington said he was concerned over the possible impact his decision may have on jobs at the facility but said he could not go with sympathy, only the correct legal decision.

The three-hour hearing considered motions from each side that could, among other things, dismiss the case and let the sale proceed, stop the sale, or delay the sale and set a trial date. It was open to the public.

The county board voted 12-11 at a special meeting in January to sell the home after discussion focusing on the pros and cons of owning a nursing home, including potential costs in sub-

sidizing the home, which the county has done in recent years.

The plaintiffs made a number of claims, including one that the GAM property in Amery was donated to the county in 1957 and that property donated for a specific purpose can not be sold without a two-thirds vote of the county board. Based on that claim, they sought a summary judgment in their favor voiding the sale.

The defendants, the county and its officials, deny that claim, stating in part that the 1957 deed conveying the property from Annie M. Sullivan to Polk County for $5,000 only mentions that construction must start on a “County infirmary” within two years. Gary King with information from reporter Gregg Westigard

Write-in candidates grow in number as election nears

by Gary King BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – Although the write-in vote can play a factor in every race, it will be the deciding factor in a handful of local races next Tuesday, April 1, as voters go to the polls.

Write-in candidates may register up until the day before the election.

In Burnett County, two write-in candidates – Priscilla Bauer and Jeremy Gronski – are seeking the county supervisor seat in District 4, vacated by the death earlier this year of Charlie Peterson.

In Burnett County District 8, write-in candidate Chuck Awe is challenging incumbent Jim Engelhart.

In Polk County, as of a week prior to election day, four persons have registered as write-in candidates.

They are: Rob Lubben (District 7); Keith Peterson (District 11), Pat Messicci (District 12) and Joe Demulling (District 21).

In some of the contests, it may be a complete surprise who ends up being the write-in candidate of choice as there is no registered write-in candidate running.

As of Tuesday, March 25, that looks to be the case in the villages of Dresser and Osceola, where three trustee positions are open with only two candidates on the ballot in each of those municipalities.

In Centuria, two candidates will be on the ballot for three open positions, and Steve Schultz indicated this week he will be a write-in candidate for one of the spots.

The races noted above and other local contested races – as well as the race for the seat on the state Supreme Court and the referendum question on

the governor’s veto powers (Frankenstein veto) are outlined in stories throughout the Leader this week.

Following is an overview of local races – uncontested and contested - in the April 1 election: Uncontested races (schools) Frederic School Board: One candidate – Terry Taylor – is seeking one open seat vacated

by Kay Friberg, who chose not to seek another term. Taylor is a former school board member and well-known in the Frederic School District.

Unity School Board: Incumbents Debra IncePeterson and Steve Glaim are not being challenged.

St. Croix Falls School Board: Incumbent Steven Bont chose not to seek re-election.

Patricia Mitchell is the only candidate for Bont’s vacated seat.

Clayton School Board: Incumbents Paul Ladwig and Barry Ketz are unchallenged.

Grantsburg School Board: Incumbents David Ahlquist and Cindy Jensen are unchallenged.

Uncontested races (cities/towns/villages) Amery: Incumbent Mayor Harvey Stower and council members Diane Tazdahl (Wards 1 and 2), Michael Karuschak Jr. and Sidney Bjordman (Wards 3 and 4) are unchallenged as is Municipal Judge Jerome Wittstock. Council member Kay Erickson is not running and Kristen Strobusch is on the ballot for her position.

Luck Village: Incumbents Gene Cooper, Marsha Jensen and Lori Pardun are all uncontested.

Village of Turtle Lake: Incumbents Jean Pabst, Tom Flottum and Ray Hall are all unopposed on the ballot.

Village of Siren: Incumbents Luanne Swanson and Rudolf Mothes, along with David Doty, are seeking three open seats, one of which was left open with the retirement of Paul Riemer.

Village of Webster: Incumbents Norm Bickford and Kelsey Gustafson, along with Paul Berg, are on the ballot for three open seats, one of which was left open with the retirement of Reuben Ruiz.

Polk: 17 of 23 county supervisor races are unopposed; Circuit Court Judge Molly Galewyrick unopposed.

Overview of contested races The following local races are contested and most are outlined in stories elsewhere in this issue: Burnett County Villages Grantsburg: Four running for three council seats County board: Contests in Districts 4 (write-in), 8, 17 and 21 School boards Siren: Three running for two open seats Webster: Four running for two open seats Shell Lake: Four running for three open seats (one is short-term) Cumberland: Two running for one open seat Spooner: Four running for three open seats Polk County Villages Balsam Lake: Five running for three open seats Clayton: Six running for three open seats Frederic: Six running for three open seats; uncontested judge race Milltown: Six running for three open seats Cities St. Croix Falls: Mayoral contest (two candidates); one council seat Towns Alden: Four running for two spots St. Croix Falls: Three running for two spots School boards Luck: Two running for one spot Osceola: Four running for two spots Amery: Two running for one spot Clear Lake: Four running for two spots Turtle Lake: Three running for two spots Cumberland: Two running for one spot County board Contests in Districts 1, 2, 7, 9, 10 and 11

Uncontested races (county) Burnett: 17 of 21 county supervisor races are unopposed.

Six face drug charges stemming from house search

Joseph P. Brown

Daniel W. Thompson

Willie J. Hochstetler

Richard L. Jackson

Samantha J. Jackson

Adam M. Harvey

Six persons were arrested March 19 following a drug bust by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies at the home of Joseph P. Brown, 19, at 424 Golfview Lane in Amery. Officers searched the home after receiving confidential information that there was still drug activity going on there after the execution of the last search warrant at that residence in November of 2007. During the search of the residence, a white container contaning a cigarette cellophane wrapper containing two “rocks,” white in color, was located, along with a clear plastic baggie containing a white powder. The substance tested positive for cocaine. There was also a digital scale, a razor blade and a red plastic straw located in the general proximity of where all persons were located. Arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia were Brown, Daniel W. Thompson, 32, Rice Lake, Willie J. Hochstetler, 19, Frederic, Richard L. Jackson, 18, Amery, Samantha J. Jackson, 17, Amery, and Adam M. Harvey, 25, Rice Lake. - Photos from Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Every page. Every week. Online. www.the-leader.net

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Gableman vs. Butler for State Supreme Court seat STATEWIDE - Burnett County Circuit Court Judge Mike Gableman is challenging sitting State Supreme Court Judge Louis Butler for a 10-year spot on the State Supreme Court.

Gableman has described his campaign against Butler as one of sharp contrasts in backgrounds and judicial philosophy.

“I’m a judicial conservative and he’s a judicial activist. I was a longtime proseutor. He was a longtime criminal defense attorney.”

Butler said there is nothing wrong with having been a defense attorney because those who serve in that capacity are an important part of the court system.

“What he really means is that he disagrees with the opinions of the court,” Butler said of Gableman.

Gableman said Butler has a track record of siding with criminals and criminal defendants.

Butler says he gives a fair application to the plain language of the law and that the court bases its decisions on the facts of the law. “I don’t come up with a result and figure out how to get there,” he said.

Gableman is looking to be the first to defeat an incumbent justice since 1967.

Focus on ads run during this campaign has drawn interest from media statewide and nationwide, an editorial piece appearing in the Wall Street Journal.

Both sides have been attacked by thirdparty groups not controlled by the campaigns themselves. And ads run by the campaigns have been characterized as misleading and worse.

Interest in the race is high because it could tilt the ideological balance from a 43 liberal-leaning majority to a 4-3 conservative-leaning majority.

And even though it’s nonpartisan, Republican business interests lined up behind Gableman while Butler had the support of liberal interest groups and labor unions. - Gary King with information from Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, Associated Press, St. Paul Pioneer Press Following are answers both candidates gave to questions presented by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, a nonprofit, nonpartisan study group.

Why are you running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court?

Gableman: I am running because I know how important the Supreme Court is to the prosperity and safety of our state.

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere except Wisconsin, and I want to give back to people who have been so good to me and my family.

I believe my diverse background as a judge, prosecutor and teacher will allow me to bring a unique perspective to the court. In fact, I am the only candidate for the Supreme Court with any experience as a criminal prosecutor. In recent years, we’ve seen a number of court decisions that have expanded the rights of criminals—making it more difficult for law enforcement to do the job of keeping us safe. I believe my understanding of law enforcement issues would be valuable to the Supreme Court as it reviews cases that will have a direct impact on public safety.

I’ve been active in my community with groups like Rotary and Knights of Columbus. I also work with a program aimed at preventing domestic violence and I started a drug court aimed at preventing recidivism amongst young people.

Finally, I’ve been fortunate to have lived in some of Wisconsin’s largest cities...as well as some of the smallest. I’ll be able to bring that outlook with me to the court as well.

Butler: I first became a lawyer, then a judge, and now a justice, because I am dedicated to achieving equal justice for all people, including the downtrodden and those who lack resources. I embrace the sentiment that injustice to anyone is intolerable, and that everyone should have access to the courts and a right to be heard. Having been appointed to the Supreme Court four years ago, I enjoy working with my colleagues in achieving

ELECTION PROFILES State Supreme Court that goal, and believe that my input has had an impact on the court’s decisionmaking process.

I have a broad and deep experience with the law. In addition to serving as a judge at three different levels - city, county and statewide, I also worked as a practicing attorney in criminal trials, and as an appellate lawyer. It is this combination of experience that has earned me the endorsement of more than 200 judges and 20 district attorneys, as well as five of Wisconsin’s largest police organizations representing more than 18,000 law enforcement personnel. I’m proud to be supported by both business groups like the Realtors Association and labor groups like the AFL-CIO. I’m supported by both major firefighters associations in the state, by consumer and senior citizens’ groups, and by mayors, legislators, sheriffs, practicing attorneys and citizen leaders from every corner of the state.

How would you characterize your judicial philosophy?

Butler: The courts engage in dispute resolution between parties who have been unwilling or unable to resolve their disputes. Within that context, I strongly believe that the role of the judiciary is to interpret and apply the law to a given set of facts, not make law. The process I go through is to look first at the U.S. Constitution, then the Wisconsin Constitution, state statutes where the Legislature has spoken, our common law where the Legislature has not spoken, and our prior precedent. In evaluating the facts through that lens, I try to reach a just result in every case - always following the law.

I also consider myself to be a textualist.

I find it to be more effective to “read the words on the page,” discerning what the Legislature has actually done, as opposed to what I think it may have intended to do.

I reject the idea that judges can be labeled as “conservative” versus “liberal,” which are partisan labels only valid when a jurist is unethically walking into cases with a policy bias or a bias towards one party or another. I also believe that “activist” and “traditionalist” are meaningless labels - those who disagree with the result in a particular case are usually quick to label the judges who decided that case as “activist.”

Our court is balanced, with different perspectives and backgrounds from each of the seven justices. This balance lends to good discussion and to fair and just application of the law.

Gableman: A judge, or justice, should fairly and impartially apply the plain language of the law to the facts of each case.

As a judge and former prosecutor, I understand how individuals, businesses and families are impacted by the courts.

I believe that justice comes from administering the law with an understanding that its source is the consent of the governed, not one’s own personal ideology. I also believe that people want their constitutional liberties to be protected, the law to be interpreted practically and sensibly, and for justice to prevail for all.

In our system of government, courts have an important, albeit distinct, role to play that is separate from the legislature and the governor. I will not legislate from the bench. Whoever comes before my court can be sure they will get a fair and consistent approach from me.

One of the biggest differences between my opponent and me is our different judicial philosophies. As I stated, I believe judges are not legislators and should not impose their own agenda on the law. On the other hand, my opponent has carved out a record as an activist and liberal who has consistently voted to create new rights for criminals and new causes of action for trial lawyers to bring lawsuits. Voters on April 1 will get to decide whose approach they agree with.

Louis Butler Professional experience I have been a judge for more than 15 years – four years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and 12 years in Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee in Wisconsin’s busiest courts.

For more than 13 years before that, I practiced appellate and trial law as a public defender, helping Wisconsin’s poorest citizens. I also directed a clinic and served as an adjunct assistant professor of law at Marquette Law School. I was chosen to serve on the faculty of the National Judicial College, where for more than 10 years I have trained judges from all over the country.

Awards and distinctions • 2006: “Humanitarian of the Year” by the American Federation of Teachers, Local 212 • 2005: NAACP Foot Soldiers’ Award • 2005: Outstanding Citizen’s Award from the Wisconsin Council of Deliberations, Prince Hall Masons • 2004 and 2002: Trail Blazer Award presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

What unique talents, experiences, or insights would you add to the court that would improve it?

Gableman: First and foremost, I would bring a law enforcement background to our state’s highest court. I spent most of my professional career as a criminal prosecutor. I worked on cases as diverse as sexual assault, arson, domestic violence and white collar crime. As a prosecutor I worked closely with crime victims to make sure their rights - not just the criminals’ rights - were taken into consideration. Helping make our state a safer place is something I take very seriously.

Much like our respective judicial philosophies, my opponent and I have a very different set of experiences we bring to the court. While I am a former prosecutor, my opponent was a criminal defense lawyer prior to becoming a judge. My law enforcement credentials and common sense approach to the law are the reason I have the bipartisan backing of a majority of Wisconsin’s sheriffs and district attorneys.

Butler: As the first and only AfricanAmerican on the state Supreme Court, I bring a unique perspective to the court and the cases we hear. I am the only court member who spent more than a decade serving our state’s poorest citizens, and I am the only court member from Milwaukee - our state’s largest and most diverse metropolitan area.

In addition, as a justice on the Supreme Court, I believe that I must apply the law fairly, impartially, and neutrally in every case. I am concerned that my opponent has categorized himself in political terms, and is openly discussing his biases and how he would bring a political agenda to the bench. This public discussion of his bias suggests that many parties in his courtroom are not getting a fair shake.

Parties have the right to expect that they will receive fair, unbiased treatment in every courtroom. Doctrinaire activists like my opponent should be concerned that the brand of “justice” they intend to dispense is neither fair nor just.

My view is starkly different—I believe a judge must never decide a case prior to hearing it. I will continue to do as I have for more than 15 years on the Municipal, Circuit, and Supreme Court bench—treat every litigant fairly and equally, and

Michael Gableman Professional experience I have been a circuit court judge since 2002. Prior to serving on the bench, I was a criminal prosecutor, first serving as an assistant district attorney in Langlade and Marathon counties, and then as district attorney of Ashland County. I was also deputy corporation counsel of Forest County and worked in private practice. Prior to entering law school, I taught for two years, including one year teaching in Milwaukee Public Schools.

Awards and distinctions • Graduated with honors from Hamline University School of Law • Led the establishment of ongoing Inmate Community Service and Restorative Justice Program and the Burnett County Drug and Alcohol Court • Past Grand Knight – Ashland Council, Knights of Columbus • Adjunct Professor, Hamline University School of Law • History teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools

apply the law without bias in a neutral, detached, impartial and independent manner.

Over the next 10 years, in what area of the law do you predict the Wisconsin Supreme Court will have the most impact?

Butler: For me, the law is more than a profession; it is a way of life. I take pride in being an impartial and neutral jurist who bases my decisions on our state and U.S. Constitutions. I listen carefully to the arguments being made, and read carefully not only the briefs in a case, but the cases those briefs cite, and the cases cited within those cases, etc. It is critical that a judge deeply understand the law, and how it came to be.

I understand that our decisions often become precedent that will stand for many years. Without a crystal ball, I can’t say what cases might come before the court, and in what area of the law the Supreme Court will have the greatest impact. The bottom line is that each of the decisions we make as a court not only affect the parties in the cases we hear, but all Wisconsin citizens for generations to come. This job requires tremendous patience, hard work, and a commitment to upholding the law.

I have voted 97 percent of the time to uphold the conviction of a defendant when they try to bring a case to our court—but sometimes, the law requires we order a new trial or give a person their freedom. I strive to hold all wrongdoers accountable, which sometimes means standing up for the little guy. In some cases, we may feel sympathy for the personal circumstances of a particular party, but in order to uphold the law, we must rule against them.

Gableman: Obviously, it is impossible to predict what cases will be before the Supreme Court in the future. However, the Supreme Court in recent years has handed down important decisions in areas as diverse as education policy, the environment, health care, economic development and, of course, public safety.

My law enforcement background and belief that it is the Legislature – not the court – who should be making laws, provide me with the foundation to serve as an effective member of our state’s highest court.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

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Frankenstein veto’s future up to voters

by Boyd Sutton QUESTION 1: “Partial veto. Shall section 10 (1) (c) of article V of the constitution be amended to prohibit the governor, in exercising his or her partial veto authority, from creating a new sentence by combining parts of two or more sentences of the enrolled bill?”

Next Tuesday, April 1, Wisconsin voters will have an opportunity to restrict a governor’s use of what has become known as the “Frankenstein veto” by approving a proposed constitutional amendment.

Yes, folks, this is real. It is not an April Fools Day joke. There really is something called the Frankenstein veto.

The current Wisconsin constitution allows the governor a “partial veto” that is unlike anything elsewhere in America.

He can selectively strike out letters, numbers, words, phrases, sentences, and entire paragraphs, and then stitch the remaining parts together to create new laws that never passed the Legislature.

For example, in 2005, Gov. Doyle used this veto authority to increase a transfer from the transportation account to the general fund from $268 million to $427 million. To do so, he crossed out more than 700 words, stringing together just 20 remaining words from unrelated sentences to write a new sentence. To get the $427 million figure, he even took individual digits from five sets of numbers. (See the chart at right.

Last October, Gov. Doyle used the Frankenstein veto to raise local government and school levy limit increases from 2 percent to 3.86 percent. That resulted in the large increases to property tax we’ll be paying in 2008 (an increase of over $40 million in property taxes, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau).

“We spent months negotiating and debating the budget provisions, and specifically the levy limit, and through the use of the Frankenstein veto he simply ignores those negotiations and puts in place what he wants,” said state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, who, with state Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, co-authored the constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s authority.

The partial veto is not new, and this is not the first time that the Legislature has attempted to curb a governor’s use of it.

Wisconsin governors have had partial veto power since 1931. But the veto was used sparingly in spending bills until Democratic Gov. Patrick Lucey issued 159 vetoes between 1971 and 1977.

The last attempt to curb the partial veto was in 1990, when voters banned the socalled “Vanna White” veto, named for the “Wheel of Fortune” game show star. That veto allowed governors to delete letters or combine parts of words to form new words and sentences.

But, as can be seen from how Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson got around it the very next year by setting a record of 457 partial vetoes, the new limits weren’t very limiting. Some people

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Frankenstein veto

“It (doing away with Frankenstein veto) restores the balance of power between the governor and the Legislature. It’s not about who is governor or which party is in power.

It’s about good government.”

- State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf

argue that this new attempt won’t be any more successful.

Governors would still be able to: • Reduce spending amounts by eliminating numbers (striking a zero, for example, to cut an appropriation from $100,000 to $10,000); • Reduce spending amounts by writing in lower figures; • Effectively change policy in new laws by striking words within a sentence, or cutting whole sentences within a given budget item.

“Wisconsin still will have the most powerful veto (if the Frankenstein veto is banned), which makes the governor extremely powerful,” said Ed Miller, a political science professor at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. (Quoted in the La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 26, 2008.)

Some argue that the legislators don’t really want to change the system all that much. An editorial in BusinessNorth.com, an online business news source for northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, states: Unlike the U.S. government, states cannot deficit spend, so governors often use their vetoes to balance budgets.

Governors love to wield it as a power trip.

But legislators love to introduce all sorts of legislation (pork, anyone?) they know will be vetoed, just so they can say they tried. Then they cite these attempts when raising campaign money. Wisconsin’s 2007-09 budget came in four months overdue; during the stretched-out process lawmakers held 120 fundraisers. They really don’t want to change the system, and this amendment won’t. (March 12, 2008) Indeed, Assemblyman Frank Boyle, DSuperior, the lone dissenter among all legislators voting to put this issue on the ballot this April, opposed the veto because he doesn’t think the amendment will restrict the governor’s power. He said the bill is

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“total and complete deception,” and it will eventually get tied up in the legal system because of its vagueness. Boyle said the bill is “much ado about nothing.”

(Quoted in the Marquette Tribune, Jan. 24, 2008) Supporters of the Frankenstein ban say it will encourage the governor to work with legislators rather than against them. state Sen. Harsdorf said the state is still feeling the effect of the 2005 transportation fund transfer, which partly led to the $20 increase (from $55 to $75) in the annual cost to register vehicles. Harsdorf said the proposed constitutional amendment would provide some assurance that what the Senate and Assembly send into the governor’s office won’t come back dramatically different, which “makes a mockery out of legislation,” Harsdorf said.

Sen. Harsdorf emphasizes that this is not a partisan issue, noting that it passed the state Senate unanimously and the Assembly with only one dissenting vote.

“It restores the balance of power between

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the governor and the Legislature. It’s not about who is governor or which party is in power. It’s about good government.”

I don’t know about the rest of you, but when I first saw the movie, Frankenstein, I ended up feeling sorry for this unfortunate fellow put together from body parts and given life by a mad scientist. But I see no reason to feel any empathy for the Frankenstein veto.

It represents a corruption of the fundamental principles of democratic government. It makes a mockery of the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches, and all but eliminates the checks and balances envisioned in the constitution.

It’s time to get rid of the Frankenstein veto and hope that this governor doesn’t seek ways around the will of the people as another governor did. And, if he does…well, the next constitutional amendment might not be as kind to what remains of the partial veto.

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N e w f a c e s i n lo c a l g ov e rn m e n t Dave Doty is a first-time candidate for election to the Siren Village Board. He is one of three candidates running for election to three seats on the board. He has lived in Siren since 2000 and has an extensive business background, having worked in the grocery industry and in manufacturing human relations for many years.

He holds two college degrees in business, attending UW-Stout and St. Cloud State University. He has three children, ages 3, 7 and 10, and a 22-year-old stepdaughter. “Paying for a college education and diapers at the same time requires fiscal responsibility (said in a humorous manner). I have been a stay-at-home dad for the past three years. I find this a most difficult and most rewarding job.” Doty is currently serving a second term as president of the Siren Area Lions Club. Wherever I have lived, I have always been involved in something.” Photo by Nancy Jappe

Paul Berg will be a new face on the Webster Village Board. He and two incumbents, Norm Bickford and Kelsey Gustafson, are vying for three open positions in an uncontested race.

Current trustee Reuben Ruiz decided not to seek re-election. Berg previously served on the village board for one year in 2006. He said he was asked to run for the position and agreed to. He feels that the most important issue facing the village will be state and federal regulations affecting the village’s operation. Berg has been a resident of the village since 1980. He is a 1986 Webster graduate and currently works for the St. Croix Chippewa in the sewer and water department. – Photo by Sherill Summer

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No transportation for Siren summer school

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Acting on the recommendation of its budget and finance committee, the Siren School Board approved offering summer school this year with the provision that transportation will not be provided.

The district found itself between a rock and a hard place in making the decision of offering a summer school program for students in grades 4-12. As it has done in the past, the district applied for a Community Learning Center grant to continue the five-year CLC grant it has been operating under in past summers. Grant funding was not awarded, and the Siren District finds itself in the position of having to pay for summer school out of its fund balance.

“The district would lose revenue starting immediately,” commented district administrator Scott Johnson.

Funding for the SAGE summer school for grades K-3 was not affected by the grant denial. That funding comes out of SAGE monies, which will continue as in past years. At question was continuance of a summer remedial/enrichment program for students in grades 4-6, a remedial program for middle school and the PASS program that helps high school

students progress toward graduation.

“The alternative is worse,” Johnson told the board. “If you cut summer school today, in three years, assuming you don’t lose any summer school students, you would lose the same number of dollars you would have saved. It is a wash. If you cut, you lose anyway.”

Johnson based this comment on the number of full-time-equivalent students, totaling three, the district could add to its third week in September student count if 70 students enrolled in summer school.

The recommendation for summer school, agreed upon by members of the budget and finance committee and now the board, is based upon: Grades 4-6 – two teachers for remedial/enrichment programming. Grades 7-8 – one teacher for a remedial program. Grades 9-12 – two teachers for the PASS program. In addition, there would be up to five teachers, depending on enrollment, for the K-3 SAGE programming that is not funded by the district.

According to Johnson, providing summer school as outlined above, with five teachers and one aide, would cost the district between $15,000 and $16,000.

“We will be losing some of the fun

Board accepts resignation, approves nonunion package

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – The Siren School Board has adopted a new procedure of discussing all personnel matters, i.e. hirings, resignations, in closed session before taking action in open session.

In keeping with this, the board discussed the resignation of head boys varsity basketball coach Rick Anderson in closed session before coming back to open session to accept the resignation Monday night, March 24. Anderson was present during the discussion, at his request.

In open session following the closed session, the board approved a 3.8-percent salary/benefit package for its nonunion employees. Advertised dis-

cussion on 2008-2009 extracurricular hires was tabled until next month’s board meeting.

No action was taken on nondiscrimination complaints, contract negotiations for certified/support staff or winter coaching evaluations.

The board, again in open session following closed-session discussion, approved a total of 44 students coming into the district under open enrollment for the next school year, and 41 students going out. This means a net gain of three students for the district. Open enrollment for next year involves 10 new students coming into the district and 11 going out over the current number coming in and going out.

courses we have been offering in the past,” Johnson added.

Truancy Intervention Policy is approved The second reading and acceptance of a Truancy Intervention Policy for the district came during the board meeting.

After the meeting, board member Dave McGrane asked that the public be told that they can call him at 715-349-5998 if they have questions about this policy or would like to volunteer to help students reverse their patterns of habitual truancy.

The policy calls for formation of a truancy team of adult professionals from the district to work with parents and families in this area.

Other action The board gave a second reading and approval to Nondiscrimination Policy

No. 102 (revised). The board approved a three-year audit contract with Larson Allen, the same firm that has been doing the district audit, but which now has a name change from Tracey and Thole.

Dan Thole will continue to be the auditor, as he has been in the past.

Accepted were the bids from Stalker Flooring for refinishing the gym floor and from Armstrong Cleaning for carpet cleaning throughout the building.

April meeting schedules are set The budget and finance committee will meet Wednesday, April 16, at 4:30 p.m., followed by the building and grounds committee at 6 p.m., and policy, planning and curriculum at 7 p.m.

The next meeting of the personnel and negotiations committee will be set during that committee’s March 31 meeting.

Parties take different approaches to same goal MADISON Democrats and Republicans have now each offered a different blueprint for how the state should deal with a budget that’s hundreds of millions in the red. A group that analyzes Wisconsin’s budget says both parties are working from a similar playbook of one-time fixes.

Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance Director Todd Berry says that if the state was a business, he’d start to get a little nervous. He says both the governor and Assembly Republicans rely on some of the same bad budgeting practices that have become the norm in Wisconsin over the past 14 or so years.

He says the tools are always the same.

He says politicians ask if the state can use some kind of accounting trick to push off some kind of expenditure, can look for some fund to raid or can find some way to borrow money that can be used to balance the general fund budget.

All of those tactics are used in one form or another in these budgets. The

governor would borrow more to make up for money he’s taking out of the road fund to pay other state bills. The Assembly would deplete almost any state reserves and leave the state with a checkbook balance of just $30 million.

Republicans would also use an accounting trick that originates with former Gov. Tommy Thompson, which would push off school expenses from one year into the next year so the budget stays technically balanced. However, Berry says that only puts off tough decisions. He says they’re “opening a can of worms that hasn’t been opened in a long time.” He says it’s something that has the potential to be abused many times.

Republicans in the state Assembly passed their version of the budget Wednesday night. Democrats who run the Senate say they want to give the budget a more thorough committee review before they make changes and vote on it there. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

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MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

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County board committees present strategic projects

by Nancy Jappe and Sherill Summer SIREN – “In 2006 the county, for the first time, developed a county strategic-planning document that has been recognized by the state,” said Burnett County Administrator Candace Fitzgerald as she introduced the presentation of board/department head strategic projects during the March 20 county board meeting.

Fitzgerald described the planning document as a statement that provides vision and leadership as well as identifies areas that need to be addressed for the well-being of people in the county. “It provides the goal of life for people who reside here,” she commented.

Going on, Fitzgerald said that the document focuses on tourism and ways to promote Burnett County. It focuses on drug and alcohol issues, i.e. reducing jail numbers, addressing recidivism and reducing costs.

It identifies needs of county departments, evaluates special needs to get the county ready for technology in the future and communication problems.

Burnett County Supervisors were honored for their years of service on the board during the March 20 county board meeting. In this photo, board chair Larry Main presented a certificate of appreciation to Carsten “Ro” Endresen, the board member with the most years of service. Length of service for board members ranged from two years to Endresen’s 19 years. — Photos by Nancy Jappe

Burnett County Conservationist Dave Ferris (L) received the 2008 Conservationist of the Year award for the whole state of Wisconsin. Ferris has worked for the county for 24 years. A certificate of appreciation was presented to him by Edgar Peterson during the March 20 county board meeting.

County board committees have been restructured, going from 13 committees down to seven, to equalize power distribution and education among board members. The board is now positioned to be more proactive than reactive because of training for themselves and for department managers.

Working together as county board members and county department heads, seven committees met and discussed problems that have been identified in the county and looked at solutions to those problems.

Fitzgerald called the process “very interesting and challenging,” and a process in which people from all over with different interests, knowledge and abilities were put in decision-making groups, working together to get things done.

Time was allotted for presentation of projects chosen by each of the committees, starting with Team 2, whose project was to find ways to attract youth and

diversity to Burnett County. The reasoning for this project is that Burnett County is becoming the home for retirees from the Twin Cities area, youth are being lost and there is a need to attract diversity of people and age groups.

The main idea that came from this group is that the county board should create a Burnett County Planning Commission, and appoint individuals to targeted subcommittees of this commission. The charge for the subcommittees would be to develop short- and longrange strategies for improving targeted areas in the environmental, social and economic qualities of the county.

Team 1 tackled the problem of public relationships and improving the county’s image. The group suggested forming a committee that would be responsible for releasing information to newspapers, onto the county’s Web site and possibly through radio as well.

It was noted that there are four different newspapers that cover Burnett County, and that it is a challenge to provide Burnett County information to areas of the county that receive their local information from outside the county.

Team 3 explored whether Burnett County should have an alternative to incarceration for drug and alcohol offenses. It was noted that the county has a pervasive drug and alcohol culture, and that a majority of the court cases in Burnett County are drug and alcohol related. It was decided that a centralized database that gives information on treatment plans and support groups should be made available to Burnett County citizens to support a long-range goal of moving the

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Burnett County sheriff’s report Accidents Town of Siren, March 14: Clifford L. Casady, 57, Webster, severely damaged a vehicle when he hit a lightpole in a parking lot. No injuries were reported.

Town of Sand Lake, March 17: Megan N. Sartwell, 27, Danbury, lost control when eastbound on CTH X. The vehicle left the roadway and hit two trees. The vehicle was severely damaged. Minor injuries were reported.

Town of Meenon, March 17: Michelle L. Ford, 38, Webster, lost control when southbound on snow covered and slippery Hwy. 35. The vehicle left the roadway and flipped onto the roof.

The vehicle was severely damaged, but there were no injuries reported.

Webster Village, March 19: Faye V. Russ, 71, Webster, backed out of a parking space in a parking lot as a passenger door was being opened to a vehicle owned by Maxine J.

Burnett County warrants Shaun J. Belisle, 21, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, March 17.

Shana L. Corbine, 27, Webster, warrant – failure to appear, March 18.

Jeffrey R. Dittel, 28, Cottage Grove, warrant – failure to appear, March 19.

Michael J. Glienke, 28, Milltown, commitment, March 18.

Larry A. Graf, 28, Shell Lake, warrant – failure to appear, March 17.

Sherman O. Hess, 27, Danbury, arrest warrant – com-

plaint, March 19.

Michael L. Nelson, NDB, Grantsburg, warrant – failure to appear, March 18.

Daniel J. Rice, 18, Maplewood, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, March 19.

Wesley J. Rogers, 48, Luck, warrant – failure to appear, March 17.

Shane M. Staples, 22, Danbury, warrant - failure to appear, March 19.

Leann R. Wollan, 41, Pine City, Minn., warrant – failure to appear, March 17.

Olson, Siren. The two vehicle collided. No injuries and very minor damage or no damage was reported. No citations were issued as it was determined that both were equally at fault.

Town of Swiss, March 21: Carmen L. Taylor, 22, Webster, back into a car owned by Patricia M. Sibila, Danbury, at a Swiss Town parking lot and then left the scene of the accident.

She admitted to the accident later and was cited for hit and run and operating a vehicle after suspension. Very minor to no damage was reported to the vehicles and no injuries were reported.

Arrests Village of Webster, March 21: Emily A. Sutton, 25, Webster was arrested on a warrant. It is likely that Erin E. Dearbin, 21, Danbury, will be cited for battery after a fight at a bar. The incident is under investigation.Town of Webb Lake, March 23: Alicia A. Hall, 35, Danbury, was

county away from the drug and alcohol culture. The team looked at various databases already in use to find a model that would work in Burnett County.

Team 4 researched the tire-bailing business. A bailer that compresses used tires into two-ton bails costs about $50,000. The group looked at uses for these bails and the overall used-tire market to decide if Burnett County should purchase a bailer to try and earn some money for the county. The team decided in the end that tire bailing was not a viable business for the county.

Team 5 explored whether the county should be involved in developing a countywide library. There has been a push to build a library near the government center that would be more of a county library rather than a village library. The group’s thought process moved from thinking about library buildings and asking if a new library would improve the quality of life in Burnett County to asking how the county could create a library system that is better for the entire county.

They considered a library system that would attract people to the region without dividing the county or appearing to be favoring one area over another. In the end, the group recommended that county government not get involved in creating a library at this time.

Building such a library would need a lot of community support on the local level. A push for such a library needs to come from the local level, not county government.

Team 6 was going to research the rural transportation system until they realized that there was already a committee formed to work with the STRAP grant that was tackling many of the same problems. It was decided to merge with the existing committee without taking a leadership role. After following the STRAP committee for awhile, team members who had received leadership training had second thoughts and felt that the training might find solutions for problems of rural transportation. The group is going to meet and work through the process that most teams are now finalizing.

The last team worked with the question of how Burnett County can share resources with local units of government to save money and better serve the public. It was noted that there are already good examples of sharing resources at the township and village levels as well as sharing between counties. It was concluded, however, that there is likely more opportunity to share resources among the various levels of government, but that there needs to be commitment from someone to search out these opportunities.

“I feel just like a proud parent,” trainer Ralph Jacobson told the groups after their presentations, “but just like any parent, there comes a time for me to leave.”

Jacobson went on to say that now is the time to respond to the team’s presentations. There still needs to be decision making to follow through with ideas presented, and he invited the county supervisors and department heads to continue to use the process to think through issues that arise. This way, higher-level work gets done, not management-level work.

arrested on Washburn County warrant.

Other incidents Town of La Follette, March 21: Paul T. Marion, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., reported copper tubing from the LP tank to the house was taken. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Blaine, March 22: Terrance M. Steinlight, Danbury, reported an 8 by 16 foot trailer taken from his property. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Scott, March 22: Mike R. Rohn, Lake Elmo, Minn.., reported that his garage was entered by forcing open a walk-in garage door. Nothing appeared to be missing. The incident is under investigation.

Town of Roosevelt, March 22: David B. Ricci, Comstock, reported that someone had taken the copper electric wire from an outbuilding, the copper tubing from the LP tank to house and took beer and a trail camera from the house. The incident is under investigation.

Burnett County criminal court Shawn R. Pavlik, 18, Grantsburg, speeding, $211.20.

Tammy L. Baxter, 38, Siren, OWI, $667.00, alcohol assessment, license revoked six months.

Merton Lincoln, 62, Finlayson, Minn., issue worthless check, $249.00.

Pamela S. Paulson, 60, Shell Lake, issue worthless check, $249.00.

Rosemary K. Bannett, 45, Shell Lake, battery, $249.00.

Vernon D. Buskirk, 38, Webster, OWI, $957.00, alcohol assessment, 10-day jail sentence, Huber release granted,

license revoked 14 months.

Jeffrey P. Hugdahl, 26, Eau Claire, OWI, $894.00, alcohol assessment, 10-day jail sentence, Huber release granted, license revoked 10 months.

Wanda L. Matrious, 35, Danbury, OWI, $2,400, two-year probation, 110-day jail sentence, license revoked 30 months, alcohol assessment.

Rodd A. Farsund, 39, Minneapolis, Minn., OWI, $1,209.00, three-year probation, license revoked 24 months, six months jail sentence, alcohol assessment.

Burnett County deaths Kenneth L. Johnson, 70, Oakland, March 9.

Burnett County civil court

Burnett Co. marriage licenses

Bayfield Financial, LLC vs. Bruce Albarado, Grantsburg, $1,296.07.

Shane M. Cook, Grantsburg, and Emily A. Goldman, Grantsburg, March 19.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

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Last week’s poll results

Total votes: 83

The downturn in the economy has:

29%

24 votes

Resulted in loss of hours and/or job

33%

27 votes

Made me change my spending habits

2%

2 votes Resulted in loss of my home

14% 12 votes 22%

Made me change transportation habits

18 votes It really hasn’t affected me yet

This week’s question: As a voter I’m most interested in: 1. The local elections 2. State elections 3. National elections 4. All of the above 5. None interest me

To take part in our Web poll, go to www.the-leader.net

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Robber gets 10-year term LADYSMITH - Merlyn M. Dailey, 29, formerly of Bruce, was sentenced Monday by Judge Frederick Henderson to 10 years in prison for robbery with use of force, a felony. The convicted felon who while on probation punched, choked and kicked a Tony Depot clerk, then bound her hands to her face with duct tape, had pleaded guilty to the charge. Two other felony charges and a misdemeanor charge were dropped with the condition that Dailey cooperate in prosecution of Regina A. Topinka, 42, Ladysmith, another defendant in the robbery case. She has pleaded guilty to party to robbery by use of force and contributing to the delinquency of a minor and is awaiting sentencing July 2 before Judge Eugene Harrington who ordered a presentence investigation.

Dailey was brought to court proceedings from Fox Lake Correctional Institute where he was imprisoned after he was ordered reincarcerated when his extended supervision was revoked on a sentence for felony theft. He stole a snowmobile in the town of Thornapple. Topinka’s son, Anthony R. Bianco, 17, Ladysmith, was sentenced in July to nine months in jail and two years of probation as part of a two-year deferred prosecution agreement for his role in the Tony Depot case. A 15-year-old boy involved in the robbery has gone through juvenile court and had been convicted of theft. He is at Lincoln Hills School near Wausau. According to a criminal complaint, Bianco stayed in a van while the three others robbed the store where Topinka had worked until October of 2005. More than $6,000 was taken by the three who wore ski masks and rubber gloves. They went directly to where the money was kept. Dailey told an investigator that he punched and kicked the clerk multiple times and tried to choke her, then taped her hands to her face with duct tape after she struggled and pulled off his ski mask. - Ladysmith News Secret Service questions River Falls man RIVER FALLS - An e-mailed message that allegedly threatened to assassinate President George Bush resulted in a U.S. Secret Service agent's recent arrival in River Falls. The Minneapolis-based agent, accompanied by a local police investigator, questioned a 61-year-old city resident at his west-side home on the morning of March 11. It did not appear as if the man intended to act on the assassination threat. However, he allegedly told the agent that if the president walked in his door, he would "punch him in the nose." The man, not arrested or charged for sending the e-mail, said he was angry at the government and its foreign policy. - Rivertowns.net

W h e re t o Wr i t e

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

Governor Jim Doyle 115 East, State Capitol Bldg.

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

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

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

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 2321390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Mary Hubler 75th Assembly District Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952 Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St. (Hawthorne Lane), Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 266-2519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1 Washington, D.C. 20510 or 1600 Aspen Commons Middleton, WI 53562-4716 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov

Senator Robert Jauch 25th Senate District Room 19 South State Capitol P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

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

Passenger rail train dubbed Northern Lights Express PINE CITY - The passenger rail train proposed for the MinneapolisDuluth/Superior corridor has been named Northern Lights Express. The name was selected Wednesday, March 19, at a meeting of the MinneapolisDuluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance, a joint-powers board representing counties, cities and regional rail authorities in the corridor. The name Northern Lights Express was recommended through focus groups and online voting. St. Louis County Commissioner Steve Raukar, chair of the Passenger Rail Alliance, said participation of residents in the focus groups and in the online voting was appreciated in the search for the name. "We are pleased to have an official name for an idea that has been gaining momentum for the past two years," Raukar said. "I believe the name will lend itself well to design elements and brand identity materials that are needed to further promote the project."Zenith Research Group, based in Duluth, is working on logo development. The next step for the Passenger Rail Alliance is to share results of a new feasibility study with BNSF Railway, which owns the existing tracks in the corridor. BNSF Railway will provide an analysis of how the proposal fits with their freight operations. The Passenger Rail Alliance is also seeking federal and state funds to assist with development of the proposed service. The Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior Passenger Rail Alliance is a jointpowers board formed to explore options for renewing passenger rail service in the 155 mile corridor. Representatives on the Passenger Rail Alliance include the regional rail authorities of Hennepin, Anoka, Isanti, Pine and St. Louis and Lake counties, and the cities of Minneapolis and Duluth. Also participating are the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Douglas County, Superior, and other agencies and communities in the corridor. The group is looking at four alternatives, with costs ranging from $202 to $394 million and round trips varying from four to nine per day at different service levels. The National Passenger Rail Study Group in December 2007 identified this corridor as one of eight top priorities for development. - Pine City Pioneer Polar Plunge raises funds for hospice HAYWARD - The third-annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Regional Hospice spurred 100 brave and generous souls to take a cold but refreshing jump into the icy cold water of Lake Hayward last Saturday. City of Hayward Fire Department members cut a hole in three-foot-thick ice and removed floating ice shards before the plunge. Firefighters in dry suits were in the water to assist jumpers in climbing a ladder out of the near-freezing water.

From there, the jumpers scampered along a carpeted path to a hot tub and heated pool in the nearby Comfort Suites. Just before the first plungers dove in, Four Twin Cities Skydivers from Baldwin parachuted from a plane, floating down more than 5,000 feet and landing gently on the ice of Lake Hayward. Two came perilously close to the shoreline trees. The skydivers were Eric Blair, Andy Younghans, Brian Polsay and Todd Jacobson. The jumpers were introduced by emcee Terry Fairclough from Old Hayward Eatery and Brew Pub. Jumpers’ outfits ranged from leprechauns to penguins to the Easter Bunny to bikinis. Most participants simply did a flying leap feetfirst into the lake, but some were more creative, doing head-first dives, back flips and cannonballs. Joe Muench, executive director of Regional Hospice, said he expects the event will net an estimated $25,000. Pledges earned by the plungers will be coming in for another month, he said. - Sawyer County Record

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

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MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

Judicial elections In this country we have always had great respect for the judiciary, because we have known that judges endeavor to be impartial. We have known that judges are responsible for applying existing law, and that they cannot, under any circumstances change the law or, worse, make new laws.

This is so, without question, in spite of those who speak of activist judges. There are no jurists who are “activist judges.

Those who speak of activist judges are merely disparaging those who do not share their political philosophy. They speak of activist judges as those who should be replaced by judges of a different persuasion, who would be, of course, every bit as much, or more, “activist” than those who were replaced.

They are suggesting reliance upon different political beliefs as criteria for the selection of judges, which is a terrible way to select people who are required to be impartial, and who must apply existing law, particularly statutory law. If a jurist has to decide whether or not a statute is to be followed the decision always is “yes” the law must be followed … and, if it should be different, than it is for legislative bodies to make changes in statutory law; and courts often so state. Moreover, judges are constrained by years of case law interpreting statutes and situations of all kinds.

Of course, not all judges decide cases quite the same way, but there is not a great deal of variation. Otherwise, one would have no idea whatsoever about what to expect in court. It would be anarchy. Still judges are able to, and indeed required to, at times exercise judicial discretion; and they, I submit, give due and careful consideration to each issue. Judges do not make haphazard decisions. There are but limited areas of discretion that draw the attention of the media, and correspondingly the public, including certain Constitutional issues, where again it is not as if there is no precedent to follow. In these few situations, a decision must be made, and there is almost invariably a losing party. The decision, however, should be given its proper respect. To denigrate a judge as being an activist judge due to dislike of his or her decision is disingenuous.

The forthcoming Supreme Court election has unfortunately turned into a political mudslinging contest. This is particularly distressing since both candidates are very capable, dedicated jurists, with integrity and excellent reputations. It is absolutely wrong to be choosing between them based on their political persuasions.

Whether they are Republicans, Democrats or members of the Green Party, etc., should in no way be a factor in determining who should be elected. Wouldn’t it be good if we were able to return to a time not that long ago, when the nonpartisan judicial elections were by and large just that and when we expected impartial justice in court, regardless of how a judge might think politically. Even better, better that we had no idea of his or her politics.

Justice Butler has been a good Supreme Court Justice. He has bipartisan support and the overwhelming support of the judiciary, the law enforcement community, and the Wisconsin Education Association Council. He should not be removed from office simply because of politics.

Ron Ylitalo Grantsburg Editor’s note: This letter is being reprinted this week due to an error on the part of the Leader last week that changed the wording.

Daniels Town voters When I was on the Daniels Town Board, more than once, someone on the board said he wanted zoning. Why the sudden change of mind?

We had Mr. Kornmann, Mr. Flanigan and Northwest Regional Planning to different meetings to get just what they want at this time. At that time, those same people didn’t want it. But … zoning is now in.

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

When the golf course was first developed in Daniels Township, it was the feeling of the town board and many residents of being a nice addition to Daniels Township. Let’s look at the tax money to Daniels Township from the golf course, $9,265.54, one of the highest amounts in the township. It seemed at one time we looked for more tax money, next year, it will be higher, with the future plans for the golf course.

We have lived in Daniels Township for 34 years, took care of the cemetery for many years, on the county board for 16 years, my wife Lavonne, was town clerk for 24 years. I think I would care for the good of the township. I think we have served Daniels well.

When on the town board, we tried to make the present town hall building as its own entirety, with donated money, so it would be separate from the township expenses. Fifty thousand was offered to the board but someone got this shot down. We were looking for a new facility for the town hall, with bathrooms, storage, and heated for voting machines and such, so the clerk doesn’t have to haul this home or to other storage.

As for getting real guys – I think the county represents all the townships in the county well. They are not all yes-people and vote for what they feel is the right decision for the present situation. I would appreciate your vote as county board supervisor.

James Engelhart Town of Daniels

Stick together As I sat down to write a letter, I read an article written by Rich and Nancy Hess, of Trade Lake. What a nice article, folks. It said a lot of what I wanted to say, so I’ll continue as best I can.

As the world of politics goes today, I wonder what the people are going to do?

I do have a few questions; don’t you think we need a change? The most anyone should be able to hold office is a four-year term and the second four-year term if, voted in, just like the president of the U.S.A., called term limits. That goes for all offices held. State, county, township, etc. of political office.

My next question, how do we get new people to come aboard and run for a seat in office? I always hear, “I don’t think I’m qualified.” I say its like going for a new job, get your feet wet, listen to the people and use good common sense. Do what you’re supposed to do, for the people that voted you in, fair and honest to all.

Out of 21 districts in Burnett County, there are two, maybe three now, seats opposed with all those old supervisors something is wrong. We need change, don’t you agree?

The politics of today is money. Politics and greed, greed, greed. The big companies are crying, airlines are saying they can’t make it, with raising costs. Our local government says they have to cut back, what do you think the poor working man has to do?

What will happen, when the middle class is gone? Who will pay the taxes?

Why doesn’t the governing party have to cut back like we do?

My question to the Webb Lake people is, I hear this and that from everyone but no one will say a word. No, we don’t get any answers, (the famous words of Webb Lake is, “Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll take care of it.) Do you agree with that?

My other question is, how come we don’t hear anymore about the misappropriation of money in Webb Lake? The answer we get is the sheriff has it. The last letter I wrote in the paper, the sheriff called me, we had a good talk, he told me his story, and now I‘ve heard the sheriff has interviewed some people, for up to three hours. I believe our sheriff is doing his job, I don’t know if he has got all, but where did it go from there? Is it getting lost, is because our chairman is also the chairman of the county? Could this be political? Let’s see if we get any answers back. The only answer I’ve ever got was

from the sheriff.

Folks, why don’t you get me two local papers? I know some do, and you’ll read what is going on, so many of you say don’t get them. Believe me, you won’t believe what you read about.

So my final say is, please get out and vote April 1. Your vote does count; you can make the difference (the Mothers of Madd) showed they could make a difference by sticking together. That’s what the world needs.

I will be available if anyone needs a ride to the polls.

Roger Fontaine Webb Lake

Community garden Wise Wendall Berry said, “Eating is an agricultural act.” Farmers and gardeners would adamantly nod affirmative. Folks outside this line of work might shrug or even laugh. That’s what grocery stores are for.

There’s been discussion in St. Croix Falls lately about buying fresh, locally grown foods as a smart and necessary act of sustainability. But what if we took one step back?

What if there was a designated garden space where fresh food could be grown?

What if people without direct sun or soil or tools to plow or the wherewithal to do so could use that space to simply grow the fresh foods they like to eat?

What if those people who had the wherewithal would plant their seeds and pass along their know-how to newbie gardeners? What if those people invited kids to the garden to be a part of the learning and the working together, to see how fresh foods are grown? What if all those people, no doubt quite different from one another, would stand around on a beautiful warm summer evening, shooting the breeze and getting to know one another?

I’d call that a community act.

Space for a community garden has been graciously been allowed at the northwest corner of the Polk County Fairgrounds. The park and rec committee is working to assemble a group of citizens to begin meeting regularly to make this garden a reality for the 2008 planting season. The next meeting will be held 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 27, at the St. Croix Falls City Hall. Everyone is welcome to join in this community building process.

For more information or input please contact Amy Klein, 483-9542.

Amy Klein Park and Rec Committee Chairperson St. Croix Falls

Board chair responds I am writing this letter in response to Rich and Nancy Hess’s letter last week regarding the need for better supervisors.

Apparently, since this is an “opinion” column, it does not need to be based on fact, so I guess the Hesses are entitled to their opinion. However, I do believe the following facts need to be brought forward.

FACTS: 1. At the February county board meeting, state Sen. Robert Jauch praised the Burnett County Board for having a public comment in our agenda where the public can reserve their comments to talk at anytime at our meetings. He noted many counties do not offer this.

2. There was no formal offer on the Trade Lake property. Only a letter, which was withdrawn. The county board representative from Trade Lake has asked the land committee for a “stay” on the sale of the property.

3. The last couple of years, there was a 2-percent levy freeze by the state of Wisconsin, the governor raised it to 3.86 percent - which gave Burnett County government approximately $150,000 additional – without those additional dollars, the county would have to cut services or labor force. (Some counties have raised the levies 13 percent – fortunately not us.)

4. The finance committee put measures in place to control spending, and as noted in the Wisconsin Taxpayer Magazine

(October 2007 Vol 75 No 10 Pg 6, “per capita spending declined in Burnett County” …[we were the fourth lowest in the state] between year 2000 and 2005.

5. A drug rehabilitation program was developed by our AODA Supervisor, Roberta Rudiger, and strongly supported

by Judge Gableman, Sheriff Roland and Jail Administrator Nesvold. This program has reduced the number of inmates housed in out-of-county jails and has resulted in an cost savings of over $100,000 annually.

6. For the first time in its history, Burnett County developed a strategic planning document that received recognition from the University of Wisconsin Extension/Government Department, (Madison office). In this document, the board identifies present and future county issues.

7. And lastly, the restructuring of the county board from 13 to six committees is to be more efficient and to better inform county issues to the board and as well as the Burnett County citizens.

Burnett County must operate on facts and not opinions.

Clifford L. Main Webb Lake

A coffee and danish While Pope Benedict was creating an international stir by baptizing a prominent Muslim journalist into the Catholic faith on Easter Sunday, a different sort of reception was happening at a local church for another prominent Muslim who happened to be visiting Luck last weekend.

Magdi Allam, a self-professed nonpracticing Muslim and frequent critic of Islam, praised the Pope for defending civilization against Islam in what is becoming a “clash of civilizations” between two of the dominant monotheistic faiths. Some observers questioned the motives of such a provocative conversion at a time when so many are trying to build bridges between people of different faiths.

Meanwhile at West Denmark Lutheran Church Sami Rasouli, an Iraqi-American and founder of the Muslim Peacemaker Teams in Iraq, chose to participate in Easter services with the congregation there to underscore that God is one no matter what name the faithful choose to call our creator. There was no fanfare, no photo ops, no points to be scored by one side or another. Rasouli was just one of many visitors who showed up on a snowy Easter morning to give praise to God/Jehovah/Yahweh/Allah and recognize that the children of Abraham are one and that if they don’t begin to love one another, no one is going to believe that God is love and we are all one human family.

This is what I love about the church at West Denmark. As our welcoming statement declares–“West Denmark is a safe place to worship, study, and build relationships with God and others, regardless of race, creed, cultural background, or sexual orientation.” I know Rasouli felt safe on Easter morning as he was surrounded by both friends and strangers. I wish he could have brought with him any of the prominent Iraqi Muslim clerics he has gotten to know over the past five years since he has moved back to Iraq.

I’m sure the folks at West Denmark would have welcomed Muqtada al-Sadr or Dr Harith al-Dhari with the same grace and genuine friendship they have extended to everyone who comes for worship and a cup of coffee. In the big picture, sharing coffee and danish may be the only weapon we all possess to disarm hate and fear once and for all.

Sami will be back at West Denmark Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. to share his most recent reflections on life in Iraq as both an Iraqi and American citizen. The event is at the parish hall and is open to the public.

Mike Miles Rural Luck

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Three vie for two open seats on Siren School Board SIREN – Three candidates are running for two open positions on the Siren School Board, positions currently held by Sid Sherstad and Jeff Howe. Sherstad is not running for re-election; Howe is. Bert Lund Jr. and Jake Mangelsen are the other two candidates.

The candidates were asked to answer the following questions: What do you hope to accomplish as a board member?

In what ways are you (or have you been) involved with the board? In what ways are you (or have you been) active in the community? What qualities, abilities, expertise and experience will you contribute to the board? How will this help the board carry out its responsibilities?

Any other comments regarding your running for election/re-election you wish to share with our readers?

The candidates answers are printed in last-name alphabetical order.

Jeff Howe As a school board member, my goal is to maintain a quality staff while staying within our budget. Adding to the quality and diversity of our students educational opportunities and increasing graduation numbers are also top priorities.

I’ve been on the board for three years, and I am currently the chairman of the building and grounds committee. I’ve developed an understanding of what it takes to operate and maintain the building. I have served on the policy and planning committee which review or add policies based on state guidelines and school needs.

I have participated in interviews for teaching, counselor and principal positions. I feel that we have hired professionals that are among the best in their field to make a great blend with our veteran staff.

I am very pleased with the mix of excellent educators and administrative staff in our school.

I recently attended the state convention, and was a voting delegate on the floor in the General Assembly. I strive to take these opportunities to become better informed and more involved. As a mem-

ELECTION PROFILES Siren School Board ber of the board, I’ve helped to keep the school on budget while looking to the future.

I’ve been in business in Siren for several years, and believe it is important to support my community with my time and resources. I’ve donated some labor or material for many projects, including fencing for gardens at the school and labor to build the press tower/scoring box by the football field.

I’ve helped with building projects for prom and maintenance of games for the Moms for Kids carnival as well as a variety of other jobs around the community, including the ballpark and Ruby’s Pantry.

I rarely miss a concert, sporting event or fundraiser at our school. I believe a board member should be as active as possible in school and community.

I’ve operated a business of my own for several years which has well prepared me to deal with budgets, deadlines and dealing with people. Being in the construction/contracting business has provided me with skills that make me qualified to help oversee the maintenance of the school building and grounds.

I’ve dealt with bids, proposals and contracts that have prepared me to deal with a multitude of issues concerning our facility and staff. Most of all, I am very dedicated to ensuring the best possible education of our students. I am able to remain impartial in dealing with difficult voting issues regarding students and staff.

As a board member, I am one of seven to look out for the best interests of the kids while sticking to a budget. This is challenging in these times of rising costs and a set-per-pupil-dollar amount from the state. Being a board member is not always popular when you’re considering the best interests of students, staff and taxpayers. I’m committed to remaining open-minded and dedicated to the education and well being of the kids.

Howe

Lund

Bert Lund Jr., better known in the community as Fudd Lund The goal of a school board is to set policy for the best education of all children. I would like to see the board be a little more alert to what is happening in that respect.

I don’t feel that there is a lot of trust out in the community because of some of the verbal reflections I’ve had occasion to hear while visiting with residents of the school district. I’d like to be proactive, as a board member, in changing negativism to positive teamwork in providing the best education for all our children at the most reasonable cost.

Since I retired, I’ve tried to be at every school board meeting. This is my hometown, the school my children and I attended and the school I worked for. I have a very personal investment in what does or doesn’t happen here.

I’ve served on a community interview committee for hiring the new elementary principal. I have given advice and information to staff members who were asking questions and seeking information about successful programs that I was involved with during my tenure with the school district, such as at-risk and SAP groups for the students. I’ve always let the board and staff know that I’m there with a vast knowledge in education to share free of charge.

In the community, I have been active in: Burnett County Board of Supervisors, Siren Town Supervisor, Bethany Lutheran Church, Lund-Brown American Legion Post, secretary for the Siren Fire Department, secretary for the Burnett County Health and Community Services Committee, secretary for the Burnett County Infrastructure Committee, active member of the Siren Community Ag Association and member of the Burnett County Towns Association.

I would bring to the board a vast

Mangelsen

knowledge and experience in education, a good knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order, patience, fairness, team spirit, leadership and involvement. This should help the board communicate with the community more clearly and be more efficient when it comes to budgetary constraints.

Our Constitution gives us the right to speak out at the polls. I hope everyone chooses to exercise this right in April and any future election. I urge everyone to vote.

Jake Mangelsen I hope to address issues the school is facing, and use my experience and knowledge to provide oversight of the school’s operations.

I have attended a few meetings recently in order to gain knowledge about the school’s issues. We have just recently moved back to the district.

My wife and I own and operate the Acorn Pantry in the Shops at the Lodge. I work for Avion Accounting. We look forward to becoming more involved in the community as we settle into our new community.

I worked for the Austin Public Schools in Austin, Minn., for 2-1/2 years. I began as the district accountant and was later promoted to the position of controller.

After leaving Austin, I became a financial consultant for the Austin Public Schools and the Faribault Public Schools for about 1-1/2 years. I have firsthand knowledge about the financial aspects of a school district. My wife, Holly, was an early childhood special education teacher for three years. I believe these experiences give me a solid background to assist the board in oversight of the school’s operations.

I graduated from Siren in 1995. As an alumnus, I want the school to succeed and be a place of pride for students, alumni and the community.

St. Croix Falls new business

Rebecca Berg and Melissa LaRue are pictured in their new business on Washington Street in St. Croix Falls, Edward Jones. Berg is a financial advisor and LaRue is the branch office administrator.

Edward Jones, located in the Eagle Valley Business Plaza, was the site of an open house March 13 to announce the business’s new location. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

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Four vie for Webster School Board seats

by Carl Heidel WEBSTER - Four candidates have survived the Feb. 19 primary in the contest for the two seats that will be open on the Webster Board of Education in the April 1 school election. The ballot will list incumbent Sheldon Olesen, Terry Larsen, Wendy Larson and Brenda Rachner.

In an earlier publication, The InterCounty Leader provided the information each of the candidates gave in response to a series of questions relative to the election. Their answers are condensed and summarized below to allow voters to make comparisons between the candidates as they consider their votes in the April election.

1. What do you hope to accomplish as a board member?

Olesen: “I am doing this for public service only and I do not have an agenda.”

T. Larsen: “...to improve communication between teachers, parents, students, administration and the community.” He also wants to develop “open-minded, problems-solving young adults that are prepared to be a part of a rapidly changing society...even better preparation of our students for everyday life after high school.”

W . Larson: “...communication and feedback from the top down to the lowest level..teachers should be given the free opportunity to evaluate and critique teaching programs and methods...a concern over the huge turnover of newly hired teachers.”

Rachner: “...learn all I can about how our school district is run...continue to give students the best possible education.”

2. In what ways are you (or have you been) involved with the Webster schools?

ELECTION PROFILES Webster School Board Olesen: “As the incumbent I have a record to run on... Tiger Manufacturing has been a big success...4-year-old kindergarten...After 3 after-school tutoring and enrichment programs... more technology...with the addition of Smartboards and ...personal laptops for the AP English students...voted to pay down $100,000 of long-term debt and save the district $90,000 in the process.” On a professional note he has “provided custom-made mouth guards free of charge to any Webster athlete who requested one.”

T. Larsen: “... wife has taught in Webster for 19 years...two children who graduated from Webster and a daughter who is a freshman...sponsored the Christmas dinner for the band and choir to raise money and have contributed to many school fundraisers.”

W . Larson: “chaperoned numerous times on class field trips, volunteered time for the Athletic Association concession stand, high school band Christmas concert/dinner, jr. high girls softball, Jose Cole Circus fundraiser, fourth-grade school forest awareness day activities and Camp-A-Thon.”

Rachner: “...volunteering in the schools...part of a parent group that...(supports) the students... helping plan activities and then being part of those special days.”

3. In what ways are you (or have you been) active in the general Webster community?

Olesen: “Since 2002...involved with American Dental Association’s Give A Kid a Smile Day. ...to provide free dental

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services to kids whose parents cannot afford to send their kids to see a dental professional.”

T. Larsen: “...a businessman in the Webster community for the past 34 years, serving as past president of the chamber of commerce, past member of the Lions and donating to and supporting multiple area fundraisers.”

Olesen Larsen W . Larson: “Girl Scout leader for seven years, Service Unit Manager for Points North Girl Scouts for four years, weekly volunteer at the Humane Society of Burnett County for five years, American Legion Auxiliary member for three years.”

Rachner: “...part of the Webster First Responders...work with fifthLarson Rachner and sixth-grade girls...at church...part of the...Burnett County Law Enforcement that the school board must make...with Citizens Auxiliary...direct the Little Miss children in the district and my wife teachWebster Pageant.” ing...able to look at issues from many dif4. What qualities, abilities, expertise, ferent perspectives.” experience will you contribute to the W. Larson: “...open perspective on board, and how will this help the board issues as a parents point of view, willingcarry out its responsibilities? ness to learn and understand the school Olesen: “...previous board experience boards position and convey this through will be beneficial with two members hav- open communication.” ing a year or less experience...patience to Rachner: “(Know) how to work with listen to the pros and cons of an issue...a people of all ages...communication is a very good listener...as a business owner, large factor in working with a board...my dealing with employees, government reg- job requires constant ulations, budgets...these are the same communication...ready to learn new issues that the board deals with.” things and put 100 percent into them.”

T. Larsen: “...a college degree in marketing and management and being in the business community for many years will allow me to help on many of the decisions

Six run for 3 seats on Milltown Village Board MILLTOWN – One incumbent and five challengers are running for 3 open trustee positions on the Milltown Village Board during this year’s election.

Dawn Ferguson, Les Sloper and Joe Castellano’s positions are up for election.

Ferguson has chosen to run for re-election, while Castellano did not. Sloper resigned last year, but has chosen to try to return to the board. – Gary King and Brenda Sommerfeld Dawn Ferguson (Incumbent) Dawn Ferguson has served on the Milltown Village Board since the year 2000.

She, her husband and their two girls own a home in the village and the girls attend Unity School, where her husband teaches.

“I feel it’s important to be a part of the process of helping our community make choices on pertinent issues,” Ferguson said of why she is running again this year.

“I feel that we need to stand up to what we believe in.”

Besides serving on the village board for several years, she is also a business owner in the town of Milltown. She has run a home-based business for the last 10 years.

She stated she is a social worker by trade, which she says gives her lots of experience in coordination services. She has also been a director of a company.

“So I bring a lot of different assets,” she commented.

Ferguson feels that the business development in town, and just doing business as a village are the biggest issues facing the board right now. She also mentioned that the children in town have been asking for a skate park.

“I think it’s a good idea because they need something to do,” she said about the park. “They need a safe place to hang out that gives them something to occupy their time, so they don’t get into trouble.”

“I have a vested interest in our community and our schools.”

Ferguson and her husband are both very pleased with what their children

ELECTION PROFILES Milltown Village Board Ferguson have been provided with so far in their community and school.

Pat Hyden (Challenger) Though previously entered as a write-in candidate, this is his first time as an official candidate (on the ballot) for the village board in Milltown.

Hyden is originally from St. Paul; he moved to Bone Lake in 1964 and has been a resident of Milltown since 1966.

“Change is good;” says Hyden “it’s time for some changes on the village board.”

If elected, Hyden will make it a top priority to keep the public informed and involved in the decision making process.

Hyden’s “number one priority is fiscal responsibility;” he is also concerned with issues affecting Milltown’s seniors, housing market and increasing the tax base.

Hyden also hopes to play a key role in preparing for the village’s upcoming centennial celebration.

Hyden believes that his experience in business management will be helpful in achieving his goals on the village board.

Hyden was previously a manager for Cemstone Ready Mix; he is currently a private driver’s education instructor.

Hyden has served as a Snow Rovers Board Member (Milltown’s snowmobile club), and was an EMT for the village’s ambulance service for nine years. Hyden is currently the Commander of American Legion Post 254 and is serving his 34th year as a firefighter in Milltown.

Hyden is married; he and his wife have three sons, one daughter and six grand-

Hyden

Peterson

children.

Robert Jones (Challenger) Robert “Bob” Jones was nominated as a candidate after he expressed a desire to run for the village board in Milltown; this is his first time seeking election to the village board.

Jones is originally from the Twin Cities; he moved to Polk County in 1975 and to Milltown in 1985.

“Standing still is going backwards,” says Jones who hopes to help lead the village in the right direction toward economic growth. Jones believes that his 30-plus years of business experience combined with his commitment to “impartially representing the people” make him a good choice for the village board position; Jones is seeking the position because he believes that everyone should give back to their community in some manner.

Jones is currently employed at Baribeau Implements in St. Croix Falls. Jones has served on the board of directors for WSCA, the horse association that he is a member of and also served on the Service Managers’ Council when he was employed at General Motors.

Jones is married; he and his wife have two sons and one grandchild.

Ted Michaelson (Challenger) The Leader tried contacting Ted Michaelson, but had no response in time for print.

Sloper

Pete Peterson (Challenger) Pete Peterson was surprised to find out that he had been nominated as a village board candidate while he was away on vacation. Peterson doesn’t have any previous board experience but is looking forward to the opportunity to serve his community in this capacity.

Peterson was born and raised on a dairy farm just north of St. Croix Falls and attended all 12 years of school in St. Croix Falls; he’s lived in Milltown for “13-1/2 years.”

Although Peterson spent much of his career as a self-employed farmer, he worked for the Polk County Highway Department for 15 years – until his retirement.

Peterson plans to make street improvements a top priority if elected to the village board. According to Peterson, there are a number of street improvements in Milltown that “could and should be done.”

Peterson is married; he and his wife have twin sons and three grandchildren.

Les Sloper (Challenger) Les Sloper declined to comment, saying he did not trust the paper to accurately portray his views.

He feels that after being on the board before for several years that people in Milltown know him already.

Sloper has lived in Milltown since 1986.

He is married and has two children.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

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Four seeking three open spots in Grantsburg

by Priscilla Bauer

GRANTSBURG – Three incumbents and one challenger are seeking three open trustee spots on the Grantsburg Village Board.

Incumbents are James O. Nelson, Dale Dresel and Dean Tyberg. The challenger is Mike Langevin.

Following are the candidate’s state-

ELECTION PROFILES Grantsburg Village Board ments: James O. Nelson I have lived and worked in the Grantsburg community for over 50 years after moving from Luck where I grew up on a farm.

I served on the Grantsburg Village Board from 1997 to 1999. And have now served from 2000 to the present. I am the chair of the Airport and parks committees and also serve the community as a member of the fair association board.

I will work to keep expenses down and continue to be concerned about operating costs, labor and taxes. We’ve been pretty lucky here in Grantsburg. With new businesses and jobs, I think now we should just try to maintain and hold our own.

The priorities I see for the village in the future are street maintenance and cleaning up properties in the village. I want people coming to Grantsburg to see a cleaner town and hope that will happen when a proposed maintenance ordinance goes into effect.

The village meetings are open to the public, and I would like to see more people coming to the meetings to learn what is going on with their town. I would like to see some younger people get involved and run for the board seats, too.

Dale Dresel I came to visit the Grantsburg area in the 1940s as a young boy and became a frequent visitor, enjoying the beauty of the area and the hunting. I retired in Grantsburg in 1995. I liked the town and the area, and I didn’t want to live in a larger metro area.

I was first appointed to the village board in 1999 and was elected and served through 2004. I was appointed again in 2007 to the present.

I owned and operated my own construction company, Dresel Construction for 50-plus years, and have worked on many projects in the area including airports, bridges, dams and roads.

I am able to draw from many life and business experiences to help the village. I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad for various busiNelson ness projects.

I have served on many boards including the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and the Transportation Development Association.

Creating a municipal court for the village which would be separate from the police department and run locally is what I favor. Getting a new maintenance ordinance in effect and enforced will be tough, but I favor its adoption so the village can get properties cleaned up. People coming through here and seeing things unsightly don’t want to stay. People want to move into a clean community. And people living here don’t want their property to be devalued, and that’s what happens when things aren’t kept up.

The village needs to keep up the sewer system, the streets, the police and fire departments. Those are four things that must be maintained in the village.

I will continue to work for fiscal responsibility. I am here to represent the taxpayers and to better their city.

Dean Tyberg I have been on the board since 2004. I don’t really care to do interviews about myself. I prefer to talk about Grantsburg and the great place it is to live and work in.

As a community we have much to offer.

Some of the businesses and services Grantsburg has include a new mini-mall, several types of restaurants, a new plumbing shop, a Marketplace grocery store, two newer gas/convenience stores, carpet, auto parts and hardware stores, banks, insurance companies, real estate offices, a law office, a motel, a Laundromat and auto repair shops. We also have many well-established businesses and companies, some with long histories, such as the Fiedler Ford auto dealership, the Burnett County Sentinel, Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company, Farmers Independent Telephone company, Northern Manufacturing, Parker Hannifin,

Village of Grantsburg

Dresel

Tyberg

McNally’s and Trailer City.

And for the well-being of our residents and visitors there is a soon-to-be completed new addition to the hospital and clinic.

We also have a dental office, a PACE fitness center, a barbershop and hair salons.

Grantsburg offers job and business opportunities, too. Our industrial park has machine shops and a new incubator building. There are also buildings available here if you are looking at starting a machine shop or want to operate a fitness center with a pool, racquet and Wally ball courts.

I would really like to see a group buy the airport and make it an air park where residents could live and have their hangars.

We have fine police and fire protection and a village crew that keeps the village neat year-round.

Visitors and residents can enjoy the Memory Lake Park and Campground, the ballparks and the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. The nine-hole golf course was made possible by the work of many, many volunteers from the village and Grantsburg area. I had the privilege of working with these terrific people with their “can do” attitude.

There are also many churches and organizations in Grantsburg to attend and join. We have some great community events such as the Watercross, Big Gust Days and the fair.

I invite people to visit Grantsburg, start a business or shop, come to play and to stay.

I believe people should vote for the candidate of their choice or they can write-in their own name or someone else’s.

Mike Langevin I moved to Grantsburg in 2002 to become the financial advisor for Edward Jones in at the Grantsburg office. Since moving here, I have been active in the Grantsburg Chamber, serving as secretary and treasurer, and I am a member of the

Langevin

Grantsburg Rotary.

My career for 23 years was in the radio business. Prior to coming to Grantsburg, I was the director of programming for six Duluth, Minn., radio stations owned by Shockley Communications. I was also a consultant for radio research.

I am a 1979 graduate of Brown Institute in Minneapolis and received and an AA from Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., in 1986. I graduated from Metropolitan State University-Minneapolis with a BA in 1989. In 2005 I was awarded an Accredited Asset Management Specialist professional designation by the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colo.

I have seen a lot of expansion in Grantsburg since moving here. New businesses have come in, and existing buildings have been refurbished. We have a solid business base here in Grantsburg, and I want to see us grow business wise.

As a board member I would look for new opportunities to encourage new businesses to locate in Grantsburg. I also feel it is very important to support our local businesses.

I want to look at taxes realistically, allocating and using our resources in the right places to the benefit of all. People want to be confident wise decisions are being made as to where money is being spent.

The current board has done a good job with this and we need to continue to be fiscally responsible.

If elected I would bring the experience and perspective of a businessperson to the board. I understand what it is like for business owners. I would also draw from the resources I have found effective in my business.

This is my first time running for office, and I feel as a resident and businessperson it is important to give back to your community. I would be honored to do my best if elected.

Two seeking one seat at Luck School LUCK – Two candidates are on Tuesday’s ballot for a seat on the Luck School Board left vacant by longtime incumbent, Todd Route, who chose not to seek re-election.

Following are profiles of candidates Jacob Jensen and Vicki Gross, both wellknown members of the Luck community.

ELECTION PROFILES Luck School Board Jacob Jensen Jacob “Jake” Jensen is a Luck native who says he wants to keep the Luck School a quality school district.

“Certainly I have a vested interest with my own children, but I’d like to keep this a quality school district for all students

living in the district - so they might have the opportunity to have a great education,” Jensen said. “I think it’s important for our community and the future of the community to provide a good education to its children.”

Jensen said he has no agenda for running other than those reasons and feels the school district has been doing a “great job” working with what they have. He said he would need to serve on the board and learn more before commenting on any specific issues facing the district at this time.

Jensen, a graduate of UW-River Falls, returned to the Luck community in 1999 and currently works for the family business, Jensen Furniture. He and his wife and their three children - two of which now attend Luck Schools - live in the vil-

lage.

He has been a member of the Lions Club and has been active by serving on committees for his church and the village.

Vicki Gross Vicki Gross would like to see a more feminine perspective added to the Luck School Board.

“There’s only one woman on the board now, and I don’t think that’s enough to bring that type of input to the district,” she said. “There’s nothing closer to a kid than a mom’s heart - and we see things that dads just don’t.”

Gross and her husband raised seven boys, five of which have graduated from Luck Schools - the other two will graduate this year and next year. That has given her experience, she says, that would be valuable in representing not only parents,

but kids, while serving on the board.

“I’m not running on any issue other than the ‘kid issue,’“ she noted. “I really think I could stand up for them and I would be an advocate for them along with the parents. Basically my concerns are education and getting these kids ready for life.”

Gross said she currently does not work outside the home and would have time to devote to the school district.

This fall, Gross and her husband will have lived 37 years in the school district.

She helped establish the Little Luck Wrestling Club several years ago and has served on a Christian Women’s Club Board. She also served as an EMT.

Packer Foundation donates to domestic abuse project

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers Foundation has awarded a $2,000 grant to the Barron County Domestic Abuse Project. The funds will be used for the BCDAP’s transitional housing project.

The BCDAP rents three two-bedroom apartments located in Rice Lake and the

city of Barron for victims and their families leaving violent situations.

The families can stay up to 90 days while the Barron County Domestic Abuse Advocate in the Department of Health and Human Services provides case management and services, helping

them to set goals and work toward finding permanent housing or finding a job if they don’t have one.

They also receive assistance in finding available resources for safety and legal services, counseling, help filing restraining orders, applying for medical assis-

tance, food stamps, etc.

The Packer Foundation distributed $156,303 to 64 civic and charitable groups throughout the state of Wisconsin in its annual distribution of funds. – from the GBPF

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

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Two vie for St. Croix Falls City Council seats

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–The city of St. Croix Falls is electing two council members. The two seats vacated by Darrell Anderson and Lori Erickson are being sought.

There is a race for one seat with two candidates filed, Debra Kravig and Don Anderson. The second seat up is being sought by filed candidate Paul Kulhman.

News last week surfaced that former mayor Lee Uhrhammer is intending a write-in campaign for the council seat, but his name is not officially on the ballot.

Following are profiles of Debra Kravig and Don Anderson as filed candidates for the one council seat.

Debra Kravig Background: Debra Kravig moved to St. Croix Falls in 1985 with her family. Her husband, Jim, works for St. Croix Regional Medical Center as an M.D. They have a daughter who will be attending St. Croix Falls schools. Kravig worked for 15 years as a registered dietician, with the majority of that time at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center as the nutritional services director. She decided to leave her job and be a stay-at-home-mother when her daughter Emma was 2. At that time she got interested in local issues and served on the city zoning board of appeals. She served on that committee for approximately three years and then served on the city’s plan commission for roughly three years.

Why running?

Kravig said she is running to give back to the community. She said her daughter is returning to public school this fall and she has the time to do public service, which is an interest of hers. “I plan on living here indefinitely and love this place,” she said. “I have the time to give. It’s a

great place now, but it can be made better.”

What issues are important to the city?

Kravig said it is important to focus on things in the works and have them done well. “We have the wastewater treatment plant, State Street project, the library, and land management. I think we have managed the conservancy well. I don’t think we need any more at this point.”

Kravig said she also wants to support downtown. “The downtown is the heart and soul of the city. With the tourism industry, a nice downtown could be an asset, and we can improve that to make it a bigger asset.”

Kravig said she would like to have more residential growth in the downtown such as baby boomer retirement residences to bring growth in and look at ecobuild properties.

“I’m interested I making transportation available for older people to get from the downtown to the hill and help people stay in their homes longer,” she said. “I would be in favor of helping foster a business that would help promote that for out city.

When the taxi left, I was sad to see that service go.”

Economic growth is an issue Kravig said is important to the city and she adds that everyone she’s talked to say the taxes have to be kept down and that is important.

“I think the resort tax is a great idea,” she said. “It is an innovative approach to provide property tax relief and it is definitely worth a try if it gets passed.”

Kravig concluded saying, “We are protecting our scenic beauty and small town atmosphere. I think residents are thinking, ‘we like the way the town is now.’”

ELECTION PROFILES SCF City Council Donald Anderson Background: Donald Anderson is retired and has made St. Croix Falls his home since May 2005. He and his wife Darlene have one grown daughter who lives in Taylors Falls. Don served in the U.S. Army for three years, worked as the vice-president controller for a metal manufacturing company in Minneapolis for 22-1/2 years.

He has been the CEO and creator of financial companies for 10 years prior to retirement. He is a member of the St. Croix Falls American Legion and enjoys travel, fishing and wood turning in his spare time. “I lived in Minnesota for 59-1/2 years and finally escaped to beautiful Wisconsin.

Taxes are high, but who doesn’t have an opinion on that subject? We built a hobby shop last year and are considering St. Croix Falls home for many years to come.”

Why running?

Anderson said at some point everyone should become involved. “Every resident should involve themselves in grassroots politics. Remember when they called me the naysayer a while back? I wanted to find out what was going on and attended as many meetings as possible to see what was going on. I have the time to volunteer to get involved. I have worked closely with a city council in New Brighton while proposing and constructing a $10 million office building and I’m aware of concerns of both the city and the business interests.”

What issues are important to the city?

“I have attended most of the meetings this past year and many times was the

Kravig

Anderson

only spectator. I have learned what is important to many groups including the library, Festival Theatre renovations, sewer and water concerns, parks and recreation, cemetery maintenance, police and fire department needs, Main Street business challenges, deer overpopulation and control, city road improvements, the budget, and the list goes on and on,” said Anderson. He added that if people looked at the community survey and took it seriously, the meetings would be held in an area where a lot of people would fit because of the concerns listed.

Anderson concluded, “There are so many issues that are so important, and there are a lot of concerns. There are so many positive things happening, and it’s an exciting time.”

Other election information The municipal court judge seat is up, with David Danielson on the ballot as an incumbent, unopposed.

The city is also holding a referendum vote for the resort tax. A half-a-cent tax on resort-related businesses in the city would be a revenue used to offset property taxes to residents, if the referendum passes. The race for mayor is contested with two filed candidates on the ballot, Brad Foss and Darrell Anderson (separate story).

Two vie for St. Croix Falls mayor

by Tammi Milberg ST. CROIX FALLS–Two candidates for mayor will be on the election ballot in the city of St. Croix Falls. Incumbent Brad Foss is seeking re-election and city councilman Darrell Anderson who is not seeking another term on the council is also seeking the mayoral position.

Incumbent Brad Foss Background: Brad Foss was elected mayor in 2006. He and his wife Sharon are both in social work. They have two sons who attend St. Croix Falls schools. He has a master’s degree in public planning and says that it an asset he brings to the job. “I have the ability to develop goals and bring in partners and get them accomplished.

Why running?

“Not to put it loosely, but I’m having a lot of fun,” Foss said. “When you are able to enjoy yourself it enables you to increase your capacity.”

The city has put together three pages of goals and 80 percent of them have been started or accomplished, according to Foss. “You can aim for greatness or mediocrity. When you aim for greatness, it gives a little more back. In the first two years, we answered the question where does the city grow from here? Now, we need to get it done.”

What issues are important to the city?

“I think it’s important to have the goals of organizations and individuals in the community and bring them together to put together common interests and double our output,” he said. “I think local government should be a collaborative process, not about being in control. It brings together partners interested in achieving goals and helps diminish any roadblocks.”

Foss says the primary focus for the city is how to develop a sustainable community model. “People may say, ‘what does that mean?’ It means three things, economics, environment and community.”

Foss said in September the city is hosting an energy summit with help from the people from Focus on Energy to present and develop ideas for the downtown, residential and commercial entities.

“As far as residential, the plan commission can discuss the next trend for the next 20 years, which is green build. We can take information from the energy summit and learn how to improve energy efficiency,” Foss said. “I’m hoping there will be the creation of a green fund through the state and city for residents to help them buy energy efficient things for their homes. The summit will help people with questions about thermal heat and other energy efficient building options.”

Foss stated that one energy efficiency example, is the downtown business area.

He stated that one centrally-located heating and cooling could service all the buildings on Main Street as one solution, and the city needs to look at the ways they can help.

“Another way to help, in addition to holding the energy summit, is to make information available to the people. For example, there are deductions available for those who use solar panels. Can we get a manufacturer to come into our industrial park that makes low-use products? It’s about expanding our thinking to have partnerships to increase our efficiencies but doesn’t detract from the economy.”

Foss said in the commercial side of things, it has slowed down due to the stalled economy. “The big box stores won’t come back until 2011, I predict. So, in the meantime it’s about having a plan so both the city and town benefit. We need to work with the town to create a centralized commercial district where we revenue share and cost share. That area consists of standard development that will be a corridor seeing a lot of growth in 10 years. The city/town boundary committee is combining forces to get a better product for all.”

Foss said the new city library project and the trail connections is part of his vision for river enhancement. Another part of that vision he says, is to do an underlook similar to Taylors Falls under the Wisconsin side of the bridge, with a connecting pedestrian bridge underneath bringing people to both communities, but connecting them also to the city trails system and Main Street.

He says the River Street project should continue moving along and that he hopes

ELECTION PROFILES SCF Mayor it will bring residential growth downtown.

In conclusion, Foss says his main issue for the city is to, “Continue to do the great things we’ve started over the last two years. The goals and policies were framed by meeting with the citizens and asking them what they wanted for our community.”

Darrell Anderson Background: Darrell Anderson was born and raised in the area. He says St. Croix Falls has always been his home and he enjoys living near the river. Anderson’s wife, Terry, works in the St. Croix Falls high school office. They have three grown children. Anderson bought the Centuria Commercial Laundry from his father and said it’s always been a family business. In his spare time, he says he is an avid golfer and fly fisherman. He has served on the city council for six years, beginning in 2002, and ending this April.

Why running?

“I’m running because people have asked me to reconsider for the council and I told them I decided already I was not going to commit to that,” he said. “I was asked to think about running for mayor and I decided I would see if anyone else would run against Brad and since no one else filed, I decided there was a need and I could fill it.”

What issues are important to the city?

Anderson said that the city has a lot of important issues that are in motion.

“Everything that is important to the city is already in motion and I say let’s keep things moving along,” he said. “The sewer plant, the continued search for water, the library project, State Street, are all moving right along. There is nothing going on now as far as an agenda I’d like to see us do. Let’s finish what we have and do it right.”

Anderson said on his six years on the council he has seen a lot done with respect to parks and rec and trails. “Those sys-

Foss

Anderson

tems may come up short on funding, but they seem to have things in place. The fire department and police department are all in place compared to where they were six years ago with equipment, and a new fire hall.”

Anderson said the power lines take time to bury and that will happen on Xcel’s schedule.

Anderson said if he were elected, he would run things a bit differently.

“Committees are good for input, but are not accountable. It’s great to have the public input but ultimately the council and mayor are responsible for the decisions made. I would run the meetings more to the topic and stick to the agenda.”

Anderson said he supports small business as much as he can and hopes they make it in the economic downfall.

“I hope the buildings that are filled make it. Maybe it’s a pipe dream,” he said. “I want to thank the people for supporting me for the past six years. It’s been eye-opening. I think hiring Ed Emerson was one of the best things we have done for the city. Looking back, I would say the other good things we’ve done as a city would be the senior center and the new fire department, the city has moved well.

The only regret is the Olmstead project and that we couldn’t get Mark up and running.

“We are having a big changeover in the council with two council seats up and a race for mayor. It’s good for the transition to not have a lot going on.”

Anderson concluded saying, “I encourage the people to get out and vote. If anyone has any questions or concerns between now and the election, call me.

I’m in the book.”

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

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Five vie for Balsam Village Board seats

by Marty Seeger BALSAM LAKE – Two incumbents, one open seat and three challengers will be looking to fill spots on the Balsam Lake Village Board this year.

The two incumbents running for reelection are Chris Sondrol and Judy Swenson. Shelia Albrecht retired and will not be running for re-election. Candidates vying for the three open spots on the village board include James Broome, Jeff Reed and Roxanne Moore. All three open seats are two-year terms.

Judy Swenson (Incumbent) Judy Swenson likes being a part of the village of Balsam Lake and doing what she can to help.

“You’re a voice for the people that voted for you and I like being that voice,” Swenson said.

Swenson is looking for re-election for her fourth consecutive two-year term as a trustee on the village board. As the owner of Village Hair Care on Main Street in Balsam Lake, Swenson says it can be like a revolving door some days from citizens that offer input and various opinions about issues involving the village, but she tries to do the best she can to help.

One of the most important issues for Swenson includes the industrial park in the village. She worries about some of the empty buildings in town, and would like to see more new businesses, and “to see Balsam Lake get busy again.”

Swenson is not new to the village of Balsam Lake. She and her husband moved to the area in 1988, and not long after moving here she opened the Village Hair Care.

“This is home, very definitely home,” Swenson said.

Roxanne Moore (Challenger) Roxanne Moore is a real estate tax expert and has spent the past 32 years working for the Burnett County government. She says she has always been interested in policy creation. She began working for the county in social services, has worked in the treasurer’s office, and currently works as a real property lister, a position she’s held since 1988.

“I believe I have a unique perspective I can bring to the village and help accomplish the goals of the village,” she said.

Moore has held leadership positions such as president of the Real Property Listers Association, as well as president of

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ELECTION PROFILES Village of Balsam Lake Sondral Wisconsin Land Information the Association, which consists of approximately 600 members. She says the WLIA was instrumental in the modernization of land records at all levels of government and in the private sector. She lobbied at the state level to budget funds for the program to modernize records, which gives her experience at the state level as well.

Moore also served as the president of the Balsam Lake Community Club, and is an active member in the Polk County Democrats.

Important issues in the village from Moore’s perspective include finding ways to rejuvenate downtown Balsam Lake without an increase in taxes. Police protection is another important issue for Moore.

She says she’d like to “find a logical compromise between police protection and the need for the local businesses.”

Moore moved to the Webster area at age 16 with her parents, and moved to Balsam Lake in 1999. Her husband Dave has lived in Polk County for roughly 30 years. She has two sons that live in Burnett County and four grandchildren.

“I really care about Balsam Lake and I would like to see it succeed, and I just want to do my part,” Moore said.

Jim Broome (Challenger) Jim Broome was raised in the Rice Lake area, but has been a resident of the Balsam Lake area since 1983. He has lived in the village for the past 12 years. Broome is married to Tomma Broome (formerly Hallberg), and together they have raised six children and have eight grandchildren.

Broome has been employed at We Energies, (formerly the Wisconsin Gas Co.) for 28 years, with much of his time spent dealing with construction. He has coordinated new projects as well as recon-

Swenson

struction projects with utility contractors and engineers. Broome has had no previous experience in public office but feels that his employment with We Energies gives him some background on some of the issues the villages might face in the future.

“When it comes to these types of projects for the village, whether it be water and sewer or paving, I have some knowledge,” stated Broome.

Broome feels that the board has done a good job in the past, but he saw a vacant seat open on the village board this year, and decided to run after being asked if he’d be interested.

“If elected, I will do a good job. I will bring a responsible, common sense approach to making the decisions that have to be made,” Broome stated.

In his spare time Broome says that he enjoys spending time at the cabin, hunting, fishing and riding ATV. Chris Sondrol (Incumbent) Incumbent Chris Sondrol is running for his second two-year term with on the Balsam Lake Village Board and says that he feels there are plenty of opportunities for growth and revitalization in the community.

“I want to be on the board to help promote and take advantage of these opportunities to help our community prosper,” Sondrol stated.

Some of the most important issues facing the village according to Sondrol include the decline of Main Street, and the need to attract more business in the industrial park within the village.

Prior to his experience on the village board for the past two years, Sondrol was on the zoning committee. He has lived and worked in the village of Balsam Lake for the past 10 years.

Moore

Reed

Jeff Reed (Challenger) Jeff Reed was born and raised in Balsam Lake and graduated from Unity High School in 1991. He says he has strong ties to the village and cares about the way it moves into the future. Reed attended St. Cloud State University where he earned a bachelor of science in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

Reed worked in corporate America for 12 years before returning to Balsam Lake and becoming part owner of Reed’s Sunnyside Marine.

Reed sites civil duties as a reason why he chose to run for a spot on the village board.

“I have been a member of this community all my life, and thought it was time to do my part to serve it,” Reed stated.

He feels that Balsam Lake is at a point where the next generation should step up to help the move the area in the right direction.

“In some circumstances, that may mean continuing down the same path to finish what has already been started, and in other situations that may mean change,” Reed said.

Some of those changes Reed says, include creating new businesses in town and creating more jobs. He mentioned the five vacant buildings/office spaces on Main Street, the recent closing of the town’s grocery store, and the vacant lots in the industrial park.

“I think making our town attractive to prospective business owners should be at the top of our priority list,” Reed said.

Reed was married to wife Nichole in 1998 and they have two daughters Sophia (5) and Madison (3). In his free time he enjoys hunting, skiing, spending time with his family and all things outdoors.

Taylors Falls adopts pawnbroker ordinance

by Tammi Milberg TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The city of Taylors Falls passed a resolution to pass an ordinance for pawnbroker businesses in the city. The city currently does not have any said establishments, but wanted to get an ordinance on the books in the event they are approached in the future with this type of establishment.

The ordinance states regulations on how the establishment would operate including and application process, a licensing requirement and fee, operation hours, revocation or suspension of a license and notice of lost or stolen goods.

The ordinance was passed with all in favor and a separate motion to approve the fee schedule of $1,500 for a license and $500 for an investigative (one-time) fee was carried as well. The council also passed a resolution to publish the ordinance upon its passage.

In other business, the council approved the training request for two plan commission members. The training cost is $417, and is $100 over budget, but the council felt the education was necessary and approved two classes for Joe Stein and one class for Diane Sander, both members of the plan commission.

The classes involve the basics of zoning

and site planning basics for nondesign professionals. The money over budget will come out of the city’s contingency fund.

The council approved the recommendation of appointments to the following committees: Weston Herman and John Larson alternate to the Heritage Preservation Commission; Jim Schoonmaker to the Economic Development Commission.

The council also approved a $300 donation to the Initiative Foundation.

The program helps communities in central Minnesota get monies for improvements that help create healthy and sustainable communities. The donation is an annual request from the foundation and vice mayor Ross Rivard noted that the city has received $20,000 to $30,000 in funding from the foundation over the years and felt it is a good investment on behalf of the city to donate the requested $300 for 2008.

The council agreed, and that motion carried.

The foundation began in 1986 serving central Minnesota and has secured $49 million in grants and loans in a 14-county region. In Chisago County, the foundation has provided $2,104,134 in grants and loans, leveraged $6,445,080 in pri-

vate investment, created/retained 306 jobs and engaged citizens in capacity-

building programs.

Outsiders outspend candidates in Supreme Court race STATEWIDE - A survey of campaign advertising through mid-March shows that outside interest groups outspent the candidates for Wisconsin Supreme Court by a more than 9-to-1 margin.

The advertising data was collected by TNS Media Intelligence and purchased by the Brennan Center for Justice, a think-tank at the New York University Law School. It showed that through March 16, the campaigns of Justice Louis Butler and Judge Michael Gableman had purchased only 5-percent of all the TV ads run for the upcoming Supreme Court race.

In dollar terms that amounted to about $87,000 in TV buys compared to 1.5 million spent by rival interest groups.

Laura MacCleery is deputy director for the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center. She says outside groups are exercising a disproportionate amount of influence, and she says they might even be said to be “drowning out” the candidates.

Of the four interest groups that have run ads, the Democratic group called the Greater Wisconsin Committee spent the most, buying more than a $500,000 in ads attacking Gableman. But the Wisconsin Club for Growth, the Coalition for American Families and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce all support Gableman, and combined, they’d spent nearly $1 million attacking Butler.

MacCleery says that kind of spending raises questions about the independence of the court. She says her group thinks that’s a problem because courts should be answerable to the law rather than answerable “to the folks who have paid for ads that put them there.” The Supreme Court election is on April 1. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Shawn Johnson)

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Six run for Frederic Village trustee Three trustee positions open, municipal judge position unopposed FREDERIC – This year there are four challengers and two incumbents who vie for three open trustee positions on the Frederic Village Board.

Brad Harlander and Jamie Worthington are the incumbents up for re-election.

Kerry Brendel, Eleanore Carlson, John Glockzin and Arlen Peterson are the challengers.

Kay Friberg chose not to run again as his term expired this year.

The municipal judge position is also up for election, and incumbent Sherry Gjonnes runs unopposed.

The candidates were asked questions about why they are running, what they see as being most important for the village at this time, what experience they may bring to the board, and any background/family information they may care to share. – Brenda Sommerfeld Brad Harlander (Incumbent) Brad Harlander has served as a trustee for the Frederic Village for the past four years. He is a business owner in the village and lives here with his wife and four children. One of his children graduated last year and is currently attending college and the other three attend the Frederic schools.

He was born and raised here and has lived here all of his life and is once again running for a position on the board for the same reasons he has in the past.

“I always enjoyed the community and felt the community gave a lot to me and a lot of people over the years have donated time and contributed to the community.

So my interest is to try to do my part by being on the board,” said Harlander.

He sees the board as group where you have people working toward goals.

Besides being a trustee, he has been involved in the Frederic Chamber of Commerce since 1979, he was a volunteer for the ambulance for 15 years, has volunteered with the parks and is involved with his kids and all their youth activities.

Harlander states the economy, not only in this village but everywhere, is the biggest issue right now. He feels it is very difficult on the retail end in small communities, but thinks things go a little better on the service end. He says it would be nice to be able to pull in some more industry.

“I think you just have to play to your strength and keep working to make it a nice place to live and hopefully work through some of the economic issues,” he explained.

He described Frederic as a great place to live with its wonderful parks, outdoor experiences, clean air and its charm of a small community that appeals to everyone.

“I think we’ve got a lot of people who are willing to volunteer and do things to continue to make it a nice place to live,” Harlander said.

ELECTION PROFILES Frederic Village Board Jamie Worthington (Incumbent) Jamie Worthington is an incumbent of the Frederic Village Board after serving two years. Prior to being elected a trustee, she was a member of the Frederic Park Board. She has also served on the police chief selection committee, the public safety committee and the library committee.

She went to high school in Frederic from 1992-1996, moved away for a few years and has been back in the community since 2004. She is a single mom with two young children. Her son is in first grade and her daughter will attend kindergarten next year in Frederic. She is currently a college student at UW-Barron County pursuing a degree in elementary education with a library science minor.

She works in the campus library.

“I am running for a second term because I really enjoy being involved with the community that I live in,” said Worthington. “Frederic is a wonderful place to raise a family, and I want to be a part of keeping it that way.”

She feels the current board is diverse, works well together and describes it as a privilege to work with the men and women who are working for this community.

Worthington feels that what needs to be concentrated on in the village is how to deal with the issues that face it.

“It is important to put the community’s best interest at the forefront and handle each issue one at a time,” she explained.

“If I had to address one important issue I see the community facing, it would be the challenge of keeping the current residents and businesses that we have.”

She feels that financially, times are tough for most, and it is crucial to keep that in mind when approving the budget.

“The administrator and board have made it a priority to not increase the village portion of the property taxes,” Worthington said. “I believe that we have been able to accomplish this without compromising the quality of life within the village.”

She says she is not running in order to work on a personal agenda, but to support and represent the village as a whole, and she asks for the community’s help.

“The board needs to hear from the community on what direction you would like to see it go,” she commented. “I encourage you to speak up, call your board members with questions or concerns and attend board meetings.”

“I appreciate the support I have received from the community and hope I have the privilege of representing you for another two years,” she finished.

Kerry Brendel (Challenger) Kerry Brendel and his wife, Cindy, have been residents in Frederic since 1983.

They have two children who have grown and moved away from the village.

Brendel served on the Frederic Village

Board for 10 years. He has not been part of the board for just the last two years. He feels that he has a lot of experience with his prior board involvement as well as his being a part of the Frederic Development Corporation for approximately 25 years.

He was also previously employed at the local bank, which makes him believe that he has good knowledge of the area’s economy and the village’s infrastructure.

“I would like to get back on the board because I believe there needs to be representation by somebody that can ask the questions, to make sure that all board actions are taken in the best interest of the village and its residents,” said Brendel. “I realize that there are a lot of difficult issues that will need to be addressed in the coming years.”

He said that he thinks the most important issues are being able to provide the needed service to the village and being able to manage the expenses so that they can be maximized with the current budget and value constraints.

Eleanore Carlson (Challenger) Eleanore Carlson moved to Frederic seven years ago from California. She moved to Frederic after her husband passed away to live near family. Carlson has two children, one son who lives in Texas and one daughter who lives in California with two children of her own.

“I love Frederic, and I want to give back,” Carlson explained about wanting to be on the board. “I’ve met a lot of nice people, I have a lot of good friends here now and this is going to be it forever.”

She believes as an outsider (someone who was not born and raised here), she can see things from maybe a more objective view.

Before coming to Frederic, she had served on the first neighborhood watch in her community for 11 years. She started out as a block captain, but then became the area coordinator with 20 block captains, in which she had to organize meetings for. While serving, she was able to get ordinances through the city.

“You have to do what you believe is right and what is good for people,” said Carlson. “Not what’s good for you or what you think should be done, but what you believe is good for people. This is their town. This is our town.”

Besides the neighborhood watch, she also did volunteer work for police departments while in California, was the spokesperson for the mobile home park she once lived in, and organized Anita Long’s benefit two years ago.

“I just get involved when I know there are things that need to get done,” she said. “Anything that is worth doing, is worth working for.”

Carlson believes that lack of growth is a problem facing the Frederic Village right now. She believes the village is loosing a lot of businesses and that the village needs to support them.

Needing to offer things for tourists was another issue she wants to be addressed.

She would like to see some camping available.

John Glockzin (Challenger) John Glockzin was born and raised in Frederic and still resides in the village with his wife, Arlene.

He, several years ago, held a trustee position on the Frederic Village Board for 12 years. He also spent 42 years as a member of the fire department. He was fire chief for 25 of those years.

He is a member on the Frederic Housing Board, the Shareholder Development Corporation and is a good church member to the Lewis Methodist Memorial Church.

Glockzin is running for the trustee position because people nominated him and he wants to help keep Frederic alive.

Arlen Peterson (Challenger) Arlen Peterson has lived within Frederic all of his life, except three years he was in the U.S. Army overseas. Him and his wife, Vicky, have been married almost 33 years and have two children.

He now has nine grandchildren.

Peterson is an active member in the American Legion, the Frederic Masonic Lodge and the Frederic Watercross racing (which he describes as a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the community a better place for all). He also is currently serving on the Frederic Planning Commission and the Frederic Public Protection Committee.

“I believe in God, family and our great nation,” Peterson explained. “I feel I am your average person who wants to make a good living for myself and my family, and I enjoy helping our communities grow into a great place for all to live. I want everyone to know that I am at the same time a human being that can and has made mistakes at times.”

He thinks that Frederic is a great town to live in, and he is running for the board because he would like to see the town catch up to the villages around in every way possible.

Peterson served on the Frederic Village Board from 2003 to 2007 and says he has the experience and background knowledge to help with decisions the village will make in the future.

“It is my future plan to retire within this village, and I want to make sure that Frederic continues to grow to make that possible,” said Peterson.

He believes that if the village offices promoted Main Street businesses more to ensure that they stay profitable it could help the village. He thinks maybe the village could purchase empty retail buildings to help new potential owners start small businesses up.

He also would like to set up community activities on a year-round basis and have a way for visiting people to stay in town overnight.

“We all need to start standing up and taking pride in our village,” Peterson said. “You should watch the local paper for information in the spring about block parties I want to start having to help bring all of us together on the same page.”

Nonmotorized Amery-Dresser trail to proceed

BALSAM LAKE – The property committee of the Polk County Board has authorized parks and buildings director Debra Peterson to start working with the DNR on the steps needed to open the Amery to Dresser former railroad bed as a nonmotorized trail.

The action, taken at the committee’s meeting Monday, March 24, is the latest step in the long process to open the property to public use. This latest step came after the DNR decided not to appeal a decision issued by Circuit Judge Molly GaleWyrick in January.

That decision stated that Wisconsin statutes restrict all state trails to nonmotorized use, except for electric mobility devices.

The county will now proceed to develop a revised master plan for the trail’s use.

A large crowd at the meeting cheered the committee’s action and volunteered their time to help make the trail usable.

- Gregg Westigard

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Races in 17 districts in Polk County District 1

District 1, the northeast corner of Polk County, includes Lorain, Clam Falls, Bone Lake, and the southeast corner of West Sweden. Robert Blake held the seat for six years and is retiring. Bob Dueholm and Steven C. Larson are the candidates.

Steven C. Larson

Taxes are the top issue for Steven Larson, a Lorain dairy farmer. He is concerned about how government is depriving people. Larson wants county government to do what it must do and do those services well. His must do list includes roads, law enforcement, and the courts.

He says the county should do the basics the best it can.

On the other hand, Larson says there are things that private industry can do better. As examples, he cites the recycling center and the lime quarry. He says recycling is a service the county should not be in and adds that now, while the center is making money, might be the best time to sell it. Larson says there was a time when the county needed to sell lime to farmers but the quarry has long outlived its purpose.

People still know their neighbors in Lorain, Larson says. They share things and help each other. When problems arise, neighbors talk to each other. The district needs less government help.

The county must set priorities make tough decisions with the budget or it will dig itself into a hole, Larson says. It must pay the wages that keep employees here, but can’t tax people out of their homes.

He adds that some county jobs might be lost the coming year.

Larson says that property rights are important and must be protected. He is bothered by a proposal to limit the number of unregistered vehicles on a property.

Larson says that vehicles and equipment on a farm are often for parts and are not junk.

“I was happy with the job Bob Blake was doing,” Larson said. “I got in the race because he was retiring.”

Larson and his family moved to Lorain in the early ‘80s, drawn by “cheap land.”

He has always been in farming and has been milking for 14 years.

Bob Dueholm

Bob Dueholm says he was drawn to the race because of social responsibility. He thinks he can add something to the board with his experience. He adds that he hates to see the conflicts and polarizing on the board and hopes he can help bring people together.

The big issue for the county will be the budget, Dueholm says. Costs will be up and he could see the tax base actually decreasing. But government is there to serve people and the decisions the board makes must be measured by how those decisions affect the citizens.

Dueholm says he does not support the county’s action last fall switching $500,000 from the levy to borrowing. He says he doesn’t like the concept of borrowing for expenses and adds that it is pushing expenses on to someone else.

The county will need to approve a new wage and benefit package in 2008.

Dueholm says the county must look at the competitive market for jobs and must look at the entire package as it enters into negotiations. He says the county must keep an eye on hidden benefits that may lead to future obligations and costs.

ELECTION PROFILES Polk County Board Dueholm says he does not have a list of programs that could be cut, but knows there is a limit on tax increases. He did not support the sale of Golden Age Manor but says it all has to do with finances. He thinks the county could use an administrator. Among other reasons, that could help keep the committees from getting too involved and micro-managing the departments.

Dueholm has spent all his life in Bone Lake, except for a short period of time living in the Twin Cities. He retired from a carrier as an accountant for Honeywell and now does private accounting. In addition, he and his wife own the Cardinal Shop in Luck. Dueholm served two terms in the state legislature and has seen how state budgets affect the local areas. He is active in many community organizations including the Luck Community Club, Library/Museum Board, and Historical Society.

District 2

Fred Grimm and Joan Peterson are seeking a spot on the Polk County Board for District 2, representing Frederic and most of West Sweden (the area north and west of Hwy. 35). The seat opened up when present board member Kay Friberg announced he was not seeking a second term. The two had the most votes at the Feb. 19 primary.

Fred Grimm

Fred Grimm thinks that with his experience in government and business, he could help make a difference in the operations of Polk County government.

Grimm, who lives in West Sweden, is a business consultant who once worked for the Minnesota state government. He served on the Polk County Board from April to November 2006 while the election ballot problem that year was being resolved.

“I want to be a bridge builder,” Grimm says. “County government is a very complex system. Supervisors should be respectful of each other and work together.”

Grimm says that when he has on the board in 2006, he made a point of meeting all the department heads and visited with employees. He likes to look at new situations and become a student of how things operate. Grimm thinks there can be greater cooperation among county departments.

“District 2 is not wealthy,” Grimm says.

“We need to maximize what little resources we have. We can’t offer more.”

Grimm is not favor of borrowing money to switch spending from the levy.

He says the present financial situation makes that a bad idea. He also says the county must be partners with the unions in the coming negotiations. He says the board must make them understand the situation the county is in. Grimm notes that county sales tax and interest revenues will be down and there will be less growth in new housing.

Prioritizing county spending with a tight budget will be the big issue this year, Grimm says. Knowing there are many things the county must do, the county must rank its needs. He does not favor across-the-board cuts that would starve a lot of programs. Grimm wants to identify

what services the county must do and do those programs well.

Grimm cites public safety, protecting people including those at risk, as a service the county must perform. He says that the county has grown and public protection has not kept up with that growth.

Grimm has a list of ideas. He thinks the county needs an operating officer. He thinks the 23-member county board is too large. He would like to take advantage of technology to better serve the public. The public is the customer of the county and that public should be able to deal with the county in a seamless way. Grimm would also like to see a two-year budget to give departments more stability. He thinks a lack of coordination between departments is a big issue.

Grimm moved to the area from Minnesota in 2001. His career in management and operations has included time in Washington, D.C., and Michigan.

Joan K. Peterson

Joan Peterson’s main concern is balancing the budget. She calls herself very conservative with finances and wants the county to reduce excesses and live with what it can afford. Peterson would rather make budget cuts than borrow money.

She has no specific ideas for changes in county programs and services.

Peterson says she knows how government works from experience. She spent 20 years in law enforcement, starting with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, before becoming a state trooper, a job she held until she retired. She has seen the inside of government operations including times when the state cut the budget for the highway patrol. Peterson said government has to prioritize what it can do.

“Property taxes are sky rocketing,” Peterson said. “People are being buried by the expense. There are reasonable ways to budget. We can be more efficient. ” Peterson says she does not support switching expenses from the levy to borrowing to balance the budget.

Peterson’s family moved here from the Twin Cities in 1967 and she has lived here since then. She graduated from Frederic High School in the same class with Kay Friberg. Besides her state patrol work, which often involved working with county and local law enforcement, Peterson was an EMT for many years. She says that her retirement allows her to become more active in the community.

There can be more efficiency in government, Peterson thinks. She wants the county to work together with local governments, to network so there is not duplication of services. She says she is familiar with budgeting and thinks you should always start at the base with budget issues.

“It is important to keep dialogue open in government,” Peterson says. “We can agree to disagree on issues but we must keep communication open. There should be no hard feelings after an issue is decided.”

District 7

District 7 is the entire town of Eureka plus the northern part of the town of St. Croix Falls and the western edge of the town of Milltown. Two-term incumbent Marvin Caspersen is being challenged by write-in candidate Rob Lubben.

Marvin Caspersen

The county will need to cut some programs for the 2009 budget, Marvin

Caspersen says. He says he would rather cut entire programs than make percentage cuts to ongoing programs. He has no list of things to cut, but is open to cutting anything that is not mandated.

Caspersen, who is running for his third term on the county board, says much depends on what happens to sales tax revenue and other income. He says the $500,000 borrowing for capital improvements in the 2008 budget was a one-time deal to catch up and won’t happen again.

“Government is people,” Caspersen says.

“Much of our cost is for personnel. I am not in favor of increases in the wage and benefits package. We must hold the line and make adjustments within the package.”

There are a number of things Caspersen would like to work on in the next term.

He wants to see open government with information available before meetings. He would like to see more cooperation with other counties and with the towns and villages. Working with others is important, he says, the more cooperation the better.

The highway building has problems that will need attention, including employee health concerns, but Caspersen does not want to put more money into the present building. He would like to find alternate ways to get by for a few years while the county pays down its debt before replacing the building. The staff has put up with quite a bit and has not complained, he says, but an effort must be made to solve the problems by phasing in solutions.

Caspersen also sits on the property committee which will be responsible for solving problems at the highway shop. He says the property committee and the buildings department should be responsible for all the county buildings.

Caspersen voted against selling Golden Age Manor and says he has no second thoughts about that vote. He thinks the county should have addressed the problems with the nursing home earlier and done more with management to manage costs. GAM has a history of service to the county, he says.

He notes that the county has approved a bonding program for highway reconstruction, something he called for two years ago. Caspersen is chair of the highway committee and has helped develop the six-year road improvement plan.

A native of Eureka, Caspersen returned to the family farm in 1991 after working in St. Louis for 28 years. He was an inventory manager for the Army as a civilian employee.

He is the third generation of Caspersens to serve on the county board. Both his father and grandfather were supervisors, going back to 1915.

Rob Lubben

“I am a fiscal conservative and a caring social person.” Rob Lubben says. “I want to be of service to the underemployed and underserved in Polk County.”

Lubben has registered as a write-in candidate for the county board.

He says he wants to listen to the personal struggles of the constituents who are concerned about taxes. The question is how to economize and separate what people want from what they need from the county. And he says there must be clearness in government.

“We can’t have what we are not willing to pay for,” Lubben says. “We must offer the public an explanation of what we are

See Polk County board, next page

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He is undecided between cutting programs and borrowing for expenses but says the electorate must be involved.

Lubben says the county has a role to play in offering services to the residents.

“Why should county employees get larger pay increases than those who pay for them,” Lubben asks. “It is not sustainable.

It is tough to make cuts in wages but we must ask ‘Can we afford it?’ In a recession people will be thankful to have a job. We will be forced to make changes.” Lubben is concerned about environmental issues and wants a countywide clean air act adopted. He was opposed to the highway facility proposal and favors private ownership of Golden Age Manor. And he wants the county to work on a larger vision of where it is going.

“Fail to plan and you are planning to fail,” Lubben says. “We must plan for our future.”

Lubben is a Lutheran pastor and counselor. After seminary in the ‘70s he served the Milltown and North Valley Lutheran congregations before moving to the Twin Cities where he served congregations until 2002. He had been a chaplain with Minnesota Air National Guard since 1980 and went on active duty after Sept. 11, serving returning veterans and their families. After retiring from the military in 2007, he built a house on family property in Eureka and started working for Counseling Associates, St. Croix Falls, still serving the needs of veterans.

District 9

District 9 includes the village of Centuria and most of the town of St. Croix Falls. Two-term supervisor Bill Hughes is being challenged by James Edgell.

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“We need to get our citizens more involved,” Bill Hughes says. “They pay the bills, they need to know what is going on. Supervisors need to talk to the people more. We need to get information to the residents.”

The county will need to make some big cuts in the 2009 budget, Hughes says, starting with the unmandated services.

“We must concentrate on the things we must do, roads, health, human services.

The peoples’ needs must be met.

“Everything must be looked at,” Hughes says. “We may need to cut the library and lime. Even the tourism counsel funding might need to be and that is a good organization. We may need to eliminate employees.” Hughes does not favor borrowing again to cover programs. He said he voted for the $500,000 capital borrowing because it was the only option at the time but did not like it.

“We can’t keep borrowing,” Hughes says. “No new things that cost dollars.”

He also says there should be no wage and benefit increases for the next contract round. Hughes says the county wage/benefit package should be compared to local industry and schools. He says the citizens earn less than the county employees.

“We are way, way over their level,” Hughes says of the comparison. “It doesn’t compute. The county employees could get no raise for three or four years. We are way ahead on benefits.”

Hughes wants to look at all county expenses including out-of-town travel for county employees and board members.

He says many meetings could be done by teleconferencing, saving travel costs and per diems. He feels the county board is working together this term but thinks the

Holmgren

James Edgell

“Borrowing to balance the budget is no way to run the county,” James Edgell says.

“I got into the race because the county was getting bad publicity, the budget problems especially.”

Edgell says he has no disagreement with Bill Hughes and doesn’t even know him, but wants to get involved because of his background and experience. Part of that experience has been in local government. He has served on the Unity School Board for two terms and on the Centuria Village board, both as a trustee and village president, for some 16 years over the period since 1968. He has had experience with contract negotiations and knows the process.

The county needs to create jobs and get more industry to keep our young people from leaving, Edgell feels.

He has no agenda on what county programs to fund or cut and says he is open minded and needs to learn. Edgell says something does need to be done with the highway shop. He says money could be put into the building to meet the problems and it would still be an old building. It is a question of repair or replace.

Edgell’s family has lived in Centuria for three generations. He moved away for a while after serving in the Navy and worked as a radio announcer in New Richmond. He returned home in 1968 and bought a trucking business which he operated for 35 years before retiring.

Edgell is active in the American Legion and is a member of the 40 & 8 service organization.

District 10

District 10 includes the village of Balsam Lake and the northern half of the town of Balsam Lake. Two-term supervisor is being challenged by Brian Masters

Carl Holmgren

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coming year will be a challenge. Hughes says the next budgets will be nasty and the supervisors will need to justify the expenses of every department and review staffing from the ground up.

Hughes moved to Polk County in 1985 and owns the Rocky River Bakery in Taylors Falls. Before coming here he had worked for Super Value and IGA as a bakery operations supervisor.

“The big issue is taxes,” Carl Holmgren says. “We face limited revenue and higher expenditures. I did not vote for the budget. The $500,000 loan was absurd. We should not switch spending away from the levy.”

Holmgren offers some alternatives to tax increases or program cuts, including two days off without pay and a temporary freeze on filling vacant positions. He also says the wage increase should be tied to the social security index and benefits should be restructured.

Even with that, Holmgren says the coming year will be tough. The county will need to decide what to do with the highway building problems. Revenues will be down due to a slower growth rate and decreased sales tax receipts.

Holmgren has served on the highway and zoning committees both his terms. As the board member living closest to the government center, he has attended many other committee meetings and gained an insight into the workings of the county.

The county’s highway system has been one of Holmgren’s major interests. He has bicycled most of the county roads and pushed for widening the highways when improvements are planned. He would like to see paved shoulders on roads where there is often no shoulder at all.

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The county needs to plan for the future, Holmgren says. Everyone should know where we are going. It also needs coordination. He would like to see the seven member executive committee restored and active.

Holmgren looks at the county’s needs from his experience in data processing.

He worked for the city of Minneapolis for 30 years. As a project supervisor, he helped set up information systems for many city departments. He has experience with planning that involved employees in the process and has used those skills helping the executive committee restructure Polk County operations.

Holmgren has had a summer home in Balsam Lake since 1992 and moved here in 2001. He is an avid runner and enjoys snow-shoeing. He is also a distance biker and bicycled over 4,000 miles following the Lewis and Clark trail.

Brian R. Masters “The county is not looking ahead,” Brian Masters says. “We need to know where we are taking the county. We need future planning for the next five and 10 years. ” There are too many individual agendas on the county board, Masters says. He wants to get people to work together. He says he will listen and learn, but is not afraid to speak out on ideas in an objective manner. The board needs new perspectives and the input of younger people, Masters says.

Budgeting for the coming year should be part of the total picture for the county, Masters says. The board needs to take a broad look at where the county is going.

He says he has worked with finance director Tonya Weinert and feels she has started to do the planning the county needs.

But he is concerned about the county debt level and the 13-percent tax increase this year. Masters says the county has $49 million in bonding debt and needs a plan to reduce that amount. He does not have a list of programs to be cut, but says this is the place for board members to work together.

Regarding wages, Masters says a 3-percent cost of living increase should not be always assumed. A cancer survivor who has been dealing with the illness for over 10 years, he is very concerned about offering good health insurance. But he thinks the county’s share of the premium, 90 percent, is “huge.” Masters has lived in the area for 10 years, first in Bone Lake at a family property he has visited since he was a child. He moved to the town of Balsam Lake four years ago. He worked as an insurance adjuster for 15 years and now does accounting. Masters was on the Bone Lake Water Association Board for several years and worked closely with the DNR on aquatic issues for the lake.

District 11

District 11 includes all of Apple River and Beaver plus the Polk County portion of Turtle Lake. Rodney Littlefield, completing his second term on the board, is being challenged by Ken Sample and write-in candidate Keith Peterson.

Rodney Littlefield

Two issues are high on Rodney Littlefield’s list of concerns. First is the high cost of what he calls the revolving

Sample

Peterson

door of treating residents with mental disorders and chemical and alcohol problems. As chair of the public health board, he sees these problems and knows the financial cost to the county, as well as the personal cost to the residents and their families.

Littlefield is also concerned about what to do with the highway department building. He thinks the county should first look at what the department does and will be doing in the future. He thinks a solution can be found for far less than $10 million.

The county should have been taking better care of the building over the years, he thinks.

“We have spent a lot on buildings and bonding over the years,” Littlefield says.

“It led to the T-Party revolt. We need to pay off some of the bonds before we do more.”

He notes that the county could build the communications system thanks to the help from Dairyland Power, but would like to fund the road program one year at a time. Littlefield was not comfortable with the $500,000 borrowing done with the 2008 budget and does not think that borrowing is a good idea.

On wages, he says the county can not pay a 3- percent increase with a 2-percent levy cap. Littlefield thinks that the wages and benefits are good for employees at the bottom.

Golden Age Manor has been a big issue for Littlefield. He said he supported the home when he first came on the board, but changed his mind when he saw the problems with expenses. As county board second vice chair, he has a seat on the GAM board and voted to sell the home.

Littlefield has been a lifelong resident of Beaver and has lived on his present farm since 1948. He has degrees in agricultural business and crop production and worked in Ag Extension for many years.

He is concerned about protecting the county’s water resources through good farming practices.

Ken Sample

The county needs to get value for its money, Ken Sample says. He has seen taxes increase and the county grow without any short- and long-term plans. He feels he has the skills to help the county develop plans and set goals. He thinks he can be a positive player, working with other board members as the county moves ahead.

Sample says the county must balance the services it must provide with the revenues available, identifying mandated tasks and funding sources. He says the county needs to see what is in play, what must be done and what is available to pay the costs.

The county once paid low wages but offered job security, Sample says. It now offers good wages and benefits above the industrial average, giving county workers the best of both worlds. He says wages and benefits will now need to swing the other way. The compensation must be fair to the county workers and the county residents.

Sample says he favors bonding for road programs but was unaware of the $500,000 borrowing for capital projects and will need to study that decision.

Whatever is done, Sample wants better dialogue among county board members and between them and the public. He says poor communication lead to poor trust.

Sample says he is not running against Littlefield on the issues and does not disagree with him on his votes. Sample says he has a different set of skills to offer and the time and interest to give the county

See Polk County board, next page

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

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District 21

District 12 No Photo Available

Bremer Polk County board, continued the time and interest to give the county board his full attention.

Sample moved to Apple River from Minnesota in 2003 after a career with AT&T as a communications technician.

He says the skills he developed there, including working with transition planning and change, will be useful in helping the county plan its future. While in Minnesota, he served two terms on the Forest Lake School Board. He is now the Apple River town clerk.

Keith Peterson

A late entry to the county board race, Keith Peterson is a write-in candidate running against Littlefield and Sample.

His main reason for running is opposition to the sale of Golden Age Manor, an issue where he disagrees with both of his opponents.

“Golden Age Manor should stay in county hands,” Peterson says. “If the judge stops the sale of the home, the county should keep it.”

He thinks the GAM operating deficit should be on the county budget and the county should take a closer look at the management of the nursing home.

Peterson says he got in the race on his own, but has had a group backing him once he got in the race.

Peterson says he has not studied the wage and benefits issue or the highway building problems enough to state an opinion. However, he does not feel that the county should have borrowed $500,000 to take expenses off the levy.

Peterson has lived all his life in Beaver and Apple River. He served seven years as Apple River chair and two years as a town supervisor. Peterson worked for Maxwell Heating in Luck until his recent retirement.

District 12

District 12 includes the village and town of Clayton plus small parts of Lincoln and the town of Clear Lake.

Duana Bremer was appointed to the vacant seat last December. She is challenged by write-in candidate Pat Messicci.

Duana Bremer

The past few months have been a learn-

Messicci

Johnson

ing experience, Duana Bremer says. She was appointed to a vacant county board seat in December and placed on the finance and personnel committees, two of the most active governing committees.

She was immediately a part of the process of finding a buyer for Golden Age Manor and bringing that recommendation to the county board. Now she is running to hold her seat. Bremer says being on the county board has given her respect for elected officials. She said in the past she would read a news story and sometimes express displeasure with a decision. Now she sees that is not just one way to look at an issue, that issues are complex and decisions always have consequences. She sees that an official must make the best decision for the whole county.

The proposal to borrow the $500,000 came out of the finance committee and was approved by the board before she took her seat. She says she doesn’t feel good about the borrowing, but there was nothing to cut. Bremer asks “What do we sacrifice? Do we drop home care?” She said there are no easy options.

About the home-care program, one of the few nonmandated services the county provides, Bremer say that is something the county must continue to do. Home care helps older residents stay in their homes longer and with a better quality of life.

After her few months on the board, Bremer feels the county needs an administrator but says that, without any money, the idea is not in the cards.

Bremer works for Salvation Army as the director of programming for Polk and St. Croix counties. In that job she sees how many residents are at risk in our area. One of her projects is developing a shelter in the old Polk County Jail in Balsam Lake.

Bremer moved to Lincoln from the Twin Cities suburbs 14 years ago and lives on a farm raising sheep and free-range chickens.

Pat Messicci

The sale of Golden Age Manor brought Pat Messicci into the race. She is fighting to keep the nursing home in county hands to make sure seniors have access to the best care. She feels that area residents would be willing to pay more taxes to support the home.

Demulling Messicci is also concerned about open government and the right of the public to know what the board is doing. Now that the residents have expressed their opinion on a new highway building, she wants the county board to look at less expensive solutions.

Energy conservation, global warming issues, and renewable energy are a major concern of Messicci. She wants all county buildings to be energy efficient and wants to assure that Polk County has no regulations that would prohibit or discourage residents’ use of renewable energy resources.

She is very concerned about the health and safety of residents and wants the county to work on programs that promote activities for our youth. Linked with that, she wants to crack down on meth/drug abuse and child/domestic abuse. Messicci says it is important that residents are safe and have access to services for better health care.

Messicci is a lifelong resident of the area. She manages her own consulting business and has served as Turtle Lake Village president. She is now on the town of Clayton Plan Commission. As Pat Kirk, she ran for Congress and the state Assembly in 1984 and 1986.

District 21

District 21 is the town of Alden west of Hwy. 65. One-term incumbent Neil Johnson is being challenged by write-in candidate Joe Demulling.

Neil Johnson

Getting the budget in line is the top concern of Neil Johnson. He says there can not be another 13-percent increase in the county property tax. He voted against the $500,000 borrowing for the 2008 budget and will oppose the idea again this time.

He also says the county must hold the line on wages and benefits when it negotiates the 2009-2010 union contracts. He thinks the county is due for an increase in health insurance costs.

“We can’t give them anything,” Johnson says. “We might lose some valuable people but there is no money.”

While money is tight, Johnson wants the county to go for an administrator as soon as possible.

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ELECTION PROFILES Polk County Board to the county board. He is a business owner/employer who has many years of school board experience. He has seen growth and contraction, budgets, contracts and employment issues.

Johnson has been an owner of ITP, a plastics parts manufacturer in St. Croix Falls, for 27 years. The company currently employs 68 persons on three shifts.

Johnson has seen the challenge of keeping a company going when many jobs move overseas. But he knows the importance of having jobs in the community.

“The workers are a part of me,” Johnson says. “It is important to trust the employees, treat them well, let them do their jobs.”

Johnson also served on the Unity School Board for 22 years during a time of major growth. He has seen the challenges of budgets, finances, property taxes and state aid. He wants to let each department know the spending limits and come up with a budget.

As an employer and school board member, Johnson has been involved in many labor negotiations. He says it is very important to be upfront with the employees and their unions. Let them know how much money is available with the levy caps and ask them what they want within the limits.

“Don’t beat around the bush,” Johnson says. “We never paid for a contract negotiator at the school. Face-to-face talks are better.”

Johnson has lived on the family farm his entire life. In his spare time, he has been active in 4H and the fair board.

Joe Demulling

A late entry to the county board race, Joe Demulling registered as a write-in candidate last week. He says he is concerned about communications between county government and the residents.

Among other things, he was concerned about the way the highway shop referendum was handled in his area.

Demulling is concerned about taxes and county spending, but says he has not looked at the specific issues, including borrowing and wage/benefit offers, enough to take positions. He says he wants to all issues in detail. He is not proposing cutting any programs at this time.

Demulling lives on the home property where he was born and raised. He recently retired after commuting to St. Paul every day for 18 years. He says his new free time allows him to get more involved in serving the community, something he has thought about for a long time.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

New flflooral shop opens in Siren

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – The sign went up on the outside first, proclaiming Siren Floral and Gifts as the business going into the vacant building at the end of the postoffice block on Main Street. Then the lights were turned on, and curious people began stopping in to ask, “Are you open yet?” The answer now is “Yes, we are open and ready for business.”

Siren Floral and Gifts is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. At the current time, the Saturday hours are in question, and it’s better to check to see if the open sign is lit. The phone number to call is 715-349-2000.

Stacey and Pat Taylor, Webster, are shown among some of the gift items that are available at the new Siren business they own, Siren Floral and Gifts.

When customers come in the door of what was rebuilt as a catering business after the tornado passed through town, they will be greeted by floral designer Tonja Johnson. Many people will already know Johnson, a Siren native and the daughter of Les and Maxine Lindquist.

Tonja Johnson, floral designer at the new Siren Floral and Gifts on the corner of the post office block on Main Street, is shown in front of the cooler filled with fresh-cut flowers ready for sale. — Photos by Nancy Jappe Since March 3, Johnson has been hard at work getting the shop ready to receive fresh-cut flowers, plants, cards, stuffed animals, candles, baskets and, hopefully, things that can’t be found at any other Siren store.

“We are looking for new product lines at the April trade show in the Twin Cities,” commented owner Pat Taylor, Webster. Taylor and his wife, Stacey, own the building and the business.

Taylor’s mother, Karen Taylor, owner of Methven Taylor Floral Shop in Anoka, Minn., is the consultant for the new shop, and has been working with Johnson on getting the floral end of the business ready for customers.

Pat and Stacey Taylor were married Sept. 8, 2007, in Siren. On that weekend, there were seven weddings going on in the county, and there was no flower shop in Siren to tap into. “Siren

is the hub of the county,” Taylor said, adding that the idea for the floral business came as a convenience for the people in town, saving them from having to go out of town with their floral business. His focus in setting up the shop was on the wedding and funeral end of the business, but the shop is currently preparing for prom, Mother’s Day orders and July 4 celebrating to come.

Taylor purchased the 1,500-squarefoot building during the summer of 2007. Walls were taken out, and the flooring was replaced. Local contractor Mark Swenson did the remodeling, adding a pine beam across the ceiling and knotty-pine paneling. The kitchen equipment in the building was sold and removed, and a new display cooler for cut flowers was added.

“The hardest part is starting a new business,” Taylor commented. “It is interesting to take something where the doors were closed, the doors are opened and here you are. We had to hire staff, do the buying, get the coolers. There was so much to do. That is the challenge that you don’t have when you buy an existing business. It took time to get everything together.”

Taylor is proud to point out that his floral shop has a sit-down area where customers can take their time, have a cup of coffee from the pot that is always ready and look at floral books as they plan events that require floral displays.

Another plus is that the building is handicap accessible.

The inventory will be changing as the Taylors and Johnson become familiar with what their customers are looking to buy. The Northwoods theme will be a predominant feature, but other surprises are in store as Siren Floral and Gifts prepares to fill its own niche in the Siren business community.

As Pat Taylor put it, “rather than having another empty building on Main Street and another business Siren doesn’t have,” the community now has Siren Floral and Gifts.

Grantsburg Community Chorale heads to the The 29-member Grantsburg Community Chorale rehearses “Requiem” by John Rutter. The group will perform the piece for their performance at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, March 29. — Photos by Priscilla Bauer

GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Community Chorale will be singing the tune “New York, New York” as the 29member group heads for their trip to the Big Apple and a big Carnegie Hall performance on March 29.

The Carnegie Hall Concert will be featuring performers and directors from the all over the Midwest.

The Grantsburg group will also sing “Requiem” by John Rutter under the direction of Grantsburg Choir Director

Linda Benge who was asked to bring singers from Grantsburg to Carnegie Hall to be part of the mass choir. Rene Clausen, director of the renowned Concordia College Choir in Moorhead, Minn., will direct the 250-person choir.

The Grantsburg singers will spend four hours in rehearsal each day getting ready for their performance Saturday night with the rest of the time taking advantage of the many sights and activities in New York City. - submitted

Local Democrats to hold meeting LUCK – The Polk County Democratic Party will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 27, at Hog Wild located on Main Street in Luck. There will be a social hour starting at 5:30 p.m. Order from selections on the Hog Wild menu. Meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Guest Speaker will be Mr. Philip Freedman, AFL-CIO representative.

For more event information please contact chairperson Jan KeltonWolden at 715-554-0648 or e-mail woldenkelton@yahoo.com. Open to the public. - submitted

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

L a w r en c e fa r m h a s b a by la mbs

Visiting the Lawrence farm in Dewey Township were back row (L to R): Jameson Stone, Taylor Bauch, Carter Lawrence, Rodney Lawrence, Luke Pokorny, Julie Pokorny and Felicia Pokorny. Front: Reyna Stone, Shania Pokorny, Cassie Lawrence and Meghan Stone.

Meghan and Reyna Stone may live in town, but they like being on the farm even when the animal you may be holding has an accident. Al and Beth Lawrence opened their farm so that kids from the area can see the spring lambing.

by Larry Samson SHELL LAKE — Allen and Beth Lawrence have a small dairy and sheep farm in Dewey Township. Each spring they invite children from the area to come out to the farm to see the newborn lambs. Allen sees this as a way for people to connect with the farm. He enjoys watching his grandchildren and their friends when they first see the baby lambs. The Lawrences have a couple of bottle lambs for the children to feed and hold.

Luke Pokorny feeds a newborn lamb as he along with his family and friends visit the Lawrence farm during lambing.

Photos by Larry Samson

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

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Fourth-Annual All-Leader Girls Basketball Team

by Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld FREDERIC – We thought choosing the All-Leader boys was tough, but the girls team proved to be even more challenging.

Congratulations to both Jon Ruud and Troy Wink for another competitive and unpredictable year of basketball. It was tough to choose who would finish on top until the end of the season.

We’d like to extend gratitude to the rest of the Leader Land coaches as well for all of their cooperation in keeping us informed on game statistics, including

all of the end of the year stats, which helped us base our decision on who to pick from the area, which we believe are some of the finest athletes in the West lakeland conference.

Of course, not all area athletes could be chosen this season, which makes it diffcult to leave some players out of the mix. Senior leadership plays a big role, and we look forward to seeing underclassmen on the board next year.

Congratulations also to the Emery sisters for their accomplishments this season. It will be interesting to see those two play together again next year.

Honorable Mentions Frederic Becca Anderson Ana Miller Grantsburg Megan Finch Abbey Vaksdal Luck Sarah Petersen Erica Wilson St. Croix Falls Jenny Benoy Kelsey Douglass-White

Siren Haily Mulroy Ashley Guevara Unity Andrea Thompson Tina Edgell Webster Amanda Alberg Chelsey Bereiter

First team coach and post players Coach

Jon Ruud Siren

Name: Jon Ruud School: Siren Comments: Jon Ruud had quite the year with his Siren girls. He graduated most of last year’s squad, and with only four seniors, he started out with many inexperienced young players for this season. His team ended up single-handedly winning a conference championship and regional championship.

Janey Emery Siren

Name: Janey Emery School: Siren Comments: Siren’s team would not have been the same without the help of Janey Emery. You name it, she did it for her team.

She averaged 15.2 points per game, she had 86 steals, 140 rebounds, 45 blocks and 69 assists.

She scored a total of 349 points for the Dragons.

She is someone anyone would want on their team.

Forward

Erin Schmidt Frederic

Name: Erin Schmidt School: Frederic Comments: Senior Erin Schmidt’s consistency on the court was a major component to the success of the Vikings this season, and her 500rebound milestone was an outstanding accomplishment to end her basketball career. Schmidt averaged 11.7 points per game and averaged 9.8 rebounds per game.

Center

Marissa Campeau St. Croix Falls

Name: Marissa Campeau School: St. Croix Falls Comments: Although Marissa Campeau is not a true center, she’s capable of holding her own just about anywhere on the court. Campeau finished the season with a team-leading 306 points, 41 assists, 45 blocks and 45 steals. She also hauled in 120 rebounds, and shot 59 for 87 from the line.

Forward

Jennifer Mitchell Siren

Name: Jennifer Mitchell School: Siren Comments: Rebounding is Jennifer Mitchell’s specialty. She had a total of 214 rebounds for this year. She averaged 9.3 rebounds per game.

Mitchell is one of the players that are a big reason the Siren team made it far. She was a powerhouse for them under the basket, especially on the defensive end.

Carley Emery Siren

Name: Carley Emery School: Siren Comments: Carley Emery’s place for this year was a hard decision.

As a freshman, she was 13th in the state for points. She scored a total of 432 points, which averaged out as 18.7 per game. Her team gave her many passes for fast breaks and layups.

Emery is an asset that will be around for three more years.

First team most valuable player, guards and rookie Most Valuable

Point Guard

Kelly Wondra Frederic

Name: Kelly Wondra School: Frederic Comments: The Vikings senior leadership from Kelly Wondra was an important aspect in Frederic’s success this year. Wondra led the team in assists and steals and had a 1.3-assist to 1turnover ratio. Wondra played a key role not only defensively, but established control and patience down the court.

Shooting Guard

Taryn Pilz Luck

Name: Taryn Pilz School: Luck Comments: Taryn Pilz had a breakout year as she not only led the team in scoring with 205 points, but also led in assists.

Pilz was an important part of the team defensively, and she tied in rebounds with teammate Sarah Petersen. Both had 122.

Pilz was also named to the first team all-conference.

Rookie

Second team coach and post players Coach

Troy Wink Frederic

Name: Troy Wink School: Frederic Comments: This year, coach Troy Wink’s Frederic girls improved to one of their best finishes in nearly a decade, and Wink made his first regional championship debut in his eight seasons of coaching. The team improved to a second place finish in the conference with an 18-4 overall record.

Forward

Sasha Bryant St. Croix Falls

Name: Sasha Bryant School: St. Croix Falls Comments: Sasha Bryant played in all 21 games this season and led the Saints with a total of 161 rebounds. Her inside game played a key role in getting the Saints wins, and her senior leadership played a factor on such a young squad.

Bryant was third in scoring with 126 points and had 30 steals.

Brianna Schmid Unity

Name: Brianna Schmid School: Unity Comments: The Eagles senior led the team in nearly every aspect of the game but in the scoring department. She led Unity with 108 rebounds, 72 steals and had 34 assists, which are tough to come by since the Eagles struggled a bit in scoring this season.

Schmid was an important aspect to the Eagles season this year.

Lynette Renberg Siren

Forward

Melanie Chenal Frederic

Name: Melanie Chenal School: Frederic Comments: Senior Melanie Chenal was on the offensive this season as she led the team with 12.4 points per game, and came in second in the rebounding department. Chenal played great defense this season and came in second in free-throw shooting. She was also named first team all-conference.

Kortney Morrin Grantsburg

Name: Kortney Morrin School: Grantsburg Comments: As a freshman, Kortney Morrin found her way on the court for the Grantsburg team. She made the West Lakeland’s all-conference first team as one of the Pirate’s scorers.

She handled the ball well and will prove to be an asset to her team in the next three years of her high school career.

Second team guards, sixth man and most improved Most Improved

Beth Baer Webster

Center

Name: Lynette Renberg School: Siren Comments: Siren also had senior Lynette Renberg under the basket for them, where she powered up to score an average of 6.7 points per game, equaling 153 total.

She had 173 rebounds for her team throughout her last high school season. Renberg started every one of the 23 games Siren played.

Name: Beth Baer School: Webster Comments: Beth Baer started out the season a little slow this year, but by the last few games scored many of her team’s points.

She scored over 20 points in a few of their final games for the Tigers to take close game victories against Luck and Grantsburg. Baer also got 219 rebounds over the season.

Point Guard

Shooting Guard

Sam Hogle Webster

Name: Sam Hogle School: Webster Comments: One of Webster’s leading scorers was Samantha Hogle.

She scored 185 points for her team throughout this year’s season. She had 64 assists to her teammates, while getting 79 rebounds. Hogle made the West Lakeland allconference first team in her senior year on the Tiger basketball team.

Sixth Man

S P O RT S R E S U LT S D E A D L I N E S: W E D N E S D AY – M O N DAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TU E S DAY: 7 a.m. on Wed nes d ay. Mi s s ed d ead l i nes mean no co verage t hat week !

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

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

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Hee-haw in the Frederic High School

This Luck FFA member saddles back up during their loss against the Frederic FFA.

Extra Points

Who was more tired during the donkey basketball competition, the riders or the donkeys? The Frederic FFA Alumni held their third consecutive donkey basketball tournament on Tuesday, March 25, in the Frederic The winner of the championship game High School gym. Most proceeds from the event go to college scholarwas the Frederic High School FFA after ships. – Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld they beat the Frederic Fire Department.

Gary Sederlund, president of FFA Alumni, posed with Larry Bergeron, member of Frederic police and fire departments, and Tamara Larson, Polk County deputy and Alumni The first competition was between the Luck and vice president, as they recieved plaques for participating in Frederic fire departments. The second was the Luck the grudge match. Bergeron also held the second-place tro- and Frederic FFA clubs and the championship was the phy the Frederic Fire Department won. winners of the two different games.

Larry Bergeron and Tamara Larson, police officials, competed in a grudge match where they raced across the gym. The winner, Larson, got to escort the loser, Bergeron, out of the gym in handcuffs.

••• SIREN – On Monday, March 24, the Siren School Board accepted the resignation of Siren head boys basketball coach Rick Anderson after he held the position for the past two seasons.

The search for a new head varsity boys basketball coach will begin in the next couple of weeks according to Siren Rick Anderson director athletic Ryan Karsten. Anderson led the Dragons to a regional championship game against Drummond this year.

The team lost 48-40, and finished with a 5-18 overall record. - Marty Seeger with information from Siren schools ••• LEADER LAND – Minnesota Twins baseball is being broadcast on WLMX 104.9 FM on the following dates: On March 27 the Twins versus Cincinatti game can be heard at noon. The Pittsburgh game on March 28 will be broadcast at noon.

The March 29 game versus Pittsburgh is broadcast at noon. The March 31 game versus Los Angeles begins at 6 p.m. The April 1 game versus Los Angeles starts at 7 p.m. and the April 2 game versus the Dodgers begins at 7 p.m. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Milwaukee Brewers baseball on WXCE 1260 AM can be heard on the following dates: On March 28 the Brewers versus Kansas City begins at 7 p.m and the March 29 game versus Kansas City begins at 2 p.m. The March 31 at game at Chicago is on a 1 p.m. and the April 2 game versus Chicago begins at 1 p.m. High school baseball between St. Croix Central and Amery is being broadcast on 1260 AM on March 31 at 5 p.m.

••• LEADER LAND – The college basketball game between the Wisconsin Badgers and Davidson is being broadcast on March 28 at 6 p.m. on WXCE 1260 AM. If the Badgers win, they will be broadcast on the same station on March 30. - Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4 p.m. on Tuesdays to go in Extra Points! – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2008 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger and Brenda Sommerfeld

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

Inter-County Leader 2008 All-Area Spring Sports Schedule Original schedules. Check Leader Sports for rescheduled events!

Thurs., March 27 Softball

5 p.m.

Luck at Alma

Fri., March 28

Monday, April 14 5 p.m.

Track & Field

4 p.m.

Unity at Simpson

Softball

4 p.m.

Grantsburg at Stillwater 4:30 p.m. SCF at Osceola 5:40 p.m. Frederic at Stillwater Unity at Stillwater

Mon., March 31 Baseball

5 p.m.

Northwestern at Siren Luck at St. Croix Central

Softball

5 p.m.

Northwood at Frederic Duluth at SCF

Thurs., April 3 Track & Field

4 p.m.

Siren at Hayward

Softball

5 p.m.

Unity at Grantsburg Webster at SCF Braham at Siren

7 p.m.

5 p.m.

Softball

Frederic at Luck Siren/Web. at SCF SCF at Amery Cumberland at Unity

4 p.m.

Luck at Baldwin/Wood.

G’burg at Metrodome

5 p.m.

Frederic at Webster Grantsburg at Luck Unity at SCF

9 a.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

Frederic at Webster Luck at Webster SCF at Webster Siren at Webster Unity at Webster

5 p.m.

Frederic at Clayton/TL Grantsburg at Shell Lake Siren/Web. at Northwood Luck at Prairie Farm

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

Softball

5 p.m.

SCF at Frederic Unity at Luck Grantsburg at Siren

7 p.m.

Thurs., April 10 Golf

TBA

SCF at Osceola

Track & Field

4 p.m.

Frederic at Spooner Grantsburg at Spooner Unity at Spooner Webster at Flambeau Luck at Siren 4:15 p.m. SCF at Osceola

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Siren/Web. at Shell Lake Luck at Cumberland 5 p.m.

Grantsburg at Osceola Unity at Cameron

Softball

5 p.m.

Frederic at Grantsburg Siren/Web. at Unity Luck at SCF

Fri., April 11 Track & Field

4:30 p.m. SCF at Somerset

Baseball

5 p.m.

Frederic at Cumberland Glenwood City at Unity

Softball

11 a.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

TBA 9 a.m.

Frederic at Webster Grantsburg at Webster Luck at Webster SCF at Webster Siren at Webster Unity at Webster

Baseball

SCF at Frederic Grantsburg at Webster Luck at Unity

Softball

Unity at Frederic SCF at Grantsburg Siren/Web. at Luck

Baseball

Clear Lake at Luck

Sat., April 19

Golf

4 p.m.

Unity at Hayward

5 p.m.

Somerset at Grantsburg Plum City at Luck

5 p.m.

Siren/Web. at Northwood Luck at Osceola New Richmond at SCF

Baseball Softball

Sat., April 26 Baseball

TBA

SCF at Amery Unity at Amery

Mon., April 28 Golf

4:30 p.m. Frederic at Luck Grantsburg at Luck Webster at Luck SCF at Luck Siren at Luck Unity at Luck

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

Grantsburg at Prescott 4 p.m.

Softball

Luck at Cameron

Frederic at Grantsburg Webster at Grantsburg Luck at Grantsburg SCF at Grantsburg Siren at Grantsburg Unity at Grantsburg

Track & Field

Frederic at Amery Grantsburg at Amery Webster at Amery Siren at Winter

Baseball

4:15 p.m. Webster at Clear Lake St. Croix at Clear Lake Unity at Clear Lake

Shell Lake at Frederic Duluth at Webster

5 p.m.

Thurs., May 1

Golf

Frederic at SCF Grantsburg at SCF Webster at SCF Luck at SCF Siren at SCF Unity at SCF

Track & Field

Baseball

Unity at Somerset

5 p.m.

Golf

Rain Date

Track & Field

9 a.m.

11 a.m.

Golf

5 p.m.

Frederic at SCF Siren/Web. at Grantsburg Unity at Luck

Frederic at Unity Grantsburg at SCF Luck at Webster

5 p.m.

Turtle Lake at Webster

TBA

Regionals

Softball Golf

4:30 p.m. Frederic at Unity Grantsburg at Unity Webster at Unity Luck at Unity SCF at Unity Siren at Unity

Softball

5 p.m.

Siren/Web. at Frederic Luck at Grantsburg SCF at Unity

Wed., May 7 10 a.m.

Golf

Grantsburg at Siren Webster at Siren

Thurs., May 8

Baseball

Sat., May 17

TBA

Frederic at Rice Lake Luck at Rice Lake SCF at Rice Lake Unity at Rice Lake

Baseball

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

Grantsburg at Frederic Unity at Webster SCF at Luck

5 p.m.

Grantsburg at SCF Luck at Webster

Softball

5 p.m.

Regionals

Baseball

5 p.m.

Luck at Shell Lake

TBA

Regionals

Tues., May 20 Golf

Baseball

5 p.m.

Bruce at SCF 7:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Rush City TBA

TBA TBA

TBA

Softball

Regionals

Thurs., May 22 Track & Field Sectionals

Softball

Regionals

Fri., May 23 Baseball

Regionals

Tues., May 27 Golf

Golf

TBA

Regionals

Track & Field

TBA

SCF at Siren Grantsburg at Siren Unity at Siren

TBA

Softball

Frederic at Unity

Sat., May 10 Baseball

Softball

Mon., May 12

Golf

Track & Field

Sectionals

4:30 p.m. Frederic at Turtle Lake Luck at Turtle Lake Unity at Turtle Lake Siren at Hinckley Finl.

4 p.m.

Mon., May 19

TBA

Fri., May 9 4 p.m.

Baseball

SCF at Cumberland

TBA

Golf

9 a.m.

5 p.m.

Fri., May 16

5 p.m.

Clayton/TL at Frederic 5:30 p.m. Cameron at Luck

Track & Field

4:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Siren SCF at Siren Luck at Colfax

Baseball

Softball

Tues., May 6

Softball

3:30 p.m. Frederic at N. Branch Grantsburg at N. Branch 4:30 p.m. Unity at New Richmond

Thurs., May 15 5 p.m.

Baseball

Luck Tourney Grantsburg Tourney Frederic at Siren Tourney

Track & Field

Softball

Conference

9 a.m.

10 a.m.

5 p.m.

Frederic at Hayward Grantsburg at Hayward Luck at Hayward SCF at Hayward Unity at Hayward

Bruce at Frederic G’burg at Cumberland Luck at Birchwood SCF at Cameron Unity at Turtle Lake

TBA

Baseball

Fri., May 2

5 p.m.

4:30 p.m. Frederic at Shell Lake Webster at Shell Lake

Grantsburg Tourney Siren/Web. at Spooner Frederic at Shell Lake

Grantsburg at Frederic Unity at Webster SCF at Luck

Grantsburg at Pine City Siren/Web. at Somerset Luck at Birchwood Osceola at Unity

Track & Field

10 a.m.

2 p.m.

5 p.m.

Luck at Frederic Grantsburg at Unity SCF at Siren

Baseball

5 p.m.

Frederic at Siren Grantsburg at Siren Webster at Siren Luck at Siren

Softball

Frederic at Grantsburg Siren/Web. at Unity Luck at SCF

Softball

Golf

4 p.m.

Clayton/TL at Luck Frederic at SCF Siren/Web. at Grantsburg Luck at Unity

Conference

Baseball

Mon., May 5

Golf

Frederic at Grantsburg Webster at Grantsburg Luck at Grantsburg SCF at Grantsburg Siren at Grantsburg Unity at Grantsburg

Track & Field

TBA

SCF at River Falls

Golf

TBA

Siren at Hinckley Fin. Unity at Chetek 4:30 p.m. Frederic at Clear Lake 5 p.m.

Unity at Frederic SCF at Grantsburg Siren/Webster at Luck

Frederic at Grantsburg Luck at Grantsburg Siren at Grantsburg Webster at Grantsburg

Tues., April 22 4 p.m.

Baseball

Tues., April 29

Track & Field

Baseball

Golf

Luck at Hayward Unity at Hayward 10:30 a.m .Frederic at Hayward Grantsburg at Hayward SCF at Hayward

4:30 p.m. Luck at Unity SCF at Unity

Golf

Grantsburg at Frederic Webster at Frederic Luck at Frederic SCF at Frederic Siren at Frederic Unity at Frederic

Rush City at Grantsburg Shell Lake at Unity

Track & Field

Softball

Siren/Web. at Silver Bay SCF at Prescott Tourney

TBA

Fri., April 25

Softball

Grantsburg at Clear Lake

Frederic at Webster Grantsburg at Luck Unity at SCF

4:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Barron 5 p.m.

Clear Lake at Frederic SCF at Chetek Cameron at Unity

Track & Field

Grantsburg at Frederic SCF at Frederic Siren at Frederic Unity at Frederic Webster at Frederic

9 a.m.

Softball

4 p.m.

Sat., May 3

Grantsburg at SCF Luck at SCF Siren at SCF Unity at SCF Webster at Bruce

Baseball

5 p.m.

Golf

Mon., April 21

Baseball

Somerset at SCF Mora at Webster G’burg at New Richmond

4 p.m.

10:30 a.m.SCF at Osceola Tourney

Turtle Lake at Luck

Softball

Golf

Grantsburg at Barron Webster at Barron Luck at Barron SCF at Barron Unity at Barron

Softball

5 p.m.

Rain Date

Track & Field

Tues., May 13

Baseball

4:30 p.m. Unity at Bruce 5 p.m.

Spooner at Grantsburg

Golf

TBA

Baseball

Sat., April 12

4 p.m.

Thurs., April 24

Fri., April 18

Baseball

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

Track & Field

4 p.m.

Softball

Thurs., April 17

Softball

Tues., April 8

7 p.m.

Wed., April 16

4:30 p.m. Unity at Cumberland Northwood at Luck Cameron at SCF

Luck at Frederic Grantsburg at Unity St. Croix Falls at Siren

Baseball

3 p.m.

Baseball

5 p.m.

Frederic at Turtle Lake Luck at Shell Lake

Softball

5 p.m.

Track & Field

Mon., April 7 Track & Field

Softball

4:30 p.m. Frederic at Unity Grantsburg at Unity Webster at Unity Siren at Unity Luck at Clear Lake

Baseball

5 p.m.

Frederic at Luck Unity at Grantsburg Siren/Web. at SCF Unity at Grantsburg

Tues., April 15

Fri., April 4

4:30 p.m. Unity at Clayton 5 p.m.

Frederic at Northwood Cameron at SCF

Baseball

TBA

TBA

TBA

Golf

Frederic at Luck Grantsburg at Luck Webster at Luck St. Croix Falls at Luck Siren at Luck Unity at Luck

TBA

Siren/Web. at Frederic Luck at Grantsburg SCF at Unity

TBA

Baseball

Baseball

Wed., May 28 Baseball

Regionals

Thurs., May 29 Softball

Sectionals

Thurs.-Sat., May 29-31 Track & Field State

Sun.-Tues., June 1-3 Golf

State

Tues., June 3 Baseball

Sectionals

Thurs.-Fri., June 5-6 Softball

State

Tues.-Thurs., June 10-12 Baseball

State

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

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Grantsburg Legion baseball fundraiser Saturday GRANTSBURG - A grilled steak dinner will be held at the all-new Grantsburg Legion Hall Saturday, March 29, 4:30 – 7 p.m. to raise funds for the new Legion baseball program.

A 10-team American Legion Baseball League has been formed to make up a North and a South Division, to be known as The St Croix Valley League.

Grantsburg’s first-year team is in the North Division, along with Cumberland, Luck, Unity and St. Croix

Falls.

The South Division includes Amery, Baldwin, New Richmond, Osceola and Somerset.

The season will include 26 games, consisting of 13 five-inning doubleheaders. There will be an inner league tournament and an all-star game, and at the end of the season, an American Legion state playoff and state tournament.

The Grantsburg American Legion is

sponsoring The Legion baseball program as of its part Y o u t h Activities Programs in the community.

Among other things, the program gives kids an oppor-

tunity to develop their skills, add personal fitness and leadership.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available at the Community Bank, Grantsburg Office, and also at the door.

“We’ll hold the fundraiser in spite of the fact our facility is under construction. On that date, we’ll be at 95- to 98percent complete,” said Jim Paden, fundraiser Chairman. All proceeds will go directly to the Legion baseball program. - submitted

Local named vice president of snowmobile association

WAUSAU – At the annual meeting of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs held on March 15 at the Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Wausau, Douglass Johnson of Amery was elected to the office of vice president for the association.

Johnson has been involved locally with organized snowmobiling for the

past 15 years. He served as president of the Amery snowmobile club for eight years and has been on the executive board of the Polk County Snowmobile/ATV Council since 1997.

In 1997, Johnson was selected by the county council as the Polk County director to the AWSC. The AWSC represents all of the organ-

ized snowmobilers in the state with 25,000 members from 600 clubs statewide. - submitted

A R E A B O W L I N G R E S U LT S

Hacker’s Lanes

Monday Afternoon Seniors Standings: Swans 29, Nite Hawks 27.5, Eagles 21, Bears 19, Badgers 17.5, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Carol Messer 163, Lila Larson 161, Ellie Lehman 160.

Women’s series: Lila Larson 467, Joan Anderson 433, Ellie Lehman 418.

Men’s games: Chuck Moyer 207, Roger Messer 190, Dick Coen 189.

Men’s series: Roger Messer 542, Chuck Moyer 520, Dick Coen 494.

Team games: Nite Hawks 697, Eagles 678, Swans 623.

Team series: Nite Hawks 1866, Eagles 1857, Swans 1791.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Radio Shack 66, Hacker’s Lanes 55, The Bottle Shop 47, Mane Attractions 45, Miller Chicks 39, House of Wood 37, AnchorBank 36, Bye 4.

Individual games: Sandy Hacker (HL) 227, Jessica Clausen (RS) 204, JoAnn Pomerleau (MA) 195.

Individual series: Sandy Hacker (HL) 575, Jessica Clausen (RS) 551, Rachelle Petersen (BS) 504.

Team games: Miller Chicks 664, Radio Shack 660, The Bottle Shop 659.

Team series: The Bottle Shop 1873, Radio Shack 1849, Miller Chicks 1820.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 107.5, Bottle Shop 100, Yellow Lake Lodge 94, Hacker’s Lanes 80, Pioneer Bar 53, Hog Wild 52, Reliables 46, St. Croix Valley Hardwoods 39.5.

Individual games: Gene Ackland 290, Ed Bitler 247, Butch Hacker 245.

Individual series: Gene Ackland 686, Ed Bitler 656, Maynard Stevens 645.

Team games: Yellow Lake Lodge 682, Great Northern Outdoors 663, Bottle Shop 660.

Team series: Yellow Lake Lodge 1923, Bottle Shop 1877, Great Northern Outdoors 1823.

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies Standings: Eggs 7-61, Pioneer Bar 047.5, Frandsen Dairy 4-43, Hacker’s Lanes 3-30.5.

Individual games: Betty Schandorff (HL) 182, Paula Maslow (Eggs) 175, JoAnn Tyler (FD) 172.

Individual series: Betty Schandorff (HL) 491, Char Sandberg (PB) 485, Terri Pearson (Eggs) 448.

Team games: Pioneer Bar 599, Hacker’s Lanes 590, Pioneer Bar 566.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 1727, Hacker’s Lanes 1624, Frandsen Dairy 1564.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Cummings Lumber 27,

Parker 26, Skol Bar 26, A-1 Machine 25, Lewis Silo 25, Larsen Auto Center 23, Four Seasons Wood Products 21, Pioneer Bar 19.

Individual games: Duane Doolittle (LS) 247, John Ellefson (A-1) 241, Bryce Daeffler (LA) 239.

Individual series: Duane Doolittle (LS) 691, Norm Hansen (A-1) 628, Dale Gregory (4S) 615.

Team games: Lewis Silo 1005, A-1 Machine 997, Four Seasons Wood Products 983.

Team series: Four Seasons Wood Products 2825, Lewis Silo 2822, Larsen Auto Center 2785.

Thursday Early 3-Man Standings: K-Wood (10) 33.5, Fab Four (7) 32, Hell Raisers (10) 31.5, Full Timers (6) 28, CenturyTel (9) 25, Frontier Trails (3) 24, Grindell Law Offices (3) 20, Wikstrom Construction (4) 14.

Individual games: Mark Bohn (CT) 289, Dave Grindell (GLO) 254, Ed Bitler (K-W) 246.

Individual series: Mark Bohn (CT) 694, Ed Bitler (K-W) 670, Bryce Daeffler (K-W) 659.

Team games: K-Wood 649, CenturyTel 632, K-Wood 625.

Team series: K-Wood 1882, CenturyTel 1728, Full Timers 1705.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Mark Bohn 10x = 289; Dave Grindell 7x = 254; John Bytnar 5x = 224.

Games 50 or more above average: Mark Bohn 289 (+100); Dave Grindell 254 (+55).

Series 100 or more above average: Mark Bohn 694 (+127).

Others (triplicates, all-spare games, etc.): Jim Wikstrom – All-spare game (185).

Most points: Dave Hall 58.

Splits converted: 3-9-10: Dennis Lieder.

2-4-5-10: Brett Daeffler.

Thursday Late Men’s Standings: Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 34-14, Hansen Farms Inc. 26-22, Fisk Trucking 24-24, Johnson Upholstery 24-24, Stotz & Company 19-29.

Individual games: Dale Johnson 264, Ole Baillargeon 241, Doug Johnson 234.

Individual series: Dale Johnson 610, Ole Baillargeon 604, Gene Wynn Sr. 582.

Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 946, Fisk Trucking 926, Johnson Upholstery 914.

Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2748, Stotz & Company 2582, Fish Trucking 2517.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Meyer’s Plus 59, Skol Bar 57, The Leader 47.5, Tin Cup Promotions 38, Junque Art 37, Hole in the Wall 34.5, Individual games: Mary Young 210, Linda Richter 210, Gail Linke 198.

Individual series: Gail Linke 551, Linda Richter 543, Karen Carlson 519.

Team games: Skol Bar 662, The Leader 640, Junque Art 635.

Team series: Skol Bar 1891, Junque Art 1877, The Leader 1811.

Games 50 or more above average: Mary Young; Linda Richter.

Splits converted: 4-10: Edla Meyer. 6-7: Paula Denn.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Milltown Appliance 77.5, Metal Products Co. 75.5, Edina Divas 60, McKenzie Lanes 59, Bont Chiropractic

57, Sam’s Carpentry 55, Frederic Truck & Tractor 49, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 47.

Individual games: Anita Bont 198, Cindy Castellano 194, Dawn Blanski 193.

Individual series: Toni Sloper 563, Dawn Blanski 558, Mary Sue Morris 517.

Team games: (Handicap score) Bont Chiropractic 1040.

Team series: (Handicap score) Bont Chiropractic 2946.

Tuesday Women’s Day Standings: Custom Outfitter 134.5, Kassel Tap 129.5, A-1 Machine 119.5, Hauge Dental 102.5, Country Gals 98, Gutter Dusters 91, B & H Builders 90, Bye 51.

Individual games: Lois Swenson 208, Jan Kruse 203, Denise F. Donaghue 202.

Individual series: Audrey Ruck 550, Jan Kruse 531, Lois Swenson 521.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Custom Outfitter 835, Country Gals 832, Kassel Tap 816.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Custom Outfitter 2392, Country Gals 2353, Kassel Tap 2340.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: The Dugout 37.5, Steve’s Appl. 34, McKenzie Lanes 32, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 32, Glass Bar 30, Greatland Trans.

29, Dream Lawn 26, Hack’s Pub 19.5 Individual games: Darren McKenzie 299, Cory Crowell 277, Stever Leslie & Randie Gustafson 256.

Individual series: Darren McKenzie 774, Jamie Booth 677, Randie Gustafson 651.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Dream Lawn 1314, Glass Bar 1176, McKenzie Lanes 1164.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Dream Lawn 3656, Steve’s Appl. 3433, Greatland Trans. 3360.

Wednesday Early League Standings: Holiday StationStores 56, Fox Den 56, Fox Den II 54, Hendrick’s Motor 51, Cutting Edge 48, Lite House 48, Tri-County Implement 40, Larsen Auto Frederic 29.

Women’s games: Janice Fox 223, Dixie Welling 197, Jeanne Kizer 165.

Women’s series: Janice Fox 525 Dixie Welling 478, Patty Walker 448.

Men’s games: Merlin Fox 268, Scott Lessman 244, Darryl Ince 230.

Men’s series: Merlin Fox 654, Mike Welling 611, Darrell Hendricks 594.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Fox Den 727, Fox Den II 708, Tri-County Implement 702.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Fox Den 2009, Holiday StationStore 1941, Fox Den II 1932.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Tiger Express 31, Edina Realty 22, Hanjo Farms 22, Dalles

Electrical 21, McKenzie Lanes 20, Harvest Moon 18, Reed’s Marina 14, Davy’s Construction 12.

Individual games: Daryn Sylvester 299, Sam Leggitt 286, Brandon Winge 279.

Individual series: Daryn Sylvester 778, Brandon Winge 766, Darren McKenzie 697.

Team games: (Handicap scores) Reed’s Marina 1133, Tiger Express 1121.

Team series: (Handicap scores) Reed’s Marina 3226, Tiger Express 3193.

Saturday Night Mixed Doubles Standings: Truhlsen Chiropractic 62.5, Tiger Express 55.5, Happy Campers 54.5, Eureka Bombers 52, Fisk Trucking 51, The In-Laws 49.5, Roller Coasters 44.5, Ten Pin Titans 38.5.

Black and Orange Lanes

TNT Standings: Flower Power 32-20, Cashco 26-26, Wild Bill’s 25-27, Larry’s LP 21-31.

Individual games: Cheryl Hansen (WB) 207, Tammy Zelinski (L) 198, Lylah Nelson (C) 183.

Individual series: Cheryl Hansen (WB) 505, Jennifer Kern (L) 501, Robin Willard (WB) 498.

Team games: Wild Bill’s 895, Cashco 867, Flower Power 866.

Team series: Wild Bill’s 2531, Flower Power 2481, Caschco 2477.

Games 50 or more above average: Tammy Zelinski 198 (+66); Cheryl Hansen 207 (+57).

Kelsey Bazey was bowling on the Sunday night Church League on March 16 when she rolled a 300 game. Bazey accomplished the feat in a nonsanctioned league, so she will not be receiving a USBC award, but it is an outstanding accomplishment nonetheless. Bazey is a 2005 graduate of Luck High School and an alumni of the youth bowling program at Hacker’s Lanes. She is furthering her education with the help of scholarships she earned while participating in the program. – Photo courtesy of Hacker’s Lanes

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

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Polk County Special Olympics teams head to state

by Gwen Neidermire MENOMONIE – The two basketball teams went to Menomonie March 15 to play in the district basketball tournament. The Lakers played first and won both their games advancing them to the state tournament in Oshkosh on April 4.

The Lakers played with confidence and good teamwork. One of the highlights was the excitement that came when the only player who hadn’t scored yet in either game did so in the last minutes of the second game.

The Cougars played their first game

shortly after learning that their teammate Leon’s dad had passed away the day before. Despite his recent loss, Leon was there to play. The Cougars fell behind by eight points before they rallied back to tie it up and win in overtime. Their second game was played

against a team they lost to a month ago.

This time the Cougars started a scoring streak right away. They won the game 34-12, which included two points scored in their basket by the other team!

Congrats to both teams!

Members of the Cougars include coach David Neidermire, Jarvis Warwas, Members of the Lakers include Kyle Carlson, Steven Kicker, Charlie Casarez, Ben Olson, coach Pat Meier, Tim Eggers, Liz Wrensch, Crystal Jordan Warwas, Brianna Paulson, Leon Helgeson, McKenzie Miller, Joe Stauner, Angie White, Donnell Anderson, Jason Neidermire and Jackson Bean.

Fougner and Ryan Pierce. – Photos submitted

Britta Giller models dragon wings and tail made by art teacher Kim Gould for Luck’s upcoming alloriginal comedy, “Spring Show,” this weekend.

Giller plays a dragon who goes into counseling with a knight, who seems intent on attacking her. – Photo submitted

Last chance for panfish It was a bad year for the pike and I. The year started out with me scattering a few tip-ups in the hopes to catch a few for supper. I’ll admit; I didn’t try very hard. There Marty were maybe three Seeger times all season long that I made the effort, and each attempt The ended with an empty hand other than the Bottom Line exception of a few largemouth bass. But I wasn’t exactly out for large game fish anyway, because it seemed as though this was the year of the panfish.

I found it to be much more enjoyable to throw a few tasty slabs of bluegill onto the ice, rather than waste money to buy a dozen minnows and assure they were dead before I left the lake. In all honesty, I felt as though the threat of VHS wouldn’t affect my fishing habits this year, but it did. I guess I still need a

little time to adjust to the new rules.

Eventually I’ll adjust as I always do when things change, and go back to chasing toothy fish, but until that time comes, I’ll stick to panfish.

Ice fishing seems to come to a standstill during this time of year, even though the lakes support a concrete layer on top of the ice. But on a trip to the Siren area it was clear that people still hungered for the chance to enjoy a weekend on the last remnants of ice before the spring thaw approaches.

When word gets out that the bluegill are biting, anglers tend to pack the lakes, but because the big game fish season has all but closed, it seems only fitting that folks would concentrate their full efforts on panfish.

Anglers and vehicles were concentrated to about three different areas on the lake, and it didn’t take much guesswork to see where the fish were biting.

But I’m the type of angler who tends likes to venture off to other parts of the lake, regardless if the fish happen to be biting better in the areas cluttered with other anglers. Plus, the lake map recorded not much structure at all, and it was a particularly shallow lake anyway – so I hoofed it away from the crowds, and reluctantly started search-

ing for some old holes to plunge my hand auger into.

Now you’re probably thinking to yourself, “What’s he doing out on the ice with a hand auger, this time of year?” Well, I was a little uneasy driving my car through the deep frozen ruts near the landing, and while I had a gas auger in the car it seemed like a better idea to haul the hand auger out onto the ice instead. In other words, I was too lazy to haul a heavy gas auger onto the ice. And who knows how far I’d need to walk before finding old holes to drill through. Fortunately, just as I was about to call the whole thing off and head back for a power auger, I managed to find a couple of holes glazed over with about four inches of ice.

“This looks like the spot,” I said under my breath, before removing the blade cover to start drilling.

I slightly glanced over the few hundred yards at the other anglers huddled near their vehicles, and envisioned them discussing the idiot with the hand auger near the center of the lake.

“I’ll show them,” I hoped to myself as I commenced drilling.

It took about 15 minutes before the first fish hit my jigged tipped with a waxie. I quickly thanked God for not

skunking me and saving me the embarrassment of having to drill another hole. I soon found myself with a respectable amount of fish on the ice, and reason to smile. It was nice to be outside whether the fish were biting or not, but a near limit of gills makes it all that much better.

The bite seemed to increase as the morning sun rose higher into the sky, and eventually a group of six anglers gathered near where I was fishing.

Two, then four, and then another pair anglers piled onto the ice and began fishing. By that time, I already had enough fish for the frying pan and decided to end the day content with what I had.

The good news is that there may be another couple of weeks left on the calendar for that final go at ice fishing before the ice recedes. Fishing pressure will slowly dwindle, and the bite should get better. Just use caution before venturing out. It only takes a few days of warm temperatures to weaken even the thickest of ice.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

O UTDOORS INTER! COUNTY LEADER

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

Sugar bush season has begun

by Sherill Summer FREDERIC – On Friday, March 14, I went along to tap maple trees for the sweet sap that makes maple syrup.

Although the preceding week had several warm days, this day was cold with a damp breeze. A team of Belgian draft horses pulling a wagon loaded with buckets was eased down a hill and into a woods dominated by 110-yearold maple trees. With the wagon were two dogs, three men and this reporter.

Once there, the dogs frolicked in the woods; the team of horses snorted and stomped their feet, but the men were all business as they went about drilling holes, pounding taps and hanging a bucket on each tap. Each man had a job to do. Bob Hendricks controlled the team of horses and helped with the buckets. Dennis O’Donnell had a chain saw retrofitted with a drill bit. His job was to drill the holes. John Boyer had a hammer and a bucket of assorted taps, some very old and some newer. His job was to tap the trees and hang the buckets.

This is not the first year, by far, that O’Donnell has tapped these woods, and he went back to many of the same trees he has tapped before. Many of the big, multitrunk trees got three new holes punched thought the bark, carefully not

A slow drip of maple sap.

Plastic buckets aside, the tapping of maple trees to make maple syrup at the Dennis O’Donnell farm follow tradition. (L to R): John Boyer, Bob Hendricks on wagon and Dennis O’Donnell. - Photos by Sherill Summer too close to an old hole. Smaller trees had only one new hole for this year’s tap. Working fast, O’Donnell drilled holes and then retrieved buckets from the wagon, roughly one bucket for each hole, and set them around the selected trees.

It is good that he marked trees with buckets, because pounding the taps into the new holes and hanging a bucket is slower work. Because these trees have been used for many years, the bark is riddled with holes from former taps.

O’Donnell says that ideally it is a bit warmer when tapping trees, so that the sap is trickling out of the fresh holes, making them easier to see. This year was cold, so it takes time to find the new hole. Some holes are obviously old; others are harder to tell their age. Small deposits of sawdust is the true way to tell if the hole is new.

Once the new hole is found, a tap that will funnel the sap into a bucket is punched into the tree with a hammer.

Last, a bucket is hung to collect the sap

once it begins to run.

Once tapped and buckets are hung, all there is to do is wait. O’Donnell says that a slow spring is an ideal sugar bush season.

The prime time for collecting maple sap to make syrup is when nights are below freezing, but the days are above freezing, into the 40s. When temperatures are in the 50s for several days, the season is over. Another sign that the season is over is when the frogs start singing.

This season so far has been a bit too slow. Still, after the afternoon sun has warmed the trees, and rhythmic drip can be heard, deeper pluck sound in the plastic buckets, and a higher pling sound in the metal buckets. Even with as cold as it has been, sugar bush season has begun.

Buckets lined up to collect sweet maple sap.

DNR offers online hunter safety course SPOONER – Beat the deer season rush! Young hunters and others can now apply for an online hunter education course being offered on the Internet by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The course allows participants to gain a Hunter Education Certificate at home much like the traditional classroom course.

Anyone wanting to participate in the course must preregister by e-mailing the Brill Area Sportsman’s Club at brillasc@hotmail.com. Participants must preregister by April 11 in order to com-

plete the required home study material.

This class will be limited to 30 participants.

A mandatory field day will be held April 19 at the Brill Area Sportsmen Club, 2501 26th Ave., in Rice Lake. A confirmation letter will be sent to all preregistered participants listing all the requirements to successfully complete the hunter education course and will have directions to the sportsmen’s club.

Persons can access the Internet site at: http://homestudy.ihea.com/ to do the home study work. Anyone who does

Butch’s Northwest Archery Bow Hunting League Final scores

Bowhunter’s League Traditional Peterson Construction: 3855 Shell Lake Pharmacy: 3389 Wishful Thinking: 3236 Earth Energy Systems: 3142 Butch’s Traditional Archery: 2807 Men/Women A&H Taxidermy (2): 3975 Women's Chicog Pub: 3898 Youth Cloverleaf: 3181

Men’s Knoop Construction: 5683 Shell Lake State Bank: 5600 A&H Taxidermy: 5525 White Birch Printing: 5487 Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church: 4754 Little Lambs Preschool: 4344 Big Mike’s Sports Shop: 4231 Northview Drive Inn: 4105 Webster Auto Sales: 3970 Right in the Middle: 3169

not have Internet access, can request a CD-rom when he or she preregisters.

The requirement of this course is to read all the material from the Internet site and complete the quizzes at the end of each chapter. The quizzes must be turned in upon check-in for the field day. All participants must attend the one-day field event on April 19. To successfully complete the course, the participant must hand in the quizzes, actively participate in the field day and pass both a written exam and a practical exam.

There is no minimum or maximum age for participants who preregister for this course. DNR law enforcement safety specialist Chris Wunrow says this is fast-paced course and may not be suitable for all ages. For more information contact Wunrow at 715-635-4112. - submitted

Great Northern Outdoors Archery League Week 9

A League Deadnuts: Dustin G. 289, Ben A. 286, (50 points) Shockers: Chad L. 339, Jason C. 272 (38 points) Full Draw: Tony P. 298, Sheri B. 279 (34 points) Free Flight: Jeff B. 285, Sherri P. 268 (32 points) Stabilizers: Mark J. 363, Drew B. 245 (18 points) Spartanz: Brian S.248, Nick R. 177 (10 points) The Kaws: Kyle J. 280, Andy W. 236 (10 points) B League GNO: Ross W. 285, Erika W. 265 (48 points) Redneck Ind: Roy Z. 287, Brent L. 284 (48

points) Team MJ: Jeremy J. 328, Cory M. 236 (38 points) Gameslayers: Bill S. 249, Gino L. 205 (28 points) Razors Edge: Brad S. 269, Zach S. 164 (24 points) Highlanders: Bruce R. 282, Cori S. 237 (16 points) Anuke: Luke K. 295, Dan G. 97 (16 points) S & T: Tam H. 203, Steve K. 140 (10 points) Animal Lovers: Maddie B. 161, Laurel G. 151 (0 points) Spot Shooters, 300 game Pat J. 264

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Four district races are contested in Burnett County BURNETT COUNTY - Contested elections are slated in four of the 21 Burnett County Board of Supervisor Districts: Districts 4, 8, 17 and 21. Supervisors serving in the remaining 17 districts are running unopposed. As has been the InterCounty Leader’s policy in other elections, only profiles of candidates running in contested races will be published here.

All of the candidates were asked to respond to the following questions: 1) What do you hope to accomplish as a board member? 2) In what ways are you (or have you been) involved with the board? 3) In what ways are you (or have you been) active in the community? 4) What qualities, abilities, expertise and experience will you contribute to the board? 5) Any other comments regarding your running for election/re-election you wish to share with our readers?

The candidates responses are listed in last-name alphabetical order.

DISTRICT 4

District 4 covers the town of Anderson; Ward 2, town of Grantsburg; and Ward 2, town of Trade Lake. For the past 10 years, this district has been represented by Charles F. Peterson. Peterson had already filed re-election papers, but death came before his dream of continuing to represent the township could be implemented.

Two persons are running for election to the vacant District 4 position, Priscilla Bauer and Jeremy Gronski.

Priscilla Bauer I was born in Grantsburg, and raised on my parents’ farm south of Branstad. I attended Branstad Rural School, Grantsburg Junior and Senior High Schools.

After graduating from the UW-River Falls in 1978 with a degree in journalism and English, I returned to Burnett County to live and work. I have been employed in a number of jobs for the past 30 years, and have been able to draw from my work experiences and from the relationships I’ve formed when facing work, life challenges and decisions.

As a county board member, I want to keep Burnett County a good place to live and work. I am a cancer survivor, and am very interested in providing health information and resources to all Burnett County residents. I also want to help promote our area using my communication and networking skills, and have just started and co-own a publishing business.

I have served on a number of boards, and have been involved in several organizations including: the Webster Area Chamber Board as board president, the Capeside Cove Community Council, the St. Olaf Cemetery Board as secretary, Burnett County Coordinated Community Response Team (dealing with the community’s response to domestic violence and sexual assaults) and the Grantsburg Music Festival Society Committee. I have been involved with the Village Players Community Theatre group for several years.

Currently I am tutoring students in reading as an AmeriCorp volunteer at the Grantsburg Elementary School.

I am enrolled in the Burnett-Polk UWExtension Leadership Academy which teaches and helps individuals develop leadership skills. The course has given me the opportunity to learn how local and state governments work and how to best assist local businesses and organizations in our county.

The people of Burnett County have given me much support over the years.

Now is the time for me to give something back. I believe I can make a contribution to the board. If elected, I will work hard for and listen to the people of this community.

Jeremy Gronski I hope to bring my common sense, logic and communication skills as well as my fiscal responsibility to the county board. I believe the goal of the board should be to improve services without increasing the constituent tax burden. I’m an optimist. I believe you can accomplish more with

ELECTION PROFILES Burnett County Board less. I would like to keep property taxes low, believing taxes, in general, should be lower.

I do not want to see people “taxed” out of their homes.

Although not currently involved with the county board, I attend as many local township meetings as I can and make my thoughts and concerns known. In 2007, I ran for Anderson Town Chairman, but was short two votes from winning. That experience energized me to look for opportunities to serve the public.

I’ve been involved in the local township meetings over the past five years. I feel it is the citizens responsibility to pay attention to what goes on in every level of government, whether it be a township issue or a federal law. I currently serve as the town of Anderson representative on the fire association board.

While in college, I worked with the Y.M.C.A. youth program. My involvement with youth groups is extensive. I was heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America. I achieved the highest honor of Eagle Scout in that organization, and credit Scouting with shaping my character into what it is today. The Scout motto is Be Prepared, and the Law is: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. I try to live by those laws today, and I’m doing everything I can to be prepared to serve the people of District 4 to the best of my ability. I am studying the county’s 2006 strategic Plan and the Wisconsin Constitution; and have already looked into federal grants that may be advantageous to the residents of Burnett County. I am doing what I can to Be Prepared to serve the people of District 4 to the best of my ability.

I’m a builder at heart. I love to see progress after hard work. I always strive to find ways to improve things and look forward to building a better government.

I have a strong background in construction, permitting and dealing with inspectors. I spent six years in the Twin Cities dealing with hazardous waste removal and disposal under the automotive and industrial areas. I think I can bring leadership, honesty, fiscal responsibility and strong communication skills to the board and to the constituents of District 4. If I were fortunate enough to gain the favor of the good citizens of District 4 and am elected as their voice, I would make myself available to those citizens so that our voice is not only heard but implemented.

In 2000, my wife, Nicky (Schaible) Gronski, and I built a home in the town of Anderson. Nicky is a native of the Grantsburg area, having graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1997. We have two fantastic daughters, Tiffany, who is 3, and Sidney, who is 1. I graduated from Luck High School in 1991. I attended UWEau Claire from 1991 until 1996. After college, I took a position in the Twin Cities, working in the construction industry, where I helped develop and run the roofing, siding and windows division for a local contractor. I spent six years working for an environmental oil company. In 2006, when our second daughter was born, we chose not to place our children in day care. As a result, I became a stay-athome dad.

I am running for county board supervisor because I am lucky enough to have the time to devote to public service in the prime of my life. I have the youth, energy and mindset to represent the people of District 4 better than in the past. Not only do I feel it is my responsibility to give something back to this country, I want the opportunity to do so. I hope to serve the people of the town of Anderson, Ward 2, town of Grantsburg, Ward 2, Town of Trade Lake; and bring with me common sense, leadership, honesty, fiscal responsibility and strong communication skills to help the county board make the tough decisions that have to be made.

DISTRICT 8 District 8 covers the town of Daniels and Ward 3, town of Siren. For the past 16 years, the district has been represented by James Engelhart. In this election, Chuck Awe is running as a write-in candidate, having filed all the papers required for him to run as a write-in.

Bauer

Gronski

Chuck Awe The accomplishments I hope to achieve are at two levels. At the town level, I promise to restore the concept of representation to my constituents. To me, representation is identifying and then supporting what the majority of my constituency wants. If I think they are wrong but fail to convince them, I must Awe Englehart still support their decision.

At the county level, I believe the strength of a community derives from education, employment and safety. My community experiences have shown me that Burnett County has much to offer: environment, culture and youth. My job experiences will help me to work collaboratively with the other board supervisors to solve some Kangas Lindeman of the challenges we face today.

I have only been involved with the board as a citizen observer during the recent Daniels zoning meetings.

However, at the February Burnett County Zoning Committee meeting, I raised a point of order because the board chair seemed to be biased and was attempting to stifle a second motion from one of the committee members.

The Main Patneaude motion was subsequently allowed to be submitted and I have served for 16 years on the county passed by a vote of six to one.

Before retiring in 2005, I did the daily board, attend all meetings and committee commute to Minneapolis, so there was attendance as well.

I served on the Frederic Fire very little time for community involveDepartment for 20 years, representing the ment other than attending occasional town of Daniels.

I am active in my township meetings. Here is what I have done since retiring: Since 2005 - Market church, and have always attended school Manager – Burnett County Farmers’ and community activities, including all Market. Since 2006 – demonstrator on sporting events. I enjoy being involved school days at Forts Folle Avoine with young peoples accomplishments.

I believe in honesty and integrity, after Rendezvous. Since 2007 - Supervisor, seniors program – Burnett County serving on the board this many years and Restorative Justice. Member Burnett watching the county grow. I enjoy people, County Community Partners Advisory and hope the (county board) decisions Group.

Member Daniels Township that have been made will benefit the people of Burnett County.

Zoning Committee I have been assigned to the zoning comMany diverse experiences have shaped me. I have served in the military (Army, mittee, which seems to put me in the cenVietnam 1967-1968), worked in the truck- ter of attention. There are seven people on ing industry, owned my own businesses this committee. The county is studying as truth-in-housing inspector and real county needs, and pursuing ideas to help estate broker and, finally, worked for find ways to secure more jobs and grow, American Express for 20 years in the tech- keeping our young people here. If your nology (computer) department. I retired concerns are just about Siren Glen, there in 2005 as a process- improvement con- are many concerns at the county level. I sultant. I have a proven ability to under- will appreciate your vote for county stand complex processes, and present board, and continue the new efforts of the them in a simple way that is understand- county. able by most people. I have a proven abilDISTRICT 17 ity to work with diverse groups, either District 17 covers the town of Roosevelt, face-to-face or via teleconference; and to bring them to conclusions and decisions. I the town of Dewey and Ward 1, town of believe these skills will help the board Rusk. For the past 14 years, this district because communication is one of the most has been represented by Philip L. Lindeman. In this election, Lindeman is important aspects of leadership.

I was born in St. Paul and raised on a challenged by A. J. Kangas. farm in Cannon Falls, Minn. Before enlisting in the Army in 1967, I attended the A. J. Kangas As a county board member, I hope to University of Minnesota, majoring in bring different ideas and experiences to entomology (insects) and math education. the table.

I would like to see meetings I was married for eight years, and have a son, Christopher. Since moving to the held when it is easier for citizens of the farm on Mud Hen Lake, I have been rais- county to attend, and not during normal ing bees and doing blacksmithing. I go to working hours. I would like to see meetRendezvous at Forts Folle Avoine (thus ing minutes posted on the county Web site the beard) and see the Fort as an underuti- faster, seven days or less, so that information is getting out to citizens to keep them lized opportunity. better informed and up to date on issues taking place within the county. Also, to James Engelhart I have been working with board members in achieving new ways to work with Continued on next page the infrastructure of the county.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

Cont. from previous page they read them.

Tribal issues/concerns need to be part of our county government.

I am active in the community through my career in law enforcement. I am out there with the people on a daily basis, and hear ideas and concerns that people of the county have all the time. I have taught ATV, snowmobile and hunter safety classes within communities for as long as I have been in law enforcement.

I am a good listener, and always try to look at ways for improvement, whether it is myself or county services as a whole. I have been in a management-type position for approximately 3-1/2 years, and have learned a great deal in that time.

I am experienced in grant writing and administration, budget development and many other things which I have gained from my career in law enforcement. I have also had many visits with politicians on both the state and federal level to bring educational awareness to them about some issues faced by people in northwestern Wisconsin and law enforcement in general. I think this will help me keep an open mind on the board, and look for ways of improvement to better serve the public.

I will try my best to see the county works toward these types of needed changes, to better receive input from you, with timely and understandable feedback to you, the citizens we serve.

Philip Lindeman My main goal as a county board supervisor is to represent all the voters of Burnett County in a fair and unbiased manner. I have a strong background in agriculture, and want to represent that segment as well as others.

I have been a member of the county board for seven terms. I have served on a number of committees, including the highway, law enforcement, extension, personnel, finance, land and ad-hoc commit-

ELECTION PROFILES Burnett County Board cont. tees, including the comprehensive land use plan, agricultural zoning, development rights, strategic planning and recreation-officer oversight.

Recently we did a strategic plan for Burnett County. As a county board supervisor, I hope to be part of implementing more of that plan. We have beautiful lakes, much open space, wildlife habitat and a large agricultural industry. There will continue to be pressure for more land development. I favor planned business growth and personal job opportunities while working hard to keep the quality of life we now enjoy. Tourism, obviously, is very important to the economic stability and health of our county. This is a big reason to maintain our clean water, healthy environment, forests and agricultural stability.

My community activities include serving as a church board member and trustee for Spooner Wesleyan Church. I am an F.F.A. alumni member, help Tri-County Dairy Promoters and am a board member for Indianhead Community Action Agency. I serve on the personnel committee and chair the property committee for that agency. The property committee is responsible for the weatherization program, Fresh Start program that helps young people continue their education while learning by building a house and the affordable housing program for Burnett and other counties in ICAA. I am a graduate of UW-River Falls with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture education. I taught vocational agriculture for 24 years, the majority of those at Shell Lake. My family and I started and operate Lindy’s Berries in Burnett County.

The Burnett County Board established a new committee structure to better serve our county. Being a part of that, I want to see this plan continue. With the 2-percent

state freeze, we will have to work very hard to maintain our level of services and infrastructure in the county. My past experience can be a contributing factor in developing ways to be fiscally responsible to county citizens. Having served on most of the county committees has given me insight for making county decisions.

DISTRICT 21 District 21 covers the town of Blaine; town of Webb Lake; and Ward 2, town of Scott. For the past 12 years, District 21 has been represented by Clifford “Larry” Main. In this election, Main is being challenged by Harry Patneaude.

Clifford “Larry” Main Under my leadership as chairman, the county board has become a proactive board pursuing a path of planning for the future. I believe it is important to recognize and address the challenges that face our community in order to positively impact our future. With my 12 years of knowledge and experience, I promise I will continue to work hard to make our county a better place to live.

Four years ago, the board of supervisors elected me as the Burnett County Board Chair. In addition, I have served as chair of the county highway and finance committees, and worked on the forestry, zoning and land committees.

I have served as chair of the town of Webb Lake for over 25 years. I have been active in the Lakes and Pines Snowmobile Club, and have served with Northwest Regional Planning Commission.

I have 12 years’ experience serving on committees and four years as county board chair.

For the first time in its history, Burnett County developed a strategic-planning document that received recognition from the UW-Extension/Government Department-Madison office.

As the county board chairman, it was apparent to me that the county board structure was inefficient. We joined up several committees, and went from 13

committees to seven committees. This will result in a more informed, cohesive board and better decision making.

As chairman of the finance committee, I put measures in place to control spending, and as noted in the Wisconsin Taxpayer magazine (October 2007 Vol. 75, No. 10, page 6), “per-capita spending declined in Burnett County (we were the fourth lowest in the state) between year 2000 and 2005.”

Harry Patneaude My educational background includes two years of college in Virginia and Minnesota. I have lived in Burnett County for 12 years, and have been a county taxpayer for 51 years. I was an area postman and in Amoco sales and service. I served on the Webb Lake Town Board for two years, and for 10 years on the South St. Paul, Minn., Planning Commission. I served my country as a Navy veteran, and am a member of the Northland 300 Emergency Support Team.

I am running for the county board because all county taxpayers need advocates who had better listen to their concerns, follow up on issues and inform the public within seven days, via the county Web site and local newspapers, on all major issues that are going on at the county. We are here to serve all county taxpayers. Remember, the taxpayers are the customers.

Changes I would like to make are: Define all the services provided and measure/survey the results. Find methods to reduce costs and improve efficiency, like the sheriff’s department/jail has done, and spread that process across all departments. Take 10 percent of those cost savings and give them back to the departments for future programs.

County meeting days and times need to change so that more taxpayers have the opportunity to attend and voice their opinions.

Meeting format needs to change so public comments come at the end before a vote is taken.

Towns cover 94 percent of Badger State

WISTAX Study Shows Town Spending Up 12.3 percent over five years

MADISON—Long before there was a United States, town government was active in America. By the early 1800s, New Englanders had brought it to Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is one of only 14 states outside New England with town government, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, a nonprofit publicpolicy research organization dedicated to citizen education.

According to the WISTAX report, Wisconsin’s 1,259 towns (as of January 2007) cover approximately 94 percent of the state’s 54,310 square miles and are home to 30 percent of our population.

The number of towns has declined slightly in recent years. Due to incorporations and annexations, there were seven fewer towns in 2007 than in 1999.

The percentage of Wisconsin’s population living in towns dropped to 30.0 percent in 2006, its lowest level since 1976 (29.8 percent). In 2007, the percent-

age rose slightly to 30.1 percent.

Outside New England, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and 10 other states have towns. As of 2002, of 20 states, Wisconsin had the seventhmost towns nationally. However, their average size (1,319 people) was seventh smallest. In fact, 89 percent of Badger towns had populations under 2,500.

Nationally, that percentage was just under 75 percent.

Spending tends to be lower in Wisconsin towns compared to cities and villages primarily due to fewer public services offered than in villages and cities. Towns spent an average of $424 per capita in 2005, an increase of 12.3 percent from 2000. The increase in towns was less than in cities (15.5 percent to $1,312) and villages (16.8 percent to $1,152) over the same period.

According to WISTAX, public works—particularly road maintenance—is generally the largest expenditure for towns, comprising an average of 55.4 percent of the noncapital total. In 2005, towns spent $185 per capita on public works, with $157 going for road construction and maintenance.

Spending on police and fire protection ($70 per capita and 20.9 percent of noncapital spending) was the secondlargest town expenditure, although it was significantly less than in villages ($260) and cities ($399). The study notes that, in 2005, more than 75 percent of towns had no law enforcement expenditures. While state law requires cities with more than 4,000 people and villages with more than 5,000 residents to provide police protection, there is no such requirement for towns, regardless of size.

The new study also reports that, of the $424 per capita that towns spent in 2005, $56 was for capital (generally buildings and equipment) and $34 was for debt service. While total spending per capita rose 12.3 percent over the five years studied, debt service climbed 21.7 percent. However, WISTAX researchers noted that the town increase was less than increases in per capita debt in villages (52.6 percent) and in cities (43.0 percent).

Because they tend to spend less, towns also collect less total revenues and property taxes. At $402 per capita,

town general revenues in 2005 were less than half the revenues in cities ($1,096) or villages ($906). And town property taxes ($186 per capita) were also less than half of those in villages ($391) or cities ($419).

In terms of local government units, Wisconsin has 35.3 cities, villages, towns, and counties per 100,000 population, or more than 2.5 times the national average (13.5). The study noted that states with towns averaged 23.5 units per 100,000 people, while those without towns averaged 6.8. In 2002, states with towns spent an average of $2,401 per capita on local, nonschool public services. States without towns spent $2,095.

However, at $2,197 per capita, Wisconsin’s spending resembled states without towns.

A copy of The Wisconsin Taxpayer report titled “Towns: Wisconsin’s Rural Governments” can be obtained by contacting WISTAX by phone at 608-2419789, by e-mail at wistax@wistax.org, or by mail at 401 North Lawn Ave., Madison, WI 53704-5033. - An electronic version of this release is available at www.wistax.org. – from WisTAX

Polk County sheriff’s report Accidents March 12, 8:34 a.m., Balsam Lake, CTH I, 30’ east of Hwy. 46, #1—THOMAS W. JORDAN, 59, Balsam Lake; #2—Legally Parked Vehicle of KAREN L. ISAAK, Luck; Unit 2 had been parked, waiting for an oil change at Peper’s Garage. Unit 1 was backing up to move closer to an air hose when unit 1 backed into parked unit 2.

March 12, 4:23 p.m., 180th Avenue/CTH I, .25 mile west of 220th Street, #1—ELAINE M. GUDMUNSEN, 56, Centuria; #2—MARK E. PETZEL, 53,

Centuria; Unit 1 was eastbound on CTH I. Unit 2, a tractor pulling a farm trailer, was also eastbound. After negotiating a curve, unit 1 rear-ended the farm trailer, causing damage to the front of the tractor. The trailer sustained little or no damage.

March 14, 8:45 p.m., Farmington Twp., Hwy. 35, .2 mile south of 55th Avenue, CAROLYN A. MOSER, 30, Dresser, was northbound on Hwy. 35. Unit 1 swerved a hard right for no apparent reason.

Upon doing so, unit 1 entered the east ditch. Upon entering

the ditch, unit 1 struck a driveway embankment and came to rest. Driver was issued citation for inattentive driving.

March 16, 12:47 a.m., Apple River Twp., CTH D at 135th Avenue; #1—KORY A. WALLACE, 41, Clayton; #2— RICARDO I. BENITEZ, 18, Turtle Lake; Unit 1 was traveling southbound on CTH D. Unit 2 was traveling northbound on CTH D. Unit 2 made a left turn on 135th Avenue and failed to yield the right of way to unit 1.

Unit 1 collided into unit 2. Unit 2 driver cited for OWI.

March 17, 7:25 a.m., Luck Twp., CTH GG, .2 mile south of 255th Avenue, RAY S. JOY, 50, Polk County Sheriff’s Department Investigator/Sgt., while on duty, was traveling southbound on CTH GG. At this time, a deer came out of the east ditch and ran into the driver’s side door of unit 1. The deer continued and struck the rear driver’s side door, also.

March 17, 8:14 a.m., Lincoln Twp., 85th Street, .5 mile north of CTH F, BRIAN J. ELKIN, 17, Amery, was southbound on 85th Street. Unit 1 left the roadway to

the right and overturned. No one was on the scene upon the officer’s arrival. A cell caller reported the rollover with a male out of the vehicle at 8:14 a.m.

Deputy arrived at 8:23 a.m., was contacted by the operator’s father at 8:48 a.m. and the operator by my request at 9:06 a.m.

Operator said he was run off the road by a northbound vehicle.

Citations were issued to the operator for failure to notify police of an arrest and nonregistration of the vehicle.

March 18, 1 a.m., St. Croix Falls Twp., Hwy. 87 at 160th

Avenue, RYAN L. SCHADOW, 31, Centuria, was traveling westbound on 160th Avenue at a speed too fast for conditions and was unable to stop at the stop sign.

He proceeded through the intersection and struck a utility pole. Driver indicated he had been consuming intoxicants and left the scene of the accident. Driver issued citations for failure to report accident to police, driving too fast for

See Polk Co. sheriff page 31

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Webster municipal court Joshua P. Bazey, Luck, driving too fast for conditions, $121.60.

NFN Bemosaakwe, Shell Lake, OAS, $109.00.

Sherry Benjamin, Danbury, speeding, $83.80.

Bryan E. Boehne, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $109.00.

Lindsey L. Hammond, Danbury, failure to stop at stop sign, $83.80; violation of license restrictions, $109.00.

Wanda M. McFaggen, Siren, permitting unauthorized person to drive, $109.00.

Ronald L. Ritchey, Webster, theft – money, $203.50.

Rebecca A. Rullman,

Spooner, speeding, $109.00.

Danielle L. Staples, Webster, failure to notify police of accident, $134.20; hit and run, $134.20; unreasonable speed, dismissed and inattentive driving, dismissed.

Adam M. Evans, Webster, seatbelt violation, $58.60, warrant issued.

Jade C. Helene, Webster,

DOC, $203.50, warrant issued.

Whitney L. Hunter, Webster, seatbelt violation, $58.60, warrant issued.

Gregory W. Nelson, Siren, OWI, $716.00; BAC over limit, $716.00; warrants issued.

Michael L. Williams Jr., Webster, OWS, $109.00, warrant issued.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Polk Co. sheriff/from page 28 conditions, failure to stop and operating without a valid driver’s license.

Other incidents March 13, STEVEN K. HOWELL, RR Amery, reported that he is missing a Monarch brand well-drilling pump and a large

amount of golf balls, unknown date, from his property.

March 14, BETTY JANISCH, Ellsworth, reported a break-in to her residence located on Horseshoe Lake in Beaver Township. Nothing is noted to be missing at this time.

March 15, DON McMURRAY

of Cottage Grove, Minn., reported a burglary to his residence in the rural Luck area; taken were 36” JVC television set and a .12gauge Mossberg brand shotgun.

March 16, JUSTIN S. BECKER, RR Turtle Lake, reported the theft of his 1993 Toyota truck

from his residence. The truck was later recovered by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department within Polk County. The vehicle had been destroyed by an act of arson.

March 17, CHERYL PINGER, RR Amery, reported that a vehicle knocked down her mailbox.

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

Notices

Siren police report March 19: Michael A. Waltzing, 51, Webster, was cited for speeding at 4:45 p.m. on Hwy. 35/70 and South Shore Drive.

Scott C. Vreeland, 53, Rice Lake, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 coming into the village.

His vehicle was stopped on Hwy. 35/70 and Lilac Lake at 5:14 p.m.

March 20: Larry Eugene Haselius Jr., 38, Coon Rapids, Minn., was cited for speeding at 7:24 p.m. on Hwy. 35 at Clear Lake Street.

James A. Mason, 60, Turtle Lake, was cited for speeding on

Hwy. 35/70 and South Shore Drive at 7:57 p.m.

March 21: John Robert Crane, 65, Fridley, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 at Hanson Avenue at 9 a.m.

Diane Louise Stellrecht, 58, Roseville, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 and Nyberg Road at 10:25 a.m.

Davin Gene Tyler, 42, Webster, was stopped for speeding on D’Jock Street and Hwy. 35/70 at 1:13 p.m. In addition to the speeding citation, Tyler was arrested on a warrant and cited for driving after revocation.

Continued next page

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 33

Siren police report/from previous page Richard Lowell Johnson III, 31, Brooklyn Park, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 past the fire hall. Johnson’s vehicle was stopped on Hwy. 35/70 by Earth Energy at 4:47 p.m.

March 23: Samantha L. Hart, 18, Luck, was cited for underage drinking at 2:54 a.m. on Lind

Road near CTH B. Hart was found lying in the middle of the road near the intersection.

March 24: Mary Mendoza, 22, Siren, was picked up on a warrant arrest outside a vehicle that pulled into her residence at 10:46 p.m.

Notices

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Notices

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

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MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Notices

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Employment / Notices

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

Can't say enough about Germany

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – Pine Wood Motel owners Dave and Micki Alden just can’t say enough about the nine days they spent in and around Berlin, Germany, during February. Dave calls it “the trip of a lifetime.”

The Aldens spent the time in Germany with Torsten and Heike Schulz, parents of Melanie Schulz, an exchange student who graduated with the Siren High School Class of 2007.

Melanie lived with the Aldens for four months during the time she was in Siren and attending classes at Siren School.

“We were their guests,” Dave Alden said. “We were blessed to be able to meet people like that. They wanted us to come. They wanted to return the favor for their daughter’s care.”

The nine days turned out to be a vacation unlike any other the Aldens had ever spent in addition to being their first time overseas. Both Dave and Micki are of German descent. They admitted to being totally unprepared for the amount of history they would be exposed to while in Germany, about happenings from years ago and, especially, the knowledge they would bring home about the Berlin Wall, a wall that existed only during their lifetime.

Torsten Schulz owns a company that makes ceramic fireplaces, what the Germans call ovens. These ovens can be put into any room where you want to get the chill out. His wife works part time, doing the payroll and secretarial work. The couple has two children, Melanie and her sister, Madeleine.

The Schulz family lives in a small town not far from Berlin. Alden

Dave and Micki Alden are shown at Checkpoint Charlie, the site of the military checkpoint along the wall between East and West Berlin. They are shown with the guard at the nolonger-in-use checkpoint, along with their host, Heike Schulz.

described Berlin as a very beautiful large city of 3.4 million people. He compared Berlin’s population with that of the whole state of Wisconsin, which is 5.6 million.

Berlin is a compact city. Every building is high and sits side by side with another building. Everything is stone or marble, not wood.

A lot of graffiti can be found but, according to Dave, the graffiti is not slang or bad language. It is more of an art form or a picture drawing.

Offenders are punished if they are caught.

The German chancellor is a woman named Angie. The temperature in February was in the 40s and 50s, and flowers were starting to bloom.

Evidence of bombings during World War II are still there in some areas.

There are 84 million vehicles on German roads, mostly Mercedes and BMWs. “We drove in a Mercedes,” Dave said, adding, “I never thought I’d be in one.”

The wall dividing East and West Berlin was up between 1961 and 1989.

The city was divided in 1945, following the end of World War II, and in 1946 a pass was required for travel between the two parts of the city. In August 1961, crossing points were closed to West Berlin citizens. The first person who attempted to cross the Berlin Wall was killed Aug. 24, 1961, and is buried along the edge of the border. The Aldens saw that gravesite.

The wall opened Nov. 9, 1989, and Germany was united as a country Oct. 3, 1990.

Checkpoint Charlie, a checkpoint used for military transport, opened Aug. 13, 1961, and was removed June 22, 1990. The wall at this checkpoint was demolished Dec. 19, 2000.

In the museum at Checkpoint Charlie, the Aldens saw examples of ways people were smuggled over the border, i.e. in a gas tank, inside two suitcases that were put together, and inside a welding machine on wheels. They learned that 111 people were successful in getting across the checkpoint without detection.

The total wall was 96 miles long; 41 miles wide, covered with mesh fencing; and 11.81-feet high. The wall at the border between East and West Berlin went for 26 miles. There had been four different walls there. The Aldens saw the fourth, and last wall.

Dave and Micki Alden, owners of the Pine Wood Motel in Siren, are shown under the international time indicator in Berlin, Germany. The time difference between Germany and home is seven hours. If it was 5 p.m. in the U.S., the time would be 10 a.m. in Germany.

Sachsenhausen Prison, a German interment camp during World War II, was the site of another day’s visit. Dave found this visit to be way too emotional.

The crematory was still standing, a grim reminder of what had gone on there years ago.

The days in Germany were full, with the Aldens starting out at 9 a.m. and going until between 11 p.m. and midnight. In addition to seeing Berlin, the Aldens were taken to Pottsdam and Dresden as well. They saw the building where President Harry Truman, Russian dictator Josef Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill met and formulated the Pottsdam Agreement in 1945 at the end of World War II. They visited the castle of Frederic the Great, called Schloss San Ssouci. “The castle was older than our whole country. I was amazed,” Mickey commented.

One visit took the Aldens to the Baltic Sea at a location that is one hour from Poland and two hours from Denmark.

Dave said he had the best fish he had ever eaten in his life that day.

The traditional meal in Germany was thick pork roast, fruit salad with no

The bratwurst in Berlin, Germany, are a foot long, and can be purchased from a seller like the one pictured, for $2.25 in American money.

dressing, red cabbage, sauerkraut and boiled potatoes. Because the Aldens were guests in the homes they visited, the American flag was placed in the center of the table.

Ordering coffee on the road was expensive - $5 a cup – and refills for a second cup weren’t even a question.

Breakfast, the biggest meal of the day, consisted of hot bread, lunch meat, cheese and hard-boiled eggs. Coffee time, offering a variety of sweets (cakes and doughnuts), was served between 2 and 3 p.m. A light supper was put on the table at 8 p.m.

The Aldens ate Chinese, Greek, Indonesian and traditional German food, “the best I’ve ever eaten,” according to Dave.

Groceries were expensive. Dave quoted prices of : $4-$5 for a bottle of water.

American pop - $2.85. Beer - $7. A high-end pound of shrimp - $46.

The Aldens were surprised to learn that the younger generation German couples live together and have children, yet are not getting married. “I found that interesting,” Dave said.

Micki hit the computer information bank when she got back home, searching for facts about the places she and Dave had seen in Germany. Their interest has been piqued, and they are very grateful for all they saw in nine days, thanks to the generosity of the Schulz family. By themselves, they would never have been able to see so much in such a short time.

Melanie Schulz plans to be back in Siren from July 17 to Aug. 20. She will be graduating from her school in Germany this year, and is looking ahead to college, either in Germany or in the United States. While she is thinking seriously about college in the U.S., the cost of doing so may be prohibitive.

While she is in Siren this summer,

(L to R) Dave Alden, Heike, Melanie, Madeleine and Torsten Schulz and Micki Alden are shown in this photograph at the Schulz home near Berlin,

This marker shows the length of time the Berlin Wall between West and East Berlin was up – 1961-1989.

Roofs made from woven stems of cattails are used in Germany. Dave Alden learned that this type of roofing can last for a hundred years.

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - MARCH 26, 2008

Sen. Harsdorf, VA secretary speak with veterans

by Marty Seeger MILLTOWN – Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos spoke to area veterans at the VFW United Post 6856 in Milltown on Monday, March 24. It was their third stop for the day on a trip that included five stops total, including one at the American Legion Post 85 in Grantsburg.

The highlight of discussion was the recent additions to the Wisconsin state veterans package and to answer questions veterans had about the future of care for veterans.

“It really is great to have a person like Secretary Scocos in our state working for you, leading efforts and working on behalf of veterans,” Harsdorf said as she introduced Scocos to a full audience.

Scocos not only works with issues relating to Wisconsin’s vets, but recently served as president of the National Association of State of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. He highlighted a number of topics that have been accomplished over the past four years, one being that 30-percent disabled veterans, spouses and children can get free education in state universities and tech schools, but there is much more Scocos said needed to be done.

“Without us being advocates for ourselves, working with state Legislatures and at the national level, we’re not going to accomplish what we do,” Scocos said.

He also highlighted how his organization is working to find better solutions to meet the needs of veterans of all wars.

Post Commander Al Kastens received a certificate of recognition for Post 6856 in Milltown on Monday, March 24. Pictured (L to R): CVSO Rick Gates, Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, Kastens and VA Secretary John Scocos. – Photos by Marty Seeger Solutions for property tax relief, as well meeting with veterans was to listen to as a new GI Bill at the national level their concerns. were also topics of discussion. Scocos One veteran commented on educaalso said that they’ll be trying to tackle tional benefits upheld in the state of the task of caring for 21st-century veter- Wisconsin , and issues with not being ans. able to qualify for some of those beneGetting more federal money for the fits. There are residency limitations and upkeep of cemeteries at state and age limits, but Scocos fielded the quesnational level are other topics Scocos tion and said they are working to try to discussed with the veterans, as well as change some of the problems. fighting to get more federal funds to Scocos gave what he called a “snaphelp with new health care facilities to shot” of the federal VA, which is the accommodate the growing need. largest health care provider in the After highlighting some of the main nation. topics, Scocos said his main point for “They’ve done a lot of changes, they still gotta a few more changes to go, but they’re doing a good job taking care of our veterans,” said Scocos on the VA’s improvements over the past five years.

One concerned vet brought up concerns about going to the Cities to get a doctor’s referral, just to see a doctor in Rice Lake.

“Why can’t I just go up there (Rice Lake) to do it?” he asked.

Rick Gates, Polk County Veterans Service Officer, was on hand to help answer some of the questions veterans had about getting health care through the VA. He encouraged those attending to look at the VA as health care, not health insurance, and talked about concerns with emergencies versus chronic health issues.

Veterans listen to answers from CVSO Rick Gates (far right) on Monday at Scocos, who recently got back from a the VFW in Milltown. second tour in Iraq , fielded more ques-

tions, including one about the status of our troops in Iraq.

He said the morale is high, the troops are committed, dedicated and doing a tremendous job. He spoke further about finding ways to meet a new generation’s needs after the war in Iraq .

“We have to make priorities with what we think is right and I believe, as the veterans advocate, our veterans should come first and we should find ways to help them and their family members and find the funds to do that,” Scocos said.

Jobs were also a topic of discussion, and what will need to be done to ensure that there will be jobs when veterans return home. Scocos discussed providing help with veterans who own their own small businesses in the form of tax breaks. Harsdorf touched base on that issue by saying that although it isn’t easy, job creation starts at the root of rural communities to ensure job security.

“The people that really make it happen are those of you who are involved in your local communities,” said Harsdorf.

At the end of the informational session, Post Commander Al Kastens accepted a certificate of recognition for VFW Post 6856 for their involvement and service to the community and support of veteran causes.

VA Secretary John Scocos answered questions that local veterans had on topics ranging from health care to the status of our troops in Iraq. Scocos recently returned from a second tour in Iraq.

A deer sight

These deer were seen crossing the roadway near the intersection of Lakeview Church Road and Town Hall Road in Dewey Township. — Photo by Larry Samson

‘Follow the Leader’

Currents N O R T H E R N

March 26, 2008 2nd Section B Inter-County Leader

News and views from the Northwest Wisconsin community

Entering the world of therapy dogs

by Nancy Jappe SIREN – You might expect that, when a group of dogs and their owners got together, pandemonium would result. Barking, growling, sniffing, agitation – that sort of thing. These dogs were different. They were therapy dogs, trained or in the process of being trained, to provide friendship and comfort to those around them.

They lived up to their calling.

The occasion was the first/organizational meeting of a local group of Therapy Dogs International, Inc., headquartered in Flanders, N.J. The meeting was held Saturday morning, March 15, at Restorative Justice Response in the Southwinds Plaza north of Siren.

Susan Hager, Frederic, has been involved with Therapy Dogs International for 13 years, and a dog evaluator for them for the past seven years. She provided the impetus for the new group to get started.

Therapy Dogs International, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the regulation, testing, selection and registration of qualified dogs and handlers for the purpose of visitations to hospitals, nursing homes and facilities or any place where therapy dogs are needed.

What do TDI dogs do? They bring sparkle to a sterile day, provide a lively subject for conversation and rekindle old memories of previously owned dogs.

They come in all shapes and sizes, and are real dogs with real personalities and a real love to share.

As you have figured out already, the previous two paragraphs were taken from printed material put out

by TDI. Seven dogs and their owners were on hand for the first local TDI meeting, coming from as far away as Barron County and St. Croix Falls. The interest level was high enough that the group agreed to meet once a month rather than bimonthly. The goal of the group, as expressed by Hager, is community awareness, making the community aware that therapy dogs are around and describing what they can do and the kind of endless possibilities there are for therapy-dog visits.

Anyone interested in the availability of and/or therapy dogs in general can contact Hager at 715-327-4532 for more information.

Tammi Hasselquist, kindergarten teacher at Birch Street Elementary School in Frederic, talked about the Murphy program, a program she uses with her students to teach them how to treat and care for dogs.

“Dogs can provide comfort for people in a variety of situations,” Hasselquist said. “Kids can read to dogs.

Dogs can be used in children’s hospitals, nursing homes, (general) hospitals and schools.”

The elementary school has six therapy dogs available

Emily Randolph, a resident of the Continuing Care Center at Burnett Medical Center, Grantsburg, shows her delight with a visit from Marlys Berg’s golden retriever, Little Red. – Photo submitted

This tag identifies dogs that have been tested and certified as therapy dogs, dogs that provide comfort and companionship for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and schools, enhancing the health and well-being of others. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Susan Hager, an evaluator for Therapy Dogs International, Flanders, N.J., has been instrumental in getting a therapy-dog group going in the local area. Seven owners and their dogs showed up for the group’s first meeting, held Saturday, March 15, in Siren. Hager is shown here with her dog, Mattie, an 8-month-old black Lab, named in memory of Mattie Stepanek, a victim of muscular dystrophy who died in 2004, three months before his 14th birthday. Stepanek had a service dog named Micah, and President Jimmy Carter gave the eulogy at his funeral.

Shyla, a second-grader at the Birch Street Elementary School, Frederic, is shown with Little Red, a golden retriever owned by Marlys Berg. – Photo submitted

for their use, and five are scheduled in any one week.

“Really positive things are happening in school with therapy dogs,” Hasselquist commented.

One important area she covers with students is how to ensure child safety when dogs are around. The students are given an opportunity to practice what they learn. Hasselquist sits back and watches as the children show their knowledge.

For example, the students were taken for a visit with a man who raises sled dogs. Hasselquist proudly watched her learning take root as the children followed the rules they had learned – 1) Ask if you can pet a dog; 2) Let the dog smell your fist; 3) Then pet the dog under the chin. Even after the owner had told the children they could pet the dogs, each child made eye-to-eye contact with him and asked again, “May I pet your dog?” as they had been trained to do.

Dogs are popular with young students; and in the first stories they write or print, they talk about their experiences with dogs. One boy put sentences he had written about a dog into book form. One student brought a newborn puppy to class, and students reminded each other that they had to give the puppy its own space, another thing they had been taught.

Hasselquist is using her experience with kindergartners and therapy dogs in working toward her master’s degree. Her students are taught what to do if a strange dog moves toward them, i.e. make like a tree, standing still, not moving a muscle. If a dog shows aggressive behavior, make like a turtle, getting down on the ground and pulling extremities close to the body.

“Dogs avoid turtles; they will avoid the child, too,” Hasselquist said.

Her students have learned to tell left from right because they learn that dog leashes are held in the left hand. At the beginning of training, according to Hasselquist, 43 percent of the students didn’t know their left from their right hand. Halfway through the school year, the percentage was up to 86 percent of those who knew the difference.

“This is a wonderful time to teach children what to do for dog safety and awareness. It is great to be able to pass on things that will last them a lifetime,” she commented.

Marlys Berg, one of the therapy-dog owners, mentioned a boy in a second-grade class who held a book in his left hand, petted a therapy dog with his right hand and read from the book for 20 minutes.

Dogs have to be 1 year old before they can be certified as therapy dogs. Luckily, people in the community have accepted dogs with the right temperament who haven’t yet reached the age of 1. Stress on the words – with the right temperament. One of them goes to the nursing home in Grantsburg the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Lisa Johnson, director of programming at Burnett County Restorative Justice Response, brings her 4month-old dog, Nana, along every time she comes to work. Nana has become a tension-breaker for people who come in as part of the Victim Impact Panels the organization sponsors. These panels bring people or family members who have been victims of alcohol- or drug-related offenses in contact with offenders in often

See Therapy dogs, page 2

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

Therapy dogs/from page 1 emotion-packed meetings. The presence of a dog like Nana has helped diffuse some of that emotion.

Johnson told about an instance where a panel speaker had been talking about a young man he had known all his life whom he had held in his arms as the young man died following an alcohol-related accident. Johnson saw the speaker begin to relax afterward as he sat and petted Nana. “There is so much more interaction (now, because of Nana’s presence) that I have never seen before,” Johnson said.

Therapy dogs will be on display April 6 during the annual open house at the University of Minnesota Veterinary School. They will be part of the April 2627 St. Croix Valley Home and Family Sportsmen’s Show, and in parades, starting with Frederic Family Fun Days in June, throughout the area during the summer. The owners are developing Tshirts to wear along with tags showing their dog’s name and other identification. As members of Therapy Dogs International, dog owners as volunteers are automatically included under TDI’s, accident, general liability and professional liability insurance policies.

Therapy dogs have been given the Canine Good Citizen title by the American Kennel Club. One of their brochures states: “TDI registration is a natural extension of the AKC-CGC for dogs who are particularly sensitive and attentive to people. Canine membership includes all breed and mixed-breed dogs. All dogs are tested and evaluated for therapy dog work by certified TDI evaluators. While many dogs provide love and companionship in the home, not all dogs are qualified or have the temperament suited to be a therapy dog.”

Therapy dogs must be able to work with all types of people, including children. Any negative reaction by the dog to children will result in the dog’s automatic failure at certification as a therapy dog.

Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland is looking forward to utilizing therapy dogs as a part of the newly organized nonprofit organization, the Burnett County Law Enforcement Citizens Auxiliary. “They can be very much utilized in disasters such as tornado, search and rescue and with 911/first responders to provide comfort and emotional support,” the sheriff commented, adding that therapy dogs were put to use during the Sept. 11, 2001, recovery efforts.

Tammi Hasselquist, a teacher at Birth Street Elementary School in Frederic, uses therapy dogs in teaching her students safety when being around unfamiliar dogs.

Lisa Johnson, program director at Burnett County Restorative Justice Response, is shown here with her 4month-old therapy dog, Nana. “Nana comes to work at the office every day,” Johnson said, adding that having contact with Nana allows people she deals with to relax and release emotions.

Bear, an English mastiff owned by Linda Baker Lottie, is a huge but gentle dog who goes on visits to the Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg and the elementary school in Frederic.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Responders to the first meeting of the local unit of Therapy Dogs International, Inc., were (L to R): Linda Baker Lottie and her English mastiff, Bear; Linda Matula and her yellow Lab, Gunner; Susan Hager and her black Lab, Mattie; Dan Siebrasse and his toller, Slim; Marlys Berg and her golden retriever, Little Red; Terri Larson and her yellow Lab, Kylie; and (not pictured) Lisa Johnson with Nana.

Check out our new e-edition @ www.the-leader.net

Frederic native will ride in Tour de Cure for diabetes CHISAGO CITY, Minn. - Jessica Swanberg, 22-year-old daughter of Craig and Teri Swanberg of Chisago City, Minn., and granddaughter of Karen (Larry) Swanberg, Frederic, was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

More than 20.8 million Americans have diabetes—including more than 5 million who don’t even know it. It has been one of the most emotional things she has ever had to endure. It has not only affected her and her life, but it has touched all family and friends.

Many things in her life have been changing including the plans of the deployment with the Army National Guard in May. The American Diabetes Association will be holding a Tour de Cure (bike-athon) in the Twin Cities on May 31. The

Tour de Cure, is hosting a 6-mile, 25mile, or a 45-mile bicycle course. The ride begins and ends at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis. Jessica has become captain of her own team that she named “2 Sweet” - because she is too sweet now without a functioning pancreas.

“Instead of being depressed and upset with my own diagnosis I’ve decided I should be using my situation to good use and help all that have, or ever will be diagnosed with, diabetes,” noted Swanberg.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.

Now here is where you have the choice to help! If you choose to ride with Swan-

berg, you will get to take part in a fun, exciting, healthy event for the whole family! Who do you know who is struggling with diabetes now? Do it for them!

Do it for yourself, your children and your family. Or you can support Swanberg’s team by making a donation to a rider of your choice!

For more information about diabetes, please check the American Diabetes Association Web site at www.diabetes.org.

– with submitted information Jessica Swanberg will be taking part in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure bike-a-thon in the Twin Cities, May 31. – Special photo

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

Dwight Fisk: A Life Well Lived (A Granddaughter’s Eulogy)

by Josie Fisk Dwight Fisk, my grandpa, of Taylors Falls, Minn., did what he loved to do, simply. And post-retirement, more so. He rose early, made breakfast; muffins, blueberry pancakes, or a grandchild favorite: crepes, hot, one after the other.

He gardened; kept (with much frustration regarding garden critters) gardens o’ plenty. I shall never forget the crisp, green taste of peapods, eaten directly upon picking from the climbing vines. He loved to cook with his garden-bounty, and sample new recipes; never were we more satiated, that is full to the brim of good food before dessert, then after dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

He read; he loved James Herriot; history and historical novels; the poetry of Robert Frost. In Frost’s “The Pasture,” the pastoral narrator values nature, its wonderful simplicity, the dew of youth, the caretaking of mothers—and he wants to share it with others.

PoCo Penners The PoCo Penners meet the second Friday of the month at 2 p.m. at the county boardroom in the government center in Balsam Lake. Contact Gladys Frokjer at 483-3208 or Iris Holm 284-3174 for more information. - submitted

Writer’s Corner Grandpa was a living encyclopedia of plants and birds, one usually had only to ask and he had a ready tongue, or a ready reference back at home.

He skied, as much as possible for a passion dependent on weather and white stuff from the heavens.

When he couldn’t ski, he ordered seeds, looked ahead to the season next. He loved his wife, my grandma, with an outwardly quiet and sure love. They had their separate interests, but plenty of similar interests too; hiking/biking/skiing in the park, camping and traveling to parks, bird watching, wildflowers, music (Grandpa loved Scottish music and bagpipes), favorite programs on public television, Scrabble and Dominoes with friends.

We can hardly imagine one Grandma Fisk without the other Grandpa Fisk—they went together, hand in hand, two peas in a pod, nearly 53 years of living and being upright together.

A good wife stands behind a good husband— Grandma always encouraged Grandpa in his passions

(and let him “be,” if a little bothered by his hermit habits), as she encourages all of her children, and grandchildren, and we are the better loved for it.

Grandpa knew God; he accepted Jesus Christ as a teenager and attended Sunrise Bible Church (North Branch, Minn.), and even preached when they lacked a pastor. He played the piano/pump organ before church, worshiping the Creator in hymns. He shared my view that a hymn should always be sung in its entirety.

Grandpa lived his 80 years well, from what I hear, and from what I’m proud to know. Let us live our passions well, live in the created order as the unique and industrious individuals we were created to be, as Grandpa Fisk lived his life simply, passionately, actively, if not entirely—for now—absent of walking stick—he enters a new ageless age with our Father of Light, who beckons all of His children, in their appointed times: you come to.

Northwest Regional Writers The Northwest Regional Writers meet at 1 p.m. the second Friday of the month either in Frederic or Grantsburg. Each month we have a topic to write about and read to the group. The following writing was read at the last meeting. Call Mary Jacobson at 715-349-2761 for more information about the organization.

Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on one side only of 8 -1/2 x 11 white paper, leaving a minimum of 1-inch margins all around. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted. Submissions should be no more than 800 words.

Submissions may be delivered to The Leader’s offices in Frederic or Siren, mailed to Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 or e-mailed to the-leader@centurytel.net. We prefer e-mailed copy.

If hand-delivered or mailed, please write "Writers’ Corner" somewhere on the front of the envelope. If e-mailed, please use "Writers’ Corner" as the subject and include the submission as body text of the e-mail. No attachments, please. Your submission to Writers’ Corner grants The Leader one-time rights to publish the item in the weekly newspaper. The author retains the copyright and all future publication rights. The Leader may edit submissions for grammar and punctuation, clarity and length. If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact us at the-leader@centurytel.net or call 715-327-4236. - Editor

St. Croix Falls celebrates American Legion's 89th birthday ST. CROIX FALLS – Post 143 American Legion birthday is Saturday, March 29. Cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., program at 7 p.m. followed by bingo. Everyone welcome.

The guest speaker will be Gene Paulson, the post finance officer. Paulson will explain the donations given

by the Legion to the community and youth programs, over $3,500 each year.

The Legion will recognize Boy Scout leaders. Post 143 has sponsored the Boy Scouts for at least 50 years.

They will be introducing and recognizing the coaches of the Post 143 American Legion baseball team.

Membership pins will be given to those who signed up new members.

After the program they will play 10 games of bingo with good prizes and cash. – submitted

The Cepia Club begins critical issues forums April 2 POLK COUNTY - To open its Critical Issues Forum Series, The Cepia Club LLC of Centuria has dedicated April to the theme of “Home-World Earth: Conflict Resolution and Sustainable Resources Through Cooperation.” The first of the forums, a roundtable sharing and civil discussion open free to the public, begins at 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at The Cepia Clubhouse located at 411 Fourth Street, downtown Centuria. Centuria is located on Hwy. 35, seven miles east and north of St. Croix Falls. The topic will be “The Politics of Oil, Energy, and Conflict.” The following four forums on the theme will be announced at a later date but scheduled

for each Wednesday of the month.

The Critical Issues Forum Series plans to expose different problems and issues, of all sizes and scopes, in politics, economics, society and culture to a grass roots, common dialogue between citizens with an intended equal voice for all. The prime objective of the series is to use the awareness and mutual understanding gained and translate those into a local community, family, and individual approach of suggested action for peaceful, positive change.

“Change for the better comes about by personal action first, not in voting for presidents and senators, or

forming international organizations. Positive change for the benefit of the family or community, the nation or the world, only becomes permanent when a so-called ‘revolution in thought and action’ occurs at the point where the land and people connect – in the very culture of home and neighborhood,” says Tim Krenz, club manager.

For more information on the April 2 forum, to suggest future topics or to volunteer to moderate a topic or series, please contact The Cepia Club LLC at 715-6469933. - from The Cepia Club

What in the world happened to March? I find when I schedule many appointments, I go from one to the other and suddenly a month has gone by. I keep promising myself I will “Stop and smell the roses”? There is no time. I have been encouraged to take a Barb “me” day. I plan for it and someBlodgett thing always comes up and the day is gone before “me day” can even get started.

I heard something the other day about how when we are about to die we will never say “I wish I had worked more.” There was also something said about never having heard about someone pulling up to the gates of heaven with a U-Haul behind them.

“You can’t take it with you.” I would love to say I work so hard because I have to, but the truth is I work hard and long because I love what I am doing. It is a good thing I married Denny because we are both driven for a purpose. When we signed up for Interfaith Caregivers it was because we had a few hours to spare. That was almost 10 years ago. Now, we have no hours to spare and our lives revolve around Interfaith Caregivers, and we love it.

You never know how many people are in need until you offer to help. Now and then we miss someone who needs our help because we don’t know who they are. Friends or neighbors don’t want to get involved, and those in need don’t want to call for a number of reasons. One reason is pride. Oh, Piffle! (Remember the word?) Pride isn’t a reason not to ask for help.

Sometimes I hear that people don’t want to bother their children or sisters or brothers because they are so

busy. What happened to the way things used to be when we helped our family if they needed us and we helped our neighbor whenever we could?

I remember (here I go with another story) an elderly couple who lived behind us when I was a child living in New Richmond. I remember being very young when Mrs. Eckblad asked for help weeding her garden and planting bulbs. I thought of this as a chance to get dirty and it would be wonderful because I was helping someone and my mother could not yell at me about the dirt on my clothes. Isn’t it something how children try to get away with things? Weeding the garden soon became mowing the lawn as well and then getting groceries. As I said, I remember being young and not very big. The Eckblads loved grapefruit and carrying a half dozen grapefruit from downtown (five blocks away) was a real chore. I was always rewarded with fresh peanut butter cookies. I never had the nerve to tell Mrs. Eckblad I did not like peanut butter cookies. (Things have changed. Now I could eat a dozen without even realizing what I was doing.)

I have often wondered who took care of the chores when Mr. and Mrs. Eckblad got up in age and I went away to school. I came home one week to hear that he had passed away and she had gone to live with their children. Even after their house was sold I offered to weed the garden on my summer breaks. I missed them.

Easter to me is a time of renewal. Time to wonder if you have done enough with your life and how God would feel about the path you have chosen. It is a time to put in prospective what God did for us when he gave us his son and after Jesus died, brought him back to remind us that we can start fresh.

I think Easter comes in the spring by no accident.

When the new growth of flowers and green grass bring

us out of our shades of winter gray, the earth renews itself. This is the time to renew your friendships and bring your family together. I don’t mean bring the family together for an Easter egg hunt or chocolate bunnies or even the traditional Easter dinner. I mean together in your heart.

When my brother and I were young, we were always picking on each other. Not your normal sibling rivalry, I think we actually tried to think of ways to have our parents send the other away. (Wait, I was sent away to school. Does that tell me he won?) Actually we fought like cats and dogs. Now that he is gone, I wish I had been closer to him. I wish I had told him I loved him instead off pushing him off the swing so many times he had permanent scars on both knees. Of course I have much less hair after our hair pulling contests. My mother must have been a saint to put up with all that. Luckily, because of my relationship with my brother, I taught my children the importance of being close to their siblings.

OK...here I am again. How the heck did I get on this subject? I guess my message is help when you can, love always, even when you don’t feel like it and thank God for everything you have. I usually don’t use my column to impose my views on you readers, but if you know me, you know I often impose my views. I promise next month we will get back to the humor in every day living.

Caregiver’s GIFTS

God Bless - He has risen Barbara Blodgett Director of Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County Representative of I & A for Burnett County 715-866-4970

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

River Road Ramblings

collected by Russ Hanson

The Andrew Andersons of Trade Lake

by Stanley Selin There were five men named Andrew Anderson in Trade Lake. Two of them were identified by numbers after their names. These were Andrew Anderson No. 2 and No. 3, and they were both active in community and public service during their entire lifetimes.

Andrew Anderson No. 2 Andrew Anderson No. 2, or “Little Andrew” was born in Örebrö, Sweden, on Aug. 20, 1848. He emigrated to Trade Lake township in the spring of 1869 and homesteaded just north of Round Lake. He was married in 1883, and had a family of nine children. He farmed for a few years and established homestead rights on his 160-acre claim in 1877. In 1887, he was elected Burnett County Register of Deeds, and moved to Grantsburg. He held this office until his death in 1919, a period of 32 years. He was re-elected most of this time without opposition. For many years, he was also the Grantsburg village clerk, and was always re-elected to succeed himself. He was the county surveyor for a time, and together with his son Edwin, operated the Anderson & Son store in Grantsburg. He was also secretary of the Burnett County Agricultural Society. He was very well liked as a public official and bestowed many favors on the public during the course of his long career.

The following story was taken from the Swedish book “Historiska Skildringar,” written by L. J. Ahlström, and published in 1924. A new English translation of this book by Carolyn

Photo of the Andrew Anderson No. 2 family about 1906. Standing on the far left is son Edwin, who was in charge of the Anderson & Son store in Grantsburg. Standing on the far right is son Arthur, who started a grocery store at An ad in the Burnett County SenAlpha. – From the Selin collection tinel by Andrew Anderson No. 2 anWedin and Inger Berggren is in progress made himself a pole. They did not find nouncing his bid for re-election for and will be forthcoming. any bait. Two of the men walked along Register of Deeds. – From the 1910 “Andrew Anderson, called ‘Little An- the shore looking for maggots or what- Burnett County Sentinel

drew’ in Trade Lake, told the following story to show how God gave him and those in his company exactly what they needed. Andrew and another man whose name he has forgotten, and Karl Anderson (King Karl) came from St. Croix Falls to look at land northward in the woods. They had map and compass, and intended to go as far as Pine Lake.

Somewhere south of Alabama they had bought bread. They waded over Trade River somewhere below Round Lake and came safely up to the southern shore of Pine Lake. They were now hungry, since they had saved the bread as long as they could. Here they saw big schools of black bass in the clear water.

Karl Anderson had a hook and line and

ever they could find, but failed. After a while Karl Anderson called to his companions to come back. When they came up to him, he had already lit the fire and beside it there was a big bunch of fish.

He had found gooseberries on the bushes where he stood and on a whim put the unripe berry on the hook while waiting for the others to find bait, and look what an abundance of food! This was also the only time that we heard of a black bass biting on an unripe gooseberry. Andrew thinks this was in the summer of 1869.”

Andrew Anderson No. 3 Andrew Anderson No. 3 was born in Falun, Sweden, on Sept. 2, 1845. He

came to Trade Lake in the spring of 1869 and homesteaded about one-half mile northwest of the village. He joined the Trade Lutheran Church in 1872 and was very active in church work, serving as deacon, treasurer and secretary. Andrew was a Sunday school teacher for 43 years. He was married in 1881 and had a family of six children. He served the township of Trade Lake as treasurer and chairman, and was appointed one term as Trade Lake postmaster. For several years, he was secretary of the creamery society and secretary of the Trade Lake Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

Knitters Give Big challenge under way FREDERIC – Have you ever thought about knitting for charity? It can be fun and it will be satisfying as you fulfill a definite need in the community. Even if you don’t know the person who receives your handmade treasure, you’ll get the wonderful feeling of knowing that you helped someone else. Earlier this winter, 20 knitters created over 60 newborn and chemo hats in just a few weeks to give to a local hospital. With your help they can do more; they can Give Big Gather your knitting friends and start a ‘knit for charity group. The Frederic School Community Education Knitting Class is challenging other knitting enthusiasts to knit a big number of hats, scarves and

mittens in the month of April to be donated to children in the Frederic area or to your own favorite charity.

Based on Oprah Big Give show, knitters are asked to Give Big in one month April. Although the weather will be warming up soon, it is never too soon to start knitting and purling hats and mittens in preparation for next winter.

There is always a big need for your warm, colorful knitted creations by children in our community during the cold months.

Host a group in your home, business or church, knit by yourself, or join the knitters at one of the designated knitting spots in Frederic. The senior citizen cen-

ter will be open to knitters on the first, second and fourth Mondays in April from 6 to 8 p.m. Experienced knitters will be available to assist any beginners or people with questions. Free yarn and patterns will be available to all participants. The Mud Hut offers a variety of yarn and other crafting supplies for purchase and a knitting table to gather around during their business hours of 10 a.m. - 5 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday.

Bring a friend and knit for a while. Knitters are always welcome at the Frederic Public Library during normal library hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The librarians will provide

comfy chairs and lots of knitting magazines and books for you to check out.

Bring yarn to donate and finished knitted goods for the Knitters Give Big challenge to the Frederic Public Library any time during the month of April. All items donated to the library will be distributed to hatless and mittenless Frederic children next fall and winter through the school district.

Please direct any questions about the Knitters Give Big Project to the Frederic Community Education Office at 715-3274868. - submitted

PBEC offers Kite and outdoor safety tips CENTURIA – With the arrival of spring and warm weather, Joan O’Fallon, Polk-Burnett’s communications director, reminds children and families to be safe around power lines. Follow these safety tips when flying kites and playing outdoors: 1. Fly kites and model planes in large

open areas like a park or a field, safely away from trees and overhead power lines. If a kite gets stuck in a tree near power lines, don’t climb up to get it.

2. Never fly a kite on a cloudy day when a thunderstorm may be brewing.

3. Never climb trees near power lines.

Even if the power lines aren’t touching

the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch.

4. Never climb a utility pole or tower.

The electricity carried through this equipment is extremely high voltage and could kill you.

5. Don’t play on or around green transformer boxes or pad-mounted electrical

equipment.

6. Never go into an electric substation for any reason – even on a dare. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can be fatal. - from SafeElectricity and Polk-Burnett

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Lady Ann

by Chaplain Wayne Schwanke In St. Peter’s Church cemetery, in the village of Tewin, England, not for from London, is the grave of Lady Ann Grimston. Lady Ann died in 1701, but her tomb is still visited by thousands of people every year.

Lady Ann Grimston did not believe that there was life after death and in particular denied a bodily resurrection. As she lay on her death bed it is reported that she said sarcastically to a friend, “I shall live again as surely as a tree will grow from my body.” A short time later she died and was buried in St. Peter’s churchyard. Befitting her station in life, Lady Ann’s body was placed in a marble tomb. The tomb was sealed with a large marble slab, and the site was surrounded by an iron railing.

Many years passed, until one day a visitor to the churchyard noticed that the marble slab covering the tomb of Lady Ann had moved a little from its original position. Soon it began to crack, and through the split in the marble emerged the shoot of a small tree. Over the years, the tree continued to grow. At first it broke apart the marble slab, then the ever-growing roots surrounded the marble tomb. Eventually the massive trunk ripped the iron railing out of the ground. If you were to visit Tewin, England, today you would find ash and sycamore trees growing from Lady Ann Grimston’s tomb.

Whether these trees are truly God’s answer to a disbelieving woman or a mere coincidence is open to debate. Trees springing from tombs may impress some, and the graveyard tree in England may be a message from God, but how much more certain and impressive is the resurrection of Jesus which Christians celebrate once again this month at Easter.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is God’s clear message that death is not the end of life.

Through the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, God promised that he would destroy the shroud that enfolds all people and “swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:7-8). God fulfilled that promise in the death and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ.

Unlike Lady Ann, you and I can be certain that through faith in Christ, we will live again. That promise is found in the Jesus who said, “I am the Resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26). Jesus’ resurrection does not just “uproot” one tomb, but destroys death itself.

When you find yourself sorrowing over the death of a loved one or over the death of a friend, or when you are fearful of your own death, may you find encouragement, comfort, peace and hope in the certain and victorious resurrection of God’s own son. God has given us the victory in Jesus! - from the Courier Newsletter at King, Wis.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells And run my stick along the public railings And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers Bernice in the rain Abrahamzon And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens And learn to spit …

But maybe I ought to practice a little now!

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.

(The above is a declaration of independence. Can you subscribe to it?)

BEHIND THE

SIGNPOST

The best gifts Gift giving should not be confined to certain holidays such as Christmas. Spontaneous gifts to friends or family can mean much more to that person and to you. Here are some suggestions: • Give cuttings of your favorite plant to someone who will talk them into growing up green and beautiful.

• Instead of giving your nephew advice, ask for some.

• Never miss a chance to let a child lick a stirring spoon or baking bowl.

• Write a letter to the editor, endorsing his view.

• Gift wrap a packet of fabric scraps for a quilting grandmother.

• When children beg for “one more story,” say yes.

• Give a friend the secret recipe she’s been wanting for a long time.

• Take the time to tell a friend how much you care.

• Give your kids the benefit of the doubt when they say it’s time to get up Christmas morning and your alarm clock says it’s only six.

• Make the first gift you open the one with the bedraggled bow, snarled tape and puckered-up paper – and watch your child’s eyes.

• Promise lessons in something you’re good at: bread baking, baseball pitching, piccolo playing.

• Give someone who cooks all day the day off from breakfast in bed to a candlelight dinner.

• Give as many hugs as you can; they’re warmer than sweaters.

• Set places at the table for those who might otherwise be alone at theirs.

• Use your car to transport those without to church services. – The Almanac Until next week, Bernice

The Red Hatters When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me, And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Frederic Farmers Union Co-op held its 25th-annual meeting.-Roy Tibbets of Frederic was the new head of the Polk County Teachers Ass’n.-Frederic people donated $401.25 to the Red Cross.-Harvey Dueholm was selected as Honorary Farmer by Luck FFA.Farmers State Bank was closed all day Good Friday.A sprayer school was set for April 16 at Frederic.-Seven Frederic students won A’s in forensic competition at River Falls, including DuWayne Peterson, Gayle Dahlberg, Patricia Prodger, Nancy Huser, Richard Nelson, Bruce Seastrand, Elaine Van Pelt.-“Lizzie” on Coon Lake sank Saturday afternoon, 1958.-Easter dinner at Glockzin’s Restaurant at Frederic, served ham, chicken steaks and chops.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic were T-bones at 69¢ lb., pork and beans at 10¢ can and stuffed olives at 29¢ No. 12 ct.-Specials at the Frederic Farmers Co-op Store were ham at 59¢ lb., cake mix at 4 pkgs. For $1 and strained cranberry sauce at 2 cans for 33¢ can.-Only 102 votes cast at Siren election.Woodland Wesleyan Methodist Congregation moves into new church building.-A cancer benefit dance was scheduled at Joe’s Crossroads April 5.-Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Hoogs observed their 43rd wedding anniversary at their Siren home on March 30.-Red Cross quota was $2,475 for 1958.

40 Years Ago The film “Murderers Row” starring Dean Martin was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-“Nobody’s Perfect” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre at St. Croix Falls, starring Doug McClure and Nancy Kwan.-Groundbreaking was scheduled for a new water system in Siren.-Dr. Dale Larson was leaving his dental office at Siren.-Specials at Clover Farm Store, Frederic, included two jumbo-size grapefruit at 25¢, 12-oz. haddock steaks at 49¢ and Hungry Jack pancake mix for 69¢ for a 4-lb. bag.-Readers were advised to vote for Lynden B. Johnson April 2.-Others advised “Nixon is the One.” It was springtime at Anderson’s Sugar Bush and visitors were invited to come to see maple syrup being made, halfway between Luck and Cumberland.-Kronlund Motors, Spooner, wanted used cars as they had three big lots.A pancake supper was held at the American Legion Hall at Frederic on April 4, 1968, 50¢ to 75¢.-Ten new men were named to the Polk Board of Supervisors, including Richard Tucker, SCF; John Edling, SCF; Harold Anderson, Balsam Lake; Clyde Williams, Apple River; Earl Paulson, Clayton; John Goldsmith, Lincoln; Ralph Michelson, Amery; Harold Parert, Osceola; Walter Lee, Alden; David Paulson, Black Brook.-A new addition was being made to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Frederic.-John Stoll was new cashier at Bank at Deer Park.

20 Years Ago

Editing My friend Tim, at the butcher shop, asked me if I was going to write a book. I thought “holy cow” I can’t even write a long column. I said, “No I don’t have time.”

It’s not that I’m too busy, I just didn’t want him to know that my thought process doesn’t go beyond about two or three paragraphs. I could have ADD, but I think it’s probably just the consequence of OLD that confounds my ability to write ad nauseam about anything.

I do have PDD, which I depend on the editor to correct. I just e-mail the words to the editor and he has his crack staff put in the punctuation.

I recently submitted something called “Holy Smoke” that was printed “Holy Cmoke.” I think the editor was so busy adding the punctuation he forgot to use the spell check.

In another submission I said “Walk softly, but carry a big stick.” I figured the “Walk” would be changed to “Speak.”

I don’t think a book is in my future unless the editor writes it.

Brooke Biedinger

IRREGULAR columnist

Between Fences opening April 12 Between Fences traveling Smithsonian Exhibition will be opening at the Clear Lake Area Community Center, 560 5th St., Clear Lake, on Saturday, April 12.

The exhibition is a history of land use and boundary development in the United States and includes two additional Wisconsin regional photographic history exhibits. Exhibition runs April 12 through May 24 with no admission cost. The opening event is a barn dance featuring area folk band Duck for the Oyster. They spe-

Do you remember ?

cialize in traditional music for dancing from 18th- and 19th-century America featuring squares, contras, reels, quadrilles, international, circle and round dances, plus waltzes and polkas. The barn dance will be held Saturday, April 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the community center gym. Admission is $8 ($5 for children). Call Cricket at 715-263-2802 for more information or go to fencesatclearlake.com. - submitted

Mark and Rose Coen observed their golden wedding anniversary at the Trade Lake Baptist Church March 27, 1988.-The new loan office at Siren SM and F officer was Charles R. Johnson.-The three candidates on ballot for Frederic School Board were Carol Peterson, Rev. Thomas Wickstrom and Gregg Westigard.-Agreement was reached on Frederic faculty contracts.-Fidelity State Bank at Luck and Dresser were highlighted as Business of the Week.-It was time to check dogs for heartworm.-The Fare Share program was one year old in Lewis.-The annual meeting for the Trade Lake Town Mutual Fire Insurance Company was set for April 2, 1988, at 1:30 p.m., with door prizes and refreshments.-Obituaries included Bernice Olson, Eunice Robbins, Susan Isakson, Ruth Marie France, Myland Hansen, Chester Shull, Minnie Rundquist and Frances Schroeder.Hugo Kettula was on the ballot for re-election as Polk County Supervisor District 1 (composed of Clam Falls, Lorain and part of Bone Lake townships.)Three coaches, Jeffery Carley, Donald “Ole” Peterson and Duane Wisse resigned at the Frederic School.Open house was held at the Bone Lake Lutheran Chlurch for the 90th birthday for Christine Klas.-The store on Lutz’s Corner was going to be razed.

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Hello, everyone. Blacky here from Humane Society of Burnett County.

Even though it doesn’t really feel too much like spring yet, I know nice weather isn’t far away. A couple of the kennel runs here at the shelter look like a barber shop floor. SomeBlacky body‘s shedding! If you feel like you’re climbing the walls at home, here’s an idea for you: Why don’t you come in and brush out a dog or YAPpenings cat? We’ve got lots of brushes, and coats to match. I wonder if I get that same dopey look on my face when I get brushed.

Probably. It feels great, you know.

I am happy to report that Morris, the orphan cat, has finally found himself a home. I was so happy to hear that, that I wagged my tail with gusto and sent things at home flying across the room. Nothing broken, thankfully. My tail gets me into hot water sometimes, but I can’t help it - it works automagically. BJ, one of the other cats, also went home the same day as Morris. We still have Mamacita, Tasha, Moses and Spooky residing in the cat condo, and another small kitten was brought in as well. Her name is Sweet Pea. The poor thing looks like she’s had kind of a rough start to life, but the shelter folks will get her cleaned up and healthy and ready to start over with a new family. I’m glad she’s here where she will get proper care and a second chance.

SHELTER

349-2964

Siren

Easter weekend is now over, with last weekend’s nasty weather it felt, and for that matter, looked a lot like the season for the upcoming deer season or Christmas. Hope the Easter Bunny managed to find all your homes and dropped off a lot of treats. One good thing about these spring snows is that it’s usually here today and gone tomorrow.

The Grandma’s group met on Monday, March 17, at the home of Hazel Hahr. A great potluck lunch was served and the afternoon spent doing a variety of crafts. Those present were Naomi Glover, Dorothy Lahners, Marge Peterson and Bev Beckmark. Erna Lueck was missed as she had company from the Twin Cities.

Siren Elementary School will be holding registration for kindergarten and the prekindergarten on Friday, April 11.

So if you have children ready for these, call the school at 715-349-2278 to get additional registration info.

Sympathy to the family of June Rasmussen-Chandler who passed away on Good Friday.

There’s a certain gentleman in Siren who just might

653-4281

A kitten isn’t the only new youngster that’s arrived.

Once more, we’ve got...puppies! Seven to be exact.

Three boys and four girls. They are about 7 weeks old and are some kind of Lab/terrier mix, I guess. It’s hard to know sometimes. Most of them are either brown and white or black and white, and some are wiggly and some like to be held in people’s arms and snuggle. They are a cute lot, that’s for sure. I sort of missed having puppies around here, but I have to admit that seven of them can be messy. It’s times like cleanup detail that make me glad I don’t have opposable thumbs and, therefore, can’t pick up soiled newspaper. Yikes!

We’ve also got another chocolate Lab with us. We call her Shanti, and she is about 7 years old. She’s a nice girl. Hershey, the 4-month-old chocolate Lab, is happy she’s got someone to play with now. Vance, Charlie, Kahne, Gatekeeper, Gaila and Flounder are still up to their usual antics, too. They play and play out in the yard and then all come inside for treats, then lie down for a power nap. I can relate to that.

Well, I think it’s about time for my walk, and walks get me excited. I better get my tail outside before it goes out of control. You know, I get no credit for dusting the furniture, yet when something goes crashing to the floor, who do you think gets the blame? Hardly fair. Oh well, take care, everybody, and I’ll see you next week.

HSBC is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org 715-866-4096.

Bev Beckmark

have a little bit of the Irish leprechaun in him. Stan Lueck celebrated his birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. Stan, you wouldn’t happen to know where that little fella hid his pot of gold would you?

Congratulations to elementary student Sequoia Bellanger, middle schooler Alan Strabel and high schooler Jace Carter for being chosen Siren schools students of the week.

Mark you calendars for April 5, as that’s the date for the Rainbow of Fun Carnival hosted by the Siren school. For more info call 715-349-2278.

Art and Bev Beckmark spent Easter Sunday in Bayport, Minn., at the home of Mike and Gidget Bell, along with a houseful of family and friends.

Karl and Donna Seidel will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, March 29, at the Siren Assembly of God church from 1 – 4 p.m. Stop in and wish them 50 more.

Engagement

Peterson/Montague Gordy and Pat Peterson, Dresser, and Kent and Lois Montague, Ridgeway, are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Katie K. Peterson and Kevin J. Montague.

Katie is currently employed as a social worker at Barron County Department of Health and Human Services, Barron.

Kevin is a social worker at Price County Human Services, Phillips.

A May 24, 2008, is planned at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Dresser. – submitted

Birth announcements

Born at Amery Regional Medical Center A boy, Jackson Ray Gingras, born March 14, 2008, to Jill and Jeremiah Gingras, Milltown. Jackson weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A boy, Keagan Timothy Gartner, born March 15, 2008, to Angelica Salonga and Justin Gartner, Clayton. Keagan weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz.

••• A girl, Aryanna Mae Schallenberger, born March 20, 2008, to Leigha VanSickle and Randy Schallenberger, Luck. Aryanna weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz.

••• Bernice Abrahamzon Born at Burnett Medical Center A boy, Chase Daniel Doskey, born March 28, 2008, to Danny and Lynne Doskey, Grantsburg. Chase weighed heart surgery in a city hospital last Wednesday. He came 7 lbs., 8 oz. home the following day.

••• Students at Siren had Friday and Easter Monday as vaBorn at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: cation days but some spent those days with colds or flu.

A boy, Ashton Terry Mante, born March 15, 2008, to Emmy and Ethan were weekend guests of grandparTerry and Stacy Mante, Amery. Ashton weighed 7 lbs., 4 ents, Carol and Lee Mangelsen.

The Lewis Adminstrative Board will meet Wednesday oz.

••• at 6 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m. sharp.

Snow! Snow! Will spring ever come?

A boy, Jeremiah Thomas Engstrand, born March 16, The Frederic Scrabble Club decided to play on Easter 2008, to David and Michelle Engstrand, Grantsburg. JerMonday at 1 p.m. emiah weighed 8 lbs., 5 oz.

The morning book club will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at ••• the Frederic Library to discuss the book “Pope Joan” by A boy, Blake Allen Johnson, born March 17, 2008, to Donna Woolfolk Cross.

Angie and Brent Johnson, St. Croix Falls. Blake weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz.

••• A girl, Sophia Marie Lindo, born March 19, 2008, to Ardyce Knauber Jeff and Amber Lindo, Center City, Minn. Sophia weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz. others who are still under the weather. Hope the spring ••• weather will bring us better health.

Lewis

Services during Holy Week were held at the Lewis church on Maundy Thursday with communion, on Good Friday and a really big crowd on Easter Sunday.

On Sunday the young people danced with Tamburitzans. The choir sang two special numbers, one at the very beginning and one midway. LaVonne Boyer and Robin Peterson assisted Pastor Tom with the service.

Kerry and Cindy Brendel have been ushers for the month of March. LaVerne Leep is in charge of changing the colors of the altar cloths and Easter can be white or red according to the Biblical calendar.

Flowers were placed in an artistic way before the altar.

Robin Peterson was in charge of arranging them and placing them in the sanctuary.

Wishing LeRoy Jones a good recovery from additional

Frederic Senior Center Wednesday afternoon, I thought spring had arrived when several of our members sat out on the bench and visited. Our favorite pastime in spring and summer.

Monday spades was played with a small number playing. Wednesday pokeno was played and enjoyed. Thursday we did not have cards because of Maundy Thursday services in many churches.

Friday we had a meal here because of the nutrition center being closed. We had potato soup and salad and angel food cake with fresh strawberries. Cards were played and pokeno group so we had a good time together.

Saturday we had our Easter dinner with ham and all the trimmings. We really eat good food and the fellowship enjoyed tops it off. Cards were played and refreshments for coffee hour were enjoyed.

Hazel Hoffman spent several days in Amery Hospital and Joyce McKinney had to re-enter Cumberland Hospital. Lloyd Nelson was back with us Saturday after being very ill and hospitalized in St. Croix Hospital. There are

The executive board will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 28.

Happy Corners

Mardel Barnette

Mardel Barnette and Shawn attended Larry Mortenson’s funeral at Pipe Lake Church on March 17 in the forenoon.

Dale Doster visited at the Gene Doster home for a few days last week from Los Lumas, N.M. Mardel Barnette and Shawn visited at the Patti Richards home on Wednesday afternoon.

Gene Doster had Easter supper at the Mardel Barnette home.

The Gabrielson cousins had a get-together party on Saturday afternoon and we had a lot of food. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Doster from Los Lumas, N.M., flew up for the party, and for Easter, and Janet Barker came from California for the party. During the party Fred Norlund had to leave to go to work, but we got to talk to him for a little while. We also celebrated Phyllis Gabrielson’s birthday.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

468-2940

Dewey - LaFollette

Ann Srachta, Lida Nordquist and Donna Hines had lunch out together on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Chris and Jenny Mangelsen on the birth of a son, Isaiah LeRoy. He was born Thursday, March 20.

Gerry and Donna Hines went to the Twin Cities Friday and returned home Sunday. They visited Brenda and Tim Sweet and family, Brian and Jane Hines and family, and Barry and Sue Hines and family. On Saturday, they helped grandson, Justin Hines celebrated his 18th birthday. On Sunday, they celebrated Easter.

Dylan and Ethan Longhenry visited Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen Saturday.

Easter Sunday dinner guests of Don and Lida Nordquist were Jan, Jim, Caleb and Hannah Schott, and Jo, Richard, Rick, Robb and Randi Funk, and Robb’s friend,

Chrissy.

Carl and Cheryl Mangelsen visited Ronda and Maynard Mangelsen Sunday afternoon.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen were dinner guests at the home of Jake, Holly, Hannah and Grace Mangelsen Sunday. Larry, Celie and Baxter Mangelsen, and April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close were guests also, and they all celebrated Easter.

Amy Mangelsen visited Jenny and Chris Mangelsen and family Sunday.

Duane and Kathy Albee, Katy Albee and daughter Haylee, Beverly Brunclik, Donald Albee, Garry and Beth Crosby and Don Schleiss were Easter dinner guests of Judy Albee Sunday.

Fella is a 2-year-old, neutered male golden retriever mix. He has a rusty golden coat with a black mask and a loving nature. Fella is sure that his most important job is to keep your feet warm by sitting at or on them and if your lap is available, he will be happy to keep that warm too. This gentle, loving dog is Arnell medium-sized with a gigantic heart.

Humane Who wouldn’t fall for a Fella with a soft, adoring gaze and tender affecSociety tion? Fella is a fantastic fellow, waiting for a loving home at Arnell Humane Society.

Arnell would like to send gratitude to everyone who donated to the MarketPlace Foods Animal Shelter Donation Drive. It is the individual donations that keep our shelter going. MarketPlace Foods of St. Croix Falls pulled all of your individual donations together to pro-

vide a wealth of animal sheltering items to Arnell. And while these donations are necessary material items, they also represent the caring and support for the shelter from the community. Sometimes the trenches are a lonely place, and it is support like this donation drive that provide an emotional boost to the caregivers at the shelter.

Gratitude is extended to MarketPlace Foods and donators.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St E, Amery 715-268-7387 or visit online: arnellhumane.org.

HAPPY TAILS

Anderson/Anderson Dan and Rhonda Anderson of St. Croix Falls are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Paula Anderson to Bryan Anderson, son of Jim and Nancy Anderson of Cushing.

Paula is a graduate of St. Croix Falls and a 2007 graduate of UW-River Falls with a degree in elementary education.

Bryan is a 2002 graduate of St. Croix Falls and is employed at Northwire, Inc. in Osceola.

An April 26 wedding is planned at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. - submitted

Amery Senior Center My name is Mary Leslie, and I am a member of the Amery Senior Center. I first came to the senior center as a guest at a private rental, which happened to be a bridal shower.

Then there was the 80th birthday party. After that a baby shower. I was so impressed with the facility that I booked a rental for one of my own upcoming events. I have now rented it four times, and have been very pleased each time with the accommodations. Why did I go the extra step and become a member? I don’t consider myself a senior citizen at the age of...let’s just say early 50s, although AARP reminds me month after month that I’m not far away from that stage of life. But in all honesty, I became a member when I found out that my $12 annual membership dues would save me a few extra bucks on my rental. Turns out that was truly the best $12 I have ever spent! After becoming a member, I was offered an opportunity to do some volunteer work. The rewards of volunteering have enriched my life way beyond anything I could have expected. I have made some wonderful friends, and have had the pleasure of meeting so many interesting people. Where else could I find that for $1 a month? I plan to remain a member for a very long time. Even into my official senior years.

Speaking of volunteers, a big thank-you goes out to Susan Shachtman, Ann Wike, Dan Waldbilig and Carl Johnson for assembling the newsletter. So much is done by the volunteers, and the center is always grateful for their work.

Upcoming events at the center include game night at 6:30 p.m., on March 28. The Wii system gets a good workout, along with its players, but we also shoot pool, roll dice, play Yahtzee, and whatever else anyone would like to play. We also have the Community Dance Jam on April 4, at 7 p.m., with guest appearance by the Lake Country Cloggers! This is open to the public, and cost is $5 at the door.

Pool playing at the center is a popular activity, and all members are welcome to play. Winners of last week’s pool tournament were Val Hansen in first place, Art Butler in second, and Carl Johnson in third. Congratulations to all of you!

Congratulations are also extended to the winners of our bridge group. Rachel Shay won first, Darlene Groves won second, Mary Delougherty third, and Sydney Lund won fourth.

May we all enjoy these long-awaited days of spring that the weathermen keep promising. Now that we have officially moved from the winter season to spring, nature will do her thing, and things will be green soon.

Keep an eye on the community calendar for events at the center that may be of interest to you. Everyone is welcome!

Or maybe you should consider renting it for your next party?

You never know what rewards you may reap!

Leader E-edition Try the free demo @ www.the-leader.net

Karen Mangelsen

AWAIT

MarketPlace Foods of St. Croix Falls ran an Animal Shelter Donation Drive for Arnell Memorial Humane Society.

Bags filled with $5 and $10 worth of wish list items were made available to their shoppers at discounted prices, to be donated and delivered to the animal shelter in Amery. Running from Feb. 4, to March 15, the donation drive provided $1,510 worth of donations to help the animals at the local shelter. Pictured are (L to R): Mary Bruckner, shelter manager, Donna Betts, MarketPlace administrative assistant and Kate Thaemert, MarketPlace bookkeeper. – Photo submitted

Interstate State Park News Purple martin workshop at Interstate Park ST. CROIX FALLS – Attracting purple martins to nest near your home or cabin can be a challenging yet a very rewarding experience. The largest member of the swallow family, the purple martin eats flying insects, nests in a cavity or bird house in a colony with other purple martins, and can be a real tough customer to attract. Learn tips from the experts at a purple martin workshop on Saturday, March 29, from 2-4 p.m. at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park.

Leading the workshop is Johnny Anderson, a local purple martin enthusiast who has fledged over 1,000 baby martins from nine colonies of birds in just the past two years in rural Polk County. Why do the martins need our help? “The population of purple martins has declined in the state of Wisconsin due to the loss of habitat and nesting sites,” states Anderson. “We need to give them help by being a good landlord—not just putting up a martin house. They need TLC (tender loving care) to prevent starving, and invasion by house sparrows and other cavity nesters.” Anderson will show a DVD about attracting martins to your backyard, show examples of all types and designs of

houses made from gourds, tell you where and how to place them, and answer your questions based on his years of personal success attracting purple martins.

Joining Anderson is special guest Ron Seekamp, recipient of the Purple Martin Landlord of the Year Award presented by the Purple Martin Conservation Association. Seekamp will also share his knowledge and expertise, and show workshop participants his modified pivoting martin house.

The purple martin workshop is for all ages. Preregistration is requested; please call the park or leave a message at 715-483-3747.

Nature story time at Interstate Park There are just two weeks left of winter nature story time! Join naturalist Julie Fox at 10 a.m. on Thursdays through March at the Ice Age Center at Wisconsin Interstate Park for a story and activity chosen especially for preschoolers and their parents. Please bring clothing for outdoor play (weather permitting).

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. Nature story time is free of charge, but a Wisconsin State Park sticker is required to enter the park. Annual passes for 2008 are $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents. For more information call Julie at 715-483-3747.

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER 866-4334 Our seniors enjoyed a delicious meal of soup, potato chips donated by the senior center, and four kinds of sandwiches with green-frosted shamrock sugar cookies for dessert on Monday. In keeping with the St. Patrick’s Day theme, Deb awarded Arvilla Voltattorni with a tray of green-frosted cinnamon rolls for having the best hat. The most humorous hat award was a tie between Wanda Benton and George Emerson who also received cinnamon rolls. I loved George’s hat that stated “At my age, happy hour is called a nap…zzzz!” That is my opinion too!

After lunch, Terry Skifstad’s first-grade class from the Webster Elementary School came over to visit with our seniors. Her parent assistant, Mrs. Moretter, came to help with the students too. The children each colored a leprechaun, wrote a story, then made posters that we hung on display at the center. Mrs. Skifstad had baked cupcakes that the children frosted at school, and they brought them along for a treat. We all enjoyed their treat in addition to milk and cookies furnished by Deb. Gladys Beers had made up bags of cookies and Easter egg candy for each child, and Mrs. Skifstad took them back to the classroom for distribution. We thoroughly enjoyed having Carter, Max, Jason, Brock, Will, Jackie, Amber, Megan, Alyssa and Emily visit us, and we look forward to the next class visit.

After the children left, Theresa Gloege, Gladys Beers and I decorated the center with an Easter theme. The Easter egg tree looks very cute. We hope everyone enjoys our seasonal decorations.

Laura Swanson of Superior visited with her mom, Judy Baker and aunt, Debbie Korhonen, on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also went to Grantsburg to visit with her brother Jeremy Gronski and family.

After lunch on Wednesday, Bruce Behrens, Bob Gleason, Gene Johnson and Harold Peterson stayed around to play pool. Ten ladies came to play dime bingo and everyone enjoyed the refreshments furnished by Theresa Gloege. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to Iva Leef who celebrated her 88th birthday on Saturday, March 22. Iva was given a plate of good-

Webster Senior Center ies to enjoy later at home.

The Webster Lioness Club met on Thursday evening at the community center for their monthly dinner meeting. As part of their business they made plans for distributing Diabetes Awareness posters on March 25, at U.S. Bank and Wayne’s Foods. They donated $100 to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation because the foundation is running out of money for their hearing program. Following a presentation

by ALA President June Larson, they also voted to donate $325 to Otis Taylor Post 96 American Legion Auxiliary to sponsor a Webster High School 11th-grade girl to attend Wisconsin Badger Girls State this spring.

Dave Wardean, Pat O’Brien, Ken Hayes and Harold Peterson missed their pool buddy, Sam Williamson, on Thursday evening because Sam had fallen off a roof and broke his ankle in three places on Wednesday. Playing Golf cards were Nancy O’Brien, Jane Wardean, Margel Ruck, Carol Berglind, Deb Korhonen, Theresa Gloege, Gladys Beers and I. We were happy that the Lioness meeting ran short and sweet, and that the card players who are also Lioness members were able to play cards too! All our pool and card players signed a get-well card for Sam. National Nutrition Month winner this week was Bruce Behrens who received a plate of homemade cinnamon rolls. Our center was closed on Friday due to the Good Friday holiday.

The AARP tax representatives will be at our center again on Friday, March 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. Call 866-5300 to make your reservation to eat the nutrition meal served at 11:30 a.m. The menu is chicken a la king with vegetables, over baking powder biscuits, cottage cheese/lettuce salad and dessert.

The Pines Thrift Store, north of Siren, will be having their grand opening on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interfaith Caregivers will also be having a bake sale on those days between the hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please do your part by helping Interfaith with their fundraiser.

The next Dining at Five evening meal will

News from the Service Benjamin R. Panek has joined the United States Army Reserve under the Delayed Training Program.

The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay reporting for basic military training for up to 270 days. An enlistment in the reserve gives many new soldiers the option to learn a new skill, serve their country, and become eligible to receive more than $7,000 toward a college education, $20,000 for repayment of college loans and a maximum $5,000 cash bonus.

After completion of basic military

training, most soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

The recruit qualifies for a $10,000 enlistment bonus. Panek, currently attending Luck High School, will report to Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla., for basic training in June 2008.

He is the son of Victoria L. Panek and Roger H. Panek, both of Luck. – submitted

St. Croix Valley Senior Center The Tuesday afternoon domino winners were: Janice Mevissen in first place, Ione Meixner in second place, Deloris Benson in third place. 500 card winners were: Mary Lou Lund in first place, Audrey McNevlin in second place, Jeannette in third place and Don Anderson in fourth place.

The Little Things It’s the little things in life that count The things of every day; Just the simple things that we can do, The kinds words we can say.

The little things like a friendly smile For those who may be sad, The clasp of a hand or kindly deed To help make someone glad.

A knock on the door of lonely homes, Or flowers bright and gay, For someone to whom you might bring

cheer With just a small bouquet.

Just the little greeting here and there On which so much depends, The little pleasures that all can share, The joy of making friends.

A reminder that the tax aid volunteers will be at the center from 9 a.m. to noon. Call the center at 715-483-1901 for your appointment. They will be there on April 2.

Another reminder: the blood drive is at the Cushing Community Center on May 27, 1 – 6:45 p.m. To make an appointment call Sharron Lofgren at 715-825-3733. Walkins welcome.

Thursday evening 500 card winners were: Don Benson in first place, Del Olson in second place, Faye Norlander in third place and Darlene Knutson in fourth place.

Mary Klar

be at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, and the menu will be Deb’s roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, baby carrots, a mixed greens salad, with strawberry shortcake. Yummy! Call 866-5300 to make your reservation. This is a very, very good meal for only a $5 donation. Come and join the group! If you haven’t been at our center before, this is a good time to get acquainted, so consider yourself invited.

Gratitude goes out to Gladys Beers for donating individual bags of Easter candy for the home-delivered meal clients and congregate diners on Thursday.

Several diners this week who haven’t been at the center for a while are Neil and Nick Jacobsen; and Rose Christoffersen and Mary Birkholz who joined Gladys Packer for lunch and to visit with her for the weekend.

Our get-well wishes and prayers go to Sam Williamson, Kathy Goode who is a patient at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Don Carlson, Faye Russ, Pastor John Seidschlag, Paula Buchanan, Sylvia Pardun, Mabel Buhler, and Antone and Je-

Fran Krause

remy Gronski. I want to thank everyone for their prayers for me while being hospitalized and then recovering at home. God is faithful in answering prayers.

Some people put more emphasis on the Easter Bunny than what is the true meaning of Easter. They forget that we are really celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. In the master plan of the heavenly father, his son, Jesus was born so that he could be crucified and die for our sins; and then to conquer death so that we could have eternal life. What will you do with Jesus? “Jesus is standing in Pilate’s Hall; tempted, forsaken, betrayed by all. Hearken what meaneth that sudden call, What will you do with Jesus? What will you do with Jesus, mutual you cannot be; someday your heart will be asking, what will he do with me?” – Un. “(Pontius) Pilate (the governor) saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let Him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing….he delivered Him to be crucified.” – Matthew 27:22-26. See you at the center!

Orange

Fran Krause, Nancy and Kent Krause and Naomi Glover were Easter dinner guests of the Mark Krause family on Saturday evening.

Sunday Fran, Kent and Nancy were guests of Tom and Marge Amend in Spooner.

Allyson Krause returned to school from spring break.

The Dean Peterson family spent the weekend at their cabin. They, along with the Brad Petersons attended the sunrise

LaVonne O’Brien

service at the Methodist church and the Easter breakfast. Later, they all had dinner at Brad Peterson’s.

Mallory Peterson has returned to school.

Easter dinner guests at Jack and LaVonne O’Brien’s were Tom, Becky, Ben O’Brien, Mike and Tylyn O’Brien, Bob, Rachel, Bobbi Jo O’Brien and Teresa, Dave and Amy Childers.

The Dan Lindberg family were guests of Pat and Nancy O’Brien.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Franconia

Part 2 Long before his retirement, just to occupy his “spare time,” Mr. Wolfe launched into a project that led to his milling 65,000 feet of “dead-head” lumber.

This started when he was running his 28-foot cruiser up and down the St. Croix. Whenever he came upon a floating dead-head (these are the logs “lost” during lumbering days) he’d “lasso” it and haul it to the river bank because they’re a menace to boats on the river.

By the end of summer he had quite a stack of logs.

The practical way to do away with these, he decided, was to convert them to lumber. To do this, he next determined to build himself a saw and planing mill and for some time, he searched out and reconditioned the parts he needed – saw blades, motors and all.

As soon as he started sawing those logs he’d fished out of the river, though, he found that the lumber wasn’t good.

It turned out that only the submerged dead-heads were still any good for lumber –“the ones that came to the surface didn’t have any pitch left in them.”

To get logs he needed now for his new saw mill, he next made and outfitted a sort of pontoon boat-floating dock, complete with a winch to lift the logs aboard.

“I’d go out in my pontoon before dawn, just as the sun came over the horizon. I could see clearly the logs on the bottom of the river.”

He milled enough of this lumber to remodel his house and to build his son a house in Robbinsdale. And, he adds, it’s very good lumber, especially the white pine which “has a sheen like satin.”

He tells of one pine in particular that measured three feet in diameter, 48 feet long. While he was sawing this he heard a peculiar noise and saw a glistening in the wood. Believing he may have hit a spike, he shut off the power

and saw that he had cut through a lead rifle ball threefourths inch in diameter that had been embedded in the tree. “I figure that log had been cut down over a Rosemarie hundred years Vezina ago,” he says.

He knows that Braatz many other logs were probably that old, since they were chopped off like a wedge, the way loggers in the Sponsored by the earliest days did St. Croix Falls it. Later, he exHistorical Society they plains, changed to chopping a wedge on only one side and sawing through from the other.

His “logging days” are at an end too, he says, since his wife insists the work is too strenuous for him. The sawmill is idle behind his cottage, and he says he’s selling it. Besides, the bridge building is keeping him pretty busy these days.

Herman Rudeen, who’ll be 90 years old in April, tells about Franconia’s decline: “The peak of the town’s growth was about 1885, from when it started to go the other way. The logging was slowing down. The railroad would never come down here, it had a better route to Taylors Falls, and Shafer had sprung up, so the folks in Franconia started to leave. Even the houses were torn down or moved away – some were taken down river on the ice as far as Osceola.” (The Gantenbein house at Osceola was one of these.)

The Franconia Old Settlers Association, proud of the part that the village played in the early development of this territory, determine not to let the memories of that thriving era be lost. They have published a booklet about the early history of Franconia, with early photos loaned by families here.

A ST. CROIX TALE

The Munch flour mill, with the Munch house at the right, the barn midway, Nels Slattengren’s backsmith shop (an ox is being shoed in the yard) and the Nels Slattengren residence at the left. The Franconia limestone quarry (background) provided rock for many foundations in the area. The waterwheel is enclosed in the black attachment to the flour mill, powered by water of Lawrence Creek. According to John Jackson, Chisago County historian, of Shafer, there are two versions of how Franconia was named. One is that it memorializes the first white child to die in Taylors Falls, Francis Smith; or, it’s named for Franconia Notch in the mountains of New Hampshire.

Today the riverside community is enjoying another period of revival, with new homes springing up and old ones being restored. The beautiful, quiet community seems to exert fascination on those who want a retreat from a hectic world.

John Jackson is town clerk and histo-

rian for Franconia. He asks that anyone who has photos, memorabilia, or even just memories of early Franconia contact Susan Thompson, who heads the committee to observe the Sesquicentennial event. Susan can be reached at Franconiatwpmn150years@yahoo.com or phone 612-810-8581.

C h e c k o u t o u r e - e d i t i o n a t w w w. t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Amery Public Library “The Appeal,” by John Grisham The machinations behind a hot political race for a judge’s seat on the State Supreme Court of Mississippi make the core of this new John Grisham novel along with a high-profile case in which a chemical company polluted the groundwater in a small Mississippi town and caused the deaths and illnesses of hundreds of people.

The chemical company is owned by a ruthless Wall Street operator named Carl Trudeau. Trudeau doesn’t like the way the Supreme Court in Mississippi has been handing down its decisions. He vows to spend all the money it takes to buy a seat for a person who will vote the way he wants.

A couple of lawyers, Mary Grace and Wes Payton, have mounted a case, mortgaged their home and nearly bankrupted themselves to win a case against the chemical company which will now be appealed to the State Supreme Court.

Their client, Jeanette Baker, has lost both her son and her husband to the cancers attributed to the chemical dumping of Carl Trudeau’s company.

If you loved the movie, “Erin Brockovich,” in which a lowly person fights against big polluters, this book will make you mad all over again at the depths people reach to make the almighty dollar. A good Grisham outing bound to make your blood boil, get your name on the reserve list.

Library notes Story time will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Everyone is welcome for songs and stories. Thanks to Denise Christiansen for entertaining

us with an Irish story and harp music.

The Friends of the Library picked a date for their next book sale so we are accepting books, magazines, videos, CDs and DVDs for the sale which will be held on April 25 and 26. To celebrate Earth Day, bring in your materials to be recycled (sold) to benefit the Amery Public Library. If you would like to work at the book sale or help set up the book sale let the librarians know. A sign-up sheet for workers will be at the circulation desk soon.

The Otaku Club meets every Tuesday for teens who like manga and anime.

They meet at 5 p.m. so stop in and check it out.

Teens Read meets again in April 28 to discuss “City of Bones,” by Cassandra Clarke. Teens Read meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for snacks and book talk.

The Friends of the Library Book Group will meet on April 21, to discuss “The Book Thief: A Holocaust story.”

They meet at 7 p.m. Pick up a book at the circulation desk and join us.

The History group meets with Professor Herb Cederberg to discuss “The Mayflower Bastard,” by David Lindsay.

They meet at 7 p.m. If you would like to join this group pick up the books at the library. The group will read two more books in May and June. The Amery Public Library Board meets at 6:15 p.m. on April 7 at the library.

Library hours Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Osceola Public Library Book discussion A book discussion on “Out of the Dust,” by Karen Heese will be held Tuesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. In a series of poems, 15-year-old Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family’s wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of the Depression. New participants are always welcome to attend. Pick up a copy of the book at the circulation desk.

Poetry workshop In honor of National Poetry Month, the library is hosting a Poetry Workshop, Saturday, April 26, 1 – 3 . Anna Martignacco, a composition and creative writing instructor with a MFA from Hamline University will provide an introduction to the form of poetry and constructive writing exercises. Participants must preregister as the event is limited to 10 people, ages 15 and up.

Library hours Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday noon5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–noon and 1–7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Three Internet computers: You must physically present a MORE library card to library staff and library fines must be under $10 to use a computer.

Mark your calendar for great food and fascinating stories – Saturday, April 5, at 6 p.m. Join us for a three-course gourmet dinner by Chef Ross of Tangled up in Blue restaurant and hear local author Phil Peterson’s presentation on Verlen Kruger, famed canoeist. An assortment of Kruger Expedition canoes will be on display. You’ll also have a chance to win a new Bending Branches Paddle valued at $100! Tickets are available at the St. Croix Falls Public Library for $30 per person. Limited Tickets – They are going fast! Call 715-483-1777. All proceeds benefit the new St. Croix Falls Public Library. The dinner and presentation will be at the St. Croix Falls High School. To learn more about Verlen Kruger and Phil Peterson’s book, “All Things Are Possible: The Verlen Kruger Story,” visit www.verlenkruger.com.

St Croix Falls Library invite everyone to make a 20-month pledge to help build the new library! Each person decides how much that he/she can give each month for 20 months and completes the pledge form. Then, once a month, the person gives the amount. Any monthly amount is welcome! No amount is too small nor too big. Just imagine the new library! In 2007, the library averaged 3,500 patrons/month. If 2000 patrons give $10/month for 20 months, we would raise $400,000 by September 2009! Let’s do it! How to participate?

1. Stop in the St. Croix Falls Library 2. Fill out a pledge form 3. Take home and use the 20-month giving campaign monthly coupons This is a giving opportunity for everyone!

Technology Free wireless is available at the library.

Also, visit the library Web site stcroixfallslibrary.org to get information on the building project, programs at the library and much, much more!

Saturday talk about the book club The book club will meet on Saturday, April 19, at 9:30 am, at the Buzz. The current selection is The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.

Story hour Listen to stories, create great art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Ongoing fundraising Friends of the Library/St. Croix Falls 20 Month Giving Campaign!

Now through 2009, the Friends of the

Hours, contact The library is open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Saturday 10 a.m.

– 1 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Polk County Library Federation

Register in person or contact the library at osceolalp@ifls.lib.wi.us or 715-2942310.

Story times Children and an accompanying adult are invited to join in the half hour of fun, songs and stories every Thursday morning at 10:30 and every Saturday at 11 a.m. Keep your eyes peeled on the themed family story times on Saturdays. They occasionally include a small craft too!

Hours, contact Our hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our phone number is 715-294-2310, and our Web address is www.osceolapubliclibrary.org.

Dresser Public Library Dresser Public Library is located at 117 S. Central Ave.

St. Croix Falls Public Library

Coming up Lapsitter and preschool story times meet each Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Contact the library at 715-755-2944 which is our telephone and fax number or e-mail us at www.dresserpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Our Web site, www.dresserpubliclibrary.org has information about story times, days closed, reference links, library policy and community information.

Clear Lake Public Library

Polk County Board Members Include: John Bonneprise, Jim Beiste, Gerald Newville, Edna Bjorkman, Sarah Adams and director Colleen Gifford. Beistle is holding the check from the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation.

The grant received from the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation was titled “Libraries: Lifelong Learning Centers” It will benefit all the Polk County Libraries by adding materials to the young adult rotation materials, sponsoring the teen poetry contest, assisting Polk County Library directors and their staff to attend the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis later this month, and with replacement materials for

Dresser Public Library

homebound and books-by-feet patrons.

For further information contact the library at 485-8680. The director is Colleen Gifford, assistant director/youth services is Molly Kessler, and the library clerk is Stephanie Fansler.

The Polk County Library Federation is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY NEWS Balsam Lake Public Library Story time Story time is at 11 a.m. every Wednesday here at the library. All ages are welcome to join us for stories, crafts, music and snacks.

Author visit William Kent Krueger author of the Cork O’Connor mysteries set in the Minnesota northwoods will be at the Balsam Lake Library Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. Please join us as Krueger talks about being an author of books from the northwoods. Discussion, book signing and refreshments.

Free wireless Internet access Bring in your own laptop and find out what you need to know to connect and take advantage of this service!

New Books for April “3rd Circle,” by Amanda Quick, “Winter Study,” by Nevada Barr, “Whole Truth,” by David Baldacci, “Santa Fe Dead,” by Stuart Woods, “Miracle at Speedy Motors,” by Alexander McCall Smith. Nonfiction: “Come On Mom: 75 Things for Mothers and Daughters to Do Together,” by Cynthia MacGregor and “Come On Dad: 75 Things for Sons and Daughters to Do Together,” by Ed Avis.

Book club and book review The book club and book review meets Wednesday, April 16, at 3 p.m. “Three Cups of Tea,” by Greg Mortenson is our selection. “Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan) we drink three cups of tea to do business, the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything-even die,” Haji Ali village chief.

This is a very timely book about a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson who found himself in an impoverished Pakistan village after a failed attempt to climb K2 in 1991. Moved by the villagers’ kindness while he recovered from injuries suffered during the climb, he promised to return and build a school. The story details his endeavors to keep his promise for that school and many more. A very moving story about the power of the humanitarian spirit.

Reviewed by Sheryl Holmgren.

Love to read and hang out with friends Are you looking for other people who share the same obsession? Join a teen book club for sixth grade and up. So far the club has read “Book of a Thousand Days,” “Animal Farm” and the Maximum Ride series. Meet at the Balsam Lake Library (under the water tower)...

Ride the activity bus right to our door.

Club will meet again on Tuesday, April 1, at 6 p.m.

Hobby and craft group Join us Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. here at the library. Bring a hobby or craft of your choice. Share ideas, learn new hobbies, hone skills and enjoy camaraderie. All ages welcome. We have rug hookers, knitters, artists and more. We meet every other Saturday morning.

Balsam Lake Public Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

Clear Lake Public Library New nonfiction arrivals “Yoga For Arthritis” “10 Minute Time Outs For You and Your Kids” “90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life” “Wisconsin Cheese: A Cookbook and Guide to the Cheese of Wisconsin” “Womenhearts All Heart Family Cookbook: Featuring 40 Foods Proven to Promote Heart Health” “Build Complete Confidence with Horses” “Dr. Nieca Goldberg’s Complete Guide to Women’s Health” “Month-By-Month Gardening in Wisconsin” “Eat This Not: Thousands of Simple Food Swaps That Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds — or More!”

“Homemade: How to Make Hundreds of Everyday Products Fast, Fresh, and More Naturally” New fiction arrivals “Charley’s Web,” by Joy Fielding “Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear,” (Second in Bargain Hunters mystery series), by Sharon Dunn “Priced to Move,” by Ginny Aiken “These Boots Weren’t Made for Walk-

ing,” by Melody Carlson “One Step Over the Border,” by Stephen Bly “Change of Heart,” by Jodi Picoult “Dead Time By,” Stephen White “Killer Heat,” by Linda Fairstein New young adult fiction arrivals: “Shadow of the Evening,” (First in Lamb Among the Stars), by Chris Walley “Power of the Night,” (Second in Lamb Among the Stars), by Chris Walley “Harsh Pink,” by Melody Carlson “Before Green Gables,” by Budge Wilson “Prey,” by Lurlene McDaniel “Spellspam,” by Alma Alexander “Final Warning: A Maximum Ride Novel,” by James Patterson “Dingo,” by Charles De Lint Regular library hours Monday: Noon - 7 p.m.; Tuesday noon - 6 p.m.; Wednesday 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Friday: noon - 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

We can be reached by phone at 715-2632802 or by e-mail at clearlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Luck Public Library Computers for Seniors is held Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. The library knitting club meets Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Bring your needles and yarn and relax with us.

Preschool story hour is held Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. We focus on developing emergent reading skills and language.

Every fourth Thursday from 3 – 4 p.m. the library will host Beading with

Wilma.

Bricks are still available to purchase for our new library. Contact the village or the library for a copy of the Buy a Brick form. The building is really taking shape.

Hours: Monday 1 – 5 p.m., Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 1 – 8 p.m., Friday 1- 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

Milltown Public Library Storyteller Ojibwe storyteller and Milltown resident Sean Fahrlander will visit the library Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m. to tell traditional tales and legends, as well as to explain the history and importance of the art of storytelling. This event is free and open to the public. Free cookies and coffee will be served.

Following his appearance at the Milltown Public Library, Fahrlander will travel to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., for a teaching and speaking engagement. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy timeless stories with a nationally renowned storyteller.

Gamers The new Gamers Club at the Milltown Public Library is the coolest way to spend Thursdays after school, beginning Thursday, March 27. Take the bus to the library, or get a ride from your parents, and play with the new Wii until 7 p.m.

This is only open to high school and middle school teenagers who have a library card with under $10 in fines. Find out how you can get community service credit for playing video games! Find out how reading and writing can get you more access to the Wii. For more information, call Matt at 825-2313 or e-mail milltownpl@ifls.lib.wi.us.

Book club Calling all bibliophiles, rabid readers and literary looky-loos. No book assignments and no boring discussions. The next gathering of the Milltown Book Club will be May 5, at 7 p.m. The Milltown Book Club is a forum for everyone to talk about the books they love and hate, recommend books, and share their

passion for reading. At our April meeting, we’ll spend some time talking about “Old Favorites” and “Classics.” Refreshments will be provided.

April Stop by the library next month to find out what’s so great about April, besides spring. During National Library Week (April 13-19) we’ll have stickers and treats at the circulation desk for customers. During TV Turn Off Week (April 21-25) we’ll have fun family activities each night from 4 p.m. until the library closes. TV Turn Off Week activities include an Open Arts night, Duct Tape Workshop, Book-making Workshop, Puppetry, and a Music and Munchies night.

We are wireless Bring your laptops to the Milltown Public Library and enjoy our free, fast, wireless Internet access. No more waiting for an open computer. Surf the Net from a comfortable chair. No time limits.

Story hour Milltown Public Library offers story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. yearround. Story times are free and are designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Each story time lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes time to browse and check out books.

Hours Library hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Frederic Public Library Your food donations count The next time you come to the library, be sure to bring some food items – you will feed people in need, and the weight of your items will help our local food shelf receive a larger monetary donation from the Feinstein Foundation, a group dedicated to alleviating hunger. If you prefer to write a check, the library will make certain it is also delivered to the food shelf.

Wednesday mornings are for story time at the library Preschool children accompanied by caregivers are invited for stories and activities on Wednesday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m.

Let’s talk about books and fences The evening book group will attend the Clear Lake community book discussion of “The Milagro Beanfield War,” by John Nichols on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. at the community center. The book discussion is being held during the Smithsonian Museum On Main Street program and special exhibit “Between Fences,” which is can be seen at the Clear Lake community center April 12 through May 24 and is free to everyone.

If you would like to be part of the exhibit tour and book discussion April 17, pick up a copy of “The Milagro Beanfield War” at the library and join us.

The April filing deadline is on the horizon Basic tax forms including the Wisconsin Homestead Credit and rent certificate schedules are available at the library, and we can also download other forms from the Internet for you. Please remember that in order to receive your one-time payment through the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, you must file a tax return for 2007, even if you do

not normally have to file.

How does your garden grow?

It’s that time of the year – the seed catalogs have arrived and even the windowsill gardener studies the catalogs and dreams of what might be. The library has a variety of gardening books that offer something for everyone. Just getting started? Check out “Gardening for Dummies” or “Rebecca’s Garden” – both titles offer basic, practical information with tips for gardening at all levels.

Container gardening is very popular, and “The Container Gardening Encyclopedia” or “The Ultimate Container Gardener” will help you fill your deck or patio with pots of blooming plants. If you dream of gardening on a larger scale, pick up “Time Life How-To Garden Designs” or “John Brookes’ Natural Landscapes.” The library also has many special-interest titles such as “Growing and Using Herbs in the Midwest,” “Perennial All-Stars,” “Cultivating Bonsai,” or “Garden Problem Solver.” Don’t forget to also check out the magazines for great landscaping and gardening ideas. Whether you’re a novice or master gardener, or if you own a flowerpot or five acres, this year grow a tomato or plant a flower – it’s good for the earth and good for you!

Free wireless access at the library If you have a laptop with a wireless card, bring it to the library to use the free wireless Internet access. Cozy chairs and hot coffee are waiting for you.

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.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

Amy Goodman lowers the bar Bar too low The journalistic bar of what is acceptable to print and what is not has been lowered. Unfortunately, this new position of acceptability is set too low.

The bar was dropped many pegs by liberal columnist Amy Goodman. She lowered the journalistic standard of what is acceptable to print in her syndicated column published in the Leader on March 5. Her column appears twice monthly.

I called her in New York, and emailed her staff, to discuss this national demise. I’m still waiting to hear back.

Goodman is an award-winning writer and a commentator for the radio show, Democracy Now! The Los Angeles Times said this show is “radio’s voice of the disenfranchised left.” This is another instance, where I must agree with the left and my old-home paper.

Silent perspective According to its Web site, Democracy Now! provides its audience with “perspectives rarely heard” in the media.

After reading her column, that’s an understatement.

I take issue with what she said and why it’s allowed to stand unretracted.

The issue should be brought to light.

(To its credit, the Leader wanted this issue to see the “light of day.”)

Wayne M. Anderson

THE ANDERSON REPORT

In her column she blasted people with false accusations, criminal allegations and general wacky comments. As a Harvard graduate, she should know better. And the group in Webster, who pays the Leader to run her column, should know better too.

Slander Goodman indicts President Bush and Vice President Cheney for a “massive global campaign of kidnapping” and “torture.” The slander doesn’t stop there. She also accuses the president and VP with torturing people to get “secret evidence” without lawyers present.

No lawyers? You mean clients cannot be tortured without lawyers present?

All joking aside, Ms. Goodman, this kind of crazy comedy is beyond wacky.

It’s just plain nuts.

Oh, but the serious nuttiness doesn’t end here.

She wants us to also microwave popcorn and watch it on an obscure movie called, “Taxi to the Dark Side.”

Isolated deaths The film is about isolated abuse on an Afghan U.S. military prison on the Bagram Air Base. Yes, two prisoners were tragically killed. And 15 soldiers were charged, seven found guilty.

All 15, except one, were low-level personnel, sergeants mostly. But to state a command connection between this horrible case and the president of the United States is a general lie. But liberal columnist Goodman does it— and so far gets away with it.

This is a new standard. This is not the standard of old—the one applied to conservative columnists. I offer three examples, ladies and gentlemen of the jury.

Conservative treatment One, recall old-salty “Cap’n Dee” who made some off-color comments in the paper and was forced to walk the plank. Then there was the right Rev. Jody Walter who made provocative allegations in his Leader column—and he was excommunicated.

Lastly, I wrote a great column on Feb. 8, 2007, called, “Blame the terrorists— not Bush and America.” I reported about spitting by anti-war activists on a brave soldier at a peace rally. Whoa!

The outcry on the left shot up, as they led a charge to the Leader demanding a retraction and my head.

I was told to put up or shut up. And of course, I did. I’ve got the goods. And that’s why you are enjoying my col-

umn today.

Now the old standard that applied to conservatives needs to apply to liberal Goodman. It’s time to put up or shut up, dear.

Whoop and holler It is one thing to whoop and holler.

Take a stand and take a side. Hit ‘em hard! But hit them clean. Readers like a good brawl. (As an old boxer, I like one too.)

However, slandering folks…that’s a foul. There are rules in a civilized fight.

In journalism, there’s a line between opinion and slander. And on any topic, from any voice, from the far left to the right wing, you must not cross that line.

For the record, Goodman has crossed that line and lowered the standard on what is acceptable to print. For the record, I want that standard raised back up. Our subscribers and stockholders deserve the highest journalistic standard.

Substantiate or out!

Amy or Wayne must say what their convictions demand. But all must substantiate it with evidence or retract it humbly—or ultimately get out of the paper.

••• (You can raise the bar with Wayne at www.wayneanderson@centurytel.net or visit him on his Web site at www.theandersonreport.com.)

GHS graduate jazzes it up in Birchwood

BIRCHWOOD – Grantsburg High School graduate Cassie Christian Ritchey (C) plays a mean clarinet, while leading the Birchwood School Jazz Band. To the delight of dinner guests, she led a host of varied performers at the Tagalong Golf Resort facility for a school fundraiser. Ritchey, a music student, graduated from Grantsburg in 2000 and St. Olaf College in 2004. She teaches music in Birchwood, where she lives with her husband Randy Ritchey, formerly of Indian Creek. - Photo by Wayne Anderson

Locks of Love donation

Jenny Strenke of Frederic, donated 16 inches of her hair to Locks of Love on Friday, March 14. – Photos submitted

Battle of the Books SCF

St. Croix Falls Elementary fourth-graders participated in the statewide Battle of the Books program. The program is designed to promote a love of reading. The students read a list of 20 books and were quizzed on information about the plots, characters and settings. The SCF winning team of Sophia Aguilar, Alyson Frey, Cassi Leach, and Shelby Cook then competed against other fourth grades from around the state via the computer. – Photo submitted

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Webster Lions promote diabetes awareness

The Webster Lions promoted diabetes awareness in Webster area on Tuesday, March 25. (L to R): Effie Wester and Karen Brooks handed out pamphlets with diabetes information at the U.S. Bank in Webster. – Photo by Sherill Summer

"The Music Man" coming to Siren Schools SIREN – Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man” will take the stage at Siren High School Auditorium on Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. with additional performances on Friday, March 28, Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. In keeping with the show’s signature song, “Seventy-Six Trombones,” there are over 76 people who make up the cast, orchestra and crew. They will take their audience back to River City, Iowa, in 1912 where a lessthan-honest traveling salesman, Harold Hill, will try to sell the stubborn Iowans a boys band. In the process, he will “get his foot caught in the door” as he falls for

the town librarian, Marian Paroo, and the town will be shaken up by the excitement that anticipation of a boys band brings to their summer. In addition to “Seventy-Six Trombones” other wellknown songs such as “Lida Rose,” “Goodnight My Someone,” “Till There Was You,” and many more will have the audience humming all the way home.

Siren High School and Community Players hope that you will join them for a couple of hours in 1912. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Siren School District Office for $5.

For more information contact Laurie Bakkum at 349-2278, ext. 134. - submitted

Documentary has local ties

A new feature documentary, “Alaska Far Away: The New Deal Pioneers of the Matanuska Colony,” will be screened in the Wisconsin Film Festival (www.wifilmfest.org) on Saturday, April 5, in the Bartell Theatre in Madison.

The film, which has been shown to acclaim in San Francisco and Alaska, was named Best Documentary in the 2008 Muskegon Film Festival and was recently invited to the Fargo Film Festival. It has now been awarded the Jury Prize in the upcoming Wisconsin Film Festival, where it was honored by being selected as one of “Wisconsin’s Own.” It is the first feature documentary by producer/directors Joan Juster and Paul Hill of Juster Hill Productions in San Francisco. It explores a little-known chapter of our country’s history, when Franklin Roosevelt‘s New Deal sent 202 impoverished farm families from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota to the Matanuska Valley in Alaska, to start a new life and to colonize America’s far-flung territory. Sixty-eight of the families who joined the Matanuska Colonization Project of 1935 were selected from northern Wisconsin; many still have families in the area. The filmmakers conducted interviews with a number of the Wisconsin colonists who still lived in Alaska, as well as conducting interviews with colonists who had returned to Wisconsin. Interviews were conducted in Madison, Menominee, Rhinelander, Dodgeville, Spooner and Milwaukee. It has been endorsed by the history teachers consortium of Alaska, and will be incorporated into the history curriculum in Alaskan schools as soon as it is released. - submitted

Check presentation Northwest Regional Planning C o m m i s s i o n ’s Program Manager John Stroschine, pictured on the right, presents a Wisconsin Business Innovation Corporation check for $150,000 to Kleiss Gears, Inc. owners Rod and Georgianne Kleiss, center, and Doug Felsenthal, vice president of sales and marketing. Proceeds of the WBIC loan were used in part to purchase the plastic injection molding press pictured in the background. Kleiss Gears, Inc., located in the village of Grantsburg’s industrial park, designs and manufactures plastic gears for the medical, automotive and defense industries. – Photo submitted

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

Women's conference invites women to take charge of their health Conference to be held March 27 and April 3 at Hazelden ST. CROIX FALLS – Women, if you’re tired, bored, stressed or overwhelmed, here’s the event you’ve been waiting for—the 14th-Annual Women’s Health Conference to be held Thursdays, March 27 and April 3, at Hazelden in Center City, Minn. This year’s conference invites women to be active partners in their own health care, to stay active, eat healthier and stress less. Whether you attend one or both nights, plan to be involved, entertained and energized!

On Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m.,

the conference will open with a lively 90minute health fair. During the health fair, women will be able to meander from one learning activity or screening to the next, and, of course, enjoy the mini-massages and healthy snacks that have become a trademark of the evening before settling down to hear a panel of four female health practitioners discuss the “Top 10 Questions Women Should Ask Their Doctors.”

Keynote address: “Top 10 Questions Women Should Ask Their Doctors.”

Panel participants are: obstetrician/gynecologist Julie Becker, M.D., family medicine physician Marsha Beyer, M.D., and obstetrician/gynecologist Allison Karun, M.D., of St. Croix Regional Medical Center, and women’s health nurse

practitioner Jackie Standish, C.N.P., of Fairview Lakes Medical Center.

Free Health Fair 5:30 –7 p.m.

Health screenings will include blood pressure, blood glucose, hearing, vision screenings, DermaScan® facial skin analysis, and tetanus shots ($20).

Twenty-two booths and demonstrations will provide valuable information on such topics as: yoga, exercise and relaxation, healthy feet, allergies and dermatology, sleep problems, menopause and osteoporosis, domestic violence, breast cancer early detection and HPV/cervical cancer, sex and aging, depression, persafety, long-term care sonal services/home care, incontinence, home health, weight control, vocal cord care

and more.

Sponsoring organizations: This ever-popular free women’s event, hosted by St. Croix Regional Medical Center, Chisago County Public Health, Fairview Lakes Health Services, Hazelden, and Polk County Public Health, has become a community tradition. Women may attend either or both nights.

Location: To reach the Hazelden CORK Center in Center City, take U.S. Hwy. 8 to Pleasant Valley Road (east of Center City) and turn at the Hazelden signs. Preregistration is not required.

For more information on the annual Women’s Health Conference, call 651257-8401. - submitted

SCRMC patient advocacy program now a model for state ST. CROIX FALLS – It’s sad, but true.

Nearly everyone, even those with good health insurance, can face enormous challenges in getting insurers— be they private companies, HMOs, or government programs—to pay for care.

Twenty years ago, Mike Rust, a health care consumer advocate working with a Madison-based, public-interest law firm, the Center for Public Representation (now ABC for Health), approached St. Croix Regional Medical Center with the idea of starting a patient advocacy program that would help patients and families access the financial coverage for which they were eligible. “SCRMC staff then took that initial model and made it their own, calling it a patient advocate program,” said Rust.

As a result of that and similar efforts, a coalition of health care providers formed in Polk County – the HealthWatch Coalition, of which SCRMC continues to be a part. “We meet once a month to go over problems we’re having while trying to help patients overcome the financial barriers they face to get the care they need,” said SCRMC patient advocate, Marlene Olson.

SCRMC was the first clinic in the area to designate patient advocate staff to help patients with health care financing issues. In addition, SCRMC has been one of the first providers to use Express Enrollment to pre-enroll pregnant women and children in Wisconsin’s new BadgerCare Plus program SCRMC also participates in the Well Women Program, which provides family planning assis-

Pictured (L to R): Marlene Olson, Sharon Germain, Mike Rust, Sandy Bibeau and Brenda Bonetti. – Photo submitted tance and community care for patients who are unable to pay for all or a portion of the charges and who meet eligibility requirements.

St. Croix Regional Medical Center is currently being acknowledged statewide for providing this important patient advocacy service. In addition, the state of Wisconsin is now using the coalition model developed here as it moves to expand outreach services across the state.

How ABC for Health can help ABC for Health is a Wisconsin-based,

nonprofit public-interest law firm that provides health benefits counseling for families. It dedicated to linking children and families, particularly those with special health care needs, to health care benefits and services. This service includes information and problem-solving for families having difficulty paying for health care or having problems with insurance, HMOs, or public benefits programs that provide health care coverage.

Legal services are provided free or on a sliding fee scale.

Services ABC for Health counselors provide include: • Information about sources of financial assistance for medical or dental care.

• Assistance in getting eligibility and benefits under the Medicaid/BadgerCare program • Assistance in filing complaints and appeals.

• Consultation about your rights and obligations under your health insurance plan.

• Referral for legal services from ABC for Health attorneys and others.

• Help in applying for health care coverage.

• Help in finding ways to pay medical debt.

• Help to fight a private insurance, Medicaid, or BadgerCare denial.

• Free and confidential counseling services.

A new program, HealthWatchWisconsin, under development by ABC for Health since 2001, will promote a coordinated public health workforce that will link people to health care coverage and services to help ensure better access to health care coverage and services for Wisconsin’s underinsured and uninsured residents.

For much more information on the many services of HealthWatch Wisconsin, visit their Web site at: www.abcforhealth.org. - submitted

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Candlelight vigils planned To recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month POLK COUNTY - Our children are suffering. Did you know that in 2007, Polk County received 967 reported cases of child abuse and neglect or one report every two hours?

One proven way to prevent child abuse and neglect is creating awareness about the issue to increase the knowledge and normalize the stigma associated with parents seeking help and support. Parenting is not easy, and everyone has a key role in keeping kids

safe.

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Polk County’s CARING committee (Child Advocacy Referral Interagency Networking Group) is organizing a countywide Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m., in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. A Wednesday evening was chosen for the event in hopes that churches would bring their gathered youth to the experience.

The candlelight vigils will be held in all Polk County communities or school districts.

The evening will include a silent walk where each participant will be representing a child abuse report, and a bell will ring to recognize

victims of abuse and neglect in Polk County.

Following is a list of vigil locations: Clear Lake - Public library Clayton- Elementary school Amery - Michael Park Frederic - Public library Osceola - Elementary school SCF - At the high school or at the overlook deck.

Don’t miss these opportunities to be a part of Polk County’s initiatives towards eliminating the trauma of child abuse and neglect. submitted

E-edition - this complete issue is online now. www.the-leader.net

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

WITC’s new live burn simulator

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Colleges have acquired a Mobile Live Fire Training Unit that will be shared by all four campuses. This will enable firefighters to be trained in a controlled live burn and fight a real fire, which is required for certification. The new WITC Burn Simulator will replace the old practice where fire departments had to find old abandoned buildings and torch them for training purposes. The simulator was built by Drager Safety Systems in Canada. The fire is controlled by propane burners, and it creates realistic smoke that is safe to breathe. The simulator also has safety mechanisms built in – if it is burning too hot, fans will kick in or, if need be, it will shut off the fire.

There are a number of training classes that firefighters can participate in, or training can be customized for individual fire departments. For more information on scheduling training, call Ken Gilliam at 715-246-6561 or 800243-9482, ext. 4208. – Photo/text from WITC

Unity’s Ince-Peterson honored MADISON – Debbie Ince-Peterson, a member of the Unity School Board, was honored for 20 years of service during the 2008 State Education Convention, held Jan. 23-25 in Milwaukee. Ince-Peterson received her award from Wisconsin Association of School Boards President Gabe Kolesari, a member of the Hamilton School Board.

“We know that you are dedicated to public service and have the interest of children first in your Debbie Ince-Peterson (R) was recognized for 20 heart. Gratitude is ex- years of service to the Unity Board of Education. tended for doing a terrific – Photo submitted job and for your longtime support of the children in this state and your disThe Wisconsin Association of School trict,” Kolesari said.

Boards is a nonprofit association that Ince-Peterson’s service provides an provides information and services to outstanding example of a fundamental Wisconsin school boards in the areas of tenet of Wisconsin’s system of public school law and policymaking, colleceducation: local schools that are gov- tive bargaining, legislation and leadererned by their own communities. ship development. – submitted

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

Ruby’s Pantry: Meeting a need

People lined up all down the street in order to go through the line of Ruby’s Pantry held in the Frederic School bus garage on Tuesday, March 18, starting at 5 p.m. The Frederic Ruby’s Pantry is held every other month on the third Tuesday. The next will be on Tuesday, May 20. The event is listed in the coming events section of the Leader. March’s turnout was over 400 people going through the line. The Frederic Police Department helped control traffic throughout the evening. Ruby’s Pantry also distributes food at Luck and other area communities.

Bread, buns and crackers are some of the many types of food available through Ruby’s Pantry. The food was placed on approximately 80 tables around the bus garage. These tables are donated from the Frederic Fire Department and Hacker’s Lanes. In order to set up tables the school janitors help move buses and clean before and after the event.

This little girl, Jessica, took time out of working to eat, while her mom and many others handed out items. There were volunteers of all ages. Eightyeight people took time to help throughout the day. The Corp and some volunteers start at 9 a.m., while most volunteers work from 3:30 p.m. until everyone has gone through and the food is gone.

These five ladies (the Corp) are who organizes the Frederic Ruby’s Pantry each month. The next one’s planning, they say, starts the day after they hold one.

Pictured (L to R): RaeLynn Johnson, Laurie Juleen, Kolleen Feit, Linda Richter and Anita Baker. The total cost for Ruby’s Pantry to be held is $475. This money is Volunteers walked through the line to pick up things. If you raised through sponsors and fundraising by these would like to volunteer in the future, you may contact Raewomen. If you would like to become a sponsor with Lynn Johnson 715-327-4143. money or anything else, you may contact Baker at 715327-4143.

Food, food and more food. The items are corporate surplus food that is handed out at no cost to the people but by donations of different organizations. Some organizations that have donated to the Frederic event have been Subway, U.S. Bank, Frederic Hardware, Frederic Grocery, Inter-County Leader and many others. Ruby’s Pantry was started in order to help fight poverty and hunger in rural communities. “The best place to store surplus food is in people’s stomachs,” the Web site says. “People just have to be hungry and be able to eat.”

Photos by Brenda Sommerfeld and Anita Baker

If there is food left over after everyone goes through and gets what they would like, it is donated to nonprofit organizations. The food Chris Bartlett of the Frederic Village drove the payloader to shelf, school, nursing home, senior housing unload the Silverstone truck. The use of pallet jacks to pull and Polk County Adult Development Center items into the garage is donated by Kay Friberg and Jericho are just some of the places these items have Trucking. been brought to.

Silverstone Transport, Frederic, has donated their truck for the past few months to go and pick up all of the supplies. Ken Coen volunteers to drive to Maplewood, Minn., and back at no cost to anyone. The donated truck, fuel and driver save the operation a substantial amount of money.

The Frederic High School’s shop class, taught by Duane Krueger, made small and large carts that pulled people’s food. Bass Lake Lumber and Luck Lumber donated the plywood for them to be made.

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St. Croix Falls Schools hosts Festival of the Arts

St. Croix Falls Schools hosted a Festival of the Arts on March 13. Art from Spanish food, music, paintings, sculpture, drawings and more were on display for the public to enjoy. –Photos courtesy Suzanne Imhoff

Northwoods Figure Skating Club’s ice show this weekend

LEFT - Mollie Steinbeck is 16 years old and a sophomore at Spooner High School. She will perform her routine to “Soak up the Sun” at the ice show this weekend in Spooner. Skating 10 hours a week year-round, she gives her mother credit for getting her started in figure skating.

RIGHT -Courtney Schultz, 17-year-old junior from Shell Lake, has been skating for 13 years and always puts a lot of energy in her routine. She will do a routine to the song “Ain’t Going Down Until the Sun Comes Up” by Garth Brooks during the Northwoods Figure Skating Club Festival On Ice 2008 Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, at the Northwest Sports Complex, Spooner. Performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call 4687289.

Photos by Larry Samson

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Burnett County Moose Lodge hosts Easter egg hunt

Cars filled the parking lot and spilled out along the highway as youngsters ages 10 and under came to the Burnett County Moose Lodge Saturday for the annual Easter egg hunt. Eggs were hidden in and on top of the snow, and the children were allowed to find one plastic egg among the hard-boiled eggs. Inside the plastic egg was a note saying they had won either a dollar or the chance to pick a prize from the prize table.

Two-year-old Traci Chenal, Frederic, picked this stuffed animal as her prize after finding a plastic egg in the snow outside the Burnett County Moose Lodge Saturday, March 22. In addition to the stuffed animal, Traci was among the 80-85 youngsters, ages 10 and under, who went home with a bag of candy provided by Moose members.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Three-year-old Jade Sellards, Cottage Grove, Minn., showed the egg she found in the snow outside the Burnett County Moose Lodge Saturday, March 22.

Clam Falls bike winners

Jared Greener and Michael Schmitt were all smiles after their names were drawn for new bikes during the Clam Falls Bar Easter Egg hunt and bike giveaway on Easter Sunday. – Photo submitted

Burnett County Moose Lodge members, (L to R) Doris Bruner, Ann Marie Bridges and Phyllis Gideo, were ready for youngsters ages 10 and under to descend on them for the annual Easter egg hunt at the lodge Saturday afternoon, March 22. Stuffed animals were donated

by Tom Forrest, a Moose member. Other donations were given by Chuck’s Garage and Yourchuck True Value Hardware, along with bags of candy provided by the Moose lodge.

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St. Croix Falls egg hunt

St. Croix Falls royalty Jesel Price and Abby Swenson put on their bunny ears and helped at the St. Croix Falls Chamber Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning.

The annual chamber of commerce Easter Egg Hunt took place in St. Croix Falls at the Gaylord Nelson Park March 22 this year. Despite snowy morning conditions, the hunt had a healthy turnout at its new location. The hunt has been held at the Lions Park in the past.

The Easter Bunny handed out candy and greeted kids ready to look for eggs hidden in the snow.

Dresser egg hunt

(ABOVE) Kids accompanied by their parents searched the playground area of the park next to the community hall in Dresser for the Easter egg hunt.

(RIGHT) Snow didn’t stop these eager youngsters from hitting the playground looking for eggs with prizes inside. The Dresser Easter Egg Hunt was held Saturday afternoon for ages 0-10.

(LEFT) Members of the Osceola Area Ambulance were at the Easter egg hunt in Dresser March 22. They were giving kids tours of the inside of the ambulance.

Photos by Tammi Milberg

Photos by Tammi Milberg

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Good Friday breakfast

Ron and Cindy Yourchuck took their sons-in-law and grandchildren out for A good turnout, estimated at between 160-170 people, came to the Siren breakfast Good Friday morning at the Siren Senior Center. The Yourchuck Senior Community Center for the annual Good Friday breakfast, March 21. A family was among the many people who made the senior center their breakwide variety of food was served, including egg bake, scrambled eggs and fast stop that morning. sausage, biscuits with gravy and cinnamon rolls. In this photo, Abby Brand (L) is taking cinnamon rolls off the baking sheet onto the serving platter held Photos by Nancy Jappe

by Grace Haines. Bev Twingstrom is shown at the stove in the background.

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Alion enginers visit Grantsburg High School physics class GRANTSBURG – Dr. Huxstable, the comedic father played by Bill Cosby on the popular 1980s sitcom “The Cosby Show,” tried to get his son’s friend to understand the importance of learning math in high school.

“But I don’t need to know this,” the boy explained. “My family owns a scrap metal business!”

“Then you’re going to be poor,” Cosby dead-panned as the child looked back quizzically. He continued, “If your accountant can count, and your foreman can count, but you can’t count…you’re going to be poor.”

Cosby made a good point.

It wasn’t math class and it wasn’t Bill Cosby, but students in Mark Johnson’s physics class at the Grantsburg High School learned how science and math play a role in real-life career choices nonetheless.

For the third consecutive year, the Alion-McNally Center for Production Technologies headquartered in Grantsburg sent two of its enthusiastic young engineers into the high school physics classroom. Mechanical engineers Ben Anderson and Melissa Anderson used what they learned by working with classes in the past to make this year’s presentation and interactive session with

the students even better than before.

“Our goal was to present some real-life situations in the form of problems, then help the students work through them,” Melissa Anderson explained. “By doing this, they get a good taste of what it’s like to be an engineer, using physics and the underlying math to solve real engineering challenges.”

Physics instructor Mark Johnson noted that the lessons helped the students see a connection between school and the work world. “It reinforced the importance of what they are learning in the classroom.

To see Ben and Melissa use the same formulas that we use inthe classroom gives the students confidence in what they are learning, and that it is not just ‘busy work,’ ” Johnson said.

Back at A-M CPT, Ben and Melissa each have full project loads that require daily use of what they learned in physics classes in high school and college, and it is evident that they enjoy their chosen field. Perhaps they’ll work alongside one of these students fromGrantsburg High School some day. “It was informative for the students to see what an engineer does day to day,” Johnson noted, referring particularly to one of the students who indicated an interest in the engineering field and perhaps even shadow-

Alion engineer Ben Anderson worked with Grantsburg High School students puzzling through real-life physics problems. His colleague, Melissa Anderson, worked with more students nearby. – Photo submitted ing an engineer at Alion in the near future.

“We hope we encouraged students to think about engineering as a career,” Melissa Anderson said. “At the very least, we hope they can now picture a real-life connection between math and

science and everyday problems.”

w ww. t he - l ea d er. n e t

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Big Top Chautauqua concert will celebrate the St. Croix River ST. CROIX FALLS – Warren Nelson will lead the Blue Canvas Orchestra in a concert event celebrating the St. Croix River on Earth Day weekend – April 19 and 20, at Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls. Nelson may be best known for his leadership in creating the Big Top Chautauqua near Bayfield.

During the winter and spring, Big Top Chautauqua musicians go on tour and Festival Theatre has been eager to present the Wild Woods and Waters illuminated concert (a multimedia show) for quite some time. Thanks to a unique partnership, three concerts will be offered over the weekend, which should accommodate just as many audience members who took in the show several years ago at the local high school. The Saturday evening concert will serve as the kickoff event celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. From the rivers to the Great Lakes, and from the wetlands to the forests, this

Warren Nelson, artistic director, musician and co-founder of Big Top Chautauqua. – Photos submitted

Members of the Blue Canvas Orchestra perform stories and songs in celebration of the St. Croix River.

show features the stories and songs of our greatest natural resources. Wild Woods and Waters is a celebration of these resources and a call to good stewardship to keep them safe for our children’s children. Big Top Chautauqua original musicals capture the essence of living in the Midwest through original music, stories and large-screen historic images, with songs about the people, the waterways and the land. Big Top musicians always enjoy going on the road to share the stories, songs and images of the places they call home.

The Chautauqua experience is a truly remarkable piece of American cultural history that offers a window onto a world without radio and television. It all begin in the 1870s with the Chautauqua Assembly of Lake Chautauqua, New York. The assembly offered adult education in the sciences and the humanities.

Soon after the turn of the century, traveling Chautauquas took the form of tent shows moving from town to town during the summer, offering lectures and entertainment.

Fast forward to the mid-1980s in northern Wisconsin when the talents of Warren Nelson, his partner Betty Ferris and the Lost Nation String Band at-

Library/museum donation

Robert Nelson presents a check for $1,000 on behalf of the St. Croix Regional Medical Center to Pam Klatt, a member of the Luck Library and Museum Committee for the new building. – Photo submitted

tracted the attention of community leaders in Bayfield, Ashland and Washburn.

The group had received rave reviews for their original musical histories produced and performed for three specific occasions: Souvenir Views for the Washburn centennial celebration; Whistle Comin’ In for the Ashland centennial; and Riding The Wind for the Bayfield all-class reunion. Audience response to Riding The Wind — presented in the Bayfield High School gym — was so overwhelming that the group was asked to add an extra performance. A permanent theater was suggested to showcase the myriad talents of these creative, experienced artists.

But Warren Nelson — a “man of the cloth” — had canvas in his blood after spending summers with his dad traveling to county fairs across southern Minnesota. He proposed a Chautauqua-style entertainment venue that would draw visitors from across the Upper Midwest to enjoy a variety of original productions, regional artists and national head-

liners. The first tent and the first season topped Mt. Ashwabay in the summer of 1986, offering 42 shows with 5,218 tickets sold. Last year 26,825 tickets were sold to 74 shows!

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Wildand Scenic Rivers Act (federal legislation that protects the upper St. Croix & Namekagon Rivers), the Wild Woods and Waters concert is funded in part by St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Fund of the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation. Tickets are on sale now at Festival Theatre and are $25 in advance or $30 at the door (if any seats remain at showtime). Saturday’s concerts are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday concert begins at 1 p.m. Discount rates for youth ages 5-18 are available for the matinees only and are $15. Season ticket holders may use their Regular Flex Passes for this event. Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls at 210 North Washington Street. For more information, to order tickets or join the Festival

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

Check out our new e-edition @ www.the-leader.net

Classics!

Richard and Pat Ugland of rural Frederic submitted these undated photos of classic autos.

The gentleman in the hat and glasses is Pat’s grandfather, Clinton Jump of Princeton, Minn. He died in 1961 at the age of 84. The other photos show boyfriends of the Jump girls, showing off their wheels. Photos submitted

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 25

24,000 disabled Wisconsin veterans eligible for stimulus payment MADISON — At least 24,000 significantly disabled Wisconsin veterans are among those eligible for the federal economic stimulus payments, even if they have no taxable income or other Social Security benefits, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs announced March 21.

The economic stimulus law passed by U.S. Congress in February contains a special provision allowing recipients of certain veterans benefits, who normally are not subject to income tax, to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement of $3,000 and thereby qualify for the stimulus payment.

“Thousands of disabled Wisconsin veterans and seniors will be eligible for the federal economic stimulus payments, but they must file a 2007 tax return in order to qualify, even if they have no income besides their VA or Social Security benefits,” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John A. Scocos.

The federal economic stimulus payments are being distributed by the U.S. Treasury beginning in May to more than 130 million eligible tax filers with at least $3,000 in qualifying income, which, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, can include any combination of qualifying wages, tips, self-employment

income, nontaxable combat pay, Social Security benefits, VA compensation, pension and survivors benefits.

Economic stimulus payments for those who qualify will range between $300 and $600 for individuals and between $600 and $1,200 for those who are married and file jointly, with an additional $300 for each qualifying child under age 17.

“As an example, a veteran with a 30percent service-connected disability rating would have received VA compensation of just over $4,000 last year,” said Scocos.

“This level of nontaxable income would qualify the veteran for the economic stimulus payment,” said Scocos, “but only if they file a 2007 federal tax return.”

According to the most recent data available on the WDVA Web site, 24,164 Wisconsin veterans had a VA disability rating of at least 30 percent.

Those who have already filed 2007 tax returns showing at least $3,000 in qualifying income don’t need to do anything else. Others may need to amend a previously filed tax return to include nontaxable VA or Social Security benefits to establish the $3,000 minimum qualifying income level. Adding nontaxable benefits on an amended tax return will not increase an individual’s tax liability but

could establish eligibility for the stimulus payment.

For purposes of meeting the qualifying income requirement, the IRS states any veterans benefits need to be reported in any combination on Line 14a of the Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040. People should note that Line 14a of the Form 140A and Line 20a of Form 140 are designated for Social Security. However, these lines should also be used to include any veterans benefits.

Beginning in late March 2008, the IRS is mailing a packet of information to recipients of VA benefits who did not file a tax return last year. The packet will contain guidance to help individuals claim the stimulus payment.

Military personnel who normally would not file an income tax return because their 2007 income is not taxable can file a simple Form 1040A with the IRS if they want to receive the economic stimulus payment. They should report their nontaxable combat pay on Line 40b of the Form 1040A to show at least $3,000 in qualifying income. The Department of Defense lists the amount of excluded combat pay on line 12, box Q of Forms W-2 received by military personnel.

If a military person is serving in a combat zone, his or her normal tax-filing requirement is extended until at least 180

Grantsburg Library Spring Gala set GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Friends of the Library group has set Saturday, April 12, for their Fourth-Annual Library Spring Gala at the Crex Convention Center in Grantsburg.

Keynote speaker for the evening will be humorist, author, poet, musician and essayist Bill Holm. Holm, who lives in his hometown of Marshall, Minn., and teaches at Southwest State University, spends his summers in Iceland.

Holm’s Iceland home, he named Brimnes, has huge windows facing the water. Holm has titled his newest book, “Windows of Brimnes: An American in Iceland.” The book is part history, part memoir and includes descriptions of Iceland’s landscape and birds. Holm’s book also includes legends of Norse Gods and ruminations on the character of Icelanders.

Garrison Kellor, said of Holm, “Mr. Holm is a sort of iceman, someone who was buried in ice for centuries. . .and we excavated him, and we’re able to study him and see what authors used to be like.

He’s one of the last of the great 19th century writers.”

The gala will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Dinner tickets are $25 and are available by calling Liel Hunt at 715-463-2495 or Marge Sauerberg at 715-463-2939. There will also be a silent auction as part of the evening fundraiser. Individuals, groups or businesses wishing to support this event with a silent auction donation should contact Hunt or Sauerberg. - submitted Bill Holm

days after leaving a combat zone. However, spouses or others with a power of attorney can prepare and file a 2007 income tax return on their behalf so that the stimulus payment is received this year.

The IRS cautions tax filers about possible scams. According to the IRS, the only way to receive a refund or the economic stimulus payment is to properly file a federal tax return; the IRS does not e-mail or call individual citizens to request bank account numbers or inquire whether a refund check has been cashed.

For more information, including links to the IRS rebate payment calculator, how to file, and free tax help available, see www.WisVets.Com/2007rebate, or www.IRS.gov. — from Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Owning a wild pig now illegal STATEWIDE - It’s now illegal to own, sell, buy, display or rehabilitate a wild pig in Wisconsin. Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill Thursday, March 20, that designates wild pigs as harmful, wild animals.

GOP Representative Lee Nerison of Westby crafted the legislation. He says wild pigs have caused trouble in many parts of the state, specifically by digging up crops, destroying the habitat of ground-nesting birds and spreading disease. He adds some of the animals were even shipped to people from the southern U.S. He says one used to be able to go online to order them and have them shipped up here. He says nobody knew where they were coming in, and this legislation is going to put a stop to that. He says not only are the animals diseased, he says they damage crops and even the timber out in the woods.

Nersion says some wild pigs may have been collected for hunting practice or even pets. He says currently, the pigs have been seen in 36 counties. The animals are such a nuisance that there’s a year-round open hunting season on them in Wisconsin. – Wisconsin Public Radio (Brian Bull)

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

EDUCATION VIBRATIONS Frederic Community Education Cooking Italian. Monday, April 21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Instructor: Betty Linden. Fee: $25.

Let’s Make Soup. Thursday, April 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $15/$10 for seniors. Instructor: Barb Kass.

Woodworking – Make a picture frame. Tuesdays, April 15 and 22, 6 – 8 p.m. Instructor: Darrel Mathieu. Fee: $13.21.

Dog Obedience for beginners. Thursdays, April 3 – May 22, 6 – 7 p.m. at Frederic Elementary. Instructor: Ed Bechtel. Fee: $25.61/$4 Sr. 62+.

Computer Upgrades for the Average Person. Thursday, April 3 – 17, 5 – 7 p.m. Instructor: Brent Hinck. Fee: $17.81/$4 Sr. 62+.

Advanced Thread Painting – A garden in stitches.

Tuesdays, April 8 – 29, 6 – 9 p.m. Instructor: Julie Crabtree. Fee: $31.62/$4 Sr.

Sew A Quilt: patch posey kaleidoscope. Creating different, four-patch squares from one fabric. Thursdays, April 3 – 24, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Instructor: Lorraine Lunzer. Fee: $27.01/$4 Sr. 62+.

Responsible Beverage Service. WITC #47-311-400, #25362. Monday, April 14, 6 – 10 p.m. Instructor: Dave Miller, former Minn. police officer. Fee: $20.

Mosaic Stained Glass Garden Gazing Ball. Thursdays, April 17 – 24, 6 – 9 p.m. Instructor: Peggy Ingles.

Fee: $17.81/$4 Sr. 62+. ($20 material fee).

HSED/GED Learning Services at Frederic High School, Room 127, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 47:30 p.m. Instructor: Kessea Karl. No fee.

Open Ice Skating for Families. At Frederic’s Skating Rink, located east of the elementary school. Rink and warming house open daily from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Rules are

posted at the rink.

Weight room: Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7-8 a.m. and 3:30-4:45 p.m. No fee.

Walking at the Birch Street Elementary. Monday-Friday, 7-8 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. No fee.

Creative Memories Workshop. Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please RSVP with Mimi and for more information, 715-327-8122.

Men’s Basketball League at the Frederic High School, Sunday 7 p.m. $1 fee per time.

For more information on any class or to register for Frederic Community Education Classes call Ann Fawver 715327-4868 or e-mail fawvera@frederic.k12.wi.us.

Luck Community Education Write Right Now! Class # 25103, Cat. #42-801-402.

Thursday, March 27 – April 24, 4 – 6 p.m. Fee: $15. Instructor: Carolyn Wedin.

Battle of the Kings Chess Tournament. Saturday, March 29, 8 – 8:45 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. Round One Begins. Entry fee: $5.

Let’s Make Soup! Class # 28439, Cat. #47-303-420.

Monday, April 7, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $12/$8 ages 62+.

Instructor: Barb Kass.

Watercolor with Pen and Ink. Class # 28440, Cat. #42815-408. Mondays, March 31 – April 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $22.41/$4 seniors 62+. Instructor: Barb Knowles.

Apple Tree Grafting Workshop. Monday, April 14, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost: $12. Instructor: UW-Extension, Madison, Robert Tomesh.

Safe-Start Driving School. Monday, April 21 – Wednesday, May 14, 6 – 8 p.m. Fee: $75 classroom plus $265 behind-the-wheel.

Reader’s group. April 21, “A Lesson Before Dying,” by Ernest Gaines. May 19, “Wuthering Heights,” by Emily Bronte. Readers meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Luck Elementary Classroom 215 during the school year and at the Luck Library during the summer. For other dates and book titles, e-mail Sue Mattson at smattson@lakeland.ws.

Gardening: Hanging Basket. Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $8.60/$4 for seniors 62 plus. Additional $12 materials fee collected at class.

Beginning Digital Cameras: How to use yours! Mondays, May 5, 12 and 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fee: $17.81/$4 for seniors 62+. Instructor: Michael Chalgren.

Responsible Beverage Service. Class # 25363, Cat. #47-311-400. Monday, May 12, 6 – 10 p.m. Fee: $20/$10.79 for seniors 62+. Instructor: Dave Miller.

We b s t e r C o m m u n i t y E d u c a t i o n Art: Drawing Studio. WITC #42-815-408, ID #25750.

Four Thursdays, March 27 – April 17, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $22.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Sheila Dahlberg.

Responsible Beverage Service. WITC #47-311-400, ID #25361. Monday, March 31, 6 – 10 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $20/$10.79 Sr. Instructor: Dave Miller.

Home Repairs for Women. WITC #42-410-473, ID #25716. Four Wednesdays, April 2 – April 23, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $22.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Holly Jo Carlson.

Computers: Digital Camera/Scanner. WITC #42-103460, ID #25752. Three Tuesdays, April 8 – April 22, 6 – 9 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $27.01/$4 Sr. Instructor: Philip Ruffolo.

Art: Mosaic Glass Garden Gazing Ball. WITC #42815-408, ID #TBA. Wednesday and Thursday, April 9 and 10, 6 – 9 p.m., at the Webster High School. Fee: $17.81/$4 Sr. Materials fee: $20 payable to instructor. Instructor: Peggy Ingalls.

Clearing Your Path to a Better Life with Emotional Freedom. Two Tuesdays, April 22 and April 29, 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Webster High School. Fee: $25. Instructor: Jan-

ice Metelak.

Art: Learning to Crochet. WITC #42-815-408, ID #25751. Four Thursdays, April 24 – May 15, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $22.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Sheila Dahlberg.

Computers: Absolute Beginners Part 1. WITC #42103-470, ID #25730. Four Mondays, April 28 – May 19, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $22.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Sharon Huff.

Dance: Square Dancing for Couples. Six Tuesdays, April 29 – June 2, 6 – 7 p.m., at the Siren High School.

Fee: $30/$15 Sr. Instructor: Ike Joles.

Photoshop Elements. WITC #42-103-493, ID #25905.

Four Thursdays, May 1 – May 22, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Webster High School. Fee: $22.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Sharon Huff.

Dance: A Taste of Latin Dancing (for Women). Three Mondays, May 5 – May 19, 6 – 7 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $20.

Dance: Ballroom Dancing, Fox-trot. Three Mondays, May 5 – May 19, 7 – 8 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $20 single/$40 couple.

First Aid/CPR. Two Tuesdays, May 6 – May 13, 6 – 9

p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $40. Instructor: Jim Tinman.

55 Alive. AARP Class, Wednesday and Thursday, May 7 and 8, 5 – 9 p.m. at the Burnett County Government Center. Fee: $10. Instructor: Eldon Freese.

For KIDS: Babysitting Class.

Two days, Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9, 4 – 5:30 p.m., at the Webster High School. Fee: $12.50 and material fee: $2.50. Instructor: Wendy Larson.

First Aid/CPR Refresher.

Tuesday, May 20, 6 – 8 p.m. at the Siren High School.

Fee: $20. Instructor: Jim Tinman.

Computers: Absolute Beginners, Part 2.

WITC #42-103-470, ID #25725. Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 27 – April 6, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Siren High School. Fee: $22.41/$4 Sr. Instructor: Sharon Huff.

Self-Improvement: Intuition 101. WITC #42-560-407, ID #TBA. Wednesday, May 28, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Webster High School. Class sized limited to 12. Instructor: Jeanne Daniels.

Preregistration is required on most classes. For WITC classes, mail registration form to WITC or call WITC 1-800243-9482 ext. 4221, or for all other classes call the com-

St. Croix Falls Community Education Needle Felting Class, Friday, March 28, noon – 4 p.m. at In The Wool. Learn the basic techniques of needle felting and wool appliqué. Fee: $25.

Rug Braiding with Terri, Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m. at In The Wool. Fee: $40.

Open gym, pickup games of basketball for those 8th

grade and above, every Wednesday night, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls High School gym. Cost $1.50 per evening.

Weight Room is open, 6:45 – 7:45 a.m. Monday – Friday, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday on student school days.

Please check our Web site at http://scfschools.com/ webfoldce/WebpageCE.asp or give our office a call at 715-483-9823 ext. 224 for more information.

Grantsburg Community Education Latin Dancing for Women - Fun and Fit! Mondays, 4 sessions starts April 7, 6 - 7 p.m. Cost: $2, GES. Instructor: Rocio Carlson.

Ballroom Dancing: The Waltz. Mondays, 4 sessions starts April 7, 7 - 8 p.m., GES Gymnasium. Cost: $50/couple. Instructor: Rocio Carlson.

Beginning Dog Obedience. Tuesdays, 5 sessions, starts April 15, 6 - 7 p.m., GES Gymnasium or outdoors if weather permits. Cost: $50. Instructor: Mitch Keating.

Absolute Beginners Computer—Part 2. Tuesdays, 4 sessions, starts April 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., GHS Room 121.

Cost: $35. Instructor: Sharon Huff.

Jewelry Basics III - Teardrop Loop Earring Set. Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. – noon, GHS FACE Room. Fee:

$15. + materials. Instructor: Janna Levings.

Captivating Containers. Monday, May 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., GHS FACE Room. Cost: $7. Instructor: Kris Henning, Master Gardener.

Grantsburg Community Education Trips – Register Early – Must be accompanied by payment Mall of America – Wednesday, April 9 - Leave Grantsburg 8 a.m. We will return by 6 p.m. Cost for coach bus: $20.

Between Fences, traveling Smithsonian Exhibit April 29 - The Clear Lake Area Community Center in collaboration with the Clear Lake Public Library and the Clear Lake Museum will be hosting the traveling Smithsonian exhibition. Cost: $40 for coach, exhibit, lunch, and sur-

prises???

Minnesota Science Museum - Star Wars Exhibit June 19 - Journey with us to where science meets imagination with an exhibition that features more than 80 costumes, models and props from all six Star Wars films. This is a special exhibition and additional fees are included.

Lunch is on your own at one of the three cafes in the museum. Children welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Cost: Adults: $45. Children: $40 (Includes coach, Omnitheater, and exhibit).

Minnesota State Fair - Aug. 25 - Come spend the day at the fair and leave the driving to us. Groups of 5 or more will get a price break. Cost: $20 for coach bus. Leave Grantsburg at 7 a.m. return about 6 p.m.

Unity Community Education Rhythm of the Womyn. Saturdays, April 12, May 10, June 14, noon to 1 p.m. $25 for all four sessions. $8 per session – drop-in fee. Instructors: Barbie Luepke and Tanna Worrell.

Personal Safety – Self Defense. WITC Cat. #42-504416. Thursday, March 27, 6 – 9 p.m. Cost: $13.21 ($4 for seniors 62+). Instructor: Kristen Strohbusch.

Palmistry for Health Care. Thursday, April 17, 6:30-9 p.m. Cost: $60. Instructor: Linda Stroshane.

Responsible Beverage Service. WITC #47-311-400, class #24751. Monday, April 28, 6 – 10 p.m. Cost: $20 ($10.79 for students ages 62+).

Pilates Exercise Class. Wednesdays, April 2 to May 7, 4 – 4:50 p.m. Cost: $40 for all six weeks. Instructor:

Alissa Coomer.

To register and for more information for any Unity Community Education class, contact 715-825-2101, ext.

3510 or e-mail tworrell@unity.k12.wi.us.

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

Local student's invention display at the state Capitol UW-Madison student Arin Ellingson participates in undergraduate research event MADISON – On Wednesday, March 5, the UW System hosted their fifth-annual Posters in the Rotunda: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research at the State Capitol, and Osceola’s Arin Ellingson was one of only 80 students selected from UW campuses across the state to present their original research findings.

Ellingson and four other biomedical engineering students collaborated to invent the “Accessible Incontinence Device,” which is an apparatus that senses bladder pressure and helps to control urine flow in order to prevent incontinence. Earlier this year, Ellingson and his fellow students won the top prize in an annual UW-Madison invention com-

petition.

“I am so proud to represent a district that boasts such intelligent and innovative young people like Ellingson. It is very impressive that undergraduates at all 26 UW campuses are working with professors to solve real-world problems.

The research these students are doing today will help secure a brighter future for Wisconsin,” said Rep. Hraychuck.

Each year, hundreds of UW undergraduates present research findings at local, regional and national meetings, including Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C., National Conferences on Undergraduate Research; and the UW System Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity. Undergraduate research efforts are supported through grants, external funding and campus academic programs. - submitted Pictured (L to R): Arin Ellingson of Osceola, Jonathan Sass of Greenfield and Rep. Ann Hraychuck. – Photo submitted

Family Care hosts provider forums WISCONSIN – NORTHWEST Provider Forums are scheduled April 1 and 2 for service providers interested in learning more about the expansion of Family Care, a long-term care program for the elderly and disabled adults in Northwest Wisconsin. Forums will cover what it means to be a contracted provider, explain how it will affect current providers and their customers, offer an opportunity to network with other providers and ask questions. Providers serving the counties of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Polk,

Price, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn are invited to attend.

Tuesday, April 1 Provider Forums: Superior at Day’s Inn, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Ashland at AmericInn Lodge & Convention Center, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2 Provider Forums: Hayward at Famous Dave’s Resort, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Rice Lake at Turtleback Golf and Convention Center, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the forums,

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper

call 715-635-2049, e-mail nwfamilycare@yahoo.com, or go to www.nwfamilycare.com and click Planning

Calendar/Information Forums. - submitted

Opportunity for Frederic sophomores FREDERIC - Grade 10 Individual Planning Conferences are now being scheduled from mid-March through mid-May at Frederic High School. The focus for these conferences is on each student’s personal and social growth, their educational and career development, and future planning for the remainder of high school as well as after high school graduation.

Individual Planning Conferences are specifically designed for students and

parents to gain insight into the direction the student is headed in the future. The conferences typically last 30-45 minutes and are offered and various times during the school day. Detailed letters and schedules have been mailed to all 10thgrade parent(s)/guardian(s). Please contact Julie Bever, Frederic 7-12 school counselor, at 715-327-4223 to schedule your student’s Individual Planning Conference. - submitted

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MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

OBITUARIES Barbara Fern

Marlys June Greely

Iris H. Erickson

Barbara Fern of Luck died suddenly Wednesday, March 19, at home. She was 60 years old.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; brother, Larry; sisters, Diane and Jean; niece and nephews.

Memorial service to be held at later date in St. Paul, Minn.

The Cremation Society of Minnesota was entrusted with arrangements.

Marlys June Greely, age 70, of Gordon, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Middle River Health and Rehab in Hawthorne, surrounded by her family.

Marlys was born June 1, 1937, in Frederic, to the late Vivian A. and Lillian H. (Lind) Chell.

Marlys retired in 1997 from the Northwood School in Minong, where she was a special education teacher for 20 years. She also taught six years at the Solon Springs School in Solon Springs, and three years at the Hermantown School in Hermantown, Minn. She enjoyed playing cards on Tuesdays with her friends and playing games with her grandchildren. Marlys traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, Nashville, Tenn., Europe, Sweden, just to name a few.

She loved watching NASCAR and Green Bay Packer games in her spare time.

Among those who survive and gratefully shared her life are her life companion: Ronald Tuverson of Gordon; two sons, Scott R. (Cathy) Greely and Bradley A. (Cindy) Greely, both of South Range; two brothers, Ronald J. (Gloria) Chell and Rodney L. (Marilyn) Chell, both of Frederic; four grandchildren, Sara, Shannon, Nicholas and Nicole; many nieces and nephews; and her cat Callie.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 29, 2008, at noon, at the Northwood School in Minong.

A gathering will be 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 29, at Northwood School in Minong, Pastor Darrell Grant will officiate.

The Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Solon Springs, was entrusted with arrangements.

Iris H. Erickson, 90, of St. Croix Falls, died March 18, 2008.

Iris was born July 19, 1917, in Trade Lake Township.

She was a graduate of Grantsburg High School and Polk County Normal Teachers College. She was an elementary teacher at the Midway and Bass Lake Schools until her marriage to William Erickson.

While raising her children, Roger and Mary Ann, she combined her love of teaching and music by teaching piano lessons to hundreds of children and adults in the Grantsburg area. She was a faithful member at Trade Lake Baptist Church and was the organist there for 60 years. She spent the last seven years of her life living in the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Croix Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Manley and Matilda Davidson; a sister, Elsie Erickson; a brother, Monroe Davidson.

She is survived by her children, Roger (Chris) Erickson and Mary Ann (Bruce) Hanson; four granddaughters, Sarah (Frank) Christopherson, Kelly (Jared) Gross, Laura (Keith) King and Jennifer Hanson; and three great-grandchildren, Anna Christopherson, Carley Gross and Brady Gross.

Services were held March 22, at the Trade Lake Baptist Church.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Ella M. Virchow Ella M. Virchow, 79, died March 21, 2008, at St. Croix Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Croix Falls.

Private family services will be held.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Eric J. Maybach, M.D. Dr. Eric J. Maybach, a family practitioner, who treated generations of Fauquier County, Va., patients since opening his practice in Warrenton in 1973, died suddenly on the St. John’s campus, near his home on March 15, 2008. He was 65.

The son of the late Gerald and Frances Maybach, Eric was born April 19, 1942, in Bowmansville, N.Y., where he attended St. Mary’s High School. When his family moved to Edina, Minn., he pursued studies in both engineering and medicine earning both a bachelor’s an an doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota.

He applied his engineering skills during the construction of the Alaskan Highway. While there, he also panned for gold, which he used to make his wife’s wedding ring. Eric was married to Georgian Pittman (“Jo”) of Wisconsin on May 22, 1965. Remarkably, he supported his family and paid for his tuition in part by trapping and selling furbearing animals.

Eric served a medical internship in Sioux Falls, S.D. He then accepted a commission as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, and began working at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD, where he pioneered the development of kidney dialysis machines. During the same time, he helped to design the joystick for the lunar landing module of the Apollo Space Flight Program.

In 1970, he began moonlighting in the Fauquier Hospital Emergency Room, and eventually he and his wife moved their growing family to Warrenton, Va. In 1973, he established his medical practice in the Medico-Dental Building. The practice soon became renowned for its unique style of patient care, which recalled the values of a vanished era.

When not working, he farmed in Virginia and Clear Lake, his wife’s hometown. He relished in the restoration of a vintage 1939 Maybach automobile, built by prior generations of his family back in Germany. In recent years, he traveled to Germany to take part in celebrations related to the original Maybach cars. He also collected model trains and coins, cared for diverse wild animals and was able to patiently repair or rebuild almost any mechanical device. He was an avid outdoorsman, bird watcher and card shark.

All of the Maybach children attended St. John’s Catholic School in Warrenton, where the family was extremely active in St. John’s Parish, and in the fundraising to build the new school.

He is survived by his wife, “Jo,” of Warrenton, and his children, Mary Michelle Maybach Nevarez of Vienna, Va., Jill Maybach Evans of Colorado Springs, Colo., Julie Maybach Royal, Peter Alan Maybach, Anita Marie Maybach, M.D., Eric Jon Maybach II, and Sarah Lynne Maybach, all of Warrenton, Va. Also part of the family are John Priebe of Amissville, Va., and Daniel Wallberg of Clear Lake, and their children. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren. He is was also the second eldest of eight children, and is survived by all of his brothers and sisters: Mary Elizabeth Badger of Jordan, N.Y., James Martin Maybach of Redwing, Minn., Michael J. Maybach of Indonesia, Susan Cora Maybach of Ridgeway, Colo., Margaret Ann Maybach of Harrisburg, Pa., Christopher Peter Maybach of Parker, Colo., and Stephen Douglas Maybach of Reno, Nev. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Fauquier High School auditorium on March 26. Interment will be at the Warrenton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Elementary School, c/o the Dr. Eric J. Maybach Memorial Fund, 111 King Street, Warrenton, VA 20186.

Nancy Ann Karnes Nancy Ann Karnes of Osceola died March 16, 2008, with her family by her side. She was 69 years old.

She was born Dec. 7, 1938, in Baldwin to Lloyd and Helen Karnes. She graduated from Spring Valley High School.

Nancy devoted her life to her children and grandsons. Nancy worked many years at the Hazelden Foundation and volunteered at times at women’s shelters. She always had a great sense of humor and didn’t hesitate to share it with others. She found enjoyment and peace in bird watching – especially cardinals.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Helen Karnes; daughter, Melissa; and the father of her children, John Glumske.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Susan) Glumske of Chetek and Kristin Sander of Osceola; grandchildren, Tyler and Jacob Sander, Zane Glumske and Brian Davis; sisters, Kathryn Schilling of Minneapolis, Janice Alberg of Woodbury, Minn., and Marsha (Buck) DeMarias; brother, Gerald Karnes of Oakdale, Minn., several nieces, nephews and many friends.

There will be a memorial gathering from 1 to 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola. Private interment will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery at Spring Valley.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola, was entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley M. Heath Shirley M. Heath, age 86, of Webster, died on Sunday, March 23, 2008, at the Area Nursing Home at Colfax.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 27, from 3 – 6 p.m. with the funeral at 6 p.m. at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home at Webster.

A complete obituary will appear in an upcoming paper.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Svend S. Utoft Svend S. Utoft, resident of the United Pioneer Home in Luck, died Friday, March 21, 2008. He was 93 years old.

He was born on Oct. 14, 1914, to Henrik and Jenny Utoft. He was from a family of four children. He graduated from Luck High School and attended college in Des Moines, Iowa.

Svend served in the Army during WWII. He often talked about North Africa. He was stationed in Northern Africa, France, Germany and Italy for four years – France being his favorite country. Svend helped install telephone poles for communication while overseas.

Svend and his brother, Alf, owned and ran the local feed mill. He loved to fish and hunt. He was a longtime member of the West Denmark Lutheran Church and a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his sister, Solveig Jensen.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 26, at West Denmark Lutheran Church, Luck, with the Rev. Mike Rozumalski officiating and the Rev. Linda Rozumalski co-officiating. Music was provided by soloist Harry Johansen and accompanist Chris Johansen.

The Rowe Funeral Home of Luck, was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Dwight Junior Fisk Dwight Junior Fisk, 80, died March 17, 2008, of a heart attack.

He was born March 8, 1928, at home on Amador Hill (Chisago County) to parents Newell F. Fisk and Violet Boyce Fisk. He attended North Branch High School 1940-44 and Northwestern Bible College. Dwight married LaVanche L. Petersen at Volga, S.D., on April 3, 1955. Dwight was a purchasing agent at St. Croix Memorial Hospital for 37 years.

Dwight put his faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for his salvation as a teenager in the Sunrise Church. The activities he loved he pursued with zeal; cross-country skiing in the winter, gardening in the summer, he loved to cook, especially to experiment with new recipes. He had an eclectic taste in music from old hymns, classical, early gospel, Scottish, Civil War music and ragtime. He loved to read and study, especially history. He enjoyed studying nature, birds and wildflowers especially.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; grandson, Malachi; daughter-in-law, Laurie.

He is survived by wife; children, Heidi Koslowski of Taylors Falls, Minn., Jonathan (Diane) Fisk of Cumberland, Joel (Linda) Fisk of Luck, Sara (John) Holmes of Amery, and Stephen (Amy) Fisk of Columbus, Ohio; 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Newell Duane (Eileen) of North Branch, Minn., and Eugene (Patricia) of Almelund, Minn.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 22, 2008, at Chisago Lakes Baptist Church with the Rev. Matthew Morrell officiating. Burial took place at Sunrise Cemetery.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Lindstrom, Minn., was entrusted with arrangements.

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Living with Grief: Children and adolescents Hospice Foundation of America’s 15th-Annual Teleconference POLK/BURNETT COUNTIES – Each year the Hospice Foundation of America presents a nationally recognized distance learning program, live via satellite, to more than 125,000 people in 2,000 communities. For more than a decade, this annual educational program has been instrumental in educating health care professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care. The program provides an opportunity for a wide variety of professionals – including doctors, nurses, funeral directors, psychologists, educators, social workers and bereavement counselors – to share and exchange ideas and obtain continuing education

credits.

This year HFA’s 15th-Annual National Bereavement Teleconference focuses on “Children and Adolescents.” The teleconference will focus on the experience of grieving children and adolescents and the ways that all hospice professionals, educators and counselors, parents, social workers, physicians, grief counselors, funeral directors and clergy can best support these populations as they cope with loss and grief. Moderated by Frank Sesno, Professor of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University and Special Correspondent with CNN, the program will be broadcast Wednesday, April 16, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Sesno will lead a distinguished panel of ethicists, educators, and hospice experts that includes: Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv from The College of New Rochelle; Nancy Hogan, PhD, RN, FAAN from Marcella Niehoff School of

First Communion at Bone Lake Lutheran Church

Six students received their First Communion from Pastor Mary Ann Bowman on Maundy Thursday at Bone Lake Lutheran Church. Left to right: Emily Ferguson, Paige Runnels, Taylor Hanson, Morgan Pfaff, Samantha Ferguson and Steven Simon. – Photo submitted

Nursing; Rita Milburn-Dobson, MA, RNC, FT from Precious Gems Supportive Services; Laura E. Olague, MEd, CT from Children’s Grief Center, Stacy F. Orloff, EdD LCSW from The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, and J. William Worden, PhD, ABPP from Harvard Childhood Bereavement Study.

The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a notfor-profit organization, which acts as an advocate for the hospice concept of care through ongoing programs of professional education, public information, and research on issues relating to illness, loss, grief and bereavement. To learn more about the teleconference, visit the Hospice Foundation of America Web site at www.hospicefoundation.org.

The broadcast is sponsored in part by a grant from the Foundation for End-ofLife Care, and produced in cooperation with the Adventist Communications Network, the Association for Death Edu-

cation and Counseling, the National Association of Social Workers, the Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Education System and The Compassionate Friends.

Polk County Extension Office is hosting the teleconference at the Polk County Government Center (Lower Level Conference Room) on Wednesday, April 16.

Registration/refreshments begins at noon, and the teleconference runs from 12:30 to 3 p.m., with a local discussion (required for continuing education credits) from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Please pre-register by calling the Extension office at 715-4858600 by April 9. Cost for registration and refreshments is $6. Hospice Foundation of America offers a companion book which you may purchase for $16.

For more information call Gail Peavey, Polk County Extension Office, 485-8600 or Marilyn Kooiker, Burnett County Family Living Agent at 349-2151.

Bethany youth serve up Easter breakfast

SIREN – Youth from Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren served Easter breakfast between services March 23. (L to R) are: Abby Kosloski, Kaci Tolzman, Laurel Kannenberg, Kaylee Tolzman and Grace Tolzman. The menu included egg bake, biscuits and gravy, assorted danish and beverages. Proceeds from the breakfast will help youth attend Luther Point Bible Camp this summer.

Easter Sunday services at Bethany included Holy Communion for all and special music by Eric Aleckson, Verle Ormsby, Brad Anderson, Aleta Anderson and Dana Carlson. The Easter Gospel celebrating the resurrection of Jesus was taken from Matthew 28:1-10. All are welcome at Bethany. Sunday worship services are held at 8 and 10:30 a.m., with Sunday school at 9 a.m. A midweek fellowship is held, with supper at 5:45 p.m. followed by activities and worship for all ages. Classes for new members begin in April. For more information, call 349-5280. – from Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren

News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran He is risen indeed! At the beginning of Easter Sunday Worship Services the Sanctuary Choir sang "Praise the God of Resurrection" which began the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord on Easter morning. The altar was turned into a flower garden and was filled with many blooming Easter lilies as well as other flowers and the 8 foot standing cross was draped with billowing material that looked magnificent and regal.

The children were all dressed up in their Easter finery as you can see in the above picture during the "Children's Sermon."

During worship Dayton and Mya Rivera were baptized and welcomed into God's family by the whole congregation.

Their parents are Larry and Dori Garske.

The choir worked very hard and did a magnificent job during Holy Week presenting the fruits of their labors under the direction of Joshua Rau and accompanied on the piano by Mary Lou Daeffler.

After services many people adjourned to the Fellowship Hall for a delicious Easter Brunch.

There is still time to sign up for the upand-coming Youth Group "Lock-In" to be held at church on Saturday, March 29, after 8 p.m. Youth are to sign up and they

can bring one friend and the cost is $5 per person. Each student is to bring a pillow, sleeping bag, some kind of food to share and clothes for Sunday morning worship. Call the church for more infor-

mation, 327-8012.

Everyone is invited to join Pilgrim for Sunday morning worshipservices at 9 a.m. and Sunday school at 10;15 a.m. For more information about the church, go to

their web site www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org which is undergoing some construction but is progressing nicely. submitted

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

CHURCH NEWS Martyr's Watch

We’re blessed to live in a country where we are able to worship God in freedom. Many other countries persecute Christians for their faith.

Every year the toll of Christians killed or imprisoned grows, yet the church grows even faster.

Sally Bair Pakistan is a dangerous country for Christians. Only 2 percent of 147 million people are Christians.

PERSPECTIVES Most dangerous for believers is the remote area along the PakistanAfghanistan border. This stronghold of radical Muslims is where Osama Bin Laden is thought to be hiding. Yet some Christian workers are willing to go there to spread the Gospel.

All over Pakistan believers are being murdered for refusing to accept Islam. Last year a Salvation Army colonel and a Pentecostal evangelist were among them, refusing to abandon their Christian calling, remaining faithful unto death. Like Paul the apostle, they believed, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) According to Voice of the Martyrs, one of numerous organizations dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians, Parveen, a 23-year-old woman who worked as a maid for $17 a month in a Muslim home, was tortured because she refused to work on Sunday.

Her employers slapped, punched, kicked and burned her. She was starved, imprisoned and severely injured. Through it all, she kept her faith, “happy to suffer for the witness of Jesus Christ.” During her torture, she quietly recited Psalm 23 and prayed for her tormentors.

After her release, VOM (see www.persecution.com) gave Parveen a sewing machine so she could help support her family through a sewing business. She spends her spare time teaching other persecuted Christian women the same skills.

Not all are as blessed as Parveen. Christians are being tortured, discriminated against, imprisoned, displaced and murdered every day. VOM’s mission is to offer encouragement; clothing, housing, and employment relief; emergency health care; and Bibles and other Christian literature.

We can join VOM and other organizations in helping our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. We can pray that they remain strong, bold, and fearless in the face of trials, and that they are able to offer love and forgiveness for their persecutors.

Lord, only by your grace are we not persecuted for our faith. Like Paul, we pray that persecuted Christians everywhere would “open (their) mouths boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which (they) are ambassadors….” (Ephesians 6:19) Help us remember always to lift them up in our prayers, in Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

ETERNAL

that Christ is “declared to be the Son of God with power . . . by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).

Second, Jesus’ resurrection represents an assurance that we can have forgiveness from Each spring, millions of people around the our sins. Paul contended: “[I]f Christ hath not world acknowledge, in some fashion or anbeen raised, our faith is vain; ye are yet in other, that Jesus Christ was raised from the your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). The reverse dead some twenty centuries ago. Modern of the apostle’s affirmation would be this: if society calls it “Easter.”

Jesus was raised, sins will be forgiven when The origin of this term is uncertain, we obey the gospel (Acts 2:38; 22:16). though it is commonly thought to derive Garret Third, the resurrection tells the world that the from Eastre, the name of a Teutonic spring kingdom of God is ruled by a living soverDerouin goddess. The term “Easter,” in the King eign. The founder of Islam is dead and his James Version of the Bible (Acts 12:4), is a bones lie dormant in the earth. But the mistranslation. The Greek word is pascha, THE founder of Christianity—sixty years after his correctly rendered “Passover” in later transdeath—appeared to John on the island of Patlations. In fact, though pascha is found PREACHER’S mos and said: “I am the first and the last, and twenty-nine times in the Greek New Testathe Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I ment, it is only rendered “Easter” once, even am alive for evermore” (Revelation 1:17-18). in the KJV. Fourth, Jesus’ resurrection proves that physiChristians are not authorized to celebrate cal death is not the termination of human exEaster as a SPECIAL annual event acknowlistence. God, who is the giver of life (1 Timothy edging the resurrection of Christ. Faithful children of 6:13), has the power to reanimate the human body.

God reflect upon the Savior’s resurrection EVERY Christ’s triumph over the grave is Heaven’s pledge SUNDAY (the resurrection day – cf. John 20:1ff) as to us that we too shall be raised. This is why Jesus they gather to worship God in the regular assembly is referred to as the “firstfruits of them that are asleep” of the church (cf. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

(1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).

We ought to be glad, however, that multitudes— Fifth, the Lord’s resurrection previewed the ultimate usually caught up in pursuits wholly materialistic— victory of Christianity over all its enemies. In the will take at least some time for reflection upon the book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted as a lamb that event of the Savior’s resurrection. It is entirely approhad been slain, but was standing again (5:6). This priate that Christians take advantage of this circumsame Lord was “the lion of the tribe of Judah” that stance; we should be both willing and able to explain had overcome his foes (5:5). Christians too will to our friends—at least those who have some reverovercome as a result of the Lamb’s sacrifice and vicence for Christianity—the significance of the Lord’s tory over death (cf. Revelation 12:11). resurrection.

The resurrection of the Son of God should be a conThe resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the founstant reminder to us of these wonderful biblical dation of the Christian system (cf. 1 Corinthians truths. We honor our Master’s victory over death— 15:14ff). If there was no resurrection, Christianity is a not once a year, but every week! (Written by Wayne hoax, and we are wasting our time. But the truth is, Jackson.) the event of Jesus’ resurrection is incontrovertible.

If readers have questions or simply wish to know Professor Thomas Arnold of Rugby, a worldmore about the Church of Christ, we would like to inrenowned historian, once said that Christ’s resurrecvite them to call 715-866-7157 or stop by the church tion from the dead is the “best-attested fact in human building at 7425 W. Birch St. in Webster. Sunday Bible history” (1939, 2569). This being the case, just what is class begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 the significance of Jesus’ resurrection? Think about a.m. We also meet Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Ofthese matters. fice hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. First, the resurrection is one of the major evidences noon. that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Paul affirmed

The Significance of Christ's Resurrection

PEN

Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra concert set at SCFalls

The Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra, along with Woodbury Singers from Renville County, under the direction of Gerrit W. Lamain, will present a concert “May There Someday Be Peace,” on Sunday, April 6, at 4 p.m. at Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church in St. Croix Falls. There is no charge for the program, and no reservation or ticket is necessary. A freewill offering will be taken and all proceeds will be given to the local food shelf, in keeping with the group’s mission of donating concert proceeds wherever they perform.

The food shelf supports the St. Croix Falls, Cushing, Taylors Falls, Centuria and Dresser area. Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that was organized to raise money for local food shelves. They draw volunteer musicians from all over the Greater Twin Cities area and surrounding communities. The group celebrated its 21st anniversary in December 2006, raising over $200,000 to benefit area food shelves. (This translates to over 1 million meals!) – Photo/text submitted

Renewal services set SIREN - Siren Assembly of God and Wood River Christian Fellowship are jointly holding four days of renewal services beginning Sunday, March 30.

Tom Kelby, local Christian speaker, and Kevin Miller, pastor of First Baptist Church of Falun, will deliver the messages. Aimie Jorgenson and Jackie Maslow will lead worship.

The meetings will be held at the Siren Assembly

Church on Sunday and Monday, March 30 and 31, at 7 p.m. Wood River Christian Fellowship will hold the meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 1 and 2, at 7 p.m.

Come and join in the times of praise, preaching and prayer. Contact Pastor Andy Bollant at 715-349-5750 for further information. - submitted

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

CHURCH NEWS Be honest, yet gentle with daughter about family situation QUESTION: At age 21, I became pregnant and had a baby girl. The father and I never married. My daughter is almost 3 years old now, and I know she will soon be asking questions about her daddy. How should I explain this situation to her and when should that explanation be given?

DR. DOBSON: Eventually, you will want to tell your daughter the whole story about her father and describe your relationship with him, but now is not the time to do that. She must be mature and emotionally ready to deal with those details. On the other hand, you don’t want to treat the subject as a dark secret that haunts the two of you. Neither do you want to be untruthful and tell yarns that will later have to be admitted.

At this early stage, I’d suggest that you respond confidently and lovingly to the inevitable questions about “Daddy.” When the appropriate occasions surface, begin giving her vague explanations that are based in truth but are short of the whole story. You may wish to say something like this, “Your daddy went away before you were born. He didn’t want to live with me.

I’m not sure why. Maybe he had some problems that made it hard to be a husband. I don’t know. I’m sure if he had ever met you, he’d have loved you very much. But he left before you were born. Maybe a new daddy will come to live with us. Would you like that?”

I recognize there are potential problems with a reply of this nature, and that it may not be entirely appro-

priate for every case. It simply attempts to lay the foundation for the more in-depth discussions to follow.

Just as important, it likely will defuse the situation early on while conveying a sense of affirmation, security and mutual reliance upon the Lord.

And once you’ve achieved that, take a deep breath and let it rest for Dr. James awhile! If you’re at peace, your Dobson daughter will be, too – and there will be ample time to add detail to the picture as God directs.

••• QUESTION: The children who play with my kids in the neighborhood are familiar with terrible programs on television and cable TV. I can’t believe that their parents let them watch such violent and sexualized stuff. What is the long-term consequence of this programming on children?

DR. DOBSON: It is sad and very difficult to understand why so many parents fail to supervise what their kids watch. To those who let them watch anything they wish, I would pose this proposition: Suppose a complete stranger came to your door and said, “You look tired. Why don’t you let me take care of your children for a day or two?” I doubt if many of you would say, “Great idea. Come on in.”

That’s a story Peggy Charren, president of Action for Children’s Television, likes to tell. Her point is well taken. When we sit our children in front of the television set, we’re giving control over them to complete

FOCUS ON THE

FAMILY

strangers; and more and more, that’s a risky thing to do. An increasing number of studies have found that violence on television frequently leads to later aggressive behavior by children and teenagers.

One of the most conclusive studies was conducted

by Dr. Leonard D. Aaron. He examined a group of children at age 8 and then again at 19 and finally at 30.

Children in the United States, Australia, Finland, Israel and Poland were studied. The outcome was the same; the more frequently the participants watched violent television at age 8, the more likely they were to be convicted of crimes by age 30, and the more aggressive was their behavior when drinking.

It’s time for parents to control the amount and the content of television that their children are watching.

The consequences of not doing so can be catastrophic.

••• Dr. Dobson is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit organization Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995 (www.family.org). Questions and answers are excerpted from “Solid Answers” and “Bringing Up Boys,” both published by Tyndale House.

COPYRIGHT 2007 JAMES DOBSON INC., DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE, 4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mb. 64111; 816-932-6600

Brought to you by:

Webster Area Catholic Churches Webster

Peace Lutheran church to host free clothing event DRESSER – Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser will again host its free clothing event on Monday, April 14, from 2 – 6 p.m. Free clothing, suitable for spring and summer wear, will be available to the general public at this event. All items are clean and in good condition, having been donated by members and friends of the

Peace Lutheran congregation. The public is asked to please comply with the hours of the clothing share and not arrive before 2 p.m. out of respect to the church staff and their working schedule.

The free clothing event is sponsored by the church’s Social Ministries Program that is designed to reach out

to residents through a variety of public assistance services and activities. To learn more about the program and how it can help you or people you know, please call the church at 715-755-2515. – submitted

MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

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MARCH 26, 2008 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 35

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Sarah Backlin has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Frank and Lisa Backlin. Sarah is friendly and helpful to all of her classmates. She is also very helpful in the classroom. Sarah works hard to do her personal best. Her favorite things to do are to play with her sister and play with her dog. Math is her favorite subject.

Randy Brunette has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of David and Brenda Buck. Randy has a good sense of humor and lots of energy. He is involved in band, choir and church. He enjoys music.

Randy plans to go to college in the future.

Christopher Waddell has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Art and Kristan Martin. Christopher is a hard worker who is willing to lend a hand when needed. He is an Eagle Scout and plays football.

Christopher likes to fix cars, hunt and hang out with friends. He plans to go to WITC in Rice Lake for automotive maintenance.

Brandon Peterson has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Wade and Stephanie Peterson.

Brandon is a very kind and helpful student. He is a very hard worker and always takes the time to help others out. Brandon‘s favorite thing about school is recess. He also enjoys soccer, playing on the computer and fishing.

Tatia Hibbs Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Nathan and Gail Hibbs. Tatia is a friendly, respectful, great student.

She is always willing to help, gets along well with classmates and adults and always has a smile on her face. Tatia is involved in piano, band, choir, basketball, volleyball and softball. She enjoys shopping, baby-sitting, snowmobiling, fourwheeling, swimming and riding horse.

Keighley James has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Mark and Pat James. Keighley is a fantastic artist and writer of both songs and stories. She has an amazing imagination. She is intelligent, sensitive, considerate and polite, with an excellent sense of humor and unusual insight. Keighley is involved in FFA, FCCLA and volunteers at the Natural Alternative Store. She enjoys painting, playing guitar and going the Cafe Wren for open mic.

Azalea Edwards has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Todd and Amy Pennington-Edwards. Azalea loves school because she learns lots of stuff and plays horses on the playground with her friends.

Azalea is a friendly and cheerful student.

Tricia Kopecky has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is a great student to have in class. She is always smiling and upbeat. Tricia is always willing to help others. She works hard to keep her grades up, giving 110 percent to make it happen, even with her involvement in extracurricular activities like forensics.

Zoey Carney has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Jay and Rachel Carney. Zoey is fun to have in class and she has a great attitude. She has a dog, two rabbits and two horses.

Zoey is involved in 4-H, softball and volleyball. She shows her horses at the SCF fair. Her favorite subject is science.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Sara Baxter has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is very helpful in class and is kind to all of her classmates. Sara is a great reader. Her favorite books are “Henry and Mudge,” “Frog and Toad” and “Wacky Wednesday.”

Sara’s favorite color is aquamarine and her favorite food is spaghetti. She is looking forward to riding her bike to her aunt’s house this spring.

Christine Peterson has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Mike and Tracy Peterson. Christine has a positive attitude. She shows maturity and demonstrates skills including responsibility, empathy and kindness when dealing with others. Christine is involved in Siren figure skating, Girl Scouts and baby sits. She wants to go to school to become a hair stylist.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Morgan Pfaff has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is the daughter of Lori and Jeff Pfaff.

Morgan is a hardworking student. She always tries her best and is involved in many school activities. She was a candidate for Little Miss Luck and she is in Girl Scouts. Morgan enjoys outside activities like swimming, ice skating and fishing. She is a good citizen and a friend to others in the classroom.

Jacob Bauer has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Paul and Michelle Bauer. Jacob is always pleasant in class, very organized, a good worker and never hesitates to help or put in that extra effort. Math is is favorite subject.

He enjoys R/C cars, building forts and shooting his bow.

Sarah Howe has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Karen and Jeff Howe. Sarah is not only a bright student, but is also involved in band, choir, volleyball, basketball and track. Sarah is also very creative and loves to play the piano. After high school, Sarah plans on attending college.

Emily Stewart has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Jeb and Angela Stewart. Emily is a good friend and role model to everyone in her class. She follows the rules and does excellent work. Emily is a budding author.

She loves to write stories on her mom’s laptop. She also enjoys riding horse and her dirt bike.

Matt Smith has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Gary and Pam Smith. Matt is earning straight A’s and has perfect attendance. He is very friendly, conscientious and polite. Matt is involved in S.I.G.N. and hockey. He likes to be outdoors, riding ATV, snowmobile and enjoys playing video games. He would like to go to college to become a teacher.

Alex Clemmans has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Chrissy and Bruce Gibbs.

Alex is earning good grades and has perfect attendance. He is in S.I.G.N. and works part time at Wayne’s Foods Plus. Alex is involved in basketball and golf. He enjoys fishing and any outdoor activity. Alex plans to go to tech school, probably to become an automotive mechanic.

UNITY

Congratulations students on a job well done!

Hunter Robinson has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade and the son of Brandon and Lisa Robinson. Hunter has a great attitude toward school. He especially excels in math, but overall shows an awesome academic performance. Hunter gets along well with all of his classmates and is a very positive role model.

Cash Hickethier has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in sixth grade and the son of Scott and Audrey Hickethier. Cash is a very good student with a great attitude. He loves to participate and has a great sense of humor.

Cash is very respectful and a good thinker.

Angela Berthold has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Mary Berthold-Johnson and Bob Johnson of Balsam Lake. Angela has outstanding academic performance and did a wonderful job in our our recent musical, “Back to the ‘80s.” Angela enjoys tennis, reading, baking and music. She plans on attending UW-Eau Claire and majoring in environmental science.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B- MARCH 26, 2008

MARCH

THURS. - SUN./27-30 Siren

• “The Music Man” at the high school, Thurs.Sat. at 7 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m., 715-349-2278, ext. 134.

THURSDAY/27

Coming events

Lewis

Center City, Minn.

St. Croix Falls • Art Group, 9:30 a.m.-noon, senior center.

APRIL

Cushing • Red Cross Blood Drive at the community center. Walk-ins welcome or call Sharon at 715825-3733.

TUE. & WED./1 & 2 Grantsburg

Frederic

• Renewal services at Wood River Christian Church, 7 p.m. Contact Pastor Andy Bollant at 715-349-5750 for more info.

• Spring Program of grades 1-3 at the school, 7 p.m.

• 500 Cards night, 6:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

TUESDAY/1 Amery

• Swedish Club meeting at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. Further info is available at www.foreverswedish.org or 715-269-5307.

Luck

Siren • UWEX beef distance-education program: Estrus Synchronization Protocols at the government center, 715-485-8600, 800-528-1914.

• Sen. Herb Kohl’s rep., Marjorie Bunce, will be at Burnett Co. Govt. Center, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., to meet with constituents.

• Siren Covenant Men’s Ministry meeting at the church, 7 p.m., 715-239-5601.

Spooner • Sen. Herb Kohl’s rep., Marjorie Bunce, will be at city hall from 10 to 11 a.m. to meet with constituents.

FRI. & SAT./28 & 29 Luck

• The Show 2008 at the high school, 7:30 p.m.

Rice Lake • 7th-Annual Bull Ride at the hockey arena, open 5 p.m., starts at 7 p.m., www.ricelakehockey.com.

FRI.-SUN./28-30 Dresser

Bone Lake • Pray and Walk, gather at Zion Lutheran Church, 7:30 a.m., 715-472-2062.

Nelson Primary kindergartners Mikayla Jensen and Joe Kozak are all smiles after building their last snowman of the winter. Or is it? - special photo • Bingo, 1 p.m., at the senior center.

Frederic • Pokeno played, 12:30 p.m., due to the monthly club meeting, at the senior center.

• American Cancer Society Run/Walk team chairperson kickoff meeting at Hacker’s Lanes, 7 a.m., 715-653-2684.

St. Croix Falls • “It’s Comedy! It’s Tragedy! It’s Life With Kids!” positive parenting presentation at the elementary school gymatorium, 6:30 p.m. desserts & coffee, 7 p.m. presentation with Q &A, 715-483-9328.

SAT. & SUN./29 & 30 Amery

• MapleFest 2008 presented by Glenna Farms, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., located between SCF and Turtle Lake, 1/4 mi. north of Hwy. 8 on 120th Street, watch for signs. For more info: glennafarms.com or 800-310-5050.

Spooner • Northwoods Figure Skating Club presents: “The Heat is On” at the Northwest Sports Complex, Sat., 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., 715468-7289.

SATURDAY/29 Balsam Lake

• Red Cross Infant/Child CPR review class at the Red Cross office, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-4853025.

Cushing

• Wild River Gun Show at Trollhaugen, Fri. 58 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-483-9190.

• 8th-Annual Spring Bash fundraiser at the old school, supper 4:30-7 p.m., followed by auction, 715-488-2467 or 715-648-5455.

FRIDAY/28

• Benefit for Jolaine Neumann at Dresser Hall, 5-11 p.m.

Amery

MONDAY/31 • Classes begin for hunter’s education at South Fork Sporting Club, 6:30, 715-653-4253.

• Women’s health conference at Hazelden.

Discussions & health fair, 5:30 p.m., 651-2578401.

• Exercise by YMCA, 10-11 a.m.; Skipbo 11noon; crafts 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 500 cards 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the senior center.

• Sen. Herb Kohl’s rep., Marjorie Bunce, will be at city hall from 4 to 5 p.m. to meet with constituents.

• Community Garden organizational meeting at the city hall, 6:30 p.m.

West Sweden • 14th-annual Taste of West Sweden Brunch at Grace Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. At 10 a.m. a Zion/Grace joint guitar service.

• Spades played, 1:30 p.m., senior center.

• UWEX beef distance-education program: Estrus Synchronization Protocols at the government center, 715-485-8600, 800-528-1914.

St. Croix Falls

Siren

• Canine good citizen test, 715-349-8377.

Frederic

Balsam Lake

• Polk County Democratic Party monthly meeting at Hog Wild, social 5:30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., 715-554-0648.

• American Legion & Auxiliary meeting at the village hall, celebrating Legion’s 89th birthday with potluck supper, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY/30

Dresser

• Bluegrass gospel group King’s Countrymen at Peace Lutheran, 7 p.m., 715-755-2515.

Frederic • Food fellowship & games at the senior center.

• Vicki Peterson Benefit at the Skol Bar, noon to 6 p.m. For more info call Erin at 715-5019779 or Carina at 715-220-0910.

Grantsburg • Legion baseball fundraiser at the Legion hall, 4:30-7 p.m.

Luck • Scrapbook & Rubber Stamp Day at Bone Lake Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-11 p.m., 715472-4062.

• Potluck & birthday gathering at the senior center, noon.

Milltown

• The Second Chance Prom Dress Sale at Milltown Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser at Hack’s Pub, 6 p.m.

Clam Falls • Coffee hour at the Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.

Frederic • Frederic Area Historical Society meeting at Sunrise Apartments Community Room, 7 p.m.

• Eastern Star election of officers at the Masonic Center, 7:30 p.m.

Luck • Sami Rasouli from Muslim Peacemaker Teams will speak at West Denmark Hall, 7 p.m., 715-472-8721.

St. Croix Falls • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 143 meets at the legion hall, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/2 Frederic

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by Bremer Bank.

• Child Abuse Candlelight Vigil, 6:30 p.m., Impact of Child Abuse; 6:45 p.m., Silent Walk of Remembrance; 7 p.m., Listening to Stories & Poems.

St. Croix Falls

St. Croix Falls

• Good Samaritan Society – St. Croix Valley Auxiliary meets at the community room, 1:30 p.m.

• Celebration of the American Legion’s 89th birthday, 5 p.m. cocktails; 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. bingo.

• New Doors Concert, Lehto and Wright at the Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3387, 888-887-6002 or www.festivaltheatre.org.

• Womens health conference at Hazelden.

Discussions & health fair, 5:30 p.m., 651-2578401.

SUN. & MON./30 & 31 Siren

• Renewal services at Assembly of God Church, 7 p.m. Contact Pastor Andy Bollant at 715-3495750 for more info.

THURSDAY/3 Center City, Minn.

Frederic

• Support group for people with bipolar disorder and depression at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Call 715-327-4436 for more info.

Grantsburg • Skywarn Training Seminar at the community center, 6:30 p.m.

Muslim peacemaker returns to West Denmark LUCK - Sami Rasouli, founder of the Muslim Peacemaker Teams, will be speaking at the West Denmark Hall in Luck on Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m.

Rasouli may be the unique presence on the ground in Iraq.

He was born in Najaf in 1952 and spent the first half of his life in Iraq before coming to the United States.

He is 100-percent Iraqi and 100-percent American. He understands both cultures, speaks both languages, and is deeply committed to nonviolence as a method of conflict resolution.

Rasouli moved back to Iraq in 2003 soon after the U.S. invasion and occupation began. After working with the Christian Peacemaker Teams, an NGO promoting nonviolence, Rasouli started the Muslim Peacemaker Teams. MPT look to what they consider the threads of nonviolence in the Koran to promote salaam (peace) between all religious and ethnic groups in Iraq and around the world.

This is Rasouli’s fifth trip back to the United States since moving back to Iraq. His perspectives are both unique and can be controversial as his travels and contacts bring him deep within the fabric of Iraqi society.

His access to people and situations, together with his

cultural awareness, open doors that most mainstream media outlets cannot even conceive. Rasouli is a storyteller. His ability to weave both gentleness and humor into the horror that Iraq is makes him both credible and approachable. He is not a reporter. He speaks from his heart about his home and his vision for a world free from hate and violence.

Rasouli funds his work through donations and selling Iraqi art. Proceeds from sales go both to the work of MPT and to support the artists. The event is free and open to the public. To get to West Denmark go to the south end of town and go west on CTH N. Turn right on 170th and it will be the first building on the left. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 472-8721. – submitted

LEFT: Sami Rasouli, founder of the Muslim Peacemaker Teams, will be speaking at the West Denmark Hall in Luck on Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. – Photo submitted